Podcasts about sages

A neuroscientist lost a 25-year bet to a philosopher—and it may be one of the most revealing failures in modern science. In 1998, Christof Koch bet David Chalmers that within 25 years, neuroscience would identify the precise brain mechanisms responsible for consciousness. Research teams around the world launched ambitious experiments to track and measure conscious experience in the brain. The deadline came—and the mystery remained. In this fascinating episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the implications of that failed wager. Why can't the most advanced minds in science explain subjective experience? And what did the ancient yogis know that modern labs still don't? From Vedic insights to modern mind-benders, this episode blends laughter, science, and timeless wisdom in a way only Wisdom of the Sages can. SB 10.3.15-22 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we interview Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, the founder of the Ruth Institute, on her conversion from the errors of feminism and the sexual revolution to the fullness of truth found in the Catholic Church.The Ruth Institute is an interfaith international coalition to defend the family and build a Civilization of Love. You can visit their website at: https://ruthinstitute.org/VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/LISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

The Sages of yore were absolute Torah giants, of course, but many also balanced their scholastic responsibilities with earning a livelihood. Our particular Mishnah is the brainchild of Rabbi Yochanan HaSandler, Rabbi Yochanan the Shoemaker. In this pithy teaching, he differentiates between assemblies convened for the sake of Heaven and those bound for failure. This […]

Study 14 - Luke 10:25-42 Loving God and Neighbour The parable of the Good Samaritan is usually considered by itself. It should not be! It is part of a pair with the story of Mary and Martha. The two go together because in the original Greek the stories are about 'a certain lawyer' (v 25) and 'a certain woman' (v 38). The two sayings of Jesus that conclude the stories are: in 37b 'Go and do likewise' and in 42b 'Mary has chosen what is better'. Question 1. Which saying is the more important in popular thinking and preaching? Which does the words Jesus used suggest is the more important? There is a great deal more interest in the story of the good Samaritan because of its simple brilliance as a story and the way it can be taken as an example by anybody, Christian or not. Everybody recognizes that they should help other people; not everybody is prepared to listen to Jesus as Mary did. Yet the words that Jesus used strongly suggest that the latter is the more important. Before we read the verses let's think about the structure a bit. The famous parable is set within two short dialogues, the first in 25 - 28 and the second in 29, 36 and 37. Both dialogues have the same, quite natural, formats: 1) a question from the lawyer; 2) a challenging question in reply from Jesus; 2') an answer to Jesus from the lawyer; 1') an answer to the lawyer from Jesus. The well-known parable is inserted before the question of Jesus in the second dialogue. We read the first dialogue: Luke 10:25 - 28. Did you get the pattern? And the second dialogue: Luke 10:29, the story, 36, 37. What a wonderful teacher Jesus was! Wouldn't it be good if all teachers were as good as he was at getting people to answer their own questions! Question 2. In the first dialogue the answer of Jesus in v 28 does not exactly answer the lawyer's question in v 25. What significance can you see in the discrepancy? What does this tell us about the nature of eternal life? The lawyer asked about eternal life. Jesus answered about life, a good life maybe but still only about life. What the Gospel's call 'eternal life' Jesus says starts in the here and now with a good life lived in this present world. That good life is a life of following him. It is time to read the famous parable. Luke 10:30 - 35 and the conclusions Jesus draws in 36, 37. Some things usually missed: a) The lawyer's question in the first dialogue (v 25) is deeply flawed: one can do nothing to inherit. b) The parable does not answer the lawyer's question in the second dialogue (v 29) but a slightly different one: 'Which of these three became a neighbour'. c) The priest would have been rich, therefore on horseback contrasting the Samaritan's donkey. d) The Samaritan would have risked his life taking a wounded Jew into a Jewish town, where the inn would necessarily have been. The men in the street might well have thought he was responsible for wounding the man and started to attack him before finding out what really happened. Question 3. Who is the Samaritan portraying? How does this relate to the point about the danger to the Samaritan going into a Jewish town? Jesus is the Good Samaritan. All others aiming to copy the story are simply following his example. This is another point about the story often missed. In coming into this world Jesus fully accepted all the danger that was to him. He died on the Cross to rescue those who are wounded: physically, spiritually, morally. Moving on to the second story: to put this story of Mary and Martha in context: the Jewish Rabbis said 'let thy house be a meeting place for the Sages and sit amidst the dust of their feet and drink in their words with thirst ... but talk not much with womankind.' We read Luke 10:38 - 42. In that culture a teacher sat to teach and a student, necessarily male, stood to recite and sat to learn. Question 4. How does Luke indicate that things were not as they would have expected them to be? Mary was sitting and listening. We can only imagine what the reaction of the men who wanted to be around Jesus might have been. Horror, shock, disgust, amusement - perhaps just a few of them would praise her for what she did. We are dominantly either doers or hearers: the Samaritan or Mary. By putting these two stories together Luke, and Jesus, are presumably saying that we ought to be both. Question 5. How can the doers learn to listen better? How can the hearers learn to be more practically active? These things are a matter of intent and will. Doers can always say 'I'm too busy' and hearers can say 'Ill do it tomorrow when I have finished listening'. Only if we are prepared to listen to what the Word of God is saying to us will we be all that we should be. Question 6. How does verse 42a provide a complete answer to the lawyer's original question in verse 25? If we truly follow Jesus all the rest will fall into place. We are never told whether the lawyer did set out to follow Jesus. We know that Jesus told him what he needed to do. Some of us need the same advice: 'go and do likewise'. Some of us need to copy the example of Mary more closely. Which category do you fall into: more action or more meditation? Tap or click here to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

 This conversation marks the beginning of a deeper inquiry for Dr. John Vervaeke: What if pilgrimage is not a retreat from the world, but a return to what is most real? Joined by Ethan Hsieh, John explicates his intent to preregister his intellectual and philosophical orientation before beginning his metaphorical pilgrimage. Drawing on parallels with psychology's preregistration practice, John's aim is to document his internal state at various stages of his journey. The conversation delves deep into the concepts of theoria, theophany, and theosis, advocating for a pilgrimage that is not merely a lecture series but a 'meta-noetic passage.' The dialogue anticipates John's encounters with historical figures, sages, and the individuals who embody and interpret their legacy. John expresses his openness to how these encounters might transform him, acknowledging the potential psychological and physiological challenges involved. The dialogue also touches upon themes of the imaginal and the importance of community and fellowship in the pilgrimage process. Ethan contributes by drawing connections to broader themes of perception and philosophical inquiry. The conversation culminates in the hope that this philosophical and spiritual journey will not only deepen John's understanding but also inspire others to embark on their own explorative journeys. —- Notes: (00:00) Introduction to the Philosophical Silk Road (00:30) The Concept of Preregistration in Philosophy (01:00) Defining the Pilgrimage and Its Purpose (02:00) Introducing Ethan and the Dialogical Approach (04:30) Exploring the Original Orientation (05:30) The Challenge of Propositional Tyranny (07:00) Theoria and Theophany: Renewing the Senses (13:30) Meta Noetic Passage and Pilgrimage (20:00) Engaging with Sages and Geographical Perspectives (24:00) Personal Challenges and Psychological Defects (31:30) The Fellowship of the Pilgrimage (33:00) Interlocutors and Sages: A Deeper Dive (54:00) Introduction to Theosis (55:00) Historical Continuity and Henosis (56:00) Henosis and Kenosis in Christian Mysticism (57:30) The Paradox of Self-Transcendence (01:00:30) Theosis and Inner Athea (01:05:30) Personal Reflections and Burnout (01:09:00) The Concept of Unbinding (01:11:00) Non-Theism and Theism (01:25:00) Pilgrimage and Transformation (01:38:30) Reflections on Personal Growth (01:48:00) Concluding Thoughts and Future Questions If you would like to donate purely out of goodwill to support John's work, please consider joining our Patreon. The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Learn more about our work.  If you would like to learn and engage regularly in practices that are informed, developed and endorsed by John and his work, visit Awaken to Meaning's calendar to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. Join Practice. John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon  

Today’s daf is sponsored by Rabbi Art Gould “in gratitude to HaShem for helping me to find a new partner to love and be loved by, and to walk with on a new journey.” The Gemara continues by presenting cases involving disputes between lenders and borrowers regarding debt repayment, along with the ruling given in each case. In the Mishna there is a contradiction because it is written that we do not administer oaths to a minor and it is also written that we administer oaths to a minor. Rav and Shmuel each interpret the case of administering oaths to a minor in different ways. Rav says it refers to a child who makes a claim for their deceased father's money, and therefore we administer an oath because the loan was to an adult, even though he is not the actual creditor who gave the money originally. According to his explanation, the Mishna matches the opinion of Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov because the Sages disagree in such a case and do not obligate. The Gemara brings two different explanations to understand what the point of dispute is between Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov and the Sages. Shmuel's explanation is that the Mishna refers to the oath of one who tries to collect his father's loan from an orphan. There is no oath for cases of land, slaves, documents, and consecrated property. Also, there are no laws of double, four and five payment, and oaths of guardians for these type of items. From where is this derived in the verses?

Today’s daf is sponsored by Rabbi Art Gould “in gratitude to HaShem for helping me to find a new partner to love and be loved by, and to walk with on a new journey.” The Gemara continues by presenting cases involving disputes between lenders and borrowers regarding debt repayment, along with the ruling given in each case. In the Mishna there is a contradiction because it is written that we do not administer oaths to a minor and it is also written that we administer oaths to a minor. Rav and Shmuel each interpret the case of administering oaths to a minor in different ways. Rav says it refers to a child who makes a claim for their deceased father's money, and therefore we administer an oath because the loan was to an adult, even though he is not the actual creditor who gave the money originally. According to his explanation, the Mishna matches the opinion of Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov because the Sages disagree in such a case and do not obligate. The Gemara brings two different explanations to understand what the point of dispute is between Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov and the Sages. Shmuel's explanation is that the Mishna refers to the oath of one who tries to collect his father's loan from an orphan. There is no oath for cases of land, slaves, documents, and consecrated property. Also, there are no laws of double, four and five payment, and oaths of guardians for these type of items. From where is this derived in the verses?

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, I cover a verse from the Gospel of John (John 20:21-23) that greatly disturbed me as a protestant. Jesus literally gave the Apostles the authority to forgive or not forgive sins! I had no framework for understanding this as a protestant. In retrospect, I now see it as the beginning of my journey to the Catholic Church.See our Quote Archive on the Sacrament of Confession in the Church Fathers: https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/quote-archive/sacrament-of-confession/VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction03:35 - A Disturbing Verse05:48 - A Disturbing Lack of Answers10:27 - A Disappointing Silence15:52 - The Tip of the Patristic IcebergLISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

Cet épisode a été initialement mis en ligne le 8 mars 2022. Elles s'appellent Lucie, Florence ou encore Audrey : elles sont sages-femmes et elles peuplent cet épisode d'Au Revoir Podcast où se mêlent les voix de 9 autres femmes qui ont dû dire au revoir à leur bébé. D'un côté, celles qui accompagnaient cette épreuve, qui ont su trouver les mots, faire les gestes adéquats, s'ajuster du mieux possible. De l'autre, celles qui ont été accompagnées.Dans cet épisode d'Au Revoir Podcast, Carole, Céline, Emmanuella, Margaux, Marie, Marie-Sophie, Nastassia, Rozenn et Sarah prennent la parole pour rendre hommage aux sages-femmes qui les ont tant aidées à traverser ce moment si difficile. Merci à elles toutes !

Can ancient Indian wisdom heal the rifts of modern religion? In this mind-expanding and often hilarious episode, Raghunath sits down with author and educator Nitesh Gor (a.k.a. Navin Krishna) to explore his new book Before Religion: Ancient India's Reconciling Vision for Universal Spirituality. From philosophical elephants and Ratha-yatras down Fifth Avenue to quantum physics and peacock-feather cosmology, they unpack what makes the Bhāgavatam a master key for global spiritual unity. Can you be loyal to one tradition without becoming intolerant of others? Does God really care which team you're on? And what if the wildest creation myth is actually… “everything came from nothing”? Key Talking Points: •⁠  ⁠“Why doesn't anyone invite Hare Krishnas to the Christmas party?” •⁠  ⁠Science, philosophy, and spirituality walk into a temple… and agree •⁠  ⁠Vedic culture's soft power: winning hearts with pakoras and Sanskrit •⁠  ⁠Consciousness, the elephant, and the Bhāgavatam—yes, they're connected •⁠  ⁠From Jesus to the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam: building a house the whole world can live in Tune in to Episode 1621 of Wisdom of the Sages for a fresh take on religion, unity, and ancient India's spiritual legacy. Find his book Before Religion: Ancient India's Reconciling Vision for Universal Spirituality at https://a.co/d/26XLez1 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108

Can ancient Indian wisdom heal the rifts of modern religion? In this mind-expanding and often hilarious episode, Raghunath sits down with author and educator Nitesh Gor (a.k.a. Navin Krishna) to explore his new book Before Religion: Ancient India's Reconciling Vision for Universal Spirituality. From philosophical elephants and Ratha-yatras down Fifth Avenue to quantum physics and peacock-feather cosmology, they unpack what makes the Bhāgavatam a master key for global spiritual unity. Can you be loyal to one tradition without becoming intolerant of others? Does God really care which team you're on? And what if the wildest creation myth is actually… “everything came from nothing”? Key Talking Points: •⁠  ⁠“Why doesn't anyone invite Hare Krishnas to the Christmas party?” •⁠  ⁠Science, philosophy, and spirituality walk into a temple… and agree •⁠  ⁠Vedic culture's soft power: winning hearts with pakoras and Sanskrit •⁠  ⁠Consciousness, the elephant, and the Bhāgavatam—yes, they're connected •⁠  ⁠From Jesus to the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam: building a house the whole world can live in Tune in to Episode 1621 of Wisdom of the Sages for a fresh take on religion, unity, and ancient India's spiritual legacy. Find his book Before Religion: Ancient India's Reconciling Vision for Universal Spirituality at https://a.co/d/26XLez1 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108

Aujourd'hui dans le podcast, on parle du fameux rapport du Conseil des sages du gouvernement du Québec sur l'identité de genre, qui a été déposé publiquement et discrètement vendredi passé. On lit les conclusions du rapport, qui sont très beiges et peu informatives pour la suite des choses, ainsi que la réaction du Réseau féministe québécois à cet effet.DANS LA PARTIE PATREON, on commence avec Joey qui nous fait écouter un succès souvenir du podcast du Doc Mailloux, suivi d'un montage de Tim Pool qui parle du concept des « four lights » de l'épisode Chain of Command de Star Trek: The Next Generation. On termine en commentant le dernier tweet du péquiste Gaspard Skoda, qui fait dévier le sujet de conversation au point où Frank et Ian découvrent l'existence des furries.0:00 Intro0:31 Rapport du comité des sages12:13 Condition médicale ou influence sociale ?15:24 Ni pour ni contre bien au contraire18:43 Climat de peur et autocensure24:29 Un lobby transgenre intimidant28:48 Réaction du Réseau féministe québécois36:12 Nos commanditaires38:01 Abonnez-vous à PiluleRouge.ca43:15 À venir dans le Patreon

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we interview Deacon Harrison Garlick, a former "Bible Belt" protestant who became not only Catholic, but an ordained Catholic Deacon, and the Chancellor of an entire Diocese thanks to the Bible, beauty, and Church history.Deacon Garlick is a member of Eternal Christendom's Advisory Board, and the co-host of "Ascend: The Great Books Podcast." You can follow him on X: https://x.com/HarrisonGarlic1VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/LISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

Trevor Barrette is a queer theatre maker based in Montreal, known for his kaleidoscopic productions and joy-forward storytelling. A graduate of John Abbott College's Professional Theatre program, he founded the award-winning KaleidoscopeMTL, producing and directing ten productions, including the hit Fringe musical Captain Aurora and the immersive Memento Mori. Trevor's work explores dynamic timescapes, ensemble casting, and enchanting worlds that foster a sense of wonder. Directorial highlights include The Sages of Chelm and The Great Divide for the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre at the Segal Centre, as well as serving as assistant director for Les Belles Soeurs at the Stratford Festival. Trevor has performed with institutions such as the National Arts Centre, Centaur Theatre, Segal Centre, Geordie Theatre and teaches at the Segal Centre Academy and Geordie Theatre School. Currently, he is developing new works, including a musical inspired by Dr. Brenda Milner's legacy. This July, he will direct Hudson Village Theatre's presentation of Bed and Breakfast.Rylan Allen is thrilled to be part of the MAWAM team and to bring this touching, hilarious show to life. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, he graduated from Sheridan College's Musical Theatre Program and performed with Canadiana Productions Inc. in Niagara as a performer, dance captain, and choreographer until lockdown. During that time, he discovered a passion for teaching, working as a Music Director for Hamilton's Conservatory for the Arts. Favorite roles include Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar (Brott Music Festival), Noel Gruder in Ride the Cyclone (Playhouse Collective), and Monsieur André in Phantom of the Opera (Theatre Sheridan). Rylan thanks his mentors for sharing their toolboxes with him, the MAWAM team for this incredible experience, and his friends and family for their unwavering support.Émile Auger is a multidisciplinary performer and teacher from Montréal. He began his artistic journey in the music and jazz band program at St-Luc High School. He went on to study musical theatre at Collège Lionel-Groulx's professional theatre program and graduated in the spring of 2022. In 2023, he completed his third and final semester in musical theatre at Sheridan College, Ontario. His performance credits include Jazz Noisette (Les Jeunesses Musicales du Canada), Lucky Stiff (Stephenville Theatre Festival), Rock of Ages (STF), Let's Bop! (Terra Bruce Productions) and Lorenzo Sterzi's latest film, Cadavre Exquis (LostandKik Pictures). Émile is thrilled to make his Segal Center debut as part of this original musical theatre production.Max + Aaron Write A MusicalSet in present-day Montreal, two childhood friends and creative collaborators race against the clock to finish their latest project: a coming-of-age musical loosely based on their lives. But as they deep dive into the work, long-repressed truths rise to the surface and threaten their partnership. A sexy cautionary tale about writing what you know.

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks' commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2015. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/naso/the-courage-to-engage-with-the-world/ or to follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/naso/sages-and-saints/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: hhttps://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/naso/the-courage-to-engage-with-the-world/ ----- For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

Welcome to Brief Encounters—where history's strangest moments collide with the unexplained. A golden craft, shaped like a chariot, but airborne.It moves not by wheels or wings—but by something called “mercury propulsion.”It can soar from city to city, vanish into clouds, even fire beams of energy. No, this isn't a futuristic sci-fi novel. These are descriptions from ancient Sanskrit texts, some written thousands of years ago. And they describe flying machines—with detail, mechanics, and battle capabilities that sound eerily modern. They're called Vimanas.And in ancient India, they weren't myth—they were real.Brief Encounters is a tightly produced, narrative podcast that dives headfirst into the world of UFO sightings, the paranormal, cryptids, myths, and unexplained legends. From ancient sky wars to modern close encounters, each episode takes listeners on a journey through some of the most mysterious and compelling cases in human history. Whether it's a well-documented military sighting or an eerie village legend whispered across generations, Brief Encounters delivers each story with atmosphere, depth, and cinematic storytelling. Episodes are short and binge-worthy — perfect for curious minds on the go. In just 5 to 10 minutes, listeners are pulled into carefully researched accounts that blend historical context, eyewitness testimony, and chilling details. The series moves between eras and continents, uncovering not only the famous cases you've heard of, but also the forgotten incidents that deserve a closer look. Each story is treated with respect, skepticism, and wonder — offering both seasoned enthusiasts and casual listeners something fresh to consider. Whether it's a 15th-century sky battle over Europe, a cryptid sighting in a remote forest, or a modern-day abduction report from rural America, Brief Encounters is your guide through the shadows of our world — and the stories that refuse to be explained.UFO Chronicles Podcast can be found on all podcast players and on the website: https://ufochroniclespodcast.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ufo-chronicles-podcast--3395068/support.

How do we classify the various sections of the Oral Law (Torah She'Baal Peh)? Is the Oral Law Rabbinic or Biblical? Why do we need an Oral Law? How was it transmitted through the generations?  Why do we record all the arguments in the Talmud and not just the conclusions?   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Jewish Heritage 03:11 Understanding the Oral Law 05:58 Categories of Oral Law 09:00 The Role of Sages in Halacha 11:55 The Transmission of Torah 15:01 The Distinction Between Written and Oral Law 18:14 The Process of Halachic Decision-Making 20:49 The Authority of the Sages 23:50 Conclusion and Future Discussions 25:21 The Necessity of Oral Law 28:03 The Role of Oral Tradition in Judaism 30:00 Halachic Authority and the Importance of Analysis 36:51 Principles of Halacha and Their Application 44:29 The Spiritual Connection to Torah Study

Welcome to Brief Encounters—where history's strangest moments collide with the unexplained. A golden craft, shaped like a chariot, but airborne.It moves not by wheels or wings—but by something called “mercury propulsion.”It can soar from city to city, vanish into clouds, even fire beams of energy. No, this isn't a futuristic sci-fi novel. These are descriptions from ancient Sanskrit texts, some written thousands of years ago. And they describe flying machines—with detail, mechanics, and battle capabilities that sound eerily modern. They're called Vimanas.And in ancient India, they weren't myth—they were real.Brief Encounters is a tightly produced, narrative podcast that dives headfirst into the world of UFO sightings, the paranormal, cryptids, myths, and unexplained legends. From ancient sky wars to modern close encounters, each episode takes listeners on a journey through some of the most mysterious and compelling cases in human history. Whether it's a well-documented military sighting or an eerie village legend whispered across generations, Brief Encounters delivers each story with atmosphere, depth, and cinematic storytelling. Episodes are short and binge-worthy — perfect for curious minds on the go. In just 5 to 10 minutes, listeners are pulled into carefully researched accounts that blend historical context, eyewitness testimony, and chilling details. The series moves between eras and continents, uncovering not only the famous cases you've heard of, but also the forgotten incidents that deserve a closer look. Each story is treated with respect, skepticism, and wonder — offering both seasoned enthusiasts and casual listeners something fresh to consider. Whether it's a 15th-century sky battle over Europe, a cryptid sighting in a remote forest, or a modern-day abduction report from rural America, Brief Encounters is your guide through the shadows of our world — and the stories that refuse to be explained.UFO Chronicles Podcast can be found on all podcast players and on the website: https://ufochroniclespodcast.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ufo-chronicles-podcast--3395068/support.

Back in the 1980s, baseball coverage at The Evening Sun was sacred and Jim Henneman was the sage leader of Baltimore Orioles' coverage and made quite an impression on a teenager who wanted to be a sportswriter. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the incredible baseball life of "Henny" and all of the old-timer Baltimore sports media legends who kept the stories of Brooks and Frank alive over the years. The post Luke Jones and Nestor discuss life of Jim Henneman and old time Baltimore sportswriters and sages first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

The holiday of Shabuot is included among the three "Regalim" ("pilgrimage festivals"), when there is an obligation of Simha – to rejoice and be festive. The Gemara says that according to all views among the Sages, there is an obligation to enjoy oneself on Shabuot. Beyond the spiritual enjoyment that we experience by studying Torah, there is also a Halachic obligation to rejoice through physical enjoyment. The Sages teach that for men, this means indulging in meat and wine. Although there is a widespread custom to eat some dairy meals on Shabuot, one should make a point of eating meat on Shabuot, as well. One can fulfill this obligation with red meat, which resembles the meat of the sacrifices that were brought in the Bet Ha'mikdash on the holidays, or even with poultry, if that is what he enjoys, even though it does not technically qualify as "meat." If a person does not enjoy meat and wine, then he should eat whatever foods and drinks he enjoys. There is certainly no Misva on Yom Tob to eat foods that one does not enjoy. One is also obligated to make his children happy on Yom Tob. The Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Maimonides, Spain-Egypt, 1135-1204) writes that this is done by giving them treats, candies and the like. The Misva also requires making one's wife joyous, and the Rambam writes that one should purchase new clothing or jewelry for his wife before the festival. If one's wife does not need new clothing or jewelry, then he should buy her other gifts, even fine foods and the like. It is proper to immerse in a Mikveh on Ereb Shabuot to purify oneself in honor of the festival and in honor of the commemoration of Matan Torah.

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn today's episode, we dive into St. Thomas Aquinas's "brief" case for the papacy. He makes four arguments, and responds to two objections (both of which are often made by protestants and other non-Catholics to this day!). These arguments come from his apologetic work, Summa Contra Gentiles (Book 4, Ch. 76).If you aren't Catholic, learn why the papacy makes sense from Scripture and reason. If you are Catholic, learn how to defend the papacy with these great arguments from St. Thomas.VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro01:23 - Roadmap04:03 - Argument 1: Societies Have Heads06:28 - Argument 2: Resolving Disputes11:25 - Argument 3: Rule by One18:36 - Argument 4: Imitation of Heaven23:36 - Objection 1: Christ is the Shepherd27:35 - Objection 2: Peter Has No Successors29:56 - ConclusionLISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

Cet épisode hors-série a été réalisé dans la cadre d'un partenariat avec Petite Emilie. Rassemblant des parents et des soignant·es, cette association sans appartenance politique ou religieuse œuvre pour un meilleur accompagnement des personnes qui sont confrontées à une IMG et à un deuil périnatal. Plus d'informations : https://www.petiteemilie.org/.

After a lengthy layover, Hot Takes returns this week, and we asked YOU to submit your spiciest takes about some of the divisive Zelda games ever made: Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks! We react to what you had to say about the DS titles, weighting in on topics like the Temple of the Ocean King's Pacing, Byrne as an underrated character, the soundtrack of Phantom Hourglass, and if the games would be more beloved if they were console games. All this, PLUS a little followup on the Sages from Age of Imprisonment! Come hang out with us!   Support The Zelda Cast on Patreon! Subscribe to receive the monthly bonus show ‘The Zelda Cast Top Tens! Follow The Zelda Cast! The Zelda Cast (@TheZeldaCast) Andy Spiteri (@Spiteri316) Alasyn Eletha (@AlasynEletha) Twitch x Facebook x Discord x Tik-Tok x BlueSky Advertise on The Zelda Cast! See Options Here! Subscribe to The Zelda Cast! Apple Podcasts x Podbean x Spotify x iTunes x Google Podcasts x iHeart Radio x PlayerFM Grab The Zelda Cast Merch! Official Zelda Dungeon Merch store

It is customary to read Megillat Rut on Shabuot, and several different reasons have been given for this custom. The Mordechi (Rav Mordechai Ben Hillel, Germany, 1250-1298), in Masechet Megilla (chapter 1), as cited by the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles of Cracow, 1525-1572) in Darkeh Moshe (494), explains that the story of Rut took place during the harvest season, around the time of Shabuot, and it is therefore appropriate to read this story on this holiday. Others explain that at the time of Matan Torah, the Jewish People underwent a process of "conversion," for, like converts, they had been obligated only in the Seven Noachide Laws, and then committed themselves to the Torah's 613 commands. (Interestingly, the Hebrew word "Gerut" has the numerical value of 620, corresponding to the 613 Biblical commands plus the seven Misvot instituted by the Sages.) Therefore, on the day we celebrate Matan Torah, we read the story of Rut, which tells of Rut's conversion and acceptance of the Misvot. Thirdly, we read Megilat Rut as a reminder that accepting the Torah includes not only our obligations toward G-d, but also our obligations to other people. The story of Rut is all about Hesed: Rut accompanied her mother-in-law, Naomi, and left her homeland to be at her side; Boaz cared for Rut when she arrived in Bet-Lehem, and then married her; Rut performed kindness for her deceased husband by allowing his soul to be perpetuated through the process of Yibum. We read this story to remind ourselves that kindness and sensitivity to other people is part and parcel of our acceptance of the Torah. Additionally, Megillat Rut is a story of remarkable "Mesirut Nefesh" – self-sacrifice. Rut was the daughter of the king of Moav, yet she was prepared to leave her life of royalty and all the amenities and luxuries it offers in order to become a Jew. This story reminds us that we need to sacrifice in order to succeed in Torah and Misvot. We cannot expect to excel in our devotion to Torah while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries that life offers. "Mesirut Nefesh" is an indispensable prerequisite for a successful Torah life. Finally, the story of Megillat Rut concludes with Rut's marriage to Boaz and the birth of their son, who ultimately became the grandfather of King David, who was born and passed away on Shabuot. It is thus appropriate to read this story on Shabuot, when we remember and reflect upon David Ha'melech.

Parashat Behar begins with the Misva of Shemita, which requires farmers to refrain from agricultural activity for an entire year every seven years. The Torah refers to this year as "Shabbat L'Hashem" – "A sabbath to God" (25:2), and as "Shabbat Shabbaton" (25:4), a phrase whose meaning is not, at first glance, clear. The Seforno (Rav Ovadia Seforno, Italy, 1475-1549) explains the first expression, "Shabbat L'Hashem," to mean that this year is to be devoted to Hashem. G-d commands farmers to refrain from agricultural work so that they can spend this year involved in Torah learning and prayer. Just as we refrain from work one day a week, Shabbat, in order to spend a day engrossed in spirituality, similarly, once in seven years, farmers are to spend a year devoted to the nurturing of their soul. As for the term "Shabbat Shabbaton," the Seforno writes that this instructs farmers to refrain also from certain activities related to agriculture that are not technically forbidden by the formal laws of Shemita. To understand the Seforno's intent, we must take a step back and examine the notion of the "Takanot" – the laws enacted by the Sages to safeguard the Torah. It goes without saying that the Torah is perfect, and does not and will never require any amending. The purpose of the Rabbis' "Takanot" was most certainly not to "improve" the already perfect Torah. Rather, they were intended to uphold the spirit of the law. It is possible, for example, for a person to avoid all the activities forbidden by the Torah on Shabbat, while treating the day not much different than a weekday. A businessman can run his business on Shabbat without performing any acts that constitute Biblical acts of Shabbat desecration. He can go to his office with a non-Jewish taxi service, manage his employees, and even write with a "Shinui" – a deviation, like with his weaker hand – such that he has a pretty typical business day without transgressing any Torah violations. A person can also spend Shabbat cleaning his garage and washing his car without desecrating Shabbat on the level of Torah law. Clearly, however, this is not how the Torah wants us to spend Shabbat. In addition to the letter of the law, there is the spirit of the law, the purpose for which the law exists. The Shabbat prohibitions are intended to create a certain atmosphere, an aura of serenity, joy, calm, holiness, and spiritual growth. The Rabbis saw that people were observing the letter of the law without observing the spirit of the law. In many areas, they were able to abide by the strict letter of the Torah's commands, but while missing the entire point of these commands. And so the Sages enacted many laws in order to ensure that we not only technically observe the Torah's commands, but also achieve the goals which these commands are meant to lead us to. According to the Seforno, this is the meaning of "Shabbat Shabbaton." The Torah indicates to us that besides refraining from the specific forms of agricultural activity forbidden by the laws of Shemita, farmers must also maintain a certain aura during this year, an aura of spiritual engagement and holiness. To that end, they are to refrain from even technically permissible forms of work, so that the Shemita year will be spent in a fundamentally different way than the other six years. What is true about Shabbat and Shemita is true also of our relationships. In a good marriage, the husband and wife do not need to be told what to do for one another, and what not to do. They understand what the other wants, and they try to fulfill those wishes to the best of their ability. I am reminded of the time when a fellow called me to ask if it was acceptable to miss his evening Torah study in order to go out with his wife for their anniversary. I told him that I don't have time for questions such as these. This should not even be asked. It should be obvious that one owes it to his wife to spend time with her on their anniversary. One does not need to ask a Rabbi to authorize his going out with his wife on their anniversary. This is something that he should not need to be told. The fellow went home and said, "The Rabbi said we can go out tonight." This is now how it is done. A man does not spend time with his wife because the Rabbi said so. He spends time with his wife because he knows that this is what she wants and what she expects. He should not wait to be told – by her or by a Rabbi – that this is what he should do. In our relationship with Hashem and in our relationships with other people, we are to extend beyond the technical "dos" and "don'ts," the strict letter of the law, and try as much as possible to do what we intuitively know they want us to do.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit dwtruthwarrior.substack.com“If the body was the home of the soul in its condition of “death,” then it was the grave, the tomb, the sarcophagus, the sepulcher, the mummy case of the soul. And so one finds the Sages referring to the physical corpus of man as the prison, the underground dungeon, the pit, the cave, and finally the tomb of the soul. This life, they said, was the soul'…

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we interview one of the rising public intellectuals of our age, the English philosopher Dr. Sebastian Morello, about his fascinating conversion to the Catholic Faith. This is the first time Dr. Morello has shared his entire conversion account in public, and we are honored to host him at Eternal Christendom!Dr. Sebastian Morello is a lecturer, public speaker, and writer. He earned his doctorate in philosophy under the supervision of the renowned conservative philosopher Sir Roger Scruton. He specializes in how the Western intellectual tradition has shaped our political structures, societies, and cultures. He has authored and delivered numerous books and courses to engage the public, and written for various magazines and journals.Dr. Morello is currently a Contributing Editor, Editorial Board Member, columnist, and filmmaker at the European Conservative, a respected popular journal of political and social criticism. He is also an avid huntsman, and conservationist. He lives in Bedfordshire, England with his wife and children.You can listen to Dr. Morello's "The Gnostalgia Podcast" here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1JVj6p7Bzdmp3ImyXv2pCRVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/LISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

What is Evil? Different tradition have different ideas. In this compelling Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the Bhakti tradition understands darkness, Satan, and the concept of evil. Is it a cosmic force? A personal being? Or simply the absence of divine light? Other questions include how to navigate workplace obligations at bars while maintaining spiritual sobriety, and what pure devotional service looks like in today's world. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Evil explained Bhakti-style: darkness isn't a rival force—it's what happens when we turn away from the light •⁠  ⁠What to do when your boss schedules meetings in a bar (spoiler: garlic-soaked pizza may also be involved) •⁠  ⁠Pure devotion demystified: how love shows up in kirtan, service, and yes, even chicken coop assignments •⁠  ⁠Lessons from Mussolini to CBGB's: the slippery slope of bad choices and the art of guarding your inner light •⁠  ⁠It's not about being judgmental—but about choosing clarity over compromise

What is Evil? Different tradition have different ideas. In this compelling Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the Bhakti tradition understands darkness, Satan, and the concept of evil. Is it a cosmic force? A personal being? Or simply the absence of divine light? Other questions include how to navigate workplace obligations at bars while maintaining spiritual sobriety, and what pure devotional service looks like in today's world. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Evil explained Bhakti-style: darkness isn't a rival force—it's what happens when we turn away from the light •⁠  ⁠What to do when your boss schedules meetings in a bar (spoiler: garlic-soaked pizza may also be involved) •⁠  ⁠Pure devotion demystified: how love shows up in kirtan, service, and yes, even chicken coop assignments •⁠  ⁠Lessons from Mussolini to CBGB's: the slippery slope of bad choices and the art of guarding your inner light •⁠  ⁠It's not about being judgmental—but about choosing clarity over compromise

This week we have a true “Smorgasbord” for you from top musicians to comedians. Event organizers to seed bank moguls we have a little bit of everything. Starting with @rob_barraco who has played with Phil Lesh and Friends, The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Chris Robinson & New Earth Mud, the Zen Tricksters, Red Flannel Hash, and The Dragonflys. He will be here in Colorado June 6th @mishawakaamphitheatre playing with SAGES & SPIRITS. Rob is a true legend with an amazing career hopefully coming on our show won't knock em down a peg. To have a true Smorgasbord we needed to bring our second guest back on @wallyzamwa to showcase his documentary “Mary & I” an expose on the country of Sweden's peculiar relationship with Cannabis. For an extremely Liberal country the one thing they can't seem to get a handle on is our favorite plant.Hopefully he makes this time our suggestion is more coffee less sleeping pills. Also joining meal we have our friends from @omgeventsllc in NY that are putting on the 2nd annual KUSH & SOUR Competition this Sun with lots of our friends competing or judging @rosindogs, @newterpcity, @therealtopdawgseeds , @therealgreenbodhi , @grovebags ,@bokashiearthworks just to mention a few. Finally we have our “Man on the Scene @the_real_james_bean James Bean from @shn_seed_bank coming on to announce his new updated website that includes his AI Bot called “BEANIE” that you can ask anything. This along with an updated auction feature makes getting genetics not only easier but more fun or as Dave would say Funerer. So get that @dabx GO rig charged your @jerome_baker bong Clean with some ice

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this first episode of our "Judas Within" mini-series, we cover how the Church Fathers explained that the Catholic Church was the one true Church established by Christ, and yet also endured great scandal and corruption within.We show how they unpacked Scripture to explain that the Church on earth will always have to deal with this "Judas Within" the Church, and then share a powerful example of this from the writings of St. Augustine (Letter 208). In that letter, St. Augustine exhorts all Christians to remain within the Catholic Church despite the “Judas Within,” and that doing so is a means of gaining eternal reward and growing in holiness.VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction02:42 - Biblical Basis for the Patristic View of the Church12:36 - St. Augustine on a Church of Saints and Sinners18:53 - ConclusionLISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we interview biblical scholar Dr. Matthew Thomas, a convert to the Catholic faith from protestantism, on how the ancient Church showed him that St. Paul was Catholic. This was especially the case with respect to faith, works, and justification. Everywhere he looked in the ancient Church, the Church Fathers and other Christian documents exhibited a fundamentally Catholic understanding of Paul's teaching on "works of the law" and justification. This discovery became the basis for his book, "Paul's 'Works of the Law' in the Perspective of Second-Century Reception," as well as his conclusion that on this point, protestantism represented a 16th century novelty with no precedent in Church history.Dr. Thomas is the Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, and the Theology Department Chair at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkley, CA. You can read more of his bio here: https://dspt.edu/matthew-thomas/You can purchase Dr. Thomas's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Pauls-Works-Perspective-Second-Century-Reception/dp/0830855262/VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/LISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

Extrait de l'épisode 148 Accouchement à la maison, les chiffres et la réalité face aux projections et idées ancrées – Floriane Obrecht, sage-femmeDans cet extrait, Floriane nous parle de l'accouchement à domicile en France.Son livre : C'est mon accouchement !Dans l'épisode, Floriane Satuffer-Obrecht fait le tour de son parcours sur l'accouchement à domicile et sur les données et statistiques en France, je vous encourage à l'écouter en entier.AU PROGRAMME :

It is forbidden to extend the greeting of "Shalom" to a mourner within twelve months of the passing of his or her father or mother, Heaven forbid. A person who has recently suffered such a loss is not in a position to experience "Shalom," and this greeting is thus inappropriate during this period. A mourner is allowed to extend such a greeting to others; the prohibition applies only to others greeting a mourner with the word "Shalom." It is permissible to extend other kinds of greetings to a mourner, such as "good morning," "good health," and the like. The Sages enacted this prohibition only with regard to the specific greeting of "Shalom." With regard to the common greeting of "Shabbat Shalom" on Shabbat, the Shulhan Aruch, in the laws of mourning, records a custom (based on the Talmud Yerushalmi) to allow extending the greeting of "Shabbat Shalom" to mourners on Shabbat, and this is, indeed, the accepted practice. It is also permissible to extend to a mourner the greeting of "Shalom Alechem" that is customarily exchanged after Birkat Ha'lebana. The reason for this greeting is that since we recite several verses about the downfall of our enemies ("Tipol Alehem Emata Va'fahad…"), we greet one another with "Shalom Alechem" to make it clear that we did not have one another in mind when we expressed our hopes for our enemies' demise. Thus, this greeting is intended not as a friendly gesture, but rather to avoid possible misunderstandings and ill-will, and it is therefore permissible to extend this greeting to a mourner. Furthermore, this greeting is formulated in the plural form – "Alechem" – and thus refers to the entire congregation, and not only to the particular individual that one addresses, and for this reason, too, one may extend this greeting to a mourner. It is forbidden to give a mourner a gift throughout the twelve-month period after a parent's passing. There is no greater "friendly greeting" than a gift, and one therefore may not give a gift to a mourner within twelve months after the passing of his or her parent. This discussion applies only to one observing Abelut (mourning) over a father or mother, Heaven forbid. In the case of one who lost another family member, Heaven forbid, these restrictions apply only during the first thirty days, but not afterward. Summary: It is forbidden to greet a mourner with the greeting of "Shalom," or give a mourner a gift, within twelve months of the passing of his or her parent. It is permissible, however, to extend other greetings, and to greet a mourner with the greeting of "Shabbat Shalom" on Shabbat, and with the "Shalom Alechem" greeting customarily extended after Birkat Ha'lebana. In the case of the passing of another family member (as opposed to a parent), these Halachot apply only during the first thirty days.

Reportage dans la région de Ouaddaï, à l'est du Tchad où, depuis que la guerre a éclaté au Soudan voisin en avril 2023, 700 000 réfugiés ont franchi la frontière, soit le plus grand afflux de son histoire. Les conditions dans les camps sont précaires, l'incertitude alimentaire quotidienne et les besoins en santé sont immenses. Dans un contexte sécuritaire tendu, les sages-femmes font preuve de résilience et de créativité pour surmonter les obstacles et soigner les femmes : infrastructures limitées, pénurie de personnel et de médicaments de base. Mais ces héroïnes silencieuses incarnent la force et la compassion nécessaires pour accompagner la vie des communautés.    Alors que le Tchad est confronté à des défis importants en matière de santé reproductive, l'UNFPA a mis en place une approche novatrice pour répondre aux besoins en santé maternelle : l'agence des Nations-unies a formé des sages-femmes pour intervenir en situation d'urgence (accouchements sécurisés, consultations pré et postnatales, urgences obstétricales, prise en charge des survivantes de violences basées sur le genre, planification familiale). L'objectif principal de ces soignantes est de réduire les taux de mortalité, de morbidité et d'invalidité chez les femmes au sein des populations affectées par les crises, qu'il s'agisse de déplacés internes, de réfugiés ou de populations vulnérables.    Notre reporter Raphaëlle Constant s'est rendue dans les structures de santé des camps de réfugiés soudanais de Farchana et d'Adré, gérés par le HCR à l'est du Tchad, à la rencontre de celles qui donnent et sauvent des vies.   ► Un reportage réalisé en février 2025 en partenariat avec le Fonds MuskokaProgrammation musicale :► El bùho, Pulo NDJ – Dabadji am alcorama.  

Reportage dans la région de Ouaddaï, à l'est du Tchad où, depuis que la guerre a éclaté au Soudan voisin en avril 2023, 700 000 réfugiés ont franchi la frontière, soit le plus grand afflux de son histoire. Les conditions dans les camps sont précaires, l'incertitude alimentaire quotidienne et les besoins en santé sont immenses. Dans un contexte sécuritaire tendu, les sages-femmes font preuve de résilience et de créativité pour surmonter les obstacles et soigner les femmes : infrastructures limitées, pénurie de personnel et de médicaments de base. Mais ces héroïnes silencieuses incarnent la force et la compassion nécessaires pour accompagner la vie des communautés.    Alors que le Tchad est confronté à des défis importants en matière de santé reproductive, l'UNFPA a mis en place une approche novatrice pour répondre aux besoins en santé maternelle : l'agence des Nations-unies a formé des sages-femmes pour intervenir en situation d'urgence (accouchements sécurisés, consultations pré et postnatales, urgences obstétricales, prise en charge des survivantes de violences basées sur le genre, planification familiale). L'objectif principal de ces soignantes est de réduire les taux de mortalité, de morbidité et d'invalidité chez les femmes au sein des populations affectées par les crises, qu'il s'agisse de déplacés internes, de réfugiés ou de populations vulnérables.    Notre reporter Raphaëlle Constant s'est rendue dans les structures de santé des camps de réfugiés soudanais de Farchana et d'Adré, gérés par le HCR à l'est du Tchad, à la rencontre de celles qui donnent et sauvent des vies.   ► Un reportage réalisé en février 2025 en partenariat avec le Fonds MuskokaProgrammation musicale :► El bùho, Pulo NDJ – Dabadji am alcorama.  

Not all sorrow is a step backwards—sometimes, it's the signal that real growth has begun. In this powerful Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive deep into what one listener calls “the sorrow of losing joy in the material world.” What unfolds is a raw, insightful conversation on threshold sorrow—the strange pain of shedding old pleasures that no longer satisfy, and crossing into the unknown terrain of spiritual depth.

Not all sorrow is a step backwards—sometimes, it's the signal that real growth has begun. In this powerful Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive deep into what one listener calls “the sorrow of losing joy in the material world.” What unfolds is a raw, insightful conversation on threshold sorrow—the strange pain of shedding old pleasures that no longer satisfy, and crossing into the unknown terrain of spiritual depth.

Surgical conferences are a forum of the profession–where we all gather to socialize, share clinical experiences, promote academic work, and learn from each other. But what goes into putting these conferences together? In this next installment of the BTK/ASGBI collaborative series, Jon Williams and ASGBI co-hosts Kellie Bateman and Jared Wohlgemut welcome Mr. Dimitrios Damaskos from Edinburgh and Dr. Anne Lidor from the University of Wisconsin to take a look behind the scenes of conference planning. We'll cover logistics, program selection, how surgical societies strive to support their members and trainees, and much more! Mr Dimitrios Damaskos, initially from Greece, he came to the UK for his fellowship and is a UGI and Emergency General Surgical Consultant with an interest in abdominal wall surgery based in The Royal Infirmary Edinburgh. He is the current Director of Scientific Programme for ASGBI and responsible for organising our main International Congress which this year happens to be in Edinburgh. He has also held numerous other events for surgical societies including the British Hernia Society. Dr. Lidor serves as the program chair for the Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (i.e. SAGES), which is a wide-reaching US-based international surgical society that encompasses many facets of general surgery. The SAGES Annual Meeting was just last month, and is a great opportunity for surgeons to convene and share clinical experiences, academic work, and professionally connect. Dr. Lidor completed medical school at the New York Medical College, and then moved on to George Washington University for general surgery residency training. Following residency, she moved to Baltimore to Johns Hopkins where she completed her MIS/Bariatric Surgery fellowship and subsequently stayed on as a faculty surgeon. After years at Hopkins during which she held many education leadership roles both at the medical school and as fellowship director, she moved to the University of Wisconsin to become Chief of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, a role she continues to hold today.  If you enjoyed this episode, stay tuned for more upcoming BTK/ASGBI collaborative content. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@behindtheknife.org.  Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://app.behindtheknife.org/listen

Most of Parashiyot Tazria and Mesora deals with the intricate laws of Sara'at – a kind of infection which would surface on people's skin, garments, or homes. The Torah outlines specific requirements that must be obeyed by a person who sees a suspicious discoloration that might signify the presence of Sara'at, as well as the procedures to be followed should a discoloration be confirmed as Sara'at. A person confirmed to be stricken with bodily Sara'at would be banished from his city until he is cured. A garment with Sara'at, in certain situations, needed to be burned, and a home stricken with Sara'at would, in some instances, be dismantled. The Rabbis explained that Sara'at would befall a person as a punishment for certain sins. Even Sara'at on the body was not a medical condition, some sort of dermatological disorder. It was rather a punishment that G-d would bring upon a person on account of his misdeeds. In light of this, Rav Moshe Alshich (Sefat, 1508-1593) raised the question of why the Torah begins its discussion of Sara'at by addressing the situation of "Adam Ki Yiheyeh Be'or Besaro Se'et O Sapahat…" – where an "Adam" has a discoloration on his skin. "Adam" is one of several different words used by the Torah in reference to the human being, and the Alshich writes that this word refers specifically to "Shelomeh Emuneh Yisrael" – the faithfully observant among the Jewish people. It signifies a high level of obedience to Hashem, and is thus reserved for those who are religiously committed. The question naturally arises, then, as to why it is used here, in Parashat Tazria, in reference to a person stricken by Sara'at. If Sara'at would befall somebody who was guilty of grave misdeeds, then why is he called "Adam" – a title of distinction reserved for the spiritually devoted? The Alshich answers that to the contrary, it is only those who are generally righteous and pure whose bodies are impacted by the impurity of sin. If a person is entirely impure, then the sins he commits do not affect him to such an extent that he would be stricken by Sara'at because of them. It is only if a person is otherwise pure that an occasional misdeed would result in a Sara'at infection. A stain is noticeable only on an otherwise clean garment; if a garment is already covered with mud, a drop of food that falls on it will not be discernible. Likewise, it is only in a generally "clean" soul that the "stain" of sin causes a Sara'at infection. For this reason, the Alshich writes, Sara'at does not occur nowadays – because we are not on a high enough level of purity that the contamination of an occasional sin would leave an impression in the form of Sara'at. The Alshich explains on this basis a word used by the Torah later in this introductory verse: "VE'HAYA Be'or Besaro Le'nega Sara'at" ("And it shall be in the skin of his flesh a Sara'at affliction"). Ironically, the word "Ve'haya" is understood by our Sages as an allusion to joy. When this word is used, the Gemara (Megilla 10) teaches, it indicates an element of celebration. Seemingly, then, the word "Ve'haya" has no place here in the context of Sara'at infections. The Alshich explains that while the manifestation of Sara'at is, of course, very unfortunate, a harsh punishment brought upon a sinner, at the same time, it is a cause for joy, as it shows the person's overall stature of greatness. The fact that his "stain" is discernible proves that his soul is otherwise "clean." The onset of Sara'at thus brings the joy of knowing that one is generally pure and can retain his state of pristine purity through the process of Teshuba, by correcting the misdeeds for which he was punished with Sara'at.

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, Joshua Charles unveils how he concluded—even while he was still a protestant—that "sola scriptura" (or "Scripture alone") was a false doctrine.He explains how he reached this conclusion in two primary ways: he recognized "sola scriptura" was both logically incoherent, and inconsistent with the sacred history recounted in the Bible itself.To his shock and amazement, his intuitions were ultimately confirmed by a famous and well-respected protestant teacher and theologian who advocated "sola scriptura."VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/Have your patronage DOUBLED thanks to a generous $50,000 matching gift from a patron:https://donorbox.org/eternal-christendom-double-your-impactEXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction03:45 - The Right Definition of "Sola Scriptura"07:59 - Objection 1: Logically Incoherent12:01 - Objection 2: Inconsistent with Sacred History20:25 - My Intuitions Confirmed by a Protestant (RC Sproul)40:17 - ConclusionLISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

In our existence in this world, we carry the burdens of duty, judgment, and anger—and then we project them onto God. But reality? He's just playing His flute, dancing, and inviting us back into a life of divine play (lila). In today's Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha reveal a revolutionary truth rooted in the Upanishads, the Vedānta Sūtra, and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam: the Absolute Truth isn't weighed down by judgment or duty—the Absolute's only “business” is joyful līlā, or divine play. So why all the suffering and conflict in this world? We break down why Advaita Vedanta struggles to answer this—and how Bhakti Vedanta offers a beautiful, clear vision: the spiritual world is pure play, and the material world exists to help us remember how to “play nice” again. Key Highlights: * Why Ram, even when fighting Ravana, was just playing with His friends (yes, the monkeys

Are we interpreting politics through the lens of spiritual teachings - or are we interpreting spiritual teachings through the lens of our politics? How to respond when personal political opinions get imposed upon the spiritual discussions the we go to for enlightenment?  In this dynamic Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha respond to pressing questions about navigating touchy topics in bhakti communities. They unpack the real meaning of seva when service feels more like a chore list, and dive into a fascinating discussion on the parallels between the Vedic Paramatma and the Christian Holy Ghost. Key Highlights: * How politics can sneak into spiritual discussions—and how to respond * Are we viewing sacred texts through a clean lens—or a political filter? * The art of doing real temple service (even when it's scrubbing pots) * Seeing Krishna in the messy, humble work that nobody else wants to do * mapping the parallels & distinctions between Paramatma & Holy Ghost In a world drowning in division, discover how true spiritual life calls us beyond party lines—into something deeper, sweeter, and eternal.

What does it means to lead without ego, serve without exploitation, and rule with spiritual detachment? In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into the extraordinary standard set by Lord Ramachandra, whose rule began not with conquest but with renunciation.  The conversation also takes a deeper look at the controversial episode of Sita's banishment though the eyes of the sages (as opposed  to the lens of ones's own painful divorce). When seen with spiritual clarity, the pain of separation transforms into an expression of divine love, where Ram and Sita's apparent distance reveals the depth of their unbreakable connection. Key Highlights: * How Ram's leadership flips modern politics on its head * Sages with melted hearts receive the supreme gift - inner illumination * Sita's banishment—and why comparing it to your messy breakup doesn't quite work * What Jay Shetty, and Douglas Adams and Socrates have to do with karma yoga * Abraham Lincolns touching letter about losing a loved one * Bhakti as the “Platinum Package” of yoga paths (yes, karma and jñāna are included) * How Sita Sings the Blues delights, but disappoints 

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn Part 1 of this fascinating interview, Catholic theologian and historian Dr. Alan Fimister defends this provocative assertion: the Church founded by Jesus Christ is Roman, in some mysterious sense prophesied in the Old, and fulfilled in the New Testament. The implications are astounding, not only in terms of how we understand the past, but the present, as well as the future history of the world.Be on the lookout for Part 2 of this interview, where we will cover the eschatological ("end times") implications of Dr. Fimister's thesis.Purchase Dr. Fimister's "The Iron Sceptre of the Son of Man: Romanitas as a Note of the Church" with an Eternal Christendom exclusive discount through Os Justi Press at our Bookstore:https://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/Dr. Fimister is a member of Eternal Christendom's esteemed Advisory Board:https://eternalchristendom.com/advisory-board/VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/Have your patronage DOUBLED thanks to a generous $50,000 matching gift from a patron:https://donorbox.org/eternal-christendom-double-your-impactEXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/LISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

Nadav and Avihu were the crown princes of the Jewish nation. These two sons were slated to succeed Moshe and Aaron. Moshe declared, without hyperbole, that his two nephews, Nadav and Avihu, were greater than he and Aaron. These two sons of Aaron were without peer. Yet they acted in an inexplicable manner: On the eighth day of the inauguration of the Tabernacle, Nadav and Avihu brought an unauthorized offering and died in shocking fashion. What possessed these two exemplars to behave in the way that they did? What do we make of the multiplicity of reasons offered by our Sages for their errant behavior? In this special edition of the Parsha Podcast we offer a novel explanation of what motivated Nadav and Avihu that neatly explains what we know about this shocking and tragic episode.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Is trying to understand spiritual truth a futile task? Is it all beyond words and beyond the logical understanding of the human mind? In this Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Kaustubha Das, with guest host Kishori Gopi, takes on one of the deepest questions of spiritual life—whether the ultimate reality can be known, described, or even spoken of. Drawing from the ancient dialectic between Advaita Vedanta and Bhakti Vedanta, they explore how the Absolute is perceived across different schools of Indian philosophy, and whether Krishna's teachings are meant to be understood—or simply surrendered to. Then, things get bold and existential: If we're not the body or the mind… why not just commit suicide? This intense question opens the door to a profound discussion on karma, the soul's journey, and why trying to “opt out” is ill advised. Morgan Freeman shows up. So does Groundhog Day. Somehow it all makes sense. Key Highlights * The Bhakti perspective: Krishna can be understood—and described—in rich detail * How Shankara's “neti neti” approach led to the idea of the indescribable Absolute * Karma as a cosmic reformatory system * Why suicide doesn't break the cycle—just moves it like a whack-a-mole * What Newton might say about karma (and why we're not totally convinced) * “They muddy the waters to make them seem deep.” — Nietzsche, and also Kaustubha

In this deep-dive Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Kaustuba Das and guest co-host Kishori Gopi explore one of life's most profound questions: What is my purpose? Drawing from the teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the writings of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, and the ancient tradition of Vedānta, they unpack the layered meaning of dharma—from temporary duties to the soul's eternal calling. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a yoga teacher, a parent, or simply navigating life's changing roles, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and clarify your inner compass. Discover how your svadharma (individual calling) fits into a larger journey of evolution toward bhakti—the soul's natural expression of love. Key Highlights: * The difference between temporary dharma and eternal dharma * Why success in life isn't about achievement, but alignment * The secret purpose behind your everyday responsibilities * What the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam reveals about the highest truth

Can you practice deep spiritual life without walking away from your worldly responsibilities? Or is renunciation—of family, career, and social ties—a necessary cost of devotion? In this essential Q&A edition of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha address one of the most pressing questions for modern spiritual seekers: can the path of bhakti be lived fully without uprooting your life? What unfolds is a powerful conversation about clarity, compassion, and the dangers of spiritual misunderstanding. This episode dives into three thought-provoking questions: •⁠  ⁠Is bhakti really free from the strict renunciations of other yogic paths—or is that just a myth? •⁠  ⁠How do we trust Krishna's plan without falling into inertia or passivity? •⁠  ⁠How should we respond to skepticism around the bhakti tradition, especially in light of scandal and misrepresentation? Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Why external renunciation is not the essence of bhakti—and how reorienting our vision of family, work, and social life is often the real path forward. •⁠  ⁠The subtle but vital difference between walking away from the world and seeing it through a new lens of service. •⁠  ⁠What it truly means to “accept what's favorable and reject what's unfavorable” for spiritual growth. •⁠  ⁠How to stay steady in your practice even when exposed to harmful or fanatical representations of bhakti. •⁠  ⁠Why spiritual life is about progress, not perfection—and how to build a path that is sustainable, sincere, and real.