Podcasts about researchers

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 2In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore the intriguing history of our galaxy and the secrets of Earth's early water retention.Unraveling the Milky Way's Chemical BimodalityA groundbreaking study suggests that the Milky Way's stellar formation and its unique chemical bimodality may stem from intergalactic gas rather than traditional star formation or galactic collisions. Researchers utilized advanced computer simulations to analyze the formation of 30 simulated galaxies, revealing that the Milky Way's distinct groups of stars, defined by their iron and magnesium content, can emerge through various mechanisms. This research not only enhances our understanding of the Milky Way's evolution but also challenges previous assumptions about the role of smaller galaxies in shaping its chemical structure.Earth's Mantle: A Reservoir of Ancient WaterNew findings indicate that Earth's mantle may have locked away vast amounts of water during the planet's formative magma ocean phase. Researchers discovered that bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in the mantle, could store significant quantities of water, potentially equating to the volume of all today's oceans. This study reshapes our understanding of how water was retained during Earth's extreme early conditions and its role in the transition to a habitable planet. The implications of this research may provide insights into the geological processes that sustain Earth's dynamic environment.The Astronomy of Standing StonesReflecting on archaeological astronomy, we revisit a pivotal study that revealed how ancient standing stones in Britain were constructed with astronomical alignments in mind. This research confirms that the earliest stone monuments, including the Great Circles of Scotland, were intentionally oriented to mark the movements of the sun and moon. By examining the patterns of alignment, researchers established a connection between these ancient structures and the cultural significance of celestial events, illustrating the sophisticated understanding early Britons had of their environment and the cosmos.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical SocietyJournal of ScienceJournal of Archaeological Science ReportsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.(00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 2 for broadcast on 5 January 2026(00:00:47) New study on the Milky Way's chemical bimodality(00:12:30) How bridgmanite in Earth's mantle may have stored ancient water(00:20:10) The astronomical significance of ancient standing stones in Britain(00:25:00) Science Robert: Sleep apnea linked to Parkinson's disease and more news in science

01-05-26 - Researchers Have Determined That Junk That Is 3.6 Inches And Under Is Technically A Micro PenisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Check out the full episode: https://greatness.lnk.to/1869"When people read words like busy, challenge, or late, it literally primes them to be busier and later and more challenged. You are literally making it harder for them to help you." - Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessa Van Edwards shares research that will make you rethink every email you've ever sent. Researchers had people take a simple math quiz with two different sets of directions. One group got basic instructions. The other got the exact same directions, but with a few words swapped in: win, succeed, master, greatness. Those achievement-oriented words didn't just change how people felt. They performed better. Got more answers correct. Worked longer and harder. Enjoyed it more. And here's what's wild: reading those words actually changed their dopamine and testosterone levels. Then Vanessa dropped the real bomb. Think about the last email you sent your team on a Monday morning. Did it say something like "today's going to be a busy day, we have a lot of challenges ahead"? Those words are priming your team to be busier and more challenged. You're making it harder for them to help you without even realizing it. She shared another study where they put a picture of an athlete winning a race on top of telemarketers' scripts. Just that simple visual cue made them earn more money.What hit hardest was when Vanessa said we're missing opportunities in every single email we send. Every communication is either priming someone for success or failure. She challenged listeners to go back through their sent folder and count the priming words they're using. Are you filling your emails with "busy" and "challenges" and "problems"? Or are you sprinkling in words like "win" and "succeed" and "master"? Lewis shared how he used to cover his walls with motivational posters and Rocky images in high school and college, unknowingly priming himself for achievement every single day. That's the shift Vanessa's asking us to make. Look at your environment. Look at your language. Every word you choose is either setting people up to perform at their best or making it harder for them to succeed. The research is clear. The choice is yours.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"I was an academic working in the field of folk legends..." CREEPYPASTA► "I Was a Folklore Researcher Until One Interview Forced Me to Abandon Academia Forever" written by AbKane667, narrated by ClancyPasta► https://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/1q1bna4/i_was_a_folklore_researcher_until_one_interview/► https://www.reddit.com/user/AbKane667/Here are ways to support the channel if you wish ~MERCH ► http://teespring.com/stores/clancypastastorePATREON ► https://patreon.com/clancypastaMEMBERSHIP ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfg9w5hrnPT7oA1H3uRZEQ/joinHere's where you can find me, and also links to the audio version of the show ~X / TWITTER ► http://x.com/clancypastaINSTA ► https://instagram.com/clancypastaSPOTIFY ► https://open.spotify.com/show/51DHHPsFnEvDAGfRiZPMF7ANCHOR.FM ► https://anchor.fm/clancypastaMUSIC► Background music is original and done in house by my best friend and house audio designer SKEEVY WEEVIL#Creepypasta #scarystories #horrorstories

Executive sports reporter Jason Brown talks about the upcoming NFL playoffs. Fred tells us about the psychology of coming back to work. Researchers found that many people are putting "gamer" on their resumes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bbvproductions.co.uk/products/Faction-Paradox-The-Confession-of-Brother-Signet-AUDIO-DOWNLOAD-p389922366 The first season of the American science fiction horror drama television series Stranger Things premiered worldwide on the streaming service Netflix on July 15, 2016. The series was created by the Duffer Brothers, who also serve as executive producers along with Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen. This season stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Matthew Modine, with Noah Schnapp, Joe Keery, and Shannon Purser in recurring roles. The first season of Stranger Things received critical acclaim, in particular for its originality, homages to the 1980s, characterization, tone, visuals, and performances (particularly those of Ryder, Harbour, Wolfhard, Brown, Heaton and Modine). Premise The first season begins on November 6, 1983, in a small town called Hawkins. Researchers at Hawkins National Laboratory open a rift to the "Upside Down," an alternate dimension that reflects the real world. A monstrous humanoid creature escapes and abducts a boy named Will Byers and a teenage girl. Will's mother, Joyce, and the town's police chief, Jim Hopper, search for Will. At the same time, a young psychokinetic girl who goes by the name "Eleven" escapes from the laboratory and assists Will's friends, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, and Lucas Sinclair, in their efforts to find Will.[1] Cast and characters See also: List of Stranger Things characters Main cast Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers[2] David Harbour as Jim Hopper[2] Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler[3] Millie Bobby Brown[3] as Eleven ("El") Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson[3] Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair[3] Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler[3] Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers[3][4][5] Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler[6] Matthew Modine as Martin Brenner[7] Recurring Noah Schnapp as Will Byers Joe Keery as Steve Harrington Shannon Purser as Barbara "Barb" Holland[8] Joe Chrest as Ted Wheeler Ross Partridge as Lonnie Byers[9] Rob Morgan as Officer Powell John Paul Reynolds as Officer Callahan Randy Havens as Scott Clarke Catherine Dyer as Connie Frazier Aimee Mullins as Terry Ives[10] Amy Seimetz as Becky Ives Peyton Wich as Troy[11] Tony Vaughn as Principal Coleman Charles Lawlor as Mr. Melvald Tinsley and Anniston Price as Holly Wheeler Cade Jones as James Chester Rushing as Tommy H. Chelsea Talmadge as Carol Glennellen Anderson as Nicole Cynthia Barrett as Marsha Holland Jerri Tubbs as Diane Hopper Elle Graham as Sara Hopper Chris Sullivan as Benny Hammond Tobias Jelinek as lead agent Robert Walker-Branchaud as repairman agent Susan Shalhoub Larkin as Florence ("Flo") Episodes See also: List of Stranger Things episodes No. overall No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original release date 1 1 "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" The Duffer Brothers The Duffer Brothers July 15, 2016 On November 6, 1983, in Hawkins, Indiana, a scientist is attacked by an unseen creature at a U.S. government laboratory. 12-year-old Will Byers encounters the creature and mysteriously vanishes while cycling home from a Dungeons & Dragons session with his friends Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson and Lucas Sinclair. The following day, Will's single mother Joyce Byers reports his disappearance to the police chief Jim Hopper, who starts a search but assures Joyce that almost all missing children are quickly found. The lab's director, Dr. Martin Brenner, investigates an organic substance oozing from the lab's basement, claiming that "the girl" cannot have gone far. A nervous young girl wearing a hospital gown wanders into a local diner. The owner, Benny, finds a tattoo of "011" on her arm and learns that her name is Eleven. Brenner, monitoring the phone lines, sends agents to the diner after Benny calls social services. The agents kill Benny, but Eleven manages to escape using telekinetic abilities. Joyce's phone short circuits after receiving a mysterious phone call that she believes is from Will. While searching for Will in the woods, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas come across Eleven. 2 2 "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" The Duffer Brothers The Duffer Brothers July 15, 2016 The boys bring Eleven to Mike's house, where they disagree on what to do. Mike formulates a plan for Eleven to pretend to be a runaway and seek help from his mother, Karen. Eleven refuses, however, revealing that "bad men" are after her. Will's brother Jonathan visits his estranged father Lonnie in Indianapolis to search for Will, but Lonnie rebuffs him. Hopper's search party discovers a scrap of hospital gown near the lab. After recognizing Will in a photograph and demonstrating her telekinesis, Eleven convinces the boys to trust her, as they believe she can find Will. Using the Dungeons & Dragons board, Eleven indicates that Will is on the "Upside Down" side of the board and is being hunted by the "Demogorgon" (the creature). Mike's sister Nancy and her friend Barbara 'Barb' Holland go to a party with Nancy's boyfriend Steve Harrington. Searching for Will near Steve's house, Jonathan secretly photographs the party. Joyce receives another call from Will, hears music playing from his stereo, and sees a creature coming through the wall. Left alone by the swimming pool, Barb is attacked by the Demogorgon and vanishes. 3 3 "Chapter Three: Holly, Jolly" Shawn Levy Jessica Mecklenburg July 15, 2016 Barb awakens in the Upside Down: a decaying, overgrown alternate dimension. She attempts to escape but is attacked by the Demogorgon. Joyce believes Will is communicating through pulses in light bulbs. Hopper visits Hawkins Lab, and the staff permits him to view doctored security footage from the night Will vanished, leading Hopper to investigate Brenner and discover his involvement with Project MKUltra and that a woman named Terry Ives alleged years earlier that Brenner took her daughter. Eleven recalls Brenner, whom she calls "Papa," punishing her for refusing to hurt a cat telekinetically. Steve destroys Jonathan's camera after discovering the photos from the party. Nancy later recovers a photo of Barb, simultaneously realizing that Barb is missing. Returning to Steve's house to investigate, Nancy finds Barb's untouched Volkswagen and encounters the Demogorgon but manages to escape. Joyce paints an alphabetic board on her wall with Christmas lights, allowing Will to sign to her that he is "RIGHT HERE" and that she needs to "RUN" as the Demogorgon comes through the wall. Believing Eleven knows where Will is, the boys ask her to lead them to him. Eleven leads them, to their frustration, to Will's house. From there they follow emergency vehicles to a nearby quarry just as Will's body is recovered from the water. 4 4 "Chapter Four: The Body" Shawn Levy Justin Doble July 15, 2016 Joyce refuses to believe that the body found at the quarry is Will's. Mike feels betrayed by Eleven until she proves that Will is still alive, channeling his voice through Mike's walkie-talkie. The boys theorize that Eleven could use a ham radio at their school to communicate with Will. Nancy notices a figure behind Barb in Jonathan's photo, which Jonathan realizes matches his mother's description of the Demogorgon. Nancy tells the police about Barb's disappearance. She later fights with Steve, who only cares about not getting in trouble with his father. Hopper has suspicions regarding the authenticity of the body found in the quarry when he learns that the usual coroner was sent home. Hopper confronts the state trooper who found it and beats him until he admits he was ordered to lie. The boys sneak Eleven into their school to use the radio, while Joyce hears Will's voice through her living room wall. Tearing away the wallpaper, she sees him. Eleven uses the radio to channel Will talking to his mother. Hopper goes to the morgue and finds that the body is a fake, and, suspecting that Brenner is responsible, breaks into the lab. 5 5 "Chapter Five: The Flea and the Acrobat" The Duffer Brothers Alison Tatlock July 15, 2016 Hopper searches the lab before being knocked out by the lab's guards. The boys ask their science teacher, Mr. Clarke, if it would be possible to travel between alternate dimensions, to which he answers that there could be a theoretical "gate" between dimensions. Hopper awakens at his house and finds a hidden microphone, realizing that Joyce was right the whole time. The boys follow their compasses, searching for a gate that could disrupt the Earth's electromagnetic field. Eleven recalls memories of being placed in a sensory-deprivation tank to telepathically eavesdrop on a man speaking Russian; while listening, she came across the Demogorgon. Fearing another encounter with the Demogorgon, Eleven redirects the compasses. Lucas misinterprets this as an act of betrayal, leading Mike and Lucas to fight and Eleven to telekinetically fling Lucas away from Mike. While Dustin and Mike tend to the unconscious Lucas, Eleven runs off. Nancy and Jonathan formulate a plan to kill the Demogorgon. While searching in the woods, they come across a small gate to the Upside Down. Nancy crawls through it but inadvertently draws the Demogorgon's attention. Jonathan unsuccessfully tries to look for Nancy, as the gate to the Upside Down begins to close. 6 6 "Chapter Six: The Monster" The Duffer Brothers Jessie Nickson-Lopez July 15, 2016 Jonathan pulls Nancy back through the gate. That night, Nancy is afraid to be alone and asks Jonathan to stay in her bedroom. Steve, attempting to reconcile with Nancy, sees them together through her bedroom window and assumes they are dating. Joyce and Hopper track down Terry Ives, who is catatonic and tended by her sister Becky. Becky explains that Terry was a Project MKUltra participant while unknowingly pregnant and that Terry believes Brenner kidnapped her daughter Jane at birth due to her supposed telekinetic and telepathic abilities. Nancy and Jonathan stockpile weapons to kill the Demogorgon, theorizing that it is attracted by blood. Steve is brutally beaten up in a fistfight with Jonathan after he insults Will and calls Nancy a slut. Jonathan is arrested and held at the police station for beating up Steve and inadvertently punching one of the responding officers in the face. Eleven walks into a grocery store and shoplifts several boxes of Eggo waffles. Searching for Eleven, Mike and Dustin are ambushed by two bullies but are rescued by her, as she uses her powers to break one bully's arm after he attempts to kill Mike. Eleven collapses and recalls being asked by Brenner to contact the Demogorgon and, in her terror, inadvertently opening the gate. She tearfully admits to Mike that she is responsible for allowing the Demogorgon to enter this dimension. Lucas sees agents, who have tracked down Eleven, preparing to ambush Mike's house. 7 7 "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub" The Duffer Brothers Justin Doble July 15, 2016 Lucas warns Mike that agents are searching for Eleven. Mike, Dustin, and Eleven flee the house. Eleven telekinetically flips one of the vans that block their path as the kids escape. Lucas reconciles with Mike and Eleven, and the kids hide in the junkyard. Nancy and Jonathan reveal their knowledge of the Demogorgon to Joyce and Hopper. Hopper also learns that Eleven is with the kids. The group contacts the kids, and everyone meets at the Byers' house. Joyce and Hopper realize that Eleven is Jane Ives. The group asks Eleven to search for Will and Barb telepathically, but her earlier feats have weakened her. They break into the middle school and build a makeshift sensory deprivation tank to amplify Eleven's powers. After telepathically entering the Upside Down again, Eleven finds Barb dead and Will alive, hiding in the Upside Down version of his backyard fort. Realizing that the gate is in the basement of the lab, Hopper and Joyce break into the lab and are apprehended by security guards. Nancy and Jonathan sneak into the police station to retrieve the weapons they purchased previously, planning to lure and kill the Demogorgon. In the Upside Down, the Demogorgon breaks into Will's fort. 8 8 "Chapter Eight: The Upside Down" The Duffer Brothers Story by : Paul Dichter Teleplay by : The Duffer Brothers July 15, 2016 Hopper, haunted by the death of his daughter Sara from cancer years earlier, gives up Eleven's location to Brenner, who in exchange allows Hopper and Joyce to enter the Upside Down to rescue Will. Nancy and Jonathan cut their hands to attract the Demogorgon at the Byers' house. Steve, intending to apologize to Jonathan about their fight, arrives just as the Demogorgon appears. Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan fight the Demogorgon and light it on fire, forcing it to retreat to the Upside Down. Meanwhile, Eleven and the boys hide in the middle school when Brenner and his agents arrive to kidnap Eleven; she kills most of them before collapsing from exhaustion. As Brenner and his remaining agents pin Eleven and the boys down, the Demogorgon appears, attracted by the dead agents' blood, and attacks Brenner and the remaining agents as the boys escape with Eleven. Hopper and Joyce enter the Upside Down's version of the Hawkins library, where they encounter several corpses of the Demogorgon's victims, including Barb, and find Will unconscious with a tendril down his throat. Hopper revives him using CPR after removing the tendril. The Demogorgon corners the kids, but Eleven recovers from her exhaustion and disintegrates it, causing them both to disappear. Will recovers in the hospital, reuniting with his family and friends. One month later, it is Christmas and Nancy is back together with Steve, and both are friends with Jonathan. Will coughs up a slug-like creature and has a vision of the Upside Down, but hides this from his family. Production Development Ross (left) and Matt Duffer, the creators of the series Stranger Things was created by Matt and Ross Duffer, known professionally as the Duffer Brothers.[12] The two had completed writing and producing their 2015 film Hidden, which they had tried to emulate the style of M. Night Shyamalan, however, due to changes at Warner Bros., its distributor, the film did not see a wide release and the Duffers were unsure of their future.[13] To their surprise, television producer Donald De Line approached them, impressed with Hidden's script, and offered them the opportunity to work on episodes of Wayward Pines alongside Shyamalan. The brothers were mentored by Shyamalan during the episode's production so that when they finished, they felt they were ready to produce their own television series.[14] The Duffer Brothers prepared a script that would essentially be similar to the series' actual pilot episode, along with a 20-page pitch book to help shop the series around for a network.[15] They pitched the story to a number of cable networks, all of which rejected the script on the basis that they felt a plot centered around children as leading characters would not work, asking them to make it a children's show or to drop the children and focus on Hopper's investigation in the paranormal.[14] In early 2015, Dan Cohen, the VP of 21 Laps Entertainment, brought the script to his colleague Shawn Levy. They subsequently invited The Duffer Brothers to their office and purchased the rights for the series, giving full authorship of it to the brothers. After reading the pilot, the streaming service Netflix purchased the whole season for an undisclosed amount;[16] the show was subsequently announced for a planned 2016 release by Netflix in early April 2015.[17] The Duffer Brothers stated that at the time they had pitched to Netflix, the service had already been recognized for its original programming, such as House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black, with well-recognized producers behind them, and were ready to start giving upcoming producers like them a chance.[15] The brothers started to write out the series and brought Levy and Cohen in as executive producers to start casting and filming.[18] The series was originally known as Montauk, as the setting of the script was in Montauk, New York and nearby Long Beach locations.[17][19] The brothers had chosen Montauk as it had further Spielberg ties with the film Jaws, where Montauk was used for the fictional setting of Amity Island.[20] After deciding to change the narrative of the series to take place in the fictional town of Hawkins instead, the brothers felt they could now do things to the town, such as placing it under quarantine, that they really could not envision with a real location.[20] With the change in location, they had to come up with a new title for the series under the direction from Netflix's Ted Sarandos so that they could start marketing it to the public. The brothers started by using a copy of Stephen King's Firestarter novel to consider the title's font and appearance and came up with a long list of potential alternatives. Stranger Things came about as it sounded similar to another King novel, Needful Things, though Matt noted they still had a "lot of heated arguments" over this final title.[21] Writing The idea of Stranger Things started with how the brothers felt they could take the concept of the 2013 film Prisoners, detailing the moral struggles a father goes through when his daughter is kidnapped, and expand it out over eight or so hours in a serialized television approach. As they focused on the missing child aspect of the story, they wanted to introduce the idea of "childlike sensibilities" they could offer and toyed around with the idea of a monster that could consume humans. The brothers thought the combination of these things "was the best thing ever". To introduce this monster into the narrative, they considered "bizarre experiments we had read about taking place in the Cold War" such as Project MKUltra, which gave a way to ground the monster's existence in science rather than something spiritual. This also helped them to decide on using 1983 as the time period, as it was a year before the film Red Dawn came out, which focused on Cold War paranoia.[14] Subsequently, they were able to use all their own personal inspirations from the 1980s, the decade they were born, as elements of the series,[14][22] crafting it in the realm of science fiction and horror.[23] The Duffer Brothers have cited as influence for the show (among others): Stephen King novels; films produced by Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Robert Zemeckis, George Lucas and Guillermo del Toro; films such as Alien and Stand by Me; Japanese anime such as Akira and Elfen Lied; and video games such as Silent Hill and The Last of Us.[21][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] With Netflix as the platform, The Duffer Brothers were not limited to a typical 22-episode format, opting for the eight-episode approach. They had been concerned that a 22-episode season on broadcast television would be difficult to "tell a cinematic story" with that many episodes. Eight episodes allowed them to give time to characterization in addition to narrative development; if they had less time available, they would have had to remain committed to telling a horror film as soon as the monster was introduced and abandon the characterization.[15] Within the eight episodes, the brothers aimed to make the first season "feel like a big movie" with all the major plot lines completed so that "the audience feels satisfied", but left enough unresolved to indicate "there's a bigger mythology, and there's a lot of dangling threads at the end", something that could be explored in further seasons if Netflix opted to create more.[32] While explaining their intentions for the show, the Duffers adamantly stated their intentions to not explain the mythology in the show so they could leave a mystery and lot for the audience to speculate over their lack of understanding by the season finale, which they accepted but asked to be explained about at the very least, which they found like a really good exercise as they spent quite a bit of time with their writers' room figuring out exactly what the Upside Down would actually consist for, writing a 20-page mythology document whose details wouldn't be clarified for the audience until the show's fifth and final season.[33] Regarding writing for the children characters of the series, The Duffer Brothers considered themselves as outcasts from other students while in high school and thus found it easy to write for Mike Wheeler and his friends, and particularly for Barbara "Barb" Holland.[21] Joyce Byers was fashioned after Richard Dreyfuss's character Roy Neary in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, as she appears "absolutely bonkers" to everyone else as she tries to find her son Will Byers.[34] Other characters, such as Billy in the second season, have more villainous attributes that are not necessarily obvious from the onset; Matt explained that they took further inspiration from Stephen King for these characters, as King "always has really great human villains" that may be more malicious than the supernatural evil.[35] Casting The Duffers cast David Harbour as Sheriff Hopper believing this was his opportunity to play a lead character in a work. In June 2015, it was announced that Winona Ryder and David Harbour had joined the series as Joyce and as the unnamed chief of police, respectively.[2] The brothers' casting director Carmen Cuba had suggested Ryder for the role of Joyce, which the two were immediately drawn to because of her prominence in 1980s films.[14] Levy believed Ryder could "wretch up the emotional urgency and yet find layers and nuance and different sides of [Joyce]". Ryder praised that the show's multiple storylines required her to act for Joyce as "she's out of her mind, but she's actually kind of onto something", and that the producers had faith she could pull off the difficult role.[36] Upon being offered the role, Ryder felt intrigued at being given the pilot's script due to know knowing what streaming was and finding it "terrifying", with her sole condition to the Duffers for accepting the role being that, if a Beetlejuice sequel ever materialized as she and Tim Burton had been discussing since 2000, they had to let her take a break to shoot it, a condition the Duffers agreed and ultimately proved to work out when Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was greenlighted years later.[37] The Duffer Brothers had been interested in Harbour before, who until Stranger Things primarily had smaller roles as villainous characters, and they felt that he had been "waiting too long for this opportunity" to play a lead, while Harbour himself was thrilled by the script and the chance to play "a broken, flawed, anti-hero character".[21][38] Additional casting followed two months later with Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Millie Bobby Brown in an undisclosed role, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, and Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers]].[3] In September 2015, Cara Buono joined the cast as Karen Wheeler,[6] followed by Matthew Modine as Martin Brenner a month later.[7] Additional cast who recur for the first season include Noah Schnapp as Will,[3][5] Shannon Purser as Barbara "Barb" Holland,[8] Joe Keery as Steve Harrington,[39][5] and Ross Partridge as Lonnie Byers,[9] among others. Actors auditioning for the children's roles read lines from Stand By Me.[14] The Duffer Brothers estimated they went through about a thousand different child actors for the roles. They noted that Wolfhard was already "a movie buff" of the films from the 1980s period and easily filled the role, while they found Matarazzo's audition to be much more authentic than most of the other audition tapes, and selected him after a single viewing of his audition tape.[15] As casting was started immediately after Netflix greenlit the show, and prior to the scripts being fully completed, this allowed some of the actors' takes on the roles to reflect into the script. The casting of the young actors for Will and his friends had been done just after the first script was completed, and subsequent scripts incorporated aspects from these actors.[32] The brothers said Modine provided significant input on the character of Dr. Brenner, whom they had not really fleshed out before as they considered him the hardest character to write for given his limited appearances within the narrative.[34] Filming The brothers had desired to film the series around the Long Island area to match the initial Montauk concept. However, with filming scheduled to take place in November 2015, it was difficult to shoot in Long Island in the cold weather, and the production started scouting locations in and around the Atlanta, Georgia area. The brothers, who grew up in North Carolina, found many places that reminded them of their own childhoods in that area, and felt the area would work well with the narrative shift to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.[20] The filming of the first season began on September 25, 2015, and was extensively done in Atlanta, Georgia, with The Duffer Brothers and Levy handling the direction of individual episodes.[40] Jackson served as the basis of the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.[41][42] Other shooting locations included the Georgia Mental Health Institute as the Hawkins National Laboratory site, Bellwood Quarry, Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, Georgia, for the middle and high school scenes,[43] Emory University's Continuing Education Department, the former city hall in Douglasville, Georgia, Georgia International Horse Park, the probate court in Butts County, Georgia, Old East Point Library and East Point First Baptist Church in East Point, Georgia, Fayetteville, Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, Palmetto, Georgia, and Winston, Georgia.[44] Set work was done at Screen Gem Studios in Atlanta.[44] The series was filmed with a Red Dragon digital camera.[34] Filming for the first season concluded in early 2016.[41] While filming, the brothers tried to capture shots that could be seen as homages to many of the 1980s references they recalled. Their goal was not necessarily to fill the work with these references, but instead to make the series seem to the viewer like a 1980s film.[21] They spent little time reviewing those works and instead went by memory. Matt further recognized that some of their filming homages were not purposely done but were found to be very comparable, as highlighted by a fan-made video comparing the show to several 1980s works side by side.[14][45] Matt commented on the video that "Some were deliberate and some were subconscious."[14] The brothers recognized that many of the iconic scenes from these 1980s films, such as with Poltergeist, was about "taking a very ordinary object that people deal with every day, their television set, and imbuing it with something otherworldly", leading to the idea of using the Christmas light strings for Will to communicate with Joyce.[21] The brothers attributed much of the 1980s feel to set and costume designers and the soundtrack composers that helped to recreate the era for them.[14] Lynda Reiss, the head of props, had about a $220,000 budget, similar to most films, to acquire artifacts of the 1980s, using eBay and searching through flea markets and estate sales around the Atlanta area. The bulk of the props were original items from the 1980s with only a few pieces, such as the Dungeons & Dragons books made as replicas.[46] Visual effects To create the aged effect for the series, a film grain was added over the footage, which was captured by scanning in film stock from the 1980s.[34] The Duffers wanted to scare the audience, but not to necessarily make the show violent or gory, following in line with how the 1980s Amblin Entertainment films drove the creation of the PG-13 movie rating. It was "much more about mood and atmosphere and suspense and dread than they are about gore", though they were not afraid to push into more scary elements, particularly towards the end of the first season.[34] The brothers had wanted to avoid any computer-generated effects for the monster and other parts of the series and stay with practical effects. However, the six-month filming time left them little time to plan out and test practical effects rigs for some of the shots. They went with a middle ground of using constructed props including one for the monster whenever they could, but for other shots, such as when the monster bursts through a wall, they opted to use digital effects. Post-production on the first season was completed the week before it was released on Netflix.[14] The title sequence uses closeups of the letters in the Stranger Things title with a red tint against a black background as they slide into place within the title. The sequence was created by the studio Imaginary Forces, formerly part of R/GA, led by creative director Michelle Doughtey.[47] Levy introduced the studio to The Duffer Brothers, who explained their vision of the 1980s-inspired show, which helped the studio to fix the concept the producers wanted. Later, but prior to filming, the producers sent Imaginary Forces the pilot script, the synth-heavy background music for the titles, as well as the various book covers from King and other authors that they had used to establish the title and imagery, and were looking for a similar approach for the show's titles, primarily using a typographical sequence. They took inspiration from several title sequences of works from the 1980s that were previously designed by Richard Greenberg under R/GA, such as Altered States and The Dead Zone. They also got input from Dan Perri, who worked on the title credits of several 1980s films. Various iterations included having letters vanish, to reflect the "missing" theme of the show, and having letters cast shadows on others, alluding to the mysteries, before settling into the sliding letters. The studio began working on the title sequence before filming and took about a month off during the filming process to let the producers get immersed in the show and come back with more input. Initially, they had been working with various fonts for the title and used close-ups of the best features of these fonts, but near the end the producers wanted to work with ITC Benguiat, requiring them to rework those shots. The final sequence is fully computer-generated, but they took inspiration from testing some practical effects, such as using Kodalith masks as would have been done in the 1980s, to develop the appropriate filters for the rendering software. The individual episode title cards used a "fly-through" approach, similar to the film Bullitt, which the producers had suggested to the studio.[48] Music Main articles: Music of Stranger Things and Stranger Things (soundtrack) The Stranger Things original soundtrack was composed by Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon of the electronic band Survive.[49] It makes extensive use of synthesizers in homage to 1980s artists and film composers including Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, Goblin, John Carpenter, Giorgio Moroder, and Fabio Frizzi.[50] According to Stein and Dixon, The Duffer Brothers had been fans of Survive's music, and used their song "Dirge" for the mock trailer that was used to sell the show to Netflix.[49][51] Once the show was green-lit, the Duffers contacted Survive around July 2015 to ask if they were still doing music; the two provided the production team with dozens of songs from their band's past to gain their interest, helping to land them the role.[49] Once aboard, the two worked with producers to select some of their older music to rework for the show, while developing new music, principally with character motifs.[51] The two had been hired before the casting process, so their motif demos were used and played over the actors' audition tapes, aiding in the casting selection.[51][52] The show's theme is based on an unused work Stein composed much earlier that ended up in the library of work they shared with the production staff, who thought that with some reworking would be good for the opening credits.[49] The first season's original soundtrack, consisting of 75 songs from Dixon and Stein split across two volumes, was released by Lakeshore Records. Digital release and streaming options were released on August 10 and 19, 2016 for the two volumes, respectively, while retail versions were available on September 16 and 23, 2016.[53][54] In addition to original music, Stranger Things features period music from artists including The Clash, Toto, New Order, The Bangles, Foreigner, Echo and the Bunnymen, Peter Gabriel and Corey Hart, as well as excerpts from Tangerine Dream, John Carpenter and Vangelis.[54][55] In particular, The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go" was specifically picked to play at pivotal moments of the story, such as when Will is trying to communicate with Joyce from the Upside Down.[54] Music supervisor Nora Felder felt the song "furthered the story" and called it an additional, unseen, main character of the season.[56]

In this episode, Sarah chats with Kellyn, a market researcher who successfully pivoted into a Lead UX Researcher role at Weedmaps, with a 40% salary increase, after feeling stuck, overlooked, and unsure how to position herself for UX roles.Despite 13+ years of research experience (and a partner who is a career coach) Kellyn wasn't getting traction when applying to UX research jobs. She knew she had the skills, but lacked the clarity, confidence, and story to prove it. Through Career Strategy Lab, she rebuilt her confidence, clarified her direction, transformed her LinkedIn, and created a portfolio that focused on thinking and storytelling, not flashy visuals.This episode is a powerful reminder that career pivots don't require starting over—they require structure, strategy, and the confidence to own your experience.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Kellyn reframed market research experience for UX research roles✔️ Why the Compass Statement was the turning point in her job search✔️ How narrowing focus saved her time, energy, and burnout✔️ Why LinkedIn optimization led to real recruiter interest✔️ How storytelling, not a portfolio website, landed her UX job interviews ✔️ The role of community, coaching, and feedback in rebuilding confidence✔️ Why CSL is an investment with long-term, compounding career impact✔️ How clarity led to better interviews, better offers, and better payTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context02:10 Kellyn's Career Journey and Success Story05:00 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab on Confidence and Job Search13:55 The Importance of LinkedIn Optimization16:11 Crafting Compelling Case Studies and Portfolios23:44 Final Thoughts and Advice for Career Strategy Lab Participants27:08 Conclusion and Additional Resources27:49 Special Message for Job Seekers

Concrete production makes up about 8 percent of global carbon emissions each year. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are trying to develop more sustainable options. Residential solar tax credits expired at the end of 2025, but solar installers say there’s still an affordable way to do rooftop arrays. Women are now producing nearly half of the world’s food. That’s why – when the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show opens on Saturday, January 10th - one of the new components includes displays and opportunities to talk with Pennsylvania women involved in agriculture. It also ties into 2026’s “International Year of the Woman Farmer.” And for our final story today we’re going to explore a fun, even inspirational deep dive: The average American throws out almost 5 pounds of solid waste every day. But what if we could give our junk new life? One Philadelphia-area artist is doing just that. If you're already a member of WITF's Sustaining Circle, you know how convenient it is to support programs like this. By increasing your monthly gift in this new year, you can help WITF close the budget gap left by the loss of federal funding. Visit us online at witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining circle member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a clip from The After Dark Show with Don Rogers! Get access to the full episode and all thier content on all podcast platforms or click the link below!Full episode here! https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s3-e1-dr-richard-alan-miller-author-researcher-public-speaker-the-x-files--69291521Get access to every episode of The After Dark Show with Don Rogers https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-after-dark-show-with-don-rogers--6191691Forbidden Knowledge Network https://forbiddenknowledge.news/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forbidden-knowledge-news--3589233/support.

Dr. Dean Sherzai, co-director of Loma Linda University's Alzheimer's Prevention Program, reveals how lifestyle changes can prevent up to 90% of dementias.

This episode covers: • Colon Cancer in the Young and Why Risk May Start in Infancy New reporting highlights a troubling rise in early-onset colon cancer, including cases in highly fit endurance athletes. Researchers identified a distinct DNA damage signature linked to colibactin, a toxin produced by certain strains of E. coli, with evidence suggesting the damage may occur in infancy. Dave explains why fitness alone isn't protective, how early-life microbiome disruption and low-fiber modern diets stack long-term risk, and why earlier screening and gut-supportive habits like fiber, resistant starch, and circadian alignment matter more than ever. Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-so-many-young-people-getting-colon-cancer-answer-infancy-2025-12 • Kefir-Derived Bacteria, Immune Aging, and the Thymus A mouse study found that a kefir-derived bacterial strain, even when heat-inactivated, reduced age-related thymus shrinkage and lowered inflammatory signaling like IL-6. Dave breaks down why the thymus is central to immune aging, how chronic inflammation accelerates immune decline, and why your immune system responds to microbial signals, not just live probiotics. He explains how consistent fermented foods can act as immune training rather than a one-off supplement strategy. Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/popular-drink-can-reverse-aging-this-beverage-can-improve-immunity-and-help-achieve-longevity-finds-research/articleshow/126162250.cms • Why Vitamin D Doesn't Work Without Magnesium A human trial shows that magnesium status strongly determines how vitamin D behaves in the body. Magnesium is required for the enzymes that activate vitamin D, and deficiency can block its effects. Dave explains why some people see no improvement despite supplementing vitamin D, how magnesium restored low levels and normalized high ones, and why nutrient networks matter more than megadosing a single vitamin. Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020010.htm • The Selenium Sweet Spot and Mortality Risk A large population analysis found a U-shaped relationship between dietary selenium intake and mortality. Low selenium increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, while higher intake offered no additional benefit and may increase risk. Dave explains selenium's role in antioxidant defense, thyroid function, and immunity, why deficiency and excess are both problems, and how to approach selenium as a precision nutrient rather than a blanket supplement. Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-29228-3 • Time-Restricted Eating: Why the Window Matters More Than the Meal A randomized controlled trial compared early time-restricted eating, late time-restricted eating, and unrestricted eating. Both time-restricted groups naturally ate fewer calories without dieting, mainly by reducing snacking, while the unrestricted group drifted upward. Dave explains why the real benefit isn't metabolic magic but behavioral control, how eating windows reduce decision fatigue and metabolic noise, and why consistency beats perfection when using time-restricted eating as a long-term tool. Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-28662-5 Keywords: early onset colon cancer, colon cancer in young adults, gut microbiome infancy, colibactin E. coli, precancerous colon polyps, fiber and colon health, kefir immune aging, fermented foods immunity, thymus aging, T-cell decline aging, IL-6 chronic inflammation, immune resilience longevity, vitamin D magnesium interaction, magnesium deficiency vitamin D, nutrient cofactor metabolism, vitamin D activation enzymes, selenium intake mortality, selenium deficiency risk, selenium over supplementation, antioxidant enzymes selenium, time restricted eating study, eating window metabolism, skip breakfast vs skip dinner, circadian eating patterns, behavioral calorie reduction, metabolic health biohacking, longevity science news Thank you to our sponsors! - BEYOND Conference 2026 | Register now at https://beyondconference.com/ -Timeline | Go to http://timeline.com/dave and get 35% off a subscription with their New Year offer. Resources: • Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://substack.daveasprey.com/welcome • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:18 – Story #1: Colon Cancer in Young Athletes 1:40 – Story #2: Immune Aging and Microbial Signals 2:48 – Story #3: Vitamin D and Magnesium Connection 4:31 – Story #4: Selenium Sweet Spot 5:27 – Story #5: Time-Restricted Eating 6:56 – Weekly Upgrade Protocol 7:40 – Outro See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On previous Creation Moments, we have talked about some of the wonderful designs that help make the giraffe possible. The giraffe has a strong heart to pump blood all the way up to its head and strong arteries to withstand the high blood pressure needed to carry the blood to its head. We have also talked about the giraffe's so-called "wonder net," which is a network of blood vessels that helps to stabilize the blood pressure in the giraffe's head even when it raises and lowers its head.But modern science continues to uncover engineering wonders that enable the giraffe to keep blood flowing evenly to its brain and keep blood from pooling in its legs. Researchers have discovered that giraffes, unlike human beings, have a valve in the jugular vein. But these valves work in the wrong direction to help blood stay in the head. Instead, they close when a giraffe lowers its head, preventing used blood from backing up into the brain.And how does a giraffe, which stays on its feet all day, keep blood from pooling in its legs? Scientists have found that the skin on a giraffe's legs is very tight fitting. When a giraffe walks, its muscle movement within that tight skin actually helps pump used blood out of the legs.If life owed its existence to chance and genetic mistakes, we wouldn't have any giraffes today. But what a wonder of God's design these stately creatures are!Job 39:19"'Have you given the horse strength? Have you clothed his neck with thunder?'"Prayer: Dear Lord, there is nothing too hard for You. Help me to remember the example of the giraffe when life seems filled with too many difficult details. May I be reminded to bring all things to You, for You have promised to hear me. Amen.REF.: Pedley, T.J. How giraffes prevent oedema. Nature. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Good morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Today, we're diving into some fascinating updates that are shaping the future of medicine and healthcare.Let's start with a groundbreaking development in cancer treatment. Researchers have announced significant progress in a novel therapy targeting a specific mutation often found in non-small cell lung cancer. This mutation, known as EGFR exon 20 insertion, has historically been resistant to standard treatments. The new therapy employs a targeted approach that precisely inhibits the mutant protein while sparing normal cells. Early-phase clinical trials have shown promising results, with substantial tumor shrinkage observed in participants. This could potentially redefine treatment protocols for patients who previously had limited options and improve their overall survival rates. As the study progresses into later phases, the industry is watching closely to see if these initial successes translate into long-term benefits.In another significant development, we're seeing advancements in gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases. A recent study has highlighted a novel gene-editing technique that promises to restore vision in patients with certain genetic forms of blindness. By utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 technology, scientists have been able to directly correct mutations in retinal cells. The preclinical models have shown restored function and improved visual responses, paving the way for human trials. This breakthrough is not just a beacon of hope for those affected by genetic blindness but also underscores the transformative potential of gene-editing technologies in treating complex diseases.Moving on to regulatory news, there's an update on new drug approvals that could have widespread implications for public health. The FDA has recently approved a first-in-class drug for the treatment of severe migraines. This medication represents a novel mechanism of action by targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway, which plays a crucial role in migraine pathophysiology. Clinical trials indicated that it significantly reduces the frequency and severity of migraine attacks compared to existing treatments. For millions of sufferers worldwide, this approval offers a new avenue for relief and highlights the importance of continued innovation in chronic pain management.Shifting gears to vaccine development, there's exciting progress in the fight against infectious diseases. A new vaccine candidate for malaria has shown an unprecedented level of efficacy in trial settings. This vaccine utilizes a protein-based approach that targets multiple stages of the parasite's lifecycle, thereby enhancing its protective effects. Given malaria's devastating impact globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, this development is being hailed as a potential game-changer in global health efforts. As further studies and real-world evaluations unfold, this vaccine could become a cornerstone tool in reducing malaria's burden.Now turning our attention to industry trends, there's growing momentum around personalized medicine and its integration into mainstream healthcare systems. Personalized medicine tailors treatment strategies to individual patient profiles based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recent advances in genomics and data analytics have accelerated this shift, allowing for more precise and effective interventions. For healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies alike, this trend necessitates rethinking traditional drug development models and embracing collaborative approaches to harness big data effectively.Finally, let's look at an intriguing development in neurodegenerative disease research. Scientists are exploring a new class of drugs designed to target protein misfolding—an underlying cause of conditions Support the show

In this episode, we delve into the latest astronomical marvels and groundbreaking developments that are shaping our understanding of the cosmos. We kick off with an astonishing achievement by SpaceX, which has shattered its own launch record with 165 orbital flights in 2025, averaging a launch every 2.2 days. The Falcon 9 rocket has been the backbone of this success, while the next-generation Starship is also making strides towards becoming a fully reusable heavy-lift vehicle.Next, we explore an innovative solution for cleaning up space junk, inspired by science fiction. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam that uses a focused electrostatic beam to attract and maneuver debris without physical contact, promising a safer method of orbital debris removal.Shifting our gaze beyond Earth, we discuss a recent search for alien signals from the interstellar object 3i Atlas. Despite initial excitement over potential technosignatures, the search yielded no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial technology, but it set a new standard for future investigations.We then dive into the burgeoning lunar resource race, where countries and companies are vying to mine the Moon for valuable resources like water ice and helium-3. However, outdated international laws complicate this endeavor, prompting calls for a clearer framework to ensure responsible mining practices.As we look to the night sky, we highlight celestial events to watch for, including the brightest star, Sirius, and an upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 3rd. Jupiter will also be at opposition, shining brightly throughout the night, while Venus returns as the evening star.Finally, we unravel a cosmic mystery nearly a thousand years in the making regarding the supernova remnant PA30. Recent findings reveal it to be a failed type 1ax supernova, with a surviving white dwarf at its center emitting powerful winds that shape the nebula's unique structure.Join us for these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **This podcast features the latest in astronomy news from around the world00:32 – **In 2025, SpaceX successfully completed 165 orbital flights01:39 – **Researchers at Colorado Boulder are developing a tractor beam to clean up space junk02:54 – **Astronomers conducted a highly sensitive radio search on an interstellar visitor04:09 – **There's a growing and increasingly urgent international race to mine the moon05:36 – **There's plenty to see in the night sky as we head into 201906:43 – **Astronomers finally solve puzzle of supernova remnant known as PA3008:42 – **Until tomorrow, this has been Avery and Anna telling stories### Sources & Further Reading1. SpaceX2. University of Colorado Boulder3. NASA4. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: hello@astronomydaily.ioWebsite: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time!

In this intellectually engaging interview, Mark Underwood explores the frontiers of neuroscience and what modern brain research reveals about human consciousness, perception, and behavior. Drawing from scientific study and real-world research applications, Underwood breaks down complex neurological concepts into accessible insights, examining how the brain shapes thought, memory, learning, and awareness. This episode bridges science and curiosity, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the mind and the remarkable biological systems that define what it means to be human.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

Notes and Links to Cole Cuchna's Work     Cole Cuchna graduated from California State University with a degree in music composition. Cuchna graduated in 2015, pursued a short solo career, then worked as a barista. But his desire to bridge the classical and pop worlds persisted. He remembered his love of writing essays and conducting deep research about music. That coincided with the growing popularity of podcasting, which had been around for a decade. It was the perfect medium, he felt, for long-form analysis of an audio art.    Cole is the host and creator of Dissect Podcast, a music podcast which debuted in 2016. The podcast is renowned for its in-depth analysis of contemporary music. Dissect was named "Best podcast of 2017" by Quartz, and the following year was named "Best podcast of 2018" by The New York Times. Additionally, both Time magazine and The Guardian listed Dissect as one of the top 50 podcasts of 2018. 2025 marks the 13th season of Dissect.  Listen to Dissect Podcast   Watch Dissect Podcast on Netflix   Dissect Podcast Homepage   Dissect Podcast Wikipedia   Review of Dissect Podcast   At about 2:55, Cole explains plans for Dissect Podcast on Netflix, coming soon! At about 4:40, Cole responds to Pete's question about his own love of hip hop and transformative and formative music for him  At about 6:50, Cole underscores the “shared community” of skating growing up that welcomed “rappers” and “rockers” At about 8:30, Robin Branson, who put Pete on to Dissect (thanks, Robin), asks Cole about his view of himself as an “educator” At about 12:35, the two discuss Cole's research process and ideas of knowing the artist and his/her art At about 15:45, Pete shares a profound quote from Cole about the essence of music and music fandom At about 16:15, Cole responds to Pete's question about how he listens to music differently (or not) since he has become  At about 17:20, Cole expands upon the genesis for the podcast, dealing with Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly and his daughter's birth At about 19:00, a discussion of possible future hip hop heads alludes to a classic video At about 20:00, Cole outlines his average research time and his early research in the early days of the podcast At about 20:45, Cole explains what skills he had already developed in college music composition, and what skills he has learned/used in doing the podcast At about 22:20, Cole responds to Pete's question about how he picks an album At about 25:00, Pete details some of the great “subtlety and nuance” on the podcast At about 26:45, Cole expands on one of the show's “inside jokes” At about 27:45, Pete brings up “syncopation” in Radiohead's work in asking Cole about he balances sonic and lyrical jargon with digestible information for people who are not necessarily students of music theory  At about 32:15, Cole responds to Pete's question about what it's like to work with experts on individual artists in crafting his seasons  At about 34:25, Cole and Pete discuss the “side projects” that Cole has done involving standout artists and songs At about 36:20, Cole reflects on contemporary artists and his willingness to stay open to new sounds and talents At about 40:20, Cole talks about cool and beneficial feedback from the artists profiled on the podcast At about 41:40, Cole responds to Pete asking about “surreal” moments he's experienced in doing the podcast and offshoot projects  At about 42:40, Manifesting for a future Cole interview with Kendrick! At about 43:20, Cole shouts out the rapper who has “sealed the deal” for him as the G.O.A.T. At about 44:25, When's Frank Ocean gonna drop?      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Jeff Pearlman, a recent guest, will be up at Chicago Review in the next week or so.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of children's literature on standout writers from the show, including Robert Jones, Jr. and Javier Zamora, as well as Pete's cherished relationship with Levar Burton, Reading Rainbow, and libraries.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 316 with Kiese Laymon, a Black southern writer from Jackson, Mississippi. He is the author of Long Division, which won the 2022 NAACP Image Award for fiction, and the essay collection, How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America, named a notable book of 2021 by the New York Times critics. Laymon's bestselling memoir, Heavy: An American Memoir, won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, the Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose, the Barnes and Noble Discovery Award, the Austen Riggs Erikson Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media, and was named one of the 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years by The New York Times.    The episode airs on January 6.    Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.

Real Life This week's episode starts where a lot of us have been living lately: sick, tired, and mainlining comfort food. Steven is still sick for Christmas and counting, while Ben also got hit, which pushed Christmas celebrations down the calendar a bit. The upside? More chili. More Fritos. No regrets. Holiday illness also turned into a surprisingly serious soda tasting panel. Steven gives a strong thumbs-up to Sunset Sarsaparilla, while Nuka Cola Quantum lands squarely in the "fine, I guess" category. Ben, meanwhile, makes a passionate case for Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale, which he insists is gooooood. On the gaming front, Ben waves the bargain flag for Bang Bang Racing, currently just a dollar on Steam until January 5. It's tiny (about 200MB), has excellent controls, and punches way above its weight. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. You can check the deal details here: https://isthereanydeal.com/game/bang-bang-racing/info/  Steven also dives deeper into Fallout Season 2, Episode 2, which naturally turns into more Fallout lore and nonsense. Possibly too much. Definitely too much. But that's the price of admission. Future or Now Ben brings some sobering science to the table this week. After the January 2025 LA wildfires, hospitals recorded a sharp rise in emergency visits for heart attacks, lung illness, and general sickness over the following three months. Researchers believe fine particles from wildfire smoke, combined with stress, played a major role. Blood tests even showed unusual changes that suggest health impacts lingered long after the fires were out. You can read more about the research here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251220104619.htm  Steven talks about Plur1bus on Apple TV+, created by Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame (and former X-Files writer). Ben keeps himself updated through Boars, Gore, and Swords: http://boarsgoreandswords.com/  Steven, meanwhile, supplements his viewing with YouTube deep dives on color theory and visual storytelling. The consensus? An amazing show — but be warned, we eventually wander into spoiler territory. Go watch it first, then come back. Ben also shares a very cool Google Earth exploration centered on Albuquerque. If you want to follow along, here's the link: https://earth.google.com/web/search/Albuquerque/@35.16557795,-106.74593037,1672.53654999a,233.96919711d,35y,0h,0t,0r/data=Cj4iJgokCUSJAsPilUFAEUCfJ-B8lEFAGTzU80gBr1rAIWpgL9d9sFrAKhAIARIKMjAyNC0wOC0zMBgBQgIIAToDCgEwQgIIAEoNCP___________wEQAA?authuser=0  Book Club No book club this week — we're waiting on Devon, who seemed very excited, which somehow makes the waiting worse. Next week's story is "The Janitor in Space" by Amber Sparks, available through American Short Fiction: https://americanshortfiction.org/janitor-space/  Special Note We're taking a week off. For shame. But we'll be back on January 11th, refreshed, rehydrated, and hopefully no longer coughing into our microphones.

Kelvin Chan, an AI researcher at Google, joins Jeremy Au to unpack his unconventional path from mathematics in Hong Kong to applied AI research across Singapore and the United States. They explore how AI research differs from traditional academic work, why iteration and results often matter more than theory, and how scale has transformed research culture from small experiments to highly collaborative, compute-heavy systems. The conversation covers the rapid evolution of image and video models including Google's Nano Banana model, the push toward world modeling and embodied AI, and how AI tools are reshaping daily productivity for engineers. Kelvin also reflects on choosing AI in 2018 before it was mainstream, and why he believes the long-term future lies in AI as a trusted partner that augments human work rather than replaces it. 03:18 Image processing redirected Kelvin away from finance: Hands-on work with visual data revealed a stronger pull toward applied problem solving than abstract financial paths. 06:00 AI research prioritizes iteration over proofs: Progress comes from training models, debugging failures, and refining results rather than deriving formal guarantees. 09:16 Nano Banana reflects Google's applied AI approach: Large-scale models are used to speed up coding, debugging, documentation, and internal productivity. 11:00 Results matter more than explanations in applied AI: Kelvin focuses on whether models work in practice, not on fully understanding internal neural mechanisms. 16:12 Scaling models reshaped research culture: Moving from millions to billions of parameters forced deeper collaboration and reduced solo experimentation. 20:05 World modeling targets physical understanding: Researchers aim to teach AI how gravity, motion, and real-world constraints actually behave. 26:25 Choosing AI before it was mainstream required risk: Kelvin's decision to pursue AI in 2018 became the most defining and courageous move of his career. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kelvin-chan-inside-google-ai WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube  English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast  English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 #GoogleAI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIResearch #FutureOfAI #TechCareers #MachineLearning #DeepLearning #AITrends #AIatScale #BRAVEpodcast

When a forestry student is brutally murdered while conducting research in a forest park at the University of Florida, law enforcement scrambles to find leads that prove fruitful. As the decades have passed, the mystery of who killed Julie Ann Cohen has endured much to investigators dismay.If you know anything about the 1977 unsolved murder of Julie Ann Cohen, contact the University of Florida Police Department at 352-392-1111 or use their Silent Witness portal which can be found here. View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-researcherPark Predators is an Audiochuck production. Connect with us on social media:Instagram: @parkpredators | @audiochuckTwitter: @ParkPredators | @audiochuckFacebook: /ParkPredators  | /audiochuckllcTikTok:  @audiochuck Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A 2025 analysis of over 13,500 knee MRI scans revealed that men have more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears overall, including ACL plus meniscus combinations, contrary to earlier data focused on female athletes Men under 40 were more likely to have trauma-driven medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus injuries, while women over 40 had a higher rate of degenerative MCL and meniscus damage These patterns suggest trauma dominates in male injuries, while age-linked tissue breakdown plays a bigger role in older female patients These results can aid clinicians and radiologists in recognizing patterns of injury so they can tailor imaging protocols, risk assessments, and early intervention strategies for patients Researchers say these gender-specific patterns may change the screening, prevention, and rehabilitation for knee injury across lifespans

A brand-new study shows what we all intuitively knew, sometimes letting it rip with a good curse word makes you tougher. Researchers found that swearing can boost physical performance and increase pain tolerance, a real-world psychological edge the elites don’t want to admit exists. Grant digs into why this matters, how mental intensity translates into physical results, and why the “politeness police” hate the idea that raw emotion can actually make you stronger. Then we break down a massive development coming out of President Trump’s health team. Dr. Harvey Risch, long targeted by the medical establishment for challenging their narratives, has been appointed to the Trump Cancer Panel. This is a game-changer. Risch is a believer in ivermectin as a potential cancer treatment, and his inclusion signals a seismic shift away from the pharmaceutical cartel’s control and toward real innovation and honesty in medicine. https://Twc.Health/Grant (Use Grant for 10% Off) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researchers evaluated the efficacy and outcomes of complete surgical excision of perianal melanomas from 59 horses. Read the full article here: https://equimanagement.com/research-medical/research/treatment-outcomes-for-perianal-melanoma-removal-in-horses/Mentioned in this episode:EquiManagement on Audio All the articles you have come to love in EquiManagement Magazine are now available in this podcast for free. Each article is released as its own separate episode to make them quick and easy to listen to. EquiManagement always has the latest insights on equine health, veterinary practice management, and veterinarian wellness.

There's promising new research out of Colorado in the effort to treat Alzheimer's disease. The study focused on the drug Leukine, which is already on the market to treat other disorders. Andrea speaks with the study's senior author, Huntington Potter, who directs the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center. Then, another study shows how lifestyle can help prevent memory loss. Also, the city of Denver won't meet its first big climate goals. We ask the mayor why the city is falling short, and about the plan moving forward. 

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.—Wolfram is a Senior UX Designer and Researcher and has been working at TeamViewer for eight years.He has been driving and advancing UX Research at the company for nearly two years, developing it further together with a young but highly talented and motivated team. He has been deeply involved with Jobs-to-Be-Done for over a decade and considers himself a pragmatic JTBD practitioner.Before joining TeamViewer, he spent almost ten years in the Enterprise Content Management space and have been focusing on Multi-Device Experiences since the mid-2010s. He is the author of “Multiscreen UX Design” and has been passionately engaged in UX and design for around 25 years. His expertise lies in Jobs-to-Be-Done, hands-on and pragmatic UX research, as well as content design and content management. He regularly and enthusiastically participates in webinars, meetups, and conferences.Beyond UX and design, he enjoys photography, particularly nature and bird photography, and loves spending time with his family. In the past, he was an avid groundhopper, traveling across Europe with friends to attend football matches.In our conversation, we discuss:* Why it helps to think of every user action as a “job” with a real outcome, not just a task or step.* The messy overlap between jobs, goals, use cases, and what stakeholders think they want.* Why most teams start in the solution space and how to bring Jobs thinking in without derailing the train.* What an actual “job” sounds like in the wild, and how to spot one inside complaints, workarounds, and feature requests.* Why Wolfram keeps outcome-driven language like “minimize the time it takes to…” as a rule and how it makes your findings way more usable.Some takeaways:* Jobs to Be Done is a lens. Wolfram doesn't wait for permission to use JTBD thinking. Whether he's asked for a usability test or feedback on a feature, he still pulls out the job behind it. Why? Because understanding the job gives you reusable insights that don't die with the feature.* Stop obsessing over the perfect term. Stakeholders just need to get it. Wolfram avoids technical jargon like “JTBD” when introducing the concept. He uses terms they already know, like “use cases” or “problems,” so they're not thrown off. The focus is clarity, not vocabulary.* Your users are already giving you jobs, you just have to listen for them. Complaints, feature requests, emails, even rants. All of these hold clues about what someone was trying to do. If you dig in with curiosity (and a few “tell me more”s), you can usually find the real goal underneath the noise.* Do it late if you must but do it anyway. Sometimes research doesn't happen until the build is already underway. That doesn't mean you skip the problem space. Wolfram brings in JTBD insights midstream, not to stop the train, but to nudge it toward stronger value delivery and set up better decisions next time.* Your feature might flop but your jobs research won't go to waste. If the solution turns out to be unworkable or doesn't land, you don't have to throw away the research. JTBD insights stay valid. They're reusable, solution-agnostic, and can fuel the next iteration or a totally new idea.Where to find Wolfram:* Multiscreen UX Design (book)* Website* LinkedIn* Twitter/XStop piecing it together. Start leading the work.The Everything UXR Bundle is for researchers who are tired of duct-taping free templates and second-guessing what good looks like.You get my complete set of toolkits, templates, and strategy guides. used by teams across Google, Spotify, , to run credible research, influence decisions, and actually grow in your role.It's built to save you time, raise your game, and make you the person people turn to—not around.→ Save 140+ hours a year with ready-to-use templates and frameworks→ Boost productivity by 40% with tools that cut admin and sharpen your focus→ Increase research adoption by 50% through clearer, faster, more strategic deliveryInterested in sponsoring the podcast?Interested in sponsoring or advertising on this podcast? I'm always looking to partner with brands and businesses that align with my audience. Book a call or email me at nikki@userresearchacademy.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities!The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the host, the podcast, or any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.userresearchstrategist.com/subscribe

News items read by Laura Kennedy include: Researchers discover 5,000-year-old textile fragments in Magura Cave in Bulgaria (details) First Maya patolli board found with mosaic design (details)(details) Indian stone labyrinth may indicate relationship with Roman traders (details) Ancient Hittite cuneiform fragment in the Czech Republic may be hoax (details)

Your Limit is a Lie!Meet D. Logan!Logan is a Researcher, Speaker, Author, Philosopher, Activist and Creative.Logan is a high-impact transformational speaker who's redefining personal development through the lens of combat-tested grit, radical self-leadership, and unapologetic truth.Logan was raised in a religious cult and became suicidal by the age of eighteen. He ran from the pain, joined the Air Force, and served two combat tours in Iraq.But when he came home, the mental war raged on, anxiety, depression, divorce, and a life stuck in the comfort zone. After hitting rock bottom, he fought back, pursued his dream, and became a successful live TV director.Drawing inspiration from real world experience, science and research, Logan brings a unique blend of battlefield-tested discipline, neuroscience-backed strategy, and soul-awakening conviction to every stage, screen, event and person.Listen as Logan shares:- how he grew up in a cult- the suicidal thoughts from isolation- how being in a war zone affected him- reaching rock bottom and all falling apart- the motivation behind giving up alcoholism- the truth about neuroplasticity- crafting your own identity- letting your old self die- shattering limiting beliefs...and so much more!Connect with Logan:Website: https://www.theloganunlimited.com/Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-do-you-believe-about-yourself-create-a-new/id1614151066?i=1000743060988Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/52tuAC2LmyfuPqpP2cKr4n?si=qLFSxfV3S8q1eXbO3qvVhwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/52tuAC2LmyfuPqpP2cKr4nYouTube: https://youtu.be/66z8o3UTtE4

As AI adoption accelerates across the software industry, engineering leaders are increasingly focused on a harder question: how to understand whether these tools are actually improving developer experience and organizational outcomes.In this year-end episode of the Engineering Enablement podcast, host Laura Tacho is joined by Brian Houck from Microsoft, Collin Green and Ciera Jaspan from Google, and Eirini Kalliamvakou from GitHub to examine what 2025 research reveals about AI impact in engineering teams. The panel discusses why measuring AI's effectiveness is inherently complex, why familiar metrics like lines of code continue to resurface despite their limitations, and how multidimensional frameworks such as SPACE and DORA provide a more accurate view of developer productivity.The conversation also looks ahead to 2026, exploring how AI is beginning to reshape the role of the developer, how junior engineers' skill sets may evolve, where agentic workflows are emerging, and why some widely shared AI studies were misunderstood. Together, the panel offers a grounded perspective on moving beyond hype toward more thoughtful, evidence-based AI adoption.Where to find Brian Houck:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianhouck/ • Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/people/bhouck/ Where to find Collin Green: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-green-97720378 • Website: https://research.google/people/107023Where to find Ciera Jaspan: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciera • Website: https://research.google/people/cierajaspan/Where to find Eirini Kalliamvakou: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eirini-kalliamvakou-1016865/• X: https://x.com/irina_kAl • Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/people/eikalliWhere to find Laura Tacho: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauratacho/• X: https://x.com/rhein_wein• Website: https://lauratacho.com/• Laura's course (Measuring Engineering Performance and AI Impact) https://lauratacho.com/developer-productivity-metrics-courseIn this episode, we cover:(00:00) Intro(02:35) Introducing the panel and the focus of the discussion(04:43) Why measuring AI's impact is such a hard problem(05:30) How Microsoft approaches AI impact measurement(06:40) How Google thinks about measuring AI impact(07:28) GitHub's perspective on measurement and insights from the DORA report(10:35) Why lines of code is a misleading metric(14:27) The limitations of measuring the percentage of code generated by AI(18:24) GitHub's research on how AI is shaping the identity of the developer(21:39) How AI may change junior engineers' skill sets(24:42) Google's research on using AI and creativity (26:24) High-leverage AI use cases that improve developer experience(32:38) Open research questions for AI and developer productivity in 2026(35:33) How leading organizations approach change and agentic workflows(38:02) Why the METR paper resonated and how it was misunderstoodReferenced:• Measuring AI code assistants and agents• Kiro• Claude Code - AI coding agent for terminal & IDE• SPACE framework: a quick primer• DORA | State of AI-assisted Software Development 2025• Martin Fowler - by Gergely Orosz - The Pragmatic Engineer• Seamful AI for Creative Software Engineering: Use in Software Development Workflows | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore• AI Where It Matters: Where, Why, and How Developers Want AI Support in Daily Work - Microsoft Research• Unpacking METR's findings: Does AI slow developers down?• DX Annual 2026

The True Story Behind Zurvan - The Demon From The Novel, "Advent of Evil"In Persian Mithraism, there was a deity associated with time and fate. His followers celebrated him during mid-winter festivals — festivals that reached their peak on December 24th. In the novel Advent of Evil, that deity appears as a demon who operates through a cursed advent calendar, enforcing strict rules: one door opened every day, no skipping, no ignoring. Break the rules, and there are consequences. Researchers tracing the object's history in the novel found it connected to a spirit board, a serial killer, a Christmas Eve fire, and thirty years of patient waiting. How much of the demon Zurvan has any basis in actual ancient mythology — and was there ever a real entity behind the fiction? We'll examine what archaeologists found on clay tablets dating back over three thousand years.CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = The Demon In The Advent Calendar00:05:13.171 = Show Open00:06:33.462 = A Thousand Years of Sacrifice00:18:20.446 = *** The Lion-Headed God In The Vatican00:41:40.408 = *** Kill Them All01:05:08.640 = *** The God Who Doesn't Care01:12:21.326 = Show Close*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakPRINT VERSION to READ or SHARE (Includes Sources):https://weirddarkness.com/zurvan=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: December 27, 2025EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/zurvanABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all things strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold cases, conspiracy theories, and more. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “20 Best Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a blend of “Coast to Coast AM”, “The Twilight Zone”, “Unsolved Mysteries”, and “In Search Of”.DISCLAIMER: Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#WeirdDarkness #AncientMythology #PersianMythology #Zoroastrianism #ChristmasOrigins #OccultHistory #AncientDemons #DarkHistory #MysteryReligions #WinterSolstice #Zurvan #AdventOfEvil

Imagine for a second that Eckhart Tolle wasn't a spiritual teacher, but a deep cover operative with a gun to his head. And just for a second, pretend that Tolle’s Power of Now wasn't a way to find peace, but a survival mechanism used to slow down time when your reality is collapsing. And your memory has been utterly destroyed by forces beyond your control. Until a good friend helps you rebuild it from the ground up. These are the exact feelings and sense of positive transformation I tried to capture in a project I believe is critical for future autodidacts, polymaths and traditional learners: Vitamin X, a novel in which the world’s only blind memory champion helps a detective use memory techniques and eventually achieve enlightenment. It’s also a story about accomplishing big goals, even in a fast-paced and incredibly challenging world. In the Magnetic Memory Method community at large, we talk a lot about the habits of geniuses like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. We obsess over their reading lists and their daily routines because we want that same level of clarity and intellectual power. But there's a trap in studying genius that too many people fall into: Passivity. And helping people escape passive learning is one of several reasons I’ve studied the science behind a variety of fictional learning projects where stories have been tested as agents of change. Ready to learn more about Vitamin X and the various scientific findings I’ve uncovered in order to better help you learn? Let’s dive in! Defeating the Many Traps of Passive Learning We can read about how Lincoln sharpened his axe for hours before trying to cut down a single tree. And that's great. But something's still not quite right. To this day, tons of people nod their heads at that famous old story about Lincoln. Yet, they still never sharpen their own axes, let alone swing them. Likewise, people email me every day regarding something I've taught about focus, concentration or a particular mnemonic device. They know the techniques work, including under extreme pressure. But their minds still fracture the instant they're faced with distraction. As a result, they never wind up getting the memory improvement results I know they can achieve. So, as happy as I am with all the help my books like The Victorious Mind and SMARTER have helped create in this world, I’m fairly confident that those titles will be my final memory improvement textbooks. Instead, I am now focused on creating what you might call learning simulations. Enter Vitamin X, the Memory Detective Series & Teaching Through Immersion Because here's the thing: If I really want to teach you how to become a polymath, I can't just carry on producing yet another list of tips. I have to drop you into scenarios where you actually feel what it's like to use memory techniques. That's why I started the Memory Detective initiative. It began with a novel called Flyboy. It’s been well-received and now part two is out. And it’s as close to Eckhart Tolle meeting a Spy Thriller on LSD as I could possibly make it. Why? To teach through immersion. Except, it's not really about LSD. No, the second Memory Detective novel centers around a substance called Vitamin X. On the surface, it's a thriller about a detective named David Williams going deep undercover. In actuality, it's a cognitive training protocol disguised as a novel. But one built on a body of research that shows stories can change what people remember, believe, and do. And that's both the opportunity and the danger. To give you the memory science and learning research in one sentence: Stories are a delivery system. We see this delivery system at work in the massive success of Olly Richards’ StoryLearning books for language learners. Richards built his empire on the same mechanism Pimsleur utilized to great effect long before their famous audio recordings became the industry standard: using narrative to make raw data stick. However, a quick distinction is necessary. In the memory world, we often talk about the Story Method. This approach involves linking disparate pieces of information together in a chain using a simple narrative vignette (e.g., a giant cat eating a toaster to remember a grocery list). That is a powerful mnemonic tool, and you will see Detective Williams use short vignettes in the Memory Detective series. But Vitamin X is what I call ‘Magnetic Fiction.’ It's not a vignette. It's a macro-narrative designed to carry the weight of many memory techniques itself. It simulates the pressure required to forge the skill, showing you how and why to use the story method within a larger, immersive context. So with that in mind, let's unpack the topic of fiction and teaching a bit further. That way, you'll know more of what I have in mind for my readers. And perhaps you'll become interested in some memory science experiments I plan to run in the near future. Illustration of “Cafe Mnemonic,” a fun memory training location the Memory Detective David Williams wants to establish once he has enough funds. Fiction as a Teaching Technology: What the Research Says This intersection of story and memory isn't new territory for me. Long before I gave my popular TEDx Talk on memory or helped thousands of people through the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass, live workshops and my books, I served as a Mercator award-winning Film Studies professor. In this role, I often analyzed and published material regarding how narratives shape our cognition. Actually, my research into the persuasion of memory goes back to my scholarly contribution to the anthology The Theme of Cultural Adaptation in American History, Literature and Film. In my chapter, “Cryptomnesia or Cryptomancy? Subconscious Adaptations of 9/11,” I examined specifically how cultural narratives influence memory formation, forgetting, and the subconscious acceptance of information. That academic background drives the thinking and the learning protocols baked into Vitamin X. As does the work of researchers who have studied narrative influence for decades. Throughout their scientific findings, one idea keeps reappearing in different forms: When a story pulls you in, you experience some kind of “transportation.” It can be that you find yourself deeply immersed in the life of a character. Or you find your palms sweating as your brain tricks you into believing you're undergoing some kind of existential threat. When such experiences happen, you stop processing information like you would an argument through critical thinking. Instead, you start processing the information in the story almost as if they were really happening. As a result, these kinds of transportation can change beliefs and intentions, sometimes without the reader noticing the change happening. That's why fiction has been used for: teaching therapy religion civic formation advertising propaganda Even many national anthems contain stories that create change, something I experienced recently when I became an Australian citizen. As I was telling John Michael Greer during our latest podcast recording, I impulsively took both the atheist and the religious oath and sang the anthem at the ceremony. All of these pieces contain stories and those stories changed how I think, feel and process the world. Another way of looking at story is summed up in this simple statement: All stories have the same basic mechanism. But many stories have wildly different ethics. My ethics: Teach memory improvement methods robustly. Protect the tradition. And help people think for themselves using the best available critical thinking tools. And story is one of them. 6 Key Research Insights on Educational Fiction Now, when it comes to the research that shows just how powerful story is, we can break it down into buckets. Some of the main categories of research on fiction for pedagogy include: 1) Narrative transportation and persuasion As these researchers explain in The Role of Transportation in the Persuasiveness of Public Narratives, transportation describes how absorbed a reader becomes in a story. Psychologists use transportation models to show how story immersion drives belief change. It works because vivid imagery paired with emotion and focused attention make story-consistent ideas easier to accept. This study of how narratives were used in helping people improve their health support the basic point: Narratives produce average shifts in attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and sometimes behavior. Of course, the exact effects vary by topic and the design of the scientific study in question. But the point remains that fiction doesn't merely entertain. It can also train and persuade. 2) Entertainment-Education (EE) EE involves deliberately embedding education into popular media, often with pro-social aims. In another health-based study, researchers found that EE can influence knowledge, attitudes, intentions, behavior, and self-efficacy. Researchers in Brazil have also used large-scale observational work on soap operas and social outcomes (like fertility). As this study demonstrates, mass narrative exposure can shape real-world behavior at scale within a population. Stories can alter norms, not just transfer facts from one mind to another. You’ll encounter this theme throughout Vitamin X, especially when Detective Williams tangles with protestors who hold beliefs he does not share, but seem to be taking over the world. 3) Narrative vs expository learning (a key warning) Here's the part most “educational fiction” ignores: Informative narratives often increase interest, but they don't automatically improve comprehension. As this study found, entertainment can actually cause readers to overestimate how well they understood the material. This is why “edutainment” often produces big problems: You can wind up feeling smarter because you enjoyed an experience. But just because you feel that way doesn't mean you gain a skill you can reliably use. That’s why I have some suggestions for you below about how to make sure Vitamin X actually helps you learn to use memory techniques better. 4) Seductive details (another warning) There's also the problem of effects created by what scientists call seductive details. Unlike the “luminous details” I discussed with Brad Kelly on his Madness and Method podcast, seductive details are interesting but irrelevant material. They typically distract attention and reduce learning of what actually matters. As a result, these details divert attention through interference and by adding working memory demands. The research I’ve read suggests that when story authors don't engineer their work with learning targets in mind, their efforts backfire. What was intended to help learners actually becomes a sabotage device. I've done my best to avoid sabotaging my own pedagogical efforts in the Memory Detective stories so far. That's why they include study guides and simulations of using the Memory Palace technique, linking and number mnemonics like the Major System. In the series finale, which is just entering the third draft now, the 00-99 PAO and Giordano Bruno's Statue technique are the learning targets I’ve set up for you. They are much harder, and that’s why even though there are inevitable seductive details throughout the Memory Detective series, the focus on memory techniques gets increasingly more advanced. My hope is that your focus and attention will be sharpened as a result. 5) Learning misinformation from fiction (the dark side) People don't just learn from fiction. They learn false facts from fiction too. In this study, researchers found that participants often treated story-embedded misinformation as if it were true knowledge. This is one reason using narrative as a teaching tool is so ethically loaded. It can bypass the mental posture we use for skepticism. 6) Narrative “correctives” (using story against misinformation) The good news is that narratives can also reduce misbelief. This study on “narrative correctives” found that stories can sometimes decrease false beliefs and misinformed intentions, though results are mixed. The key point is that story itself is neither “good” or “bad.” It's a tool for leverage, and this is one of the major themes I built into Vitamin X. My key concern is that people would confuse me with any of my characters. Rather, I was trying to create a portrait of our perilous world where many conflicts unfold every day. Some people use tools for bad, others for good, and even that binary can be difficult for people to agree upon. Pros & Cons of Teaching with Fiction Let’s start with the pros. Attention and completion: A good story can keep people engaged, which is a prerequisite for any learning to occur. The transportation model I cited above helps explain why. The Positive Side of Escapism Entering a simulation also creates escapism that is actually valuable. This is because fiction gives you “experience” without real-world consequences when it comes to facing judgment, ethics, identity, and pressure-handling. This is one reason why story has always been used for moral education, not just entertainment. However, I’ve also used story in my Memory Detective games, such as “The Velo Gang Murders.” Just because story was involved did not mean people did not face judgement. But it was lower than my experiments with “Magnetic Variety,” a non-narrative game I’ll be releasing in the future. Lower Reactance Stories can reduce counterarguing compared with overt persuasion, which can be useful for resistant audiences. In other words, you’re on your own in the narrative world. Worst case scenario, you’ll have a bone to pick with the author. This happened to me the other day when someone emailed to “complain” about how I sometimes discuss Sherlock Holmes. Fortunately, the exchange turned into a good-hearted debate, something I attribute to having story as the core foundation of our exchange. Compare this to Reddit discussions like this one, where discussing aspects of the techniques in a mostly abstract way leads to ad hominem attacks. Now for the cons: Propaganda Risk The same reduction in counterarguing and squabbling with groups that you experience when reading stories is exactly what makes narratives useful for manipulation. When you’re not discussing what you’re reading with others, you can wind up ruminating on certain ideas. This can lead to negative outcomes where people not only believe incorrect things. They sometimes act out negatively in the world. The Illusion of Understanding Informative narratives can produce high interest but weaker comprehension and inflated metacomprehension. I’ve certainly had this myself, thinking I understand various points in logic after reading Alice in Wonderland. In reality, I still needed to do a lot more study. And still need more. In fact, “understanding” is not a destination so much as it is a process. Misinformation Uptake People sometimes acquire false beliefs from stories and struggle to discount fiction as a source. We see this often in religion due to implicit memory. Darrel Ray has shown how this happens extensively in his book, The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture. His book helped explain something that happened to me after I first started memorizing Sanskrit phrases and feeling the benefits of long-form meditation. For a brief period, implicit memory and the primacy effect made me start to consider that the religion I’d grown up with was in fact true and real. Luckily, I shook that temporary effect. But many others aren’t quite so lucky. And in case it isn’t obvious, I’ll point out that the Bible is not only packed with stories. Some of those stories contain mnemonic properties, something Eran Katz pointed out in his excellent book, Where Did Noah Park the Ark? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhQlcMHhF3w The “Reefer Madness” Problem While working on Vitamin X, I thought often about Reefer Madness. In case you haven’t seen it, Reefer Madness began as an “educational” morality tale about cannabis. It's now famous largely because it's an over-the-top artifact of moral panic, an example of how fear-based fiction can be used to shape public belief under the guise of protection. I don’t want to make that mistake in my Memory Detective series. But there is a relationship because Vitamin X does tackle nootropics, a realm of substances for memory I am asked to comment on frequently. In this case, I'm not trying to protect people from nootropics, per se. But as I have regularly talked about over the years, tackling issues like brain fog by taking memory supplements or vitamins for memory is fraught with danger. And since fiction is one of the most efficient way to smuggle ideas past the mind's filters, I am trying to raise some critical thinking around supplementation for memory. But to do it in a way that's educational without trying to exploit anyone. I did my best to create the story so that you wind up thinking for yourself. What I'm doing differently with Vitamin X & the Memory Detective Series I'm not pretending fiction automatically teaches. I'm treating fiction as a delivery system for how various mnemonic methods work and as a kind of cheerleading mechanism that encourages you to engage in proper, deliberate practice. Practice of what? 1) Concentration meditation. Throughout the story, Detective Williams struggles to learn and embrace the memory-based meditation methods of his mentor, Jerome. You get to learn more about these as you read the story. 2) Memory Palaces as anchors for sanity, not party tricks. In the library sequence, Williams tries to launch a mnemonic “boomerang” into a Memory Palace while hallucinatory imagery floods the environment. Taking influence from the ancient mnemonist, Hugh of St. Victor, Noah's Ark becomes a mnemonic structure. Mnemonic images surge and help Detective Williams combat his PTSD. To make this concrete, I've utilized the illustrations within the book itself. Just as the ancients used paintings and architectural drawings to encode knowledge, the artwork in Vitamin X isn’t just decoration. During the live bootcamp I’m running to celebrate the launch, I show you how to treat the illustrations as ‘Painting Memory Palaces.’ This effectively turns the book in your hands into a functioning mnemonic device, allowing you to practice the method of loci on the page before you even step out into the real world. Then there’s the self-help element, which takes the form of how memory work can help restore sanity. A PTSD theme runs throughout the Memory Detective series for two deliberate reasons. First, Detective Williams is partly based on Nic Castle. He's a former police officer who found symptom relief for his PTSD from using memory techniques. He shared his story on this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast years ago. Second, Nic's anecdotal experience is backed up by research. And even if you don't have PTSD, the modern world is attacking many of us in ways that clearly create similar symptom-like issues far worse than the digital amnesia I've been warning about for years. We get mentally hijacked by feeds, anxiety loops, and synthetic urgency. We lose our grip on reality and wonder why we can't remember what we read five minutes ago. That's just one more reason I made memory techniques function as reality-tests inside Vitamin X. 3) The critical safeguard: I explicitly separate fiction from technique. In Flyboy's afterword, I put it plainly: The plot is fictional, but the memory techniques are real. And because they're real, they require study and practice. I believe this boundary matters because research shows how easily readers absorb false “facts” from fiction. 4) To help you practice, I included a study guide. At the end of both Flyboy and Vitamin X, there are study guides. In Vitamin X, you'll find a concrete method for creating a Mnemonic Calendar. This is not the world's most perfect memory technique. But it's helpful and a bit more advanced than a technique I learned from Jim Samuels many years ago. In his version, he had his clients divide the days of the week into a Memory Palace. For his senior citizens in particular, he had them divide the kitchen. So if they had to take a particular pill on Monday, they would imagine the pill as a giant moon in the sink. Using the method of loci, this location would always serve as their mnemonic station for Monday. In Vitamin X, the detective uses a number-shape system. Either way, these kinds of techniques for remembering schedules are the antidote to the “illusion of understanding” problem, provided that you put them to use. They can be very difficult to understand if you don't. Why My Magnetic Fiction Solves the “Hobbyist” Problem A lot of memory training fails for one reason: People treat it as a hobby. They “learn” techniques the way people “learn” guitar: By watching a few videos and buying a book. While the study material sits on a shelf or lost in a hard drive, the consumer winds up never rehearsing. Never putting any skill to the test. And as a result, never enjoying integration with the techniques. What fiction can do is create: emotional stakes situational context identity consistency (“this is what I do now”) and enough momentum to carry you into real practice That's the point of the simulation. You're not just reading about a detective and his mentor using Memory Palaces and other memory techniques. You're watching what happens when a mind uses a Memory Palace to stay oriented. And you can feel that urgency in your own nervous system while you read. That's the “cognitive gym” effect, I'm going for. It's also why I love this note from Andy, because it highlights the exact design target I'm going for: “I finished Flyboy last night. Great book! I thought it was eminently creative, working the memory lessons into a surprisingly intricate and entertaining crime mystery. Well done!” Or as the real-life Sherlock Holmes Ben Cardall put it the Memory Detective stories are: …rare pieces of fiction that encourages reflection in the reader. You don’t just get the drama, the tension and the excitement from the exploits of its characters. You also get a look at your own capabilities as though Anthony is able to make you hold a mirror up to yourself and think ‘what else am I capable of’? A Practical Way to Read These Novels for Memory Training If you want the benefits without the traps we've discussed today: Read Vitamin X for immersion first (let transportation do its job). Then read it again with a simple study goal. This re-reading strategy is important because study-goal framing will improve comprehension and reduce overconfidence. During this second read-through, actually use the Mnemonic Calendar. Then, test yourself by writing out what you remember from the story. If you make a mistake, don't judge yourself. Simply use analytical thinking to determine what went wrong and work out how you can improve. The Future: Learning Through Story is About to Intensify Here's the uncomfortable forecast: Even though I’m generally pro-AI for all kinds of outcomes and grateful for my discussions with Andrew Mayne about it (host of the OpenAI Podcast), AI could make the generation of personalized narratives that target your fears, identity, and desires trivial. That means there’s the risk that AI will also easily transform your beliefs. The same machinery that can create “education you can't stop reading” can also create persuasion you barely notice. Or, as Michael Connelly described in his novel, The Proving Ground, we might notice the effects of this persuasion far more than we’d like. My research on narrative persuasion and misinformation underscores why this potential outcome is not hypothetical. So the real question isn't “Should we teach with fiction?” The question is: Will we build fiction that creates personal agency… or engineer stories that steal it? My aim with Flyboy, Vitamin X and the series finale is simple and focused on optimizing your ability: to use story as a motivation engine to convert that motivation into deliberate practice to make a wide range of memory techniques feel as exciting for you as they are for me and to give your attention interesting tests in a world engineered to fragment it. If you want better memory, this is your challenge: Don't read Vitamin X for entertainment alone. Read it to see if you can hold on to reality while the world spins out of control. When you do, you'll be doing something far rarer than collecting tips. You'll be swinging the axe. A very sharp axe indeed. And best of all, your axe for learning and remembering more information at greater speed will be Magnetic.

As one of the world's leading causes of death, cancer does not yet have a cure. It is one of the most studied diseases, however, and researchers have been studying every aspect of cancer that they can. What we do know is that cancer is most often caused by abnormal uncontrolled cell division and replication, which can spread to other parts of the body and create tumors. On October 29th, 2025, Nature magazine published a paper researching a paradox regarding cancer that has been around since the 1970s. Peto's Paradox is an observation made by epidemiologist Richard Peto, who noticed that larger animals with more cells were not more susceptible to getting cancer than smaller animals were. This observation was unusual, because it was thought that the more cells an organism has, the more chances that organism's cells have to mutate and become malignant. This paper is studying possible reasons for why this paradox happens. Researchers looked at the cells of Bowhead whales (which can live up to or more than 200 years), and their low incidence rates of cancer. Why don't large animals like whales and elephants get cancer as often as we do? Are they resistant to cancer? Can this lead to scientists finding a cure? Listen in to this conversation between Dr. Jonathan Karp and student producer Kaya Basatemur to find out more!

For Pete's Sake 12.30.25 - Three of the Most Important Stories of the Week

In this episode, we dive into a myriad of exciting developments in the space industry and cosmology. We kick things off with a major shake-up as Blue Origin hires Tory Brian, the former president and CEO of United Launch Alliance, to lead their new national security group. This strategic move signals Blue Origin's serious intent to compete for lucrative national security launch contracts, especially with their upcoming Glenn Heavy Lift rocket. Next, we explore a new and intriguing theory regarding dark matter, proposing that it may be composed of giant, star-sized objects, referred to as exotic astrophysical dark objects (IADs). Researchers are optimistic about detecting these objects through gravitational lensing, potentially using data from the Gaia Space Telescope. Shifting our focus, we discuss the upcoming close encounter of Asteroid Apophis with Earth in 2029, where the European Space Agency and JAXA will collaborate on the Ramses mission to study the asteroid's behavior under Earth's gravity. Understanding these interactions is crucial for future planetary defense strategies. We also tackle the mystery of missing normal matter in the universe. A recent study utilizing fast radio bursts has confirmed that a significant portion of this matter resides in the cosmic web, providing a monumental victory for cosmology by completing the census of normal matter. As we move closer to home, we highlight a groundbreaking dataset released by researchers at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, mapping one million stable trajectories in the cis-lunar space. This open-source resource will aid future lunar missions and infrastructure planning. Finally, we preview the astronomical events of 2026, including a total solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse, and exciting meteor showers, all set against a backdrop of high solar activity promising stunning auroras. Join us as we unravel these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast that brings you the universe00:16 – **Blue Origin has hired Tory Bruno to head up its national security group01:07 – **New theory suggests dark matter could be made of giant star sized objects02:21 – **Asteroid Apophis will pass by Earth in 202903:18 – **Big Bang theory predicts a certain amount of normal matter in the universe04:48 – **Researchers at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory have created a roadmap for lunar navigation05:52 – **Total solar eclipse in 2026 is expected to be spectacular### Sources & Further Reading1. Blue Origin2. NASA3. European Space Agency4. JAXA5. Space.com### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPodInstagram: @astrodailypodEmail: hello@astronomydaily.ioWebsite: astronomydaily.ioClear skies and see you next time!

If you're AuDHD (autism + ADHD), life can feel like a constant contradiction: craving routine but rebelling against it, needing stimulation but getting overwhelmed, wanting connection but burning out socially. In this episode, Carmen breaks down what neurodivergence actually means (not a personality test), explains ADHD vs autism vs AuDHD, and gives practical, nervous-system-friendly strategies to build a life that fits your brain.Timestamped Chapters (approx)* 0:00 — Cold open: the AuDHD paradox in one breath* 1:30 — Neurodivergence: what it is (and what it isn't) Autistic Self Advocacy Network+1* 6:00 — ADHD explained: executive function + attention regulation CDC+1* 9:30 — Brain networks + “default mode interference” (why focus leaks) PMC+1* 11:30 — Autism explained: social communication + restricted/repetitive patterns CDC+1* 13:30 — Sensory processing differences + prediction models PMC+2PMC+2* 15:00 — AuDHD: why it's missed + DSM-5 history PMC+1* 18:00 — Co-occurrence and what it means (you're not “rare” or “weird”) PMC+1* 23:00 — The AuDHD Paradox Show: real-life examples* 32:00 — Tools & strategies: rails not cages, rotation menus, sensory-first, scripts* 39:30 — Closing: your brain is patterned + gentle next stepsKey Takeaways* Neurodiversity = natural variation in brains; neurodivergent is a nonmedical identity term. Autistic Self Advocacy Network+1* ADHD centers on executive functioning and attention regulation, not intelligence or effort. CDC+1* Autism centers on social communication differences + restricted/repetitive patterns, often including sensory differences. CDC+1* AuDHD can look contradictory because traits can mask each other; dual diagnosis became formally allowable in DSM-5. PMC+1* Sustainable support = “rails not cages,” rotation menus, sensory regulation, and externalizing executive function.Resources Mentioned* CDC: ADHD diagnosis overview CDC* CDC: ASD clinical diagnostic criteria overview CDC* ASAN neurodiversity explanation Autistic Self Advocacy Network* AuDHD comorbidity review (open access) PMCPredictive processing + prediction differences in autism (review/empirical)PMC+1SCRIPT:Hey there! Welcome or welcome back to another episode of authentically ADHD. I am not going to lie, this year has been hard and im so glad if you have stuck along with me, because the rest of the school year is going to be even busier. So thank you for your patience, and grace as I work through this year and let out episodes when I can. I had some inspo for this one because of the new year coming up, and ive talked about this before but not so much in depth. As I go through this episode, i want to share that ive recently self diagnosed myself as AuDHD, a person who has both ADHD and Autism. What does that mean? Well, lets talk about it!Okay, quick check-in: have you ever felt like your brain is two different people sharing one body— one who's like, “Please, for the love of God, routine. Predictability. Same mug. Same route. Same show on repeat.” and the other who's like, “If I do the same thing twice I will evaporate into dust like a vampire in daylight.”If yes… hi. Welcome. You're in the right place.Today's episode is called: “Your Brain Isn't Broken — It's Patterned.” Because I need you to hear this like it's a bass line in your chest:Your brain is not morally failing. Your brain is not lazy. Your brain is not “too much.”This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Your brain is patterned. And if you're AuDHD—autism + ADHD—your pattern can feel like a paradox factory that runs 24/7 with no off switch and a slightly rude customer service department.So… let's talk about what neurodivergence actually is, how ADHD and autism overlap, where they differ, and why AuDHD can feel like living inside a contradiction—and then I'm gonna give you real strategies that don't feel like being yelled at by a productivity guru who thinks “just try harder” is a nervous system plan.[tiny pause]Are you ready? Let's get started.Substack adOkay, tiny intermission—because if this podcast is helping your brain feel a little more understood, I want you to know there's a whole extra layer of support waiting for you on my Substack.That's where I publish Authentically ADHD, and you can usually get the podcast there first—but it's not just a podcast drop. I've started writing blogs there too, which means you get deeper dives, the “ohhh THAT'S what's happening in my brain” explanations, plus practical tools you can actually use when your executive function is doing that thing where it simply… leaves the chat.And here's why I'm obsessed with it: Substack is neurodivergent-friendly by design. You can read posts when you want to skim, you can listen when reading is too much, and I include graphics most of the time because we deserve information in formats that don't require suffering.So here's your invitation: come subscribe on Substack. It's free to join, and if you decide to become a paid member, you'll get even more—bonus resources, extra content, and additional supports I'm building specifically for AuDHD/ADHD brains. Subscribe free… or go paid if you want the “director's cut” plus the toolbox. Either way, I'm really glad you're here.Neurodivergence: What it isSo lets talk about neurodivergence & how it is not a personality test. It's not “Which quirky brain are you?” It's not “I'm such an Aquarius so obviously I can't do laundry.”And I say that as a person who loves a good identity moment.Neurodiversity is the idea that human brains vary—like biodiversity, but for minds. There isn't one “correct” way a brain must work to be worthy. Neurodivergent is a non-medical term people use when their brain develops or functions differently from what society calls “typical.”Now—this matters— Saying “it's a difference” does not erase disability. Some people are deeply disabled by ADHD or autism. Some need significant supports. Some don't. Many fluctuate across seasons of life. But the point is: difference isn't the same thing as defect.A patterned brain can be brilliant and still struggle. Because a lot of suffering isn't just “the brain,” it's the brain + the environment.If the world is built for one nervous system style, and you're running a different operating system, you're going to feel like you're constantly doing life on hard mode.[pause]And if you've spent your whole life trying to “fix” yourself into the version of you that makes other people comfortable— I just want to say: I see you. That's exhausting. That's not personal weakness. That's chronic mismatch.6:00–15:00 — ADHD vs Autism: Overlap and differences (clear, non-weird)Let's do ADHD vs autism without turning it into a simplistic “either/or” checklist, because real humans are not BuzzFeed quizzes.ADHD (core pattern)ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition where the core struggles involve attention regulation, impulsivity, and executive functioning—planning, starting, stopping, shifting, organizing, time sense, working memory… the invisible stuff that makes life run. Important: ADHD is not “can't pay attention.” It's can't consistently regulate attention—especially when bored, stressed, overwhelmed, under-stimulated, or over-stimulated.One research-heavy way people talk about ADHD is the “default mode interference” idea—basically, brain networks involved in internal thought can intrude when you're trying to stay on task. It's not the only model, but it helps explain why focus can feel like trying to hold water in your hands.Real-life ADHD examples:* You can focus for hours on something you care about… and cannot start the thing you care about that also feels hard.* You lose time like it's a hobby.* You forget what you're doing while you're doing it.* You can be highly intelligent and still struggle with basic tasks because executive function isn't IQAutism (core pattern)Autism is also neurodevelopmental. Clinically, it involves:* differences in social communication and interaction across contexts* and restricted/repetitive patterns (routines, sameness, focused interests, stimming, etc.) Also—and this is big—many autistic people experience sensory processing differences: the world can be too loud, too bright, too unpredictable… or sometimes not enough and you seek sensation.Researchers also explore prediction-based models—how the brain learns patterns and predicts what's next, and how differences in prediction/updating may relate to autistic experience. It's nuanced (and not every study supports every claim), but it's a helpful lens for why uncertainty can feel physically stressful.Real-life autism examples:* Social rules can feel like invisible ink.* You may crave clarity and directness and feel drained by ambiguity.* Transitions can hit like a wall.* You might have deep, intense interests that feel regulating and grounding. So then, hers the overlap, why it's confusing. ADHD and autism can both include:* sensory sensitivity* emotional overwhelm* social exhaustion* executive dysfunction* hyperfocus* stimming/fidgeting* burnoutSo yes, overlap is real. Which brings us to the main character of today's episode…Patreon & focused adAuDHD: The overlap, the “double bind,” and why it's missedAuDHD is shorthand for being both autistic and ADHD. It's not a separate DSM diagnosis label, but it's a very real lived experience.And historically, here's why many adults didn't get recognized: Before DSM-5 (2013), autism could prevent someone from also being diagnosed with ADHD—even though many people clearly had both. DSM-5 changed that, acknowledging the reality of co-occurrence. PMC+1Co-occurrence is common enough that researchers and clinicians have been studying it heavily; some reviews discuss high overlap rates (numbers vary by study and method), but the key point is: this isn't rare. PMC+1Now the AuDHD “double bind” can look like:* ADHD traits can mask autism traits (you seem spontaneous and social… until you crash).* Autism traits can mask ADHD traits (you seem organized because you built rigid systems… until the system breaks and chaos floods the house).* You can be sensory avoidant and sensory seeking.* You can crave routine and crave novelty.AuDHD often feels like living in a brain that says:“I need sameness.” “I need dopamine.” “I need quiet.” “I need stimulation.” “I need certainty.” “I need freedom.”…and they're all yelling at once. [small laugh]So when people say, “But you don't seem autistic,” or “You don't seem ADHD,” sometimes what they're actually noticing is: your traits are playing tug-of-war.23:00–32:00 — The AuDHD Paradox Show (real-life examples)Paradox #1: Routine vs noveltyAutism: “Same breakfast. Same spoon.” ADHD: “If I eat the same breakfast again I will emotionally file for divorce.”Real life: You create the perfect morning routine. It works for four days. On day five your brain wakes up and goes: “Actually, we hate that now.”Not because you're flaky. Because the need for predictability and the need for stimulation are both legitimate.Paradox #2: Social craving vs social costADHD can crave social stimulation. Autism can find social processing costly.Real life: You make plans and feel excited. Then the day arrives and your body feels like you're trying to attend a party wearing jeans made of sandpaper.So you cancel, then feel guilty, then feel lonely, then feel annoyed that humans require maintenance. [pause] Relatable.Paradox #3: Sensory seeking vs sensory painReal life: Loud music helps you focus… until one more sound happens and suddenly you're like, “I live in a cave now.”You can want pressure and weight and deep sensory input while also being destroyed by light touch or fluorescent lights.Paradox #4: Hyperfocus vs shutdownReal life: You can research a niche topic for six hours and forget you have a body… but you cannot reply to a two-sentence text.Because replying requires:* context switching* social interpretation* decision making* emotional energy* working memoryAnd your brain is like, “That's 12 tasks. No thanks.”Paradox #5: Justice sensitivity + impulsivityReal life: You notice something unfair. Your body becomes a courtroom. ADHD makes you say it immediately. Autism makes you say it precisely. And suddenly everyone is uncomfortable and you're like, “What? I brought facts.”Paradox #6: The “I'm fine” lieA lot of AuDHD adults become world-class at looking “fine.” Not because it's fine—because it's practiced.Real life: You hold it together all day. Then you get home and collapse like a puppet whose strings got cut.That is not you being dramatic. That is nervous system math.Strategies: “Rails not cages” + tools that actually workAlright. Let's talk tools—AuDHD-friendly, reality-based, and not built on shame.Rule #1: Build rails, not cagesA cage is a rigid routine that breaks the second you miss a step. Rails are guiding tracks that keep you moving even on messy days.Do this: Create three anchors, not a full schedule.* Anchor 1: Start — water + meds + protein OR any “first 5 minutes” ritual* Anchor 2: Midday reset — sensory check + movement + hydration* Anchor 3: Land — dim lights + predictable wind-down cueIf you miss an anchor, you don't throw away the day. You grab the next rail.Rule #2: Rotate instead of “routine”AuDHD often needs predictability in category and novelty in options.So instead of one rigid breakfast, do a Breakfast Rotation Menu:* 5 safe breakfasts* 3 “no-cook” defaults* 2 “my brain is fried” emergency optionsSame for outfits. Same for playlists. Same for chores.It's not indecision. It's accommodating the paradox.Rule #3: Sensory first, then strategyIf your nervous system is in siren mode, no planner hack will work.2-minute reset:* change input: step away / dim light / earplugs* add steady sensation: pressure, cold sip, gum, textured object* long exhale (longer out than in)You're not “calming down.” You're changing states.Rule #4: Externalize executive function (because willpower isn't storage)Executive function can tank under stress in ADHD and autism. So stop trying to “remember harder.”Externalize:* visual timers* one-step checklists* “landing pads” (keys, meds, bag)* pre-decisions (“If it's Tuesday, I do X”)If it has to live only in your head, it will get evicted.Rule #5: Transition protocol (gentle, not militant)Transitions can be brutal because they require stopping, switching, sensory changes, and decision-making.5-minute bridge:* “Close” the old task: write one sentence: “Next I start by ____.”* body bridge: stand, water, stretch* 2-minute micro-start on the new task (so it's not a cliff)Rule #6: Scripts are accessibility toolsScripts aren't fake. They're scaffolding.Steal these:* “I want to, but my brain can't today. Can we reschedule?”* “What's the plan and how long are we staying?”* “I'm going quiet to regulate, not because I'm mad.”* “I need a minute to process before I answer.”Rule #7: Stop treating burnout like a personal failureBurnout often comes from masking, chronic mismatch, sensory load, and executive demand. You don't fix burnout with hustle. You fix it with less demand and more support.Quick audit:* What drains me that I keep calling “normal”?* Where am I denying myself accommodations because I want to look “easy”?* What would sustainability look like—literally, this week?So here's what I want you to take with you:Your brain isn't broken. It's patterned. And patterned brains don't need shame. They need fit. They need support. They need design.If this episode hit you in the chest a little—breathe. You're not behind. You're not defective. You're learning your pattern. And that's not a small thing. That's a homecoming.If you want, share this episode with the friend who keeps calling themselves “too much.”And if you're new here—welcome. You're safe. You're seen.And as always: this is educational, not medical advice. If you're seeking diagnosis or support, a qualified clinician can help you sort what's AuDHD and what's trauma, anxiety, sleep, hormones, or burnout wearing a trench coat. Until nextt time, stay authentic my friend, & we will talk soon.SubStack Page: Get full access to carmen_authenticallyadhd at carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com/subscribe

Within the last three months, we already discussed: a Chinese woman, from Wuhan of all places, who was smuggling in roundworms through the mail—while studying at a lab in Michigan; a couple, boyfriend and girlfriend (both Chinese nationals, also working at that Michigan lab) who were smuggling in a dangerous fungus—a type of deadly fungus that can target crops; and now, the FBI just arrested another Chinese national—this one studying for his doctorate at Indiana University—and he was allegedly smuggling plasmid DNA derived from E. coli bacteria from China hidden inside women's underwear. Let's go through the details of this new case together.

Woman was already dead when her family brought her onto an EasyJet flight. Disappearance of geese at local park sparks concern they are being stolen and eaten for the holidays. Researcher charged with smuggling e-coli into the US inside women's underwear. // Weird AF News is the only daily weird news podcast in the world. Weird news 5 days/week and on Friday it's only Floridaman. SUPPORT by joining the Weird AF News Patreon http://patreon.com/weirdafnews - OR buy Jonesy a coffee at http://buymeacoffee.com/funnyjones Buy MERCH: https://weirdafnews.merchmake.com/ - Check out the official website https://WeirdAFnews.com and FOLLOW host Jonesy at http://instagram.com/funnyjones - wants Jonesy to come perform standup comedy in your city? Fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvYbm8Wgz3Oc2KSDg0-C6EtSlx369bvi7xdUpx_7UNGA_fIw/viewform

From residency to leading India's next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) researchers, a radiologist shares an unconventional journey from clinician to full-time academic innovator. Suvrankar Datta, MD, speaks with host Siddhant Dogra, MD, about radiology training in India, building an AI lab, and redefining the meaning of being a physician-scientist.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, December 24, 2025. White Grass offers cross-country skiing adventures and scenic winter trails in West Virginia's highlands. NEXT: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a significant grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to support conservation and park experiences. AND: Marshall University researchers are using modern technology to advance precision medicine. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com!   #1 – From WV EXPLORER White Grass Cross-Country Skiing: Winter trails and scenic adventure White Grass Ski Touring Center in West Virginia's Allegheny Highlands is a destination for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful winter exploration. With more than 50 kilometers of groomed trails set against panoramic mountain views, White Grass offers both beginner and advanced options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quiet, invigorating winter experience. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/12/17/white-grass-cross-country-skiing/   #2 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION WV State Parks Foundation awarded $50,000 The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The funding will support park stewardship, community engagement, and improvements that enhance the outdoor experience for both residents and visitors alike. Foundation leaders say the investment will help protect parklands and expand opportunities for education and recreation throughout the state park system. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/west-virginia-state-parks-foundation-receives-grant-from-claude-worthington-benedum-foundation/?post_id=426194&email=b.david.rogers@wv.gov&redirect_to=https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/west-virginia-state-parks-foundation-receives-grant-from-claude-worthington-benedum-foundation/ #3 – From WV PUBLIC BROADCASTING Marshall University researchers use technology to advance precision medicine Researchers at Marshall University are employing cutting-edge technology to push forward precision medicine — tailoring treatments and medical strategies based on individual characteristics. The work aims to improve health outcomes by analyzing data at a detailed level, offering potential advances in how diseases are understood and treated. Read more: https://wvpublic.org/story/health-science/marshall-university-researchers-use-modern-technology-to-advance-precision-medicine/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer

Researchers have identified 168 everyday chemicals, including pesticides, flame retardants, and plastic additives, that are toxic to beneficial gut bacteria and may disrupt essential body functions Certain banned or restricted substances, like hexachlorophene and DDT, were also shown to damage gut microbes and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction Pesticides such as glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, and atrazine alter gut microbial balance and reduce protective species, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive and weakening your immune defenses Gut bacteria exposed to pesticides not only change how they grow but also how they process nutrients, interfere with detox pathways, and trigger inflammation in the gut, liver, and other organs Practical solutions like choosing organic produce, eating probiotic and prebiotic foods, filtering drinking water, and avoiding plastic containers can help protect and restore gut health

An IU researcher from China is in jail after being charged last week with two counts of smuggling and one count of making false statements to law enforcement. Flu cases are up around the country … and in Indiana, and Marion County hospitals say they must now limit visitors. Starting January first, more than half a million low-income Hoosiers won't be able to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits on sugary drinks or candy. Artificial intelligence-powered toys, such as teddy bears and robots that talk to children, are arriving on store shelves. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is breaking more new ground for IU football, this time it's inspiring the name of a thoroughbred racehorse. AAA projects over 122 million people, 2.9 million of them Hoosiers, will be traveling for the holidays this year. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Zach Bundy, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

NATO suspects Russia is developing a new anti-satellite weapon to disrupt the Starlink network. A failed polygraph sparks a DHS probe and deepens turmoil at CISA. A look back at Trump's cyber policy shifts. MacSync Stealer adopts a stealthy new delivery method.  Researchers warn a popular open-source server monitoring tool is being abused. Cyber criminals are increasingly bypassing technical defenses by recruiting insiders. Scripted Sparrow sends millions of BEC emails each month. Federal prosecutors take down a global fake ID marketplace. Monday business brief. Our guest is Eric Woodruff, Chief Identity Architect at Semperis, discussing "NoAuth Abuse Alert: Full Account Takeover." Atomic precision meets Colorado weather. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today on our Industry Voices, we are joined by Eric Woodruff, Chief Identity Architect at Semperis, discussing "NoAuth Abuse Alert: Full Account Takeover." Tune into the full conversation here. Selected Reading Starlink in the crosshairs: How Russia could attack Elon Musk's conquering of space (AP News) Project West Ford (Wikipedia) Acting CISA director failed a polygraph. Career staff are now under investigation (POLITICO) Dismantling Defenses: Trump 2.0 Cyber Year in Review (Krebs on Security) MacSync macOS Malware Distributed via Signed Swift Application (SecurityWeek) From ClickFix to code signed: the quiet shift of MacSync Stealer malware (Jamf)  Hackers Abuse Popular Monitoring Tool Nezha as a Stealth Trojan (Hackread) Cyber Criminals Are Recruiting Insiders in Banks, Telecoms, and Tech (Check Point) Scripted Sparrow Sends Millions of BEC Emails Each Month (Infosecurity Magazine) FBI Seizes Fake ID Template Domains Operating from Bangladesh (Hackread) Adaptive Security raises $81 million in a Series B round led by Bain Capital Ventures. (N2K Pro) NIST tried to pull the pin on NTP servers after blackout caused atomic clock drift (The Register) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to Emily, Jo, and Alexandra for their suggestions this week! Further reading: Highland Cattle Society Mongolian Sheep The Donkey Sanctuary The Highland cow is so cute (picture taken from the first site linked above): Some fat-tailed sheep (picture taken from the sheep article linked above): Donkeys: A happy donkey and a happy person (photo taken from the Donkey Sanctuary’s site, linked above): Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. After last week's giant fish episode, this week we're going to have a shorter episode of animals you've probably seen, especially if you live in the countryside. But first, I forgot to credit two people from last week's episode, Dylan and Emily, who both wanted to hear about mudskippers along with Arthur! I had so many names I missed some. This week we'll talk about some domestic mammals, suggested by Alexandra, Jo, and Emily. Let's start with Emily's suggestion, the Highland cow. Cows are classified in the family Bovidae, which includes not just the domestic cow and its relations but goats, sheep, antelopes, and many other animals with cloven hooves who chew the cud as part of the digestive process–but not deer or giraffes, and not the pronghorn even though people call it an antelope. It is confusing. Many bovids have horns, usually only two but sometimes four or even six, and those horns are never branched. Sometimes only the male has horns, sometimes both the male and female. Bovids don't have incisors in the front of the upper jaw, only in the lower jaw. Instead, a bovid has a tough dental pad that helps it grab plants. The Highland cow is a breed of domestic cow that originated in Scotland, although it's now popular in many other places too. It's a tough animal with a long outer coat of fur and a short, fuzzy undercoat that helps it survive harsh winters. Most are reddish-brown, but some are black, silvery-white, dun, or other shades. It has long, wide horns and its long fur usually falls over its face, which protects its eyes and also looks incredibly cute. Not only can the Highland cow thrive on pasture that's considered poor, meaning the plants aren't as nutritious, it's also disease resistant, even-tempered, and intelligent. It's a compact, relatively small cow, but it's not a miniature cow. Like, you can't pick it up like a dog, although you could probably hug one if the farmer says it's okay. A bull can stand about 5 feet tall at the shoulder, or 1.5 meters, while cows are smaller overall. The Highland cow is raised for its meat, which is naturally lean and delicious. But because they also happen to be small for cows, and so even-tempered, and so cute, many small farms and petting zoos keep a few just as pets. Since the Highland cow likes eating plants that other cow breeds won't touch, it's also helpful for clearing overgrown land. Next, Alexandra wanted to learn more about the fat-tailed sheep, another bovid. The sheep is one of the oldest domesticated animals in the world, with some experts estimating that it was first domesticated at least 11,000 years ago and possibly over 13,000 years ago, around Asia and the Middle East. Sheep are especially useful to humans because not only can you eat them, they produce wool. Wool has incredible insulating properties, as you'll know if you've ever worn a wool sweater in the snow. Even if it gets wet, you stay nice and warm. Even better, you don't have to kill the sheep to get the wool. The sheep just gets a haircut every year to cut its wool short. Wild sheep don't grow a lot of wool, though. They mostly have hair like goats. Humans didn't start selecting for domestic sheep that produced wool until around 8,000 years ago. The fat-tailed sheep isn't a single breed but a type of sheep, most common in central Asia, northern Africa, and the Middle East. It's adapted for life in arid conditions, where there isn't a lot of water. The fat deposits on both sides of the tail act like a camel's hump, allowing the animal to absorb the stored fat if it can't find enough food and water. The fat-tailed sheep can have a really huge tail, so big it can make up almost a third of its body weight. Because the fat mostly collects on either side of the tail bones, the tail's shape has two lobes, which makes the sheep look like it has an extra butt on its butt. In some breeds, the tail gets wider as the fat deposits grow, while in other breeds, the tail just gets longer, sometimes so long it actually brushes the ground. The tail fat helps the sheep, but it's also considered a delicacy to people. Wherever the fat-tailed sheep is raised, there are special recipes to cook the tail. Many breeds of fat-tailed sheep also produce long, coarse wool that's used to make carpets and felt. We'll finish with Jo's suggestion, the domestic donkey. Donkeys are equids, and instead of cloven hooves like bovids, they have solid hooves. They're closely related to horses and zebras, and more distantly related to rhinoceroses and tapirs. The domestic donkey is descended from the African wild ass. Researchers estimate it was domesticated around five to seven thousand years ago by the ancient nomadic peoples of Nubia in Africa, and quickly spread throughout the Middle East and into southern Asia and Europe. The domestic donkey is a strong, sturdy animal that's usually fairly small. One of the biggest breeds is the American Mammoth Jackstock, and another is the French Baudet du Poitou, which has long fur. Both breeds can be as big as a horse. Big donkey breeds like these were mostly developed to cross with horses, to produce even larger, stronger mules. Mules are hybrid animals and are infertile, but they're very strong. The donkey is usually gray or brown and has long ears. Most have a darker stripe down the spine, called an eel stripe, and another stripe across the shoulders. Many have a lighter-colored nose, belly, and legs. The donkey's mane is short and stands upright. The donkey's small size and big strength has made it a popular working animal throughout the world. It can carry loads, can be ridden, and can pull carts and plows. It's famously tough and can be stubborn if it doesn't feel like it's being treated well, and it can even be dangerous when it kicks and bites. Sometimes farmers keep donkeys with their sheep or other animals, because the donkey will look out for danger and warn the herd by braying if it sees a predator. If the predator gets too close, the donkey will attack it instead of running away. In many places in the world, the donkey is an important work animal even today. Not everyone is lucky enough to afford a tractor or truck, so donkeys do the same work for people that they've done for thousands of years. The problem is that when a donkey gets old or is injured, and can't work anymore, sometimes they're killed for meat or just abandoned. Luckily there are donkey rescues who do their best to help as many donkeys as they can, especially the Donkey Sanctuary. The Donkey Sanctuary started in England in 1969, but it now has sanctuaries throughout Europe, and it runs programs that offer free veterinary care and education about donkeys for people in many parts of the world. One important thing the Donkey Sanctuary does, and other donkey rescues do too, is give a home to elderly donkeys who can't work anymore. It's only fair that a hard-working donkey gets to retire and have a peaceful old age. You can find Strange Animals Podcast at strangeanimalspodcast.blubrry.net. That's blueberry without any E's. If you have questions, comments, corrections, or suggestions, email us at strangeanimalspodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

This is not a show I ever planned to do. In all my years of podcasting, I've never felt compelled to look back and take stock of where we've been. But twenty twenty-four and twenty twenty-five have been different. These years have been brutal for our community, and I couldn't stay silent any longer. We lost giants. Real giants. Men who shaped the very foundation of modern Sasquatch research and carried the torch forward into the twenty-first century. Tonight, I'm setting aside whatever differences might have existed to honor what they gave us and acknowledge that we've lost some truly important figures.Doctor Jeff Meldrum passed away in September of twenty twenty-five after a brief battle with brain cancer. He was sixty-seven years old. The full professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University gave our community something precious: legitimacy. With his collection of over three hundred footprint casts and his landmark book Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science, he picked up where Grover Krantz left off and continued the tradition of academic rigor in a field that desperately needed it.I had the privilege of sitting down with Jeff just a few weeks before he passed, and that conversation will stay with me forever.Henry Franzoni died on August twenty-second, twenty twenty-four, also at sixty-seven. If Meldrum brought scientific credibility to Bigfoot research, Henry brought the internet. Back in nineteen ninety-three, he created the first Bigfoot website and the first online discussion group, the Internet Virtual Bigfoot Conference. From that foundation grew pretty much every Bigfoot organization and website you see today. I interviewed Henry about a year before he passed, and afterward he sent me a signed copy of his book, Failing in a Cooler Way: Why I Never Found Bigfoot. That title tells you everything you need to know about who Henry was as a person.Steven Streufert, owner of Bigfoot Books in Willow Creek, California, is also gone now. Steven was an institution, a historian and scholar who knew the stories, the players, and the timeline of how this phenomenon evolved from local legend to international sensation. He was a key member of the Bluff Creek Project, the team that rediscovered the exact location where Patterson and Gimlin filmed their famous footage in nineteen sixty-seven. Steven and I had our public disagreements in his Facebook group, but that's what a community of researchers should look like. We can all have our opinions and still show mutual respect for one another.Beyond the deaths, we lost places too. The Bigfoot Discovery Museum in Felton, California, closed its doors after twenty years. And in December of twenty twenty-four, two men from Portland died from exposure in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest while searching for Sasquatch on Christmas Eve.I explore the legacies of these three researchers, discuss the current state of Sasquatch research, examine the Patterson-Gimlin film at fifty-seven years, address what the skeptics say, talk about the nearly one thousand witnesses I've interviewed over almost forty years, and reflect on the lessons we can learn from the men we lost. I also share a word about safety for anyone venturing into the wilderness in pursuit of this mystery.The disagreements don't matter. The bickering doesn't matter. What matters is the work. What matters is the pursuit. These men spent their lives investigating something that most of society considers a joke, and they did it because they believed the truth was worth pursuing. Their torches have been passed. We'll do our best to carry them forward.Leave Brian A Voicemail Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.

A major education study found teachers give boys lower grades – but only when they know the student is a boy. Researchers from Switzerland compared anonymous national exams with teacher-graded tests and found the bias only appeared when the teacher knew the student was male. When school tests were graded blindly, boys performed as well as or better than girls. The findings suggest that a teacher's sexism against males, not student ability, is a larger factor in lower reported scores for boys and contributes to long term academic gaps that follow young males for the rest of their lives. Raw Egg Nationalist (AKA Charles Cornish-Dale) joins to speak about masculinity and saving boys from biased teachers. Just The News founder John Solomon & The Post Millennial EIC Libby Emmons discuss Hillary Clinton's malfeasance, the neo-feminist movement, and restoring womanhood in a modern world that seems hellbent on eradicating femininity. John Solomon is an award-winning investigative journalist and the founder of Just the News. He has previously worked at the Associated Press, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and The Hill. Follow at https://x.com/jsolomonReports⠀Charles Cornish-Dale, also known as Raw Egg Nationalist, is the author of The Last Men: Liberalism and the Death of Masculinity and founder of Man's World Magazine. He is a best-selling author and co-founder of Kindred Harvest. Follow at https://x.com/Babygravy9⠀Libby Emmons is the editor-in-chief of The Post Millennial and Human Events. She covers culture, politics, and media with a focus on free expression and civil society. Follow at https://x.com/libbyemmons 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 • AUGUSTA PRECIOUS METALS – Thousands of Americans are moving portions of their retirement into physical gold & silver. Learn more in this 3-minute report from our friends at Augusta Precious Metals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/gold⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text DREW to 35052 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• 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 「 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. Executive Producers • Kaleb Nation - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kalebnation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Susan Pinsky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/firstladyoflove⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Content Producer & Booking • Emily Barsh - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/emilytvproducer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted By • Dr. Drew Pinsky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/drdrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this combined episode of Unchained, Steven Ehrlich first breaks down why crypto treasury stocks (DATs) have swung from massive premiums to deep discounts, why comparisons to GBTC can be misleading, and why buying these stocks isn't a clean arbitrage trade but a long-term, high-conviction bet. You can read Steve's full report here and you can subscribe for 95% OFF before the end of year!

What exactly is 'phantom pain' and how does it work? Hannah and Dara investigate a medical phenomenon that's been known about for centuries but is often misunderstood; and involves masses of unanswered questions.The condition 'phantom pain' is when someone gets a sensation of pain that feels like it's coming from a part of their body that's no longer there - so that could be an amputated limb, or perhaps something that has been removed, such as a tooth or an organ. It's thought to be caused by how the brain and body process pain and physical awareness, but there's still debate around what exactly is going on neurologically.Researchers around the world are looking into the condition; in the meantime, people who experience phantom pain - like today's studio guest Lynn - often have to try out a range of treatments, to find out what combination works best for them. But as the team discover, pain is deeply subjective - and in this case, there is really no 'right answer'...Contributors: - Tamar Makin, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge, where she leads the Plasticity Lab; - Lynn Williams, a qualified therapist and upper limb amputee who volunteered as a subject for one of Tamar's research programmes; - Carlos Roldan, Associate Professor in the Department of Pain Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; - Keren Fisher, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who's worked in the NHS for more than four decades; largely in pain management at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.Producers: Emily Bird & Lucy Taylor Executive Producer: Alexandra FeachemA BBC Studios Audio Production

In this episode of Sasquatch Odyssey, Hugh from Oregon takes us on a remarkable journey from lifelong skeptic to committed Sasquatch researcher. What began as disbelief quickly transformed into obsession after a chilling discovery—a brutally slaughtered deer—followed by an unexpected and unforgettable Sasquatch encounter.Hugh recounts a series of extraordinary experiences that pulled him deeper into the world of cryptozoology, including multiple visual sightings, unexplained tree manipulations, and compelling audio evidence captured in the field. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time working alongside well-known Bigfoot researcher Todd Standing, offering candid insight into both the breakthroughs and controversies within the Bigfoot research community.This episode delivers a fascinating, boots-on-the-ground perspective into modern Sasquatch investigation, blending personal testimony, field research, and hard-earned experience. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, Hugh's story challenges assumptions and invites listeners to reconsider what may still be lurking in the wilderness.NW Yeti Quest YouTube ChannelLeave Brian A Voicemail Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3228: Dr. Neal Malik breaks down why potassium is essential for muscle function, heart health, and electrolyte balance, especially for those who sweat heavily. He explains why potassium supplements are limited, dispels myths about potassium loss through sweat, and offers low-carb food sources to help meet your daily needs without compromising your diet. Quotes to ponder: "Potassium is kind of amazing in that it can help offset the damage from consuming too much sodium or salt in your diet." "Researchers have found that taking supplements with more than 99 milligrams of potassium chloride has been associated with damage to the small intestine." "The best way to increase your potassium status is to consume potassium-rich foods." Episode references: NIH Potassium Fact Sheet: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-Consumer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While on a sampling trip in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park, researchers stopped to sample a rather boring stream on their hike to Boiling Springs Lake. But when they incubated that water sample back in the lab, they discovered an amoeba that could still move and divide at 145 F, a new record for a eukaryotic cell. Microbiologist Angela Oliverio joins Host Flora Lichtman to describe the “fire amoeba,” Incendiamoeba cascadensis.Plus, planetary scientist Johanna Teske takes us to exoplanet TOI-561b, a far-off “wet lava ball” which was recently observed by the James Webb Space Telescope. Researchers believe that the planet has the strongest evidence yet of an atmosphere on a rocky planet outside our solar system.Guests:Dr. Angela Oliverio is an assistant professor in the department of biology at Syracuse University. Dr. Johanna Teske is a staff scientist at Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory in Washington, D.C.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Diverticulitis, once considered a disease of aging, is now surging among adults under 50, with younger patients facing more severe and complicated cases than ever before Researchers from UCLA and Vanderbilt University found that early-onset diverticulitis hospitalizations rose sharply from 2005 to 2020, while procedures like abscess drainage more than doubled Younger adults have an 82% lower risk of death compared to older patients, but far higher odds of requiring invasive interventions — proof that the disease is becoming more disruptive, not less Processed foods, seed oils, chronic stress, and disrupted gut bacteria are key drivers of early inflammation in your colon, damaging your intestinal barrier and setting the stage for diverticulitis You can protect your gut by removing seed oils, eating easy-to-digest whole foods, rebuilding beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia, and supporting mitochondrial energy production to restore gut balance and long-term colon health

Hewlett Packard Enterprise patches a maximum-severity vulnerability in its OneView infrastructure management software. Cisco warns a critical zero-day is under active exploitation. An emergency Chrome update fixes two high-severity vulnerabilities. French authorities make multiple arrests. US authorities dismantle an unlicensed crypto exchange accused of money laundering. SonicWall highlights an exploited zero-day. Researchers earn $320,000 for demonstrating critical remote code execution flaws in cloud infrastructure components. A U.S. Senator urges electronic health record vendors to give patients greater control over who can access their medical data. Our guest is Larry Zorio, CISO from Mark43, discussing first responders and insider cyber risks. A right-to-repair group puts cash on the table.  Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Larry Zorio, CISO from Mark43, to discuss first responders sounding the alarm on insider cyber risks. To see the full report, check it out here. Selected Reading HPE warns of maximum severity RCE flaw in OneView software (Bleeping Computer) China-Linked Hackers Exploiting Zero-Day in Cisco Security Gear (SecurityWeek) Google Chrome patches two high severity vulnerabilities in emergency update (Beyond Machines) France arrests 22-year-old over Interior Ministry hack (The Record) France arrests Latvian for installing malware on Italian ferry  (Bleeping Computer) FBI dismantles alleged $70M crypto laundering operation (The Register) SonicWall Patches Exploited SMA 1000 Zero-Day (SecurityWeek) Zeroday Cloud hacking event awards $320,0000 for 11 zero days (Bleeping Computer) Senator Presses EHR Vendors on Patient Privacy Controls (Govinfosecurity) A nonprofit is paying hackers to unlock devices companies have abandoned (TechSpot) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices