Podcasts about Public diplomacy

O paradigma que emergiu dos Acordos de Oslo, em 1993, fragmentou e despolitizou a sociedade civil palestiniana, diz Inès Abdel Razek, codiretora executiva do Instituto Palestiniano para Diplomacia Pública. Nesta entrevista, gravada durante a produção da série “Indústria da Ajuda na Palestina”, explica como se criaram instituições e mecanismos para “gerir a ocupação, em vez de a confrontar”. Sabe mais sobre a nova série Fumaça, Indústria da Ajuda na Palestina, em www.fumaca.pt/[EN] After a short intro, this interview is conducted in English. The paradigm that emerged from the Oslo Accords in 1993 fragmented and depoliticized Palestinian civil society, says Inès Abdel Razek, co-executive director of the Palestinian Institute for Public Diplomacy. In this interview, recorded during the production of the series “Aid Industry in Palestine”, she explains how institutions and mechanisms were created to “manage the occupation rather than confront it.” Find out more about Fumaça’s new series, Aid Industry in Palestine, at www.fumaca.pt/Junta-te à Comunidade Fumaça: https://fumaca.pt/contribuirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the role of the state in supporting transitions and deeper transformations towards a more sustainable world?  Brought to you by the BISA Environment and Climate Politics Working Group. The role of the state in supporting shifts towards a more sustainable society is receiving increasing academic and policy attention from interest in green (new) deals to planet politics through to more critical attention to the ecocidal and extractivist nature of states. Despite this, the focus often starts and (frequently) ends with the governance of transitions, where the state is merely one actor among many and the tensions and contradictions between the range of roles it simultaneously performs are often left under-analysed. The state is often caricatured variously in political debate as too big, too powerful, too small, too inefficient, too ineffective or too unsustainable. But the reality is more complex, nuanced and contingent on the historical and geographical context, prevailing social relations and the state function and issue in question. States of Transition: From Governing the Environment to Transforming Society (Cambridge UP, 2025) takes a deep dive into the multiple roles states are playing in supporting transitions to a more sustainable world, exploring where there is scope for their transformation. Going beyond unhelpful binaries which cast the state as the central problem or the all-encompassing solution to ecological and social crises, it explores diverse current state practice across key domains from the military and democratic state to the welfare, entrepreneurial industrial and global state. To do this, it builds on theoretical resources from a range of disciplines, as befits the challenge of making sense of these diverse aspects of state power. It moves beyond existing analysis of the ‘environmental state' and normative projections around the form a ‘green state' might take, in order to explore scope for a ‘transition state' to emerge, capable of corralling and transforming all aspects of state power behind the goal of responding to the existential threat of planetary collapse. Peter Newell is a Professor of International Relations at the University of Sussex. He is a specialist in the politics and political economy of environment and development. For more than 25 years he has conducted research, consultancy and advisory work on issues of climate change and energy, agricultural biotechnology, corporate accountability and trade policy working in a number of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. In recent years his research has mainly focussed on the political economy of carbon markets and low carbon energy transitions. Pauline Heinrichs is a Lecturer in War Studies (Climate and Energy) at King's College London. Her research focuses on international climate diplomacy and the contestation of security in the context of climate change and international ordering. She currently holds a British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Grant working on critical actuarial science and climate justice. Pauline has worked with and led international teams in conflict and post-conflict countries such as Ukraine and the Baltic States, leading on qualitative methods and strategic narrative analysis. She has been selected as an Emerging Scholar by the Milton Wolf Seminar on Public Diplomacy. Pauline has also been a climate diplomacy professional working in foreign policy, and an international climate think tank. 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

What is the role of the state in supporting transitions and deeper transformations towards a more sustainable world?  Brought to you by the BISA Environment and Climate Politics Working Group. The role of the state in supporting shifts towards a more sustainable society is receiving increasing academic and policy attention from interest in green (new) deals to planet politics through to more critical attention to the ecocidal and extractivist nature of states. Despite this, the focus often starts and (frequently) ends with the governance of transitions, where the state is merely one actor among many and the tensions and contradictions between the range of roles it simultaneously performs are often left under-analysed. The state is often caricatured variously in political debate as too big, too powerful, too small, too inefficient, too ineffective or too unsustainable. But the reality is more complex, nuanced and contingent on the historical and geographical context, prevailing social relations and the state function and issue in question. States of Transition: From Governing the Environment to Transforming Society (Cambridge UP, 2025) takes a deep dive into the multiple roles states are playing in supporting transitions to a more sustainable world, exploring where there is scope for their transformation. Going beyond unhelpful binaries which cast the state as the central problem or the all-encompassing solution to ecological and social crises, it explores diverse current state practice across key domains from the military and democratic state to the welfare, entrepreneurial industrial and global state. To do this, it builds on theoretical resources from a range of disciplines, as befits the challenge of making sense of these diverse aspects of state power. It moves beyond existing analysis of the ‘environmental state' and normative projections around the form a ‘green state' might take, in order to explore scope for a ‘transition state' to emerge, capable of corralling and transforming all aspects of state power behind the goal of responding to the existential threat of planetary collapse. Peter Newell is a Professor of International Relations at the University of Sussex. He is a specialist in the politics and political economy of environment and development. For more than 25 years he has conducted research, consultancy and advisory work on issues of climate change and energy, agricultural biotechnology, corporate accountability and trade policy working in a number of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. In recent years his research has mainly focussed on the political economy of carbon markets and low carbon energy transitions. Pauline Heinrichs is a Lecturer in War Studies (Climate and Energy) at King's College London. Her research focuses on international climate diplomacy and the contestation of security in the context of climate change and international ordering. She currently holds a British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Grant working on critical actuarial science and climate justice. Pauline has worked with and led international teams in conflict and post-conflict countries such as Ukraine and the Baltic States, leading on qualitative methods and strategic narrative analysis. She has been selected as an Emerging Scholar by the Milton Wolf Seminar on Public Diplomacy. Pauline has also been a climate diplomacy professional working in foreign policy, and an international climate think tank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

What is the role of the state in supporting transitions and deeper transformations towards a more sustainable world?  Brought to you by the BISA Environment and Climate Politics Working Group. The role of the state in supporting shifts towards a more sustainable society is receiving increasing academic and policy attention from interest in green (new) deals to planet politics through to more critical attention to the ecocidal and extractivist nature of states. Despite this, the focus often starts and (frequently) ends with the governance of transitions, where the state is merely one actor among many and the tensions and contradictions between the range of roles it simultaneously performs are often left under-analysed. The state is often caricatured variously in political debate as too big, too powerful, too small, too inefficient, too ineffective or too unsustainable. But the reality is more complex, nuanced and contingent on the historical and geographical context, prevailing social relations and the state function and issue in question. States of Transition: From Governing the Environment to Transforming Society (Cambridge UP, 2025) takes a deep dive into the multiple roles states are playing in supporting transitions to a more sustainable world, exploring where there is scope for their transformation. Going beyond unhelpful binaries which cast the state as the central problem or the all-encompassing solution to ecological and social crises, it explores diverse current state practice across key domains from the military and democratic state to the welfare, entrepreneurial industrial and global state. To do this, it builds on theoretical resources from a range of disciplines, as befits the challenge of making sense of these diverse aspects of state power. It moves beyond existing analysis of the ‘environmental state' and normative projections around the form a ‘green state' might take, in order to explore scope for a ‘transition state' to emerge, capable of corralling and transforming all aspects of state power behind the goal of responding to the existential threat of planetary collapse. Peter Newell is a Professor of International Relations at the University of Sussex. He is a specialist in the politics and political economy of environment and development. For more than 25 years he has conducted research, consultancy and advisory work on issues of climate change and energy, agricultural biotechnology, corporate accountability and trade policy working in a number of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. In recent years his research has mainly focussed on the political economy of carbon markets and low carbon energy transitions. Pauline Heinrichs is a Lecturer in War Studies (Climate and Energy) at King's College London. Her research focuses on international climate diplomacy and the contestation of security in the context of climate change and international ordering. She currently holds a British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Grant working on critical actuarial science and climate justice. Pauline has worked with and led international teams in conflict and post-conflict countries such as Ukraine and the Baltic States, leading on qualitative methods and strategic narrative analysis. She has been selected as an Emerging Scholar by the Milton Wolf Seminar on Public Diplomacy. Pauline has also been a climate diplomacy professional working in foreign policy, and an international climate think tank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/public-policy

What is the role of the state in supporting transitions and deeper transformations towards a more sustainable world?  Brought to you by the BISA Environment and Climate Politics Working Group. The role of the state in supporting shifts towards a more sustainable society is receiving increasing academic and policy attention from interest in green (new) deals to planet politics through to more critical attention to the ecocidal and extractivist nature of states. Despite this, the focus often starts and (frequently) ends with the governance of transitions, where the state is merely one actor among many and the tensions and contradictions between the range of roles it simultaneously performs are often left under-analysed. The state is often caricatured variously in political debate as too big, too powerful, too small, too inefficient, too ineffective or too unsustainable. But the reality is more complex, nuanced and contingent on the historical and geographical context, prevailing social relations and the state function and issue in question. States of Transition: From Governing the Environment to Transforming Society (Cambridge UP, 2025) takes a deep dive into the multiple roles states are playing in supporting transitions to a more sustainable world, exploring where there is scope for their transformation. Going beyond unhelpful binaries which cast the state as the central problem or the all-encompassing solution to ecological and social crises, it explores diverse current state practice across key domains from the military and democratic state to the welfare, entrepreneurial industrial and global state. To do this, it builds on theoretical resources from a range of disciplines, as befits the challenge of making sense of these diverse aspects of state power. It moves beyond existing analysis of the ‘environmental state' and normative projections around the form a ‘green state' might take, in order to explore scope for a ‘transition state' to emerge, capable of corralling and transforming all aspects of state power behind the goal of responding to the existential threat of planetary collapse. Peter Newell is a Professor of International Relations at the University of Sussex. He is a specialist in the politics and political economy of environment and development. For more than 25 years he has conducted research, consultancy and advisory work on issues of climate change and energy, agricultural biotechnology, corporate accountability and trade policy working in a number of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. In recent years his research has mainly focussed on the political economy of carbon markets and low carbon energy transitions. Pauline Heinrichs is a Lecturer in War Studies (Climate and Energy) at King's College London. Her research focuses on international climate diplomacy and the contestation of security in the context of climate change and international ordering. She currently holds a British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Grant working on critical actuarial science and climate justice. Pauline has worked with and led international teams in conflict and post-conflict countries such as Ukraine and the Baltic States, leading on qualitative methods and strategic narrative analysis. She has been selected as an Emerging Scholar by the Milton Wolf Seminar on Public Diplomacy. Pauline has also been a climate diplomacy professional working in foreign policy, and an international climate think tank.

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, COL Rob Thelan discusses the US Army's Information Warfare (IWAR) Branch. IWAR aims to integrate the IO (Information Operations) and PSYOP (Psychological Operations) communities into a unified, conventional force branch. Other topics include: U.S. lagging behind adversaries like China and Russia in IO funding and the need to break down "stovepiping" within the U.S. information operations community; the State Department's Global Engagement Center and filling the void with respect to mis/dis-information; and military public affairs evolution. Recording Date: 19 Nov 2025 Research Question: Rob Thelan suggests an interested student or researcher examine: Where else are we falling behind our adversaries and how do we make up ground – especially with respect to operations in the information environment? Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #106 Mike Taylor on the Global Engagement Center Art of War by Sun Tzu  The Fire of the Dragon: China's New Cold War by Ian Williams Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio:  Colonel Robert M. Thelen is currently the chief of staff of the Department of the Army Strategic Operations Directorate (DAMO SO). Previously, he was the Department of State Senior Military Advisor to the Bureau of Public Diplomacy and Global Public Affairs office of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (R/FIMI). Colonel Thelen completed a War College Fellowship at the Near East South Asia Strategic Studies Center at National Defense University. Prior to War College he was assigned to the Joint Staff J39 (Deputy Director for Global Operations DDGO) as Chief Special Activities Division (SAD). He was also assigned to the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) J39 Information Operations (IO) Division as the Chief of Special Activities.  He also served at the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) J39 Information Operations (IO) Division after earning a Master Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He previously served as the G7 Information Operations Officer for the Second Infantry Division, stationed at Camp Red Cloud, Republic of Korea. He was also assigned to Fort Hood's III Armored Corps as a G35 Future Operations IO Planner and deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 where he lead an international team of IO planners for the Future Operations G35 of the ISAF Joint Command (IJC).  Before joining III Armored Corps, COL Thelen served with the U.S. Army Forces Command's Operations Division Watch team where he was instrumental in establishing the IO section within the G-3/5/7. Colonel Thelen has had a long and diverse military career, bringing a plethora of military experience to the Department of State.  While still a junior in high school, he enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard as a photo journalist. Four years later, he attended Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. He then relocated to Washington, D.C., where he pursued a career with the federal government while continuing to serve in the Virginia Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Division as the Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, as well as an aide-de-camp to the Commanding General. COL Thelen was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia where he joined the Georgia Army National Guard and the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. In 1997 he was mobilized, deployed and attached to the 1st Infantry Division 2-2 Infantry in Bosnia-Herzegovina, serving as the Task Force 2-2 Public Affairs Officer. He remained on active duty through the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program where he served in Stuttgart, Germany with the European Command J37 NATO Exercise Branch and performed Operations Center duties during the Kosovo Campaign. Following this assignment, he returned to Atlanta and served in the G-3/5/7 Training Division at the U.S. Army Forces Command and the Executive Officer to the 2-star senior Army National Guard Advisor. He was then selected to serve as the Battalion S3, Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS) at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) ROTC program, and then as the Coordinator for the Georgia National Guard's State Partnership Program with the Former Soviet Republic of Georgia.  During this time he also commanded the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.  After command, he attended Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and was then assigned as the Brigade S3 Plans officer at the 48th Infantry Brigade.  COL Thelen was then assessed to active duty as an Information Operations officer and continues to serve. COL Thelen is married to Alexis (Layton-Moore) and has three children, Jake, Rachel and Robert, Jr. He has owned and operated a real estate investment firm and is an active member of the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe co-hosts Adam Reichardt and Aleksandra Karpi discuss the latest developments across the region, from Lithuania's border closure with Belarus to new US sanctions on Russian oil giants and Hungary's political shifts ahead of next year's elections. They also explore a recent sabotage plot uncovered in Romania and Poland.The main interview, which was recorded recently live at the Sarajevo Security Conference, features Charles Kupchan, a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Kupchan shares his insights on the state of US foreign policy under Trump's second term, the future of transatlantic relations and what the world can expect from America's evolving role on the global stage. We'd like to express our appreciation to the organizers of the Sarajevo Security Conference for assisting us in making this happen. Learn more about the event here: https://sarajevosecurityconference.com/Further reading:“NATO in times of crisis. Safeguarding the future of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance” by Wojciech Michnik, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/09/26/nato-in-times-of-crisis-safeguarding-the-future-of-the-euro-atlantic-alliance/Check out a recent issue of New Eastern Europe dedicated tothis topic: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/05/06/issue-3-2025-negotiating-peace/ //Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation". The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Every plan for Gaza seems to start from the same assumption: that Palestinians can't lead their own liberation. That they're a humanitarian crisis to be managed, not a people with agency, history, and political vision.Today, Ester Pinheiro speaks with: Aseel Albajeh, researcher and advocate at the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy, about what it would mean to center Palestinians in shaping a real and just peace.

In this week's episode of Talk Eastern Europe, hosts Alexandra and Adam unpack another intense week of regional developments, from Donald Trump's surprising outreach to Vladimir Putin and the potential Budapest summit, to leaks of Polish military documents and rising Russian sabotage activity. They also touch on coalition talks in Czechia and the Georgian government's deepening crackdown on opposition voices.Later, Adam sits down with Carlo Masala, a leading German political scientist and author of If Russia Wins, to discuss his new book imagining what might follow a Russian victory in Ukraine. Masala outlines why Europe must take the Russian threat seriously, how NATO could be tested in unexpected ways, and why helping Ukraine win is crucial for Europe's own security.Check out the book here: https://atlanticbooks.co.uk/book/if-russia-wins/Further reading:Kremlin's drone surge in 2025 and its hybrid threat toUkraine and Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/10/16/kremlins-drone-surge-in-2025-and-its-hybrid-threat-to-ukraine-and-europe/Bonus episode:Watch Alexandra's full interview with Full interview with Ivona Šimunović, a youth worker from Croatia: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-141718094/////Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Nina, Adam andAlexandra start by discussing the latest news in the region, including the Hungarian spy scandal, train accident in Slovakia, Latvian minority policy, and some updates from the Western Balkans.Later, Adam is joined by Mihail Nesteriuc, a Moldovan analyst and journalist, and discuss the country's recent parliamentaryelections, which took place on September 28th 2025. The result of the vote delivered a relatively strong victory for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). Mihail describes what the results mean for Moldova's European path, Russian interference and disinformation efforts, the complex role of Transnistria, and how these developments might reshape the region's geopolitics.Further reading:Read a report directly from the ground in Moldova during theelections, recently published on New Eastern Europe https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/10/10/operation-matryoshka-russias-direct-intrusion-into-moldovas-parliamentary-elections/Watch Alexandra's full interview with Oriana IvkovićNovokmet on Croatia's elections and lessons for digital resilience. https://www.patreon.com/posts/oriana-ivkovic-141186086Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Holding onto their land. After resisting forcible transfer, Palestinians are returning to northern Gaza during the ceasefire. Both Israel and the U.S. wanted to remove them from the strip. So, has a new Nakba been averted? In this episode: Ines Abdel Razek - Co-director of the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy. Ilan Pappe - Chairman of the Nakba Memorial Foundation. Ghada Karmi - Academic and the author of ‘Return: A Palestinian Memoir’. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Long before Trump retook the Oval Office, policymakers were concerned that South Africa's growing ties with Russia and China could undermine Washington's strategic interests in the region. Against the backdrop of these concerns, President Cyril Ramaphosa examines South Africa's domestic priorities, its bilateral trade relations with the United States, the future of BRICS, and the country's role in Southern Africa.   This conversation was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.    Background Reading:  This post unpacks the confrontational meeting between South African President Ramaphosa and U.S. President Trump in May 2025.   Host: Richard Stengel, Political Analyst at MSNBC; Former Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State   Guest: Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR's Daily News Brief newsletter. To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD93mvqbnDI

How can a food industry trade show spark global culinary creativity? Anuga's JP Hartmann, U.S. Consul General Preeti Shah, and World Food Championships' Nikki Jackson share their perspectives on how the U.S. presence at Anuga 2025 is helping to bridge culinary experiences together. More About Jan Phillip Hartmann: Jan Philipp Hartmann has been the Director of Anuga, the world's leading trade fair for food and beverages, since April 1, 2023. With his extensive experience in the international trade fair industry and strong sales expertise, he has successfully driven the development of ISM Middle East. Now, he is bringing his innovative mindset to further strengthen and expand Anuga's position as a global leader. His goal: to distinguish Anuga even more from the competition, enhance its leadership in content, and take the B2B experience to the next level. More About Consul General Preeti Shah: Preeti V. Shah assumed duty as the Consul General for the U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf, covering the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in August of 2024. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ms. Shah grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, and she is the daughter of Indian immigrants to the United States. She attended Claremont McKenna College in Southern California where she earned a dual bachelor's degree in Economics and International Relations. Ms. Shah joined the Foreign Service in 2004 and has previously served in Nicaragua, Turkey, Afghanistan, Mexico and Indonesia. In addition, throughout her over twenty years as a Foreign Service Officer, she worked in several offices in Washington, DC, including most recently as the Deputy Director of Public Diplomacy training at the Foreign Service Institute. She also served as a foreign policy advisor for Senator Richard Durbin and worked in the Western Hemisphere Affairs bureau on migration issues as well as Haiti's recovery after the 2010 earthquake. More About Nikki Jackson: Nikki Jackson is a seasoned agriculture and food systems strategist with a career spanning research, policy, and global market development. From leading international water and ag initiatives at the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research, supporting Texas businesses to break into global markets as the International Marketing Director for the Texas Department of Agriculture, to most recently driving global partnerships for the World Food Championships, she has helped secure millions in funding and created programs that connect U.S. agriculture to markets worldwide. Her current collaboration with the USDA focuses on expanding global opportunities for American food and agriculture brands through innovative platforms like Food Sport. More About Anuga: Anuga is the central meeting place for the global food and beverage industry and brings together leading players from the retail, catering and industry sectors in one place. This is where the trends of tomorrow are set, new impetus is given to the industry and valuable networks are created that have an impact far beyond the trade fair. Anuga is more than just a trade fair – it is a global network that inspires with ideas, promotes dialogue and actively shapes the future of the food and beverage industry. Learn More: Anuga Website: https://www.anuga.com/ Anuga Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anugacologne/ Anuga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anugashowcase/ Anuga Newsletter: https://www.anuga.com/newsletter/

Talk Eastern Europe is back from its August break! In this episode, Adam, Alexandra and Nina run through some of the bigger stories from the region, including developments in the Balkans, Poland, the EU, and look at the global implications of China's victory celebrations this week.After the news, Adam and Nina are joined by Pavel Havlíček, research fellow at the Prague-based Association for International Affairs (AMO) to discuss the recent Trump–Putin meeting in Alaska and what it means for Ukraine's future. The episode explores the high-stakes diplomacy shaping the war and the prospects for peace, which President Trump has been pursuing since before his inauguration.In the bonus section to this episode – Pavel gives us a peek into Czech domestic politics, as the country prepares for parliamentary elections in early October.>>> Click here to listen to the bonus content.For further reading:“A recipe for an unfair stalemate, not a just peace” – CoryAlpert, New Eastern Europe https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/08/20/a-recipe-for-an-unfair-stalemate-not-a-just-peace/“Scenarios for the end of the war” – Andrii Dligach & ValeriiPekar, New Eastern Europe https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/09/01/scenarios-for-the-end-of-the-war/Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Watch the episode on Youtube!In a polarized political environment, people on the right and left may have knee-jerk reactions that fit their biases when they hear "race, ethnicity, culture." But at Penn State and beyond, these concepts represent something bigger: a world in conversation about how people connect with racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.Two Penn State sociology professors Dr. Laurie Mulvey and Dr. Sam Richards join the podcast to discuss what makes civil dialogue so valuable in understanding people's social identities around the world. Dr. Mulvey is the Director of the World in Conversation Center for Public Diplomacy, which has engaged in open inquiry and non-partisan engagement with more than half a million participants over two decades. Dr. Sam Richards teaches publicly broadcasted SOC 119, the world's largest race and ethnicity course with 800 students enrolled per semester and nearly 400,000 Youtube subscribers.Learn more about World in Conversation! https://worldinconversation.psu.edu/Watch and subscribe to SOC 119! https://www.youtube.com/@SOC119Check out the PBS documentary about SOC 119! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4KLSR-oxuQSupport the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute!JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level!IMPORTANT NOTE/DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views presented by guests are solely those of the interviewees themselves and may or may not represent the views of their affiliated organizations, the host, Friends & Fellow Citizens, and/or The George Washington Institute.

Ed Sheeran BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Ed Sheeran has been everywhere these past few days and the headlines are following his every move. Earlier this week, the British superstar capped a memorable run of live shows with a highly emotional duet: Sheeran shared the stage with James Blunt at Portman Road Stadium in the UK on July 13, a concert stop he called one of his "top three favorite moments on stage ever" according to his Instagram. The duo, friends for over a decade, performed Blunt's classic Goodbye My Lover. Sheeran openly reminisced about being a 13-year-old obsessed with Blunt's music and signed off by calling the duet “a dream come true,” winning hearts both on social and in the press. This kind of nostalgic, full-circle moment only adds to Ed's growing legend, especially as he now headlines stadiums where he once watched his own idols perform, People notes.But there's no rest for the world's most bankable ginger. Ed Sheeran has continued his sold-out European Mathematics Tour with two mega shows at Tarczyński Arena Wrocław in Poland on August 15 and 16, drawing over 40,000 fans per night. These were so in-demand that an extra date was added. The shows feature the usual arsenal—Shape of You, Perfect, Thinking Out Loud, and Bad Habits—with a carnival of lights and stadium-sized emotion, with Ed's signature solo setup: just him, a guitar, and a loop pedal, as reported widely, including by local Polish media and international outlets like the Shazam concert app. Fans also caught Sheeran making a spontaneous appearance in the city center of Wrocław, Poland, taking time for selfies and a bit of impromptu busking—a move quickly picked up on Instagram and shared across social feeds.On the music front, Sheeran's blend of cross-cultural collaborators continues to get buzz. The release of his 2025 single Azizam, with its Persian musical influences, is still trending in charts and on social media, highlighted by the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, which points to Sheeran's role as a bridge between East and West in pop music—certainly a long-term biographical note.There is also chatter around new video work: fans and outlets alike are hyping the August launch of A Little More, Ed's latest collaboration with actor Rupert Grint, 14 years after the iconic Lego House video, as seen all over Instagram. While there are the usual rumors about imminent album announcements, no new releases or partnerships have yet been formally confirmed by Ed's team.In business and philanthropy, details about his wealth and giving hit the news again. As noted in Wear Magazines, his net worth now exceeds 250 million dollars, buoyed by touring, streaming, songwriting for other stars, and shrewd property investments. His “Sheeranville” estate in Suffolk is as legendary among locals as his music among fans, and he continues to quietly back children's charities and his Notting Hill eatery Bertie Blossoms.No highly public controversies, breakups, or legal tussles to report. Right now, Ed Sheeran seems to be enjoying the rare pop megastar status of being both hardworking and universally liked, building a brand that combines heartfelt connection with pure commercial clout, always finding new ways to surprise even his most devoted followers.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Send us a textHe was supposed to come home. He stayed to help others escape—and disappeared into the tunnels of Gaza.Follow Rebecca on @bringelkanahome2023 on Instagram to support her struggleIn this heart-wrenching episode of State of a Nation, Rebecca Bohbot, wife of hostage Elkana Bohbot, joins Eylon Levy to share her family's unimaginable story. For 664 days, Elkana has been held in Hamas captivity after being abducted from the Nova Music Festival. Starved, tortured, and still alive—Rebecca now speaks publicly, demanding the world not forget her husband or the other hostages left behind.In this emotional and urgent conversation, Rebecca recounts:•The day Elkana was taken, after staying behind to help others escape•Why she initially stayed silent—and what made her speak out•The horrific conditions Elkana is enduring underground in Gaza•The heartbreaking toll on their five-year-old son, Re'em•The global indifference that's prolonging the hostages' sufferingRebecca's testimony is a raw and powerful reminder of what's at stake in this war—not just for Israel, but for the soul of the free world.

In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start by discussing the latest news including fears of interference in Moldova's upcoming elections, the upcoming inauguration Poland's new president as well as some worrisome security breaches in the Baltics.For the main interview,  Adam sits down with Kyiv-based journalist Aleksander Palikot to discuss the recent political crisis surrounding Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, NABU and SAPO. Aleksander explains the background of these agencies, the controversial law passed by parliament to strip their independence, and the wave of spontaneous protests which followed. They also discuss the wider implications for President Zelenskyy, public trust, and Ukraine's path towards EU membership.Further reading: “How Zelenskyy undermined Ukraine's path to EU membership and what happens next” https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/07/29/how-zelenskyy-undermined-ukraines-path-to-eu-membership-and-what-happens-next/ Support the podcast, get great benefits, join us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Laila Mickelwait's organization Traffickinghub was pivotal in the “biggest takedown of content in Internet history” after pressure forced PornHub to remove 50 million images and videos – over 90% of its content. Now the activist is pushing for a new US federal law to mandate third-party age verification for all adult websites. But could her proposal backfire? Critics warn: though the intention is to protect children, requiring all users to submit ID would effectively create the world's largest target for hackers – even bigger than the 2015 Ashley Madison leaks. How can we protect children online while balancing the privacy norms and free speech of adults? Laila Mickelwait is the Founder/CEO of Justice Defense Fund and Traffickinghub. Her book, Takedown, details her fight against Pornhub's role in trafficking. She received a Master of Public Diplomacy from the Annenberg School of Communications and the Dornsife School of International Relations at USC. More at https://x.com/LailaMickelwait Emilie Hagen is an independent journalist covering the Diddy trial, the Epstein files, and other high-profile cases. She writes at https://emiliehagen.substack.com 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • ACTIVE SKIN REPAIR - Repair skin faster with more of the molecule your body creates naturally! Hypochlorous (HOCl) is produced by white blood cells to support healing – and no sting. Get 20% off at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/skinrepair⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/fatty15⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/paleovalley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • VSHREDMD – Formulated by Dr. Drew: The Science of Cellular Health + World-Class Training Programs, Premium Content, and 1-1 Training with Certified V Shred Coaches! More at https://drdrew.com/vshredmd • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twc.health/drew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on important medical issues. Always consult your physician before making any decisions about your health. 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kalebnation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Susan Pinsky (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/firstladyoflov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠e⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Velshi is joined by Professor of Economics & Public Policy at University of Michigan Justin Wolfers, Producer for The Rachel Maddow Show Steve Benen, NBC News' Ryan Chandler, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia Caleb Silver, Fmr. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Richard Stengel

In this episode of Vijf Vragen, we talk with Ron Linker about his role as the head of Public Diplomacy, Press, and Culture at the embassy, and how public diplomacy helps foster the positive relationship between the United States and the NetherlandsMusic: "Groundwork" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Alexandra and Nina discuss recent developments across Central and Eastern Europe, including the latest charges in North Macedonia following the tragic nightclub fire in Kočani, ongoing protests in Serbia, and a vote of no confidence in the Czech Republic.The main interview features Daryna Pidhorna, Senior Lawyer at the Regional Centre for Human Rights. Daryna explores how Russia's aggression is targeting Ukrainian culture, impacting museums, festivals and outlines what can be done to safeguard Ukraine's cultural heritage during wartime. She also shares what life is currently like in Kyiv and reflects on the atmosphere in the city as Russia steps up its aerial attacks.In the bonus content for our patrons, Daryna stays on to delve into the repatriation of cultural property. She explains how Ukraine is working to recover looted heritage and highlights lessons that can be drawn from other countries' experiences in reclaiming stolen cultural assets.To listen to the bonus content visit: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-227-131877614 Read Adam's takeaways from the Globsec Conference featured in Brief Eastern Europe: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/p/june-16-2025Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Gadi Ezra, an IDF reservist, human rights attorney, and the former Director of Israel's National Public Diplomacy Unit for the Prime Minister's Office. Gadi provides his expert insight on Israel's incredibly successful military offensive against Iran. He highlights the disparity of human rights concerns between where Israel and Iran target their respective strikes, as well as the importance of distinguishing between the Iranian people and their current government. Finally, Gadi and Steve discuss the broader geopolitical context of this conflict as well as how the specific circumstances of Israeli society impact the potential future of this war.Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs.

In this conversation I ask Professors Sam Richards & Laurey Mulvey about some of the most controversial topics concerning race and ethnicity in the US today. Is White Privilege a useful term that helps build understanding and facilitates conversation, or does it generate social tension and make poor white people feel gaslit? What is DEI, why is it so contentious, and can it be implemented effectively? What makes the N-word and blackface so triggering? Why are US racial social norms so culturally dominant and readily exported?  Sam Richards is a sociologist and Teaching Professor at Penn State and a Distinguished Professor at Konkuk University in Seoul, Korea. He runs SOC119, which is the largest race, ethnicity and cultural relations course in the world. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon his class is live streamed to 370,000 subscribers from around the world, and his classes have had over 400 million views. His willingness to challenge orthodox thinking led him to be named one of the “101 Most Dangerous  Professors in America” and together with Laurie Mulvey is one of the “parents of radical empathy.”  Laurie Mulvey is the director and co-founder of the World in Conversation Center for Public Diplomacy at Penn State, which is the largest dialogue center in the United States, hosting more than 17,000 participants each academic year. The Center has worked with the UNDP, UNESCO, and NATO, along with organizations and universities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Palestinian Territories, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, China, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, and twelve nations in the NATO Alliance to host dialogues between people separated by vast distances and borders. Laurie is a master facilitator, focused on moderating beneficial conversations between different groups on some of the most difficult, hot button topics. ►Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wd2DytWSAYE ►Find out more about Sam's work here: https://sociology.la.psu.edu/people/sam-richards/ ►Find out more about Laurie's work here: https://sociology.la.psu.edu/people/laurie-mulvey/ These conversations are supported by the Andrea von Braun foundation (http://www.avbstiftung.de/), as an exploration of the rich, exciting, connected, scientifically literate, and (most importantly) sustainable future of humanity. The Andrea von Braun Foundation has provided me with full creative freedom with their support. As such, the views expressed in these episodes are my own and/or those of my guests.  

Send us a textWhat does it really take to win the war of narratives in today's chaotic information battlefield?In this must-watch episode of Israel: State of a Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with David Keyes, former international spokesperson for Prime Minister Netanyahu, for a raw conversation about strategic communications, narrative warfare, and the shocking reality behind Israel's media strategy.

On this special livestream there is not one, but TWO awesome guests and for good reason. Lord Alexander Hawke is back in action. That's cause for a celebration.Ryan Steck, also known as The Real Book Spy, is an author and thriller junkie behind the pen on the latest Hawke thriller. Having been a massive Hawke fan himself, Steck was also a good personal friend to the late Ted Bell, and there was nobody better to pick up the mantle and continue the legacy after Bell's passing. Considered one of the hardest-working people in publishing, Steck built the most trusted source in literary fiction in The Real Book Spy from the ground up, turning it from a simple blog to a million+ viewed website per year, and the go-to source for all the breaking news in fiction publishing.Byrdie Bell is the daughter of the late legend Ted Bell and an avid Hawk advocate, amongst juggling life as a mother, actress, and model. Bell appeared in Rolling Stones' Shine a Light by Martin Scorsese, as well as the Israeli version of Big Brother. At age 18 Byrdie began modeling, appearing in numerous publications including Bloomingdale's and Club Monaco. Byrdie is the descendent of Colonel William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond, Virginia.The late Ted Bell was Vice-Chairman of the Board and World-Wide Creative Director for Young & Rubicam, one of the world's largest advertising agencies. Before becoming a novelist Bell was President and Chief Creative Officer of Leo Brunett Company. Bell also served as a member on the DOCA Committee for the US Department of Defense, and as an advisor to the Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy at the US Department of State.Bell wrote 12 novels in the Lord Alexander Hawke series before his unfortunate death in 2023. MONARCH, penned by Ryan Steck his long-time editor and friend, is entry number 13 in the Hawke series and a remarkable, gripping, and adventurous tale to get readers back into the legendary series that the late Bell started.Find More at: TheRealBookSpy.com and TedBell.com

Adam, Alexandra, and Nina return after a short break to discuss the latest developments in the region. Topics include the situation in Ukraine, the introduction of a controversial "Russian-style" law targeting NGOs in Slovakia, the formation of a new government and prime minister in Serbia, and recent developments surrounding the presidential elections in Romania. In the main interview, Alexandra and Nina speak with Olga Skrypnyk, Chairwoman of the Crimean Human Rights Group, and Viktoria Nesterenko, a human rights defender from the Human Rights Centre ZMINA in Ukraine. They delve into the current situation in Crimea, highlighting how various groups are persecuted and how some individuals have become political prisoners. The conversation concludes with reflections on the implications of the new US administration's approach to the war in Ukraine and a discussion on what elements are crucial to include in any future peace negotiations.Support this podcast - join our patreon community - patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeRead the latest articles online at New Eastern EuropeSign up for the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterAdditional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Max Blumenthal, on the Judge Napolitano podcast, discusses Israel's Public Diplomacy

In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start by discussing the latest news from the region – including the fallout from the tragic fire which killed 59 people in North Macedonia as well as the massive protests which took place in Belgrade over the weekend. They also look at developments in Hungary as the opposition leader appears to be gaining momentum, while the government outlaws Budapest Pride. Later, Adam is joined by Konstantin von Eggert, an independent journalist and political analyst and weekly columnist on Russian affairs for Deutsche Welle. Adam and Konstantin discuss the Trump/Putin phone call which was set to take place this week, the overall process and what are Putin's aims in these so-called negotiations. Konstantin also shares his view on Europe's reactions and the current European understanding of the threat.Go even deeper – check out the latest commentaries on the New Eastern Europe website:“A Zeitenwende comes from Washington: how long-term trends shaped a new politics” by: Valerii Pekar: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/14/a-zeitenwende-comes-from-washington-how-long-term-trends-shaped-a-new-politics/“As a major military power, Ukraine has options” by: Kerel Dysler: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/18/as-a-major-military-power-ukraine-has-options/“Europe in the age of uncertainty”, by: Tony van der Togt, https://neweasterneurope.eu/2024/11/22/europe-in-the-age-of-uncertainty/Support the podcast – become a TEE Patron: www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeAdditional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Max Blumenthal: Israel's Public Diplomacy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We need a recovery of the sacred in our secular world. Because the mental, emotional, and psychological struggles haunting society right now can't be solved without addressing meaning, purpose, and the longing for connection to something beyond ourselves.In other words, spiritual health is an essential part of mental health.An attorney, religious scholar, and university chaplain, Dr. Varun Soni is Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, and is leading us back to our true north, through spacious and life-giving spiritual conversations and sacred practices that realign us to our values and identity.In this conversation with Varun Soni, we discuss:Finding the sacred in our secular culture.Religious pluralism and what it means to build trust that reaches across religious lines of difference.The transformative power of finding your “truth north”—your North Star—to orient our journeys of faith and spirituality.Varun shares six pillars of flourishing; how to align our actions with our values; and the benefit of listening to the cultural narratives and stories we tell.He reflects on the missing elements of spirituality in our understanding of mental health today, evidenced in his work with teens and emerging adults.He offers us a Hindu meditative practice to provide inner clarity, stability, and calm.And he comments on compassion and a cultivation sacred spiritual practices to counteract the loneliness, anguish, and suffering in our world.Show NotesDr. Pam King welcomes Varun Soni, Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life at USCJourney from Hindu attorney to first Hindu Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life in the U.S.“What does it mean to be Indian? What does it mean to be Hindu? What does it mean to be American? What is this Indian American experience?”1965 Immigration and Naturalization ActInspired by grandfather's connection to Mahatma Gandhi“ What it meant to be Hindu was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to be Indian was to be like Gandhi. What it meant to live a meaningful life was to live like Gandhi.”“ I continued to study religion as a way of understanding myself.”Sitting with the Dalai Lama on Mahatma Gandhi's birthdayMentorship from the Dalai LamaDeepak Chopra's influence“Interfaith trust building”University ChaplaincyWhat is thriving to you?"Thriving is the alignment of purpose and practice—it's not about arriving, but about moving in the right direction."“What is my north star, and how do I get there?”Spiritual well-being about asking the right questions, not having all the answersReligion once provided meaning, rituals, and community—now young people seek new structures"What is sacred to you? If you can't answer that, you're drifting without a compass."The urgency of time when turning 50 years old“I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone anymore.”“Put the process before the answer.”6 pillars of thriving and well-being: diet, sleep, exercise, contemplative practice, emotional intelligence, connection to natureBasic physical pillars of thriving: Diet, Sleep, ExerciseSpiritual pillars of thriving: Contemplation, Emotional Intelligence, and Communing with NatureFinding what is sacred—faith, relationships, personal values51% of USC students non-religious, 80% spiritualRecord levels of loneliness, imposter syndrome, comparison culture“Not just a mental health crisis, but a spiritual health crisis.”Loss of intergenerational religious experiences—key protective factor against depression"We took away religion and replaced it with social media, then wondered why anxiety skyrocketed."Social media fuels disconnection rather than community"We weren't built for this much bad news. Our brains weren't designed to process global suffering 24/7."“There's no right way to do contemplative practice.”Find moments built into your dayExercise: So Hum breath meditation: Inhale “So,” exhale “Hum”Using meditation as a spiritual technology or tool"You are not your thoughts—you are the awareness behind them."Identity shaped by personal narrative—"If you don't like your story, rewrite it."Telling the story of who you will become"Every individual is the hero of their own journey, whether they realize it or not."Cultural mythology, from sacred texts to Marvel movies, reflects search for meaningSpirituality helps build redemptive life narratives“There power in being part of something bigger.”The Spiritual Child by Lisa Miller—research on spirituality and mental health"It's hard to hate the people you love—universities are one of the last places where people can learn to love each other across differences."Technology and mediated relationshipsWhat is sacred to you?"Gen Z's greatest superpower is empathy, but they've never been lonelier."Building protective factors for young peopleGratitude rituals shift focus from anxiety to appreciationCare, justice, and connectionMental Health CrisisMental Health and Spiritual HealthAwe-inspiring moments—nature, music, relationships—essential to well-being"Awe, wonder, and gratitude aren't luxuries—they're survival tools."“You can't doom-scroll your way to joy. Presence and connection matter.”Religious institutions declining, but human need for transcendence remainsCreating new rituals and meaning-making for a secular generation"Spiritual health is just as important as mental health—ignore it, and you miss a key part of the equation."What is your North Star? What gets you up in the morning?How do your daily practices align purpose and action?How do the stories you tell shape your identity and thriving?Try So Hum meditation as a daily mindfulness practiceEngage in one act of gratitude—write a note, express appreciation, savor a momentIt's all too easy to fragment our lives into secular and sacred, but thriving and spiritual health require wholeness and integration of every aspect of ourselves, including our faith and spirituality.Future generations of leaders need our guidance and support in their connection to community and their search for meaning, purpose, and hope.Keep your seat-belt firmly fastened, your seat-back upright, tray table stowed, and secure your own spiritual oxygen mask before assisting others.We can counteract the outrage, anxiety, and information overload with simple, daily practices that bring stability and clarity.We thrive when we align our actions and our values, our behavior with our beliefs, and our practices with our purpose.About Varun SoniVarun Soni is the Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California. He received his B.A. degree in Religion from Tufts University, where he also earned an Asian Studies minor and completed the Program in Peace and Justice Studies. He subsequently received his M.T.S. degree from Harvard Divinity School and his M.A. degree through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He went on to receive his J.D. degree from University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he also completed the Critical Race Studies Program and served as an editor for the Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law. He earned his Ph.D. through the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Cape Town, where his doctoral research focused on religion and popular culture. As an undergraduate student, Dean Soni spent a semester living in a Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya, India through Antioch University's Buddhist Studies Program. As a graduate student, he spent months doing field research in South Asia through UCSB's Center for Sikh and Punjab Studies.Dean Soni is currently a University Fellow at USC Annenberg's Center on Public Diplomacy and an Adjunct Professor at the USC School of Religion. He is the author of Natural Mystics: The Prophetic Lives of Bob Marley and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Figueroa Press, 2014) and his writings have appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Crosscurrents, Jewish Journal, and Harvard Divinity Bulletin. He produced the critically acclaimed graphic novel Tina's Mouth: An Existential Comic Diary by Keshni Kashyap, which is currently being adapted as a feature length film. He also produced and hosted his own radio show on KPFK-Pacifica that showcased music from South Asia and its diaspora. In 2009, he was one of the organizers of the historic Concert for Pakistan, a benefit concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall featuring Salman Ahmad, Sting, Outlandish, Jeff Skoll, Deepak Chopra, and Melissa Etheridge.Dean Soni is a member of the State Bar of California, the American Academy of Religion, and the Association for College and University Religious Affairs. He is on the advisory board for the Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement, Journal for Interreligious Dialogue, Hindu American Seva Charities, Future45, and the Parliament of the World's Religion. Prior to joining USC, Dean Soni spent four years teaching in the Law and Society Program at UCSB. Born in India and raised in Southern California, he has family on five continents and they collectively represent every major religious tradition in the world. About the Thrive CenterLearn more at thethrivecenter.org.Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenterFollow us on X @thrivecenterFollow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter About Dr. Pam KingDr. Pam King is Executive Director the Thrive Center and is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. Follow her @drpamking. About With & ForHost: Pam KingSenior Director and Producer: Jill WestbrookOperations Manager: Lauren KimSocial Media Graphic Designer: Wren JuergensenConsulting Producer: Evan RosaSpecial thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.

Send us a textIn this hard-hitting episode of State of the Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Ilay David—the brother of Evyatar David, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for over 500 days. This exclusive interview delivers raw, firsthand insights into the brutal tactics of the Hamas terror regime and the inhumane conditions inside Gaza's underground dungeons.As pressure mounts for the release of the remaining hostages, President Trump has issued his strongest warning yet, vowing that Hamas will face catastrophic consequences if they do not immediately release the hostages. Join us as Ilay David reveals the devastating impact of hostage propaganda, the relentless struggle for freedom, and the urgent call for international political pressure. Learn about the dynamics of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the psychological warfare used against innocent hostages, and the deep-rooted commitment of Israeli society to “leave no man behind.”

Send us a textIsrael's regional threats are shifting fast—and the stakes have never been higher. Former Israeli diplomat and Knesset member Ruth Wasserman Lande joins Eylon Levy to analyze the instability on Israel's borders and the global forces reshaping the Middle East after October 7.With decades of experience in Arab affairs, diplomacy, and security, Wasserman Lande offers unique insights into:

Send us a textEveryone wants to know: What will it take to defeat Hamas once and for all?In this episode of Israel: State of a Nation, Eylon Levy sits down with Michael Doran, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and former U.S. National Security Council official, to break down the bigger war beyond Gaza—and what it will take to end Hamas for good.Doran argues that Hamas is just a pawn in Iran's larger war against Israel, and that Tehran is the true mastermind keeping the terror group alive. But is Iran really the key to victory, or do Hamas's other patrons—Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt—also bear responsibility?Key topics covered:

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. 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

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024.

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

Finland, a minor player on the international arena and burdened with the tag of ‘Finlandization' during much of the post-WWII period, has won surprisingly positive visibility and a strong nation brand in the far-off Japan in the 2000's. How has such a transformation of a small state's reputation been possible? In this episode, Dr. Laura Ipatti, Postdoctoral Researcher at the unit of Contemporary History, University of Turku, tackles this question by introducing the findings of her Doctoral Dissertation, titled From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. In her study, Ipatti looks at the actors, means and motives that have participated in ‘making Finland known' in the economic and cultural powerhouse of post-WWII Japan. After the lost war against the Soviet Union, Finland was obliged to conclude an agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with Moscow but, against the odds, stayed a liberal democracy and a market economy that chose neutrality as a foreign policy line. To showcase the willingness and trustworthiness of the Finnish leaders and the society alike to Western cooperation, the Finnish government started an intense image campaigning to secure an access to the Western markets and political dialogue. These efforts at influencing foreign perceptions of Finland targeted even Japan, a member of the US-led bloc in the Cold War. Today, the legacy of this campaigning is still visible, for example in the Japanese fashion trend called ‘Finland Boom'. But will Finland's appearance at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka this spring build on the old ideals, too? The episode is hosted by Dr. Outi Luova, Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku, Finland Laura Ipatti: From Finlandization to Finland Boom. Finland's Public Diplomacy in Japan, 1962–2003. University of Turku, Dec 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Look Forward, Jay and Brad return to discuss the Elon Musk's control over the U.S. financial payment system, the attack on USAID is in full swing, Dems begin an actually smart strategy, tariffs are happening...tariffs are not happening, Gitmo will be a concentration camp, and much more!Big TopicElon Musk stages what can only be called a coup over the weekendExclusive: Musk aides lock workers out of OPM computer systems | ReutersMusk claims to have shut down USAID (can't do that without Congress!)Schatz, Schatz, Schatz, Schatz, Schatz!So...what the fuck is going to happen now?News You NeedHouse races that REALLY MATTER coming April 1st (seriously)Tariffs are (not) happeningMexico folds...OR DO THEY?Canada folds...OR DO THEY?So why did this actually go sideways?Trump admin institutes funding freeze, walks it back, then unwalks it, then walks it?Trump plans to turn Gitmo into a sort of camp where migrants can be concentratedPlane disaster at Reagan just a week after Trump cans the head of the FAA at Elon's requestThe CFPB is probably dead; would love to allow companies to sell your sensitive informationRubio appoints incredibly racist MAGA chud as UnderSec of Public Diplomacy at State

In this episode, Adam and Alexandra start out by taking a look at the latest developments in the region, including the protests in Serbia, the impact of USAID funding cuts in the region, including in Ukraine, as well as a new energy deal between the European Commission and Moldova. Later, Adam is joined by Nurlan Aliyev, an expert on security issues, a lecturer in the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw and author of the recently released book: Reassessing Russia's Security Policy published by Routledge. More on the book: https://bit.ly/42NbG06 Watch the conversation with Nurlan Aliyev on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KTJzbfhxkzA Don't forget to check out our Exclusive TEE Bonus Content on the protests in Serbia: https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-121401661 Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

Send us a textOn this episode of State of a Nation, we uncover the shocking truth about UNRWA and its deep connections to Hamas. With Israel officially banning the agency, we take a hard look at how UNRWA has been used as a tool to enable terrorism—while Western democracies continue to support it.Join host Eylon Levy as he revisits eye-opening conversations with:

Rick Stengel on his journey to and from the top job at TIME magazine to traveling the world as Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

In this episode of The Brand Called You, Fernando Garibay, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy, explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and the human spirit. He shares his unique journey from humble beginnings to collaborating with renowned artists like Lady Gaga and U2, while also delving into his work in diplomacy and public engagement through the Garibay Institute. Fernando discusses the evolving nature of identity in a post-AI world, the importance of organic intelligence, and the power of music and art to foster connection and understanding across cultures. 00:11- About Fernando Garibay Fernando Garibay is the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Garibay Institute for Soft Power and Public Diplomacy. He is also a practicing academic polymath and Music Producer. Fernando is a Gramm Winning Producer and visiting lecturer at Harvard University, Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Send us a textIn this compelling episode, former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and Israel's Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation. They delve into the future of Jerusalem under evolving geopolitical dynamics, including the implications of Donald Trump's return to the presidency and how it might impact Israel's diplomatic standing and international strategy.From the Abraham Accords to Israel's fight to maintain its economic and political edge, Fleur shares her expert insights on innovation, bridging societal gaps in Jerusalem, and the critical role of public diplomacy in shaping global perceptions.Topics include:- The significance of Jerusalem in Israel's domestic and foreign policy- The economic and cultural ripple effects of the Abraham Accords- How Trump's return could reshape Israel's relationship with the world- Strategies to combat misinformation and strengthen Israel's global image

From his time on the ground in the Israeli special forces to his bridge-building efforts as the National Public Diplomacy Unit Director, Gadi Ezra has dedicated his life to serving his country. From his time in Gaza in 2008 to his recent engagement after being called up from the reserves, Ezra is intimately familiar with war and how Hamas operates. Host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Ezra to discuss how Hamas operates, the mindset of Gaza, and how Israel should approach both combat and the hostage situation.

There was a moment of relief that the murderous war criminal Bashar Assad was ousted. It was followed by awe at the IDF’s ability to deny the rebels Assad’s stocks of chemical weapons, Russian and Iranian military equipment, and air defense capabilities. But then, the next round of worry started. Who does the “interim government” represent? (Hint: HTS and its leader are on the US & UK terror lists.) What role does Turkey play? How will Iran respond? What will happen to Israel’s friends, the Kurds? Or to Syria’s Druze community – family to Israel’s Druze citizens? Or to Jordan? Join us for a conversation with Barry Shaw, Senior Associate for Public Diplomacy at the Israel Institute for Strategic Studies as he explores the actors and the actions in post-Assad Syria.

Suzanne Kianpour is a BBC correspondent and presenter based in Washington, DC. She reports and anchors on BBC World News and BBC World Service and created the "Women Building Peace" program, connecting influential women with those in conflict zones. Kianpour also serves as the Capitol Hill correspondent for "CONTEXT" with Christian Fraser. With over a decade of experience, she has covered foreign affairs and politics in nearly 60 countries, emphasizing public service in journalism. An Emmy-nominated journalist, Kianpour teaches Public Diplomacy at UCLA and authored a study on Iranian digital influence for the Atlantic Council. She has been recognized as a top leader under 40 by Emory University and Washington Life magazine. Double your potential with SuperBeets Heart Chews. Get a free thirty-day supply of SuperBeets Heart Chews on all bundles and 15% off your first order by going to GETSUPERBEETS.COM and using code BEAT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#LEBANON: Human shields. Jonathan Nizar Elkhoury is an Israeli Lebanese Christian, LGBTQ+ activist, public diplomacy adviser, commentator, and advocate for Israel. He founded and coordinated the Minorities Project, which features Israeli minorities presenting their perspectives about life in the democratic Jewish state and their contributions to its current success. Elkhoury is the former spokesman for the Christian Empowerment Council 1956 BEIRUT

This Week's Guests: Sociologist/ Speaker - Dr. Sam Richards Episode 324 "Rethink Production presents "Live From America Podcast" - a weekly show that combines political commentary with humor. Hosted by the comedy cellar owner Noam Dworman and producer Hatem Gabr, the show features expert guests discussing news, culture, and politics with a blend of knowledge and laughter. Dr. Sam Richards is an award-winning sociologist, speaker, and Teaching Professor at Penn State University and a Distinguished Professor at Konkuk University in Seoul, Korea. With 800 students each semester and a 33 year legacy, his SOC 119 course is the largest race, ethnicity and cultural relations course in the world and was the subject of an Emmy Award winning television broadcast called, “You Can't Say That.” Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (EST), his class is live streamed to 350,000 subscribers from 210 countries at the class YouTube channel. Sam's videos have generated over 400 million views, making SOC 119 “the most widely recognized classroom in the world,” according to one commentator. His willingness to challenge orthodox thinking led him to be named one of the “101 Most Dangerous Professors in America” and one of the “parents of radical empathy.” He obtained his Ph.D. from Rutgers University with a focus on socioeconomic development of Latin America and Africa but considers himself an academic generalist who thinks about a wide range of global issues. Arguing that empathy is the core of sociology, his "Radical Experiment in Empathy" is one of the most widely viewed TEDx talks online. As the Co-founder at the World in Conversation Center for Public Diplomacy, Sam co- directed an innovative research project to develop a virtual cross-cultural dialogue tool for NATO military personnel and civilians in conflict zones. He has consulted a wide range of U.S.-based and international corporations and organizations about a social and cultural issues. His work has been covered by media outlets around the world and he is currently recognized for his insights about South Korean society and culture. Follow Live From America YouTube @livefromamericapodcast Twitter twitter.com/AmericasPodcast www.LiveFromAmericaPodcast.com LiveFromAmericapodcast@gmail.com Follow Hatem Twitter twitter.com/HatemNYC Instagram www.instagram.com/hatemnyc/ Follow Noam Twitter twitter.com/noam_dworman #SamRichards #DrSamRichards #Politicaldivision