Podcasts about Russia

Show schedule: The show begins in the subcontinent, watching the IDF reduce Iran's offense and defense weaponry... 1896 BLACKSMITH WORKS, TEHRAN CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9:00-9:15 Pakistan: Siding with Iran. Bill Roggio, FDD. Husain Haqqani, Hudson Institute. 9:15-9:30 Minnesota: Domestic terror political violence. Bill Roggio. 9:30-9:45 Iran: The challenge of Fordow. David Daoud, Bill Roggio, FDD. 9:45-10:00 Lebanon, Gaza: No sign of entering Iran conflict. David Daoud, Bill Roggio, FDD. SECOND HOUR 10:00-10:15 Iran: The weaponization. Malcolm Hoenlein @conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1 @thadmccotter @theamgreatness 10:15-10:30 Iran: Asking Qatar and Saudi Arabia to broker talks with the US to contain Israel's plans. Malcolm Hoenlein @conf_of_pres @mhoenlein1 @thadmccotter @theamgreatness 10:30-10:45 Ukraine: 500% sanctioning Russia's suppliers and clients. John Hardie, Bill Roggio, FDD. 10:45-11:00 Ukraine: Sanctioning the shadow fleet. John Hardie, Bill Roggio, FDD. THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 Syria: Al-Sharaa and the Iraq and Iran threat. Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio, FDD. 11:15-11:30 Iraq: Kataib Hezbollah and the condemnation of al-Sharaa and al-Qaeda. 11:30-11:45 Golden Dome: PRC condemns and why. Peter Huessy, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. 11:45-12:00 Iran: Overview of the IAD campaign. Blaine Holt, @gordongchang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill. FOURTH HOUR 12:00-12:15 #NewWorldReport: Lula da Silva and Iran warships, 2023. Joseph Humire @jmhumire @securefreesoc. Ernesto Araujo, former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #newworldreporthumire 12:15-12:30 #NewWorldReport: Lula da Silva and JBS beef exporters. Joseph Humire @jmhumire @securefreesoc. Ernesto Araujo, former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #newworldreporthumire 12:30-12:45 1/2: Iran: Updating "The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy," by Brandon Weichert. 12:45-1:00 AM 2/2: Iran: Updating "The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy," by Brandon Weichert.

UKRAINE: 500% SANCTIONING RUSSIA'S SUPPLIERS AND CLIENTS, JOHN HARDIE, BILL ROGGIO, FDD 1840 KYIV

A British man hadn't seen his Russian wife for nearly five years. The Soviets repeatedly refused to allow him into the USSR, and they denied her request to leave. He became so desperate that he decided to risk his life to see her. Would he survive? There are two videos on YouTube about this story: Brian Grover Home at Last (1939) (British Pathé) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fJVeQbmjRY Mr. Grover and His Wife Return Home (British Movietone) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXfJgbTvOIQ Images, links, and transcripts for this podcast can be found at https://uselessinformation.org/to-russia-for-love-podcast-242/ You can follow the Useless Information Podcast on these platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uselessinformationpodcast X (Twitter): https://t.co/7pV2H8iXJV Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/FlipSideofHistory/ The Useless Information Podcast is a member of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit https://www.airwavemedia.com/ to listen to more great podcasts just like this one. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Trump cuts G7 trip short as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies " "Sirens blare again in Tel Aviv as Tehran launches its ninth wave of retaliatory missile strikes after Israel initiated a conflict against Iran by targeting nuclear sites, strategic positions, and assassinating Iranian scientists and high-ranking officials. The United States, Israel's main backer, expressed support for Tel Aviv's attacks while urging Iran to come to the table for diplomatic talks. US President Donald Trump repeatedly warned Iran of grave consequences if the fighting continues. He cut short his G7 meeting in Canada and returned to Washington late Monday to address the situation between Iran and Israel. Responding to media questions about his early departure, he said, “This is big stuff.” " Israeli police target journalists, seize media gear "Meanwhile, Israeli police raided media offices in Haifa, including TRT Arabi and Al Ghad TV, seizing equipment under orders from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Citing ""state security,"" Ben-Gvir pushed for a crackdown on foreign broadcasts, following live coverage of a missile strike on Haifa's oil refinery during Iran's June 15 retaliatory attack. Operations at the damaged refinery remain suspended. Journalists have been summoned for statements as tensions flare over media censorship." "Israel kills dozens of Palestinians, wounds hundreds in food line " "At least 50 Palestinians were killed on Monday by Israeli fire at the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid site in Rafah, Palestinian officials report. Medics say 200 people were wounded while trying to access food under Israel's controversial new distribution system. Since late May, Israel has killed more than 300 Palestinians and wounded nearly 3,000 near aid sites. Palestine has documented more than fifty-five-thousand-four-hundred Palestinian deaths after Israel started a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023. " Russia, Ukraine complete fifth body swap under Istanbul deal "Russia and Ukraine have completed their fifth exchange of fallen soldiers' bodies following a recent deal in Istanbul. Moscow returned the remains of one-thousand-two-hundred-forty-eight Ukrainian servicemen, while Kiev handed over fifty-one Russian bodies, bringing the total exchanged to six-thousand-sixty from Russia and seventy-eight from Ukraine. Both sides confirmed ongoing prisoner swaps and urgent medical transfers for the wounded, underscoring fragile but crucial cooperation amid continued conflict." "Baykar and Leonardo form joint venture for next-gen drones" "In a landmark deal unveiled at the 55th Paris Air Show, Turkish defence giant Baykar and Italy's aerospace titan Leonardo launched a joint venture — LBA Systems — to spearhead next-gen unmanned systems. Baykar Chairman Selchuk Bayraktar lauded Türkiye's defence strides, while Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani stressed Europe's urgent “drone gap.” Production is set to kick off swiftly, with plans to deploy drones on Italian Navy aircraft carriers by year's end—fortifying European defence and NATO's eastern flank."

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe green new scam narrative has fallen apart, they can't keep the story straight anymore. The people are starting to realize that the illegals in this country was being used as slave labor, the question is why, it all goes back to the [CB]. People are now starting to catch on that something is wrong, soon they will see the full picture. Obama put his plan into place, he was dividing the country, infiltrating the country and expanding the muslim brotherhood across the globe. The [DS] setup shop in various countries where they laundered their money. Those countries were controlled by the [DS] players. Now Trump is reversing everything that Obama has done. The [DS] is being eradicated and he has help from Putin. Obama pushed Russia out of trade, Trump is about to reverse all of this. The people will be brought to the precipice once they see it all play out, only then will they insist on change.   Economy https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1934638383088976069 can't make this up... https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1934617503776350610 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/1934375475469840684 this has been the scam in California for decades. They all work under the table and collect our benefits https://twitter.com/MeriwetherFarms/status/1934285015992385993   Explain to us how federal USDA inspectors at corporate packing plants that hire illegal immigrants allow that to happen. They are federal agents, Are they complicit in the packers breaking the law? The whole industry is corrupt and needs to be overhauled. It's time for honest leadership at the USDA.   https://twitter.com/drawandstrike/status/1934331182998557074  this is true. THEY IMPORTED A NEW SLAVE CLASS TO WORK FOR SUPER-DUPER-LOW-WAGES that survive on low wages + a shit-ton of FEDERAL TAX PAYER AID. "Oh no...you CAN'T deport our newly installed slave class! Why, that would tank our entire local economy, if we have to start hiring American citizens!" they cried! Let Trump cook. Let him continue to draw them out into the open. https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1934611259208479088 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1934612261957734437   https://twitter.com/wideawake_media/status/1934529849986539907 Rand Paul Says What Could Make Him a ‘Yes' on Trump's ‘Big, Beautiful Bill' Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said Sunday on NBC's “Meet the Press” that if President Donald Trump's “big, beautiful bill” were to “separate out the debt ceiling,” then he would vote in favor of it. “I talked to the president last evening after the parade, and we're trying to get to a better place in our conversations. I've let him know that I'm not an absolute no. I can be a yes,” Paul said. “I like the tax cuts. I actually agree with Art Laffer and the supply siders that a lot of times we cut rates.” “We actually get more revenue, so I don't have as much trouble with the tax cuts. I think there should be more spending cuts, but if they want my vote, they'll have to negotiate because I don't want to vote to raise the debt ceiling $5 trillion,” Paul added. “Congress is awful with money, and so you should give them a more restricted credit line,

In late 1910 and early 1911, a band of impulsive Latvian radicals fleeing persecution in Russia unleashed a wave of violence in London that left three policemen dead and part of a quiet city block in ruins. The siege that followed would not only transform British law enforcement but also mark a turning point in media history, as cameras captured the chaos in real time. "Crimes of the Centuries" is a podcast from Grab Bag Collab exploring forgotten crimes from times past that made a mark and helped change history. You can get early and ad-free episodes on the Grab Bag Patreon page.  DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CRIMES OF THE CENTURIES BOOK!  Order today at www.centuriespod.com/book (https://www.centuriespod.com/book)! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @centuriespod Episode Sponsors: Cornbread Hemp. Right now, Crimes Of The Centuries listeners can save 30% off their first order and enjoy free shipping on orders over $75! Head to cornbreadhemp.com/COTC and use code COTC at checkout. Cornbread Hemp: This is the good life. ButcherBox. Right now, ButcherBox is offering our listeners $20 off their first box and free protein for a year. Go to ButcherBox.com/cotc to get this limited time offer and free shipping always. Remi. Go to shopremi.com/COTC and use code COTC at checkout for 50% off. Galatea. Right now, Galatea is offering our listeners an extra 25% off on top of an already-irresistibly-affordable subscription when you go to GALATEA.COM/COTC.

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHThe movie kicks off with an IMF agent running on a roof, shooting back at people. He jumps off and lands on a inflatable and somehow doesn't stick around to jump on it. He spots his target but it's too late - she shoots him first. Tough break. Cut to Ethan Hunt. He's in a Moscow prison. Suddenly, Dean Martin begins to play over the loud speaker and his cell is unlocked. It's all Benji. He's outside in a truck watching on the camera. For some reason, Ethan doesn't go through the next open door. Instead, he goes to free someone and take him with him and Benji and very confused. But it works. They get to the room, the floor explodes and they escape.  Ethan knew that dude was his informer would be tortured and killed, so he rescued him and granted him his freedom. Jane is new and she tells Ethan that guy at the beginning of the movie was Agent Hanaway and he was killed while intercepting a routine courier drop. The courier was carrying Russian nuclear launch codes & these were now in the hands of the assassin that killed him. Hunt knows that IMF has been looking for an extremist, code name Cobalt. Cobalt is known to have a nuclear device and with the theft of the launch codes, his identity is now top priority for the IMF.  Cobalt was a nuclear strategist for Russian intelligence. So Ethan has to go to Russia to break into the secret Kremlin archives and locate files identifying Cobalt. Easy right? Well apparently Cobalt is already on his way to the Kremlin, which gives Ethan 5 hours to complete his mission. This mission is going great but when he gets to the archives, he finds out that what he needs is already missing. Then someone taps into the IMF frequency and their cover is blown. So Ethan aborts the mission. Suddenly, a bomb destroys the Kremlin which knocks Ethan out and he awkes up in a Russian hospital. He finds out that he is now a wanted man, so he has to escape.  The IMF picks Ethan up and catch him up to speed but their vehicle is attacked. One dude dies but another dude named William Brandt survives with Ethan. He finds out that the Russians have called the attack an undeclared act of war and the US president activates "Ghost Protocol",  which disavows the entire IMF.  Based on Ethan's description of who he saw in the Kremlin with a briefcase, they identifies Cobalt as Kurt Hendricks. They believe Hendricks bombed the Kremlin and got the Russian nuclear launch-control device, and now needs its codes from the Dubai. So off to Dubai they go! Ethan has to hack the server room. Obviously the only way to do that is from the outside with him using these special gloves hundreds of stories in the air. The plan is to make Wistrom, who is there on Hendricks behalf, believe he is getting the real codes, which are actually from Ethan and Brandt who are with the actual real codes in another room acting like they're the buyers. It's a whole thing. The plan is going great until the code women realizes that Brandt is taking pictures with his eyes. Wistom is getting away, so Ethan chases him into a sand storm. Turns out, Wistom is just Hendricks in a mask and he gets away! This is bad news.  The team is all mad at each other. Hendricks got away and Jane accidentally kicked the seller out of a window. Whoops. It's at this point that Ethan accuses Brandt of keeping secrets from them because his fighting skills show that he's not just an analyst. Brandt admits he used to be an agent on the field. He was actually security detail to Ethan and his wife Julia. Julia was killed by a Serbian hit squad, prompting Ethan to pursue and kill them before he was caught by the Russians and sent to prison, where he was at the beginning of the movie. Brandt blames himself and never wanted to be out on the field again.  They get word on where Henricks is going to be next. So off to Mumbai they go. They go to a party being thrown by Indian telecommunications guru. They believe he has struck a deal with Henricks and that he's going to use his sattelite. So Brandt breaks into the server room to take the satellite offline while Jane gets hot shot tech guy to reveal the satellite override code.  But Hendricks takes the servers offline before they can finish the plan. He fires a nuclear missile on San Francisco from a Russian submarine which would look like retaliation for the Kremlim bombing. The only way to stop the missile is via the abort sequence on the launch device that Hendricks is carrying. Hunt pursues Hendricks and the launch device while the other team-members attempt to bring the broadcast station back online so that the abort command will transmit. Hunt and Hendricks fight over the launch-control and he's able to hit the button and the power turns back on with 1 second to spare. No Nuclear war today! Plus, the IMF is proved innocent.  The team comes together to celebrate and he gives them all a new mission. Brandt refuses at first until Ethan explains that Julia isn't actually dead, it was all a cover, so he doesn't have to worry about it. Off to the next mission they go. 

PREVIEW: Colleague John Hardie of FDD recommends the EU press sanctions against Russia in order to remove the so-called Shadow Fleet of aged, unsafe or uninsurable oil tankers from the conflict. More later. 1958

The conversation focuses on a single father navigating a complex separation from his Russian wife, highlighting the challenges of co-parenting across borders. The father recounts filing for separation amid conflicts over their child's custody, including the mother's attempts to take the child to Russia, which violated a court order. After a failed escape attempt, he gained sole custody, prompting reflections on the emotional toll on his son. The father discusses the need to break cycles of dysfunction, including addressing his past struggles with alcohol, and emphasizes his commitment to fostering a healthy, stable environment for his child despite ongoing legal issues.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Day 1,209.Today, after Russia launches a combined missile and drone attack against Kremenchuk – right in the centre of Ukraine – we consider an intelligence operation in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad which caused $5 million worth of damage. Then we hear about a new play that has just opened in London about Ukraine's experience, after a deep dive into how Moscow hired African farmers to make shampoo, before sending them to war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Ben Farmer (Africa correspondent). @benfarmer on X.With thanks to Josephine Burton and Simeon Kylsyi at Dash Arts.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Content Referenced:‘The Reckoning' at the Arcola Theatre until 28th June:https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/the-reckoning/ You can learn more and contact the team at:https://www.dasharts.org.uk/contact Russia hired African farmers to make shampoo, then sent them to war (Ben Farmer in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/09/russia-sent-african-shampoo-makers-die-ukraine-front-line/ The Russia affair in the Swiss secret service (Swiss Info):https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/foreign-affairs/the-russia-affair-in-the-swiss-secret-service/89461415 How Russia recruited a teenage Canadian spy (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/europe-espionage-teen-spy/ Ukrainian intelligence agents attack Russian substation causing $5 million in damage (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/hur-agents-ignite-substation-in-russias-kaliningrad-in-sabotage-operation/ Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Igor Shaltanov is the founder and managing partner of Avista Fund, a Southern California-based real estate investment firm focused on income-generating multifamily properties. A former professional athlete turned entrepreneur, Igor has led Avista since 2015, raising capital and acquiring over 3,050 units valued at $483.5MM. The firm is committed to conservative underwriting, rigorous due diligence, and providing investors with strategic access to U.S. real estate through a values-driven approach.   Here's some of the topics we covered:   From Russia to the U.S. and Why Igor Never Looked Back The Stock Market Lesson That Cost More Than Expected The Real Reason You Need the Right Partner in Business What You Should Look For In a Partner How Igor Found His First Deal and What Went Totally Wrong Why Investing in California Might Be a Trap Self Storage Secrets Most Investors Never Learn The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything   To find out more about partnering or investing in a multifamily deal: Text Partner to 72345 or email Partner@RodKhleif.com    For more about Rod and his real estate investing journey go to www.rodkhleif.com   Please Review and Subscribe  

Iran's state TV channel has been attacked by Israel. Officials have released new information on the Minnesota shootings. President Donald Trump has criticized the G7 for ousting Russia 11 years ago. We explain why the Persian-language operations are back up and running at Voice of America. Plus, we'll tell you why the Louvre has shut its doors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The future of warfare is now, and we're not paying attention. Russia struck by covert Ukrainian operatives to launch drone swarms to target strategic military targets from within Russia, using modified trucks inside Russia to get close to military bases.   Iran struck by covert Israeli operatives to launch drone swarms to target strategic military targets from within Iran, using modified trucks inside Iran to get close to military bases.   China has been buying land near U.S. military bases, they have infiltrated an estimated 100k military-aged Chinese across our border, and China is the largest drone manufacturer in the world.   Are we paying attention? 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Tomorrow I will be posting my Birthday numbers… Squat over 600, deadlift over 600 and Bench over 600…. Just kidding… Maybe 350…? Maybe But look for me on my social media accounts…      Episode 1528… yes that is correct.. with over 130K listeners just that I can track and on over 10 different radio stations and heard in USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, United Arabe Emirtes, Czech Republic, Denmark, Indonesia, Iraq, Netherlands, Russia, XK, Australia…    A lot of people have reached out and wanted me to give my take on the War in Israel with Iran… as far as hard and fast details that are not tainted by the US media go to Tipping Point USA with Jimmy Evans and also Amir Tsarfati on Telegram…and make sure it is the official one and not a fake account… BUT here is my take - We understand that from here on out Israel will not lose another war until the battle of Armageddon when the whole world comes against Israel… Israel will cry out to God and Jesus will return on a white horse and crush the enemy…   But what I do know more than ever is we should be praying for the salvation of all those involved… yes praying for the salvation of the jewish nation and all Jews around the world but also praying for people and countries. Including Iran, Iraq and all of the middle east. Praying for Muslims that they might come to the full knowledge  and understanding  of who Christ is. That is what is most important. Thats my take.   But with that… it reminds me of Jonah. You know the story… (tell story)   When Jonah does return he does not preach the full extent of scripture…. He only tells them they are doomed for their sin. The city of Nineveh figures it out themselves… they repent. But here is the kicker… Jonah's actions did not match his heart. In chapter 4 Jonah laments that his worst fear actually happened…  Chapter 4:1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. 3 Just kill me now, Lord! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”   Jonah understood Gods Holiness, he understood the price of sin, he understood Gods mercy and grace… What he didn't understand was the cost and ramification of his own sin.    Forgive our enemies is not natural… it has to be supernatural.  LOVE our Enemies is Transformational! 

Christian Ray Flores has led a very unique life. Christian was born in Moscow, Russia and by the time he was nine, he had lived in four countries and spoke four languages. When he was fourteen, he was back in Russia and in 1991, he received his master's degree in Economics. Then in 1993, he entered the music entertainment industry as a singer and became an immediate success. One of his songs became an anthem for the political campaign of Boris Yeltsin. Christian met his wife Deb while at an event in Los Angeles and he told Paul that he pursued her. She moved to Russia a few months later and they were married about nine months after they met. Christian and Deb were ready for a change and moved to United States in 2004. Paul and Christian talked about all the many things they have done over the years, what he is doing now and how they have made their home in Austin, Texas.

Relations between Iran and Israel are deteriorating rapidly, with comparisons being drawn to Israel's 1981 strike on Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be advocating for regime change in Tehran, reportedly encouraging the United States to take military action. Donald Trump, who previously came close to authorising a strike, is now said to be more cautious – mindful of the risks of exposing American forces abroad and being drawn into another protracted conflict, contrary to the non-interventionist platform on which he was elected. The Iranian regime, built on a foundation of resistance, is responding to Israel's attacks while also expanding its network of regional proxies, which now extends as far as South America and east Africa. Iran is believed to be only weeks away from producing weapons-grade uranium, meaning that failure to institute regime change may lead Tehran to accelerate its nuclear ambitions – particularly if tensions are eased while the current regime remains in power.Russia, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a strategic disruptor. By maintaining dialogue with both Tehran and Jerusalem, Moscow retains influence over developments without aligning itself fully with either side. Although it has refrained from supplying Iran with its most advanced military technology, its ambiguous stance offers it significant leverage. While global energy prices have thus far remained stable, the possibility of disruption cannot be discounted. Cautious but alert, the Gulf states are keen to avoid direct involvement. The broader question now facing the international community is whether diplomacy can contain the crisis – or whether the region is edging closer to a far more serious and destabilising confrontation.To discuss the conflict, Freddy Gray speaks to Owen Matthews and Charlie Gammell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's Look Ahead Podcast, sponsored by HII, Byron Callan of the independent Washington research firm Capital Alpha Partners joins Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian discuss Israel's attack on Iran and whether the long-planned strikes will stop Tehran's drive to acquire nuclear weapons; the trade deal between Washington and Beijing; the budget outlook as lawmakers build a national budget, and what happens if efforts to craft a reconciliation package fail; takeaways from hearings including on the F-35 Lightning II; additional thoughts on Ukraine's Operation Spider Web attacks on Russia; and a look at the week ahead.

In this episode, we break down how loyalty, when unchecked, can quietly sabotage your growth, your peace, and your business. From underperforming staff and draining clients to outdated strategies and trauma bonds, learn how to spot the difference between genuine commitment and emotional captivity. If you have ever felt worn out by people you care about or stuck in roles you did not sign up for, this one is for you.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance.In this episode, Peter Mansfield is joined by Heidi McCormack, CEO at Emerald Life, to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry, focusing on the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Heidi shares her journey from working in Russia to co-founding Emerald Life, an insurance company dedicated to addressing the needs of diverse populations. They explore the barriers to insurance uptake, the discriminatory practices within the industry, and the innovative steps Emerald Life is taking to create inclusive products and services. The discussion also touches on the importance of feedback and continuous improvement in serving their customer base. In this conversation, Peter Mansfield and Heidi McCormack discuss the evolving landscape of community and inclusion within the insurance industry, emphasizing the importance of diversity, addressing unconscious bias, and the future of insurance products. They explore how businesses can champion equity and the necessity of compassion in customer interactions.We hope you enjoyed this episode, if you did please subscribe to be notified when new episodes release.keywords insurance, diversity, inclusion, LGBTQ+, underinsurance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Within the Trump administration, Richard Grenell is a jack of all trades. When he's not acting in a diplomatic capacity as special presidential envoy, he's also running one of DC's most esteemed arts institutions, the Kennedy Center. “Everyone should be welcome. No one should be booed. No one should be banned,” Grenell tells Politico's Dasha Burns in a wide-ranging interview in the Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer. Grenell explains why he thinks “the intolerance is coming from the left,” and why “the gay community has to police itself” at Pride parades. Grenell also sheds light on the Trump administration's talks with Russia, immigration enforcement, his potential run for California Governor, and his friendship with First Lady Melania Trump.  Grenell also responds to reports that ticket sales and subscriptions have dropped at the Kennedy Center. Grenell calls those reports “wrong.” Read the statements from the Kennedy Center's CFO here and its SVP of Marketing here.  Plus, senior political reporter Melanie Mason joins Burns to talk about the immigration protests in Los Angeles and how California Governor Gavin Newsom is leading the fight against President Trump's military intervention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our news wrap Sunday, world leaders prepare to meet at the G7 summit in Canada which begins Monday, President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces recaptured a village near the border with Russia, organizers say millions of demonstrators attended nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests, and Trump’s military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday took place on Saturday. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week on Face the Nation, the shocking shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers spark new fears of political violence and in the escalating war between Israel and Iran, can the U.S. avoid further involvement? A massive manhunt is underway after a gunman authorities say posed as a police officer shot two Minnesota lawmakers, killing one and injuring another. We have the latest. As the back and forth between Israel and Iran picks up in its intensity with no end in sight, is there any way to de-escalate tensions in the Mideast before the situation worsens?  The Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Tom Cotton tells us how the conflict will develop in the days ahead. Then, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, appear together to discuss their bipartisan effort to punish Russia with crushing sanctions as that country continues their bombardment of Ukraine. Los Angeles is still the epicenter of protests and unrest following the White House mandate to ramp up deportations of people in the country illegally, will the President's softening of that order ease the situation?  We talk with California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla, who was briefly detained following an attempt to interrupt Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference in Los Angeles last week. 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

Laurent remembers vividly his trip to Sofia Bulgaria in winter 2009 when the Russian had cut the gas for Bulgaria during a -15C winter. Russia was already playing hard ball because of (guess what) a financial disagreement with Ukraine. The blackmail lasted 3 weeks, and the poor Bulgarians were cutting the trees from their equivalent of Hyde Park or Central Park not to freeze to death.    Lots of progress has been made since then, and Eastern Europe is an emerging bright spot of development for Renewables. It is not just about Economics but also about Security of Supply. We bring in Dimitar Enchev, Cofounder & CEO Europe at CWP - a global renewable energy company, behind some of the largest projects in Southeast Europe.  CWP has been active since 2007 and developed the largest projects in Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, including Europe's largest onshore wind farm for 10 years – a 600MW project in Romania and has now partnered with Mercuria, one of the largest energy trading houses in the world. They discuss how Eastern Europe felt the largest blunt of Russia's Energy War and how they have been accustomed to living, surviving and thriving with a hostile and aggressive neighbour, always prompt to weaponize energy. Is Europe “bringing a knife to a gunfight” when it comes to countering Russia?We explain how opportunities have risen from this difficult environment and how the decorrelation of wind and solar between the East and West of the Continent, and a continuous integration with the global European Grid creates significant investment opportunities. It is about Transmission, Resilience, Hybridization and digitization.

In the first half, I explore what the eruption of open conflict between Israel and Iran means for Russia. Will Putin be tempted to throw Iran under the bus? He certainly has much more scope and reason to do so than in 2022-24.In the second half, I climb onto my soapbox to consider -- criticise -- some recent rhetoric about the Russian threat and bemoan the lack of dialogue, especially military-to-military contacts, with praise for the wargame Littoral Commander: the Baltics (Dietz Foundation) and David Fields & Robert Avery's book The Royal And Russian Navies. Cooperation, Competition & Confrontation (Manchester UP). The Spectator piece I mentioned is here.The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

In our news wrap Sunday, world leaders prepare to meet at the G7 summit in Canada which begins Monday, President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces recaptured a village near the border with Russia, organizers say millions of demonstrators attended nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests, and Trump’s military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday took place on Saturday. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week on The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen is joined by Dr. William Potter to explore the escalating risks and eroding norms surrounding nuclear weapons in today's fractured global order. As traditional arms control mechanisms falter and new technologies complicate deterrence, Dr. Potter outlines the mounting dangers of miscalculation, norm erosion, and geopolitical mistrust in nuclear decision-making.Drawing on decades of firsthand experience, from every NPT Review Conference since 1995 to advising the United Nations, Dr. Potter walks us through critical developments including Russia's nuclear signaling, China's evolving posture, and the destabilizing potential of non-state actors. From radiological weapons to AI-enabled crisis simulations, this conversation highlights how fragile the global nuclear architecture has become, and what it will take to rebuild trust and transparency.Dr. William Potter is the Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies and Founding Director of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at MIIS. He has served on the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters and participated in every major NPT negotiation since 1995. He is the author or editor of over 20 books, including his latest: Death Dust: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs.Related Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Book: Death Dust: The Rise, Decline, and Future of Radiological Weapons Programs (Stanford Universityi Press, 2023).The International Risk Podcast is a must-listen for senior executives, board members, and risk advisors. This weekly podcast dives deep into international relations, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities. Hosted by Dominic Bowen, Head of Strategic Advisory at one of Europe's top risk consulting firms, the podcast brings together global experts to share insights and actionable strategies.Dominic's 20+ years of experience managing complex operations in high-risk environments, combined with his role as a public speaker and university lecturer, make him uniquely positioned to guide these conversations. From conflict zones to corporate boardrooms, he explores the risks shaping our world and how organisations can navigate them.The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge. Follow us on LinkedIn  and Instagram for all our great updates.Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly briefs.Tell us what you liked!

Paul W. Werth, How Russia Got Big: A Territorial History (Bloomsbury, 2025) “Even people who know little about Russia know that it is big.” Thus Paul Werth begins his forthcoming book, How Russia Got Big: A Territorial History. The geographical expanse of the Russian Empire—known since the eighteenth century to span 1/6 of the earth—has been widely marveled upon. Scholars have explained Russia's size variously: an urge to the sea; a search for natural borders in landscapes lacking them; entrepreneurial happenstance; an insatiable hunger for conquest and more territory; a special world-historical mission. Explanations and answers, especially given Russia's invasion of its sovereign neighbor, Ukraine, are highly charged. In this small book on a big topic, Werth assembles a rivetingly concise account of what constituted the territory of Muscovy, the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation when. The result is a startlingly refreshing synthesis that sets him up to consider the deeper ‘hows' and ‘whys' of Russian expansion and longevity. Among multiple constructive insights, Werth's analysis lays bare numerous ways in which sovereignty can be more gray than black and white—thought-provoking circumstances he frames as ‘Russia Beyond' and ‘Russia Within'. Listen in on this conversation where we talk about this book slated for release in September 2025. Paul Werth is professor of History at University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In addition to the forthcoming How Russia Got Big, he is the author of four monographs, numerous scholarly articles, and two edited volumes on Imperial Russian history, as well as a textbook. He served as the editor of the journal Kritika: Explorations in Russian and Eurasian Studies for many years. In 2022 he was named a Fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. In the Spring of 2023 he was the Gerhard Casper Fellow at the American Academy in Berlin, and in Spring of 2024, a fellow at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Studies in Uppsala. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/russian-studies

In this episode of Insights into Technology, we dive deep into the dark web of cybersecurity as a new hacker collective takes a surprising aim at Russia in retaliation for geopolitical tensions. Discover how Microsoft is tightening its security belts by blocking over 120 risky email attachments in Outlook, aiming to shield users from malicious threats. We also explore a privacy oversight that left Google scrambling when their 'Find My Device' feature inadvertently became a tool for hackers to reverse-engineer user phone numbers. Join us as we unravel these digital dramas and their profound implications on global cyber landscapes.

In this episode of Insights into Technology, we dive deep into the dark web of cybersecurity as a new hacker collective takes a surprising aim at Russia in retaliation for geopolitical tensions. Discover how Microsoft is tightening its security belts by blocking over 120 risky email attachments in Outlook, aiming to shield users from malicious threats. We also explore a privacy oversight that left Google scrambling when their 'Find My Device' feature inadvertently became a tool for hackers to reverse-engineer user phone numbers. Join us as we unravel these digital dramas and their profound implications on global cyber landscapes.

Joe Tidy is a BBC cybersecurity correspondent, covering hacking, data security, and online safety. Many have either fallen victim personally to a cyberattack or know someone who has. But what exactly is this growing threat? Who's behind it, why are they doing it, and, most importantly, how can you protect yourself? Expect to learn what Scattered Spider is, if teenage hackers are the new digital cartel and why Russia is such a hotbed for hacking, when cyber security attacks will be treated as an act of war, the wild story of the hacker Julius Kivimäki, the fallout from the crowd strike attack the put the world on standstill, if regulation of the dark web and crypto economy will ever evolve past what it is today, and much more… Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Get 35% off your first subscription on the best supplements from Momentous at https://livemomentous.com/modernwisdom Get the brand new Whoop 5.0 at https://join.whoop.com/modernwisdom Get a 20% discount & free shipping on Manscaped's shavers at https://manscaped.com/modernwisdom (use code MODERNWISDOM20) Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Bible in the News is in progress, another dramatic night is exploding in the Middle East. Yemen attacked Israel again. Israel responded with a targeted assassination. The Houthis Chief of Staff and his deputies were assassinated. Israel is responding to Iran’s indiscriminate missile attacks on civilian centers in Israel. Tehran is burning. Welcome to Bible in the News, this is David Billington with you.

This episode of 'The Two Jacks' features Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack discussing a range of topics. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the story of former Victoria Police detective Denis Ryan and his fight for justice against clerical abuse, detailed in the book Unholy Trinity. They also touch upon Australian and international politics, including sectarianism, the current state of the Labor and Green parties, the situation in Tasmania, and US and UK politics with commentary on Elon Musk, the Democrats, and Sir Keir Starmer. The episode concludes with a discussion on sports, specifically AFL, NRL, and cricket.PS - THESE SHOWNOTES ARE AI GENERATED(0:00:33) - Discussion of the life and fight for justice of former Vic Boll police detective Denis Ryan, who sought to prosecute Monsignor John Day for child sex offenses in Mildura in 1972, referencing the book Unholy Trinity.(0:09:31) - The police force's reaction to Denis Ryan's investigation, the "Catholic mafia" stymying the investigation, and Denis being ostracized.(0:17:43) - Joel Hill's encounter with then Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton, and asking him when he would apologize to Denis Ryan, which eventually led to formal apologies and compensation.(0:30:09) - Discussion of Dorinda Cox, former WA Green senator, joining the Labor Party and the political implications.(0:41:03) - Moving on from Australian politics to Elon Musk's unhappiness with a congressional spending bill and related gossip.(0:50:30) - Moving on to Ukraine and their significant win with drones taking out a substantial number of Russia's bomber fleet and the wider implications for the war.(0:55:09) - Moving on to the UK and Sir Keir Starmer's woes, including attacks from within his party and being spooked by the Reform party, and a discussion on immigration issues.(1:07:03) - Moving on to sport, mentioning the Tasmanian Devils AFL team and their reliance on political results in Tasmania, leading into a wider discussion on AFL governance and umpiring issues.(1:20:56) - Moving on to NRL, discussing State of Origin and a listener's lament about the South Sydney Rabbitohs.(1:23:46) - Discussion of PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) winning the Champions League final against Inter Milan and related events.(1:25:38) - Looking ahead to next week, mentioning the Test Championship at Lord's and Virat Kohli's IPL win, and discussing Australian cricket.

How did the communists take power in Russia? How did Franklin Roosevelt prop up the Soviet economy and set the stage for the Cold War? Are communists motivated by a desire for equality, or by darker desires for revenge? Historian Sean McMeekin joins Charlie for a wide-ranging conversation on World War 2, Soviet Russia, Joseph Stalin, and the facts that every American should know about the real history of the 20th century. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joanna Coles is joined by Russian and American Journalist M. Gessen, whose reporting from both Putin's Russia and Trump's America has made them a singular voice on creeping autocracy. Gessen explains why Americans' faith in endless progress is misplaced—and how Trump, like Putin before him, overwhelms the system by attacking everything, everywhere, all at once: courts, media, universities, even law firms. They argue that the biggest danger isn't sudden collapse, but slow adaptation—that Americans are already getting used to living in a crumbling democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#616: Two school teachers in Ohio saved their entire lives for one dream — buying a farm. When they inherited $1.3 million and found the perfect property for $1.2 million, everything seemed perfect. Five days before closing, they received what looked like a legitimate email from their closing company with wire transfer instructions. They sent the money and showed up at closing, only to discover they'd been scammed. The email was fake, sent by hackers who had infiltrated the closing company's servers for months, waiting for exactly this type of high-value cash deal. That story comes from cybersecurity expert Dr. Eric Cole, who joins us to explain why ordinary people have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Cole, a former CIA hacker who served as cybersecurity commissioner under President Barack Obama and advises high-profile clients including Bill Gates' personal estate, has a message: if you think you're too small to be targeted, you're wrong. While billion-dollar companies deploy teams of 60 cybersecurity professionals, you have virtually no protection. Criminals know this. They're not trying to steal $100 million from one person anymore — they're stealing $50 from thousands of people every month. You probably won't notice the small amounts vanishing from your accounts. Cole calls it "death by a thousand cuts," and it's happening right now. We talk through the most common attacks targeting your money. Bank hacking is simpler than most people realize. All criminals need is your account number — printed on every check you write — and your password. With that information, they can often perform electronic fund transfers of up to 50 percent of your account balance without triggering alerts. Cole explains how phishing schemes have evolved beyond simple email scams. Criminals now use artificial intelligence to mimic voices, calling grandparents with their grandchild's actual voice asking for bail money. Ransomware has become a massive business operation. Cole describes a company in Russia with 700 employees whose entire business model is encrypting people's files and demanding payment. Cole advocates for going old-school on major financial transactions. When buying real estate, he meets face-to-face, brings certified checks, and refuses to trust email wire instructions. For daily security, he recommends turning on two-factor authentication for every account, setting up instant notifications for any account activity, and dramatically reducing the number of apps on your devices. We also cover the China-TikTok connection, secure messaging options, and why Cole helped configure President Obama's smartphone to connect to fake cell towers that masked his actual location. Cole's bottom line: cybersecurity isn't just for tech companies anymore. Criminals are targeting ordinary people because we're easier prey than heavily protected corporations. Your money is under threat. Here's how to protect it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PREVIEW: Colleague Anatol Lieven reports that the Arctic Council has suspended Russia which possesses the largest territory of the Arctic Circle. More. 1770 GREENLAND

RUSSIA: DISCOUNTED CRUDE OIL FALLING INTO THE 40S. MICHAEL BERNSTAM, HOOVER. 1890

Karen Dukess's first book, The Last Book Party, was wildly successful by any measure—sold at auction, Indie Next pick, Discover New Writers pick… you probably read it. The second…Didn't sell. Not as in, not very many people bought it but as in, no publisher published it. She spent the requisite couple years or so, her agent signed on but… no takers. She felt like she was the only person in the whole entire world that that happened to… until she started asking around. Turns out, you know how people say writing books is hard? And publishing is tough? They're right!Never fear, Karen lived to tell the tail. Her next novel (do we call it second or third?), Welcome to Murder Week, is wonderful and available in a bookstore near you (and as you'll hear, I loved it and it's the perfect page-turner but not-anxiety-producing read for a swimming pool, beach, airplane ride or couch). But the real joy is that Karen is willing to dish. You'll hear:What happens when you want to be a bullet journal sticker getting writer with your butt in the chair but you're just … not.How to have fun writing a book that maybe no one will want (and why you'd better).How Karen found the right mindset to keep going.Karen's one rule as a beginning writer who couldn't quite get the hang of 1000 words a day. Links from the Pod:LauraPaloozaKaren Dukess, The Last Book PartyZibby EventsThe Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray#AmReadingKaren: The Original, Nell Stevens KJ: Welcome to Murder WeekKaren's Substack Keep Calm and Carry On, a Substack from Karen Dukess or find her on Instagram @karendukess, or her website www.karendukess.comDid you know Sarina's latest thriller is out NOW? Rowan Gallagher is a devoted single mother and a talented architect with a high-profile commission restoring an historic mansion for the most powerful family in Maine. But inside, she's a mess. She knows that stalking her ex's avatar all over Portland on her phone isn't the healthiest way to heal from their breakup. But she's out of ice cream and she's sick of romcoms. Watching his every move is both fascinating and infuriating. He's dining out while she's wallowing on the couch. The last straw comes when he parks in their favorite spot on the waterfront. In a weak moment, she leashes the dog and sets off to see who else is in his car. Instead of catching her ex in a kiss, Rowan becomes the first witness to his murder—and the primary suspect.Digital books at: Amazon | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Audible Physical books at: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indigo | More paperback links here!New! Transcript below!EPISODE 452 - TRANSCRIPTJess LaheyHey, it's Jess here. A few years ago, I got to go to Laura Palooza. Laura Palooza is the conference that is run by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association. I was invited because I wrote about Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House on the Prairie books, and at the very beginning of The Gift of Failure, there's a mention in the opening chapter. And I was invited to go, and it was fantastic. And I got to meet Dean Butler, who had played Almanzo, which was quite a moment for me, because I had been quite in love. Anyway, this year's Laura Palooza 2025 is going to be taking place July 8 through 11th, 2025. Laura Palooza 2025's theme is prairies, pioneers and pages. If you want more information on attending Laura Palooza 2025, you can go to L-I-W-L-R-A — L-I-W-L-R-A dot org slash laurapalooza. I will be putting it in the show notes for whatever episode this ends up on, and it's going to be really, really great. I'm jealous that I can't go again because it's not going to be near me. It's going to be in De Smet South, I hope that's how you pronounce it, South Dakota. But they're going to even have, like, a feature on the fashion at the time. They're going to have a section on planes, claims and all those land deals, a beginner's guide to mapping homestead claims. It's going to be cool, challenging gender norms. Laura Ingalls in fiction, and Rose Wilder Lane in reality. Folklore, fiction or forecasts, separating and linking science, storytelling and mythology in weather, lore, that's going to be by Dr. Barb Boustead, who has been on this very podcast. She's fantastic. Laura Palooza 2025... July, you should go, you should sign up. It's really fun. They're going to be doing a field trip also to the Ingalls Homestead, I believe. Check it out. It's pretty cool.Multiple Speakers:Is it recording? Now it's recording, yay. Go ahead. This is the part where I stare blankly at the microphone. I don't remember what I'm supposed to be doing. All right, let's start over. Awkward pause. I'm going to rustle some papers. Okay, now one, two, three.KJ Dell'AntoniaHey, I'm KJ Dell'Antonia, and this is Hashtag AmWriting, the weekly podcast about writing all the things, short things, long things, pitches, proposals, fiction, nonfiction, in short or really actually, usually long. We are the podcast about sitting down and getting your work done. And I am KJ Dell'Antonia. I am the author of a bunch of novels, the most popular of which is The Chicken Sisters, and the most recent is Playing the Witch Card, and you should read them all. And I have with me today a guest that I'm really excited about for a topic that you all are going to love. So, with me today, I have Karen Dukess, and she is the author of The Last Book Party, which you might have read in 2019 because it was unmissable. It was everywhere. It was an Indie Next. It was a Discover New Writers pick, it was...it was all over the place. And that is partly what we're here to talk about today. And we're also here to talk about her new novel, Welcome to Murder Week, which I have just read and enjoyed, but mostly we're here to talk about the six years in between. So, welcome. I am so glad to have you here. So, Karen and I have met in person. We met at a Zibby book event and at an event for the amazing Annabel Monaghan, who also has a book out this summer. The lovely thing about the universe is that nobody reads just one book.Karen DukessThat is true. Thank you.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo, you can be like, yes, read Annabel's book, read my book. Read. I mean, anybody who reads? I mean, yeah, there are people who read just one book, it's probably not going to be ours. Oh, well, people seem to like the Bible. I don't know that's a popular one. See that? A lot around a lot of Crawdads, also see that. Okay, so anyway, tell us what the story of the long six-year journey between your very, very successful debut novel, and what is about to be your very different sophomore novel.Karen DukessSo, I feel like I have an upside-down writing career in that most people write a lot of novels that don't get published before they write a novel that gets published, and mine went backwards. So, The Last Book Party was my first novel, and I wrote it...Didn't... I wrote it, finished it when I was in my early 50's, around 54 -55, spent about four years writing it, and I had done a lot of writing before, then stopping and starting and thinking that. I must not have what it takes, because this is too hard. I didn't realize that novel writing just is hard, and that is the way it is for all but a few unicorn people. So that novel, I was so happy when I finally finished it. I was so satisfied to just finally have written a novel, and I was truly thrilled, and I I felt like, if it doesn't get published, I'll publish it myself. I'm just so happy to have achieved this goal. And then it sold incredibly quickly. It was unbelievable. I mean, it was like beyond my wildest dreams. It went to auction. It sold very quickly for a good advance, and the publishing experience was great, including the fact that they were originally going to publish it in 2020, but they decided to bump it up to 2019 I don't know why. But I was like, sure, I've waited to my 50's to get this book out, like the sooner the better. And then I dodged the bullet of waiting all these years to publish a novel and have it come out during the pandemic. So, the paperback came out in the pandemic, which wasn't great, but I still felt so grateful that I had gotten this book out before then. So, then I started working on my second novel, which later someone had given me some someone, a friend...it might have even been Annabel. Someone gave her the advice that your second novel, don't make it very, very personal. And I kind of wish I had gotten that advice, even though I'm not sure I would have listened to it. But the thing about a second novel, and I don't know if you experienced this, KJ, but if you have success with your first novel, the second novel is scary because you're like, was I a one hit wonder? You know, was it a fluke? Can I do this again? And people would say, well, you know how to write novels now. And I'd be like, no, I know how to write THAT novel. I have no idea how to write another novel. And the novel I wanted to write at that time was drawing on the many years I spent studying and living in Russia and working as a journalist in Russia. I was in Russia in the 90's, and I wrote a novel that was about an American woman's journey in Russia and some American journalists in Russia. But it was set in Russia in 2017 and with flashbacks to the 90's, and it was hard to write. It was not fun. I think I had, like, sitting on my shoulder this sort of like, oh, can she do it again? You know that kind of thing. And I knew that the luck I had the first one, like, you know, I knew it was unlike, unluck, unlikely to be like that again. Plus, I had this sense of like, this is my Russia novel. And even though it wasn't a novel like, directly about Russia, it still was my chance to sort of give my take on things there. So, I think I also had sitting on my shoulder, like all the journalists I know knew in Russia, and people that studied Russia and the real Russia experts, and what were they going to think of my take?KJ Dell'AntoniaOh, yeah.Karen DukessSo it was, it was not writing, sort of like joyfully, it was a tough novel to write. And then it was also, it was fiction, but it was sort of personal, midlife kind of novel. So, there was just a lot of baggage with that novel. And the writing of it was tough, you know, it was just, it took longer than I thought it it just, I just remember a lot of sort of hair pulling, kind of, you know, those writing days. I had a lot of them. I finished it. My agent said he loved it. I don't think he loved it as much as the other two novels I've written, but, you know, he was ready to send it out on submission. But as I was finishing it, I was getting more and more concerned, because I finished it right around when Russia invaded Ukraine. And my novel, which was set in 2017 Russia, now things were so different, and they had been increasingly becoming different. Suddenly it felt very anachronistic, because I wasn't writing with these big current events in mind. Plus, there was this whole kind of like, oh, Russia, yuck, nobody, you know. And I felt that too. So, I was nervous about it, and my agent was like, just finish it. You've spent this much time on it. Let's finish it and see what happens. And so, we sent it out, and the response I got was kind of... Uh not great, you know, it went to my publisher first. They'd write a first refusal, and we're like, this novel. It about American woman in Russia right now, it's just not the right time. And, you know, there may have been other things about the novel as well, but it was kind of a, like, not a good sell. So, we sent it out to maybe five or six more editors, you know, I got lovely rejection letters, you know. Well, I really enjoyed it. This part was so interesting. But, yeah, I don't know, I don't know how to market this novel right now. And it was, you know, it was crushing, of course, but it also kind of echoed my feelings about the novel. The whole thing gave me a knot in my stomach, yeah, so my agent said, well, we haven't really exhausted the possibilities yet. We can send it out another round, or you can revise it, or you can set it aside. And I felt really sure at that point that I just wanted to, I didn't want to keep submitting it. I just felt like not the right time. And it was disappointing, but it was also kind of a relief, because if someone had decided to publish that novel, I think I would have been really nervous for the whole time before it came out.KJ Dell'AntoniaI think the only thing worse than having your second novel not published is having it published to like, you know, universal hatred.Karen DukessYeah exactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaOr just, or just to your own disappointment, you know?Karen DukessYeah. And then there's a long lead time between the time and novel gets accepted and the time it gets published. And to just feel like, nervous that whole time, I just...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessSo, I was relieved and disappointed. And I remember very well thinking like, oh, well, this is what people talk about. When they talk about, you have to be able to deal with rejection as a writer, because I hadn't dealt with it yet. I had been so lucky, and I really had this sense of like, all right, well, now I get to find out if I'm really a writer, like, can I deal with this and or can I not? And so, I was like, I'm going to write something else. But I was determined to write something very, very different. Like, I needed the whole experience to be different, yeah, and it ended up being kind of liberating, because I went on a trip with my sister to England. We went to the Peak District in England for a week. We rented a little cottage, and this was right before the novel went on submission, I think, or maybe right after, maybe it was on submission, I don't know. So, it was around the time when I wasn't feeling good about the novel, but I wasn't sure it was like a dead deal yet. And we had this absolutely fantastic week in the Peak District, where I was my first time traveling in the English countryside. I'd been to London, but I'd never been in the English countryside, and I felt like I was just stepping into the pages of all my favorite English novels, like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. And also, like I was stepping into scenes of every BritBox masterpiece, mystery thing, I had written, you know, think, oh my god, there's a vicar. And just really, I was in a... my sister, we have similar reading tastes, and we were just both in this mood, like everything was just kind of entertaining us, and we were laughing at ourselves for seeing England through all these fictional characters. So, when I came back, I think I came back, and that's when I kind of realized this Russian novel was dead or shortly thereafter. And I thought, okay, I'm going to, I'm going to write something about Americans going to England. I want to continue that mood. And I really felt like, if I'm going to do now that I knew you could spend years writing a novel and have it not get published, which I knew intellectually before, but I didn't, hadn't experienced it. I I just felt like, if I'm going to spend another couple years writing a novel like fun has to be the number one thing. It just has to be fun. I'm like, not going to be miserable again. I can't do something like the Russian novel again. I have to just entertain myself and make myself happy, and hopefully it will entertain other people and make them happy too. And that's how I landed on the idea of sending these writing about Americans that go to England to solve a fake murder mystery, which is what Welcome to Murder Week is about. And I just had such a good time writing it. And I wrote it quicker than I've ever written. I wrote it in a little over a year, and it was honestly delightful. Like, I couldn't believe it. Like, writing could actually be really fun.KJ Dell'AntoniaWho knew? The result is also delightful. It just, it's, it's kind of like every warm and lovely book setting on to you you've ever read. It is it Is that I really enjoyed it, So...Karen DukessI'm so glad.KJ Dell'AntoniaI don't know what the Russian novel was like. That doesn't sound fun.Karen DukessI mean it wasn't really heavy, because I'm not like a heavy writer... like it still had...KJ Dell'AntoniaRight.Karen DukessIn it, and it had emotion, etc., but I'm not sad that it's not out.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessLet's put it that way, yeah. So, yeah, this one was just fun. And I, you know, my initial idea was to send a group of Americans to England. Initially it was going to be a writing group. I like the idea of putting characters together who would not ordinarily know each other, but to have them together in a space and then a friend of mine said, Okay, so that's an idea. You're going to send some writers on a writing retreat to England, and what are they going to do there? Like, write? Like, that's not very interesting. And that's how I, kind of, you know, ended up moving to this thing where I could have them participate in this weeklong, solve a fake English village murder mystery. And I could have, you know, the villagers, some of them participating in this, and some eagerly participating, some cynical and send a bunch of Americans, you know, Britbox crazed Americans, to compete in this thing. And, yeah, that's, that's how it ended up. And it was fun.KJ Dell'AntoniaI, yeah. I mean, it reads like you had fun. I, as someone who has... so Playing the Witch Card has like a big game sort of Halloween event at the center of it. That would be really hard to do in reality. This is kind of like that.Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaLike, this is like the dream murder week, both from some of the point of view of someone who might want to put one on and from someone the point of view of someone who might want to go and do one. It's not, it's um, you know, it's not. Sometimes you read these and they're like, they're like, silly and hokey. It's like, very sincere, super fun murder week that anyone would wish that they could do that likes that kind of thing. Anyway, I yeah, I totally enjoyed it. All the characters were really fun. I could see that you must have had fun writing it.Karen DukessI did. And I also, you know, people often say, like, write the novel you want to read. And I really did that with this because I wanted it to have so it has a fake mystery, but then it has a real mystery as well.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessLike the main character, thirty-four-year-old Cath, little do you know, she goes on this trip because her estranged mother, before she died, booked them on it, and she's sort of reluctant to go, but can't get a refund. And then I sort of developed this whole story about she teams up with her house, shares a cottage with people to solve the fake mystery, but that she also solves the real mystery of why her mother wanted her to go, her late mother, and that was sort of like the writing the story you want to read. Because I like light and funny, but I also like something that has, like, some emotional heart to it, like I wanted to try to story that was fun, but that has something going on. And the more I wrote, the more Cath's serious story became part of the story, I think, in the first deeply satisfying, yeah, and the first version, the first draft that my agent read, and I had never shared a draft before with him, and, you know, I think I was just hoping he would be like, it's almost perfect. And he was like, well, I think Cath is the hardest story. I think you need to develop that more. And then I went back and did and sort of... blended the two. So, the whole experience was just, yeah, of course. Now I'm like, can I have fun again?KJ Dell'AntoniaYes, yes, you can. Nobody ever tells me my first draft is perfect, and I really hate that.Karen DukessYeah, I know. I think it's, I don't even know if I should have shared it with him, like, I just wanted him to say, like, it's amazing. And he was like, yeah, it could be really good.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, but you just want them to know that you're doing, yeah, I'm a I'm going to share the first draft of the thing I'm doing with my agent, and it might be a terrible idea, but I'm going to do it anyway, because I want her to know I'm doing a thing. And yeah, I'm excited. And yeah um...Karen Dukess I also think that, like, you know, when I said that, it was liberating, in a way, to sort of have the experience that I had with the Russian novel. I think it was also maybe by the time, you know, getting to the third novel, or maybe it's getting to my age. I felt sort of like, I think I gave my permission, myself, permission to write a novel that, yeah, it has a serious story at the heart of it, but it's not like a deeply serious book, you know? And I think there's a tendency to think like, you know, I would look at the world around me sometimes, when I was drafting it, and feel like there's so many serious things to write about, and I'm writing this funny story, like, is that super fluffy? And, you know, it was like, this is what I wanted to write? That's okay, you know? I don't have to prove anything. Like, here is my serious tome. You know, I really just wanted to give people like, an emotional, amusing, heartwarming experience. And that is okay.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt is funny how locked we get into that, both as writers and as readers, this idea that if it's not serious or experimental or deep or dark, it's, I don't know, somehow not worthy. There was somebody was reading somebody's Substack the other day, and they were sort of deeply apologizing for the book they had recommended, which sounded really amazing. And I was like, why you, you know, you clearly enjoyed this, and it sounded great. And I don't. I mean, as a reader, I don't want to read things that are dark and deep and serious A. all the time...Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd B. sometimes not at all.Karen DukessYeah, I do like to read dark and serious, but I've learned that I don't like to write that like writing a novel is, it's always so much more time than you think. I mean, even this one was quicker than usual. It's a lot of time, like you're living it. And I was just like, I can't live in a dark place, like I can read a dark book in a couple days, you know? And...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessWipe my eyes and move on. But...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessYou know...KJ Dell'AntoniaA light one.Karen DukessYou could assume... but you know. When I'm writing a novel, I'm going to bed thinking about their the characters, and I'm thinking about it when I'm exercising, and it's just like churning in there, and I just don't want to be in a dark place for two years.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, and most of the time people, I mean, I guess it just depends on, on who you are. But a heart, it's hardly ever dark all the time. I mean, even people that I have known that we're going through some really horrible things have found, you know, levity and joy and pleasure in in some parts of it. And I think we all hesitate to say, well, that's everyone. Or you got to, you know, we don't want to impose that on every, on anyone, because that's kind of also where we are is, is this delicate dance of not wanting to expect anybody else to be the way you think they're going to be. But I it just seems like people find levity, even in even the worst, even in the worst moments. And people want, um, solace, you know?Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'Antonia Something... something pleasant... something.Karen DukessYeah, I work with an editor, kind of a more like a writing coach, like she doesn't actually edit, but she sort of helps me figure out the story and stuff. And there was one point when she was reading a draft, and there's a scene in the book. I don't know if it's a minor thing, but when my main character Cath, who there's a little romance in it. And when she's first together with this guy, and they're sort of rolling around in bed, the first draft that, the first version of it, she accidentally hit her head on the headboard, and then she's like, “Oh my god, are you okay?” And she was like, “no”. My coach was like, no, no. I don't want to be anxious that maybe this guy is a little violent. Like, no, no, you've got to take that out. I don't want to be anxious in the reading of this book. And it was such a minor thing that I think she was like...KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd you had him hit his head instead, right? Yeah.Karen DukessBecause I don't think anyone was going to worry that she's violent. But it was funny. It was like, she was very much like this book is, there are books where you want the reader to feel anxious, but she's like, this book is not that I don't want anxiety in this book you know?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, yeah.Karen DukessLike she's still concerned about Cath and her story. You can feel sad about what she learns, but not anxiety.KJ Dell'AntoniaYou know I think you've really put your finger on something, because that is exactly right. This book is a page turner, like you want to find out what happens. You want to be with the characters you want to it's a hang and it's like, like, I read something recently where, um, in the middle, you, I found myself sort of, I was still reading it because it was a good hang, but in the middle I was just kind of, like, I forget why we're here. I forget what I'm wondering. You're not really wondering anything, but I like it, so I'll keep this. Your book was not like that at all. This is a fantastic hang but you're right. It never, it's not... that's exactly right. It's not, it's not anxiety producing. And I think that's its own vibe. Like you can have romances that are fun and they're good, but they actually, you do have anxiety around, you know, like, how the characters are going to pull themselves out of this, or how they're going to feel or, yeah, and you can have them or you don't. I like that as, like, a sort of a line in the sand.Karen DukessYeah, yeah. And then I kind of thought about it as I continued, like, yeah, okay, that's right. We're not going to go to like, the really unsettling places.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah. I mean, even if you really want to know what would what will happen, and you really want, like, the things that happen to turn out in satisfying ways, but it doesn't feel like, if they turn out in some like, there were a variety of available options, none of which felt horrible.Karen DukessYeah, exactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaThank you for that. Thank you for a lovely reading experience. So, what else did you take away? Like, what else did you change between the drafting of the book that does not end up being published, which you know, for all we know, is actually great, but the timing was really bad. What should you change?Karen DukessWhat changed for me... in writing?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, what are you changing? Did you change anything in your process?Karen DukessUm, I think I, I don't know if it was completely because of the experience with this book, but definitely it fed into it. Um, I worked with the same writing coach on the Russia book, and she keeps saying that book will be published someday. I'm like, yeah, maybe, maybe not. I don't really care, honestly at this point, but one thing that she really pushed on me, which I discovered in the writing of murder week, was really true, is that to be open and playful and just really to be creative, I needed that. I needed to be in the right mindset, like, I know your thing is always butt in chair, butt in chair. And it is true, you have to, you know, you have to push yourself to finish a novel. It's not easy. And there are times when you just have to push forward. But for me, in the drafting of it, like the butt in chair thing, for me, is more important in the revising and the final draft, when it's like, you've got to get through it, and you've just got to keep sitting there and doing it. But when I'm in this sort of creating stage, when I'm not sure what the story is, when I'm in those moods where I'm just like, sit down and work at this like, I don't write good stuff. I just don't. And she would sometimes say to me, like, if I would talk to her, and I was really angsty and I was really self-critical, or I don't like what I've written, or I don't know where I'm going with this, or whatever , she was really she would very much say, like, when you're in that kind of mood, just walk away. Don't sit at your computer. Like, that is not the time for butt in chair. That is the time for just go do something else and like, lighten up on yourself. And that was really true for this. And I'm trying to remind myself that as I work on the next novel that you know for me, being kind to myself and feeling playful and open is when I'm going to write the best stuff and surprise myself. And that applies whether I'm writing like a serious scene or a funny scene. And the tricky thing about it is, you know, it's always a little scary to write, so it's like, Am I walking away because I need to lighten up my mind, or am I just plain procrastinating?KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, or am I walking away because I just don't know how to...Karen DukessSo, I think that is something though, that I do feel like I write better from a free place than from a sort of, like, grim, determined place.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, that makes sense.Karen DukessI think I was learning that and trying to learn that when I was writing the Russia novel, but it really came true with this one, which is why I think I was able to write it quicker, because it's actually, you know, the weaving together of the fake murder mystery and the real mystery and the arcs of all the different characters. Like, it wasn't simple putting all together, but yet it was simpler for me to write, because I was just looser about it.KJ Dell'AntoniaRight. I think you learned to trust that you would finish this, even if you didn't finish it today.Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaDoes that make sense?Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaI, yeah.Karen DukessAnd I just think, like, trusting the process is so important, you know. And I talk about this with friends in my writing group, you know, sometimes when you're like, working so hard to figure it out, because it feels good to figure the novel out before you write it, because then you don't have the anxiety of, what if I don't figure it out? But it doesn't always work best that way. I don't think, like, I think there are times for that, and there are times to just, like, just keep going and like, let it go a little and let some interesting things happen, and then you'll figure out how to put it all together for me anyway. But obviously I'm not a plotter kind of person, so...KJ Dell'AntoniaI think, yeah, I think that varies. But what's what I'm really hearing here is that, like, even you knew, okay, if I don't, maybe I don't sit down today. That doesn't mean I'm never sitting again, down again. And I think that is, that's part of what I struggle with in my like 1000 words a day. Just, just keep doing it time. And I, and I think I, too, have come around to the idea that I'm going to finish it like...Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaI'm not. I'm not suddenly, you know, just because I only got to 700 words today, that doesn't mean tomorrow I'm going to be like, yeah, I'm not a writer anymore. Oops!Karen Dukess Yeah, exactly. Well, I think, and I think I've learned that, like, I can't tell you how many times, I mean, I've listened to your podcast forever, and, like, years ago, I would listen to it, and I would be like, Yes, I'm going to do the stickers, or, Yes, I'm going to do 500 words a day, or, Yes, I'm going to text a friend or you know, none of that stuff. I could never sustain it.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt doesn't work for you.Karen DukessI have no routine; I have no methods. But what I've learned now is like, but I get books done, so it's okay, like, yeah, I will sometimes go a couple days where I don't write, or I will, you know, think I'm on a routine of 500 or 1000 words a day for a while, and then I'm not, and that's okay, because it's just like, I know that I can still get them done in my crazy way.KJ Dell'AntoniaThat is what we have tried to start saying more often, is, listen, this doesn't work for everybody. If you're doing something different and you're getting the work done, then you're great, yeah, if you're doing something different and you're not finishing things, then maybe try this.Karen DukessYeah, well I remember, like, when I was working on The Last Book Party, right before I got kind of serious on it, I was in a writing group, and I was starting, then I was like, I was learning in the writing group through, finally being in a community with other writers. So, like everybody struggles. Published writers struggle. Really great writers struggle like and that, and I loved reading interviews with writers like I couldn't get enough of interviews and essays about writer's struggles, because I had to, like, keep convincing myself that like, my struggles didn't mean I wasn't a writer. But then there was one point where I remember making a rule for myself. And I was like; I am not allowed to read about writing if I haven't written that day. You know, spend a lot of time...KJ Dell'AntoniaYes.Karen DukessWorking on your novel, but what you're actually doing is like, reading about writing and reading interviews and listening to podcasts. So, it's like, I cannot listen to KJ's podcast until I've done some writing. So, I've had to, I have had to make some rules.KJ Dell'Antonia Yeah, well, that's, I mean, that's how you turned yourself into somebody who gets the work done, and now into somebody who has her own like now you have a way people ask you, so what's your process? How did you get this done?Karen DukessI don't think anyone has tried my process, but yeah. And it can be different for every book, I guess, you know?KJ Dell'AntoniaHorrifyingly, I think that it can when you see pointed out, yeah, you that you knew how to write that book, that is so true, and that has been a huge thing for me, is to realize that even after writing a bunch of books, people still struggle, it's still hard, every book is hard. Every book has, I mean, we have a joke among the podcasts, you know, because you get to a point where you're like, okay, I hate this now, and we'll all be right, right-on target,Karen DukessExactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaBaby's developing nicely. Here's our 18-month checklist. Aww and you're crawling, and you hate your book. Yay!Karen DukessYeah, yeah. I don't think the process gets easier, but I think knowing that you can get through it makes it a little easier. Maybe it diminishes the panic a little bit like, you know, you'll figure it out. You'll figure it out.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, this, I mean, this has been great. I'm sure it's going to be inspirational for everyone. It is inspirational for me, because I also... so I have a book that I worked on for the last year and a half, and I, we didn't, we didn't try to sell it because, because it's not very good.Karen DukessAre you still working on it? Or...KJ Dell'AntoniaIt's leaving, it's living. I make these gestures as though, like, there's like, a blobby object over here that is my, but is my finished, but also not revised and not good uh...Karen DukessI had this theory about books, like, it's the same theory I had with au pairs.KJ Dell'AntoniaOkay.Karen DukessWe had a lot of au pairs when my kids were growing up and I was working out of the home, you know, not writing. And I felt like every time I selected, you know, they would come for a year. One or two of them stayed for two years. But every time I selected a new au pair, it was in reaction to the problems of the other... the previous au pair. So, like, when I had an au pair that was like a horrible driver, so much so that we had to, like, get rid of her. Then I was like, okay, where is it hardest to get a driver's license? Germany. Okay, I'm having a German au pair, you know. Then I had, like, a German au pair who was great, but it was like, she was too, I don't know, whatever if I had an au pair, that was like, two lax, then the next one was like, oh, this person has, like, you know, worked in a boys school. I want that.KJ Dell'AntoniaRight? yeah.Karen DukessAnd I feel like, you know, I wrote Welcome to Murder Week because I had had this tough experience with this Russia novel. Then it was like, I'm going to do something really fun. So, and I don't know that I would have written that if I hadn't needed so badly to have fun. I don't know that I would have said, no, yeah, forget doing something, you know, serious or with some geopolitical things in it. I'm going to write a, you know, a murder week story. I don't know that I would have written it if I could have gone on that vacation and just had a great time and come back and not felt the need.KJ Dell'AntoniaWritten something else.Karen DukessSo, you know, maybe the one that's not working is going to lead you to write the next fabulous thing.KJ Dell'AntoniaWell, I hope I'm already well into... I'm well into something else, but, yeah, it's, you know, you spend a lot of time on something, not everything works. It's one of the reasons this is a terrible job, and you absolutely shouldn't do it unless you know, you can't do anything else,Karen DukessExactly.KJ Dell'AntoniaOr unless you really want to.Karen DukessYeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaThere. That's that. That's really good advice. That's going to make a great bumper sticker. All right. So have you read anything good lately besides Welcome to Murder Week, which, in fact, is what I will be raving about in just a second.Karen DukessUm, yes, I read a book called The Original by Nell Stevens. It out in June. She's a British writer, and it's really good. It's sort of an also kind of genre, blending the way my book is, but it's very different. It's like a gothic novel. It's set in an old house in England in the 1800's and it involves an orphan who's being raised by relatives, and she has an incredible talent for painting forgeries, and she sort of has this secret business in selling forgeries, but it also involves an imposter who returns from abroad in the family, and there's a queer romance in it, and it's totally unlike anything I've read, and very compelling.KJ Dell'AntoniaOof, I love that.Karen DukessIn a really compelling way.KJ Dell'AntoniaAnd by the time people hear that, that this, this will either be out, or like, buy your next week self a present. That sounds great.Karen DukessYeah, it was very... it's very good. It's kind of like a rainy day book. You know?KJ Dell'AntoniaI love that. Well, I already raved about Welcome to Murder Week, but I'm telling you all, it's a real it's a real joy. I want to compare it to things. But there's almost like it's, I'll think of things that I that I want to...Karen DukessIt's hard to compare because it's not a traditional mystery,KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, no, um, I feel like Clare Pooley's books are, and I can't even think of the titles of them, but that, yeah, that is kind of ringing the right bell for me. I don't know who else a little bit of the like the murder, like, if you really thought The Murder of Mr. Wickham was super fun, which I absolutely adored, that is completely different, and yet also it's the same, like, it's the same... I think the vibe we're looking for here is page turner, no anxiety. And I love that. I love that for all of us...in England.Karen Dukess Yes, yeah.KJ Dell'AntoniaSo go grab this one. You're going to enjoy it, all right. Well, thanks so much. This was really fun. Thank you for being so open, and not just, you know, wandering around saying, well, I just it took me six years to write this because it's very good.Karen DukessYeah, I have to say, you know, I think that writers should talk more often about their failures. And by that...KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah.Karen DukessI mean, like novels that they wrote and abandoned, or novels that they wrote and tried to get published and couldn't, because it was only until I wrote this Russian novel and didn't sell it, and I would mention it to people. Then all these writers I knew, and people I knew, you know, would suddenly tell me about their own published novels. And I was like, why did I know about this beforehand? There's no shame in it... you know? It's a tough business. It's a tough business. The writing is tough; the publishing is tough. And now I'm like, oh my god, like so many writers I know have novels that did not get published, and for whatever reason. And I'm sure many of those novels are great novels, and but knowing that you know the journey of being a writer, just like I don't know a single author who hasn't like lost their editor at some point, you know, their editor leaves. Then they find a new, you know, be assigned to a new editor. That happens everybody, and I realize how many people have novels that did not see the light of day, and it was comforting to know it. So, I think people should be more open about it.KJ Dell'AntoniaI think we just are afraid that, you know, a reader will hear, well, I don't know if she's capable of writing something... that doesn't work, maybe it's not very good, which readers aren't listening to anything. They can barely remember our names. They just know if the book sounded good and someone pressed it into their hands.Karen DukessYeah, had a great cover.KJ Dell'AntoniaYeah, had a great cover. Yeah, all, all of the things, and it's just, it's, it's just a little scary to admit, because I guess one of the scary things about it, of course, admitting that that has happened means it could happen again. And hey It could! Oh well.Karen DukessYeah, but I've survived it. So...KJ Dell'AntoniaYou've survived it, you would survive it again. And also, it didn't happen this time. Welcome to Murder Week is great, and everyone is going to be sitting with it by the pool looking very happy. This is my wish for you. All right?Karen DukessThank you. Thanks so much KJ.KJ Dell'AntoniaOh, thank you. Hey, anywhere people should follow you? Oh, you have a Substack. What is it? I love it!Karen DukessI have a Substack. I mean, I think on Substack you can find it by my name Karen Dukess, it's, I don't know... it's called, “Keep Calm and Carry On”, but I think you can just look me up by name on Substack, and I am on Instagram more often at Karen Dukess, as I post about books that I'm reading all the time. Obviously, there'll be a lot of quarter week stuff, but I try to, you know, I'm reading eclectically and all the time. So, I'm always posting about books. Those are probably the best places to find me. And I have my website with all my events on it.KJ Dell'AntoniaIt'll be linked. It'll be linked.Karen DukessGreat.KJ Dell'AntoniaHopefully I can get to something... all right. Well, thank you so much. And all you listeners out there, I mean, you know you do you, but in some way, keep your butt in the chair, hey and or your head in the game.Jess LaheyThe Hashtag AmWriting podcast is produced by Andrew perilla. Our intro music, aptly titled Unemployed Monday was written and played by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their time and their creative output, because everyone deserves to be paid for their work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

“This was never about Ukraine for me. This was always about American values and democracy and what it is, where it comes from and what it means. I don't think those values and those principles are on display anywhere more clearly than in Ukraine.” - Liev SchreiberDescription: Renowned actor, writer and director Liev Schreiber recently released “Meeting Zelenskyy”, a feature documentary in which he sits down with Ukraine's embattled leader. In an extended conversation, Schreiber speaks actor-to-actor about Volodymyr Zelenskyy's rise from entertainer to war time leader. In this exclusive interview with Laura Flanders, Schreiber discusses how the documentary came to be, how he personally became involved, and how technology could shape the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war. The film includes never-before-seen footage from Zelenskyy's childhood and career. Join us for this historic conversation, plus a commentary from Laura.“I've always felt optimistic about this because [Ukraine is] on the side of truth. That's the kind of thing you can cover briefly, but it always comes out, it always surfaces. It's also the kind of thing that builds morale. It builds courage. It builds principle. They have that on their side, where the Russian military is struggling.” - Liev SchreiberGuest:  Liev Schreiber: Award-Winning Actor, Director & Writer; Co-Founder, BlueCheck Ukraine This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.Watch the special report released on YouTube June 13th 5pm ET; PBS World Channel June 15th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast June 18th.Full Episode Notes are located HERE.RESOURCES-Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Winning War, Building Peace: Activists from Ukraine, Russia & The US Debate: Watch / Listen:  Episode and/or Full Conversation•  Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode and/or Full Conversation•  Ai Weiwei: How Do We Save Our Humanity?: Watch / Listen:  Episode and/or Full Conversation Related Articles and Resources:•. ‘Kind of a Trojan hors':  Ex-NATO commander reacts to drone attack deep inside Russia, June 2 2025, CNN report and Zelinskyy speaks in Vilnius• Ukraine war briefing:  Zelenskyy says troops contesting Russian advance in Sumy, by Warren Murray and agencies, June 12, 2025, The Guardian•  Pledge Ukraine, Starenki is a charitable organization devoted to issues of elderly people in Ukraine. Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Gina Kim, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O'Conner. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

What happens when a man can't stop his drive and desire for more? Author Andrew O'Hagan dissects the pitfalls of more money, more success and more applause (R)Andrew O'Hagan is the author of several highly acclaimed novels.His most recent book is a sweeping portrait of modern-day London, a city ‘levitating on a sea of dirty Russian money'. The main character, Campbell Flynn, is much like Andrew himself: a public intellectual who escaped from the Scottish council estate he grew up in and came to London to enjoy great success.But success, a big house, a loving family and expensive habits are not enough.Campbell is a man riding for a fall, and there will be many spectators at the final hurrah, when his life comes tumbling down. Further informationFirst Broadcast May 2024, and recorded at the Melbourne Writers' Festival.Caledonian Road is published by Allen & Unwin.Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.

The scale of Israel's air strikes against Iran were not anticipated by financial markets (US President Trump having suggested a deal with Iran was close, just yesterday). As a result, the oil price has had the largest spike since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The economic disruption may well be contained—the starting point was quite a weak oil market, given expectations of a US growth slowdown.

Three Buddy Problem - Episode 50: This week, we dissect cyber flashpoints in the Iran-Israel war, revisit the “magnet of threats” server in Iran that attracted APTs from multiple nation-states, and react to Israel's Mossad sneaking explosive drone swarms deep into Iran to support airstrikes. Plus, Stealth Falcon's new WebDAV zero-day, SentinelOne's brush with Chinese APTs, Citizen Lab's forensic takedown of Paragon's iPhone spyware, and the sneaky Meta/Yandex trick that links Android web browsing to app IDs. Cast: Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade (https://twitter.com/juanandres_gs), Ryan Naraine (https://twitter.com/ryanaraine) and Costin Raiu (https://twitter.com/craiu).

Today, it's Episode Seven of Escalation, our latest narrative series co-hosted by Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien and Ukraine Fellow Anastasiia Lapatina. Throughout the show, Nastya and Tyler trace the history of U.S.-Ukrainian relations from the time of Ukrainian independence through the present. You can listen to Escalation in its entirety, as well as our other narrative series, on our Lawfare Presents channel, wherever you get your podcasts.In the season finale of Escalation, Nastya recounts Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The western world is shocked, as President Biden and Congress attempt to send weapons to Ukraine to fight back. But fundamentally different perspectives on the fight emerge, leaving Ukraine's fate uncertain and its relationship with the United States in jeopardy.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight on The Last Word: Protests over immigration raids pop up across the United States. Also, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struggles to clarify the Trump administration's position on Russia. And House Republicans are forced to again vote for the Medicaid cuts in of Donald Trump's budget bill. Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Jason Crow, and Rep. Paul Tonko join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Introducing...The WargameA bunker. A scenario. A group of former senior ministers, military chiefs and other experts. Russia knows our weaknesses – but do you?Sky News' security and defence editor Deborah Haynes presents The Wargame. From Sky News and Tortoise, it imagines how a Russian attack on the UK could play out... and how military chiefs and politicians might try to defend the country.Episodes will be released weekly - search for The Wargame wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

- Potential Wars and Economic Tensions (0:04) - Upcoming Protests and Potential Violence (1:20) - Media Control and Public Perception (5:57) - Shopkeeper Rights and Public Opinion (7:28) - Law Enforcement and Public Safety (12:49) - False Flag Concerns and Military Preparedness (25:30) - Iran and Israel Conflict (31:22) - Russia and Ukraine Conflict (53:04) - China and Global Tensions (58:46) - Preparedness and Future Scenarios (1:06:37) - Impact of Potential Secession and Civil War in the USA (1:06:57) - Preparation for Self-Defense and Survival (1:29:44) - Introduction of Dawson Knives and Their Products (1:37:28) - Detailed Analysis of Dawson Knives' Products (2:21:48) - Supporting American Manufacturing and Community (2:22:02) For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

Day 1,205.Today, as Russian casualties reportedly pass one million, we assess an extraordinary press release by the Trump administration marking ‘Russia Day', and examine the mentality underpinning the United States's stance on the war. Then we hear again from a Ukrainian winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and discuss Margaret Thatcher's attitude towards Russia with the Iron Lady's definitive biographer and confidant.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham (Member of the House of Lords and former editor of The Daily Telegraph). @CharlesHMoore on X.Olseandra Matviichuk (Ukrainian Human Rights Lawyer and Head of Centre for Civil Liberties). @avalaina on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.Content Referenced:Oleksandra's list of some trusted NGOs and charities supporting Ukraine:https://www.ukraineshortlist.com/ Russia sends its most valuable planes as far away from Ukraine as possible (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/06/11/russia-sends-nuclear-bombers-further-after-ukraine-drone/ “They are hunting us”: systematic drone attacks targeting civilians in Kherson (Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine): https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/iicihr-ukraine/index NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 11: The Future of Survival – Colonizing Space

On this episode of the Cajun Knight we start off be discussing 3 seperate Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle in a "agricultural terrorism" fungus and getting caught. We also discuss the space fungus that has been found on board China's space station. This leads us to talking about the Chinese supporting Iran by selling them chemicals that can be used as a propellant for their rockets. We then shift over to discuss the ties between North Korea and Russia, and how this relates to the biggest aerial assaults of the war to date taking place within the last 2 weeks. We also briefly talk about the situation in California as 700 Marines take to the streets, as well as the potential new MOD of the UK.To join in the conversation next week, come to patreon.com/CajunKnightBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cult-of-conspiracy--5700337/support.