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Join us for a special online program as Jaz Brisack, the leader of the Starbucks and Tesla union movements, shares stories from the front lines to help us learn about the modern labor movement. Brisack, author of Get on the Job and Organize, tells the broader story of the new, nationwide labor movement unfolding in our era of political and social unrest. As one of the new faces of the American labor movement, Brisack argues that while workers often organize when their place of work is toxic, it's equally important to organize when you love your job. Brisack puts everything into the context of America's long tradition of labor organizing and shows us others can organize their workplaces, backlash can be expected and how to fight it, and what victory looks like even if the union doesn't necessarily “win.” Brisack is a union organizer and cofounder of the Inside Organizer School, which trains workers to unionize. After spending one year at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, they got a job as a barista at the Elmwood Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, becoming a founding member of Starbucks Workers United and helping organize the first unionized Starbucks in the United States. As the organizing director for Workers United Upstate New York & Vermont, they also worked with organizing committees at companies ranging from Ben & Jerry's to Tesla. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments, discusses her 25-year career in asset management, focusing on alternative investments. She highlights the challenges faced during the 2008 financial crisis at Nuveen Investments, where she refinanced $15 billion in frozen auction rate securities. Flynn explains the structure and benefits of closed-end funds, particularly interval funds, which offer periodic liquidity. She details XA Investments' three SEC-registered closed-end funds with $900 million in assets, emphasizing private credit strategies with yields ranging from 9% to 15%. Flynn also explores the potential of alternative investments like farmland, infrastructure, and crypto, noting their role in portfolio diversification and income generation. Note: this episode contains general information only and is not financial or investment advice. Please let Gene know your thoughts on this episode by emailing him at contact@economicsexplored.com.About Kimberly Ann FlynnKimberly Ann Flynn is a President at XA Investments. She is a partner in the firm and responsible for all product and business development activities. Kim is responsible for the firm's proprietary fund platform and consulting practice. Kim has developed an expertise in closed-end fund product development and is a frequent contributor to media and industry events on topics including interval funds, alternative investments and London-listed investment companies. Kim has earned the CFA designation and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Chicago. She is also Series 7, 63 and 24 licensed.Previously, Kim was Senior Vice President and Head of Product Development for Nuveen Investments' Global Structured Products Group. In her 11 years at Nuveen, she helped develop over 40 closed-end funds, raising approximately $13 billion in capital. In her leadership role at Nuveen, Kim was responsible for asset-raising activities through the development of new, traditional and alternative investment funds, including CEFs, ETFs, UITs and commodity pools.Kim received her MBA degree from Harvard University, where she was a William J. Carey scholar and President of the HBS Volunteers. Before attending Harvard Business School, Kim spent three years working in Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking Division (1999-2002) in their Chicago office. She earned her BBA in Finance and Business Economics, summa cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame in 1999 where she was a valedictorian candidate, Rhodes Scholar finalist and the first recipient of the Paul F. Conway Award, given to a senior in the Department of Finance who embodies Notre Dame's tradition of excellence and who enriches the ideals of the university.Kim was recently selected to serve on the Notre Dame Wall Street leadership committee. She also serves on the board of the Women in ETFs Chicago chapter as Head of the Mentorship Committee and on the advisory board of Youth Guidance's Becoming A Man program. She is an active member of the University Club of Chicago and the Harvard Club of New York City, where she conducts regular business. Kim and her family - husband, Leo; son, Teddy; and daughter, Rose - live in Lincoln Park.TimestampsIntroduction (0:00)Kim Flynn's Career Journey (3:09)Experience During the 2008 Financial Crisis (4:41)Development of New Financial Products Post-Crisis (7:17)Understanding Closed-End Funds and Interval Funds (8:48)Investment Strategies and Alternative Assets (21:01)Energy Investments and ESG Considerations (29:02)Gold, Crypto, and the Role of FinTech (31:36)Evaluating Asset Managers and Investment Strategies (35:03)Investment Outlook and Market Dynamics (47:07)TakeawaysAlternative Investments Offer Diversification: Kim Flynn explains that alternative investments, including real estate, private credit, and farmland, provide diversification benefits, reducing reliance on traditional stocks and bonds.Liquidity Management is Crucial: Interval funds allow limited liquidity for investors, making them suitable for illiquid asset classes like private equity and real estate.Lessons from the 2008 Crisis: Kim shares her experience during the financial crisis, where she managed funds impacted by frozen liquidity, highlighting the importance of flexibility and innovation.Private Credit and Farmland Are Popular: Kim notes that private credit and farmland investments have seen significant interest due to their yield potential and inflation protection.Understanding Liquidity Premiums: Kim emphasizes that investors should seek a 300-400 basis point premium for illiquid investments compared to equivalent public market assets.Links relevant to the conversationKim's bio on the XA Investments website:https://xainvestments.com/team/US Treasury webpage on the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP):https://home.treasury.gov/data/troubled-asset-relief-programLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee's Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.
The legendary international relations scholar Joseph Nye passed away on May 7th at the age of 88. He's best known, of course, for developing and advancing the idea of “soft power”—the ability to influence others and shape outcomes through attraction, persuasion, and cultural or ideological appeal rather than coercion or force. But over his singularly illustrious career, he authored hundreds of scholarly articles and dozens of books on international relations. To honor is legacy and memory, I wanted to share our conversation from way back in 2014. We began our conversation talking about Russia's (then recent) annexation of Crimea and occupation Ukraine, and what it suggests about long held ideas in international relations theory. We then pivot to his personal story, including his childhood in New Jersey and how his entry into the world of international relations was as an Africanist—he wrote an award-winning thesis as a Rhodes Scholar on decolonization in East Africa. Of course, we also discussed at length how he came up with the idea of “soft power,” which, as he explains, stemmed from an “a-ha!” moment while sitting in his kitchen.
In this episode, Shaun and Chris sit down with Alex Johnston, philanthropy advisor, author of Money with Meaning, and founder of Building Impact Partners. Alex helps ultra-wealthy individuals bring more joy, purpose, and impact to their giving, but as you'll hear, his deeper work is about human connection and personal transformation. The guys talk about what it means to live with intention, how to grow from childhood wounds, and why moving from fear to joy might be the most important shift a person can make. Alex opens up about his own journey — from valedictorian and Rhodes Scholar to a man who had to slow down, tune in, and redefine success. Along the way, they cover parenting boys in today's world, the challenges of wealth, and the power of small groups to create lasting change.Get Alex's book...Money with MeaningLearn more about Building Impact Partners hereGet Mental at 20% discount: http://getmental.com/IYCTF
Curious about the chemistry of cocoa? We've got just the expert. This week, we're joined by Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos as she talks cocoa like you've never heard before. Listen in as she walks through the latest research, cocoa's application in oral and topical treatments, and where it's headed. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Catch Dr. Draelos live at IDS2025 for more on cocoa in dermatology! View Agenda: https://bit.ly/42joj2r Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, is a research and clinical board-certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is in solo private practice in High Point, North Carolina, and a Consulting Professor of Dermatology at Duke University. In 1988, she founded Dermatology Consulting Services, PLLC, to initiate and perform research in aging skin, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, actinic keratoses, eczema, and aesthetic procedures in the cosmetic, OTC drug, and pharmaceutical arenas. Prior to pursuing a medical career, Dr. Draelos completed an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and was elected a Rhodes Scholar. A member of Sigma Xi research honorary and Alpha Omega Alpha medical honorary, she is author of 14 books including Cosmetics in Dermatology (fourth edition) and Hair Cosmetics. She is the editor of Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures (third edition) and Cosmeceuticals (fourth edition) with translations into 7 languages. She has contributed chapters to 44 textbooks, written 197 posters, served as the principal investigator on 1054 studies, written 674 published papers, served on or contributed to 38 journal editorial boards, functioned as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology for 10 years, and was a past member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She was elected Vice-President of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is recognized as a pioneer in cosmetic dermatology and received a lifetime achievement award from Health Beauty America for her research and the 2008 DermArts award for her contributions to dermatology. In 2010, she received the Albert Kligman Innovation Award and in 2016 she was awarded a Presidential Citation from the American Academy of Dermatology for her research contributions to advance the specialty. She received the prestigious Maison deNavarre award from the Society of Cosmetic Chemists for her contributions to the art and science of cosmetics in 2017. In 2019, she was the inaugural recipient of the Florence Wall Award from the Society of Cosmetics Chemists naming her as the most influential women in cosmetic science.
In this episode of The Leadership Standard, host Jamie Mason Cohen sits down with Michael Bungay Stanier—bestselling author, Rhodes Scholar, and founder of Box of Crayons—to explore how better conversations can transform leadership and workplace relationships. With global recognition for his work on curiosity-led leadership, Michael shares practical strategies from his latest book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, and reflects on how vulnerability, clarity, and connection can reshape how we lead and collaborate.Michael Bungay Stanier shares his own leadership journey, from being rejected as a Rhodes Scholar to building one of the world's most impactful coaching companies. He also discusses how TEC Canada played a key role in amplifying the leadership of Box of Crayons' CEO and why creating “Best Possible Relationships” is the most powerful move a leader can make in 2025 and beyond.Through storytelling, wit, and years of experience training managers across the globe, Michael Bungay Stanier offers valuable takeaways for business owners, executives, and team leaders who want to lead with more intention and curiosity. His insights will resonate with anyone looking to elevate their communication, culture, and impact.Why your success depends on the quality of your working relationships.How to have a “Keystone Conversation” that builds trust from the start.When to repair a working relationship—and when to let it go.Why staying curious longer is a leadership superpower in 2025.Listen now and learn how better conversations can lead to stronger teams, better results, and more human leadership..
From bestselling authors and journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, Abundance is a call to renew a politics of plenty, face the failures of liberal governance, and abandon the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life. To trace the history of the twenty-first century so far is to trace a history of unaffordability and shortage. After years of refusing to build sufficient housing, America has a national housing crisis. After years of limiting immigration, we don't have enough workers. Despite decades of being warned about the consequences of climate change, we haven't built anything close to the clean-energy infrastructure we need. Ambitious public projects are finished late and over budget — if they are ever finished at all. The crisis that's clicking into focus now has been building for decades — because we haven't been building enough. Abundance explains that our problems today are not the results of yesteryear's villains. Rather, one generation's solutions have become the next generation's problems. Authors Klein and Thompson contend that progress requires facing up to the institutions in life that are not working as they need to. It means, for liberals, recognizing when the government is failing. It means, for conservatives, recognizing when the government is needed. In a book exploring how we can move from a liberalism that not only protects and preserves but also builds, Klein and Thompson trace the political, economic, and cultural barriers to progress and propose a path toward a politics of abundance. At a time when movements of scarcity are gaining power in country after country, this is an answer that meets the challenges of the moment while grappling honestly with the fury so many rightfully feel. Co-author Derek Thompson joins us at Town Hall for a talk about his book, our current challenges, and the path forward. Derek Thompson is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the host of the podcast Plain English. He is the author of the national bestseller Hit Makers and On Work, an anthology of his writing on labor and technology. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Clayton Page Aldern is a senior data reporter at Grist. A neuroscientist turned environmental journalist, he holds a master's in neuroscience and a master's in public policy from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He is also a research affiliate at the Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology at the University of Washington. With Gregg Colburn, he is the author of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem. His book The Weight of Nature, on the effects of climate change on brain health, is out now from Dutton. Buy the Book Abundance (Hardcover) Third Place Books
Two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nicholas Kristof (opinion columnist, the New York Times) reflects on his career of reporting from the front lines of injustice and human suffering, discussing hope, human resilience, and the urgency of responding to global injustice. An advocate for empathy-driven journalism that holds power accountable and communicates the stories of the most vulnerable, Kristof joins Mark Labberton in this episode to discuss his life's work of reporting from the world's most troubled regions—from Gaza to Congo, from rural Oregon to global centres of power. Known for his unsparing storytelling and deep empathy, Kristof shares the family roots and personal convictions that have shaped his lifelong pursuit of justice and hope. They also explore how despair and progress coexist, the role of faith and empathy in healing, and how local acts of courage can ripple globally. Grounded in gritty realism, but inspired by everyday heroes, Kristof invites us to resist numbness and embrace a hope that fights to make a difference. Stories from Gaza, Congo, Pakistan, and beyond Balancing heartbreak and hope in humanitarian reporting Why empathy must be cultivated and practiced The global impact of Christian activism and its complexities Episode Highlights “Side by side with the worst of humanity, you find the very best.” “We focus so much on all that is going wrong, that we leave people feeling numb and that it's hopeless … but people don't want to get engaged in things that are hopeless.” “Empathy is something that, like a muscle, can be nurtured.” “The worst kinds of evil and the greatest acts of courage are often just one decision apart.” “We are an amazing species—if we just get our act together.” “You can be sex positive and rape negative. I don't think there's an inconsistency there.” About Nicholas Kristof Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, and is an opinion columnist for the New York Times, **where he was previously bureau chief in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Tokyo. Born, raised, and still working from his rural Oregon home, Yamhill, he is a graduate of Harvard and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. He is the co-author, with his wife Sheryl WuDunn, of five previous books: Tightrope, A Path Appears, Half the Sky, Thunder from the East, and China Wakes. In 2024, he published a memoir, *Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life.* Books by Nicholas Kristof Tightrope A Path Appears Half the Sky Thunder from the East China Wakes Chasing Hope: A Reporter's Life Helpful Resources International Justice Mission Dr. Denis Mukwege – Nobel Peace Prize PEPFAR: The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Tim Keller's Final Interview with Kristof (NYT) Show Notes A voice of conscience How a global orientation for journalism developed Kristof reflects on his humble roots in Yamhill, Oregon, as the son of two immigrants “My dad was a Armenian refugee from Eastern Europe. His family had spied on the Nazis during World War II. They got caught. Some were executed by the Nazis, others were executed by the Soviet communists, and my dad was very lucky to make it out alive and was sponsored by a family in the US in 1952.” “I think that one fundamental mistake that bleeding hearts make, whether they're bleeding hearts in journalism or in the non-profit community or in advocacy, is that we focus so much on all that is going wrong that we leave people feeling numb and feeling that it's hopeless, so there's no point in engaging. And there's pretty good evidence from social-psychology experiments that people don't want to get engaged in things that are hopeless. They want to make a difference. And so I think that we need to both acknowledge all the challenges we face but also remind people that there can be a better outcome if they put their shoulder to the wheel.” Extraordinary changes for justice and what's going right David Brooks: “A deeply flawed country that also managed to do good in the world.” ”It just breaks my heart that kids are dying unnecessarily.” On losing PEPFAR foreign aid: “I hope that this damage can be repaired and that bleeding hearts of the left and the right can work together to try to help restore some of these initiatives.” The tragedies that followed from dismantling USAID Kristof's book Chasing Hope “The fact is that I've seen some terrible things, and I think I may have a mild case of PTSD from, you know, seeing too much.” Nicholas Kristof on Gaza: “I don't see Israel and Hamas as morally equivalent, but I absolutely see an Israeli child, a Palestinian child, and an American child as moral equivalents. And we don't treat them that way.” “What human beings share is that when terrible things happen, some people turn into psychopaths and sociopaths, and other people turn into heroes.” Cowardice and malevolent tendencies Empathy can be nurtured Children dying without anti-retroviral drugs in South Sudan Empathy Project in Canada Mass literature to inspire perspective taking Uncle Tom's Cabin Black Beauty and animal rights/well-being Kristof's run for Oregon governor Eastern Congo and UNICEF “A child is raped every thirty minutes in Eastern Congo.” Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate treating women brutally injured by militia rape in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Small gestures of compassion as an empathy grower for local communities “One of the lessons I think of Congo is that violence can be and inhumanity can be terribly contagious.” Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 The global sex-trafficking crisis “We don't have the moral authority to tell other countries to do better unless we clean up our own act.” The American sex-trafficking crisis: systemic failures such as foster care pipelines into trafficking “There are no statistics, but I think it's plausible that a girl in foster care is more likely to emerge to be trafficked than she is to graduate from a four-year college.” American sex-trafficking practices by PornHub and X-Videos: “Their business model is monetizing kids.” “You can be sex positive and rape negative. I don't think there's an inconsistency there, and I, I think we've just blurred that too often.” Christianity's disappointing response to injustice Nicholas Kristof's engagement with the activism and theology of the Christian church William Wilberforce's anti-slavery movement in the 1780s President Bush's establishment of PEPFAR in 2003: “This incredible program to reduce the burden of AIDS that has saved 26 million lives so far. It's the most important program of any country in my adult lifetime in terms of saving lives.” “Evangelicals are very good in terms of tithing and donating money to good causes, but they've often opposed government programs that would create opportunity and address these problems.” “Liberals are personally stingy, but much more supportive of government programs that that make a difference.” Criticizing the dismantling of global aid programs like USAID: “How can you read the Gospels and think this is good?” “I think being part of a religious community has led people to do good works together.” Christian advocacy for freedom of religion Kristof on scripture and belief: “We read the Bible and develop our religious views, and I think so often just reflects our priors rather than what the text says.” A closing example of hope: The Afghan war “We are an amazing species if we just get our act together.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.
Anish Gawande, born in Mumbai and educated at Columbia and Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, is India’s first openly gay national spokesperson for a mainstream party (NCP SP). Founder of Pink List India and the Dara Shikoh Fellowship, he led major COVID-19 relief via Youth Feed India. He translated queer literary works by Ramchandra Siras and The World That Belongs To Us. A fierce critic of Israel’s pinkwashing and Maharashtra's Mahayuti govt, Gawande advocates for abolishing criminal defamation, inclusive welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, caste equity, and climate justice. He blends U.S./U.K. campaign tactics with a “politics of care” to reshape Indian politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the show we talk about the past, the present and future of women's rights in Newfoundland and Labrador, and beyond.Guests: Vicki Hallett, gender studies professor; Meret Ebsary, Rhodes Scholar and grad student; Courtney Clarke, political strategist and founder of Our Time To Lead; Lisa Smith, community advocate co-chair of the Indigenous Justice Action Circle; Heidi Coombs, historian of N.L.'s women's history.
Robin Unger comes on to talk with Aaron about Carroll Quigley. Infamous in the world of conspiracy culture, some of his best work continues to go mostly unnoticed. His book, The Evolution of Civilizations, is looked at here. Topics include: Canada, Carroll Quigley, Evolution of Civilizations, Historical Analysis, Tragedy and Hope, Cecil Rhodes, Council on Foreign Relations, foreign policy think tanks, Georgetown University, Bill Clinton, right wing conspiracy culture, John Birch Society, Alan Watt, Anglo-American Establishment, scientific method applied to history, social sciences, Anna's Archive, Weapon Systems and Political Stability, unfinished manuscript, Classical Civilization, Western Civilization, Middle Ages, 7 stages of civilization, mixing of civilizations, instruments of expansion, institutions become special interests, MacMillan publishing issues, book plates destroyed, Allen Dulles, no true secrets in intelligence work, open source intelligence, no secrets in nuclear research during the Cold War, GSG & Associates, Milner Group, DeBeers Diamonds, Rhodes Scholars, All Souls, British Empire, Lyndon LaRouche, current Age of Conflict, inner class wars, tech takeover, Technocracy Incorporated, Robin's art projects
The Age of Transitions and Uncle 4-11-2025AoT#456Robin Unger comes on to talk with Aaron about Carroll Quigley. Infamous in the world of conspiracy culture, some of his best work continues to go mostly unnoticed. His book, The Evolution of Civilizations, is looked at here. Topics include: Canada, Carroll Quigley, Evolution of Civilizations, Historical Analysis, Tragedy and Hope, Cecil Rhodes, Council on Foreign Relations, foreign policy think tanks, Georgetown University, Bill Clinton, right wing conspiracy culture, John Birch Society, Alan Watt, Anglo-American Establishment, scientific method applied to history, social sciences, Anna's Archive, Weapon Systems and Political Stability, unfinished manuscript, Classical Civilization, Western Civilization, Middle Ages, 7 stages of civilization, mixing of civilizations, instruments of expansion, institutions become special interests, MacMillan publishing issues, book plates destroyed, Allen Dulles, no true secrets in intelligence work, open source intelligence, no secrets in nuclear research during the Cold War, GSG & Associates, Milner Group, DeBeers Diamonds, Rhodes Scholars, All Souls, British Empire, Lyndon LaRouche, current Age of Conflict, inner class wars, tech takeover, Technocracy Incorporated, Robin's art projectsUtp#364Uncle has an exciting broadcast with a lot of callers and more Hard Mountain Dew. Topics include: cranberry juice, more Hard Mountain Dew, Michelob Ultra, sugar free, Livewire, Jack Daniels food, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hornitos, Junior, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Predator movies, Uncle cursing, DDP, not a tumor, crazy crack room, drink reviews, Philadelphia Eagles, Hulk Hogan at Republican National Convention, Thiel and Gawker, unclethepodcast TikTok account, high mountain, Ochelli RadioFRANZ MAIN HUB:https://theageoftransitions.com/PATREONhttps://www.patreon.com/aaronfranzUNCLEhttps://unclethepodcast.com/ORhttps://theageoftransitions.com/category/uncle-the-podcast/FRANZ and UNCLE Merchhttps://theageoftransitions.com/category/support-the-podcasts/Email Chuck or PayPalblindjfkresearcher@gmail.comBE THE EFFECTListen/Chat on the Sitehttps://ochelli.com/listen-live/TuneInhttp://tun.in/sfxkxAPPLEhttps://music.apple.com/us/station/ochelli-com/ra.1461174708Ochelli Link Treehttps://linktr.ee/chuckochelli
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhy do so many Americans believe the U.S. is God's chosen nation? And how did Protestant ideas of martyrdom, land ownership, and war shape the founding of our democracy?In this episode, Will and Josh sit down with Dr. John Fanestil, a United Methodist pastor, historian, and author of American Heresy, to explore the deep roots of white Christian nationalism in early English Protestant colonization. Fanestil traces how ideas about land, race, and theology became embedded in the American story—and how those ideas still echo today, particularly in the rhetoric of political leaders like Donald Trump.From George Washington's land grabs to Jefferson's complex faith, Fanestil offers a compelling look at how Protestant theology shaped America's founding myths—and how nationalism, racism, and religious triumphalism became bitter fruits of that legacy.
A Rhodes Scholar from Nimmitabel with a Master of Philosophy in Economics from Cambridge. He cut his teeth at McKinsey before helping establish Fonterra, the Kiwi dairy co-op whose creation is now studied at Harvard Business School as one of the greatest feats of agribusiness strategy in the modern era. That should qualify him for the role of Federal Treasurer right? Now, he’s pitching nuclear power as the affordable answer to Australia’s energy future and facing the task of trying to win back government against significant headwinds. We ask is he the man from the high country who can win back Teal seats and bring the “colt from Old Regret” back into the fold? Or will the Canberra machine chew him up and spit him out? We talk policy, power bills, and political branding and why Treasurer Jim Chalmers reckons he’d be “shit”. You can judge that for yourself. Like any good country boy, he didn’t arrive at The Advocate’s newsroom empty handed. Angus came bearing hats, a branded mug with his famous self-congratulatory tweet on it, some notepads, shopping bags and stickers. We appreciate that. Good Job, Angus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last night on 1News I heard the single most logical and sane thing said in the entire bulletin in a long time. It was said by Simon Upton, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. A very smart man. A Rhodes Scholar. A Former Minister for the Environment for National. Simon Upton said we should in, an ordinary way, take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme. And I thought, why has it taken so long for someone to say it? We should, in an orderly way, take forestry out of the Emissions Trading Scheme. Forestry for climate change has been a Ponzi scheme. The 1News reporter called it a golden ticket. It's swamped productive land for easy gain. It's caused rampant wilding growth through our wild lands. In essence, it's a very big weed unless you're farming it for wood and paper and even then, that market is turning sour - ask Tokoroa and Kawerau. But has it done anything to reduce emissions? We've had long enough for proof. It has not. It's provided excuses for well-meaning pop bands to travel the world in private jets, planting useless forests in their wake and claiming moral superiority. But the 1News bit then went and missed the point. The headline was that we should plant natives instead of pine. Which he did say, but only if we keep with the nutso forest planting scheme. What Simon proposed was completely removing the ability of carbon polluters to rely on planting trees to meet their climate obligations. He said what New Zealand currently had been mostly a "tree planting scheme" that did little to cut planet-heating gases. And then the zinger quote: "The world actually needs real reductions in gross emissions, not an accounting triumph". If you want to cut your emissions, then cut your emissions. But don't plant a tree.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ben Sherwood '81 is the publisher, CEO, and co-owner of the digital news platform The Daily Beast, a position Ben assumed in 2024 after a long and illustrious career as a media executive. For example, Ben has served as Executive Producer of Good Morning America, President of ABC News, and most recently led the entire Disney ABC Television Group globally. If that isn't enough, Ben is also an accomplished novelist, entrepreneur, and Rhodes Scholar. In this episode, Ben speaks about the principles behind covering the news with integrity and diligence during a time of rapid political change. Ben references journalist Tom Johnson, broadcasters Bill Moyers and Dan Rather, media executive Bob Iger, and various Harvard School teachers as profound influences on his life and career.
Rasul is a 2L at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Rasul's journey is one of the best this podcast has ever had to offer. From tire technician to College Valedictorian and Rhodes Scholar finalist, and now a rising 2L and an upcoming 3L Class President at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.Rasul and I started before he arrived at college. Being an average High School Student, Rasul did not have many intentions of attending college. Inspired by a coworker at BJ's, he would begin his search. After finding out a scholarship could get him to Prince George's Community College for free, he would start his unforgettable journey. Following his time at Prince George's, Rasul finished his time at Towson University, being top 1% of his class, President of numerous organizations, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and finally, Valedictorian Speaker. We then moved to his introduction into Law School, his 1L year, which he thoroughly enjoyed. It was a thought-provoking experience and a testament to the hard work he had accomplished in the 4 years before it. Even with the large workload, Rasul would become 1L Class President and follow his intellectual curiosity, speaking on the many internships he has held thus far. This episode with Rasul is one of my favorites of all time, full of amazing stories and a testament to pulling yourself up by the bootstraps and not limiting yourself, no matter what. Rasul is someone to look out for many, many years to come! Rasul's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasulawright-772404221Be sure to check out the Official Sponsors for the Lawyers in the Making Podcast:Rhetoric - takes user briefs and motions and compares them against the text of opinions written by judges to identify ways to tailor their arguments to better persuade the judges handling their cases. Rhetoric's focus is on persuasion and helps users find new ways to improve their odds of success through more persuasive arguments. Find them here: userhetoric.comThe Law School Operating System™ Recorded Course - This course is for ambitious law students who want a proven, simple system to learn every topic in their classes to excel in class and on exams. Go to www.lisablasser.com, check out the student tab with course offerings, and use code LSOSNATE10 at checkout for 10% off Lisa's recorded course!Start LSAT - Founded by former guest and 21-year-old super-star, Alden Spratt, Start LSAT was built upon breaking down barriers, allowing anyone access to high-quality LSAT Prep. For $110 you get yourself the Start LSAT self-paced course, and using code LITM10 you get 10% off the self-paced course! Check out Alden and Start LSAT at startlsat.com and use code LITM10 for 10% off the self-paced course!Lawyers in the Making Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lawyers in the Making Podcast at lawyersinthemaking.substack.com/subscribe
On this week's 8th Anniversary Pledge Drive edition of the program, we bring you an insightful community conversation held on March 25, 2025 about “American Foreign Policy: An Assessment” with veteran diplomat, Dr. Richard Haass, and moderator Ambassador Marcie Ries, two Oberlin College alumni from the early 1970s. Dr. Richard Haass is a veteran diplomat, respected scholar of international relations, and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. In this program, he offers his observations about the changing course of American foreign policy and the repercussions for the post-World War II world order. He comments on scenarios and implications of what might come next. Ambassador Marcie Ries served as moderator. Dr. Richard Haass ‘73 served as president of the Council on Foreign Relations for twenty years before retiring in 2023, and is now a senior counselor at Centerview Partners, LLC. From January 2001 to June 2003, Dr. Haass was director of policy planning for the Department of State and a principal advisor to Secretary of State Colin Powell. From 1989 to 1993, he was special assistant to President George H.W. Bush and senior director for Near East and South Asian affairs on the staff of the National Security Council. Previously, he served in the Departments of State (1981–1985) and Defense (1979–1980), and was a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Haass holds a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and master's and doctorate of philosophy degrees from Oxford University. He has also received numerous honorary degrees and was a member of the faculty of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Hamilton College. Dr. Haass is the author or editor of fourteen books on American foreign policy, one book on management, and one on American democracy. He is as well the author of a weekly newsletter Home & Away published on Substack. Marcie B. Ries '72 is a retired Ambassador with more than thirty-five years of diplomatic experience in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East. She is a three-time Chief of Mission, serving as Head of the U.S. Mission in Kosovo (2003-2004), United States Ambassador to Albania (2004-2007) and as United States Ambassador to Bulgaria (2012-2015). She was a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs from 2020-2021, where she co-authored the report “A U.S. Diplomatic Service for the 21st Century.” She was also co-author of Blueprints for a More Modern Diplomatic Service, published by Arizona State University in 2022. She graduated from Oberlin in 1972 and earned a master's degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 7pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at https://forwardradio.org
Graduation Day. Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels."You know nothing of what you speak of, Ishara, yet you now feel free to insult us," she simmered."Don't know, don't care. It was all before my time. I care about the 'here-and-now' as well as what we do in the future. What I am asking you is what concrete item or 'thing' can be provided to House Zorja to put this blood feud behind you. Name it and House Ishara will endeavor to procure it for you.""We are not merchants," Jana's eyes narrowed."No. I didn't imply you were. If you want new sandals for everyone in your House, I'll find you new sandals. If you want 100,000 acres of ranchland, I'll find you the land. Name it," I persisted."Our prestige cannot be bought," she 'explained'."No, but a blood feud with House Ishara can be avoided by making a request of us in the same way as expressing your desire to harm my daughter can be expressed by denying my offer," I hardened. "And 'fuck you very much' if you think I won't use every son, daughter, mother, aunt, and uncle of Ishara when I come gunning for House Zorja too.""You wouldn't dare bring outsiders into this," Klavdiya interjected."Why not? The offices of Ishara handed House Zorja the coup of the century ~ the capture of the People's Liberation Army Navy nuclear carrier. A member of House Zorja commanded that task, yet they did so by leading forces marshalled by House Ishara, outsider forces. You may wish to keep playing by old rules concerning who is and isn't part of a House, but I am not so constrained, sisters.""So Klavdiya, if House Meenakshi pursues its blood feud with House Zorja, House Ishara will gleefully join them in the pummeling. And we have Isharans in the 9 Clans, the Khanate and the Illuminati who will gladly help us out in slapping them around like the old-fashion curmudgeons they are showing themselves to be, or, House Zorja may request a gift from House Ishara and we will happily clear accounts between them and House Meenakshi in the name of our daughter, Parvati. Their choice.""You are still on the mats," Elsa reminded me. Sikia coiled protectively next to us."And you said something about a lesson being long overdue," Pamela smirked, "Kitten.""Cáel Ishara," Shawnee said in a soft voice, "perhaps it is germane to the argument: the fault of the blood feud rests with House Zorja, not House Meenakshi."I fell on my back, carrying Tad fi with me. She gasped out in surprise while remaining closely cuddled with me. Her right hand never left my lips."Why does no one tell me this shit?" I moaned."You are hard," Tad fi announced. "Are you ready to have more sex?" She was sounding upbeat about our prospects. She was also ignorant of our surroundings being deaf and blind to the mortal realm."Gossamer Wing," I created a pet name for the augur, "we are lying on the sparring mats of a large combat arena in the central Full-blooded training center for Havenstone with roughly 500 sisters in attendance (the audience had grown). While I am enticed by your scent, words, proximity and sweet memories of what we've shared, I'm probably going to be badly beaten up really soon for a terrific diplomatic snafu.""But then we can have sex?""Yeah. I'm totally up for having sex with you after they release me from Medical," I assured her. I looked around her to a very unhappy Mahdi."Can you find it in your heart to forgive House Zorja? Anything I can,""Yes," she abruptly cut me off.What the fuck?"At this time, my hatred of House Ishara, and you in particular, make any grievance I have with House Zorja pale in comparison. You have bewitched my only daughter. She bares your child, and it will be a wonderful child if the soiled augur you've stuck your cock in is to be believed," she ground out bitterly. "I want to go home. I want to find enemies to kill. And when I do, Cáel Ishara, know each and every one of them will carry your face in my mind."She turned to Jana. "Do you agree that we both hate Ishara enough to put aside our current differences?"Jana studied Mahdi, me, then Mahdi again and agreed. She stood. Mahdi stood. They clasped arms like Amazons, then hugged like sisters."Agreed. He is much worse."My thoughts on the matter. Woot! I was having sex! Oh, and I was making Aya happy by ending a blood feud."My admiration of you continues to increase," Krasimira looked at me. "This diplomacy stuff is harder than it looks yet you pull it off so effortlessly.""Yay me!" I muttered."Keeper, are we done?" Sikia asked Krasimira."I believe so," the older Amazon rose to her feet. Sikia was far faster in rising."Mahdi of Meenakshi, you have insulted me and my augur. Defend yourself," she snarled. If Tad fi hadn't been immediately present, Mahdi wouldn't have even warranted a warning no doubt."Had you done your job," Mahdi flowed into her fighting stance, "you both wouldn't be pregnant.""Whoa now," I struggled to rise while keeping Tad fi close and my body between her and the Meenakshi/Zorja side of the mat. "Sikia, I can't let you fight. You're pregnant too.""Don't be stupid, Cáel Ishara," Sikia retreated off the mat, so she could shed her jacket and footwear. "Amazons have fought pregnant for thousands of years.""Hold on now," NYPD Sgt. Larisa Kutuzov said in English as she moved forward. I was a millisecond too late. Larisa's foot touched down on the mat and Marlene Zorja popped her one, a hand chop to the larynx. The senior cop stumbled forward."Mom!" shouted Nikita. Marlene followed up with a leg sweep, putting Larisa face first on the mats, then a fist strike to the back of the head, knocking her out. Neat and tidy in less than two seconds.Nikita was about to charge in when Chaz stopped her."Footwear," he advised in the tone of voice I had learned to associate with him and imminent violence. The moment he stopped her, he was quickly removing his own socks and shoes. Virginia and Pamela were doing the same. I was allowed freedom of movement because I was holding Tad fi. Krasimira exited because of her unique status. The rest were already barefoot."Gale, could you please stay with Tad fi," I tried to hand her off."No," Gale looked me over. "I will fight." No hint on whose side she would be fighting on. Krasimira came to my rescue."I'll take her.""Tad fi," I told the augur, "I have to go get beaten up now, but I promise I will be back for you directly.""This is not your fight," Krasimira said. "The words and deeds are Sikia's.""A, she carries my child and B, the deeds being called into question are my fault.""You told me once they were the Will of Ishara," Krasimira mused."We are one in the same," I gave a lopsided grin."Be careful," Tad fi pleaded. "Your future is a chaotic jumble, I cannot see,""Eh, I've been very bad. We'll talk about it later. Gotta go," I headed onto the mats.Pamela was giving the ground rules to the 'normals': No 'fair warnings'. No 'fair play'. No 'time outs'. You fought until unconscious, or you surrendered."This is going to suck," Virginia assessed our odds. Two Amazons had removed Larisa from the mats and were tending to her. Nikita was kneeling by her side until she heard Virginia, then came our way.Besides Sikia, we had Pamela, Chaz, Virginia, myself and Nikita. Oneida stepping up was nice. She wasn't a great combatant, but we dearly needed the help. Gale joining us was, unsettling. Amazons don't play fair, so this could be a ruse.Against us were all three Zorja and both Meenakshi ~ I imagined Rhada felt she had something to prove to her mother. They'd picked up ten other Amazons and Rhonwenn Nemain. Klavdiya joined them to counterbalance her baby sister. Eight to seventeen ~ ouch."Damn," a familiar voice from my first days on the job spoke up from behind me, "we almost missed this." I didn't dare look over my shoulder. Desiree stepped between Chaz and Virginia. Rachel came up on my left and Tiger Lily on my right. At the tail end of our line was Mona, Meridian, Brielle and Wiesława. Fifteen to seventeen was looking much better, especially considering Desiree had brought five Security Detail warriors with her, all of whom were moving to further bolster our numbers."Rachel," Elsa looked to her underling, "you have no idea why you are fighting.""It is for Cáel. So it must be for a better tomorrow," Rachel laughed."Very well," Elsa smirked."You!" Mahdi pointed at me, and we both charged. It was a jumbled nightmare of clashing bodies, war cries and flashes of movement all around. Our side had two main advantages -While Chaz was by no means the best hand-to-hand combatant present, he knew the basic Amazon style and most Amazons didn't know his. Added to his overall height and bulk advantages, he bought us time.Of greater importance, Rachel, Tiger Lily and Mona had extensive training working as a team, which none of the opponents had.Elsa was the most dangerous individual on the mat. Pamela was the second most dangerous, so Elsa grabbed a couple of partners and ganged up on her to drive her off the mats. Chaz went next, out-Elsa'ed and beaten unconscious. The issue was, it took her too long to accomplish those two feats. By the time she rounded on me, Rachel and Tiger Lily, our half of the field had wiped out theirs. It was six of us (me, Rachel, Tiger Lily, Gale, Wiesława and Desiree) versus four of them (Elsa, Marlene, Klavdiya and Rhonwenn).Still, I was facing Elsa, so a judicious bit of treachery was required."Gale," I huffed and puffed, "please retire. I don't want you to fight your sister.""What?" Gale snapped. She'd taken a beating, yet remained feisty."No, fighting her sister is okay with me," Desiree scowled. "We are still facing fucking Elsa.""All the other women you have mated with have failed. I remain," Gale trumpeted."Oh, you are right," I half-turned. "All the reason you are more precious to me.""Really?""Of course," I deepened my introspective appreciation of her."Oh," and Klavdiya punched Rhonwenn. That was an 'oh, Cáel Ishara must actually care for my baby sister and not be just a Playa' on Klavdiya's part. Yeah. I'm a horrible fucking person at times.Rachel, Tiger Lily and I rushed Elsa. Marlene pivoted to ward against Klavdiya while Gale and Wiesława stormed in against her. Desiree helped Klavdiya finish drubbing Rhonwenn before they combined to force Marlene off the mats. Elsa chose to go down swinging in a dogpile of bodies. I took an ear-ringing blow to the head which allowed Rachel to apply a chokehold and it was lights out for the Head of SD.After some water bottles went around and those concussed returned to wakefulness, the resolution of the brawl was decided. Mahdi apologized to Sikia. It was short, terse and sparing of any empathy, yet was within the bounds of Amazon etiquette. She departed with Rhada, which left me to pick up the pieces, starting with Nikita's mom."Oh," the older woman moaned then, "Ms. Fredrickson? What are you doing here?""Avenging you, Mother," Nikita fluffed up the truth. "She, Cáel and the others cleaned house on the woman who jumped you and her allies.""Desk Sergeant," Desiree gave a curt nod."This isn't over," Larisa winced as she moved to a sitting position."Mrs. Kutuzov, it is over," I headed off a colossal waste of time. "This is my daily life and part of your daughter's life with JIKIT. You will find scant witnesses and no tape recordings of these events. This craziness is just another day in the life here at Havenstone. You stepped on the mat and thus became fair game to any physical confrontation an opponent cared to mete out. Consider this sovereign soil of an independent nation-state.""We," she looked around. "You kicked their asses?""Definitely," Pamela gave a feral snarl."This is plain nuts," she shook her head, winced in cranial pain, then put her aching head in her hands."One of the reasons we've put our dating in hiatus," Nikita comforted her mother while looking at me, and smiling affectionately.Ah, for fuck sakes! I was engaged to someone else and having a dozen kids by ten different women. How could I still possibly be considered viable dating material? Oh yeah, martial valor, laughing at death, I hung out with truly exceptional cool people and I would always be in need of saving, a plus for a crusader like Nikita.I had so many allies to tend to, but only one who seemed to be making an exit. I swooped down on Tad fi long enough to place her fingers to my lips."I'll be right back, friend of a friend in need," and off I went. I caught Tavi of House Stolgos just outside the door. She wasn't avoiding me. She'd been observing Chaz and he had been otherwise occupied.My British companion had played a pivotal role in the combat and taken his beating like a man. He'd been rendered unconscious. So had many others, so no stigma was attached to his loss. Post-battle, he had chosen to sit on his haunches, knees up, talking to several of the Amazons, both kneeling and standing. A few had been bystanders and a few others foes.He stayed on his ass to reduce his height advantage. Letting Amazons make eye contact while not having to look up at you created definite benefits. His good natured approach to his role in the fight and pummeling earned him positive vibes as well. He made it clear the tussle to him was not macho-personal. He was my 'brother / sister / sibling' spiritually-speaking via Pamela adopting us both as her 'grandsons', so my fights were his fights. Sikia had my (Cáel's) child, so that bond extended to her as well ~ family.Pamela and I had schooled him on Amazon psychology and those lessons were now paying serious dividends. 'The Male' hadn't wanted to fight them ~ 'Amazons are tough' he'd confessed, he knew this because he worked with several every day on JIKIT~ but family was on the line, so he fought. Mahdi had apologized, so the matter was settled. The other Amazons he'd fought? They had fought for their reasons and he was okay with not questioning them about it.Why? He was conscious of his conspicuous status as a 'guest', knew he was in no way an Amazon, and was not privy to what motivated them. He didn't want to be an Amazon. He had his own, much younger, martial tradition he was proud of, yet was eager to learn from the vastly greater Amazon war lore because 'winners' didn't have a gender-bias and no other tradition could compete with the Amazons' 3,000 years.Under normal circumstances, the women around him wouldn't have given credence to his praise. He was a male after all. Through the tiny tear I'd created in their insulating social fabric, Chaz was building upon his own exploits. In the after-battle analysis, the Amazons reflected on the realization Elsa had concentrated on him as her number two objective, second only to Pamela who scared everyone who knew anything about her. That bolstered Chaz's appeal.For the Amazons who thought a male would get all pouty and cry over being beaten up by a girl/girls, Chaz was breaking the mold. He wasn't angry. He was amused. The fight had been a learning experience and he'd felt honored to watch, no matter how briefly, a warrior of Elsa's caliber fight. He'd explained 'I', Cáel Wakko Ishara, considered Elsa one of the top 5 combatants I'd ever seen, which included Ajax the Unconquered. The others were Sakuniyas, reborn Amazon and former Queen of Assyria, Saint Marie, the Golden Mare, and Pamela, the Cliff-walker.More happy Amazons because the list's only non-Amazon was a dead Hero from the Trojan Wars and it was well known I 'got around' (aka dealt with violent outsiders.) Chaz was telling the truth, almost. The 'fifth' person on the list was Alal, but explaining him would be difficult, so Chaz edited him for this particular audience. Good man.In the hallway, "Tavi, a moment," I called out. She slowed down, took a few more steps allowing me to catch up."Yes Ishara?" she gave me her best neutral look. Yep. She was jealous."I beg two favors from you," I quickly went down to one knee in her path. That caught her off guard and left her in the awkward position of me being terribly close and staring up at her."I, I will listen," she muttered."I would like to know if you are pregnant," I asked very softly. Yes, she was, but she didn't want to tell me. She contemplated pushing past me. It would be very easy. "I know I am stepping beyond the boundaries between warriors. Please. My destiny has brought you two together. I am at fault here." 'Fault' was the key word."If I have a son, he will be given to the Queen," Tavi's face was stern and unforgiving. "He will live.""That's not what he's worried about," I shook my head. "He wants to be a father to your daughter, Tavi. He wants to introduce you to his mother and grandmothers, maybe his sisters too, if that can be arranged.""Huh?""He is not like me, Tavi. There is no other in his life, but you.""I, I will not leave my House for him," she protested angrily."He would never ask you. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to remain at your side for years to come. He can be a father to your child and not be a part of House Stolgos in the same way you can be a mother to your child and not be a part of Clan Tomorrow.""Oh," she furrowed her brow. "How would this possibly work?""I have an 'in' with the Queen," I winked. "I'll work out something.""He knows I will never stop being an Amazon," she elucidated intensely."Absolutely. He is an intelligence operative after all. He's figured a few things out for himself.""Why doesn't he tell me these things?""Tavi, he threw his body on top of me to shield me from a bomb blast, so he's undoubtedly brave, but telling you what is in his heart is scary for him. As his brother, I see behind his silence,""Oh, what should I do?" she was vexed."Go back in there, demand to speak with him and tell him the truth," I stood up."The truth?""That you are going to have a little StolgosTomorrow-ite running around sometime next year," I exuded confidential friendliness."Cáel Ishara," she tilted her head slightly, "you don't know much about infants, do you?""Nope," I pseudo-confessed. I actually did know something about newborns. I'd studied up so I could make a move on a cute girl whose free time was eaten up by babysitting, so I 'helped out'. Oink."They aren't 'running around'," she turned to head back into the gym, "until the ninth month at the earliest. Normally, running doesn't happen until the eighteenth month.""My fiancée has a three-year old, so she should be able to help me through some of the hardest parts," I babbled along. Tavi didn't give a crap.In we went. Tavi stormed straight toward the bevy of Amazon babes concentrating on 'her' Chaz."Color Sergeant Tomorrow," she abruptly interrupted. "A moment of your time.""Ladies," Chaz uncoiled himself from the surrounding women. The Amazons were either mildly put off, they thought they were about to get laid, or pissed off, they were sure they were about to get laid, and Tavi was stomping on their happy."Yes, Ms. Gentry," Chaz linked his hands behind his back in a 'rest easy' stance. 'Gentry' was the fake last name Tavi used in the outside world. She motioned toward the windows with her head. Off they went. I couldn't hear what was being said, but my lip reading skills were up to the task.T: (I am pregnant)C: (I love you)T: (Oh) ~ stunned. Go Chaz!C: (Well, I don't imagine the Amazons have a marriage ceremony and an Anglican service would be inappropriate, so perhaps we could research a Scythian ritual which could make both families happy) ~ delivered in the patented smooth Chaz style.T: (Marriage? To you?)C: (I will not submit to being anyone's slave nor would I ever ask you to submit to me. Outside of that, will you be my partner and my partner alone until the cliffs separate us?)T: (Amazons are not monogamous)C: (I am)T: (I will, I mean, can I think about this?)C: (I am not going anywhere, Tavi){Pause}T: (Did you put Ishara, Cáel Ishara up to this?)C: (Yes)T: (Why?)C: (I imagine he explained what I am feeling better than I could)T: (Oh, do you want me to meet your mother and grandmothers?)C: (Absolutely)T: (Okay)C: (Okay ~ you would like to meet my Mother and Grandmothers?)T: (No, yes, I mean, yes I would like to meet them and I am okay with you being with no other woman until the cliffs separate us, and I will do the same, no other males)C: (If I pick you up, hug you and kiss you, will your sisters freak out?)T: (I don't know)So Chaz swept Tavi up until her head was higher than his (a feat, considering their 8" height differential) and kissed her deeply. Mumbled words followed. Tavi wrapped her legs around Chaz's waist and out they went. Around me were angry murmurings of the 'did that Amazon just run off with our man' variety. Not my problem. I had plenty of different Amazons wanting my attention. Hallelujah!{8:00 pmDon't try this at home.I covered my face with a pillow and pressed down hard. I'd already tried breathing exercises, meditation and even contemplated more cranial trauma before thinking up this particular crazy idea. It took some mental effort and accessing some of my Alal-'pain sorting' skills to accomplish, but in the end, I felt myself 'let go'.I sat up."Hello," Tad fi beamed."Hey," I took a deep breath. Since we were talking, I must have passed out. Her eyes wandered over the room."Is this the world as you see it?" she wondered. Oh yeah, I had to be creating the environment for her to enjoy.Sikia was kneeling on the bed a foot away, her gaze moving between the two of us. The 'grayness' of her form suggested she was wholly in reality and not in the 'Ishara-space' the goddess had shown me and I was now sharing with my augur."This is how you see me?" she examined her fingers, her wrists, then some long locks of her hair."You are more beautiful," I answered. The impact of my words crossing over drew her eyes back to me. It was the magic of hearing for the normally deaf girl. I concentrated, peeled back some fantasy and attached a realistic form to Sikia. Tad fi followed my gaze."Your hair," she addressed her guardian, "It is lighter than I imagined."Sikia said something I couldn't understand, muffled as it was by my dreaming."I cannot hear you, but I see you through his eyes," the augur carried on her conversation. They touched. It had to be somewhat bizarre for Sikia. As she reached for Tad fi's hand, her friend intercepted the extended member. Their fingers intertwined before completing the journey to the guardian's lips."Don't cry, no, we couldn't have, no, we shouldn't have knocked him out sooner. I don't think he was aware of this discipline when we first met. Were you, Cáel?""No. Perhaps if I had understood more about the consequences of seeing ghosts, I might have," I tapered off. "Now that we know. I can try this more often.""Your health?" Tad fi worried."I might be immortal," I confessed. I was confessing because I was desperately seeking a way to share some of my genetic quirkiness with her ~ some strength to carry her through this pregnancy and spare her life, Dot Ishara be damned."And you would seek a way to spare me," she graced me with her gentle presence. Lying in the 'spirit' world was a whole lot tougher than in the flesh."Yeah. I've got some arcane lore rattling around in my head, plus I have a few outside sources I can ask for help. I'm not giving up on you.""I have foreseen my death.""Well, un-foresee it," I scolded her. "Dot Ishara told me we see what might happen, though nothing is guaranteed. So even your death isn't an absolute. Since it hasn't happened, I see no reason to let it happen. You are going to live to hold our daughter. If not, my immortality is worthless.""You can never save everyone. Sometimes you must let a few go to save the rest," she advised."If I find someone I'm not attached to, I'll let them go. I promise. Until then, I'm, ugh, I'm fading, and I'm keeping you.""We shall see," she murmured. I fell back into my body and into wakefulness."Now we have sex," Tad fi announced in a melodic voice."He is ready to perform," Sikia agreed. She was fondling my balls with one hand while her breath played across my rod. I sat up to see the augur climbing up the bed between my thighs. She kissed my glans, licked across its top, then kissed it again."I've got it from here," she told Sikia."What?" Sikia was confused. Tad fi's lips began to engulf my sceptre."Sikia, come here," I gently pulled on her arm. She was conflicted yet up some came.We started out with tender kisses on the lips. I kept drawing her toward me. My lips and tongue migrated down her chin and throat to her breasts. When she thought my target was her breasts, she was all onboard. That was a mere stop-off point on my journey, though I played around for a while.At the same time, I had to use subtle movements with my hips and clenches with my gluts to school Tad fi on her fellatio. Thankfully, I was doubly-blessed. This wasn't my first time schooling two girls at once and Tad fi could determine more from such minimal reactions due to her heightened sense of my muscle contractions through her touch than any other woman I'd ever met.When I began running my tongue in large lashes underneath her breasts, I confused Sikia once more. She was resistant as my hands on her hips pulled her higher so that my lips and teeth could tease her taut stomach while I twirled my tongue in her belly button. She giggled.I had been slowly wiggling down the bed, backing Tad fi up, so when it came time to mount Sikia on my face, I had the headboard room. I kept her muscular thighs securely in hand because the moment I had her happy, I pushed her up. She looked down, seeking guidance and I motioned her to turn around. She did the eye-ball math, realized she'd be facing her augur, and hastily obeyed. Of course, her movement on the bed alerted Tad fi through mattress vibrations.Sikia was sitting on my face, leaning down so she could run her hands through Tad fi's hair and along her face and lips (and my phallus). I kept my hands pressed between our bodies. My right made the sojourn to my pubic area to play around and give them both something else to suck on, my fingers. My left loitered around between Sikia's breasts and her clitoris when my lips were otherwise occupied.I could cup her clit with my tongue in a U-shape, rubbing it along my taste buds. Most of my time was taken up with my tongue broad lashing her vulva or tightly-twisted and delving into her cunt and my nose pushing against her brown hole. I could tilt myself up so I could make tongue-intrusions into her back passage as well. The first time, she squealed.Before she could decide if she wanted to make me stop (she did, virtually all first timers always default to asking their partner to stop, so you have to distract them), Tad fi wanted to know what had brought her reaction on. Then came Sikia's troubled revelation of what I was doing, how the augur shouldn't suffer through it, despite the increasing pleasure she was receiving, only to finally be unable to supply the answer as to why Tad fi shouldn't experience it too.Sikia shot me a treasured look of bewilderment. I'd brought her to orgasm with my tongue alone. I was a guy after all."Switch?" I suggested. Tad fi was still administering one of the slowest, most considerate blowjobs I'd ever experienced. She wasn't rushing toward anything. Sure, she was unschooled, but was devoting her incredible sensitivities to my pleasure and taking pleasure in her ability to bring me to such excitement."Change places?" she mused. "Okay." Tad fi's lips slid off me with one final, loud 'pop', then she used her spider-like fingers to climb up my body while Sikia traveled south. She lavished butterfly kisses on my face ~ childish, yet so very appropriate between us ~ and I mirrored the gesture.With some reluctance, she mounted me, facing Sikia. My tongue flicking across her clit on its first exploration brought out a joyous gasp. It only got better from there.The Long Slide Into Domestic Life:"Twins?" Hana snuggled into my arms. We were at her place, naked in bed together after a late late-night unscheduled meeting with some VIPs. Despite the late/early hour, she was alert, tense even. It had been a mentally stimulating late night encounter which had brought me to her bed."Yes. That is what Tad fi predicted," I inserted between raining kisses down on her forehead. Hana liked non-distracting attention when she was in this kind of mood. She was exhausting herself mentally as she was building up to being amorous."Ana-Călina and rp d?" she worked over the names on her tongue. "They have a special meaning?""Only if you are Hungarian and Romanian," I teased her. She elbowed me slightly. " rp d was the semi-mystical pagan warlord who led the Ten Tribes who became known as the Hungarians ~ the Magyar peoples ~ into the Carpathian Basin, present day Hungary. Ana-Călina was born a Byzantine princess of the storied House of Basarab; she married Radu Negru, thus becoming the first Princess of a free Wallachia ~ the foundation for a free Romania. She was also the great-grandmother of Dracula.""So they are famous names with regional historical significance, did they live long, happy lives?"" Árpád, no one knows for sure. His kids were quarrelsome, but they did manage to found a dynasty at the start of the second millennia which ruled for three centuries.""Ana-Călina, yeah. I think so," I continued. "She lived into her seventies and her eldest son left his country stronger, richer and safer than when he received it. She did out live her husband by over fifty years, and got to see her youngest grandson bury most of his rivals, the kids from her husband's first marriage.""Ah, what?" Hana rose up until we were eye to eye. Since she was naked, her boobs swayed slightly as she did so. My eye flickered. "Eyes forward, Mister," she playfully barked. "What happened to all her other grandsons?""Wallachia in the 15th century was a tad rough and tumble," I evaded."They killed one another?""Mostly they were killed by conspiracies amongst their boyars, nobles of the time.""Why does, Tad fi want to dredge up these names again?" she kept eye contact."Not a clue," I pleaded."But you think it is important?""No. I think you are important. Screw Fate. It can name its own kids. We can chose whatever names make you happy, except 'Up'. Up's been taken.""You've named another of your offspring 'Up'? That's cruel, or does that mean something in another language I'm unaware of?" she shifted her shoulders so her boobs wobbled again. Of course, I broke eye contact. I hadn't had sex in hours and her boobies were right there, damn it!"Actually, Pamela and I named this secret agent in Hungary that, just to fuck with his head," I divulged."Oh. Pamela. I should have known," she slowly smiled. "You are being very well behaved," she added. Woot! She noticed I wasn't throwing her down and pawing her delectable flesh. "One more thing before the nookie.""Name them. Their dead," I pledged."Not necessary," her sigh turned into a giggle. "If I'm going to be having twins, I'm going to be rather big come late March. We need an earlier wedding date."Oh, fuck me!"What do you have in mind?" I tried to keep the creeping dread out of my voice."New Year's Day?" she suggested. I did a quick calculation. That was annihilating 78 days out of what remained of my bachelor life. In 114 days my life would cease having any meaning whatsoever. I'd be a Mr. to someone's Mrs. The end"Sure, I can arrange to be killed before then," stumbled out of my mouth."What was that?" Hana pouted."Nothing Dear. Cosmic psychic intersection with an Al -demon; don't know what came over me," I fibbed."Man up," Hana bit my nose. "Our marriage won't be that bad if we both work at it. It isn't like I'm demanding celibacy from you." Then she mouthed 'yet'."Wait. Did you mean celibacy, as in no fun at all, or monogamy, as in only 'happy time' with you?" I desperately sought clarification."Oh," she pursed her lips. "I meant monogamy. I didn't mean to scare you.""Oh, thank goodness," I sighed."Here," her gaze turned tender. "Let me make it up to you." Hana placed one hand on my shoulder and rose up my body until my face was gently nestled in her bosom. Then she wiggled back and forth, basically because I'm a big baby and easy to please. I was alternating which nipple I was kissing in no time."Mmm," she murmured. "I've missed you." Her other hand's fingernails coasted down my abdomen and found 'Mr. Happy' had risen to attention. Okay, he'd been hopping up and down on my groin since she'd said we were 'going to bed' 30 minutes ago. Hana decided wrap up my shaft with her hand, then applied a few tender strokes. I reciprocated by cupping her left tit in one hand, forming a mound with her areola at the center, and began to twirl from the outside inward to her hardened nipple with just the tip of my tongue.It was 4 a.m. Why was I taking it slow when I had my final work review with Katrina in three hours? Hana deserved this and more. Why was Hana doing it? She was her own boss, plus her life was careening wildly outside of anything she'd imagined before she'd first laid eyes on me. Half of the financial empire she shared with her father was suddenly in the hands of a military dictatorship, her beloved father was dealing with the murder of her hated step-brother and she was marrying a Prince in a European cathedral which required someone high in the Vatican's approval process to use.Yeah, her life had gone nuts. Worse, she loved me. And I wasn't the kind of man she ever thought she'd love. She'd thought she'd never love anyone again after her life with her asshole of an ex-husband and their bitter, contentious divorce. I was barely someone she could classify, and Hana was a terribly ordered and organized person. Saying my life was messy was being generous. I was some mysterious warrior-diplomat-playboy-aristocrat who hung out with people more bizarre than me.Hana picked up her tempo. I switched breasts. Her motor was really starting to hum. Any other night, I could have moved straight to revving her up to an orgasm. I had the time to make it two without any problems. A good one and Hana would be happy and drift off to sleep. Instead, I intuited she wanted more, so we developed our own game of cat and mouse with her climax, and its suspension, being our ultimate goal.My left hand danced down the back of her ribcage like playing keys on a piano. It was a light, teasing gesture. Her hair the color of tarnished gold cascaded down as she began placing her own kisses upon my crown. Each move by one partner evoked a response by the other. Hana ran my glans over her glistening labia, getting it nice and slick. I worked down her waist, cupped her ass, and then glided over her thigh to the back of her knee where I started tickling her. She snickered."You are distracting me," she murmured. I wasn't. I knew these things."I like to get the feel of every inch of your flesh," I responded. More mirthful noises from her. Slowly, her gooey vestibule rubbed against and over the top, until I felt myself entering. There, she hesitated. I propelled my hips an inch up, twisted right then left before falling back down, a micro-fuck."Ah," she emoted her approval. "My turn." Hana's knees spread to the side, making a memorable sound on the silk sheets as she impaled herself. This time she rolled her hips forward, back, then did a slow 360 with me inside her, letting the slow progress over her spark memories for her to savor. "I never believed sex could be like this," Hana hiccupped."How so?" I knew the answer, but wanted her to put her chaotic passions to words. It would make her happier."Experimenting, silly. Stopping in the middle and doing, this," she reversed her hip rotations this time. "I never imagined a lover having such patience, or,""Yourself as being so openly sexually adventurous?" I finished."Yeah," she huffed. "I really, really owe your college professor, plus you and all your diligence, for this," at the last moment, she encountered the gateway to her G-spot. I knew precisely where that gem was. Previously, Hana had gained a vague idea where it was from the perspective of masturbation and our prior lovemaking. Now I had let Hana rediscover that joy with my cock as her tool to utilize as she wished."You realize pregnant women want even more sex," she hummed. She was vigorously working my cock now. Hana had bridged a huge gap, sexually. Normally, a woman of Hana's quality tried to please her man first with the hope her orgasm would soon follow. I was different. My greatest sexual gratification came from her ecstasy. She was confident in that now. By bringing herself to climax, she was making me excited for what would come next."That's okay," I propped myself up on one elbow now that Hana was riding me cowgirl-style. "I dig big chicks." The open-palm slap to the chest was a given."Hercege, you, you are horrible," she growled around a feral smile. The lip-biting, tongue-sucking kiss was equally vicious, primal and leading Hana to the end of her tether. Not only was Hana's sexual trust in me/us expanding, she was putting extra effort into her physical workout regime too. She might still have a ways to go to compete with an Amazon, but it was still going to be a great night."Hercegn , I am nothing but a twisted shadow of masculine lust whose every contour is cast by your muliebrous glow," I teased. Her eyes twinkled. Yes, definitely still going to be a great night."Okay," Hana yawned, "I give up. What does 'muliebrous' mean?" She'd been holding on to that for an hour and a half. It was five-thirty and I was dressing in my biking clothes before heading into work."From the Latin 'muliebri' which means 'womanly'," I answered. Her sleepy eyes drank in both my response and my physique. I had discovered another thing Hana liked and that was to expand her academic/linguistic frontiers. She was enchanted with the idea that I liked to engage her mind along with her body, sparking on all cylinders.She'd crawled over to my side of the bed, her head resting on my pillow, soaking up my scent as she watched me. I knelt down, kissed her on her ear, cheek and finally the side of her lips. Hana was beat."Have a good day and be careful," she mumbled. Her eyes closed. Her chest rose with one last, waking breath before her sleep rhythms took her."Ditto," I whispered. I snuck into Annela's room and planted a kiss on her head as well. The craziness of my life had a way of cascading over to the ones I loved. Loved? Oh boy,7:00 am Monday, September 8th, Graduation Day!Brielle and her buddy were humming along as the elevator doors closed. Once more, my 'hellish' schedule demanded I change in the elevator. I'd gone to gun practice with my bike clothes on, so I absolutely had to change into business attire in the magic box, in front of them.Juanita adjusting my tie was a less than subtle attempt to strangle me. I was about to be late to my final 'start of day' meeting as an intern in Executive Services, so her chastisement would have to wait. Who would have thunk it? Juanita would have to wait outside for this ceremony. Paula raced with me to be the last one in, only to have Daphne grace us with the 'news':"The meeting won't start for another fifteen minutes," she grinned. "Katrina is bringing up the 'new hires' for the fall program."I finger-flicked my head. The 84 days as an intern was merely the 'training wheels' period. To really be a member of ES was at least a two year training process. The Amazons around me had started their training for this gig when they were fifteen and were eighteen and nineteen now, their ID's said they were older for legal purposes.In theory, my four years in college was counted as 'preliminary' training and provided things such as acclimation to outsider culture ~ aka 'acting normal'. Logically, I would train under someone like Desiree or Buffy for a year before being a full-fledged member of the service."How many this time?" I asked Daphne since she seemed to be in the know."Twenty," she grinned. "We are getting two."I noticed there was still only my tiny desk in Katrina's office. That meant the new guys would be out in the office pool with everyone else. Probably for the best. The ladies were now used to having a male around, so would be careful in what they did and didn't say. I yawned."Tired," Fabiola smirked."Oh yeah," I stifled another yawn. "Met an emissary from the Pope." Fabiola glowered. "No. Seriously. I met an emissary from Holy See. I let Hana know I wanted to get married in a highly improbable place, a ruined cathedral, so she contacted the Catholic Church and one of their guys wanted to meet with me.""That had to be fun," Tigger grinned. "What does the Cult of the Nazarene think of you and the Goddess Ishara?""We actually discussed polytheism and the place of an omnipotent, omnipresent being in the scope of things," I placed my hands behind my back and rocked back and forth. "It was quite interesting. The guy knew his shit."By that, I meant he was probably with the Pope's Secret Service as well as a Brainiac with a PhD in something. He'd promised to be in touch as soon as he heard back from his superiors. He had this hot chick with him who I suspected was a nun. And if his driver wasn't ex-military, it was because he was still in the service. On the plus side, Hana had been beaming when we left, which assured me the meeting had gone well, so we had sex from 4 AM until 5:30, thus my current fatigued state."Are you going to abandon your faith?" Fabiola taunted me."I don't have faith, Fabiola of Minerva. Faith would imply I don't know there are supernatural entities screwing with our lives. I know they do exist, I've met a few. To satisfy your disingenuous curiosity, we discussed the nature of the Weave and it being the possible manifestation of God's Will.""How did that go?" Paula appeared interested."He strongly suggested I should 'revisit my Catholic roots' soon. By that, I think he meant I'm supposed to start attending church regularly," I shrugged. "The Pope is sending an envoy to the Great Khan too, so odds are good I'm getting married," I pronounced the last bit as the doom-laden prediction it was."Oh, yes," Fabiola reached passed Paula and smacked me in the chest with the back of her hand. "That is for insinuating you and I had intercourse to my Mother and the Council.""Was that chastising me for lying, or for not making it so?" I winked."Ah, no!" she pouted. "Stop lying about me."I looked down at my phone."We've got twelve minutes," I double-pumped my eyebrows. "Want to go to Katrina's bathroom?""What! No!" Fabiola
On episode 235, we welcome Jaz Brisack to discuss unionizing efforts for Starbucks workers and Project Germinal, how unions form and why workers may fear them, the popular ideas of unions and how they're misrepresented by corporate media, Jaz's experiences in the Starbucks union and “salting,” whether corporate managers act in good faith, anti-union tactics and why they should be considered psychological warfare, and how workers can sustain a sense of hope in the face of their significant and persistent professional struggles. Jaz Brisack is a union organizer and cofounder of the Inside Organizer School, which trains workers to unionize. After spending one year at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, they got a job as a barista at the Elmwood Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, becoming a founding member of Starbucks Workers United and helping organize the first unionized Starbucks in the United States. As the organizing director for Workers United Upstate New York & Vermont, they also worked with organizing committees at companies ranging from Ben & Jerry's to Tesla. Their new book, available on April 29, 2025, is called Get on the Job and Organize: Standing Up for a Better Workplace and a Better World. | Jaz Brisack | ► Website | https://www.insideorganizerschool.com ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jazbrisack ► Twitter | https://x.com/jazbrisack ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jaz.brisack ► Get on the Job and Organize Book | https://bit.ly/GetontheJobandOrganize Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment
While procrastination from doing my taxes I figured why not wonder out loud why Rachel Maddow, a Rhodes Scholar and graduate of Oxford University can't google the definition of Genocide and how there is NOT one happening in gaza. And maybe if you put up pics of a person that supports a Terrorist organization & then gets deported for doing so maybe have some of those pesky FACTS. Anyhoooooo, no more Maddow & maybe i'll get my taxes done today. Those are facts. And not so much fun. Thanks for listening. Share it. Support living artists and do something good. Go adopt a dog or cat or volunteer at an animal shelter. k. thanks. yalla. bye.
In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Dr. Chris Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Arizona State University and former President of Robert Morris University and Hampden-Sydney College, to discuss his diverse career path on the way to discovering his calling in higher education. Elected student body president at Plano High, where 2% of the student body was African American, he helped Plano win the Texas state football championship. Chris received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he again excelled in the classroom and on the gridiron and was selected to be the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Draddy Trophy, now called the Campbell Trophy, given to our nation's top college football scholar athlete. Chris earned a PhD from Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot and as an intelligence officer, where he was assigned to the elite Joint Special Operations Command. He later received an MBA with distinction from Harvard before embarking on a successful business and higher education leadership career, becoming the nation's youngest college president. LISTEN TO the radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don't miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: DR. CHRIS HOWARD: BIO: Dr. Chris Howard Arizona State University BIO (pdf) VIDEOS: TEDx: "The 5 Be's": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQvuktjngwI RMU Innauguration Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fAOVoKp4hE University Innovation Alliance Weekly Wisdom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1zSFuJe1FY Lighthouse Mckinsey- Dr. Chris Howard on the power of education and inclusivity: https://www.mckinsey.com/Videos/video?vid=6315399472112&plyrid=HkOJqCPWdb ARTICLES: Business Principles are Important for College Presidents, by Christopher B. Howard — The New York Times Combat Veteran and Robert Morris University President Chris Howard shares what it means to be Military Friendly - G.I.Jobs magazine - terrific article! Being The Most Popular Kid in the Class Doesn't Work Forever, by Christopher B. Howard, President, Hampden-Sydney College — The New York Times Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?, by Dr. Chris Howard, President, Hampden-Sydney College — The New York Times
Dr. Lamma Mansour, a Christian Palestinian from Nazareth, holds a DPhil and MPhil in Social Policy and Intervention from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar. She also earned a BSc in Psychology from the University of Haifa. Her research, which centers on young people in Israel-Palestine, has been featured in leading academic journals. In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Mansour actively serves in her local church in Nazareth and contributes to conversations on the intersection of faith and society through various local and global platforms as a writer and speaker.
I'm so excited to share this special short episode recap with a powerful message. I'm publishing this curation to help you make the most of your time. The episode features segments from the episode 096 featuring and interview with Michael Bungay Stanier. https://richie.libsyn.com/michael-bungay-stanier-how-to-begin ====== Michael Bungay Stanier teaches you HOW TO BEGIN. Discover the art of doing wwork that's thrilling, important, and daunting. Richie and Michael have an entertaining conversation that weaves you through powerful stories, laughs, tears and aha moments to help you gather your forces, be audacious, and make things better. As Michael says, "We unlock our greatness by working on hard things. I know the status quo would LOVE you to keep hiding your light, playing it safe, staying small. But that's a life half-lived. We all lose when that happens. And you can be a force for change in this world." Michael Bungay Stanier distills big, complex ideas into practical, accessible knowledge for everyday people that helps them be a force for good. His books have sold over a million copies, with The Coaching Habit topping the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. MBS has been featured on the blogs and social media platforms of thought leaders including Seth Godin, Tim Ferriss, and Brené Brown, and has appeared on ABC, BBC, CBC, Ted.com, and innumerable podcasts―as well as in notable publications including the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company. MBS is the founder of Box of Crayons, a learning and development company, that helps organizations move from advice-driven action to curiosity-led transformation. They have trained more than half a million people for clients including Microsoft, Salesforce, TELUS and Gucci. A former Rhodes Scholar, MBS is an Australian who now lives in Toronto, Canada. You can join others committed to being a force for change at MBS.works Go to https://www.mbs.works/ to buy a copy of HOW TO LEARN. To create your own "on-mission" experience in life, leadership, coaching, entrepreneurship and small business, go to: www.richienorton.com/76daychallenge Want to continue the conversation? Join us! RICHIE NORTON SHOW COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/richiepodcast RICHIE NORTON SOCIAL: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/richie_norton LINKEDIN: http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardnorton FB: https://www.facebook.com/richienorton TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/richienorton
Nina and Alexandra open this episode with a discussion on the latest news, including the fallout from last week's oval office meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also briefly touch on the political situation in Romania, Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the conviction of Milorad Dodik which is being challenged by Republika Srbska. Later, Adam is joined by Isaac Stanley-Becker, an investigative reporter who has reported from across Europe and the United States. He earned his PhD in history from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He is the author of the book “Europe without Borders: A History”. Isaac discusses the history of the Schengen agreement, its impact on Europe and how Europeanattitudes towards borders have changed, including in the sphere of defence.In the bonus content Isaac and Adam discuss the disarray in Transatlantic relations under the new Trump administration and what it will take to repair them. Listen to our bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123769540 Learn more about the book here: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691261768/europe-without-borders
Episode SummaryWhen Jamie Beaton co-founded Crimson Education, his goal was simple: help ambitious students get into the world's best universities. Fast forward ten years, Crimson has 800+ staff, global offices, and a suite of education platforms spanning admissions coaching, an international online high school, and AI-powered study tools.Jamie's personal journey is just as remarkable—Harvard undergrad, four master's degrees, a JD from Yale, a PhD from Oxford, a Rhodes Scholar. His expertise? Elite admissions, scaling global businesses, and the changing economics of education.In today's episode, we cover:• Why the traditional university model is broken and which institutions will survive• How AI is making elite education accessible (and why most schools aren't ready)• Why New Zealand's smartest students need to get out—and when to return• The right way to build a world-class company, from hiring to leadership• How top universities actually admit students (hint: it's not just grades)We also hear about Jamie's biggest mentors, his leadership lessons, and the future of Crimson Education after its recent Series D.Time Stamps01:11 The wildest education history: Harvard, Yale, Oxford & beyond03:40 Crimson's 10-year journey from a bold pitch to a global business06:48 How the real college admissions process works (and what most Kiwis get wrong)09:52 Buying vs. building: How Jamie makes big bets on acquisitions14:55 The myth of online education and why self-motivation changes everything18:08 How Crimson finds the next generation of ambitious Kiwis25:17 The AI revolution: Private tutoring for everyone—at 1% of the cost35:53 Is there a reckoning coming for the long tail of higher education?44:02 Why Kiwis need to get out—and when to do it56:06 The biggest leadership lessons Jamie had to unlearnResourcesJamie Beaton's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiebeaton/Crimson Education – Global admissions and education platform: https://www.crimsoneducation.org/Crimson Global Academy – Online international high school: https://www.crimsonglobalacademy.school/Revision Village – IB study resource platform: https://www.revisionvillage.com/Need-Blind Financial Aid at Harvard – How top universities fund students: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid
The Herle Burly was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as CN Rail.Greetings, you curiouser, and right now anxiouser, Herle Burly-ites. We're following up last week's pod with Andrew Coyne, with another nerve-jangling conversation about the 24/7 norm-wrecking of Donald J. Trump.This one, leaning into how he's shifting global relationships and alliances, here in Canada and across Europe ... resulting in ... oh, you know ... maybe just a whole new world order, that's all.3-time Herle Burly guest, the brilliant Jennifer Welsh is here to talk about that. Jennifer's episodes are always among our most listened-to. She hails from Regina like me, but our CVs take very separate paths from there. Jennifer is a Rhodes Scholar, earning her Master and Doctorate in International Relations at Oxford. She co-founded the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict. Served as Professor and Chair of International Relations at the European University Institute in Florence. She was a Special Adviser to Ban Ki-moon – the UN Secretary General – on the Responsibility to Protect. And she's currently the Canada 150 Research Chair in Global Governance and Security at McGill University.Thank you for joining us on #TheHerleBurly podcast. Please take a moment to give us a rating and review on iTunes, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.Watch episodes of The Herle Burly via Air Quotes Media on YouTube.
How can climate activists be more successful in 2025? And where have they gone wrong? Kumi Naidoo has a storied career as an activist. At just 15 years old, he started out as an anti-apartheid campaigner and organiser in South Africa, before fleeing the country and attending Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, where he received a PhD for his research into the resistance movement in South Africa. After Nelson Mandela was freed, he returned home to help organise Mandela's campaign to become President, and later became the head of both Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Naidoo has turned his energy to a new campaign, one that focuses specifically on the phase out of fossil fuels: the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. The Initiative, founded by former Cleaning Up guest Tzeporah Berman, seeks to establish a binding agreement amongst the most ambitious nations to phase out fossil fuels. So far, it has been endorsed by 16 nation states and 131 subnational governments and cities. Naidoo joins Bryony Worthington to talk about what he's learned from 45 years of campaigning, from hunger strikes to occupying oil rigs in the Arctic, where he thinks activism needs to go from here, and why he believes the Fossil Fuel Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is the path forward. Leadership CircleCleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Division Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Links and more:Canada's Controversial Queen of GreenThe Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Jeremy Kuzmarov - Warmonger - How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the US Trajectory from Bush II to BidenNov 17, 2023During the 2016 presidential election, many younger voters repudiated Hillary Clinton because of her husband's support for mass incarceration, banking deregulation and free-trade agreements that led many U.S. jobs to be shipped overseas. Warmonger: How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the Trajectory from Bush II to Biden, shows that Clinton's foreign policy was just as bad as his domestic policy. Cultivating an image as a former anti-Vietnam War activist to win over the aging hippie set in his early years, as president, Clinton bombed six countries and, by the end of his first term, had committed U.S. troops to 25 separate military operations, compared to 17 in Ronald Reagan's two terms. Clinton further expanded America's covert empire of overseas surveillance outposts and spying and increased the budget for intelligence spending and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a CIA offshoot which promoted regime change in foreign nations. The latter was not surprising because, according to CIA operative Cord Meyer Jr., Clinton had been recruited into the CIA while a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, and as Governor of Arkansas in the 1980s he had allowed clandestine arms and drug flights to Nicaraguan counter-revolutionaries (Contras) backed by the CIA to be taken from Mena Airport in the western part of the state. Rather than being a time of tranquility when the U.S. failed to pay attention to the gathering storm of terrorism, as New York Times columnist David Brooks frames it, the Clinton presidency saw rising tensions among the U.S., China and Russia because of Clinton's malign foreign policies, and U.S. complicity in terrorist acts. In so many ways, Clinton's presidency set the groundwork for the disasters that were to follow under Bush II, Obama, Trump, and Biden. It was Clinton--building off of Reagan--who first waged a War on Terror ridden with double standards, one that adopted terror tactics, including extraordinary rendition, bombing and the use of drones. It was Clinton who cried wolf about human rights abuses and the need to protect beleaguered peoples from genocide to justify military intervention in a post-Cold War age. And it was Clinton's administration that pressed for regime change in Iraq and raised public alarm about the mythic WMDs--all while relying on fancy new military technologies and private military contractors to distance US shady military interventions from the public to limit dissent.Jeremy Kuzmarov talks to Ed Opperman about his surprising and highly researched new book.BookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.
Dr. Heather Wilson, a 1982 Air Force Academy graduate, formerly the 24th Secretary of the Air Force, and first USAFA graduate to hold the position, discusses her unexpected journey to the role, emphasizing the importance of integrity, service, and leadership. ----more---- SUMMARY Dr. Wilson shares her unexpected journey into leadership, the importance of integrity, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. She reflects on her family legacy, the influence of mentors, and how her military background shaped her leadership style. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the value of collecting tools for leadership and adapting to different environments while maintaining core values. In this conversation, she discusses the importance of finding purpose in one's mission and the value of relationships, particularly family support. She reflects on her journey as a woman in leadership, the significance of legacy in public service, and her unexpected path to serving in Congress. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the lessons learned in collaboration and the importance of humor in leadership, ultimately encouraging future leaders to uphold high standards and not to shame their families. SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK TAKEAWAYS Dr. Wilson's journey to becoming Secretary of the Air Force was unexpected and transformative. Leadership often requires owning failures and focusing on solutions. Integrity is foundational to effective leadership and builds trust. Adapting leadership styles to different cultures is essential for success. Mentorship and influences from family play a significant role in shaping leaders. Collecting tools and knowledge is crucial for effective leadership. Quality management principles can be applied to various fields, including education and social services. Leadership is not linear; it involves navigating different paths and chapters. Building strong teams and hiring the right people is vital for organizational success. Direct communication and honesty are key components of effective leadership. Doing things that matter with people you like is essential. The most important decision in life can be personal, like choosing a partner. Family support enriches life and provides joy. Women in leadership often face unique challenges but can pave the way for others. Legacy is about making lasting changes in systems and strategies. Unexpected opportunities can lead to significant career changes. Collaboration and giving credit to others is key in leadership roles. Humor can help create a relaxed atmosphere in serious environments. Education is crucial for transforming lives and communities. Leadership is not always a straight path; adaptability is important. EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Long Blue Leadership 01:25 Unexpected Call to Leadership 03:16 Lessons from Leadership Challenges 08:28 The Importance of Integrity 10:07 Adapting Leadership Styles 12:23 Influences and Mentorship 15:25 Family Legacy and Influence 17:41 Learning from Team Members 21:29 Applying Quality Management Principles 24:07 Navigating Non-Linear Leadership Paths 24:20 Finding Purpose in Mission and Relationships 28:06 The Importance of Family Support 30:08 Navigating Leadership as a Woman 34:30 Legacy and Impact in Public Service 36:29 Unexpected Paths: Serving in Congress 41:03 Lessons in Collaboration and Leadership ABOUT DR. WILSON - IMAGES AND BIO COURTESY OF UTEP BIO Dr. Heather Wilson became the 11th President of The University of Texas at El Paso in 2019 after serving as Secretary of the United States Air Force. She is the former president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and she represented New Mexico in the United States Congress for 10 years. Active in community and national affairs, she is a member of the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation, and serves as a board member of the Texas Space Commission. She was the inaugural Chair of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, and is a member of the board of directors of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Dr. Wilson is the granddaughter of immigrants and was the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class to admit women and earned her master's and doctoral degrees from Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar. UTEP is located on the U.S.-Mexico border – in the fifth largest manufacturing region in North America – and serves over 24,000 students with 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in nine colleges and schools. In the top 5% of public universities in the United States for research and designated a community-engaged university by the Carnegie Foundation, UTEP is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. It is the fourth largest research university in Texas and serves a student body that is 84% Hispanic. President Wilson is an instrument rated private pilot. She and her husband, Jay Hone, have two adult children and two granddaughters. Dr. Heather Wilson served as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force and was responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including the organizing, training and equipping and providing for the welfare of 660,000 Active-Duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces their families. She provided oversight of the Air Force's annual budget of more than $132 billion and directs strategy and policy development, risk management, weapons acquisition, technology investments and human resource management across a global enterprise. Dr. Wilson has more than 35 years of professional experience in a range of leadership and management roles in the military, higher education, government and private industry. Before assuming her current position, Dr. Wilson was president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, an engineering and science research university. From 1998 to 2009, Dr. Wilson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Before being elected to Congress, Dr. Wilson was a cabinet secretary in New Mexico's state government responsible for foster care, adoption, juvenile delinquency, children's mental health and early childhood education. From 1989 to 1991 Wilson served on the National Security Council staff as director for defense policy and arms control for President George H.W. Bush during the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. From 1991 to1995 and again from 2009 to 2013 Wilson was in the private sector. In 1991, she founded Keystone International, Inc., a company that did business development and program planning work for defense and scientific industry. She served as a senior advisor to several national laboratories on matters related to nuclear weapons, non-proliferation, arms control verification, intelligence and the defense industrial base. Wilson also served on the boards of two publicly traded corporations as well as numerous advisory and non-profit boards. CONNECT WITH DR. WILSON LINKEDIN | UTEP ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest: Dr. Heather Wilson '82 | Hosts: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Naviere Walkewicz 00:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkowicz, Class of '99. Our story is about a leader who reached heights fellow Air Force Academy graduates had not reached before her, and this was at a time when opportunities to do so were still new. My guest is Dr. Heather Wilson, Class of '82. As you heard, she served as the 24th secretary of the Air Force, but there is a unique distinction attached to that. Dr Wilson, welcome to Long Blue Leadership; we have much to discuss. Let's start with you becoming the secretary of the Air Force, our 24th. Dr. Heather Wilson 00:37 Yeah, that wasn't part of my life's plan. Secretary Designate Mattis did call me. I was in South Dakota as the president of the South Dakota School of Mines and my cell phone rang and he said, “This is Jim Mattis, and I want to talk to you about becoming secretary of the Air Force.” And honest to goodness, my initial answer was, “Sir, you do know that being a college president is like the best job in America, right?” And he said, “Yeah, I know. I just came from Stanford.” And I said, “I didn't apply for any job. I mean, I like it out... I'm a gal of the West. I like the mountains. I like hiking and biking and fly fishing.” And he said, “Yeah, I know. I grew up on the Columbia River in Washington.” And I thought, “This isn't working,” but we talked several more times, and it was pretty clear that I was being called to serve in a way that I didn't anticipate, but that was what I was supposed to do. Naviere Walkewicz 01:35 What a transformative moment in your life, I'm sure. Dr. Heather Wilson 01:38 Well, it was. Again, my entire life, I think, is a diversion from its planned course. But I turned out — I didn't anticipate that, and it meant — my husband doesn't really much like big East Coast cities that rain a lot and have a lot of traffic, and so from a family point of view, it wasn't what we personally wanted to do, but you're called to serve. And we've been called to serve in different ways in our lives and sometimes, even if it feels inconvenient, you're still called to serve. It turned out to be wonderful and I really enjoyed the experience, both of working with Sec. Mattis, but also getting back to spending time with airmen. And so it turned out to be wonderful, but it wasn't what I expected. Naviere Walkewicz 02:25 Well, you said it, ma'am. As we know, service and leadership aren't linear, and so we're really excited to dive into some of those experiences today. Maybe share, as secretary of the Air Force, some of those moments in leadership that stuck with you. Let's just kind of start there. Dr. Heather Wilson 02:42 Certainly. There were good days and not so good days. I think one of the things that I really benefited from was that I had a partner in the chief of staff, Dave Goldfein, who was absolutely fantastic. And we've remained very close friends. We started at the Academy the same day and he would joke and tell people that we didn't graduate on the same day because he went stop-out for a year. But we didn't know each other well as cadets, but we were formed by some of the same experiences and I think that helped tremendously. I didn't really understand that in our system of government, the civilian secretary has almost all the authority, but the chief of staff has almost all of the influence. And if you can figure out how to work together, you can get a heck of a lot done. And Dave and I both had that same approach, and it turned out to be a great partnership. Naviere Walkewicz 03:42 That's pretty incredible. In fact, the time of your service in that role, I was actually working under your umbrella at U.S. STRATCOM. I was at Strategic Command there as a government civilian and as a reservist. And so, I can certainly speak to, I think, some of the amazing things that you did. Can you share a little — you talked about some ups and downs. What was maybe one of the failures as secretary of the Air Force that you learned from that helped you throughout your life? Dr. Heather Wilson 04:11 Well, I know the day. I think it was Nov. 5, 2017, and it was a Sunday, late morning or early afternoon, and my phone rang. I was upstairs in the study in my row house in Virginia and it was the inspector general, Gen. Syed. And that morning, a young man had walked into a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and opened fire and killed a lot of people, and it turned out he had been an airman, and the general said, “You know, we're not sure yet, but he may have been convicted of a crime that would have required us to tell the FBI and the national criminal records check system that he had committed a crime that would not allow him to purchase a weapon, but we may have failed to notify.” We didn't know, we wouldn't know that afternoon but I talked to the chief and we all got together on Monday morning at 9 a.m. and Gen. Syed confirmed that he was an airman, he had been convicted of a domestic violence-related crime, and we had not properly notified the FBI, and as a result, he had been able to buy a weapon. Um, that was not a good day. And we talked about what we should do next, and our general counsel wasn't there — he was traveling that morning, but a more junior lawyer was there, who suggested kind of — and, you know, other people said, well — it actually got worse because there was an IG investigation, an internal audit from several years before, that showed that all of the services were not properly reporting to the national criminal records system. So we hadn't fixed the problem. We knew; we had been informed there was a problem and hadn't fixed it. And some people said, “Well, you weren't here at the time.” That doesn't matter. You wear the uniform, or you wear the cloak of office, and you have to take responsibility for the institution. And of course, the lawyers would say, “Well, you know, maybe you want to fuzz this and not take — you know, there's investigation going on,” or something. But we knew enough of the facts that morning, Monday morning, and Dave Goldfein and I decided to own it, to own the failure and focus on fixing the problem. And we did. And in the short term that was very uncomfortable. We sat in front of the Pentagon press corps and took their questions, and we went to Capitol Hill and informed the members of Congress on what had been done and not been done and why. But in the long term, by owning failure, we were able to focus on fixing the problem rather than just trying to manage responsibility and accountability, and it turned out to be a much better approach. So, sometimes the most important lesson is to own failure. Naviere Walkewicz 07:09 I'm so glad you shared that, ma'am, because I think some people have a fear of failure, but there are many times when failure is inevitable, and to your point, owning it is the right approach. Something you said when you're sharing that, it made me think about us as cadets and our core values: integrity first. And that really resonated with how your approach was. Would you say that was born for you at the Academy and kind of through your career that's where it stayed, or has that always been part of your fabric? Dr. Heather Wilson 07:36 I think the Academy was absolutely formative in that way, in the Honor Code. And, you know, integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, now replaces what was there when I was a cadet, over the archway there. But I think that's woven into the fabric for airmen, and it's part of our culture, and it drives you. And I think — you know now we look at, how do we evaluate officers? It's the same way I now evaluate leaders — any leaders that work with me — and it's the way I evaluate myself: accomplish the mission, lead people, manage resources and make your unit better, all on a foundation of values. But it's that last part of it: all on a foundation of values. If you don't have that, the rest of it almost doesn't matter. You can try to make your unit better, but if you're lying about it, nobody's going to trust you. If you're leading people and managing resources, but you don't have integrity, it doesn't matter. So, integrity first, and that commitment to trying to be honest and direct with people builds those relationships of trust, which lasts for decades throughout a career. Naviere Walkewicz 08:53 Absolutely. And the key word, I think, that foundation you talked about — how has that foundation served you in leadership as you've explored other areas outside of the military, amazing roles leading UTEP, also at the South Dakota School of Mines, in higher education? I'm sure that there's a translation of what that looks like. Can you share maybe an example of how that came into play? Dr. Heather Wilson 09:15 Sure, it happens all the time. I think in any leadership position, whether you're in corporate life, in community life and a nonprofit, or in higher education, leading with a foundation of values, being honest, complying with the law, following the rules or changing the rules. It doesn't mean — that's one of the things that I think is probably important for leaders. You get to a point as a leader where your job is not just to follow the rules, but to look at the systems and identify the rules that need to be changed, but to be direct and honest about that too. Where it's not “Well, I think this rule doesn't make any sense, so I'm going to skirt it,” or “I'm not going to tell people that I've complied with something and I haven't.” In fact, you know that happened to me this morning. I got a disclosure that I was supposed to sign for a report that was published yesterday to the director of National Intelligence on a committee that I serve on, and they sent this kind of notification on what you can talk about publicly, and all of those things, and I hadn't given up my right to speak publicly about unclassified matters, and I responded, “I understand what you've said. I want to let you know that this is how I interpret this, and this is the way I'm going to act.” I was very direct about it. “I didn't give up my First Amendment rights as a citizen because I worked on your task force.” So, very direct. And I think that directness is something that — not all cultures are that way, including higher education culture. I have to be a little bit careful about that sometimes — the airman's tendency to have a frank debrief isn't always the way other cultures and work cultures are. They're just not always like that, so, I have to be a little bit careful sometimes that I don't crush people's will to live or something. Naviere Walkewicz 11:13 I was actually thinking about that as you were speaking how, if you have the foundation, especially from the military, we kind of understand that directive approach and certainly those core values that we know of. And I'm curious, how do you adapt as a leader to those who maybe don't have that foundation? How do you bring them up to speed and kind of help them establish that? Dr. Heather Wilson 11:32 Well, it's a two-way street. It means that I have to understand the culture that I'm in and the way in which I talk with senior faculty may be slightly different than the way I might talk to somebody who just got off a flight line and was too low and slow on final or something, you know? But at the same time with both a sense of humor and a little bit of grace… It was really funny when I was at South Dakota Mines, my provost was a long-time academic. And of course, I had served in Congress for 10 years as well. And he once said something to me that just made me crack up. He said, “You know, you are the least political president I've ever worked with. And the funny thing is, you're the only one that was really a politician.” And he said, “You remind me more of a military officer.” And I thought, “Yeah, that's probably true.” But I was fairly direct as a member of Congress as well. And so, I've just found that that works better for me in life, I guess. Naviere Walkewicz 12:37 You were sharing how, you know, I think it was the provost that said that you really didn't remind him as someone that was very political, even though you're the only politician he's known. And so what was your time like serving in Congress? I mean, that's 10 years you did, I think, correct? Dr. Heather Wilson 12:52 I did. And again, I didn't expect to serve in Congress. My predecessor became very seriously ill shortly before the filing deadline for the election that happened in 1998, and my phone rang. It was a Thursday night. This happens to me. I don't know why, but it was a Thursday night, and my phone rang. I was working in Santa Fe, cabinet secretary for Child Welfare, and it was Sen. Pete Domenici, the senior senator for the state of New Mexico. And he said, “You don't know anything about this, but I'm coming to New Mexico this weekend, and I want to talk to you about running for Congress.” Well, that's a quiz; that's not a question. Because a quiz has a right answer, which is, “Sir, I'd be happy to talk to you about whatever you want to talk about.” He's a United States senator. So, we talked about all kinds of things, and he called me from the airport when he was heading back to Washington that Sunday night, and he said, “Look, if you will run, I will help you.” And I decided to run. It was eight days before the filing deadline. I talked to my predecessor — he was fighting skin cancer — and said, “Look, why don't you just focus on fighting cancer? Two years from now, if you want to run again, you can have this seat back. I'll try to do my best for the next two years.” And then 30 days later, he died. I mean, you're not supposed to die of skin cancer. And so, I ended up serving for 10 years in the Congress in a very difficult swing district that I probably shouldn't have won in the first place. But I enjoyed the service part of it. I enjoyed the policy work part of it — intellectually challenging. Some of the partisan silliness I didn't like very much. And then when I left the Congress, ran on successfully for the Senate and became a university president. One of the great things — I tell people now that I was released from Congress early for good behavior. But it was nice to be in a town where people were waving at me with all five fingers. I mean, it was wonderful. So, I enjoyed the service, and I enjoyed a lot helping people — doing casework and things. But it was also a little bit less of a partisan time where you could try to listen and learn and serve well and try to serve your constituents without just being under attack mercilessly and in social media, or something. It was maybe perhaps a different age. Naviere Walkewicz 15:25 Well, I chuckled when you said waving with all five fingers. That got a good one out of me. I thought about when you're in that, because that wasn't something you were looking to do, and this seems to be a bit of a theme in your leadership trajectory as well. You've kind of been tapped on the shoulder, and you know, for the ones that you didn't apply for or run for, plan for, have been such transformative positions in your life. Dr. Heather Wilson 15:50 Yeah, and I think maybe that happens to people more than we might acknowledge, because when we're planning our lives, we think we know what's going to happen, but in reality, we adapt to situations that develop and opportunities open that you didn't know were there or someone asked you to take on a special project and that leads you in a direction that you didn't anticipate. So while mine seem particularly unusual in these very different chapters of my life, I don't think it's all that unusual. We just look forward and project in straight lines, and when we look backward, we tell a story in a narrative and it's not always a straight line. But I've been blessed to be asked to do some things. And perhaps in our relationship, my husband and I, he doesn't like change. I love it, and so in our relationship, he's kind of the keel and I'm kind of the sail, and together, we go places. Naviere Walkewicz 16:56 That's awesome. And I think that particular time and journey in your career serving in Congress was probably one that you established new tools in your leadership toolbox. Were there any that particularly stood out — moments, either when you were having to, you know, forge new policy or achieve things that you hadn't prior? Because Congress is a kind of different machine. Dr. Heather Wilson 17:21 Yeah, it's a very big committee, and it's not executive leadership. And so I'm probably more predisposed to executive leadership than just being on committees. It takes a very long time to get anything done in Congress, and our government is intentionally designed that way to protect us from tyranny. So you have to take that philosophical approach to it, even if you're frustrated day to day. I did learn how to get things done by giving other people credit. And there were several times — the changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is probably one example — where I had sponsored legislation in the House. It had taken quite a bit of time — changing Congress. There were continued problems, and I went to others and tried to put them in positions of leadership and support them. And ultimately, it was a Senate bill that passed, but which had been shaped in the background by multiple people, including me, and I was OK with that. And the same thing happened on pieces of legislation about public lands in New Mexico. I remember I came out in favor of doing something in northern New Mexico with respect to some public lands, and I got out ahead of Pete Domenici and he was not happy about that. He was very clear about not being happy about getting a little bit ahead of him on it. But in the end, the piece of legislation there that was signed, and another one on Zia Pueblo were Senate bills. They weren't House bills. But I had moved things forward on the House side, and it didn't matter to me that that it said “S” rather than “H” in front of the name of the bill. So as long as you don't really care about who gets the credit, you can get a lot done in the Congress. Naviere Walkewicz 19:11 That is a powerful lesson. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I think there's a Contrails quote, and I can't remember all of it, but I remember the end of it is, “…if you don't care who gets the credit.” Dr. Heather Wilson 19:11 Yeah, that was probably one of the short ones. Schofield's quote was — we all did pushups for those. Naviere Walkewicz 19:30 Yes, I had a starting moment. I was about to get down… Dr. Heather Wilson 19:35 … and start to sweat… Naviere Walkewicz 19:37 … and take my punishment. That was wonderful, ma'am. I'm glad we actually went back and did that journey. Dr. Heather Wilson 19:42 When I think about my service in the Congress, where I made the most difference, it was in committee work, and particularly on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where I served for a significant amount of time, including post-9/11. And I think that work, because the Intelligence Committee, most of it is in private, it's dealing with really hard, really important issues, and you don't bring your staff there. You have to do the work. And I think probably that's where I did some of my most important work as a member of Congress, was in Intelligence. Naviere Walkewicz 20:18 Thank you for sharing that. Who are some other influencers, some key influencers in your life, that have maybe walked alongside you or helped you in these different roles that you've carried in your amazing career. Dr. Heather Wilson 20:31 Oh, they're different people at different times, but certainly as a young person, my grandfather was very important to me. My grandfather had been one of the first flyers in the RAF in World War I, and then came to America in 1922 and flew in the Second World War for what became the Civil Air Patrol. So he did sub search off the Atlantic coast, and varied parts, around to bases, in New England. So, he was important to me as a child. My dad died when I was young. My dad also had been enlisted in the Air Force. He was a crew chief and also a pilot, commercial pilot, after he got out of the service. So I grew up around airplanes and my grandfather was very important to me, and there were other people along the way. When I was a cadet, there was a group commander, Lieutenant Colonel — it's funny, you still remember… anyone who remembers my middle initial, I know it's like, “Oh, this may not be good,” but Robert L. Rame, Lt. Col. Robert L. Rame was the 4th Group commander and my first Air Officer Commanding. General — sorry, Maj. William S. Reeder. He was an Army officer and had been a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Really, I was terrified of disappointing him. It's funny, I just got a Christmas card from him. Life's long, right? Naviere Walkewicz 21:53 Wow. What connections. I'd like to kind of go back a little bit to your grandfather. You said he was really important to you in your life. Can you share maybe some of the ways he influenced you? Obviously, you're third-generation aviator in your family. Is that how you knew you're going to go into service? Dr. Heather Wilson 22:08 Well, the Academy wasn't an option until I was a junior in high school, and so I knew I was going to college, but I didn't really think about where. And then they opened the Air Force Academy to women when I was a junior in high school. So, my grandfather had two sons, and he had five grandsons, and me. But he was pretty — I would say — the way he might say it is he was pretty sweet on me; he and I were very close. We used to play chess after school when I was in high school, and I remember once we just finished playing chess, and I was a senior in high school — so, my grandfather was an aviator; he was also a mechanic. He could use any tool, I mean, he was just amazing with his hands. And I had learned a new tool in school, and I took out a piece of graph paper and I drew a drew a curve, and I said, “Grandpa, do you think you could find the area under this curve?” And he said, “Well, I'd probably count up the squares and estimate from there on the graph paper.” And I then I showed him something new and it was called calculus, and it was the first time in my life that I realized I had a tool that my grandfather didn't have. He had a high school education and had gone into the RAF during the First World War, and he was a great mechanic and a really good man, but I realized that there were opportunities for me that maybe my grandfather never had. Naviere Walkewicz 23:56 I actually got chill bumps when you shared that. Pretty powerful. Thank you so much. Can you talk about, throughout your career — you said if people remember your middle initial, and I'm sure that many on the military side would, because you're amazing… Have you learned from anyone maybe that is not a mentor of you, but someone that has kind of come under your wing? Can you share some leadership lessons that you've learned from those serving alongside and under you? Dr. Heather Wilson 24:24 Oh my gosh, I learn stuff every day from the people whom I'm privileged to work with. And one of the things that I learned over time was, and as you get more senior, the most important thing you do as a senior leader is hire good people who know things that you don't know, because it's not possible to know everything you need to know to lead a large organization. So, you have to organize yourself well and then get great people and let them do their job. So, I learn things every day. I was interviewing somebody yesterday that we're trying to attract to come to the university who is on the communication side of things — marketing and communication and branding. And you know that creative, visual side of my brain, if you did a brain scan, it would be like a dark hole. That's not a strength of mine. And so those kinds of things are — you have to realize what your strengths are, and then to fill in the team and put together a team, which together can accomplish the mission. Naviere Walkewicz 25:34 I'd say your grandfather is still kind of, you know, influencing that. It's almost like you're filling your toolbox with all those areas. Dr. Heather Wilson 25:43 That's funny you use that word. I've told this story before, but my father was both a pilot and a mechanic, and he built an experimental aircraft in our house, and we lived on this, kind of the last house that they would plow to on the end of the road in the winter, right? So, in a very small town, and at that time, there were still traveling salesmen, and the Snap-on tools guy would come probably every six weeks or so, and he had this, like red truck with an accordion thing on the back that looked just like the toolbox in the corner of the garage, right? And we knew that when the Snap-on tools guy came, do not go out. I mean, it was like Christmas for my dad. Do not interfere when the Snap-on tools guy is there. And so he'd go out and lean against the truck, and we could see him laughing and stuff. And eventually my dad would reach in his pocket and pull out his billfold and give the guy a bill, and he'd go back, and he'd lift up the back of the accordion thing and reach in there and give my dad a tool. And my dad would — then the truck would back out, and go on to his next stop. But my dad would take that tool and we'd scramble into the garage to see what he got and stuff. And my dad would usually put that tool in the box in the corner and then go back to what he was doing that day, working on his car or whatever he was doing. And it occurred to me that my dad didn't need that tool that day, but he collected tools, and someday he'd need that tool. And I think great leaders collect tools even when they don't need them today, because they're going to be times when you bring everybody to — you know, there's that great scene in Apollo 13, but it happens around the staff and Cabinet table, and it'll happen in your planning room as a pilot where you've got a new problem, and everybody brings in their tools and says, “OK, how can we make a carbon monoxide filter, or carbon dioxide filter, out of what we've got here on the table?” So, collect tools. And I think that's one of the things I learned from my dad. Naviere Walkewicz 28:00 Oh, that is an amazing story. Can you share maybe a tool that you've had in your toolbox, that you learned way back when, maybe at the Academy, or as a young girl, that you've recently pulled out and used? Dr. Heather Wilson 28:12 Well, one of them — I'm not so sure it's recent, but when I was a small business owner, there was a group in New Mexico called Quality New Mexico, and they taught small business owners the Baldrige Principles for quality management. And then I ended up being the Cabinet secretary for child welfare in New Mexico. So, I took over a foster care system, which was under a federal consent decree for not getting kids forever homes and an overly crowded juvenile justice system. I mean, every intractable social problem was — I realized after a while why I became Cabinet secretary for child welfare, because nobody else wanted that job. I mean it was a really difficult job, but I had these tools on quality management. I thought, “I think we can apply these same principles to improving foster care, to improving the juvenile justice system.” And so we did, and there's some things I was proud of there, but one of my last acts as Cabinet secretary before I ended up leaving and running for Congress was to sign the end of the federal consent decree that had been in place for 18 years that said that the state was not getting foster kids forever homes. We changed the system, but we did it using those quality management principles, which I had learned as a small business owner almost as a lark. So, there's one example. But, you know, we just went through a global pandemic. It was very much a pickup game. Nobody had ever been through that. So, we all got together and figured out how we could use the tools we had, including the research capability on my campus to be able to sequence DNA so that we could do testing on campus and get the results, ultimately, within six hours and then feed that back so we could detect disease before someone was symptomatic, so you could suppress disease on campus for those who had to be on campus. There's some things you can't do remotely. And so, we had our own testing system on campus, which was remarkable. Well, why'd we have that? Because we had some tools in the box. Naviere Walkewicz 30:37 Well, you've used those tools amazingly as you've navigated your career. How would you say that — because yours is… we talked about not being linear. It's kind of been multiple paths and… Dr. Heather Wilson 30:50 Different chapters. Naviere Walkewicz 30:51 Yes, I love that. Different chapters. How would you say that you've navigated leadership through that? And has there been a thread that's been common through all those different chapters that you've… Dr. Heather Wilson 31:04 Yeah, we talked a little about integrity, and that certainly is there. But I when, when people say things like, you know, “Why are you at UTEP?” Or, “Why did you shift to higher ed?” Or, “Why did…” The mission matters so developing people matters. Defending the country matters. So, a mission that matters with people I like. And I realized that when you get down to it, you should do things that matter with people you like and if that's your filter, as long as you can put food on the table, there's a lot of different things you can do, but it should be something that matters with people you like. Otherwise, that time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. can seem forever unless you're doing something you like. Naviere Walkewicz 31:49 That is a powerful thread. Mission matters with people you like. How has your family supported you through this? Dr. Heather Wilson 31:56 I live a blessed life. I tell this to students, and probably, as a younger woman, I wouldn't have said these things because I was so focused on being taken seriously, I suppose. But, I lightened up after time and realized, OK, I'm probably too serious. But the most important decision I've made in my life is not to go to the Academy or to run for Congress or to become a college president — none of those things are the most important decision I've made in my life. The most important decision I made in my life was to marry the guy I married. I married a guy who's actually retired Air Force now, but he was a lawyer. Despite that, he's a nice guy and sometimes, I think, particularly for women, there's always that fear that you're going to sit down when you're in a getting into a serious relationship, and it's going to be one of those conversations that says, “OK, we're thinking about making this permanent. Who's going to give up her career?” And it's not really a conversation, or at least maybe it wasn't in my era, but Jay never had that conversation with me. It was always we could do more together than either of us could do alone, and he has been so supportive of me. And, yeah, vice versa. But I had to go back east for something last week, and I knew that even in this big reception that I was in with all these people, that he wasn't going to be there, and if he was, he'd still be the most interesting guy in the room. So, I married well, and my family always — we're a very close family. And I think while my obligations to my family didn't end at the front porch, my family gave richness and dimension to my life that I never really anticipated as a young woman, and it's given me joy. Success seemed possible to achieve; joy always seemed like a gift from God, and I have had joy because of my family. Naviere Walkewicz 34:18 Thank you for sharing that. You talk about when you're hiring, you choose people that kind of fill gaps, but it sounds like, also on your personal team, you want to make sure that you're choosing it, you know... Dr. Heather Wilson 34:30 Yeah, you're going to be roommates for a long time. That matters. And there's the things that you just kind of have to get over. You know, I'm not going to clean around his sink, and he's not going to be bothered about the fact that my closet's color coordinated. I mean, we just live with that, right? Naviere Walkewicz 34:49 I appreciate that about you so much. You talked a minute ago about some things you learned about yourself as a leader. You know, “Not take myself too seriously.” Can you share a little bit more about that journey on your own, like that personal leadership journey that you've made? Dr. Heather Wilson 35:07 Yeah, and I think it's easier as you go on. And honestly, very early on, I was very often the only woman in the room, and so I wanted to be taken seriously. I was also very often the youngest person in the room. And so those two things made me want to be taken seriously. As I went on and got more responsibility, I realized that the truth is I am a very serious and successful woman. My husband would say that I was raised in the home for the humor impaired, and that I've been in therapy with him for over 30 years. So, I gradually learned to see the humor in life. I still am not one that stands up and tells jokes or something, but I see the humor in life and I don't take myself too seriously. The person that I watched who used self-deprecating humor better than any leader I've ever seen was actually Dave Goldfein. Everyone knew when he walked into a room, or if he stood up on a stage at a town hall meeting with a bunch of airmen or something — everybody knew that they were gonna laugh. At some point in that meeting we're gonna laugh, and not at someone else's expense, but at his. And it made people relax around him. He was very, very good at it. But I also knew that his self-deprecating humor was really a cover for exceptional competence, and I never underestimated that, but it made people relax and brought a little bit of joy to whatever intractable problem we were looking at. Naviere Walkewicz 36:51 Well, you shared about sometimes when you're coming up through your leadership, you were often the only woman in the room and sometimes the youngest in the room. What would you like to share on your thoughts of what has that impact been, and what do you see as your legacy? Dr. Heather Wilson 37:07 Well, there were some times, particularly early on, when women flying or women in positions of command was new, where you just had to do the job and realize that you were probably changing attitudes as you went and that it would be easier for those who came after you, and that's OK. I don't see that as much anymore. Although, when I was elected to Congress, I think probably 10% to 15% of the House was women. Now it's more than that, and once it gets to be more than 30% in any room, it doesn't sound — it's almost like you walk into a restaurant where it's all guys or all women, and you notice the difference in the room, the tones of the voices and things. Once you get to about a third, it feels like it's comfortable, but early on, I always was very conscious of it and conscious of the obligation to do well, because I was being judged not only for myself, but for an entire group of people. And so, I was sensitive to that, and wanted to make sure that I didn't, like — “Don't shame the family,” right? So make sure that you keep the doors open. As far as legacy is concerned, and I think back in my time as Air Force secretary, I would say there's two things that I hope linger, and they have so far. One is a change to the promotion system to make sure that we have the right kind of talent to choose from at all levels in the organization, and so that, I think, has continued to persist. And the other one that will be changed over time and has to be changed over time, had to do with the science and technology strategy of the Air Force and the need to stay ahead of adversaries. I think this is a completely separate conversation, but I actually think that that we are at greater risk of scientific and technical surprise today than at any time since the end of the Second World War. And if you go back and read books about engineers of victory, or there's a whole lot of books about how science and technology was brought to bear in prevailing in the Second World War. I think we're at risk now in a way that we've kind of become complacent about. So, science and technology strategy is something that I hope is a legacy. Naviere Walkewicz 39:36 That's amazing, ma'am. And I think not only for our military, but you're able to influence that in the spaces that you are now. Dr. Heather Wilson 39:43 Yeah, engaging the next generation, which is a heck of a lot of fun. You know, the University of Texas at El Paso is a wonderful institution — 25,000 students, half of them are the first in their families to go to college. About 70% or so come from families making less than about $45,000 a year. So, this is a university that transforms lives, and it's a university that — of my 25,000 students, over 5,000 are studying engineering. Another couple thousand are studying science, College of Nursing, College of Education. This has a tremendous impact on the region and on the lives of those who choose to educate themselves. And so it's a wonderful mission to be part of, and I think it's important for the nation. I think regions of the world who choose to educate their people in the 21st century will thrive, and those that don't are going to be left behind, and that's why I do what I do. Naviere Walkewicz 40:44 Well, it clearly aligns with your foundation and your mission, ma'am, and I think that's outstanding. We're going to ask for Dr. Wilson's final thoughts next, but before we do, I'd like to take a moment and thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. The podcast publishes Tuesdays in both video and audio and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Be sure to watch, listen and subscribe to all episodes of Long Blue Leadership at longblueleadership.org. So, Dr. Wilson, I would love to take a moment to gather some of your final thoughts, what you'd like to share today. Dr. Heather Wilson 41:21 Well, assuming that most of the folks who listen to this are either cadets or young officers or grads, I leave them with one thought, and that is, don't shame the family. Don't shame the family. People will look up to you because you are an Air Force Academy graduate, or you are an Air Force cadet. The standard is higher, so live up to the standard. Naviere Walkewicz 41:50 Ma'am, we started with you being direct. You ended direct. I think that is amazing. Thank you very much. Thanks for being on Long Blue Leadership. Dr. Heather Wilson 41:58 My pleasure. KEYWORDS leadership, Air Force Academy, integrity, mentorship, quality management, Dr. Heather Wilson, military service, personal growth, career journey, unexpected opportunities, leadership, integrity, family support, women in leadership, public service, legacy, mission-driven, personal growth, collaboration, Congress The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation
Peta is live from London to preview the 2025 ARC Conference with former deputy prime minister John Anderson. Peta also travels with former prime minister Tony Abbott as he returns to Oxford University to meet the next generation of Rhodes Scholars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On In The Market with Janet Parshall we kicked off the week with an important conversation with one the most respected apologists serving the church today as he addressed a belief that using the word “Savior” is stumbling block to some people visiting churches and the fundamental differences between Islam and Christianity and why understanding and respecting those differences is vital to being able to share the hope of Gospel with them. A former NFL player, a Rhodes Scholar and a neurosurgeon shared how his life journey taught him a practical strategy for achieving significant life change through incremental measures. Radical secular thinking has permeated all corners of life including Christian thinking. We turned to one of the nation’s most respected pastors and authors to provide a clear understanding of how these ideas are being used to create a new kind of inclusive “god” that is being substituted for the holy and eternal God of Scripture. A highly respected bible teacher opened God’s word to us to understand what His unwavering, unchanging, steadfast love of God really is and the role of the Holy Spirit bringing this very important part of the believer’s walk to life. Our need to be vigilant and aware never stops, so our favorite husband and wife team invite us once again to join them as they continue to teach us to use God’s word as the barometer of truth against the headlines of the week.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover how small improvements can yield big results! Sharing his against-the-odds success story, Dr. Myron Rolle will reveal how a strong work ethic, deep faith, and solid family values built a transformative life philosophy that helped him conquer adversity, defy expectations, and find purpose as a Rhodes Scholar, NFL player, and neurosurgeon. Overcome obstacles and step toward the life you desire!Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we revisit our interview with Michael Bungay Stanier. Michael is the author of six books and is best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century with over a million copies sold and already recognized as a classic. We discuss Michael's brand-new book, How To Begin. Michael was a Rhodes Scholar and plays the ukulele badly. He's Australian and lives in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at www.MBS.works.
In episode 83 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast Chloe & Keshia discuss a polarising, and at times difficulty to tackle, topic: Abortion. The aim is to shine a light on the current situation taking place in Australia that we, personally, didn't know anything about. Dr. Joanna Howe who courageously speaks on failed abortions and the side of abortion many of us do not know about, was introduced to us and has made a huge impact on us both. Dr Joanna Howe is a Professor of Law at the University of Adelaide and a consultant with Harmers Workplace Lawyers. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law from the University of Oxford where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar. We delve into the deeply complex and controversial issue of late-term abortion and the implications of Australia's proposed Birth Equality Bill. She sheds light on the realities surrounding failed abortions, the laws that govern them, and the ethical questions they raise. Dr. Howe also shares real-life cases that reveal the emotional and medical complexities of abortion, emphasizing the need for compassion, informed choice, and a deeper recognition of the humanity of unborn babies. This discussion explores the care that should be required for newborns who survive abortion procedures, the psychological toll on mothers, and the cultural and systemic factors contributing to the prevalence of abortion. Dr. Howe advocates for open communication, education, and support systems to empower women and reduce the number of abortions through awareness and informed decision-making. Key Takeaways: - Abortion, particularly in the second and third trimesters, can sometimes fail, resulting in babies being born alive. - The **Birth Equality Bill** seeks to ensure that these babies receive the same medical care as any other newborn. - Laws governing late-term abortion vary across Australia, with all states permitting abortion up to birth for psychosocial reasons. - Many late-term abortions are performed on healthy babies, and the procedures can be distressing for both medical staff and mothers. - Informed consent is crucial, yet many women are not fully aware of the possibility of their baby being born alive or the details of the procedure. - Dr. Howe highlights the need for cultural change and education to address misconceptions and provide women with better support during crisis pregnancies. - Providing care and dignity to newborns born alive during abortion procedures is essential. - Societal recognition of the responsibilities of parenthood, starting at conception, is necessary to foster a culture of respect for life. - Education about abortion methods and their implications is vital to empower young people to make informed decisions. This conversation challenges polarizing narratives and underscores the importance of nuanced, empathetic discussions about abortion, women's rights, and societal responsibilities. Dr. Howe's insights provide a compassionate and balanced perspective on a sensitive issue, encouraging dialogue and reflection. Joanna can be found at https://www.drjoannahowe.com and on Instagram @drjoannahowe. If you would like to support Dr Howes work, you will find all you need at https://www.drjoannahowe.com/join Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom
In episode 83 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast Chloe & Keshia discuss a polarising, and at times difficulty to tackle, topic: Abortion. The aim is to shine a light on the current situation taking place in Australia that we, personally, didn't know anything about. Dr. Joanna Howe who courageously speaks on failed abortions and the side of abortion many of us do not know about, was introduced to us and has made a huge impact on us both. Dr Joanna Howe is a Professor of Law at the University of Adelaide and a consultant with Harmers Workplace Lawyers. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law from the University of Oxford where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar. We delve into the deeply complex and controversial issue of late-term abortion and the implications of Australia's proposed Birth Equality Bill. She sheds light on the realities surrounding failed abortions, the laws that govern them, and the ethical questions they raise. Dr. Howe also shares real-life cases that reveal the emotional and medical complexities of abortion, emphasizing the need for compassion, informed choice, and a deeper recognition of the humanity of unborn babies. This discussion explores the care that should be required for newborns who survive abortion procedures, the psychological toll on mothers, and the cultural and systemic factors contributing to the prevalence of abortion. Dr. Howe advocates for open communication, education, and support systems to empower women and reduce the number of abortions through awareness and informed decision-making. Key Takeaways: - Abortion, particularly in the second and third trimesters, can sometimes fail, resulting in babies being born alive. - The **Birth Equality Bill** seeks to ensure that these babies receive the same medical care as any other newborn. - Laws governing late-term abortion vary across Australia, with all states permitting abortion up to birth for psychosocial reasons. - Many late-term abortions are performed on healthy babies, and the procedures can be distressing for both medical staff and mothers. - Informed consent is crucial, yet many women are not fully aware of the possibility of their baby being born alive or the details of the procedure. - Dr. Howe highlights the need for cultural change and education to address misconceptions and provide women with better support during crisis pregnancies. - Providing care and dignity to newborns born alive during abortion procedures is essential. - Societal recognition of the responsibilities of parenthood, starting at conception, is necessary to foster a culture of respect for life. - Education about abortion methods and their implications is vital to empower young people to make informed decisions. This conversation challenges polarizing narratives and underscores the importance of nuanced, empathetic discussions about abortion, women's rights, and societal responsibilities. Dr. Howe's insights provide a compassionate and balanced perspective on a sensitive issue, encouraging dialogue and reflection. Joanna can be found at https://www.drjoannahowe.com and on Instagram @drjoannahowe. If you would like to support Dr Howes work, you will find all you need at https://www.drjoannahowe.com/join Loved what you heard in this episode? Your support means the world. Make sure to hit that subscribe button, spread the word with your pals, and drop us a review. By doing so, you're not just tuning in – you're fueling our community's growth and paving the way for more incredible guests to grace our show. As the week rolls by, we're already cooking up more tantalizing content for your hungry ears. Keen to stay in the loop with the latest episode releases? Follow our journey on Instagram at @theroadtowisdom.podcast and catch behind-the-scenes action on our YouTube channel @theroadtowisdompodcast. Don't miss out on a thing – also, snag the freshest updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter over at https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom
Professor Keon West is a social psychologist at the University of London. He earned his doctorate from Oxford University in 2010 as a Rhodes Scholar and has since published more than seventy quantitative papers on prejudice and discrimination in many of the best peer-reviewed social-psychology journals, including Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, and Perspectives on Psychological Science. Professor West has written for national and international newspapers and been the host of numerous radio and television shows on the topics of prejudice and discrimination. On this episode of Little Atoms he talks to Neil Denny about his new book The Science of Racism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I want to begin today by extending my deepest sympathies to the people of Los Angeles. To those who have suffered unimaginable losses due to the California fires, please know that my heart, prayers, and thoughts are with you.This tragedy is a stark reminder of the power of community—the strength we find in coming together as one. Fire does not discriminate based on our skin color, our workplace position, or the balance in our bank accounts. It impacts us all, underscoring the importance of unity and compassion.Our guest today, Eboo Patel, is a powerful advocate for building and strengthening communities. He joins us on this week's episode of the Cracking Open podcast to remind us of a profound truth: “We should do social change work because God wants humans to thrive, and it is our job to help that happen.”Together, we explore his upbringing, the concept of pluralism in today's divisive political climate, and his refreshing perspective on America's identity: “America is not a melting pot, and it's not a battlefield. It's a potluck. That means welcoming and being delighted by the distinctive dishes that people bring to the table, finding creative combinations, and engaging in enriching conversations. That's what America is about.” Eboo Patel is an author, speaker, educator, and Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. He is a civic leader who believes religious diversity is a vital and inspiring aspect of American democracy. Named one of America's best leaders by U.S. News & World Report, Eboo has worked with governments, universities, corporations, and civic organizations to transform faith into a bridge for cooperation, not division.Some of Eboo's notable achievements:Served on President Obama's Inaugural Faith CouncilDelivered hundreds of keynote speeches worldwideAuthored five books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse DemocracyAshoka Fellow and Rhodes Scholar with a doctorate in sociology of religion from Oxford UniversityEboo's honesty and vulnerability in this episode will inspire you. He shares powerful stories about how religious and educational institutions can foster unity instead of division. His words ignited a fire in me to embrace the "potluck" concept in my own life, celebrating the diversity of people, traditions, and ideas that bring us all closer together.Tune in to discover how you too, can create a more inclusive and thriving community.Love,MollyTo support the Los Angeles community in healing from the devastation and trauma caused by the Kenneth fire, Molly is offering valuable information sessions on how to start the healing process. These are designed to assist companies, schools, hospitals, and other organizations. For more details, please email Molly at molly.rowen.carroll@gmail.com.Learn more about Eboo Patel and Interfaith America hereFollow Eboo on XPurchase We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy hereFollow Molly on Instagram and Facebook6-Week Coaching Program coming May 14th!6-Month Coaching Group coming August 13th!Click here for more details
Naomi Wolf & Emerald Robinson grade the incoming administration and nominees for Donald Trump's second presidency. Naomi Wolf, Ph.D. is a bestselling author, columnist, and professor. She is recognized as one of the world's most influential feminist writers. Wolf is a Rhodes Scholar, a graduate of Yale University, and received a doctorate from Oxford. She has written eight bestselling works of nonfiction, including The Beauty Myth, Give Me Liberty, and The End of America, and is co-founder and CEO of civic tech company https://DailyClout.io. Her latest book is “Facing the Beast: Courage, Faith and Resistance in a New Dark Age.” Follow her at https://x.com/naomirwolf Emerald Robinson is a political journalist and former White House correspondent for Newsmax and One America News Network (OAN). Her work appears in Gateway Pundit, Real Clear Politics, Citizen Free Press, and Revolver News. She currently publishes ‘The Right Way,' a political newsletter. Find more at https://emerald.tv and follow her at https://x.com/emeraldrobinson 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at https://drdrew.com/sponsors • 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 • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at https://twc.health/drew 「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on important medical issues. Always consult your physician before making any decisions about your health. 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (https://kalebnation.com) and Susan Pinsky (https://twitter.com/firstladyoflove). This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We speak to 2025 Rhodes Scholar and Shelburne native Lena Ashooh, who's interested in animal ethics and legal philosophy. Plus, Gov. Scott reiterates the need to make Vermont more affordable during his inaugural address, Republican John Rodgers is Vermont's new lieutenant governor, a national cyberattack may have compromised local school district data, and Vermont health care providers are building an informal network to support intuitive eating habits.
Lena Ashooh is Vermont's 43rd Rhodes Scholar, and the state's first since 2006. After earning Harvard University's first ever animal studies degree, she'll head to the University of Oxford to study legal philosophy.
As Dr. Murthy prepares to conclude his term as Surgeon General, the moment is , the moment is bittersweet: serving as Surgeon General has been the honor of his lifetime, and saying goodbye is hard. For this second-to-last episode of House Calls, he calls on his my moai – friends and fellow physicians Dave Chokshi and Sunny Kishmore – to reflect on the issues he took and how serving as Surgeon General has shaped him. Dr. Murthy also shares his final act as Surgeon General: offering a Parting Prescription for America. It is a summary of what I have learned from my two terms, and what I believe will help heal the pain many people across our country are experiencing right now. (02:51) How is Dr. Murthy feeling days before his time in office ends?(04:59) What did it feel like to be asked to serve a second term as Surgeon General?(06:41) What was Dr. Murthy's approach to figuring out what he wanted to work on in his second term?(09:48) What aspect of his work as Surgeon General does Dr. Murthy feel particularly resonated with the people he has served?(15:47) What did Dr. Murthy learn from his first term as Surgeon General that he brought to his second?(19:37) What was the biggest challenge of being Surgeon General?(21:33) What does Dr. Murthy think his children will remember about this time?(23:53) How has Dr. Murthy influenced the role of Surgeon General?(25:53) What personally caused Dr. Murthy angst while he was serving as Surgeon General?(33:35) What was the impact of his work on his family?(39:17) What is the power of unconditional love?(43:41) What is U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's “Parting Prescription” For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls. Dr. Dave Chokshi, Physician & Public Health Leader Twitter: @davechokshi Dr. Sandeep (Sunny) Kishore, Physician-Scientist Twitter: @sandeep_kishore Instagram: @sunnyk5 About Dr. Dave Chokshi & Dr. Sunny Kishore Dr. Dave A. Chokshi is a practicing physician and public health leader who most recently served as the 43rd Health Commissioner of New York City. From 2020-2022, he led the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including its historic campaign to vaccinate over 6 million New Yorkers. Previously, Dr. Chokshi was the inaugural Chief Population Health Officer at the largest public healthcare system in the nation. He has held successive senior leadership roles that span the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow, he is nationally recognized as a transformational leader, a clinical innovator, a policy expert, and a fierce advocate for a stronger and more equitable health system. Dr. Sandeep (Sunny) Kishore is a physician-scientist at the University of California, San Francisco. He has worked on closing the “know-do” gap and translating scientific insights into real-world applications with focus on chronic disease prevention & control. Currently, he is focused on developing a scalable treatment algorithm for blood pressure control to improve cardiometabolic health for primary care clinics across the University of California. His work has led to the addition of over ten treatments to the Essential Medicines List of the World Health Organization (WHO) for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and mental illness. He also has provided technical guidance to Resolve to Save Lives with a focus on fixed dose combinations for blood pressure and led large global networks focused on reducing the toll of chronic illness worldwide. Dr. Kishore completed his medical and graduate training at Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Institute and Oxford, undertook his clinical training at Yale and Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School and has held fellowships at Harvard, Yale and the Dalai Lama Center at MIT. He currently resides in the Bay Area with his wife.
EPISODE #1147 THE PFIZER PAPERS: NAOMI WOLF ON THE VACCINE SCANDAL THAT SHOOK THE WORLD Richard welcomes Dr. Naomi Wolf, who reveals the shocking findings from The Pfizer Papers, her in-depth investigation into Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Based on internal documents released under court order, the book exposes how Pfizer knew as early as November 2020 that their vaccine was neither safe nor effective. Wolf details how women bore the brunt of vaccine-related harms, including an alarming 3:1 adverse event ratio compared to men, and unveils the emergence of “CoVax Disease,” a new multi-organ condition linked to the mRNA vaccine. Even more damning, Pfizer erased its control group by vaccinating placebo participants, making meaningful safety comparisons impossible. With government agencies complicit, Wolf argues that public health has been subverted by corporate greed. GUEST: Dr. Naomi Wolf is a best-selling author, journalist, and thought leader renowned for her incisive analysis of global issues. A Rhodes Scholar and graduate of Yale University, Wolf rose to prominence with her book The Beauty Myth, a cultural critique that became a modern classic. Over her career, she has authored eight books and contributed to major outlets such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Recently, Wolf turned her focus to uncovering truths about the COVID-19 pandemic. Her latest work, The Pfizer Papers, dissects the pharmaceutical industry's response to the crisis, exposing the flaws, omissions, and risks of Pfizer's mRNA vaccine clinical trials. As the founder of DailyClout, a platform for citizen-led investigation, Wolf continues to champion accountability, transparency, and informed consent in public health. WEBSITE: https://dailyclout.io BOOK: The Pfizer Papers: Pfizer's Crimes Against Humanity SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! HIMS - Making Healthy and Happy Easy to Achieve START YOUR FREE ONLINE VISIT TODAY - HIMS dot com slash STRANGE for your personalized ED Treatment options. https://www.HIMS.com/strange Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/
Mark Richards (1953–) is a convicted murderer serving life without parole in California State Prison, SolanoWikipedia's W.svg at Vacaville, California.[1] He prefers to be known as "Captain" Richards, although he never served in the military. After graduating from high school in 1971, he attended the College of Marin and then graduated from Dominican College in San Rafael in 1976. He has spun multiple bizarre yarns about his service in the so-called "Secret Space Program" battling alien forces, in addition to his imaginary service in the US NavyInvestigation by a journalist from the Marin Independent Journal revealed a dimension to the murder that was literally incredible. The writer, Erik Ingram, reported that behind the Baldwin murder "may be a secret organization, called Pendragon, that appeared to be planning an armed takeover of Marin." Ingram reported that police detectives had retrieved from Richards' home maps, aerial photographs of Marin County, plans for a laser-gun, instructions for the construction of machine-guns, and "notebooks containing references to a new form of government." He wrote that behind the Baldwin murder "may be a secret organization, called Pendragon, that appeared to be planning an armed takeover of Marin."In the weeks that followed, a number of witnesses came forward with stories indicating that the Pendragon group in fact existed. Crossie Hoover told investigators that one of the inducements to the murder was Richards' promise to appoint him Duke of Angel's Island. It appears that Richards fantasized about converting Marin County into a version of King Arthur's Camelot, with himself as King. He allegedly promoted plans in meetings with his workers to take over Marin County by destroying the Golden Gate and Richmond-San Rafael bridges and placing a laser gun on top of Mount Tamalpais. Carl Shapiro, a San Anselmo attorney representing Richards, asserted that the documents found by the police were research materials for a science-fiction book (Imperial Marin) that Richards was writing. The prosecution countered that regardless of Richards's writing, he used the Pendragon material to manipulate Hoover into committing the murder.Starting in November 2013, Richards became a major source for conspiracy theorist Kerry Cassidy. On that date Cassidy conducted a 1h 18m video interview[2] at the prison in Vacaville. Cassidy regards Richards as an important whistleblower exposing the "Secret Space Program." She has said that he was framed for the Baldwin murder, and that he is imprisoned by the Illuminati-Draco run planetary government.[3][note 1] At the time of writing Cassidy says she has conducted nine interviews with Richards, for an aggregate time over 14 hours. Since recording devices are not allowed in the prison, the normal format of these videos is Cassidy speaking to camera recalling what was said immediately after her meeting with the convict. Her tenth Interview with Richards was released in March, 2019.Much of the material consists of tales of personal heroism, as Richards commands exotic space battleships fighting and defeating aliens. He commanded an Orion battleship at the asteroid Vesta in August 1979. Soon after that, he led an attack against aliens to reclaim a secret base at Dulce, New Mexico. The aliens had violated a treaty and abducted humans for experimentation.[4]Richards claims that he was on active duty at the age of 13, with a high security clearance. After graduating from high school, Richards said he became an Army officer flying helicopters in Vietnam and later became a Navy Captain. He also claims to be a Rhodes Scholar with several advanced degrees and to be a member at the highest levels of the Republican National Committee. Neither Cassidy or Richards have provided documentation to support his claims.[5]Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.
Thank you for listening to our Finding Brave show, ranked in the Top 100 Apple Career Podcasts! Please note: This is an updated “Holiday Selection” re-release of Episode #210. “Sit with the idea of what it would mean for you to take on a worthy goal, become the best version of yourself, and unlock your greatness by taking on the hard things. I'm asking not just for you, but I'm asking for me and my world, because it's a chance for all of us to live a better life.” – Michael Bungay Stanier I'm very excited to share my “Holiday Selection” re-release of one of our most popular episodes, featuring the great insights of Michael Bungay Stanier. As an exciting new year is coming, with its fresh energy of possibility, what would it mean for you to find and set a worthy goal, something that is thrilling, important, and daunting at the same time? Today's special Finding Brave guest reveals the 3 key components of a worthy goal, what it really means to commit to one, and why we don't have to travel this path alone, because we can ask for support along the way. Michael Bungay Stanier helps people be a force for change. He's best known for his book The Coaching Habit, which has over a million copies and has thousands of 5-star reviews online. His latest book, How to Begin, helps people find the clarity and courage to take on a Worthy Goal and start something thrilling, important and daunting. He founded Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that helps organizations move from advice-driven to curiosity-led. They've trained hundreds of thousands of managers to be more coach-like and their clients range from Microsoft to Gucci. Michael left Australia about 30 years ago to be a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he shares that his only significant achievement was falling in love with a Canadian. Michael now lives in Toronto, having spent time in London and Boston. Balancing out these moments of success, he was banned from his high school graduation for “the balloon incident,” was sued by one of his Law School professors for defamation, and his first published piece of writing was a Harlequin Romance-esque story involving a misdelivered letter called The Male Delivery. I encourage you to read Michael's latest (and very enlightening) book and let us know what lessons you glean from it. How has your energy been shifted, and what did you learn? Please feel free to reach out to Michael or me with your feedback and questions about what we discuss in this episode. Here's to your joyful pursuit of your worthy goal! Highlights from this Episode: The worthy goal that Michael has for his latest book [5:44] Why he is expecting a big shake-up for the coaching industry in the very near future [7:07] What Michael means when he says that we unlock our greatness by taking on the hard things [13:52] How his childhood influences have contributed to the way that he now sees the world [17:36] Some of the ways that Michael “zags” when others “zig” [20:03] His approach to coaching and helping others do the thing that really matters to them [21:33] Where true growth will happen, plus the 3 components that make a worthy goal [23:45] What you can expect to gain by reading Michael's latest book [25:44] A powerful exercise that shows the importance of getting support from others while pursuing your goals [26:33] A reminder of why we always need to celebrate our victories, no matter how big or small they may be [32:01] For More Information: Michael's Latest Book, How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters [With Bonuses] https://www.mbs.works/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbungaystanier/ https://www.instagram.com/mbs_works/ https://twitter.com/mbs_works https://www.facebook.com/mbs_works-113849977032317/ All of His Michael's Books His Podcast & YouTube Channel Michael's Free Course, The Year of Living Brilliantly Manifesto for a Moral Revolution: Practices to Build a Better World by Jacqueline Novogratz Kathy's Resources Mentioned: STAY TUNED – ‘KATHY AI” IS COMING SOON! I'm beyond excited to announce the upcoming launch of “Kathy Caprino AI” —my new digital clone!! Created with the amazing team at Delphi.ai, Kathy Caprino AI brings my career growth teachings, guidance and advice – and answers to your most pressing career questions - directly to you, anytime you need it, 24/7. Drawing on my 17 years of career and leadership coaching, writing and speaking, I've trained Kathy AI using over 2.5 million words I've written and that have reached over 41 million readers worldwide. My goal? To make Kathy Caprino AI your trusted resource for career, leadership, and personal growth, offering real-time strategies, tips, and answers to your most pressing questions. All subscribers will get tailored support to help their career visions become a reality. Plus, we're offering some exciting bonuses and benefits when you subscribe in the introductory period. And it makes a fantastic gift for friends, family and colleagues! I cannot wait to share Kathy AI with you! Stay tuned at KathyCaprino.com and my newsletter for all the details—it's coming soon and I so hope it's helpful to you! (Sign up for my newsletter HERE.) ——————— READY FOR A BIG BOOST IN 2025? TAKE 30% OF KATHY'S TOP-RANKED, 1:1 CAREER, JOB SEARCH, LINKEDIN SUCCESS COACHING PROGRAMS TODAY AND START YOUR BREAKTHROUGH! Just in time for the holidays – for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family member – take 30% off any of these top-rated career, job-search or LinkedIn success coaching programs below and move forward fast with Kathy's hands-on, one-on-one support! Use the “HOLIDAY30” coupon code at registration checkout for your holiday savings! Join me today in one of these top-ranked programs: POWER UP YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE FOR SUCCESS (2 sessions) JUMPSTART YOUR JOB SEARCH SUCCESS (3 sessions) CAREER & LEADERSHIP BREAKTHROUGH PROGRAM (6 sessions) BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND IMPACT AT WORK (10 sessions) ——————— ADDITIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCES Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Please share your positive ratings and reviews!If you enjoy the show, we'd be so very grateful for a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts! These great ratings help us reach more and more people who are interested in boosting their careers, businesses, and their leadership, and keep in the Top 100 Apple Career Podcasts in the U.S. and around the world and in the top 1.5% of over 3.5 million podcasts! Thank you! ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer ___________________________________________________________ QUOTES FROM TODAY'S SHOW: “For me, there's an essence of coaching which asks where you can stay curious a little bit longer. Can you rush to action and give advice a little more slowly? [6:10] “Part of why people would hire you if you're a coach is because you've seen stuff, done stuff, and know stuff. It's kind of rude not to share what you think could be of best service to that client.” [8:11] “I want people to be ambitious for themselves and for the world. I want them to be the best version of themselves, but I also want them to contribute to a better world.” [14:07] “I'm wired in a way that I've always been self-confident, and I've always had a willingness to zag when other people zag.” [19:58] “I'm just trying to get people started. I can't take them to the end of the journey, because the journey will evolve and change, but can I get them across the threshold in taking the first steps.” [28:08] “Ask yourself what minimum success looks like, but you're also allowed to dream about what big success looks like as well.” [31:28] Watch video versions of my interviews on Finding Brave! Don't forget – you can experience each Finding Brave interview episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my Youtube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show! * * * * * *
What happens when technology isn't held accountable? Dr. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, is here to guide us through AI's power, pitfalls, and potential. From exposing bias in facial recognition to championing ethical AI, Dr. Joy is leading the charge to protect what makes us human in a world dominated by machines. As a Rhodes Scholar, MIT researcher, and author of Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines, Dr. Joy's groundbreaking work has reshaped the conversation on AI ethics. Her viral TED Talk and the Emmy-nominated documentary Coded Bias highlight the real-world consequences of unchecked technology and why ethical AI is essential for everyone. AI isn't inherently good or evil—it's a tool. How we use it defines its impact, and being human isn't just a feature—it's the whole point. Connect with Dr. Joy: Website: www.Unmasking.ai Algorithmic Justice League: https://www.ajl.org/ Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670356/unmasking-ai-by-dr-joy-buolamwini/ Poet of Code: https://www.poetofcode.com/ TSA Facial Scan Opt Out: https://www.ajl.org/campaigns/fly Related Podcast Episodes: 202 / Building Your Email Lists & Websites with Brittni Schroeder 172 / Boomers to Gen Z - Understanding Generational Differences with Kim Lear Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
Hi Podsquad. Today, we're honored to sit down with Pete Buttigieg to discuss the four magic words that could change the election and the hearts of those you love. Discover: -The powerful antidote to the political tribalism dividing families and communities -How to make love your guiding force in the crucial days ahead -The surprising truth about why even Pete is exhausted by constant political talk—and how to finally move past it -Why politics are personal, and how they impact every part of our lives More on Pete: The first openly gay person confirmed to serve in a president's Cabinet, Buttigieg previously served two terms as mayor of his hometown, South Bend, Indiana, where he worked across the aisle to transform the city's future. Household income grew, poverty fell, and unemployment was cut in half.He also served for seven years as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, taking a leave of absence from the mayor's office for a deployment to Afghanistan in 2014.The son of Joseph Buttigieg, who immigrated to the United States from Malta, and Jennifer Anne Montgomery, a fifth-generation Hoosier, Buttigieg is a graduate of Harvard University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar and completed a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics. He lives with his husband Chasten, their two children, Gus and Penelope, and their dog. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Beloved British actor of stage and screen Maggie Smith died last week at age 89. Though the Oscar-winner had a long and successful career, it wasn't until she was in her 70s that she got approached by scores of fans. "It only happened to me since Downton Abbey, so I blame the whole thing on television." We revisit Dave Davies' 2016 interview with Smith. Also, we remember singer, songwriter, and actor Kris Kristofferson. He was a Rhodes Scholar, and an Army Ranger before taking a chance at songwriting. "Me and Bobby McGee" is perhaps his most famous song, recorded by Janis Joplin. He told Terry Gross in 1999. Also, John Powers reviews the new film Wolfs, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt on Apple TV+.To keep up with what's on Fresh Air and get a peek behind the scenes, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
MUSICFoo Fighters are reportedly 'set to take a hiatus' while Dave Grohl works to 'earn back the trust of his family' after his affair scandal.Prince's house from "Purple Rain" is being offered on Airbnb for 25 one-night stays. The house has been transformed into a shrine to both the movie and Prince. His former bandmates Wendy and Lisa helped set it up. Chappell Roan backed out of a festival gig to, quote, "prioritize my mental health."RIP:Singer, songwriter, award-winning actor and activist Kris Kristofferson died Saturday (September 28th) at his home in Maui, Hawaii at the age of 88.Born June 22,1936 in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar and entered into the military at the urging of his father who was a Major General in the Air Force.After an honorable discharge he moved to Nashville and worked as a janitor at a recording studio while he pursued a career in songwriting. He got his big break when Johnny Cash recorded his song, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”Many of the songs he wrote, including “Me and Bobby McGee,” “For the Good Times,” “Lovin' Her Was Easier” and “Help Me Make it Through the Night” became classics. He began a recording career in the 1970s and won four Grammy Awards including two for his work with his then-wife Rita Coolidge. Between 1985 and '95, he recorded three albums as a member of the country supergroup The Highwaymen, with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.He also had a successful movie career, appearing in more than 90 films, including Blume in Love, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Semi-Tough and A Star is Born with Barbra Streisand, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor.Starting in the first decade of this century, Kristofferson dealt with a number of health issues, including loss of memory. He was diagnosed first with fibromyalgia and later with Alzheimer's disease, but those were later revealed to have actually been Lyme disease. When he received the correct drugs for it, much of his memory returned.Kristofferson is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren. They offered this statement on his passing: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28th at home. We're all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he's smiling down at us all.” RIP:John Ashton, the actor, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, died at age 76.Follow us @RizzShow @MoonValjeanHere @KingScottRules @LernVsRadio @IamRafeWilliams > Check out King Scott's band @FreeThe2SG and Check out Moon's bands GREEK FIRE @GreekFire GOLDFINGER @GoldfingerMusic THE TEENAGE DIRTBAGS @TheTeenageDbags and Lern's band @LaneNarrows http://www.1057thepoint.com/Rizz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MUSIC Foo Fighters are reportedly 'set to take a hiatus' while Dave Grohl works to 'earn back the trust of his family' after his affair scandal. Prince's house from "Purple Rain" is being offered on Airbnb for 25 one-night stays. The house has been transformed into a shrine to both the movie and Prince. His former bandmates Wendy and Lisa helped set it up. Chappell Roan backed out of a festival gig to, quote, "prioritize my mental health." RIP: Singer, songwriter, award-winning actor and activist Kris Kristofferson died Saturday (September 28th) at his home in Maui, Hawaii at the age of 88. Born June 22,1936 in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar and entered into the military at the urging of his father who was a Major General in the Air Force. After an honorable discharge he moved to Nashville and worked as a janitor at a recording studio while he pursued a career in songwriting. He got his big break when Johnny Cash recorded his song, “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” Many of the songs he wrote, including “Me and Bobby McGee,” “For the Good Times,” “Lovin' Her Was Easier” and “Help Me Make it Through the Night” became classics. He began a recording career in the 1970s and won four Grammy Awards including two for his work with his then-wife Rita Coolidge. Between 1985 and '95, he recorded three albums as a member of the country supergroup The Highwaymen, with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. He also had a successful movie career, appearing in more than 90 films, including Blume in Love, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Semi-Tough and A Star is Born with Barbra Streisand, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Starting in the first decade of this century, Kristofferson dealt with a number of health issues, including loss of memory. He was diagnosed first with fibromyalgia and later with Alzheimer's disease, but those were later revealed to have actually been Lyme disease. When he received the correct drugs for it, much of his memory returned. Kristofferson is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lisa; eight children, Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake; and seven grandchildren. They offered this statement on his passing: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28th at home. We're all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he's smiling down at us all.” RIP: John Ashton, the actor, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, died at age 76. Follow us @RizzShow @MoonValjeanHere @KingScottRules @LernVsRadio @IamRafeWilliams > Check out King Scott's band @FreeThe2SG and Check out Moon's bands GREEK FIRE @GreekFire GOLDFINGER @GoldfingerMusic THE TEENAGE DIRTBAGS @TheTeenageDbags and Lern's band @LaneNarrows http://www.1057thepoint.com/Rizz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices