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Send us a textRemember Batman Returns starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Christopher Walken & Michelle Pfeiffer. Sure, you do. It ushered in a whole era of men wanting their girlfriends or wives to dress up as Catwoman, and it didn't even have to be Halloween. Well, this one takes place over the Christmas Holidays, so we're picking it as a Holiday Film. With an all-star cast, Tim Burton returning, we are signing up to watch '90s Batman fight the Penguin and Catwoman during the Holiday Season, and we'll see if this is a nostalgic gift under the tree or a lump of coal in the stocking. Do You Remember Liking This Movie?
The new edition of "Capital" has been getting a lot of buzz.But...guys...it's really bad.Read Ben's essay:benburgis.substack.com/p/in-defense-of-the-fowkes-translationRead Matt Huber's thread:https://x.com/Matthuber78/status/1962512243343385070Follow Ben on Twitter: @BenBurgisFollow GTAA on Twitter: @Gtaa_ShowBecome a GTAA Patron and receive numerous benefits ranging from occasional patron-exclusive content to access to the GTAA Discord to our undying love and gratitude for helping us keep this thing going:patreon.com/benburgisRead the weekly philosophy Substack:benburgis.substack.com
Time to get your “waddle” on! Our next episode of Two Whats?! And a Wow is all about everyone's favorite flightless feathered friend… The penguin! Guy & Mindy will sort out the emperors from the chinstraps and give you real facts about these fantastic birds. Visit https://bit.ly/3zfwJMc for more details. Originally aired 9/6/24.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Fawad Butt, Co-Founder and CEO of Penguin AI, is addressing the workflow challenges faced by healthcare payers and providers, particularly in prior authorizations and claims adjudications. These processes are inefficient and often yield inconsistent results because human reviewers interpret rules differently, and patients are denied care due to minor administrative errors. Penguin AI is bringing consistency and speed to adjudication, breaking down data silos and handling non-clinical administrative work, enabling agents to address patient-specific problems and ensure accuracy and safety. Fawad explains, "When you look at the healthcare ecosystem, there are obviously the pharma side, the payer side, the provider side, and the PBN side. So there are lots of areas where opportunities exist. We think payers and providers are especially challenged, and I think the area where they struggle is in the administrative workflow. And these are things like prior authorization and risk adjustment, claims adjudication, and payment integrity on the payer side." "There are things like scheduling and patient 360, or onboarding and referrals, as well as some risk adjustment for entities that are risk-bearing, and ultimately, all the functions around revenue cycle management for providers. I think the payers and providers have a tremendous amount of technology and resourcing support, but these functions have not really been what I would say reimagined in over a decade. And I think with AI, there is a real opportunity to come back and try to optimize." #PenguinAI #HealthAI #HealthcareAdministration penguinai.co Download the transcript here
Fawad Butt, Co-Founder and CEO of Penguin AI, is addressing the workflow challenges faced by healthcare payers and providers, particularly in prior authorizations and claims adjudications. These processes are inefficient and often yield inconsistent results because human reviewers interpret rules differently, and patients are denied care due to minor administrative errors. Penguin AI is bringing consistency and speed to adjudication, breaking down data silos and handling non-clinical administrative work, enabling agents to address patient-specific problems and ensure accuracy and safety. Fawad explains, "When you look at the healthcare ecosystem, there are obviously the pharma side, the payer side, the provider side, and the PBN side. So there are lots of areas where opportunities exist. We think payers and providers are especially challenged, and I think the area where they struggle is in the administrative workflow. And these are things like prior authorization and risk adjustment, claims adjudication, and payment integrity on the payer side." "There are things like scheduling and patient 360, or onboarding and referrals, as well as some risk adjustment for entities that are risk-bearing, and ultimately, all the functions around revenue cycle management for providers. I think the payers and providers have a tremendous amount of technology and resourcing support, but these functions have not really been what I would say reimagined in over a decade. And I think with AI, there is a real opportunity to come back and try to optimize." #PenguinAI #HealthAI #HealthcareAdministration penguinai.co Listen to the podcast here
Dana In The Morning Highlights 12/4SUNNY 99.1 will be airing reports from NORAD tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!Moody Gardens recently welcomed a new baby macaroni penguin - born to Gorgonzola and BleuThe scent of Christmas Trees is the #1 holiday scent - but most of us don't want to deal with needles
PSYOPs :: NCI engineered reality scoring system :: Sarah in NM wants to vote for the mayor that will keep speeding cameras :: Rob from VT calls about the "Dick act" :: Book: Lawful Tax Avoidance (.com) :: Dave Ridley calls about ex-cop turning pro-freedom and challenging the "resisting arrest" law in NH :: Skeeter says freedom is the real psyop/ fails to deny working for the government :: Jet calls to discuss mindsets in relation to government :: Right to travel vs. driving :: FSP :: Freedom migration to New Hampshire :: 2025-11-30 Hosts: Stu, Bear Arms, Mr. Penguin
This week we are discussing the megahit single Who Let the Dogs Out by the Baha Men, released July 2000. We take an in depth look at what made it successful and attempt to understand who is actually "in the band". Also in this prepisode music news of the weird, listener emails, and we announce next week's album. In this episode we discuss Tim's football humiliations, pirate extermination, the awful film My Father the Hero, the Bachelor, Danny DeVito's Penguin performance, should we finance Megalopolis 2, Jeremy Renner, Kim Kardashian and her team of psychics, Garrett's undiagnosed medical conditions, and so much more! Hatepod.com | TW: @AlbumHatePod | IG: @hatePod | hatePodMail@gmail.com Episode Outline: Quick update on the goings on at the world headquarters Discuss our history with the song/band Song discussion - lyrics and music Music Video How the song did worldwide Amazon reviews Listener email (just 2) Music news of the weird Announce next week's album
Due to the bizarre nature of this podcast, we hope you put down any sharp food utensils before enjoying Vol. 2 of our re-release bonus episode this week, discussing Happy Birthday To Me (1981)!! Here to help us unwrap this unhinged motion picture is Kill By Kill artist-in-residence and Returning Champion, Josh Hollis (Predict-O-Cast & Butterfly Kisses). We dig into it all, like whether shish kabob can ever truly be considered a midnight snack, confront the idea that we have a legit murderous Mrs. Doubtfire sitch happening here, call into question the standard operating procedures of this town's drawbridge personnel, and take a quick detour to the Penguin's evil lair. Plus, the secret powers of Dr. David's disco medallion are revealed, decide who is on the bottom of the Top 10's Penis Tottempole, and we make a wish during Choose Your Own Deathventure! This one is seriously nutty, people. Part of the BLEAV Network.Get even more episodes exclusively on Patreon! Artwork by Josh Hollis: joshhollis.com Kill By Kill theme by Revenge Body. For the full-length version and more great music, head to revengebodymemphis.bandcamp.com today!Join the new Discord Server Comvo here! Our linker.ee Click here to visit our Dashery/TeePublic shop for killer merch! Join the conversation about any episode on the Facebook Group! Follow us on IG @killbykillpodcast!! Join us on Threads or even Bluesky Check out Gena's newsletter on Ghost!! Check out the films we've covered & what might come soon on Letterboxd! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week, I'm joined by author Victoria Prince to talk about her gloriously escapist debut novel, The Chalet Girl, which is released on 4th December 2025 by Penguin. It's a sparkling, sexy, snow-dusted romp that channels the glamour, drama, and irresistible excess of classic 80s bonkbusters. Set in a luxury Alpine resort where secrets simmer beneath the snow, and desire is as dangerous as a black-diamond run, The Chalet Girl follows three women navigating ambition, temptation, and the intoxicating world of the ultra-rich. Think Jackie Collins glitz combined with Jilly Cooper mischief, all wrapped up in Victoria's fresh, funny, fiercely readable voice. Victoria and I chat about the inspirations behind the book, from retro paperbacks with gold-foiled titles to the larger-than-life heroines who strutted through the stories of Collins and Cooper. We get into writing bold characters, crafting deliciously chaotic plotlines, and bringing back the unapologetic glamour and fun of the bonkbuster. If you're into big personalities, snowy scandals, and fiction that lets you escape into a world of outrageous luxury and even more outrageous behaviour, this episode is for you. So grab a hot chocolate, get cosy, and let's head up the mountain together. Episode Links Victoria's Instagram Buy the Book Victoria's other Instagram
"'Cause baby, now we got bad blood" - Ben is perplexed by the ‘void if scratched' part of scratch off lottery tickets. - We analyse the two types of zoot suits. - We check in with the Gävle Goat for the first time in 2025. - We discuss giant pants and ‘button up people'. - Nobody tries to attend a yoga class and ends up in an unusual situation. - Nobody explains her theory on why Taylor Swift might be the Zodiac Killer. - Ben may have let a murderer into the building. - Two penguins may be attending the Moore family Christmas this year. - The new season of The Witcher sparks a Liam Hemsworth vs Henry Cavill debate and more...
PSYOPs :: NCI engineered reality scoring system :: Sarah in NM wants to vote for the mayor that will keep speeding cameras :: Rob from VT calls about the "Dick act" :: Book: Lawful Tax Avoidance (.com) :: Dave Ridley calls about ex-cop turning pro-freedom and challenging the "resisting arrest" law in NH :: Skeeter says freedom is the real psyop/ fails to deny working for the government :: Jet calls to discuss mindsets in relation to government :: Right to travel vs. driving :: FSP :: Freedom migration to New Hampshire :: 2025-11-30 Hosts: Stu, Bear Arms, Mr. Penguin
Julia Navarro (Madrid) empezó su vida en la escritura como periodista, en donde escribió abundantemente documentando el momento histórico que le tocó vivir: la transición española. Hoy es una de las novelistas más leídas en español con libros como thrillers y novelas de personaje. Ella no se ve a sí misma como escritora de novela histórica, porque escribe sobre lo que ella misma ha vivido, ha visto o ha estudiado. Para ella lo más importante en su obra es indagar en la condición humana. Su primer libro en ficción es La hermandad de la Sábana Santa (Plaza & Janés, 2004), sus dos últimos libros son, en novela, El niño que perdió la guerra (Plaza & Janés, 2024) y en ensayo Cuando ellos se van (Plaza & Janés, 2025). Es gracias a Mónica Delgado del equipo Penguin libros español en Estados Unidos que logramos una muy esperada entrevista con esta gran escritora.
A sweeping historical coming-of-age novel set against India's 1948 takeover of Hyderabad, The Sirens of September (India Penguin, 2025) shifts between the palaces of princely Hyderabad, the refugee camps of post-Partition Bombay, army command rooms and the seedy lanes of London's Piccadilly. Farishteh Ali Khan, an aristocratic teenager who enjoys a gilded existence, tumbles into a web of international espionage, political intrigue and dark family secrets. A few chance meetings between her and an air force pilot, Saleem El Edroos, lead to them striking up a long-distance courtship. When Hyderabad falls, the new regime makes the Ali Khans and the Edrooses answer for their old loyalties. The one person who can come to their aid can also tear Farishteh's family apart. Author Bio Note: Zeenath Khan is a writer who divides her time between Hyderabad, India and New York City. The Sirens of September is her debut novel. She has written about history, travel and current affairs for Scroll, Mint Lounge, Siasat and Literary Traveler. Aside from writing, she enjoys reading, working out, baking, and spending time with her friends and three grown-up children. The article mentioned in the podcast can be found here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
A sweeping historical coming-of-age novel set against India's 1948 takeover of Hyderabad, The Sirens of September (India Penguin, 2025) shifts between the palaces of princely Hyderabad, the refugee camps of post-Partition Bombay, army command rooms and the seedy lanes of London's Piccadilly. Farishteh Ali Khan, an aristocratic teenager who enjoys a gilded existence, tumbles into a web of international espionage, political intrigue and dark family secrets. A few chance meetings between her and an air force pilot, Saleem El Edroos, lead to them striking up a long-distance courtship. When Hyderabad falls, the new regime makes the Ali Khans and the Edrooses answer for their old loyalties. The one person who can come to their aid can also tear Farishteh's family apart. Author Bio Note: Zeenath Khan is a writer who divides her time between Hyderabad, India and New York City. The Sirens of September is her debut novel. She has written about history, travel and current affairs for Scroll, Mint Lounge, Siasat and Literary Traveler. Aside from writing, she enjoys reading, working out, baking, and spending time with her friends and three grown-up children. The article mentioned in the podcast can be found here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/historical-fiction
Send us a textLinks still move the needle, but the way we earn them has changed. We pull together the best of our link building series and lay out a clear, low-risk path to stronger rankings and lasting authority. No gimmicks, no cloak-and-dagger—just assets people want to cite.We start by cleaning up the language of links: what “good, bad, and ugly” backlinks look like, why Penguin still shapes risk, and how AI-driven answers increase the value of being cited. From there, we get practical with linkable assets that compound: tools that solve real problems in seconds. You'll hear how a broadband postcode checker and a benchmarking speed test attracted highly relevant links, and how a People Also Ask crawler snowballed to thousands of citations without outreach. Each example shows why hard-to-replicate utility beats any anchor-text wishlist.We also lift the bonnet on private blog networks—how they're built, why they seem tempting, and the real cost when footprints surface. Then we pivot to creative, safe plays: become the awarding body in your niche with objective categories and shareable badges that merchants proudly link to. Add “engineering as marketing” to capture top-of-funnel interest: simple graders and diagnostics that align with your product, generate leads, and earn natural mentions. Finally, we share a practical promotion playbook—Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, conferences, and email—that seeds discovery without asking for links, kick-starting a flywheel where attention turns into citations and citations into rankings.If you want links you can sleep on, this is your roadmap: build something worth voting for, promote it where your audience hangs out, and let the compounding begin. Enjoyed this guide? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a mate who's still buying links.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Film historian Sergio Angelini joins Caroline to discuss a rather cinematic whodunnit. No major plot spoilers until you hear Caroline say we are "entering the spoiler zone", at 20:40. After that, expect full spoilers. A full list of titles in the Penguin series can be found at penguinfirsteditions.com. The next book discussed in this series will be The Documents in the Case by Dorothy L. Sayers and Robert Eustace. You can find Sergio's podcast, Tipping My Fedora, about all things crime fiction and film noir, in all good podcast apps. Support the podcast by joining the Shedunnit Book Club and get extra Shedunnit episodes every month plus access to the monthly reading discussions and community: shedunnitbookclub.com/join. Books mentioned in this episode:— The Rasp by Philip MacDonald— Patrol by Philip MacDonald— The List of Adrian Messenger by Philip MacDonald— The Reader Is Warned by Carter Dickson— The Polferry Riddle by Philip MacDonald— The Bishop Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine— The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie— Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley— The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne— Ambrotox and Limping Dick by Oliver Fleming— The Maze by Philip MacDonald— Pale Fire by Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov— The Rynox Murder by Philip MacDonald— Murder Gone Mad by Philip MacDonald— The Mystery of the Dead Police by Philip MacDonald NB: Links to Blackwell's are affiliate links, meaning that the podcast receives a small commission when you purchase a book there (the price remains the same for you). Blackwell's is a UK bookselling chain that ships internationally at no extra charge. To be the first to know about future developments with the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at shedunnitshow.com/newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we talk to Dr Liam O'Callaghan about the newly published paperback edition of his superb history of rugby in Ireland ‘Blood and Thunder'. It's a classic work which looks at the history of the sport in the context of Irish history over the past 150 years. As well as detailing the history of the sport itself, it also examines the relationship of the game to the complex political history of Ireland and explains how the sport has remained united on a disunited island. It's a superb book that is the latest landmark work from a series of high quality works about the history of sport in Ireland. It's published by Penguin and you can find more details at https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/458098/blood-and-thunder-by-ocallaghan-liam/9780241999769. For more on the history of rugby and the other football codes, take a look at www.rugbyreloaded.com (where you can find the links for this episode) and follow me on Twitter at @collinstony
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Doc and Angus conclude their celebration of the season with Batman: Li'l Gotham Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving, Batman and Robin join the families of Gotham City around the table for a holiday feast--and birds of a feather flock together to stage a march against the city...led by The Penguin! Batman: Li'l Gotham Vol. 1https://www.amazon.com/Batman-Lil-Gotham-Vol-1-ebook/dp/B00H4EW0YY/Leave a message at kirbyskidspodcast@gmail.comJoin the Community Discussions https://mewe.com/join/kirbyskidsPlease join us for our 2025 Graphic Novel Readshttps://www.kirbyskids.com/2024/11/kirbys-kids-giving-thanks-2025-graphic.htmlPlease join us for our 2026 Graphic Novel Readshttps://www.kirbyskids.com/2025/11/the-kids-talk-2026-kirbys-kids-graphic.htmlFor detailed show notes and past episodes please visit www.kirbyskids.com
Black Friday sale! Use code BLKFRI50 for 50% everything on the Decorating Pages Shop site on Black Friday through Cyber Monday. In this Thanksgiving edition of Decorating Pages, I'm giving thanks for the prop houses and vendors that keep film and TV sets alive.I'm joined first by Fausto from Hollywood Studio Gallery, one of Los Angeles' most important art rental houses. He shares the history of HSG, how he went from “shipping and receiving” to 35 years in the gallery, what changed when clearance rules tightened, and how they curate artwork for everything from kids rooms and hospitals to the White House.Then I talk with Set Decorator Rich Murray (Only Murders in the Building, The Penguin, The Diplomat). Rich breaks down his favorite New York and East Coast prop resources – Newel, Eclectic Encore, Prop N Spoon, State Supply, Gotham Props, Fennec Props – plus the auction houses and antique warehouses in Connecticut, New Jersey, Philly, Hudson and beyond. We talk about sending trucks out for estate sales, using museum collections for cleared art, and how those “one stop” prop houses in LA compare to the patchwork system in New York.If you love set decoration, production design, prop houses, and behind-the-scenes craft, this is a full-on love letter to the people who help us dress sets, solve clearance problems, and keep the doors open in a tough economy.Listen in for shout-outs to Warner Bros, Universal, History for Hire, Advanced Liquidators, Nest, Newel, and many more – and for a reminder of why losing even one prop house is such a huge loss for the industry.Topics:History of Hollywood Studio Gallery and art rental in LAHow clearance really works for artwork on film and TVLA prop houses Kim leans on for everyday sets and period piecesNew York prop houses and auctions Rich uses for Only Murders, The Penguin & The DiplomatEstate sales, antique warehouses, and museum collections as design toolsWhy decorators are genuinely thankful for prop houses
This week the crew digs into a packed slate of streaming news like Netflix updates, Lanterns, The Penguin's second season, and fresh talk around Game Of Thrones and House Of The Dragon. Reviews include Sisu Road To Revenge, Wicked For Good, Blossoms Shanghai, A Man On The Inside, and the latest Blu Ray releases.
Send us a textIf your backlink comes with a receipt, it's probably a liability. We break down the crucial difference between buying placements and earning genuine editorial links, tracing the story from PageRank to Penguin to today's AI-driven search where citations and trust decide who gets surfaced. Along the way, we show how to avoid risky shortcuts and build a durable system for attracting links that actually move rankings.We start by unpacking why Google treats paid links as manipulation and how that pollutes the link graph, making results worse for everyone. Then we pivot to what white-hat link building looks like in the real world: story-first digital PR, clear assets that deserve attention, and outreach that invites coverage without dictating anchor text or demanding a link. You'll hear how to vet agencies, why “we guarantee 500 links” is a red flag, and how to separate paying for expertise from paying for links. We also share a lightweight playbook you can run yourself: launch a useful tool or guide, craft a tight angle, take it to the right conversations, and let editors choose you.Expect practical guardrails you can use today: decouple fees from link counts, track outcomes beyond volume, and look for natural placements on relevant sites. We also talk about the compounding effect of genuine mentions and why that matters even more as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity cite sources in their answers. When publications and niche experts link because your content helps their readers, you build authority that lasts through algorithm shifts and platform changes.Ready to trade risky purchases for resilient growth? Hit play, then subscribe, share this with a teammate who needs it, and leave a quick review to tell us what you'll try first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Fabian Ritter ist leidenschaftlicher Walforscher und Meeresschützer. Wale, Delfine verbringen ihr gesamtes Leben im Meer. Dabei sind sie dem Menschen ähnlicher als uns vielleicht bewusst ist. Ihre Lebens- und Verhaltensweisen, ihr Sozialverhalten sind bemerkenswert, ebenso erstaunlich ist ihr Reaktionsverhalten bei Freude oder Trauer. Der Meeresbiologe Fabian Ritter hat die Gefühlswelt der Wale und Delfine über viele Jahre erforscht und darüber geschrieben, etwa in seinem Buch "Wir Wale. Die Welt der Meeressäuger durch ihre Augen". In NDR Kultur à la carte erzählt er Martina Kothe davon und von seinen Ergebnissen und Erkenntnissen.
Gill Perdue talks about fairytales, the Sue Barton series, her experience of boarding school and much more as she tells Ruth McKee which books she'd save if her house was on fire. Gill Perdue is the author of bestselling crime novels If I Tell, When They See Me, and most recently The Night I Killed Him, all published by Penguin.
Our hosts return to the podcave and sit down to review the episode that flaunts itself all over town, Joker's Millions. Alex and Will discuss the many redesigned characters that appear in this episode, including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and The Penguin. Then they shift their attention to the storyline and discuss it's more comical and silly side. Such as Joker committing crimes only for the money, or the fact that he's living in an apartment that would make even Harvey Bullock feel dirty to step foot in. Our hosts also notice that Nightwing goes on a "just friends" date with Barbara to the Iceberg Lounge, Batman discovers a new way to interrogate thugs, and Joker gets imprisoned for tax evasion and meets a new character named D-Pop (don't ask what the D stands for). Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/batmantaspodOutbreaks Issue 4 Kickstarter Pre-Launch Page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/speechcomics/outbreaks-1-4-an-ongoing-zombie-anthology-seriesMobster Mash 1-2 Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/speechcomics/mobster-mash-1-2-classic-movie-monsters-as-mobstersJoin Our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/bQF76V3nUsFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@batmantaspod?_t=8zn1yhsgnfz&_r=1Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@batmantaspodFollow the Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/batmantaspod/Follow the Pod on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatmanTASPod/Follow the Pod on Twitter: https://twitter.com/batmantaspod1Subscribe to Will's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/willrobsonSpeech Comics Website: https://www.speechcomics.com/Will's WhatNot Page: https://www.whatnot.com/user/speechcomics
Here's what we're reading, recommending, and revisiting this week.Catherine's library find is a series of picture books by Helen Lester starring the disheveled but lovable Tacky the Penguin. Plus, a middle-grade read called The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow.Terri's random recommendation has come, once again, from the Facebook Reels algorithm. It's the That Was Us podcast, a This Is Us rewatch podcast hosted by actors Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan.Bonus content: You can hear our thoughts on Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on YouTube; here's our chat on this week's episode (week 10, the semi-finals).In the archives, we checked in on an episode from 2019, Parenting Let-Downs.Next week, we'll be off for Thanksgiving, but will be sharing some of our past turkey-themed chats on social media. After that, we'll return to our regular lineup:Lost S4 E5, "The Constant," on Tuesday, December 2The Lowdown S1 E3, "Dinosaur Memories" on Wednesday, December 3Weekly roundup on Thursday, December 4Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available.
The Early Days of Photography: Insights from Anika Burgess Discover the fascinating stories behind early photography, from Anna Atkins' cyanotypes to the Daguerre‑Talbot rivalry, women's hidden studios, and the first surveillance photos of suffragettes—highlights from Anika Burgess' interview on the “10 Frames Per Second” podcast. The “10 Frames Per Second” podcast is a go‑to resource for anyone interested in photojournalism history, yet this particular episode dives deep into the origins of photography itself. If you're a photographer, educator, historian, or simply a curious visual storyteller, the episode offers insights and details from technical to social, on the rise of photography Meet Anika Burgess – Photo Historian & Author Title: Photo editor, writer, and author of Flashes of Brilliance: The Genius of Early Photography and How It Transformed Art, Science, and History (W.W. Norton). Background: History & Law degrees, early career at Penguin Books (Modern Classics), later freelance photo‑researcher. Passion: Uncovering hidden stories—especially of women, scientists, and “oddball” characters—in the birth of photography. From Law School to Photo Editing Anika's journey is a reminder that career pivots can lead to groundbreaking work: Law → Photo Editing: A short course in photo research opened the door to a role at Penguin's Modern Classics series. On‑the‑Job Learning: She describes freelance work as an “accelerated masterclass” in assigning, commissioning, and archival research. Teaching Lens: As a photo‑history instructor, Anika emphasizes the value of primary sources—old photo journals, newspapers, and diaries. Pioneers of Early Photography Anna Atkins & the First Photo Book Who: English botanist & cyanotype pioneer. Milestone: Created Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions (1843), the first photographic book—and made by a woman. Rediscovery: Mis‑attributed as “AA” until the 1970s when Larry Scharf revived her story. Women Photographers in the 1840s‑1850s Studio Advertisements: Journals show Miss Wigley and others openly marketing portrait studios. Color Tinting: Una Howard promoted women's employment in hand‑tinting photographs, even establishing a school for the craft. Editorial Debates: Early photo‑journals featured heated arguments about photography's purpose—art vs. science—with women actively contributing. Surprising Finds in the Archives Skin & Nail Prints: Some 19th‑century journals reported people printing photographs onto their own skin or fingernails. Psychic Photography: Experiments aimed to capture thoughts, dreams, or “effluvia”—the supposed visual aura of a soul. X‑Ray Curiosities: Early images of snakes, crayfish, and snowflakes (thanks to Wilson Bentley) showed how photography became a tool for scientific discovery. Early Photography: The Daguerre vs. Talbot Rivalry Aspect Louis Daguerre William Henry Fox Talbot Process Daguerreotype (metal‑silver plate) Calotype (paper negative → positive) Business Model Government‑funded French pension → free public release Aggressive patent enforcement, licensing fees Impact Dominated the first decade, especially in France and England Laid groundwork for modern negative/positive workflow, but hindered by patents Anika notes that Talbot's patents slowed adoption, while Daguerre's state‑backed release accelerated his method's popularity—an early example of how capitalism shapes technology diffusion. Early Photography Chemical Hazards & “You‑Tube‑Free” Learning Deadly Substances: Cyanide, mercury, and strong acids were common in darkrooms. No Antidotes: For cyanide, there was no effective remedy, underscoring the danger. Community Knowledge: Early photo clubs circulated “antidote tables”—precautions rather than cures. “There were no textbooks, no YouTube tutorials—just trial, error, and sometimes tragedy.” – Anika Science Meets Art: X‑Rays, Snowflakes & Psychic Photography X‑Ray Explorations (1890s): Photographs of snakes and crayfish revealed anatomy unseen by the naked eye. Wilson Bentley (Vermont): Captured over 5,000 snowflake images using a microscope—blending meteorology and artistry. Effluvia Photography: Early attempts to photograph the “spirit” of a person, predating modern AI‑generated ethereality. Early Surveillance: The Suffragette Photo‑Ops Arthur Barrett's Top‑Hat Camera (1908): Secretly photographed suffragists inside a London courtroom. He even coughed to mask the shutter sound. Government Commission: The British Home Office later hired Barrett to take long‑lens photographs of suffragists in Holloway Prison. Legacy: This marks one of the first documented uses of photography for covert surveillance—a precursor to today's CCTV debates. Lessons for Modern Photojournalists Transparency Matters: Early manipulators like Oskar Rieslander openly disclosed composite techniques—mirroring today's call for AI‑generated image labeling. Innovation Stems from Limits: Nadar's underground catacomb portraits show how technical constraints spark creative solutions. Community Sharing Wins: Photo clubs of the 19th century were the original knowledge‑exchange platforms—modern equivalents are online forums, workshops, and open‑source libraries. What's Next for Anika? After a seven‑year labor of love, Anika hints at a potential sequel covering 1910‑present—a period that includes modernist photography, wartime photojournalism, and the digital revolution. She's also considering shorter books focused on women pioneers and photographic chemistry. Quick Takeaways Anna Atkins wrote the first photographic book, and women have been key players since the 1840s. Daguerre's free release vs. Talbot's patents illustrates how policy shapes tech adoption. Early photographers faced real chemical dangers—no antidotes for cyanide, mercury, or acids. Surveillance photography began with suffragist courtroom shots, foreshadowing modern privacy concerns. Transparency in image manipulation is a historic constant, now relevant in the age of AI. Frequently Asked Questions Question Answer Where can I find Anna Atkins' cyanotype collection? The New York Public Library hosts a fully digitized archive online. Is the “top‑hat camera” video still available? Yes—search “suffragist reunion British Pathé” on YouTube. What was the first photo‑journalistic use of a hidden camera? Arthur Barrett's 1908 courtroom photos of suffragists. How did early photographers tint images? Women like Una Howard hand‑colored prints using water‑based pigments; later, labs introduced mechanical tinting. Can I listen to the full podcast episode? New episodes drop every Tuesday on 10fps.net and all major podcast platforms. Final Thoughts Anika Burgess' conversation on “10 Frames Per Second” proves that the early history of photography is far from a static timeline—it's a vibrant tapestry woven by inventors, women entrepreneurs, scientists, and activists. Understanding this past not only enriches our appreciation of current visual culture but also equips today's photojournalists with perspective on ethics, innovation, and the ever‑present tension between art and science. Ready to dive deeper? Grab a copy of Flashes of Brilliance, explore the NYPL digital collections, and let the stories of Anna Atkins, Una Howard, and Arthur Barrett inspire your next visual project. For more on “ghost” photography and William Mumler, check out our past episode with Peter Manseau, author of a book The Apparitionists, exploring Mumler’s creations. Keywords: early photography, history of photography, women photographers, Anna Atkins, Daguerre vs Talbot, photojournalism history, photographic chemistry hazards, X‑ray photography, suffragette surveillance, photo manipulation early, 10 Frames Per Second podcast ________ photojournalism, early photography, Anna Atkins, cyanotype, women photographers, Julia Margaret Cameron, Nadar, Daguerre, William Henry Fox Talbot, X‑ray photography, Wilson Bentley (snowflake photography), spirit photography, psychic photography/effluviography, photo manipulation, suffragette surveillance photography, top‑hat hidden camera, dry‑plate process, wet collodion process, chemical hazards in photography (cyanide, mercury), 1840s women‑run photo studios, hand‑tinting (colorizing photographs), archival research (NYPL, Met), Penguin Modern Classics photo editing, photographic patents and licensing, darkroom safety, early photo journals and newspapers, mechanical vs artistic classification in exhibitions, scientific photography, photography‑and‑art debate, early photographic portrait experience.The post Episode 167: Anika Burgess (Early Photography) first appeared on 10FPS A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.
This episode is basically a throwback to all the random fears that shaped us — and the new ones motherhood unlocked like some kinda DLC pack.I talk about how, as a kid, I just straight-up copied my older sister's fear of roller coasters because… hello, older siblings were the blueprint. And then there was my penguin era — yes, penguins. Danny DeVito as the Penguin in Batman? Core memory. Traumatizing. I spent YEARS thinking penguins were basically tiny villains with plans. Working at SeaWorld? Low-key the exposure therapy I didn't know I needed.And now I live in Texas…so of course my brain was like:“New state, new fear. Here's one: snake toilets. Enjoy!”Two of my kids shared theirs — one is afraid of giraffes (honestly, they are tall enough to demand a W-2), and the other is terrified of the ocean (same, babes… same).But even with the weird, random, completely unhinged fears that sneak into our lives… at least they're happy, healthy, and thriving. That's the real win.Join me for the nostalgia, the chaos we don't call chaos, and the millennial-level overthinking that raised us AND is now raising our kids.
On this dark and rain-soaked episode of Big Trouble in Little Podcast, Andy, Joe Dubs, Zac, and Chaz step into the shadows of Gotham to dissect Matt Reeves' brooding detective-driven epic — The Batman (2022). The crew explores Robert Pattinson's younger, more unhinged version of Bruce Wayne as he navigates a city drowning in corruption, fear, and unanswered riddles. From Paul Dano's chilling take on The Riddler to Zoë Kravitz's magnetic Catwoman and Colin Farrell's unrecognizable Penguin, the guys dig into the film's noir influences, world-building, themes, sound, cinematography, and bold approach to Batman's mythos. Expect compelling analysis, jokes, debates, and maybe even a few riddles as the hosts decide where The Batman stands among the many versions of the Dark Knight.
Professional hockey was a different game in the mid 70's that it is today. Whether it's better or more entertaining is up for debate, but what is not up for debate is back then, there was a level of brutality that the sport fully allowed if not encouraged. Fighting was as part of the game as goals and saves, checks and assists. Bobby Clark was the 2nd leading scorer in the NHL's 1975-76 season with 119 points for the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Flyers. But he had help and he had protection. The Broad Street Bullies as the Flyers were affectionately known in Philadelphia would come into an opposing arena, score goals, beat you up, and leave town with a smile on their face. And they used that recipe to hoist the Cup in 1974 and 1975. And nobody embodied that persona more than Dave ‘The Hammer' Schultz. In 1974 he set a record for penalty minutes in one season with 472, a tally that 50 years later still stands. The Hammer was known to drop the gloves at the drop of a hat… but he had a job to do and he did it well… Protect Captain Clark and high scoring forwards Bill Barber, Reggie Leach, and Rick "The Hawk" MacLeish. This helped lead Philly to a record of 51-13-16 in '75-76 and a 3rd straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. But after thrilling wins over Boston in '74 and Buffalo in '75, the Flyers were swept aside by the Canadiens in '76 ending their run as the league's top team. Still, the team was a force on the ice and with a healthy Bernie Parent back in the nets after the disappointing loss to Montreal, the Flyers were still major contenders for the Cup With Clark, Barber and Dave Schultz going into the 1976 season. But on September 29, 1976, a week before the start of the season, The Hammer was sent to Los Angeles for two draft picks. And just like that, the Broad Street Bullies were no more. The end of an era and for Schultz, the beginning of the end of his career. This Flyer was now a King, then a Penguin and finally a Sabre before retiring following the 1980 season. His heart was broken when he left Philly and he and the Flyers were never the same without each other. Philadelphia hasn't won a Stanley Cup since. Now, 50 years later, Dave has written a book called ‘Hammered': The Fight of my Life where Schultz talks openly about his lifelong battle with alcohol and how getting sober in his 70's is the biggest win of his life. He tells us how being sent away to L.A. —“not traded”— was a blow to him that he never fully accepted and how he will always be a Flyer. He recollects how he'd be admonished for fighting by NHL President Clarence Campbell only to never hear from him and that the league said one thing publicly about players fighting and yet did nothing to stop it. His job was to fight, and stand up for his teammates and protect them at all costs… and he did it very well. It's Hammer time on the Past Our Prime podcast. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An in-depth review of the hit hbo DC mini-series, The Penguin.
Reformed Brotherhood | Sound Doctrine, Systematic Theology, and Brotherly Love
In this thought-provoking episode, Tony and Jesse delve into Jesus's twin parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:44-46. They explore the profound economic metaphor Jesus uses to illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven. Through careful examination of both parables, they discuss what it means to "count the cost" of following Christ while simultaneously recognizing that no earthly sacrifice can compare to the infinite worth of gaining Christ. The conversation moves between practical application—considering how believers assess value in their spiritual lives—and deeper theological reflections on Christ's perfect sacrifice that makes our entrance into the Kingdom possible in the first place. Key Takeaways The Kingdom of Heaven has such surpassing value that sacrificing everything to obtain it is considered a joyful exchange, not a loss. Both parables show different paths to discovering the Kingdom (unexpected finding vs. intentional seeking), but identical responses: selling everything to obtain the treasure. The parables are not primarily commanding material poverty, but rather illustrating the "sold-outness" required in pursuing the Kingdom of God. Counting the cost of discipleship is not only permissible but necessary to fully appreciate the value of what we gain in Christ. The ultimate treasure we receive in salvation is not merely benefits like eternal life, but God Himself—union with Christ and fellowship with the Trinity. Christ Himself is the one who ultimately fulfills these parables perfectly, giving everything to purchase us as His treasure. The irresistible draw of the Kingdom illustrates how God's grace works in the heart of believers, compelling joyful surrender. Exploring the Incomparable Value of the Kingdom The economic metaphor Jesus employs in these parables is striking—both the hidden treasure and the pearl are deemed so valuable that the discoverers "sell all they have" to obtain them. As Tony and Jesse point out, this transaction reveals something profound about how we should view the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not simply that the Kingdom is valuable; it's that its value so far exceeds anything else we possess that the comparison becomes almost absurd. As Tony notes, "For sure the worth of the kingdom of heaven surpasses anything we could imagine... there's no measure that is satisfying, there's no measure that can actually show us how worthwhile it is." This perspective transforms how we understand sacrifice in the Christian life. When opportunities or comforts are foregone because of our faith, we're not simply losing something—we're experiencing the reality that we've chosen something infinitely more valuable. The parables teach us to view these moments not with regret but with a clearer vision of the treasure we've received in Christ. The Ultimate Prize: God Himself Perhaps the most powerful insight from the discussion is the realization that the ultimate treasure of salvation is not the benefits we receive, but God Himself. As Tony eloquently states: "All of those things are attending gifts. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God... we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We get swept up into the life of the Trinity... We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that." This perspective reshapes how we understand the value proposition of the gospel. It's not merely that we receive eternal life, freedom from suffering, or other benefits—though these are real. The pearl of great price is relationship with God Himself. This helps explain why both men in the parables respond with such dramatic, all-encompassing sacrifice. When we truly grasp what's being offered, nothing seems too great a price to pay. Memorable Quotes "What we get in salvation ultimately is we get God. We get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We get swept up into the life of the Trinity... We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that." — Tony Arsenal "I often say in my own line of work, that cost only matters in the absence of value... it's like at the end of days when we think about the worthiness of our God, that there's no one like him, that he's unequal, that he has no rival, that the gospel is the sweetest message that we're rescued literally from the pit. We'll just say no matter what the cost of us personally, great or small, totally worth it." — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [00:00:08] Tony Arsenal: All of those things are attending gifts. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the, the power of the Holy Spirit. We, we get swept up into the life of the, the God of the universe. Like the life of the Trinity indwells us. And we, we become a part of that. We get swept up into that. We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that. [00:00:47] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 469 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:54] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother. [00:00:59] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. Discussing the Value of the Kingdom of Heaven [00:01:00] Jesse Schwamb: Speaking of ears to hear, we're back at it again with a whole new, or let's say different parable from our Lord and Savior Jesus. And we've been talking about how really these parables give us this view of the face of heaven through these earthly glasses. And I am pretty interested in our conversation about what's coming up because sometimes we don't like to put too fine a points to our, our point of question to our faith. And in this case, we're gonna get to ask the question, what is it all worth, this kingdom of heaven, this rule and reign of Christ? What is it all about? Who are the beneficiaries of it? And what is it all actually worth? There's a little bit of economics in this, so we're gonna get there. And while we talk and do a little affirming or denying, you should just go ahead write to just skip, go. Do not collect $200 or maybe. Pass, go and collect $200. I dunno. But just go to Matthew chapter 13 and hang out there for just a second. Affirmations and Denials [00:01:58] Jesse Schwamb: But first, I'm always curious to know whenever we talk, are you gonna affirm with something or are you gonna die against something? We've been on a string of lots of affirmations, but I'd like to think that's just because we're fun, loving, optimistic people. But there was a day where we had to do both. And now that I only have to choose one, I do find myself gravitating almost naturally toward the affirming width. But I leave it to you, Tony, are you affirming with or denying against? [00:02:22] Tony Arsenal: I, unfortunately am denying tonight. Technical Issues with Apple Podcasts [00:02:25] Tony Arsenal: So you and I already talked about it a little bit, but uh, I'm denying Apple Podcast Connect. Oh yes. So, uh, I. Obviously, like if you're affected by this, you're not hearing the episode 'cause it's not updating for you. But, uh, if you happen to be using Apple to listen to the podcast and for some reason you're listening somewhere else, maybe you realize that the podcast has not been updating for several weeks. And so you went to a different podcast catcher. Um, apple just decided for some reason that none of our feeds were gonna update. No good reason. So I've got a ticket out to Apple and hopefully we'll get it fixed. Uh, if you do know someone who listens to the show and they use Apple, please tell them to subscribe to something else or to, uh, go to the website. You can get all of the, all of the episodes on our website. You could go to Spotify, you could do something like, uh, overcast or PocketCasts. Um, it really is just Apple. It's, it's the actual account that we use to, uh, to access. Apple's Directory is not pulling new episodes and it's not pulling new episodes on another show that I run as well. So, uh, it's not just this show, it's not our RSS feed. These things happen. It'll, you know, you'll get four or five episodes all at one time. When it, when it corrects itself, usually they're pretty quick. I put in a ticket like late on Friday afternoon, so I didn't expect them to get to it on, uh, Saturday or Sunday. So hopefully by the time you're hearing this, uh, it's resolved. I would hope so, because that means it would be about a week from today. Um, so hopefully they'll have a resolve. But yeah, it's just th thorns and thistles. This is our own, our own, uh, manifestation of the curse here in this little labor that we do. It's, it's thorns and thistles right now, but no big deal. Just, uh, catch up when you can. And, uh, yeah, so denying Apple Podcasts now, really, it's, it's a great service and this is a, a little glitch. It's, it's just a little frustrating. [00:04:20] Jesse Schwamb: The sweat of our brow. Yes. Here it is. We're just toiling over getting Apple to please release our episodes. Well, it'll be your happy day if you use Apple Podcasts and then get a bunch of them all at once. That's fantastic. It's like the gift that is over in abundance. Supporting The Reformed Brotherhood [00:04:36] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it is a good reminder that you just said, Tony, that everybody should go, just take some time. Head on over to our form brotherhood.com. You can find all the other 400 some odd episodes living over there. And while you're over there and you're perusing or searching by topic to see what we've talked about before, you're probably gonna think to yourself, this is so incredible. How is this compendium, this omnibus of all these episodes just hanging out here free of cost? And I'm so glad you're thinking about that because there are so many lovely brothers and sisters who have decided just to give a little bit to make sure that all that stuff gets hosted for free for you Yeah. And for us, so that anybody can go and explore it and find content that we hope will be edifying. So if that's something you're interested in, maybe you've been listening for a while and thought, you know what? I would like to give a little bit one time or reoccurring, we would love to, for you to join us in that mission. You can go to patreon.com/reform brotherhood, and there's all the information for you to give if that's something that you feel you would like to do, and we would be grateful for you to do it. [00:05:32] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. We, we have a group of people who support the show. They make it possible for your, uh, your ear holes to be filled with our voices. And, uh, but again, you know, the costs are going up all around and, and we would, uh, certainly love to have people partner with us. Um, we've committed to making show that the, making sure that the show is free and available. Um, it's never our intention to put anything behind a paywall or to, to barrier and in that way, but we can only do that if there's people who are supporting the show and making, making sure that we've got the funding that we need to, to keep going. So, thank you to everybody who gives, thank you to anyone who's considering it, uh, and thanking anybody who decides to, uh, jump on board with that. [00:06:11] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. We're appreciative who we really are. [00:06:13] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. So Jesse, what are you affirming or denying today? Exploring Open Webcam DB [00:06:16] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, this is what I've kind of done before, but I think I've found a new place for it. I just am continually impressed and fall in love with how great and big and lovely God's world is. So I love these types of sites that give you insight into this great big world, even if it's in unexpected places or maybe in strange places. So I'm affirming with a website called Open webcam db.com. Open webcam db.com. And it's exactly like what it sounds like. It's a database that has something like 2000 live cameras streaming daily from over 50 countries, all searchable by a category. So you can find natural landscapes, airports, construction sites, and one of my recent favorites, honestly, and this is. It's so strange, but kind of awesome is this warehouse, it's called Chinese Robotic Warehouse Buzz, and it's just robots moving pallets around or like stacks of all of these items. It's mesmerizing. But I would encourage you go to open webcam db.com, search for like your stage or your country. You'll find so many amazing things. So I've sat and just watched, you know, between tasks or when you know you just need a break or you're just curious about the world. Like I look, I watched the Krakow Maine Market Square quite a bit because it's. Beautiful and brilliant, and to think about the people moving to and fro and what they're doing, what their lives are like. There's some great scenes from San Francisco Bay. There is a bird feeder in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania that I often watch. So of course, like go out as we've said, and live and breathe and be in your own communities. And as well, if you're looking at scratch that itch of just seeing all these different places, all the different things that are happening in God's created world, I can firmly and unreservedly recommend open webcam db.com for that. [00:07:58] Tony Arsenal: Nice, nice, uh, little known fact at one point, Dartmouth Hitchcock, which is the hospital that I worked for, had to block a penguin cam, uh, because it was causing such a productivity drain combined with an actual measurable decrease in internet bandwidth at the hospital. 'cause so many people were watching this little penguin cam at some zoo in Boston. I think it probably was. Yeah, I, I love this kind of stuff. I think this kind of stuff is great. Uh, I use, uh, Dartmouth College has a, like a live one that I use all the time, especially when we're trying to figure out what the weather's gonna do. You can see it on the camera. Uh, we, we often will, you know, see, especially as we get closer to the season when we're talking about traveling to the beach and whatnot, uh, often look at the ocean grove. Oh, that's right. Uh, pier cam. So yeah, check it out. Uh, sounds like a fun time. Do not share it with too many of your friends at work. Or it may crash the network and Yeah. But [00:08:53] Jesse Schwamb: yeah, for [00:08:54] Tony Arsenal: sure. That was a funny email that they had to send out. I remember that [00:08:57] Jesse Schwamb: for sure. Use, use the penguin cam responsibly. I just did a quick search. There are four different penguin cams. Uh, three of them are in the United States, one is in New Zealand, and you better believe I'm gonna be checking those bad boys out. Yes. I didn't even think about. The penguin feature here and penguins are an amazing animal. Like we could stop right now and just shift our topic to penguins if you want to. [00:09:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. ' [00:09:16] Jesse Schwamb: cause there's so much there. And the spiritual truths are so broad and deep, but I just think penguins are kind of undervalued. Birds. Everybody should go check them out. [00:09:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. They're, they're pretty cool. [00:09:28] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Um, I'm like, I will watch any Penguin documentary and just be astounded by Penguin. Like, whether they're Emperor Penguins or South African Penguin, wherever. I just think they're phenomenal and hilarious and seem to be living the dream. And he doesn't want a little bit of that. [00:09:46] Tony Arsenal: You just gotta get Morgan Freeman to do the voiceover in any documentary or, or nature documentary is better with Morgan Freeman doing the voiceover. [00:09:55] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I all, this might be a deep cut real quick, but I just learned this, and I'm guessing some of our listening brothers and sisters probably already know this. Maybe you do too, Tony. So, Benedict Cumberbatch, do you know where I'm going with this? Yep, [00:10:06] Tony Arsenal: yep. Pen wing. [00:10:07] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. I didn't. I cannot say that word or stumbles over its pronunciation. He did some kind of big documentary in which Penguins played at least some part. Yeah. And they were in an interview. They were giving him such a hard time because they played his reading of it like within the same kind of five minutes. And his, the word just kept degenerating in his mouth every time he said it. So it became like almost undistinguishable from the actual word. And it's like initial pronunciation. It was so hilarious. Apparently it's a big joke on the internet and I just didn't know it. [00:10:38] Tony Arsenal: Especially for someone like Bent Cumberbatch who just is, uh, like he's a world-class voice actor. [00:10:44] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:10:45] Tony Arsenal: And like a super smart ude guy and he just can't say the word penguin and penguin. Yeah. [00:10:51] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. He said, you got everybody go look it up. 'cause it is super hilarious. And now it's kind of gotten stuck in my head. But um, again, this suddenly became like the All Penguin episode all of a sudden. [00:11:01] Tony Arsenal: I mean like, he can pronounce his own last name just fine, but the word penguin escapes him. I like to call 'em blueberry crumble bottom or whatever. Crumble bunch. [00:11:11] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, see that's the good stuff right there. That's what everybody we know. This is what you all tune in for. This is what you're missing when Apple Podcast doesn't send everything out on time. Yeah. You're welcome. [00:11:22] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl [00:11:23] Tony Arsenal: Well, Jesse, why don't we, why don't we get into it? Because you know it, it's interesting. Let's [00:11:27] Jesse Schwamb: get into it. [00:11:28] Tony Arsenal: Well, it's interesting because when you, you know, you kind of, we, we sort of do the little lead to the episode and I, I suddenly realized that I think I've been interpreting this parable very differently than maybe you have or other people. Great. Do, uh, because I, I think I, I think I might have a different take on it. Let, let's do it. Yeah. So let's get into it. Uh, do you have the, the text in friend you wanna read? Uh, why don't we just do 44 all the way through 46? We'll do both parables in one reading. We'll come back and talk about it. [00:11:54] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Sorry, everybody. So here's a two for one for you. Beginning in where we're in verse 44 of Matthew chapter 13. This is Jesus speaking. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field again. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Interpreting the Parables [00:12:22] Tony Arsenal: I think maybe this is the, like the beauty of parables, uh, when Christ doesn't give us a interpretation. I, I think we're, we're, we're not free to like make up whatever we want, but these kinds of teaching tools are useful because the fact that there can be multiple interpretations actually is, is probably intentional. [00:12:43] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:12:43] Tony Arsenal: So it's funny because I think when you intro the episode here, it sounds like you're going to the kingdom of Heaven being a treasure hidden in a field, being something that we should sell everything we have and go after. And when I read this, I read it as the kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden a field. And the man who is Jesus goes and sells all that. He has. He gives all that he has and buys the field. So, and I, I think this is one of those ones where like. Probably both of those things are in play. Sure. But it's interesting 'cause I've never, I've never really read this and thought about myself as the person who buys the field. [00:13:19] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Interesting. [00:13:20] Tony Arsenal: I've probably heard sermons or read devotionals where people have said that and it just never clicked. And it didn't register until just now. And you were, when you were, uh, introing the parable that maybe you are the, maybe your way of introing your, your interpretation. Maybe that's the dominant one. So I, I looked at a couple quick, um, commentaries while you were speaking and I didn't get a chance to do my commentary reading before the episode. It seems like I'm the weird one. So, but it's interesting, um, 'cause again, I think that's the, kind of the beauty of parables is that sometimes the, the, um. Ambiguity of what the possible meaning could be, probably plays into the, the, um, teaching technique itself. [00:13:58] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I, I think that's fair. I totally can take and understand what your perspective is on this. What I find interesting is that these, we've got these two abutting each other, like the cheek to cheek parallel approach here, and in doing so, there seems to be like kind of an interesting comparison between the two. Actors in this. And I think we should get into that. Like why in one case Jesus is talking about a person who finds this in a field, which by the way, I think the, the thing that jumps out to me first about that person is this person doesn't actually own the field at first. Right. That the treasure is in. So that is interesting. I'm totally with you. But then the second one, so in the first one there's kinda almost like this sense, and I don't wanna like push this too far, but that this person who finds this treasure does so very unexpectedly, perhaps like he's even the hired hand and of course not the one who owns the field. [00:14:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:14:49] Jesse Schwamb: And in the second case, we have somebody who almost is volitionally looking for this thing of great value, but finds the one thing above all the other things that they're used to looking for that clearly has the greatest and most. You know, essential worth and therefore the end is always the same in both of 'em. They give everything they have. They're willing for forsake all other things with great joy, recognizing the great value that's in front of them. I think there is a place to understand that as Christ acting in those ways. I think there's also interesting, again, this comparison between these two people. So I'm seeing this as we've got these varied beneficiaries of the kingdom. They both come to this place of the incomparable value of the kingdom, but then there's also like this expulsive power of the kingdom. All, all of that's, I think in there, and again, these are really, really, really brilliant, I think, because the more that you spend time meditating on these, the layers just kind of come and they fall away and you start to really consider, well, why again is Jesus using these two different characters? Why is he using this kinda different sense of things of, of worth what the people are actually after? I think all of it's in play. You're totally right. [00:15:54] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. The Cost and Value of the Kingdom of Heaven [00:15:55] Tony Arsenal: So I think, you know, when we think about the kingdom of heaven, when we think about these perils, we made this point last week, we shouldn't, um, we shouldn't restrict, we have to be careful not to restrict the comparison to just like the first noun that comes up, [00:16:08] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:16:08] Tony Arsenal: So it's not just that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, it, it is like a treasure, but it's like a treasure that's hidden in a field. Yes. And it's not just like a treasure that's hidden in a field, it's a treasure that's hidden in a field which a man found and covered up. Right? So, so like we have to look at that whole sequence. And I think, I think, um, you know, obviously like the, the interpretation that we are the, we're the man who finds the kingdom of heaven and we, you know, we go and buy the field. Um, that, that obviously makes perfect sense now that I'm looking at a few different commentaries. It seems to be the predominant way that this gets interpreted. And we, we look at it and we say, what, well, what does this mean for like our Christian life? Like. What does it mean? Do we have to, do we have to give everything away? Do we have to sell everything we have? Is that the point of the parable? I think some people make that the point of the parable. Um, I'm not convinced that that actually is the point of the parable. Um, because it, you know, it, it, it just, there's lots in the scripture that, that, uh, doesn't seem to require that Christians automatically like, give away everything they have. Um, maybe that's your calling. Maybe it is something that God's calling you to do to sort of, um, divest yourself of your, your belongings, either to sort of fight materialism or greed or, or just because like you're gonna need to have that fluidity and liquidity to your assets 'cause you're gonna need to move around or whatever it is. But I don't think we look at this parable and have like a, like a, a command for a life of poverty or something like that. Right. Um, really this is more about the. Utter sold outness of the Christian to pursue and seek the kingdom of God. [00:17:48] Jesse Schwamb: Right? Right. [00:17:49] Tony Arsenal: And and I think that that's the same in both, even though the way that the person in the parables comes a, comes across the kingdom or they come across this, this thing of great value or thing of great price, that they find their response in both parables is the same. And to me, that that actually tells me that that's more the point of these parables. Um, or, or maybe we shouldn't even think of these as two parables, right? Some of the introductory language that we see in when we transition from one parable to another, we don't really see that here. Uh, and if, if we're gonna follow that, actually we would be going to the next parable would also kind of fall into this. But he says the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure. And then in 45 he says, again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. We're gonna run into something like this later on when we get to like the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of lost coins. Where there are these distinct parables, but they're kind of stacked on top of each other in order to make a specific point. All of the parables that are sort of in these parable stacks are making the same point. And so I think it's not so much about like, how do we find the Kingdom of Heaven or how do we come upon the kingdom of heaven? It's more about what do we do once we've come upon it? Once we've thrown it's, that's the point of the parable that we need to unpack. [00:19:03] Jesse Schwamb: That's right. And I would add to that, like who is it that is the beneficiary of this kingdom? We have two different, very different individuals, which I, again, I think, we'll, we'll talk a little bit about, but I'm totally with you. I, I think it's, it's easier, it's almost too narrow and too easy to say. Well, this is really just about like physical ma or about wealth. Like in some way the, what we're being taught here is that you have to get rid of everything of value in exchange for this. In some ways, that almost feels too transactional, doesn't it? As if like what, what we need to do is really buy the kingdom. We express our seriousness about this kingdom or the rule and reign of God by somehow just giving up everything that we own as if to prove that we're really worthy of receiving that kingdom that we prayed enough. Right. That we've done enough, even though that we're contrite enough. Yeah. And all that stands like in direct opposition to the mercy and grace, which God gives to us through his son by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us into this kingdom. So we know it can't really be about that. And so that leads me back again to just like the lovely details here. And like you've already said in the first case, here's what really strikes me is. For probably most of us in the West, this idea of treasure is novel and maybe romantic. There's a adventure and an energy to it. Because we've all heard stories about this, whether it's like, I don't know, pirates of the Caribbean or the county Mount Cristo. Like there's something about treasure finding some kind of, or national treasure. Sorry, that just came to my mind. Like I couldn't go any further without mentioning Nick Cage. So you know, like there's something there that pulls us in that finding this thing almost unexpectedly in a hidden place of immense worth and value is, has a real draw to it. But I imagine that in Palestine being like a war torn region in Jesus' day, in the way people might store goods of great value in the fields they own. And then of course the owner may never be able to achieve for lots of reasons, including death. And then somebody might stumble upon it. And as I understand the, the laws there, of course, if you were to stumble upon something. I was in somebody else's property and and on earth that thing take it out of the ground. In this case, you would be by law required to bring that back to the person who owned the field. So there's something interesting here that this first person, probably the more meager and humble of the two with they at least respected, like their socioeconomic status is let's, we could presume maybe going about their normal work. They find this unexpectedly in the field and it's immediately recognized to be something of great value that it is to stop and to, again, there's like a measuring that happens behind the scenes. This person at least is measuring of all the things that I own, all things I could possibly own. The better thing for me to do is to consolidate all the rest of my wealth. And this case, again, it's not the message of the story to do this, it's the exemplification of what's happening here. This person is so sold out to ensure that they acquire this great treasure that they stumbled upon, that they will take literally everything else of value that they own to exchange it for this very thing. So I'm totally with you because I think the predominant message here is not like take all your wealth and make sure that you give it to the church or that it goes to ministry or to missions. That may all be well and good and it may all be the kind of calling that you receive. However, I think the principle message here is the kingdom of God is so valuable that losing everything on earth, but getting the kingdom is a happy trade off. Like that's actually a really, really good deal. And so having the omnipotent saving reign of Christ in our lives is so valuable that if, if we lose everything in order to have it, it would be a joyful sacrifice. [00:22:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, I think, um, I think there is a level of. Encouragement in Sacrifice and Joy in the Kingdom [00:22:27] Tony Arsenal: Sacrifice that happens for every Christian and. I mean, I, I know there's a lot of people who they, uh, come to faith as young children and we've kind of talked about that as like, that's that testimony that, you know, I think everybody really wants is like they wish they never had a time that they didn't know Jesus and Right. I don't know any parent that I've ever spoken to, and I'm certainly not any different here that doesn't want that testimony for Jesus, but, or for, for their kids in their relationship with Jesus. But. I think most people who come to faith at some point in their life when they're able to remember it, like they, they have a conscious memory of their conversion experience. There is this sort of sense of sacrifice and e even a sort of a sense of loss. Um, I think there, there are times where, and, and you know, I think maybe, um, even people who've always been in the faith, um, they probably can resonate with this. I think there are times when we might look at how our lives could have been different or could be different if we weren't in the faith. Um, and, and sometimes there's a sort of wistfulness to that. Like being a Christian can sometimes be difficult right On, um, you know, maybe you miss a promotion opportunity because you're not willing to work on the Lord's day or because you're not willing to do something unethical. Like you, you miss out on some sort of advancement and you think, well, if I could just, you know, if I could have just gotten past that, like my life would be much different. And what this parable teaches us is. That's an understandable, like that's an understandable emotion or response. Um, and there is this weighing of the cost. And in the parable here, he, like you said, there's this calculation that goes on in the background. He finds this treasure, he makes the calculation that to have this treasure is worth. Everything it's worth everything he has. He sells everything he has, and he buys the field in order to get the treasure right. And, and there's some interesting textual dynamics going on through this chapter. We've talked about how the parables kind of like the imagery across the parables in chapter 13 here of Matthew, they kind of flip certain figures around and almost, it's almost intentional because he is getting the treasure and the treasure. The kingdom of heaven here is like the treasure, but he's also getting the field right. And the kingdom of heaven is, is the field in other parables. Um, but this, this calculation that happens, um. I don't know, maybe my heart is just sensitive to this right now. I, I, I, I feel like a lot of times we look at that sort of wis wistful second glance at what could have been if we were not Christians, and we automatically feel like that's gotta be a sinful impulse. Like, how could I ever even consider what life might have been? Like this parable implies that that's the thing we actually have to do. You have to know and consider what it is you've sacrificed or will be sacrificing in order to make this transaction happen. You can't just blanketly say like, oh, of course. You know, you've gotta, you've gotta count the cost, as it were, and then you have to actually make the purchase. So I think we should look at this as a source of encouragement. Um, like I said, I'm not sure why. I feel like maybe there's, maybe there's just a, a. I dunno, I'm feeling a little weird and charismatic right now. I feel like this is something that I definitely need to be saying, like, I feel like someone needs to hear this. Maybe it's just me that needs to hear this. And that's, I'm tricking myself by thinking of someone else. But we are able, as Christians, I think God permits us and in some sense, maybe even expects and commands us to recognize what we have given to be Christians in order that we might realize how much we have gained with that transaction. It's not just this like remorse or regret, um, for the sake of remorse or regret. It's to be able to see how good and how beautiful and how worth it is the kingdom of God, uh, to, to, to claim that. [00:26:23] Jesse Schwamb: I like that there is a great discipline and a great joy in remembering worth and worthiness. So there's gonna be times, like you said, when it's hard and if you look back, look back at the ministry of Jesus, I've often thought that he's like a poor evangelizer from like modern standards. Yeah. Because often people come to him and say things like. I, I wanna be part of the kingdom of God. Well, what do I need to do to enter the kingdom of God? And here you have like a seemingly a willing convert. And he always says things like this, like, you gotta go count the cost. Yeah. Like is, is this worth it to you? Like you have to deny yourself, you have to hate your own father and your mother, and your wife and children, and brothers and sisters, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. And in this kind of language, it's clear that Jesus is saying you fail often. And maybe this goes back like you're saying, Tony, it's like the parable of the soil that you fail to really take into account what it means to follow with full fidelity, to commit yourself in a fully unencumbered way. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to consider that? And as human beings, we're just not good often at counting costs. We're not good at thinking about opportunity costs. And it's interesting here that we're called out to say, even if you've already purchased the field as so to speak, that as if you've been saved by Christ, to continue to remember how good it is to be in the kingdom of God. And that the joy. Of knowing as like the Heidelberg Catechism says in the first question that all things are subservient to our salvation. Yeah. That incredible worth of, that should be a source of encouragement in times of great trial and tribulation, no matter how big or small, so that this joy that this person has when they go and sells everything he has and he buys this field, you know those details, like you're saying, do press us. It really comes to us with this idea that we should be able to see plainly why having Christ is more valuable than all other things. If the omnipotence all wise, God is ruling, ruling over all things for our joy, then everything must be working for our good, no matter how painful and in the end, God is gonna triumph over all evil and all pain. So this kingdom is a real treasure. Like it is a, it is a real. A real quantity in our life and our wellbeing and in our spiritual consistency, that'll ought demand some reflection of how valuable it truly is. And then knowing that in our minds, that like influencing our behavior, our other thought patterns, and then our actual feelings about stuff. So that when, like you said, we're passed over, we're looked over, we're ridiculed for something, we go back and we count it all joy to be worthy of being part of God's kingdom, knowing that it was because of the entrance and acceptability and the identity in that kingdom that we experience. Those things, those hardships begin with. [00:29:05] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And, and I, um, I don't want us to miss out on the fact that even as the parable may be encouraging or forcing us to think about. The cost. It, it really is trying to emphasize the great value of the kingdom. Right? Right. We, like I said, we, we don't just count the cost. In order to count the cost for its own sake. We count the cost in order to understand the great blessing that is ours in Christ. Right. All I, I count all that I have as a loss compared to the greatness of Christ Jesus. And, um, I think we just don't often do that. I, I, I think as Christians, that's probably a thought that is in our head more as young Christians, especially if we come to the faith in, in a time in our life where we're aware of things like that. We think about things like that. Reflecting on the Cost of Faith [00:29:59] Tony Arsenal: You know, I was 15 when I first came to faith and, um, I, I don't think I was in a frame of mind as a 15-year-old boy to think about, like. The cost of what I was doing, right? It's not like I was a particularly popular kid. I didn't have a, you know, I didn't, I wasn't unpopular, but it wasn't like I lost a ton of friends when I became a Christian. I didn't really lose anything that was measurable. Um, but I do think that, as, you know, someone now in my forties, looking back at, you know, 15, 20, 25 years of, of Christian life, it's easy to see that things could have been different on a sort of temporal scale. Like my, my life could probably be more comfortable in terms of wealth or opportunities or other things that might, uh, aren't, aren't even bad things necessarily. There is a sense of sacrifice. But again, God has brought us into this kingdom and he's given us parables like this and given us the ability to recognize. That we do have a cost, that there is a cost to be counted in order that we might now look at it and praise him for how great and glorious and valuable the gift that he's given us is. Understanding the Parable of the Pearl [00:31:08] Tony Arsenal: And so I think, you know, I think that's the same basic meaning of this second, second half of the same parable. I guess the, the pearl of great price or the pearl of great value. But it's not exactly the same, right? It's not like Christ is just repeating the same ver, you know, parable with, with different words for variation. Um, every word is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching correction, reproof, and training and righteousness. And I had a, I had a prophet in, uh, in Bible college who would say like, difference means difference. And he was often talking about like minute things, like the difference, um, or why, why is this word used instead of that word? This word would've worked. And, and the author chose that one. There's a reason for that. Difference means difference, but. Christ here chooses to, to tell the parable a second time, um, in a slightly different way. Uh, and Matthew chooses to record these in the same sense next to each other in slightly different ways. So what, what do we, what do we wanna pull out of this second parable that's different and what do we think it's telling us that's a little bit different than the first version Y? [00:32:14] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that's a great question. Diverse Approaches to the Kingdom of Heaven [00:32:16] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, I love this idea because not until really, I was thinking about it this week when I read through them, was I really, again, drawn to the differences between these two main characters. Interestingly, I think in both, and we can make the case that the, the treasure, the kingdom of heaven here represented in both this pearl or in this literal treasure is in a way hidden. Certainly the first man is not necessarily looking for, it's still revealed to him, but the second in a way. And on the other hand, he knew this guy knows treasure. He's been seeking it with diligence in vigor, or at least like this is what he does for a living in his vocational career. He's out there trading pearls, presumably, and he knows something about them and how to evaluate them effectively. And so it's his business and he's dedicated himself to finding them. And apparently he's seen plenty of them over the years. But then all of a sudden, and this is wild, the beautiful, all of a sudden, clearly the search comes to like an abrupt end because he finds this one of immeasurable value, so much beauty exceeding and value exceeding all the other ones. And he doesn't need to search anymore. He just finds the one pearl that he can retire on a pearl with more than everything else. Or anything else that he's ever possessed and he gets it again. He does. And this brings him into symbol two with the first man. He does the same thing, then liquidate everything else and go after this one. Great pearl. So to me, and I'm curious your perspective on this, I'm not necessarily promulgating that. Well, the first one is not a seeker and the second one is like a seeker of of God things. Right? There is though, like you said, a difference in their approach and what they're after. And so I think what we can take from this, at the very least, is that there is diversity in these beneficiaries of the kingdom of God that's covering everybody. And just by these two kind of bookended or polar examples, that's what Jesus draws us to. But I would turn the question back to you. What do you think about this second guy? What do you think about the fact that his business is searching after these things? What? What do we take away from that? [00:34:07] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. The Ultimate Value of the Kingdom [00:34:07] Tony Arsenal: And you know, the thing that drop that jumps out to me immediately in the first parable, the kingdom of heaven is, is like the treasure hidden in the field, [00:34:16] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:34:16] Tony Arsenal: In the second one, the kingdom of heaven is the merchant who's searching, [00:34:20] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:34:20] Tony Arsenal: Right. The kingdom of heaven is like the merchant in search of fine pearls who finds one. That's right. And so I think that they kind of are like, almost like mirror images of each other, right? One of them is about the treasure and what it takes to come upon it and then obtain it. The second is about the person who is coming upon the treasure and, and finding it. And then what it takes again to obtain that treasure. And I think, I think you're right, there is an element here that. Um, in this second parable, the person who is seeking for this treasure is one he's seeking for the treasure, right? Right. You get the image in this, in this first parable that the dude just kind of stumbles upon it. Um, I've heard this Todd as like, it's actually more like a guy who's just walking through a field rather than like a person working the field. And I'm not sure that matters that much, but there is this sense in the first parable that the guy kind of stumbles upon it. He wasn't looking, it wasn't what he was trying to do, but you're right in the second one, the kingdom of heaven, and this is where I, this is where I think I need to think more about it, is what does it mean for the kingdom of heaven to be like a merchant searching for fine pearls right [00:35:23] Jesse Schwamb: on. [00:35:23] Tony Arsenal: Rather than the pearls being the kingdom of heaven, which is what we see in the first bearable. Um, and I don't know the answer to that question. I think I need to, need to think about it and study it a little bit more. But I do like this distinction that in, in the first case, it's sort of a happy accident. And in the second case, this is, this is the life, this man's life work. He finds he's, he's in search of fine pearls. I'm not sure I know exactly what he's trying to do with the fine pearls. It seems like it implies that he's a pearl merchant or a pearl trader, but then he finds this pearl. He doesn't seek to sell it. He buys it. Right. [00:36:00] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:36:00] Tony Arsenal: And, and the, the, the fact that the parable stops with him buying it sort of implies that like. He actually is not going to sell it. He's just gonna keep this pearl. Now before the, the pearls, the, the source of the value of the pearls was kind of in the, the financial gain that selling or trading them could bring. But now he suddenly finds this pearl that is so valuable. It's so great, it's so beautiful. Everything he was working to obtain before all of the money he's gathered by finding and selling pearls in the previous like mode of living. He now gets rid of all of that just to purchase this one pearl and presumably to keep it. And I think that again, is kind of a, kind of a, um, statement on our Christian life is that we, we probably have all sorts of things that we've been doing our whole life and we are seeking to, to move forward in our life. And the kingdom of heaven is kind of the ultimate goal of all of that, for those who are in Christ, for those who are called according to his purpose. The purpose is not just to accumulate wealth. It's not even necessarily, uh, in and of itself to like grow in righteousness. It's to be transformed to the, uh, to the image of God's glory son, for the purpose of making him great, making his name renowned. Right. When we look at that passage in Romans that have kind alluded to, he's, he would transform into the image of Christ so that he might be the first born among many brothers. The Incomparable Worth of Salvation [00:37:24] Tony Arsenal: Ultimately, our, our sanctification and glorification is about making Jesus great and glorified, um, to give him glory, to have our glorification reflect his already intrinsic glory and the gift that he gives us, and I think that's kind of, kind of in play here, is that. Uh, we might have all sorts of goals in our life. We might have goals in our Christian life, um, that are good things that we should strive for, but at the end of the day, all of those things only serve to bring us to the kingdom of heaven, which is this pearl of great price that we, we purchase, we buy it and we just kind of hang onto it. It is its own treasure and it's, it's not about what this, this treasure can bring to us, right? Which is what the fine pearls were before they were about what the merchant can find and sell. It's, it's now about just obtaining the pearl and enjoying that pearl. Um, which I think is a little bit different than, than, um, what I would've thought of with the par before. [00:38:19] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think, I think you're actually onto something with the distinction because I think of. So much of my career has been spent in financial services among people who are buyers and sellers of things. They're traders. And the way I read this was very similar to what you were saying to me. What resonated was if this gentleman or this person is. Trading, collecting these pearls. Presumably they have appreciation for the beauty of the pearl itself. So there is like something innate that draws them to this particular thing. And with that experience and with that knowledge and with that, that appreciation of that beauty. I think when they see this other pearl, it moves from, well, why would I ever sell that? I've seen everything. This is the most beautiful pearl I've ever laid my eyes on. And now I want to keep it for me. I want to have it in my possession. I want to cherish it and not just keep it in the inventory and then turn around and sell it for markup, presumably, because there is no nothing that would be of greater value to this person. 'cause they just sold everything else that they had. So they, it's appreciation for the pearl itself. It's going after that finding and seeking that great beauty. And then that led me right into Philippians chapter four, where Paul writes the church in Philippi, beginning of verse eight. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever's honorable, whatever's just whatever's pure, whatever's lovely, whatever's commendable. If there's any excellence, if there. Anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Practice these things and the god of peace will be with you. So this idea, like you and I, Tony, have talked about like the world has great wisdom, it has great knowledge, it has things that can lead us by way of common grace into certain amounts of peace. But the pearl of great price, the seeking after the going after all these great things is to find the gospel, to be given the gospel it revealed to you. And then say everything else I count as a loss. Everything else is worthless compared to this thing. And if you're a person that can appreciate even just by turn of mind or God's influence in your life, you know, knowledge and wisdom, and you're seeking after that, which is the ultimate expression and representation of those things, and then you find you come upon this pearl of great price, the gospel wisdom and the beauty of God represented in his son Jesus Christ. And you say, this is it. I, I know enough to know, again, by the regeneration that comes through the spirit, this is the real deal. Then I think the message still stands. We come through two different directions into the same final culminating point, which is there is a condition for having this kingdom of God, for having the king on your side as your friend, but the condition isn't like wealth or power or negotiating or intelligence or even good trading behavior or going out and finding the right thing. The condition is that we prize the kingdom more than anything else we own. The point of selling everything in these parables is to simply show where our hearts are at. And so I often say in my own line of work, that cost only matters in the absence of value. Actually, it's true for everything that we. We presumably spend our time or our money on cost only matters in the absence of value. And I think like you and I could do a fun little experiment where I don't know, you ever talking to somebody about something and you're paying a cost to have that service delivered to you and you're, and you're just like totally worth it, like I would do totally worth it. Like, yeah, that's kind of the vibe I'm getting here. It's like at the end of days when we think about the worthiness of our God, that there's no one like him, that he's unequal, that he has no rival, that the gospel is the sweetest message that we're rescued literally from the pit. We're just say no matter what the cost of us personally, great or small, totally worth it, that that's what we'll be saying for all of eternity as we worship him. [00:41:45] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and I think even more than saying, totally worth it. I think when we are given our new eyes to see, and we no longer see through a da a glass dimly, we're gonna recognize saying that it was worth, it is is like it's a pale, like it's a faulty answer to begin with because the, for sure the worth of the kingdom of heaven surpasses anything we could imagine. And in our, you know, locked in little meat brains that we have now, we're kind of com we're just comparing it to. You know, like what, what we could have had or what we, what we've given up. Um, it, it's gonna be an incomparable comparison. Like there's no, there's no measure that is satisfying, there's no measure that can actually show us how, how worthwhile it is. And, you know, we've, we've made a point of it, like the, the blessing of salvation and, and really like what it is that we're getting, uh, in, in the. You know, the Christian understanding of salvation, it's not, it's not an eternal destiny. It's not bigger mansions in heaven. It's not freedom from death. All of those things come with it. All of those things are attending gifts. That's right. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the, the power of the Holy Spirit. We, we get swept up into the life of the, the God of the universe. Like the life of the Trinity indwells us. And we, we become a part of that. Uh, not, not in the, you know, like. Eastern Orthodox deification sense, although I think there's a proper way we can talk about deification. Um, but we get swept up into that. We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that. There's nothing that we could ever point to. Um, it's funny, my, my wife and I, um, this is a little corny, but, um, we'll often say to, to each other instead of saying, I love you more than anything, we'll say, I love you more than everything. Right. And, and it's, it's a way to say like. You could take all that there is in the world, everything that I have that I could possibly consider and sum up the value. And I love my wife more than that. I love my children more than that. So it's not that I love them more than any one thing, it's that I love them more than everything combined. And this is even greater than that, right? We, we will look back at our lives and if, if it's even in our mind, if we even can, can comprehend anymore. The idea of thinking about what it costs us to obtain this pearl of great value, which is the kingdom of heaven, which is just another way to say, is just fellowship with the God of the universe. Um, we'll look at it and say no matter what it was. No matter what it could have been, I would give everything I, I love God more than everything. Right. Right. There's nothing that could ever possibly be considered that even comes close to what we gain in, in Christ Jesus, in union with, with God. And I think that's the point of this, like I think the guy who, um. Christ's Perfect Sacrifice and Our Response [00:44:58] Tony Arsenal: I think about what it would take for me to even like to sell everything, like the concept of selling everything I own. I'm not even sure how I would do that, to be honest with you. Like, I don't even know the mechanism for that kind of thing. But the idea that there's anything that could be valuable enough that I would just sell every piece of human property that I have, there's probably nothing like that in this world. Like, there probably isn't. And to, to take that comparison and then basically say like, that's just what the kingdom of God is like. 'cause that's the other thing I think we miss about parables is you, you only make a comparison when you can't describe something, um, analytically, right? There's the difference between analogically and analytically Ana lot analytically means we're able to actually quantify and explain it kind of in strict terms, right? I can, I can say that, um, uh, a heavy object ways, X number of grams or it, you know, or, um. Pounds or whatever. I can, I can measure that and make an analytical statement, or I can make an analogy, an analogy that is comparative. Uh, but by definition, or almost by by nature of the thing, when you make that comparison, you're kind of saying like, not only is it like this, but it's actually it, like it's more like this than I can even describe. Right? So when we're talking about the kingdom of Heaven here, and we say it's, it's like, it's like a man who goes, he finds a treasure and then he sells everything. He has to get that treasure. It's infinitely more like that than it actually can be described. Does that make sense? I feel like I'm rambling on that a little bit. Maybe trying to describe something that can't be described is, is hard to do. [00:46:35] Jesse Schwamb: It's, that's, yeah. But yeah, that's, that's very difficult to do. I'm actually totally with you on this. I think I understand clearly what you mean, this idea that no matter how hard we actually try to value it, we'll be incapable of doing so. Yes. And at best, it almost seems like this is a strange command in a way because it's, it's asking us to do in some ways a thing that is impossible for us to do. However, I think what you're saying is it doesn't mean that we shouldn't turn our minds toward that. We're a bit like people who, I don't know if this show is still on PBS, but like, do you know that show, remember that show The Antiques Road Show? Yeah. Where people would like come, they'd ran ransack their homes or their garages with these old antique items and they bring them to this road show where there'd be experts who would value them. And inevitably we'll be like those people who come with what we think is like a. A thousand dollars clock that we got at a garage sale thinking, wouldn't it be great? I know this is valuable. It's probably a thousand dollars. It'll be, look at the return, tenfold return, I'll get on this item, and then instead finding that it's worth $10 million when it's appraised. Yeah, I assume it'll be just like that in the Beautific vision that even maybe for all of eternity will be growing in our appreciation for just how valuable this great salvation is. And yet at the same time, I think what this should encourage us to do is to pray things like God make us real in seeing and savoring Christ in his saving work above all the other things. Yeah. So that, as you said in your example, we would cherish him above everything, above all things that you have that right place in our hearts or that we be inclined to undertake that posture, which says, God, though I cannot understand it in full. Would you help me to see that? Encouragement in Our Spiritual Journey [00:48:08] Jesse Schwamb: And I wanna just say like, as a word of encouragement, maybe I'm speaking more to myself here so everybody else can disregard this if you like, but I think sometimes there can be a little bit of intimidation then when you hear these things and say like, ah, I'm just not, I just dunno if I love God enough, like I wanna love him, or I want to want to love him more. And I think even that posture is appropriate. Yeah. Sometimes there, oftentimes in my personal life, I'll pray something like, God, help me to know how much you love me and would you give me the strength to love you back? So that even that awareness, that energy, that volition, that vitality, that, that heat, all of that, that fire itself is kindled by the Holy Spirit. It's not like we need to like try to again manufacture here. Because the point of these, these stories is not again, that we just find the means to do a transactional exchange here, but that instead we really just sit in the full promises of God. And of course to that, I would say we always need to go back to, to something like Romans eight. I mean, I know that we should, like you said, Tony, the. The standard description we give for the Bible is the one that gives itself, which is that all of it, all of it's is carried along by the Holy Spirit. All of it is God breathe. All of it is useful for something. And yet, of course, I say somewhat tongue in cheek that, you know, if I have 10 minutes to live, I'm probably not gonna the s descriptions of reading a genealogy, I'm going straight from Roman and say, Romans say, I think it's just like the pinnacle of the scriptures. And so just a couple of verses at the end there, because I think this is, this is leading us into what is this great treasure? What is the kingdom of God? Why do we value it so much? What is the saving power? And uh, these verses, I mean, always just entirely get me ready to run through a wall. So this is the end of, of Romans eight beginning verse 35. Who shall separate us from the law of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword as it is written for your sake. We are being killed all the day long. We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No. In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us for I'm sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from a love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. [00:50:22] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. That's, that's a good word. And I, I, I like what you're saying too, is, is I think we, we can. There's this paradoxical thing that happens when the scriptures is trying to encourage us to do something, is we often like to get our, in our own way. And, and actually that becomes a source of discouragement for us. The Bible calls us to something and we know we can't live up to it. And that's actually like part and parcel of, of reform theology to recognize that this is law, like the, the, the, the, you know, maybe not in like the strict sense, like when we talk about dividing the scripture into law and gospel, um. It may not be that this particular passage would fall under that rubric of law normally, but this idea that we need to count the cost and that we need to be treasuring Christ more and more, and then when we feel like I'm just not getting it. I'm just not there. Like, I don't, I don't treasure Christ as much as I so should. Um, that Yeah, that's right. Nobody does. Nobody can, like, that's, that's kind of the point of this, and that's why it's law is it's, it shouldn't drive you in Christ. It should not drive you to despair. Right. It should not drive you to discouragement. It should drive you to gratitude that God saved you anyways. That, that this pearl of great value is still yours even though you can't possibly deserve it. Um, you know, we're, we're a little bit different than the, the merchant and the man who finds the treasure in the field in that we can't sell everything we have and obtain it like they have the ability to do that in the, in the parables. Right. Um, we, we don't, and we never will. And so rather than let that drive you to being discouraged that like you're just not getting. I recognize God is of infinite value and we are finite creatures. So we, we could, uh, value God perfectly. Like whatever that means, and I don't even know what that means, but we could value and cherish and love God perfectly as far as our capacities are concerned, and it still would not be enough to sufficiently merit God's favor for us. Like as much as we can, even in, even in eternity. As much as we can value and worship and love and praise Jesus, he is worth infinitely more than we could ever give, even when we do it perfectly. And this is, this is why you know Christ coming to die, to live on our behalf, to die in our place. Why that's necessary is because only this is a, maybe a different take on it. We, I think we talk a lot about how, um. Only God could, could carry, bear the wrath of God and not be destroyed. Right. Right. Only God could, um, could stand up under his own wrath, could stand up under the wrath of God and bear that punishment and not be destroyed. And so therefore, um, Christ had to be not just a man, but had to be God. But on the flip side. And God requires perfect perpetual obedience, which involves loving the Lord your God, perfectly with your whole heart at all times. Right? Only God can do that too. So it's not just that God. It's not just that G
Ruby the rockhopper, a penguin born with one wing.
Novelist and creative entrepreneur Kern Carter breaks down a practical creative blueprint for turning ideas into finished books and sustainable income—without chasing virality. We cover the path from self‑publishing to indie (Cormorant) and major houses (Scholastic, Penguin), how community-first marketing outperforms algorithms (Cry Magazine, a 5K+ Substack), and why emotion-led storytelling plus industry awareness wins. Kern explains how a middle‑grade novel aimed at young boys sparked word‑of‑mouth among teachers and helped move 15,000+ copies in a single year, and he shares direct advice: study your craft and study the industry. About the Guest: Kern Carter is a novelist, essayist, and filmmaker. He's written for Penguin and Scholastic, sold 15,000+ books in a year, founded Cry Magazine, and writes the Substack Writers Are Superstars. A creative entrepreneur who became a father at 18, Kern builds platforms that elevate new voices. Key Takeaways: At eight, Kern declared he'd be a novelist; publishing later felt “like magic” realized. He self‑published two novels, then vowed not to self‑publish again until traditionally published. Landing an agent took years; 2020 brought an indie deal (Cormorant), then offers from Scholastic and Penguin. He wrote two books in parallel; both released the same year, expanding reach and credibility. Sales crossed 15,000 largely via a Scholastic middle‑grade novel intentionally speaking to young boys. Teachers embraced the layered story and shared it; Scholastic's school distribution amplified exposure. Growth came from community, not algorithms: Cry Magazine, a Substack newsletter (5K+), direct emails. His process starts with emotion; characters' journeys ground even elements of magical realism. Writing is a necessary release, not a burden; burnout comes from life, not books. He builds platforms to open doors for other creators; storytelling deserves access, not gatekeeping. Core advice: study your craft deeply and study the industry with equal intensity. Creatives must make informed business choices—distribution, trends, costs—every creative decision is commercial. Community‑first marketing beat follower counts; real relationships outperformed vanity metrics. He invites writers to claim authority—every creative choice is both art and strategy. Connect with the Guest : Website : https://www.kerncarter.com/ Substack: Writers Are Superstars Discover his books: search “Kern Carter” on your favorite bookstore platform Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on: Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth Holistic Healing & Conscious Living Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.Subscribe and be part of this healing journey. Contact Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com Based in: India & USA Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity. CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST: Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Be a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest Video Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials Join Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ OUR SERVICES Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/ Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/ Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US! 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Nick Locapo returns to the show to discuss the latest tricks. Nick & Erik also discuss a listener question that came in after the last show. What is the best way to submit a trick to Penguin, and what happens after your trick is submitted.
In this special bonus episode, we return to the shadowy corners of Gotham to unpack The Penguin — the gritty, character-driven follow-up to The Batman. Colin Farrell's Oswald Cobblepot is a study in power, loyalty, and moral decay — and in this breakdown, I explore five key writing lessons from the series: · How ambition reshapes identity · How setting becomes a mirror of conscience · The art of sharp, subtext-heavy dialogue · The burden of legacy and validation · And why moral ambiguity keeps audiences hooked Whether you're a screenwriter, storyteller, or just a fan of dark, character-based drama, this episode dives deep into how The Penguin turns crime and chaos into masterclass storytelling.
Batman ’66 S2 Ep44 – Penguin’s Disastrous End The Penguin attempts his scheme’s masterstroke, complete with an audacious means of escape no one will see coming. Episode aired Thursday, Feb 2, 1967 Director: James B. Clark Writer: Stanford Sherman Cast: Adam West – Batman Burt Ward – Robin Alan Napier – Alfred Neil Hamilton – […] The post BatChums Episode 80 – Penguin’s Disastrous End appeared first on The ESO Network.
Send us a textWant links that don't vanish with the next algorithm update? We dive into digital PR and show how to earn authoritative coverage that boosts rankings, brand searches, and even AI search citations. Instead of paying for links, we focus on creative stories and credible data that journalists choose to share.We start with why links still move the needle and how AI-driven results increasingly reward sources that get referenced across the web. From there we unpack what makes digital PR “white hat,” tracing the shift after Penguin from paid link schemes to story-led outreach. You'll hear a practical blueprint for campaigns: pick a simple, timely question, back it with trustworthy data, present a clear hook, and pitch concise angles to the right outlets. We also explain why unlinked mentions still matter for awareness and how to ask for attribution without burning relationships.To make it real, we break down proven ideas: a playful analysis estimating real-world salaries for iconic video game characters, and a data-led piece identifying the easiest and hardest UK driving test centres using official pass-rate data. These campaigns worked because they were easy to understand, rooted in credible sources, and adaptable to national, trade, and local press. You'll learn how to source public datasets, shape local angles, craft reporter-friendly emails, and build a lightweight newsroom page that encourages linking.If you're ready to replace link begging with newsworthy work, this guide gives you the steps, examples, and mindset to start fast and scale wisely. Subscribe for more SEO strategy, share this episode with a friend who needs better links, and leave a quick review to tell us which campaign idea you'll try first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
For episode 226, I'm exited to welcome 0xJoshua and Penguin, Co-Founders of Azos, a third-generation DeFi protocol using blockchain technology to turn climate-positive assets into real financial infrastructure. Their stablecoin, AZUSD, is designed to hold a stable value while automatically directing capital toward environmental good.In our conversation, we explore how Azos is making values-aligned money possible, what it means to merge DeFi innovation with climate action, and how they're building an ecosystem where both regens and degens can participate in building a greener future.You'll learn:
Word up BookshelversAs autumn has its chilly grip on us (at least here in the UK), you'll be pleased to hear we have an episode for you as heart-warming an as a bowl of steaming soup about an equally wonderfully heart-warming book. This week Corrin and Steve have the pleasure of catching up with the awesome Diane Gollowitzer who is not only a good friend of ours but also a fabulous award winning photographer, trick trainer and now published author (WOOHOO). You'll here in this interview just how much Steve and Corrin LOVE her new book Muzzled and Misunderstood: Love Letter to my Muzzled Dog. This is, not only, a much needed book that tackles a taboo subject head on, but also a bona fide work of art in its own right. Using the power of Diane's breath taking imagery a weaving it with beautiful, honest and vulnerable "letters" written by the guardians to their own dogs: this book is as much a well needed life affirming lift, as it is a crucial text that challenges the status quo. Honestly if you love dogs, you'll love this book.On top of discussing the book in our normal book review style as well as talking to Diane herself, we also update everyone on the ongoing saga of Penguin and discuss the curious case of bedtime Brian Cox... If indeed it is him.Pop it straight in those lug holes... you know you want to.Links:Diane's website: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/Diane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogsinfocusphotography/Diane's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsinfocusphotography/Pre-order the book on Amazon: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1910488747About the project: https://www.dogsinfocusphotography.com/muzzled-and-misunderstood/The Muzzle Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_muzzle_project/
HBO is developing a V for Vendetta TV series with writer Pete Jackson attached and James Gunn and Peter Safran executive producing for DC Studios. We break down what that creative team signals for tone and scope, how the show might adapt Alan Moore and David Lloyd's classic, and where it could fit within HBO's run of prestige comic adaptations. We also revisit the 2005 film's legacy and outline the big questions fans should watch as the project moves through development.00:00 Intro and headline00:35 Who is Pete Jackson and why his work matters02:10 Creative team and producers explained03:45 Source material primer for newcomers05:30 What made the 2005 film stick with audiences07:05 How this fits HBO and DC's live action slate08:50 What a season one arc could cover10:20 Casting and tone watchlist11:30 Production timeline expectations and next checkpoints12:15 Final thoughts and listener promptHBO is developing V for Vendetta with Pete Jackson writing and DC Studios leadership producing.Expect character driven storytelling with a focus on personal stakes inside a political thriller frame.The series has strong runway at HBO, which has a history of turning comic properties into prestige TV.The 2005 film set a high bar for mood and iconography, so casting for V and Evey will be pivotal.Early cues to watch include period setting, one season retelling versus ongoing world build, and how closely it tracks the graphic novel's themes.“The mask is iconic, but the power of V for Vendetta is the way it asks who gets to define freedom.”“If this show keeps the human story front and center, the politics will land without feeling like a lecture.”“Casting V and Evey decides the show's heartbeat before a single set piece is shot.”If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow and subscribe, leave a quick review, and share the episode with the hashtag #GeekFreaksHeadlines. It helps more geeks find the show.All news discussed on our podcast is sourced from GeekFreaksPodcast.com.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastWhat do you want from a V for Vendetta series and who would you cast as V and Evey? Send your questions and topic ideas for future episodes and we will feature our favorites.Apple Podcast Tags: V for Vendetta, HBO, DC Studios, James Gunn, Peter Safran, Pete Jackson, Alan Moore, David Lloyd, TV news, Comic adaptations, The Penguin, Watchmen, Green Lantern Lanterns, Geek Freaks HeadlinesTimestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall To ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener Questions
Declaration of Independence Today - do the grievances against King George still apply to Washington? :: Ridley calls, still getting calls from press on past activism :: Skeeter thinks all libertarians should have left the US when they turned 18 :: Sarah in New Mexico helps her guy do well in the election but not convinced she should run for office. She says SNAP is too much paperwork :: DC sandwich guy not indicted :: Peanut allergies drop after a return to not telling parents to keep children away from peanuts :: what has the Free State Project actually accomplished in New Hampshire? Quite a bit it turns out :: 2025-11-08 Hosts: Chris, Riley, Penguin
“Would you ever lean in to sniff a penguin's butt—just to see what it smells like?” That's the wild question that kicks off this episode of The Sandy Show, where curiosity, laughter, and real-life moments collide in the most unexpected ways. Join Sandy and Tricia as they dive into a whirlwind of topics that will have you laughing, nodding in agreement, and maybe even questioning your own Thanksgiving side dish loyalties. From the bizarre (an aquarium in Japan where visitors can literally smell animal butts!) to the relatable (parental worries, side hustles, and the eternal debate over stuffing vs. mashed potatoes), this episode is packed with stories that capture the essence of everyday life—with a hilarious twist. Highlights & Key MomentsBizarre News: Discover the viral story of Japan's “butt-sniffing” animal exhibit and how it connects to America's own “serial butt sniffer”—a segment that's as outrageous as it is unforgettable.Parenting & Worry: Sandy and Trisha get real about the universal anxieties of raising kids, sharing heartfelt reflections and the wisdom passed down from their own parents.Iconic Movie Quotes: Test your pop culture knowledge as the hosts count down the most legendary movie lines of all time, from “May the force be with you” to “You shall not pass!”—and debate which classics were snubbed.Thanksgiving Showdown: Stuffing or mashed potatoes? The results are in, and the hosts aren't holding back on their opinions (or their favorite family recipes).Life Hacks from the Ages: Embrace your “old soul” with timeless advice—like wearing comfy pants, keeping car candies, and the underrated joy of Werther's Originals.Health Trends & Side Hustles: Is the latest TikTok health hack worth the hype? And why are so many Americans juggling side gigs just to get by?Notable Quotes & Moments“I say ‘no worries' far too much for someone who is approximately 94% worry.”“Nobody thinks to buy a Werther's, but everybody gets excited when they see one.”“If you're not going out for the rest of the night, put on your comfy pants.”Call to Action Loved this episode? Don't miss a moment—subscribe to The Sandy Show, leave us a review, and share your favorite segment with a friend! Your support keeps the laughter (and the car candies) coming.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to write your own decodable books—or how to make them both phonics-aligned and fun to read? In this episode of the Route2Reading Podcast, Amie sits down with Brooke Vitale, former children's book editor turned author and co-creator of Charge Mommy Books, to talk about how she began writing decodable texts during the pandemic and what she's learned along the way. Brooke shares her journey from working with top publishers like Penguin and Disney to creating her own line of decodable readers that blend phonics progression, story engagement, and authentic language. Together, Amie and Brooke unpack practical tips for teachers who want to fill gaps in their phonics sequence or even try writing their own decodables. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES
Declaration of Independence Today - do the grievances against King George still apply to Washington? :: Ridley calls, still getting calls from press on past activism :: Skeeter thinks all libertarians should have left the US when they turned 18 :: Sarah in New Mexico helps her guy do well in the election but not convinced she should run for office. She says SNAP is too much paperwork :: DC sandwich guy not indicted :: Peanut allergies drop after a return to not telling parents to keep children away from peanuts :: what has the Free State Project actually accomplished in New Hampshire? Quite a bit it turns out :: 2025-11-08 Hosts: Chris, Riley, Penguin
Emerging AI-hardware technologies are poised to reshape data centers. Penguin Solutions CTO Phil Pokorny joins Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Woo Jin Ho to discuss how the company's bespoke engineering approach, which blends deep technical expertise with differentiated hardware and software, helps enterprises, neo-clouds and sovereign entities tackle the complexity of AI deployments across markets. The conversation also explores what it will take to stay ahead in the next phase of AI-infrastructure growth.
Batman ’66 S2 Ep43 – Penguin Sets a Trend In order to keep a close eye on the Penguin (and hopefully locate the stolen chain mail armor), Batman and Robin rejoin Penguin’s movie efforts. The next part of his film is to take place in medieval times. Therefore, Penguin has the Dynamic Duo dress in […] The post BatChums Episode 79 – Penguin Sets a Trend appeared first on The ESO Network.
SNAP funding to end November 1st :: messed up healthcare system :: whiskey rebellion :: individual rights :: Sarah from NM calls about automated police tech :: Skeeter calls to "destroy" libertarianism, fails again :: China pays too much for water plant in Nashua NH? :: Parker from CT calls about Chinese buying mineral rights and "national security" :: Dave Ridley calls about AI risk, was asked to submit an article to reason magazine :: $14 billion in bitcoin seized from Cambodian "pig butchering" scam operation :: 2025-10-26 Hosts: Stu, Penguin, Angelo
SNAP funding to end November 1st :: messed up healthcare system :: whiskey rebellion :: individual rights :: Sarah from NM calls about automated police tech :: Skeeter calls to "destroy" libertarianism, fails again :: China pays too much for water plant in Nashua NH? :: Parker from CT calls about Chinese buying mineral rights and "national security" :: Dave Ridley calls about AI risk, was asked to submit an article to reason magazine :: $14 billion in bitcoin seized from Cambodian "pig butchering" scam operation :: 2025-10-26 Hosts: Stu, Penguin, Angelo