Podcasts about Pella

SHOW 12-25-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE MODERN STORY OF MARY AND HER FAMILY. 1868 NAZARETH SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S LIFE Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies Sepphoris, a Roman capital near Nazareth, as Mary's birthplace. He reimagines Jesus and Joseph as "tektons" (builders) working in this urban center rather than simple carpenters. This proximity meant Mary witnessed Romanbrutality and the city's destruction, influencing her family's spiritual views on the Kingdom of God. NUMBER 1 INVESTIGATING THE NAME PANTERA Colleague James Tabor. Tabor explores the name "Pantera," found in rabbinic texts and on a Roman soldier's tombstone. He suggests this might be a family name rather than a slur, investigating the possibility that Jesus's father was a relative or soldier, which challenges the theological narrative of a virgin birth. NUMBER 2 RECLAIMING THE HISTORICAL JEWISH FAMILY Colleague James Tabor. Highlighting the Protoevangelium of James, Tabor contrasts its depiction of a perpetual virgin Mary with historical evidence of a large Jewish family. He argues Mary had numerous children and that her parents were likely wealthy property owners in Sepphoris, integrating Jesus into a close-knit extended family. NUMBER 3 JAMES THE JUST AS TRUE SUCCESSOR Colleague James Tabor. Tabor asserts James, Jesus's brother, was the movement's true successor, not Peter. Citing Acts and the Gospel of Thomas, he notes James led the Jerusalem council and stood at the cross. Tabor argues the "beloved disciple" entrusted with Mary's care was this blood brother, not Johnthe fisherman. NUMBER 4 THE HEADQUARTERS ON MOUNT ZION Colleague James Tabor. Tabor describes excavations on Mount Zion, identifying a first-century house foundation as the "upper room" and headquarters of the early movement. He visualizes Mary as the matriarch in this courtyard, welcoming pilgrims and apostles like Paul, and establishes James as the leader of this house synagogue. NUMBER 5 THE FLIGHT TO PELLA AND MARY'S DEATH Colleague James Tabor. Tabor discusses the Christian flight to Pella during the Roman revolt. He speculates Mary died before this event, likely around 49–63 CE, and was buried on Mount Zion. Consequently, she disappears from the New Testament record, which shifts focus to Peter and Paul after the Jerusalem church's dispersal. NUMBER 6 THE TALPIOT TOMB AND DNA EVIDENCE Colleague James Tabor. Discussing the Talpiot tomb, Tabor details ossuaries bearing names like "Jesus son of Joseph" and "Mariamne." He argues statistical clusters and potential DNA evidence suggest this is the Jesus family tomb, positing that physical remains support historical existence without necessarily negating the concept of spiritual resurrection. NUMBER 7 THE Q SOURCE AND MARY'S TEACHINGS Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies the "Q" source as a collection of ethical teachings shared by Matthew and Luke. He attributes these core values—such as charity and humility—to a family tradition taught by Mary to Jesus, James, and John the Baptizer, aiming to restore Mary'shistorical influence as a teacher. NUMBER 8 VIRGIL'S RURAL ORIGINS AND AUGUSTAN CONNECTION Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The guests discuss Virgil's birth in 70 BCE near Mantua and his rural upbringing, which influenced his poetry. They trace his move to Rome during civil war and his eventual connection to Augustus, noting that Virgil promised a grand epic for the emperor in his earlier work, the Georgics. NUMBER 9 TRANSLATING THE SOUND AND METER OF VIRGIL Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The translators explain choosing iambic pentameter over dactylic hexameter to provide an English cultural equivalent to the original's epic feel. They describe their efforts to replicate Virgil's auditory effects, such as alliteration and assonance, and preserve specific line repetitions that connect characters like Turnus and Camilla. NUMBER 10 THE AENEID'S PLOT AND HOMERIC INFLUENCES Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. McGill and Wright summarize the plot, from Troy's destruction to the war in Italy. They analyze Virgil's dialogue with Homer, noting how the poem's opening words invoke both the Iliad's warfare and the Odyssey's wanderings. They also highlight the terrifying, visual nature of Virgil's depiction of the underworld. NUMBER 11 ROMAN EXCEPTIONALISM VS. HUMAN TRAGEDY Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. They discuss whether the Aeneid justifies Roman empire or tells a human story. McGill argues the poem survives because it creates sympathy for antagonists like Dido and Turnus. They explore how Virgil portrays the costs of empire and Aeneas's rage, complicating the narrative of Augustan propaganda. NUMBER 12 CLODIA'S PRIVILEGE AND CICERO'S AMBITION Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin introduces Clodia, a privileged woman from an ancient Roman family on Palatine Hill. He contrasts her aristocratic, independent nature—manifested in her name spelling—with the rise of Cicero, a talented outsider. Boin frames their eventual conflict as a clash between established power and ambitious newcomers. NUMBER 13 THE POLITICS OF TRIBUNES AND REFORM Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin details the divide between the Optimates and Populares. He explains how Clodia and her brother Clodius used the office of Tribune—the "people's protector" with veto power—to enact reforms. This strategy allowed them to challenge the Senate's authority and set the stage for Clodius's political dominance. NUMBER 14 THE TRIAL OF RUFUS AND CICERO'S MISOGYNY Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin describes a trial where Clodia accused her ex-lover Rufus of poisoning. Cicero defended Rufus by launching misogynistic attacks on Clodia, calling her "cow-eyed" and alleging incest. Boin argues this famous speech unfairly solidified Clodia's negative historical reputation while obscuring the political power she wielded. NUMBER 15 THE DEATH OF CLODIUS AND THE REPUBLIC'S END Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin recounts the violent death of Clodius by rival gangs, marking a turning point toward the Republic's collapse. He views Clodia's subsequent disappearance from history as a symbol of the loss of women's influence and civic rights, framing her story as a cautionary tale about political violence. NUMBER 16

THE FLIGHT TO PELLA AND MARY'S DEATH Colleague James Tabor. Tabor discusses the Christian flight to Pella during the Roman revolt. He speculates Mary died before this event, likely around 49–63 CE, and was buried on Mount Zion. Consequently, she disappears from the New Testament record, which shifts focus to Peter and Paul after the Jerusalem church's dispersal. NUMBER 6

Professor Barry Strauss. Three Jewish factions fought for control of Jerusalem, destroying their own grain supplies and exacerbating the famine. While rebels used guerrilla tactics against Rome, Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai escaped in a coffin to preserve Judaism at Yavneh, and Christians reportedly fled to Pella for safety. 1492

On a special Christmas Eve edition of Let’s Talk Pella, Bob Zylstra with the Spirit of Pella and Pella Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven discuss ice skating at Caldwell Park and what the new chiller system is doing

Aaron Bohn, Joe Lickteig, and Pat Bortscheller recap the Pella Knights of Columbus' 2025 Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

Director of Home Health and Hospice at Pella Regional Health Center Erica Knell discusses the services provided by Hospice of Pella, Hospice/Palliative Care Month which is recognized in November, and volunteer opportunities at Hospice of Pella.

In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to building and leadership: The Elements of Building: A Business Handbook for Residential Builders and Tradesmen by Mark Q. Kerson, a practical, experience-driven guide to both construction and business. This candid, one-on-one episode looks back at how far the show has come while challenging builders to keep learning, improve their processes, and raise the standard of the industry.Huge thanks to our episode sponsors, Diamond Kote and Pella. Learn more at: https://diamondkotesiding.com/  https://www.instagram.com/diamond_kote/https://www.pella.com/Visit Matt's Amazon reading list for further learning resources: Build Show Amazon List  Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Vice-Chair of the Make-A-Wish Iowa Board Dan Huitink and Derek De Haan with 100+ Men Red Rock discuss the 100+ Men Red Rock's check donation to Make-A-Wish Iowa on Thursday.

Pella Christian High School is kicking off the spring semester with a returning program. Audra Faber, Trixanna Wang, and Joni Vander Pol preview the 14th annual Winterim.

Laura Reif and Noreen Vander Wal with the Refugee Engagement and Support Alliance of Pella discuss their organization and the resources they provide to refugees.

Laura Reif and Noreen Vander Wal with the Refugee Engagement and Support Alliance of Pella discuss their organization and the resources they provide to refugees.

Scotty Melvin joins the show to recap a banner start to the Southeast Iowa high school basketball season — sponsors, a record-breaking Holy Trinity broadcast with 1,100+ views, and plans to stream upcoming Van Buren and Notre Dame games on YouTube and Facebook. They discuss standout teams and players including Notre Dame's Shea Stevens, Pella's Jackson Clark, Keokuk, Mediapolis, and upset wins like Sigourney over Keota, plus the competitive small-school scene. The episode wraps with holiday wishes and optimism for a thrilling post-Christmas stretch of games and more local coverage to come.

Teresa Thompson with the Pella Schools Enrichment Foundation and Superintendent Greg Ebeling discuss the new non-profit supporting classrooms in the district. Find out how to give by scanning the QR Code below:

“It's Okay to Need Jesus” based on Luke 1:26-45 and Psalm 80, given by Pastor Ryan Landt on December 14, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Pella. Continue reading The post It's Okay to Need Jesus first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

The Captains of the Pella High School Winter Guard Carlyn Henry, Ellie Schlerman, Hailey Amos, Rinnah Hardeman, and Naomi Dunsbergen discuss their success at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association State Competition, and the program

Arvin and Pati Van Zante discuss the latest with the Friends of the Pella Community Center and their ongoing effort to fundraise for upcoming renovations at the Pella Community Center.

Members of the Pella Middle School Student Council discuss their ongoing projects during the 2025-26 academic year in part one of a two-part interview. This includes Joanna VandeVoort, Addison Phillips, Lark Thomas, Maechen Cowman, Madelyn Mente, Harper

Tonight's scoreboard show, sponsored by Smithburg Auto and Packwood Locker, features Coach Cody Van Fleet breaking down a busy week of high school basketball. Highlights include Shea Stevens' huge scoring nights, Notre Dame's unbeaten start, West Burlington's strong play, and Holy Trinity's close win over Waco. The episode recaps key scores across the region, standout individual performances, and previews upcoming rivalry matchups like West Burlington at Holy Trinity and Keokuk vs. Pella. Expect analysis of team strengths, injuries, and which squads look poised for deep runs this season.

Andrew Lopez is on FX's The Bear and Apple TV's Platonic with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. He also has his own show in development with HBO. But it wasn't long ago that he was a kid growing up in Pella. Then, Donna Reed is beloved for roles like Mary Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life and Donna Stone in The Donna Reed Show. She was born in Denison, where the Donna Reed Foundation keeps her legacy alive.These segments were produced in September and October 2025.

Members of the Pella Middle School Student Council discuss their ongoing projects during the 2025-26 academic year in part one of a two-part interview. This includes Joanna VandeVoort, Addison Phillips, Lark Thomas, Maechen Cowman, Madelyn Mente, Harper

In the grand scheme of the world, it turns out that St. Nick's Day is only celebrated in a few cities in the country. That includes urban paradises such as New Ulm, Minnesota, Pella, Iowa, and for our purposes, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Of course, one of the Melrose Place women from indescript Midwestern States certainly brought the tradition with them. So we investigate how each of our favorite characters celebrated this good holiday. Who got fruit in their stocking?!?

“Wake Up! He is Coming!” based on Luke 21:25-36, given by Pastor Ryan Landt on December 7, 2025, at Cornerstone Church in Pella. Continue reading The post Wake Up! He is Coming! first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

The Keokuk Chiefs opened the season with a commanding 78-42 road victory over Washington, showcasing stifling defense and efficient offense. Jackson Clark led the way with threes, blocks, and rebounds, while younger brother Jalen, Chase Smith off the bench and a deep, energetic roster provided key contributions. Coach Potratz praised the team’s execution as they prepare for upcoming road tests at Pella and a home game versus Burlington.

The Historical Disappearance of Mary: Colleague James Tabor explains that following the crucifixion, Mary disappears from the biblical record, likely dying before the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem; while early Christians fled to Pella under Simon's leadership, traditions suggest Mary died on Mount Zion, with Tabor arguing she was "written out" of the story by later traditions. 1650

SHOW 12-5-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1940 PITTSBURGH THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT INFLATION. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Infrastructure Booms and Business Exoduses in the West: Colleague Jeff Bliss reports that high-speed rail construction from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is accelerating in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, while the Boring Company expands tunnel networks; conversely, California faces corruption scandals and business flights, and Oregon sees companies like Columbia Sportswear struggle with the business climate. 915-930 Milan Prepares for Christmas and the Olympics: Colleague Lorenzo Fiori reports that Milan celebrates St. Ambrose Day with traditional markets and lights, marking the start of the holiday season, as the city prepares to host the Winter Olympics in February 2026, with cultural events including the La Scala premiere of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk and the enjoyment of Panettone. 930-945 Supreme Court Enables Partisan Gerrymandering: Colleague Richard Epstein discusses the Supreme Court permitting Texas to redraw congressional districts for 2026, favoring Republicans, arguing that lack of oversight allows parties to entrench power, creating extreme polarization where "reds become redder and blues become bluer," making legislative compromise nearly impossible. 945-1000 Scrutiny Over Lethal Strike on Drug Boat: Colleague Richard Epstein examines Defense Secretary Hegseth facing pressure regarding a lethal strike on alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, with reports suggesting survivors may have been shot in the water, asserting that murdering surrendered individuals violates the laws of war, regardless of whether the targets were smugglers. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Lancaster County Shows Consumer Fatigue: Colleague Jim McTague reports that retailers in Lancaster are using deep discounts to attract price-sensitive shoppers, noting that while weekend traffic is decent, weekdays are slow and high-end dining is struggling, with the job market tightening significantly as skilled labor demands vanish, suggesting consumers are "running out of disposable income". 1015-1030 Future Tech and Economic Shifts: Colleague Jim McTague predicts "creative destruction" where old industries fade, expressing bullishness on solar power due to data center demands and envisioning self-driving cars and useful humanoid robots revolutionizing daily life, with rate cuts expected in 2026 as consumers rebuild savings after a period of spending. C 1030-1045 Private Space Sector Challenges and Triumphs: Colleague Bob Zimmerman reports that Jared Isaacman testified that private companies, not NASA, are driving space colonization; a Russian cosmonaut was removed from a SpaceX mission for spying, while China successfully tested a reusable rocket; additionally, Boeing faces legal challenges from crash victims' families, and activists oppose Blue Origin's operations. 1045-1100 New Discoveries Challenge Cosmic Models: Colleague Bob Zimmerman reports that ground-based telescopes have directly imaged exoplanets and debris discs, the James Webb Telescope found a barred spiral galaxy in the early universe defying evolutionary models, scientists discovered organic sugars on asteroid Bennu, and admits solar cycle predictions have been consistently incorrect. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The Early Church Headquarters on Mount Zion: Colleague James Tabor discusses archaeology on Mount Zion revealing a first-century foundation beneath a medieval church, likely the headquarters of the early movement, describing this as the home where James led the church and Mary hosted pilgrims, with Mary possibly living long enough to witness James's martyrdom. 1115-1130 The Historical Disappearance of Mary: Colleague James Tabor explains that following the crucifixion, Mary disappears from the biblical record, likely dying before the 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem; while early Christians fled to Pella under Simon's leadership, traditions suggest Mary died on Mount Zion, with Tabor arguing she was "written out" of the story by later traditions. 1130-1145 The Talpiot Tomb and Ossuary Evidence: Colleague James Tabor discusses a tomb discovered in 1980 containing ossuaries with a unique cluster of names, including Jesus, Maria, and Jose, suggesting this could be the Jesus family tomb, supported by statistical analysis and an ossuary inscribed "James son of Joseph brother of Jesus," with new DNA testing underway. 1145-1200 Mary's Influence on Early Christian Teachings: Colleague James Tabor examines the "Q" source containing teachings shared by Matthew and Luke that parallel the words of James and John the Baptist, positing that Mary, as the mother, was the source of this shared wisdom, arguing that historians must reclaim her humanity and influence from theological erasure. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 The Limits of AI and the Global Quantum Race: Colleague Brandon Weichert explains that current AI models are data crunchers rather than thinking entities, facing limits known as "The Bitter Lesson," while China is "nanoseconds" away from practical quantum computing aimed at decrypting military communications, with Switzerland and Singapore also pursuing sovereign quantum capabilities to ensure digital independence. 1215-1230 Lebanon's Demographic Decline and Political Stagnation: Colleague Hussain Abdul-Hussain reports that Pope Leo's visit highlighted Lebanon's diminishing Christian population, now estimated at perhaps one-quarter, with the government remaining weak and reluctant to disarm Hezbollah, fearing foreign deals that sacrifice national interests; while civil war is unlikely, the country remains dominated by an Iranian-backed militia. 1230-1245 Nuclear Ambitions in South Korea: Colleague Henry Sokolski reports that South Korea is requesting nuclear-powered submarines and enrichment rights, raising concerns about potential nuclear proliferation, with some arguing this could lead to a confederation with the North or US withdrawal, while others prefer Seoul invest in American nuclear facilities to strengthen the alliance. 1245-100 AM audi Arabia Seeks Nuclear Capabilities: Colleague Henry Sokolski explains that Saudi Arabia wants a nuclear power plant but resists signing US protocols allowing inspections; while Washington may view this as a hedge against Iran, a Saudi nuclear capability would threaten Israel's qualitative military edge, and the US has not yet granted advanced consent for enrichment.

Pella Fire Chief Randy Bogaard and Kodi Smith with AMKUS Rescue Systems discuss the awards event held this week at the Pella Fire Department.

Kwik Star President and CEO Scott Zietlow discusses the recent store opening on the west side of Pella and the ribbon cutting ceremony held on Tuesday.

Bella De Haan and Jenna Vande Zande with Pella Christian Shine preview the ISDTA State Championship.

Brent Pella didn't wait for permission. No agent. No big break. No safety net. Just raw drive, creative hustle, and an unshakable belief that he could build his own path.In this episode, Brent shares how he went from Cheesecake Factory host to viral comedian, why Andy Samberg's advice changed everything, and how betting on himself turned into a thriving career in comedy, content, and film. From psychedelic festival sketches to alien satire to launching his own movie, Brent is proof that you don't need permission to make your own luck.If you've ever felt stuck waiting for the “right time,” this one is for you.Subscribe for more creator stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and mindset shifts for self-made success.

Leaders from Pella Forte preview this week’s Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association state competition.

Pella Opera House Executive Director Cyndi Atkins discusses their upcoming Christmas concerts throughout the month of December.

“Manifestations of the Spirit” – Part 2 based on Isaiah 11:1-3b and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, given by Pastor Ryan Landt on November 30, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Pella, IA Continue reading The post Manifestations of the Spirit -Part 2 first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

Troy Bliss with Pella Community Ambulance and Tricia Vermeer with the Vermeer Charitable Foundation discuss a new mental health initiative for EMS personnel in Pella.

It's one month until Christmas, and the City of Pella has officially started celebrating. Hear the sounds of the season from the annual Tour of Stores held on Monday. 

The cast of the Union Street Players' production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical! discuss their upcoming performances December 5th through the 13th.

Dustin Kempker with Kempker’s True Value and Andy Stoecken with Septagon Construction discuss the new hardware store coming to Pella in 2026 following a recent groundbreaking ceremony.

Pella Community Foundation President Mark Wiskus discusses their 2025-26 grant recipients.

“Manifestations of the Spirit” based on Isaiah 11:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, given by Pastor Ryan Landt on November 23, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Pella. Continue reading The post Manifestations of the Spirit first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

Pella Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven discusses the 2026 spring bloom after tulip planting has wrapped up for city staff.

Pella All-State Choir Selections Malachi Van Haaften, Abbie Brand, Joeley Helle, Chase Swenson, Riley Black discuss the upcoming winter performances for the various vocal music ensembles.

Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling discusses the latest in the Pella Community School District.

Pella Police Captain Paul Haase discusses holiday season safety, the city’s snow ordinance, and the upcoming Holiday Heroes event.

The 2026 Tulip Queen and Royal Court discuss their selection to be the lead ambassadors for the 91st annual Tulip Time. This year’s court includes Queen Kenzie Kanis and attendants Lexi Terpstra, Abbie Brand, Addie Van Arendonk,

SHOW 11-14-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 BLISS: WEST COAST URBAN ISSUES AND THE PACK FIRE Guest: Jeff Bliss Seattle elected socialist Kate Wilson, who wants public grocery stores. The Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas has installed a massive slide for visitors. Both San Francisco and Santa Monica are seeing major business failures and mall auctions due to unchecked crime and vagrancy. Los Angeles Mayor Bass requested citizen help for cleanup before the Olympics. Meanwhile, the 3,000-acre Pack Fire in Mono County is being aided by heavy rain. 915-930 MCTAGUE: LANCASTER COUNTY ECONOMY AND AI FEAR Guest: Jim McTague Reports from Lancaster County show a strong local economy: a metal forming company is "busy as they've ever been" and actively hiring, and the mall is packed with shoppers. Tourism is thriving, exemplified by sold-out shows at the Sight and Sound Theater. However, a persistent fear of AI-driven layoffs exists among retirees, despite no personal connection to the issue. Data centers supporting AI are rapidly being built in the area. 930-945 A. THE FILIBUSTER AND CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the filibuster's purpose: slowing down legislation to improve deliberation and mitigate hyper-partisanship. However, he argues its use against continuing resolutions is illegitimate, leading to "horrendous dislocation." He proposes changing the Senate rule to forbid filibusters on continuing resolutions, ensuring essential government functions are not held hostage for collateral political gain and maintaining fiscal continuity. 945-1000 B. BBC DEFAMATION AND THE NEED FOR REFORM Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the BBC's alleged defamation of President Trump through edited footage. Unlike US law, British defamation has a low bar, though damages may be smaller. Epstein contends that the BBC's reputational damage is enormous and suggests the institution is "thoroughly rotten" due to corruption and political capture. He advocates for cleansing the operation and breaking up the public monopoly. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 BRANDON-WEICHERT: AI'S IMPACT ON JOBS AND GEOPOLITICS Guest: Brandon Weichert High-profile layoffs at Amazon and Walmart are tied to AI replacing roles, fitting the anticipated economic transformation, though it may initially look like a bubble. The US leads in AI software, while China excels in robotics. Concerns exist regarding massive AI bets by industry leaders like Ellison and Altman, specifically whether their political ties could result in taxpayer bailouts if these huge projects fail. 1015-1030 FIORI: ITALIAN HERITAGE TRAINS AND POLITICAL DISPUTES Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Italy is launching heritage Christmas trains like the Espresso Monaco and Espresso Assisi, restoring old coaches and locomotives for tourists. Deputy PM Salvini is publicly criticizing aid to Ukraine, linking it to corruption, potentially as a strategy to regain consensus and boost his party's falling popularity. Nationwide student protests are occurring over school reform and the Palestine issue. Milan is preparing for Christmas celebrations. 1030-1045 A. COMMERCIAL SPACE ACHIEVEMENTS AND POLICY SHIFTS Guest: Bob Zimmerman Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully launched and landed its first stage vertically, becoming only the second company to achieve orbital stage reuse, despite its slow operational pace. VAST, a US commercial space station startup, signed a cooperation deal with Uzbekistan, possibly including flying an astronaut to its Haven One module. France announced a new, market-oriented national space policy, significantly increasing budgets and embracing capitalism via public-private partnerships. 1045-1100 B. GOLDSTONE FAILURE AND SUPERNOVA DISCOVERY Guest: Bob Zimmerman NASA's Goldstone antenna, a critical link in the Deep Space Network, is out of service due to an embarrassing error where it was over-rotated, twisting the cables. This impacts communications with interplanetary and Artemis missions. Separately, new astronomical data from a supernova explosion shows the initial eruption was not symmetrical but bipolar, pushing material and light along the star's poles, refining explosion models. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 1. JOSEPHUS AND THE SIEGE OF JODAPATA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Jewish revolt against Rome, starting in 66 AD, is primarily chronicled by Josephus, a leader of the revolt and later historian. Josephus commanded the defense of Jodapata against General Vespasian. After defeat, Josephus survived a mass suicide pact, surrendered, and convinced Vespasian not to kill him by predicting he would become Roman emperor. The rebels were inspired by previous victories like the Maccabees. 1115-1130 2. TITUS'S SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Nero's forced suicide in 68 AD and the subsequent chaos confirmed Josephus's prophecy, leading to Vespasian being proclaimed emperor in 69 AD. Vespasian left his son Titus to lay siege to Jerusalem in 70 AD. Though Jerusalem was a strong fortress, the defenders were critically weakened by infighting among three rebel factions and their own destruction of the city's necessary grain supply. 1130-1145 3. SURVIVAL DURING THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Before the siege of Jerusalem was sealed, two foundational groups fled: Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakai, smuggled out to Yavneh to establish Rabbinic Judaism, and the followers of Jesus, who went to Pella. Titus focused the Roman assault on the city's weakest point, the northern wall. The overconfident Romans were repeatedly frustrated by Jewish defenders using effective irregular tactics, including raids and undermining siege equipment. 1145-1200 4. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND MASADA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Flavians decided to completely destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, an act of extreme Roman imperialism that left the city in ruins. Afterwards, Judea was upgraded to a formal Roman province with a governor and the 10th Legion quartered in Jerusalem. Four years later, the siege of Masada ended with the alleged suicide of defenders, though archaeological evidence remains controversial among scholars. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 US Greenlights ROK Enrichment, Raising Proliferation Fears Guest: Henry Sokolski, Executive Director of the Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center The US agreement to support the Republic of South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing for peaceful uses is viewed by Sokolski as a movement toward proliferation. Sokolski notes that this decision greenlights the ROK—a treaty ally with a history of attempting to use its civil programs to make nuclear weapons—to a position similar to Iran's. The ROK successfully leveraged the inconsistency of US policy, pointing out that Japan has permission to enrich and reprocess fuel and possesses a massive plutonium stockpile. Granting the ROK these capabilities sets a concerning precedent, potentially compelling the US to allow other countries like Saudi Arabia to seek similar nuclear options. The proliferation concern is heightened further by the ROK's desire for a nuclear-powered submarine, which could lead to pursuit of a full nuclear weapons triad. 1215-1230 SOKOLSKI: CHINA'S CONVENTIONAL ICBM THREAT Guest: Henry Sokolski The US military is concerned China's PLA may field a conventionally armed ICBM able to strike the continental US. Such missiles could use maneuverable front ends to evade defenses and deliver autonomous drones. This weapon might target civil infrastructure to intimidate the US and deter intervention during a Taiwan conflict. This prospect is opening up a new and puzzling area of strategic warfare requiring urgent strategic assessment. 1230-1245 A. RARE EARTHS: CHINA'S MONOPOLY AND AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY Guest: David Archibald China's predatory pricing previously achieved a rare earth monopoly, damaging competitors like Lynas, which almost went bankrupt. Australia, via companies like Lynas and Iluka, is being eyed by the US as a non-Chinese source for rare earths critical for high-end electronics and defense. Processing is complex, requiring many steps, and often occurs in places like Malaysia. 1245-100 AM B. HIGH-TEMPERATURE RARE EARTHS AND PREDATORY PRICING Guest: David Archibald The most desirable rare earths, Dysprosium and Terbium, allow magnets to function at high temperatures. China is now sourcing 40% of its supply of these from Myanmar. Though Australia produces these, structural oversupply is a risk. Subsidies, like the floor price given to MP Materials, may be necessary to prevent Chinese predatory pricing from killing off non-commercial producers seeking market dominance.

3. SURVIVAL DURING THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Before the siege of Jerusalem was sealed, two foundational groups fled: Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakai, smuggled out to Yavneh to establish Rabbinic Judaism, and the followers of Jesus, who went to Pella. Titus focused the Roman assault on the city's weakest point, the northern wall. The overconfident Romans were repeatedly frustrated by Jewish defenders using effective irregular tactics, including raids and undermining siege equipment. 1698

Central College Director of Engagement Mary Benedict discusses their annual “Season of Gratitude”, which promotes the importance of helping others during the holiday season.

Pella’s All-State Band honorees discuss next week’s IHSMA festival in Ames, including Leah Boualavong, Abby Kalkwarf, Isaac Steenhoek, Jaeda Van Zante, Noah VandeKieft, and Olivia White.

In today's episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with long-time friend and fellow builder Wade Paquin of WKP Builders for a deep dive into one of the most transformative shifts in residential construction — moving away from the traditional bidding carousel and embracing pre-construction agreements. Matt and Wade share hard-earned lessons from decades in the field, revealing how pre-con can protect both builders and clients, streamline collaboration with architects, and build lasting trust through transparency. Together, they discuss real-world examples, the pitfalls of the old “three-bid” mindset, and how the pre-construction process creates better budgets, schedules, and client relationships. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your building business, this conversation delivers practical insight into elevating your systems and safeguarding your profitability.From the Risinger Build Studios in Austin, Texas—let's get into it.Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Pella. Find out more at: https://www.pella.com/Follow Wade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wkp_builders/ Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.