Podcasts about Ruggles

What happens when a nation forgets its spiritual foundations? In this thought-provoking exploration of America's Christian heritage, Jesse Cope connects seemingly disparate current events—from China's role in the fentanyl crisis to universities' embrace of DEI policies—to reveal a common thread: our collective unwillingness to acknowledge ideologies fundamentally opposed to our founding principles.The heart of this episode centers on an illuminating examination of the 1811 New York Supreme Court case "People v. Ruggles." Through Chief Justice Kent's powerful opinion, we discover how early American jurisprudence understood religious freedom in a way dramatically different from today's interpretations. Kent unequivocally declared America "a Christian people" whose morality was "deeply engrafted upon Christianity," distinguishing the true faith from what he called "imposters." This historical perspective challenges our modern assumption that the First Amendment requires treating all religions equally.Cope brilliantly articulates that the First Amendment was never intended to "separate God from the state" but rather to prevent the government from favoring particular denominations—a crucial distinction lost in contemporary discourse. Drawing from James Chapter 4, he confronts listeners with a fundamental choice between friendship with the world and friendship with God, warning that pursuit of the former inevitably leads to conflict with divine principles.For anyone concerned about America's spiritual direction, this episode offers both sobering analysis and hopeful perspective. As Calvin Coolidge once observed, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease." Have you made God your checkbox or your compass? The answer to this question might determine not just your personal faith journey but our collective future as a nation.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

What happens when a society abandons its moral foundation? In this thought-provoking exploration of faith, speech, and civil order, we journey through James 3 to understand the devastating power of our words and the necessity of taming our tongues. "The tongue is a fire," Scripture warns—capable of burning down relationships, communities, and even nations when left unchecked.Drawing from the fascinating 1811 New York Supreme Court case People v. Ruggles, we examine how America's founders viewed Christianity not merely as a personal belief system but as the essential moral framework for maintaining civil society. Chief Justice Kent's opinion that "whatever strikes at the root of Christianity tends manifestly to the dissolution of civil government" serves as a prophetic warning for our current cultural moment.Have we conducted a dangerous experiment by removing Christian principles from public life? Look around at the state of our marriages, families, communities, schools, and institutions. The correlation between our rejection of biblical morality and societal breakdown becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. This isn't about imposing a particular denomination—it's about recognizing that certain fundamental principles are necessary for maintaining order and protecting freedoms.Prayer doesn't require theological complexity or fancy language. God simply wants us to talk to Him as a good father wants to hear from his children. Thank Him for something, ask forgiveness for shortcomings, and pray for those around you. These simple actions connect us to the source of wisdom that can heal our divided hearts and troubled nation.Take a moment today to consider how your words affect those around you. Are you bringing healing or division? Building up or tearing down? The health of our relationships, communities, and country might depend on your answer.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles begins Sacred Earth, a new series exploring the deep, often forgotten relationship between ourselves and the living world around us. Rather than focusing on what's broken, we'll begin by reconnecting—with the Earth, and with the ground beneath our feet.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles decided to extend Your Wild and Precious Life: Celebrating the Wisdom of the Feminine, to teach about The Gaia Hypothesis.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles returns to round out our series Your Wild and Precious Life: Celebrating the Wisdom of the Feminine. His title is In the Beginning, She.

WE ARE A CHRISTIAN PEOPLE, AND THE MORALITY OF THE COUNTRY IS DEEPLY ENGRAFTED UPON CHRISTIANITY. Those were the words of Chief Justice James Kent of the United States Supreme Court, written by him in his opinion for the 1811 Case: People v. Ruggles.There were 56 signers of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 29 of those original 56 signers ATTENDED SEMINARY! All 29 were Christian of various denominations and beliefs; but again, all were Christian. Most of them held orthodox Christian beliefs. Here the words of the very first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Jay, who said:“UNTO HIM WHO IS THE AUTHOR AND GIVER OF ALL GOOD, I RENDER SINCERE AND HUMBLE THANKS FOR HIS MANIFOLD AND UNMERITED BLESSINGS, AND ESPECIALLY FOR OUR REDEMPTION AND SALVATION BY HIS BELOVED SON.”Chief Justice Jay was a strong Christian. And so was the so-called FATHER OF THE REVOLUTION, Samuel Adams, who said of Jesus Christ:“I RECOMMEND MY SOULD TO THAT ALMIGHTY BEING WHO GAVE IT, AND MY BODY I COMMIT TO THE DUST, RELYING UPON THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST FOR A PARDON OF ALL MY SINS.”Sam Adams was a strong believer.And so was Benjamin Rush, who said of Jesus Christ:“NOTHING BUT HIS BLOOD WILL WASH AWAY MY SINS. I RELY EXCLUSIVELY UPON IT (HIM).”Another strong confession in faith by Founding Father Rush, who himself was a strong Christian. And so were other founding fathers including John Dickinson, Charles Carroll, and Roger Sherman. And even Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the least religious of the founding fathers, even said during the Constitutional Convention:“I HAVE LIVED, SIR, A LONG TIME AND THE LONGER I LIVE THE MORE CONVINCING PROOF I SEE OF THIS TRUTH, THAT GOD GOVERNS IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN.”A strong religious statement, a strong belief in God even if not necessarily the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.It is apparent, based upon the historical record, that the majority of the founding fathers, those who were responsible for our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and the moral foundation of our country, were in fact orthodox Christians.And, hear the words of John Adams who said:“OUR CONSTITUTION WAS MADE ONLY FOR A MORAL AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. IT IS WHOLLY INADEQUATE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY OTHER.”To paraphrase those words, the further America moves away from its religious roots, and the morality contained therein, the more our very special Constitution looses value and authority, and it becomes, as John Adams well said, “inadequate to the government of any non-Christian or non-religious entity or nation.”But more importantly for the long term, Noah Webster, legislator, judge, educator, and soldier in the revolution, said:“THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION IS THE BASIS, OR RATHER THE SOURCE, OF ALL GENUINE FREEDOM IN GOVERNMENT. I AM PERSUADED (SAID WEBSTER) THAT NO CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF A REPUBLICAN FORM CAN EXIST AND BE DURABLE IN WHICH THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIANITY HAVE NOT A CONTROLLING INFLUENCE.”Not only were the doctrine and theology of Christianity important, but the principles, the moral precepts of Christianity were absolutely essential to any government and especially the founding of the government and the nation of the United States of America. The founding fathers identified Christianity as fundamental to the creation of our country and even more importantly, ESSENTIAL to the continuation of self-governance. The principles and concepts of the Ten Commandments, the wisdom of the prophets of old, and the moral teachings of Jesus Christ in the gospels, and the Pauline principles in the New Testament books thereafter, were indeed the spiritual, philosophic, and political basis upon which America was founded, established in time, and counted upon as absolutely ESSENTIAL for the continuation and survival of this great country.But, these same solidly Christian founding fathers made it very clear that no one would be compelled to adopt Christianity, believe in it, or practice the principles of Christian theology. Every other legitimate religion would be respected and fully allowed, embodied so clearly in the words of our First Amendment:“CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF.”America, then and now, would never permit under any circumstances one religion to be adopted by the country, like England of old, no religion established, forced, or required for any citizen in any way. In fact, just the opposite, it was the absolute right of every citizen of this great country that each would be permitted the very free exercise of any legitimate religion anywhere in this country.But understand my fellow Americans, that this First Amendment freedom and absolute right applied only to the Federal Government. That allowed the individual states, 13 at the time, to openly advocate for certain religious practices if the majority of the citizens of that state so decided. In actual historical fact, 8 of the 13 states had a state recognized or endorsed church or religion. 8 OUT OF 13! Some of the states even required public officials to be Christians as a precondition to holding office. Every one of the 13 states openly and publicly promoted Christianity through their educational systems requiring all children in the educational system to be instructed in the “truth of Christianity.”So then, the moral principles, the practices and beliefs which underly our Constitution and our Bill of Rights fully revealed in inspired scripture are indeed the foundation, the source, the basis of all of the freedoms and inalienable rights which we enjoy and so often, to our shame, take for granted. America and WE THE PEOPLE were at one time fully Christian, moral in our lifestyle and way of life, strong spiritual beliefs that themselves made us strong. How far this great country and We The People have moved from our very special spiritual beginnings and it is critical, crucial, absolutely essential that we return to these very same critical and essential principles, way of life, if this great country will continue and even survive. Our God is real, the very basic and most essential part of the founding of our country and without His blessing and without our moral change-back, America cannot survive. There is time and opportunity to do just that, and we cannot allow those forces which are essentially anti-American and as such, anti-Christian to prevail.NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE THE PEOPLE MUST FIGHT THE FIGHT OF FAITH!

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles gets back in the groove this week with Who Am I? Week 4: Awareness.

The series Who Am I? moves on with: The Ego, by Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles.

Few men were as highly esteemed and just a decade later despised beyond measure as Timothy Ruggles.  Ruggles was a hero of the French & Indian War, a delegate to the Stamp Act Congress from Massachusetts, a land owner, legislator and  community leader who had a large and prosperous family.  His daughter Bathsheba married a Boston man, Joshua Spooner, and their marriage was once described as "inharmonious." Imagine then the country gossip when Joshua was found in March 1778 beaten and murdered and stuffed into his own well, and that two British prisoners of war and a young man from Topsfield were found in possession of his personal property.  Join Professor Robert Allison in conversation with Andrew Noone, author of ‘Bathsheba Spooner, A Revolutionary Murder Conspiracy.'Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles initiates the new series Who Am I? with part one, The Conscious MInd.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles closes 2024 with his teaching The Wisdom of Winter: The Seed Beneath the Snow.

We continue our series The Wisdom of Winter as Brad Ruggles covers this week's theme: simple—Listen.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles introduces a new series the Wisdom of Winter: Finding Stillness, Strength, and Renewal in Life's Dark Seasons with his teaching Hello Darkness, My Old Friend.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles advances the series What the World Needs Now with the intriguing noun (r)Evolution.

Ruggles Of Red Gap

Our guest this week is surfing a pioneer and business owner icon that helped put Rhode Island surfing on the map! He was an early advocate and leader in Surf and Skate scene which led to the legalizing of surfing at many local breaks as well as saving one of the East Coast's premier big-wave, Ruggles, from harbor Developers. In 1971, he opened Waterbrothers Surfshop and also created Surf Fest, a mid-Summer Extravaganza day of enjoying classic surfboards and skateboards, which is said to be the largest expo of its kind in the country. This Cultural Icon is being celebrated in a New Documentary “Water Brother” and we are pumped to sit down with the “Godfather” of Rhode Island surfing, Sid “THE PACKAGE” Abbruzzi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Suspense" was a radio drama series that captivated audiences from 1940 through 1962 during the Golden Age of Radio. Often subtitled "radio's outstanding theater of thrills," this program was a shining example of suspense thriller entertainment. It specialized in delivering heart-pounding stories, typically featuring some of the leading Hollywood actors of its era. With an impressive total of approximately 945 episodes aired over its lengthy run, "Suspense" remains an enduring classic, with over 900 episodes still in existence. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Two guest teachers join us, Reverend Luis Cypher and Minister Bendr Bones, from the Satanic Temple. They contend that Courage is What the World Needs Now, noting that courage is easy to fake, and that many people confuse courage with bravado. Courage isn't about being tough, but about standing up for what is right, even in despair.

C3 Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles adds Upekkhā (Equanimity) to the series What the World Needs Now.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles, as we take time to look back and reflect on where we've come from.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles addresses What the World Needs Now with mettā, a Pali word, most often translated as loving-kindness, but also as universal goodwill or compassion.

Our new series What the World Needs Now continues with Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles focusing on Balance.

Jessica Ruggles, corporate vice president, New York Life, said baby boomers are more likely to have savings than other generations, while younger workers, including Gen Z, are recognizing the importance of early planning.

C3 Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles is back to kick off a new series, What the World Needs Now. In our first week, Refuge, we'll look at the growing need for safe spaces, where individuals can explore life's deep questions without expectations or judgement.

C3's Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles channels SNL's Nadine with his teaching Simma Down Nah. The political frenzy has been ratcheted up to a new level this election cycle. Things are crazy and they're probably going to get even crazier in the coming months. How do we turn down the temperature on our conversations and interactions? Is it even possible to find common ground when there is so little to agree on? We may not agree on the answers, but we'll ask the tough questions together.

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Maj Charlie Ruggles-Brise and WO1 Dai Chant of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, “The Welsh Cavalry.” We explore the intricacies of leadership and development through the unique perspectives of two military professionals who have worked closely together since early on in their careers.   Charlie and Dai first crossed paths on Op HERRICK 9 in Afghanistan, when Dai was a junior vehicle commander and Charlie was a new Troop Leader. Their collaboration grew, eventually leading them to command A Squadron, with Charlie as Squadron Leader and Dai as Squadron Sergeant Major.   Dai highlights how developing individuals often happens "in the margins," where leaders adapt their styles to meet the unique needs of their team members. Charlie emphasises the importance of taking teams on the decision-making journey, noting how communication and transparency are vital to effective leadership.   This episode is unique in that it brings together perspectives from both the commissioned and non-commissioned career pathways, offering a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead effectively.   Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just making decisions, it's about understanding your team, adapting in the margins, and leading with unity. 

In this episode, our host Ash Bhardwaj speaks with Maj Charlie Ruggles-Brise and WO1 Dai Chant of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, “The Welsh Cavalry.” We explore the intricacies of leadership and development through the unique perspectives of two military professionals who have worked closely together since early on in their careers.   Charlie and Dai first crossed paths on Op HERRICK 9 in Afghanistan, when Dai was a junior vehicle commander and Charlie was a new Troop Leader. Their collaboration grew, eventually leading them to command A Squadron, with Charlie as Squadron Leader and Dai as Squadron Sergeant Major.   Dai highlights how developing individuals often happens "in the margins," where leaders adapt their styles to meet the unique needs of their team members. Charlie emphasises the importance of taking teams on the decision-making journey, noting how communication and transparency are vital to effective leadership.   This episode is unique in that it brings together perspectives from both the commissioned and non-commissioned career pathways, offering a comprehensive look at what it takes to lead effectively.   Join us as we explore how leadership is about more than just making decisions, it's about understanding your team, adapting in the margins, and leading with unity. 

Send us a Text Message.Can you truly transform your relationship with God and your spouse in just five minutes a day? On this episode of the American Soul Podcast, we embark on a heartfelt journey from my homestead, exploring the profound impact of dedicating time to faith and marriage. I start with a prayer of gratitude, emphasizing the transformative power of even the smallest daily devotions. Discover practical tips for integrating Bible reading and prayer into your busy life, and learn why it's essential to nurture relationships not just with God, but with family, friends, and even those we may struggle to love.Prepare to have your understanding of American history and religious freedom challenged as we delve into Chancellor Kent's monumental arguments in People vs. Ruggles. We'll dissect how Christianity has historically shaped American morals and the true intent behind the First Amendment, distinguishing between protection from state favoritism and equal treatment of all religions. Reflecting on the evolution of societal norms and their effects on national unity, we'll also confront modern challenges in the military regarding gender roles and unit cohesion. This episode promises to deepen your appreciation for the integral role of Christian values in shaping America.Support the Show.The American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

This week in our Unfolding series, we’ll explore the pitfalls of living a life built on pretense and the profound impact it has on our mental health, relationships, and society […]

Scot Ruggles from the new Aaron Hernandez series joins the show

The series Unfolding continues this week with C3 Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles with his teaching Why, That's Me!

Morghan Ruggles is originally from Round Rock, TX. She attended Tarleton State University for both her undergrad and masters programs. She currently works at the R.A. Brown Ranch as their Social Strategist and Internship Program Coordinator. She shared with us her journey so far with her husband, Tell Ruggles, and all that she's learned thus far.

Support Breaking Walls at https://www.patreon.com/thewallbreakers Willam Spier was born on 10/16/1906 in New York City. He began his career as an editor at Musical America Magazine, eventually becoming its chief critic. His radio career began in 1929, when he produced and directed The Atwater-Kent Hour, a Met Opera presentation. He soon became a valuable member of BBD&O's growing staff of radio writers & directors. In 1931 Spier went to Hollywood to direct one of the first big budget radio programs in southern California. Coming back to New York, he was one of the people responsible for the creation of The March of Time. In 1940 Spier left BBD&O & began working for CBS. He was soon their story editor. Meanwhile, CBS decided to bring Forecast back. Season two premiered on 7/14/1941, with a play from Hollywood called The Arabian Nights. It starred Marlene Dietrich & was directed by Charles Vanda. The following week Kay Thompson starred in 51 East 51 from New York. It was an on-the-scene comedy at a fictitious upscale New York bar. Her director that evening was Bill Spier. The two were soon dating, marrying in 1942. Two weeks later, Spier produced & directed a Forecast episode called Song Without End, starring Burgess Meredith & Margo. It was to be a biopic on musicians and composers. That autumn Vanda & Spier were in New York, pushing for the launch of Suspense as a CBS cost-sustained show. On Sunday 12/71941 Japan attacked Pearl Harbor & Manilla, finally thrusting the US into World War II. The next Sunday, as CBS prepared for the Monday multi-network broadcast of Norman Corwin's We Hold These Truths, Bill Paley finally approved Suspense's launch as a thirteen-week summer series in 1942. Vanda got Harold Medford to come East to write. Although Bill Spier was head of CBS's New York Story Department, it was Harold Medford who polished the first seven shows. Vanda also got CBS musician Bernard Herrmann to compose the show's score. Suspense premiered on Wednesday June 17th, 1942 at 10:30PM eastern time. The first episode, “The Burning Court” was adapted from a story by John Dickson Carr. Seeking a star, Vanda chose Charlie Ruggles. Known for his comedic flair, Ruggles was in New York for the opening of his latest film, Friendly Enemies. Vanda believed that Suspense could cast against type. It came to be a show staple. Charles Vanda wound up only being in charge of the first five shows. He went into the army. The second show was the John Collier mystery “Wet Saturday,” a grim tongue-in-cheek tale of murder. The final three shows by Vanda were a take on the Lizzie Borden case, a murder story aboard a train, & a thrill kill, “Rope” that Alfred Hichcock later shot with James Stewart. With Vanda entering the service Bill Spier took over the production. Spier's first episode as producer was on 7/22/1942. On 9/2 Suspense broadcast Lucille Fletcher's “The Hitchhiker.” At the time Fletcher was married to Bernard Herrmann. “The Hitchhiker” starred Orson Welles. Welles & Spier had known each other since The March of Time. Welles just returned from Brazil where he'd been promoting greater Pan-Americanism on behalf of RKO. It was his first appearance on Suspense. When the thirteen-week summer run ended, CBS was set to cancel the series. The last episode was called, “One Hundred In the Dark.” It aired on September 30th, 1942. In the end Suspense was saved by the amount of fan mail & phone calls to CBS. Spier pushed to link the show with a prestigious mystery author. He approached the agent of John Dickson Carr, who'd written “The Burning Court,” & a deal was soon in place for him to write exclusively for the program. CBS picked up Suspense for the fall season and put it on the air Tuesdays at 9:30PM beginning 10/27. John Dietz returned as director and a foreboding narrator, “The Man In Black,” was played by Ted Osborne.

Today, our interim host Kirsty Ruggles, Lead Trainer at The Knowledge Center, dives into self-care in honor of International Self Care Day. While Jenna takes a well-deserved break, Kirsty discusses burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and practical self-care tips. Join us for an insightful talk on maintaining mental health and well-being!   Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1sjYQo5zmxpSRsKWIw2shE5hs9YbtUqUWuYHvInmca2XOFg/viewform

C3 Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles extends the Unfolding series with this week’s teaching, Welcoming Mara.

https://slasrpodcast.com/      SLASRPodcast@gmail.com    This week a hiker spotlight on our friend Rhonda Willette - Rhonda is a frequent hiker who has completed the 4000 footers of NH and the New England 67. She has a wealth of experience and is very involved with the Hiking Buddies so we will talk about her background and we will get some advice to share with listeners who may be newer to hiking in New Hampshire. Plus We have new merchandise for sale, a near tragedy on the Pemi from some tubers, Ruggles mine update, Shopping deals on hiking gear, a history segment on Canobie Lake Park and recent search and rescue news.    This weeks Higher Summit Forecast Order Form for SLASR Podcast Patches   Topics Storyland - Parking and Nostalgia nights New Merchandise - SLASR Podcast  Stomp almost saves some people tubing on the Pemi Tips for tubing  National Park Shooting  Body recovered of man missing  Crazy Weather in NH Ruggles mine Shopping Deals on hiking and backpacking gear Vaucluse is getting into the ultralight backpacking market - Dyneema based 25L and 38L packs Heat related hiking death in Utah Recent Hikes - Carters, S. Baldface, Burnt Meadow, Squam Traverse  Notable listener hikes of the week Canobie Lake Park History Segment Guest of the Week - Welcome Rhonda Willette Search and Rescue News    Show Notes Apple Podcast link for 5 star reviews SLASR Merchandise SLASR LinkTree Storyland offers paid parking options for select spots Nostalgia Nights Mass shooter stopped at Yellowstone Body recovered after 22 years Microburst confirmed in Milford NH, Wed  Ruggles Mine Snowshoes at REI Amazon Prime - MSR Lightning Ascent Deal Other deals on Amazon Prime Ultralight Backpacks from Vaucluse Father and Daughter die while hiking in Canyonlands National Park Canobie Lake Park Amusement Park History About Penny Arcades in the 1900s - examples  Submarine Lung Tester A vibrating Doctor machine The Holland Family Canobie History - recent years Blind hiker and seeing eye dog rescued on Oregon trail Injured Hiker Kearsarge North  Hiker rescued on 19 Mile Brook trail Sponsors, Friends  and Partners 24th Annual Seek the Peak Welcome Back to Fieldstone Kumbucha CS Instant Coffee 2024 Longest Day - 48 Peaks Mount Washington Higher Summits Forecast Hiking Buddies  Vaucluse - Sweat less. Explore more. – Vaucluse Gear White Mountains Endurance Coaching

Lead teacher Brad Ruggles continues the new series he started last week, Unfolding, with the second teaching It Is What It Is.

[caption id="attachment_5359" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] "Dolmen de Menga entrance: Massive stone portal of 6,000-year-old Neolithic tomb in Antequera, Spain."[/caption][caption id="attachment_5354" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] "La Peña de los Enamorados: Distinctive mountain face aligned with Dolmen de Menga, resembling human profile."[/caption] Key Ideas: The invention of architecture during the Neolithic period marked a significant shift in human psychology and religion, creating a division between natural and man-made spaces and giving rise to new concepts of ownership, territoriality, and sacred spaces. The relationship between architecture and the awareness of death is explored, with the idea that built structures allowed humans to create a sense of permanence and continuity in the face of mortality. Neolithic dolmens and their alignment with the summer solstice may have played a crucial role in rituals related to death, the afterlife, and the cyclical nature of the cosmos. The astronomical alignment of the Dolmen de Menga is part of a larger pattern of archaeoastronomical significance in Neolithic monuments across Europe, suggesting a shared cosmological understanding among ancient societies. Neolithic art and architecture, including the use of red ochre and iron oxide paintings, may be linked to shamanic practices and altered states of consciousness. Peter Sloterdijk's theory of spheres is applied to understand the evolution of human spatial awareness and the desire to recreate protected, womb-like spaces through architecture. The fundamental nature of architecture and its role in human life is explored through various philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Adventure Time with My Daughter My daughter Violet likes the show Adventure Time. She loves mythology, creepy tombs, long dead civilizations and getting to be the first to explore and discover new things. I took my 6-year-old daughter to the Neolithic portal Tomb, or Dolmen, Dolmen de Menga in Antequera, while on a trip to Spain. This ancient megalithic monument, believed to be one of the oldest and largest in Europe, dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. It is made of 8 ton slabs of stone that archaeologists have a passing idea of how ancient people moved. It has a well drilled through 20 meters of bedrock at the back of it and it is oriented so that the entrance faces a mountain that looks like a sleeping giant the ancient builders might have worshiped. All of this delighted my daughter. The dolmen's impressive architecture features massive stone slabs, some weighing up to 180 tons, forming a 25-meter-long corridor and a spacious chamber. Inside, a well adds to the mystery, possibly used for rituals or as a symbol of the underworld. What's truly fascinating is the dolmen's alignment with the nearby La Peña de los Enamorados mountain. During the summer solstice, the sun rises directly over the mountain, casting its first rays into the dolmen's entrance, illuminating the depths of the chamber. This astronomical alignment suggests the ancient builders had a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos. According to archaeoastronomical studies, the Dolmen de Menga might have served as a symbolic bridge between life and death, connecting the world of the living with the realm of the ancestors. The solstice alignment could have held great spiritual significance, marking a time of renewal, rebirth, and the eternal cycle of existence. Sharing this incredible experience with my daughter and witnessing her awe and curiosity as she felt the weight of boulders that men had moved by hand, is a moment I'll treasure forever.  I reminded her that every time she has seen a building, be it a school or a sky-scraper, it all started here with the birth of architecture, and maybe the birth of something else too. Thinking about prehistory is weird because thinking about the limits of our human understanding is trippy and prehistory is, by definition, before history and therefore written language, meaning we cant really know the subjective experience of anyone who was a part of it. Talking to a child about the limits of what we as a species do or can know are some of my favorite moments as a parent because they are opportunities to teach children the importance of curiosity, intuition and intellectual humility than many adults never learn. Watching Violet contemplate a time when mankind didn't have to tools or advanced scientific knowledge was a powerful moment when I saw her think so deeply about the humanity she was a part of. What the Invention of Architecture did to Psychology Anecdote of the Jar by Wallace Stevens I placed a jar in Tennessee, And round it was, upon a hill. It made the slovenly wilderness Surround that hill.   The wilderness rose up to it, And sprawled around, no longer wild. The jar was round upon the ground And tall and of a port in air.   It took dominion everywhere. The jar was gray and bare. It did not give of bird or bush, Like nothing else in Tennessee. Prior to the advent of architecture, the world was an undivided, seamless entity, with no clear boundaries between human habitation and the natural environment. The construction of dolmens and other architectural structures shattered this unified perception, creating a new paradigm in which humans actively shaped and claimed portions of the earth for their own purposes. This act of claiming space and erecting structures upon it represented a profound psychological shift, as humans began to assert their agency and control over their surroundings. The division of the world into natural and man-made spaces had far-reaching implications for human psychology. It fostered a sense of ownership and territoriality, as individuals and communities began to identify with and attach meaning to the spaces they created. This attachment to claimed spaces gave rise to new concepts of home, belonging, and identity, which were intimately tied to the built environment. Simultaneously, the unclaimed, natural world began to be perceived as a separate entity, one that existed beyond the boundaries of human control and understanding. The impact of this division on religion was equally profound. The creation of man-made spaces, such as dolmens, provided a tangible manifestation of human agency and the ability to shape the world according to human beliefs and desires. These structures became sacred spaces, imbued with religious and spiritual significance, where rituals and ceremonies could be performed. The separation of natural and man-made spaces also gave rise to new religious concepts, such as the idea of sacred and profane spaces, and the belief in the ability of humans to create and manipulate the divine through architectural means. The significance of this division between natural and man-made spaces is beautifully captured in Wallace Stevens' anecdote of the jar. In this short poem, Stevens describes placing a jar in a wilderness, which "took dominion everywhere." The jar, a man-made object, transforms the natural landscape around it, asserting human presence and control over the untamed wilderness. This simple act of placing a jar in the wild encapsulates the profound psychological and religious implications of the invention of architecture. The jar represents the human impulse to claim and shape space, to impose order and meaning upon the chaos of the natural world. It symbolizes the division between the natural and the man-made, and the way in which human creations can alter our perception and understanding of the world around us. Just as the jar takes dominion over the wilderness, the invention of architecture during the Neolithic period forever changed the way humans perceive and interact with their environment, shaping our psychology and religious beliefs in ways that continue to resonate to this day. The Relationship of Architecture to the Awareness of Death Robert Pogue Harrison, a professor of Italian literature and cultural history, has written extensively about the relationship between architecture, human psychology, and our understanding of death. In his book "The Dominion of the Dead," Harrison explores how the invention of architecture fundamentally altered human consciousness and our attitude towards mortality. According to Harrison, the creation of built structures marked a significant shift in human psychology. Before architecture, early humans lived in a world where the natural environment was dominant, and death was an ever-present reality. The invention of architecture allowed humans to create a sense of permanence and stability in the face of the transient nature of life. By constructing buildings and monuments, humans could create a physical manifestation of their existence that would outlast their individual lives. This allowed for a sense of continuity and the ability to leave a lasting mark on the world. Harrison argues that architecture became a way for humans to assert their presence and create a symbolic defense against the inevitability of death. Moreover, Harrison suggests that the invention of architecture gave rise to the concept of the "afterlife." By creating tombs, pyramids, and other burial structures, humans could imagine a realm where the dead continued to exist in some form. These architectural spaces served as a bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead, providing a sense of connection and continuity. Harrison also argues that architecture played a crucial role in the development of human culture and collective memory. Buildings and monuments became repositories for shared histories, myths, and values. They served as physical anchors for cultural identity and helped to create a sense of belonging and shared purpose among communities. However, Harrison also notes that architecture can have a complex relationship with death. While it can provide a sense of permanence and a symbolic defense against mortality, it can also serve as a reminder of our own impermanence. The ruins of ancient civilizations and the decay of once-great buildings can evoke a sense of melancholy and serve as a testament to the ultimate transience of human existence. Death and Ritual through Architecture Recent archaeological findings have shed light on the potential significance of the alignment of Neolithic dolmens with the summer solstice. These ancient stone structures, found throughout Europe and beyond, have long been shrouded in mystery. However, the precise positioning of these megalithic tombs suggests that they may have played a crucial role in Stone Age rituals related to death, the afterlife, and the cyclical nature of the cosmos. On the day of the summer solstice, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and casts its longest rays, a remarkable phenomenon occurs within certain dolmens. The light penetrates through the narrow entrance, illuminating the interior chamber and reaching the furthest recesses of the tomb. This alignment, achieved with great intentionality and skill, has led archaeologists to speculate about the beliefs and practices of the Neolithic people who constructed these monumental structures. One theory suggests that the dolmens served as portals for the souls of the deceased to ascend to the heavenly bodies. The sun, often revered as a divine entity in ancient cultures, may have been seen as the ultimate destination for the spirits of the dead. By aligning the dolmen with the solstice, the Neolithic people perhaps believed that they were creating a direct pathway for the souls to reach the sun and achieve a form of celestial immortality. Another interpretation posits that the solstice alignment was a way to honor and commemorate the dead. The penetrating light, reaching the innermost chamber of the dolmen, could have been seen as a symbolic reunion between the living and the deceased. This annual event may have served as a time for the community to gather, pay respects to their ancestors, and reaffirm the enduring bond between the generations. Furthermore, the cyclical nature of the solstice, marking the longest day of the year and the subsequent return of shorter days, may have held profound symbolic meaning for the Neolithic people. The alignment of the dolmen with this celestial event could have been interpreted as a representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Just as the sun reaches its peak and then begins its descent, the dolmen's illumination on the solstice may have symbolized the passage from life to death and the promise of eventual renewal. While we may never know with certainty the exact beliefs and rituals associated with the Neolithic dolmens and their solstice alignment, the structures themselves stand as testaments to the ingenuity, astronomical knowledge, and spiritual convictions of our ancient ancestors. The precision and effort required to construct these megalithic tombs and align them with the heavens suggest a deep reverence for the dead and a belief in the interconnectedness of life, death, and the cosmos. The Astronomical Alignment of the Dolmen de Menga and Its Broader Significance The astronomical alignment of the Dolmen de Menga with the summer solstice sunrise is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather part of a larger pattern of archaeoastronomical significance in Neolithic monuments across Europe and beyond. Many megalithic structures, such as Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland, have been found to have precise alignments with solar and lunar events, suggesting that the ancient builders had a sophisticated understanding of the movements of celestial bodies and incorporated this knowledge into their architectural designs. The alignment of the Dolmen de Menga with the summer solstice sunrise may have held profound symbolic and ritual significance for the Neolithic community that built and used the structure. The solstice, as a moment of transition and renewal in the natural cycle of the year, could have been associated with themes of rebirth, fertility, and the regeneration of life. The penetration of the sun's first rays into the inner chamber of the dolmen on this date may have been seen as a sacred union between the celestial and terrestrial realms, a moment of cosmic alignment and heightened spiritual potency. The incorporation of astronomical alignments into Neolithic monuments across Europe suggests that these ancient societies had a shared cosmological understanding and a deep reverence for the cycles of the sun, moon, and stars. The construction of megalithic structures like the Dolmen de Menga can be seen as an attempt to harmonize human activity with the larger rhythms of the cosmos, creating a sense of unity and connection between people and the natural and celestial worlds they inhabited. Originally these structures were probably lovingly adorned with paint and patterns. This paint was usually made of red ochre and iron oxide.  We know that because the paintings that are left in Iberia are made of these materials and the extremely few neolithic portal tombs that were protected from the elements still have geographic markings.   [caption id="attachment_5367" align="aligncenter" width="715"] Here is me hiking up to look at some iron oxide neolithic paintings[/caption][caption id="attachment_5365" align="aligncenter" width="605"] Here is a little guy made out of iron oxide who is about six thousand years old[/caption][caption id="attachment_5372" align="aligncenter" width="466"] The 4th millennium BC painting inside the Dolmen Anta de Antelas in Iberia[/caption]   Some researchers, such as David Lewis-Williams and Thomas Dowson, have proposed that the geometric patterns and designs found in Neolithic art and architecture may represent the visions experienced by shamans during altered states of consciousness. Other scholars, like Michael Winkelman, argue that shamanism played a crucial role in the development of early human cognition and social organization. According to this theory, the construction of sacred spaces like the Dolmen de Menga may have been closely tied to the practices and beliefs of shaman cults, who served as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. What is Architecture: Why did we invent it? Philosopher, Peter Sloterdijk's theory of spheres, particularly his concept of the first primal globe and its subsequent splitting, offers an intriguing framework for understanding the evolution of human spatial awareness and its manifestations in art and architecture. Sloterdijk's "spherology" posits that human existence is fundamentally about creating and inhabiting spheres - protected, intimate spaces that provide both physical and psychological shelter. The "first primal globe" in his theory refers to the womb, the original protected space that humans experience. According to Sloterdijk, the trauma of birth represents a splitting of this primal sphere, leading humans to constantly seek to recreate similar protective environments throughout their lives and cultures. This concept of sphere-creation and inhabitation can be seen as a driving force behind much of human culture and architecture. Applying this framework to Neolithic architecture like dolmens and portal tombs, we might interpret these structures as attempts to recreate protected, womb-like spaces on a larger scale. These stone structures, with their enclosed spaces and narrow entrances, could be seen as physical manifestations of the desire to recreate the security and intimacy of the "primal sphere" and our universal interaction with it through the archetype of birth. In the Neolithic period, the world was perceived as an undifferentiated sphere, where the sacred and the secular were intimately intertwined. The concept of separate realms for the divine and the mundane had not yet emerged, and the universe was experienced as a single, all-encompassing reality. In this context, the creation of the earliest permanent architecture, such as portal tombs, represents a significant milestone in human history, marking the beginning of a fundamental shift in how humans understood and organized their environment. Portal tombs, also known as dolmens, are among the most enigmatic and captivating architectural structures of the Neolithic era. These megalithic monuments, consisting of large upright stones supporting a massive horizontal capstone, have puzzled and intrigued researchers and visitors alike for centuries. While their exact purpose remains a subject of debate, many scholars believe that portal tombs played a crucial role in the emergence of the concept of sacred space and the demarcation of the secular and the divine. Mircea Eliade. In his seminal work, "The Sacred and the Profane," Eliade argues that the creation of sacred space is a fundamental aspect of human religiosity, serving to distinguish the realm of the divine from the ordinary world of everyday existence. He suggests that the construction of portal tombs and other megalithic structures in the Neolithic period represents an early attempt to create a liminal space between the sacred and the secular, a threshold where humans could encounter the numinous and connect with the spiritual realm. Remember that this was the advent of the most basic technology, or as Slotedijik might label it, anthropotechnics. The idea that sacred and secular space could even be separated was itself a technological invention, or rather made possible because of one. Anthropotechnics refers to the various practices, techniques, and systems humans use to shape, train, and improve themselves. It encompasses the methods by which humans attempt to modify their biological, psychological, and social conditions. The Nature of Architecture and Its Fundamental Role in Human Life Architecture, at its core, is more than merely the design and construction of buildings. It is a profound expression of human creativity, culture, and our relationship with the world around us. Throughout history, scholars and theorists have sought to unravel the fundamental nature of architecture and its impact on the human experience. By examining various theories and perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role that architecture plays in shaping our lives and the societies in which we live. One of the most influential thinkers to explore the essence of architecture was the philosopher Hannah Arendt. In her work, Arendt emphasized the importance of the built environment in creating a sense of stability, permanence, and shared experience in human life. She argued that architecture serves as a tangible manifestation of the human capacity for creation and the desire to establish a lasting presence in the world. Arendt's ideas highlight the fundamental role that architecture plays in providing a physical framework for human existence. By creating spaces that endure over time, architecture allows us to anchor ourselves in the world and develop a sense of belonging and continuity. It serves as a backdrop against which the drama of human life unfolds, shaping our experiences, memories, and interactions with others. Other theorists, such as Martin Heidegger and Gaston Bachelard, have explored the philosophical and psychological dimensions of architecture. Heidegger, in his essay "Building Dwelling Thinking," argued that the act of building is intimately connected to the human experience of dwelling in the world. He suggested that architecture is not merely a matter of creating functional structures, but rather a means of establishing a meaningful relationship between individuals and their environment. Bachelard, in his book "The Poetics of Space," delved into the emotional and imaginative aspects of architecture. He explored how different spaces, such as homes, attics, and basements, evoke specific feelings and memories, shaping our inner lives and sense of self. Bachelard's ideas highlight the powerful psychological impact that architecture can have on individuals, serving as a catalyst for introspection, creativity, and self-discovery. From a sociological perspective, theorists like Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault have examined the ways in which architecture reflects and reinforces power structures and social hierarchies. Lefebvre, in his book "The Production of Space," argued that architecture is not merely a neutral container for human activity, but rather a product of social, political, and economic forces. He suggested that the design and organization of space can perpetuate inequality, segregation, and control, shaping the way individuals and communities interact with one another. Foucault, in his work on disciplinary institutions such as prisons and hospitals, explored how architecture can be used as a tool for surveillance, regulation, and the exercise of power. His ideas highlight the potential for architecture to serve as an instrument of social control, influencing behavior and shaping the lives of those who inhabit or interact with the built environment. By engaging with the diverse theories and perspectives on architecture, we can develop a more nuanced understanding of its role in shaping the human experience. From the philosophical insights of Arendt and Heidegger to the psychological explorations of Bachelard and the sociological critiques of Lefebvre and Foucault, each perspective offers a unique lens through which to examine the essence of architecture and its impact on our lives. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of an increasingly urbanized and globalized world, the study of architecture and its fundamental nature becomes more important than ever. By unlocking the secrets of this ancient and enduring art form, we may find new ways to create spaces that nurture the human spirit, foster connection and belonging, and shape a built environment that truly reflects our highest values and aspirations. Violet's Encounter with the Dolmen It is a common misconception to think of children as blank slates, mere tabula rasas upon which culture and experience inscribe themselves. In truth, children are born with the same primal unconscious that has been part of the human psyche since prehistory. They are simply closer to this wellspring of archetypes, instincts, and imaginative potentials than most adults, who have learned to distance themselves from it through the construction of a rational, bounded ego. While I talked to the archaeologist on site of the Dolmen de Menga, I saw the that these rituals and symbols are still alive in the unconscious of modern children just as they were in the stone age. I looked at the ground to see that Violet was instinctually making a little Dolmen out of dirt. My daughter Violet's recent fear of the dark illustrates this innate connection to the primal unconscious. When she wakes up afraid in the middle of the night, I try to reassure her by explaining that the shadows that loom in the darkness are nothing more than parts of herself that she does not yet know how to understand yet or integrate. They are manifestations of the unknown, the numinous, the archetypal - all those aspects of the psyche that can be terrifying in their raw power and otherness, but that also hold the keys to creativity, transformation, and growth. Violet intuitively understands this link between fear and creativity. She has begun using the very things that frighten her as inspiration for her storytelling and artwork, transmuting her nighttime terrors into imaginative narratives and symbols. This process of turning the raw materials of the unconscious into concrete expressions is a perfect microcosm of the way in which art and architecture have always functioned for humans - as ways of both channeling and containing the primal energies that surge within us. When Violet walked through the Dolmen de Menga and listened to the archaeologist's explanations of how it was built, something in her immediately responded with recognition and understanding. The dolmen's construction - the careful arrangement of massive stones to create an enduring sacred space - made intuitive sense to her in a way that it might not for an adult more removed from the primal architect within. I see this same impulse in Violet whenever we go to the park and she asks me where she can build something that will last forever. Her structures made of sticks and stones by the riverbank, where the groundskeepers will not disturb them, are her way of creating something permanent and visible - her own small monuments to the human drive to make a mark on the world and to shape our environment into a reflection of our inner reality. By exploring the origins of architecture in monuments like the Dolmen de Menga, we can gain insight into the universal human impulse to create meaning, order, and beauty in the built environment. The megalithic structures of the Neolithic period represent some of the earliest and most impressive examples of human creativity and ingenuity applied to the shaping of space and the creation of enduring cultural landmarks. Moreover, studying the astronomical alignments and symbolic significance of ancient monuments can shed light on the fundamental human desire to connect with the larger cosmos and to find our place within the grand cycles of nature and the universe. The incorporation of celestial events into the design and use of structures like the Dolmen de Menga reflects a profound awareness of the interconnectedness of human life with the wider world, a theme that continues to resonate in the art and architecture of cultures throughout history. [caption id="attachment_5361" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Here is my explorer buddy[/caption] Bibliography Arendt, H. (1958). The Human Condition. University of Chicago Press. Bachelard, G. (1994). The Poetics of Space. Beacon Press. Belmonte, J. A., & Hoskin, M. (2002). Reflejo del cosmos: atlas de arqueoastronomía del Mediterráneo antiguo. Equipo Sirius. Criado-Boado, F., & Villoch-Vázquez, V. (2000). Monumentalizing landscape: from present perception to the past meaning of Galician megalithism (north-west Iberian Peninsula). European Journal of Archaeology, 3(2), 188-216. Edinger, E. F. (1984). The Creation of Consciousness: Jung's Myth for Modern Man. Inner City Books. Eliade, M. (1959). The Sacred and the Profane: The Nature of Religion. Harcourt, Brace & World. Foucault, M. (1975). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books. Heidegger, M. (1971). Building Dwelling Thinking. In Poetry, Language, Thought. Harper & Row. Jung, C. G. (1968). The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Princeton University Press. Lefebvre, H. (1991). The Production of Space. Blackwell. Lewis-Williams, D., & Dowson, T. A. (1988). The signs of all times: entoptic phenomena in Upper Palaeolithic art. Current Anthropology, 29(2), 201-245. Márquez-Romero, J. E., & Jiménez-Jáimez, V. (2010). Prehistoric Enclosures in Southern Iberia (Andalusia): La Loma Del Real Tesoro (Seville, Spain) and Its Resources. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 76, 357-374. Neumann, E. (1954). The Origins and History of Consciousness. Princeton University Press. Rappenglueck, M. A. (1998). Palaeolithic Shamanistic Cosmography: How Is the Famous Rock Picture in the Shaft of the Lascaux Grotto to be Decoded?. Artepreistorica, 5, 43-75. Ruggles, C. L. (2015). Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Springer. Sloterdijk, P. (2011). Bubbles: Spheres Volume I: Microspherology. Semiotext(e). Sloterdijk, P. (2014). Globes: Spheres Volume II: Macrospherology. Semiotext(e). Sloterdijk, P. (2016). Foams: Spheres Volume III: Plural Spherology. Semiotext(e). Turner, V. (1969). The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure. Aldine Publishing Company. Winkelman, M. (2010). Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing. Praeger. Further Reading: Belmonte, J. A. (1999). Las leyes del cielo: astronomía y civilizaciones antiguas. Temas de Hoy. Bradley, R. (1998). The Significance of Monuments: On the Shaping of Human Experience in Neolithic and Bronze Age Europe. Routledge. Devereux, P. (2001). The Sacred Place: The Ancient Origins of Holy and Mystical Sites. Cassell & Co. Gimbutas, M. (1989). The Language of the Goddess. Harper & Row. Harding, A. F. (2003). European Societies in the Bronze Age. Cambridge University Press. Hoskin, M. (2001). Tombs, Temples and Their Orientations: A New Perspective on Mediterranean Prehistory. Ocarina Books. Ingold, T. (2000). The Perception of the Environment: Essays on Livelihood, Dwelling and Skill. Routledge. Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980). Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. Rizzoli. Renfrew, C., & Bahn, P. (2016). Archaeology: Theories, Methods, and Practice. Thames & Hudson. Scarre, C. (2002). Monuments and Landscape in Atlantic Europe: Perception and Society During the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Routledge. Sherratt, A. (1995). Instruments of Conversion? The Role of Megaliths in the Mesolithic/Neolithic Transition in Northwest Europe. Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 14(3), 245-260. Tilley, C. (1994). A Phenomenology of Landscape: Places, Paths and Monuments. Berg. Tilley, C. (2010). Interpreting Landscapes: Geologies, Topographies, Identities. Left Coast Press. Twohig, E. S. (1981). The Megalithic Art of Western Europe. Clarendon Press. Watkins, A. (1925). The Old Straight Track: Its Mounds, Beacons, Moats, Sites, and Mark Stones. Methuen. Whittle, A. (1996). Europe in the Neolithic: The Creation of New Worlds. Cambridge University Press. Wilson, P. J. (1988). The Domestication of the Human Species. Yale University Press. Zubrow, E. B. W. (1994). Cognitive Archaeology Reconsidered. In The Ancient Mind: Elements of Cognitive Archaeology. Cambridge University Press. Zvelebil, M. (1986). Hunters in Transition: Mesolithic Societies of Temperate Eurasia and Their Transition to Farming. Cambridge University Press. Zvelebil, M., & Jordan, P. (1999). Hunter-Fisher-Gatherer Ritual Landscapes: Spatial Organisation, Social Structure and Ideology Among Hunter-Gatherers of Northern Europe and Western Siberia. Archaeopress.

C3 Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles steps back in with his teaching Unfolding: An Invitation to Surrender to Life’s Flow.

It's Round 3 of the 8th Academy Awards bracket, where we took the 12 nominees and added 4 options of our own to create a 16 movie bracket. In this episode will be discussing the final four and declaring a winner!The nominees were: Alice Adams; Broadway Melody of 1936; Captain Blood; David Copperfield; The Informer; The Lives of a Bengal Lancer; A Midsummer Night's Dream; Mutiny on the Bounty; Les Misérables; Naughty Marietta; Ruggles of Red Gap; Top HatOur additional films are: The 39 Steps, A Night at the Opera, Black Fury, and The Bride of Frankenstein. Notes: SPOILERS - we talk through the full plots of all the movies we cover.Timestamps are approximate:1:05 - Semifinals3:20 - Discussing the Semifinal Losers3:20 - Broadway Melody of 193613:40 - Black Fury29:35 - Final Matchup29:55 - Top Hat39:55 - Les Miserables55:25 - Declaring a Winner1:01:25 - Did the Oscars Get it Wrong?1:03:20 - Jake Gyllenhaal Corner1:07:05 - Conclusions1:13:45 - Next Episode--------------------------Want to see the bracket, know what episode we're currently prepping, and suggest non-nominees that we should watch? Check us out on instagram at oscarswrongpod.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles explores The Land Between, Part 2: Navigating Life's Difficult Transitions this week, as we all occupy this liminal space of getting to know each other better.

Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles opens Pride month with Things I Wish I'd Said. A sneak peek at the readings, one from James Baldwin and one from Yuval Noah Harari, points […]

It's a shorter episode this week as we dive into Round 2 of the 8th Academy Awards bracket. We took the 12 nominees and added 4 additional films for a 16 movie bracket. In this episode will be declaring the winners and losers from Round 2 and discussing the films that were eliminated. The nominees were: Alice Adams; Broadway Melody of 1936; Captain Blood; David Copperfield; The Informer; The Lives of a Bengal Lancer; A Midsummer Night's Dream; Mutiny on the Bounty; Les Misérables; Naughty Marietta; Ruggles of Red Gap; Top HatThe films we added were: The 39 Steps, A Night at the Opera, Black Fury, and The Bride of Frankenstein. Notes: SPOILERS - we talk through the full plots of all the movies we cover.Timestamps are approximate:1:25 - Round 2 Match-Ups5:20 - Discussing the Losers5:30 - A Night at the Opera14:30 - Bride of Frankenstein21:30 - A Midsummer Night's Dream27:55 - Mutiny on the Bounty42:35 - Next Episode--------------------------Want to see the bracket, know what episode we're currently prepping, and suggest non-nominees that we should watch? Check us out on instagram at oscarswrongpod

We extend a warm welcome our new Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles, as he steps into that role with this timely teaching, The Land Between: Navigating Life's Difficult Transitions.

Our last Podcast of the school year! Can you believe it! We first talk to our Senior members of the Podcast Club, Riley King and Gabriella McPeek. We then just call in random Seniors and ask them questions. Our 2nd segment is with the Juniors of our Podcast Club and what it feels like to have the Seniors gone and now the pressure is on! Thanks for listening and please share! Ruggles

We're back for season 3! There were 12 nominees at the 8th Academy Award, so we thought, "what the heck, let's add 4 more," to make this one of our 16 movie tournaments. We discuss the losers from Round 1 in this episode.The nominees were: Alice Adams; Broadway Melody of 1936; Captain Blood; David Copperfield; The Informer; The Lives of a Bengal Lancer; A Midsummer Night's Dream; Mutiny on the Bounty; Les Misérables; Naughty Marietta; Ruggles of Red Gap; Top HatThe films we added were: The 39 Steps, A Night at the Opera, Black Fury, and The Bride of Frankenstein. Notes: SPOILERS - we talk through the full plots of all the movies we cover.Timestamps are approximate:7:00 - Bracket Set-Up7:10 - Round 1 Match-Ups and Deciding Winners and Losers16:00 - Naughty Marietta22:45 - Captain Blood29:45 - Ruggles of Red Gap37:02 - The Lives of a Bengal Lancer43:40 - David Copperfield50:10 - Alice Adams1:00:15 - The Informer1:10:10 - The 39 Steps1:19:45 - Best of the Worst & Worst of the Worst1:21:15 - Next Time--------------------------Want to know what episode we're currently prepping and suggest non-nominees that we should watch? Check us out on instagram at oscarswrongpod

In this episode, Alex had the opportunity to sit down with Jonathan Ruggles, the Director of Partnerships at Flip.to. They discuss three key points in hospitality marketing: building your digital presence on your own land, leveraging guest-generated content and audiences, and the power of being a first mover in adopting innovative strategies. Alex shares insights from her experience in the vacation rental industry, emphasizing the importance of owning data, creating authentic interactions, and staying ahead of the competition. Key Takeaways:

At some point along your child's road to recovery, you will almost certainly need to make some difficult decisions about treatment. If they're an adolescent, this becomes an even more complicated decision. And while I do have some personal experience with treatment, it's been 9 years since my son went to a wilderness program and residential treatment, and a lot has changed since then.My guest on today's episode is Trish Ruggles, a licensed clinical professional counselor and therapeutic educational consultant with 15 years experience. She has intimate, on-the-ground knowledge of the wide spectrum of mental health and substance use treatment, and works with families to match the right treatment setting with a young person's therapeutic and academic needs.If you're a parent of an adolescent who is looking into treatment options (or you know someone who is), or just want to learn what the options are for future reference, this information will be absolute gold. By the time you're done listening, you will have a broad overview of nearly every option there is, the strengths and weaknesses of each, and professional advice about which might be right for your adolescent child.The podcast is now part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community: www.hopestreamcommunity.orgLearn about The Stream, our private online community for moms, at www.hopestreamcommunity.org/the-stream/Find us on Instagram: @hopestreamcommunityDownload my free e-book, HINDSIGHT: Three Things I Wish I Knew When My Son Was Misusing Drugs: www.brendazane.com/hindsightJoin my email list: www.brendazane.com/email

You've probably written your fair share of sales pages. But how are they converting?If the answer is “not as well as I'd like it to!” then you're in luck. Because the gifted Annie Ruggles is BACK this week with a special bonus episode where she breaks down exactly what to do to write a sales page that actually convertsWhen you listen, you'll learnThe surprising reason why most sales pages flopThe secret to a sales page that actually makes people want to buyThe truth about testimonials: how to use them, and what to avoidThe brilliant “sandwich hack” that will increase clicks on every buy button (and much more!)Episode Links:Get your FREE Sales Page Audit @anniepreneurWebsitePodcast_____________ Liked this episode? Share it with a friend.Love the show? Write a 5-star review (even just one sentence helps us keep bringing you the content you want to hear.)Want to launch a Top 100 podcast of your own? Register for our next live workshop: Insider Secrets to a Top 100 PodcastPrivate Podcast Feed: Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast Join 1500+ entrepreneurs and get access to the weekly Own Your Voice digital newsletter with cutting-edge insider tips on starting and growing a top-ranked podcast so you can create the greater influence, income, and impact you deserve. Connect with Courtney: Website Instagram Linked In