Podcasts about Scotland

Country in Northwest Europe, part of the United Kingdom

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    Latest podcast episodes about Scotland

    No Laying Up - Golf Podcast
    1014: How to plan a Scotland golf trip (East Lothian)

    No Laying Up - Golf Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 54:09


    Soly and TC are back with another Scotland golf travel pod as we call upon Ru Macdonald to help guide us through the East Lothian region as we talk Muirfield, North Berwick, Dunbar and more. Join us in our support of the Evans Scholars Foundation: ⁠https://nolayingup.com/esf⁠ Support our sponsors: Rhoback FanDuel.com/nlu USGA Handicap System Subscribe to the No Laying Up Newsletter here: https://newsletter.nolayingup.com/ Subscribe to the No Laying Up Podcast channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@NoLayingUpPodcast If you enjoyed this episode, consider joining⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Nest⁠⁠⁠⁠: No Laying Up's community of avid golfers. Nest members help us maintain our light commercial interruptions (3 minutes of ads per 90 minutes of content) and receive access to exclusive content, discounts in the pro shop, and an annual member gift. It's a $90 annual membership, and you can sign up or learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nolayingup.com/join⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    True Crime Campfire
    Stranger Than Fiction, Vol VI: Sportsball Edition

    True Crime Campfire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 50:43


    If there's one thing that gets people's blood pumpin', it's sports. All over the world on any given day, you can find people getting into passionate arguments about whose team has a better chance of making the playoffs, or the finals, or the World Cup or whatever. Sometimes there are fisticuffs involved! There are pubs in Scotland where you're not allowed to wear your football team colors, for fear of a brawl breaking out. In my hometown, when our college team won a big basketball game, people would celebrate by turning over cars and setting stuff on fire. Parents often treat their elementary school kids' Little League games like the fate of the free world is at stake. My point is, people get INTENSE about this stuff. And things can get real, real weird. This week, we bring you two stories that exemplify that weirdness.Case 1: The Wild Lies of Kevin Hart. Case 2: The Cleveland Ten-Cent Beer Night Riot.Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:https://www.espn.com/espn/eticket/story?page=kevinhart&redirected=true https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/7525340/kevin-hart-recruit-lied-california-golden-bears-sign-missouri-western-stateCleveland Magazine Archives: https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/terminal/articles/1974-cheap-beers-cause-mayhemCleveland Magazine: https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/sports/articles/10-cent-beer-night-an-oral-history-of-cleveland-baseball's-most-infamous-nightNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5528679/2024/06/03/cleveland-10-cent-beer-night-50-anniversary/YouTube Channel Kristian Crow, "The Absolute Chaos of Ten Cent Beer Night" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2ZTGtMFVT8Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: truecrimecampfirepod@gmail.comMERCH! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

    P1 with Matt and Tommy
    Our 2025 Spanish GP predictions

    P1 with Matt and Tommy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 22:33


    We're back with the final race of the 'no-overtaking triple header', but we've got some new regulations to contend with - so let's see how that influences our predictions for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix!Tickets for 'The Delusion Tour' are now on sale for Patreon subscribers! Join us at shows across the U.S, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands later this year by signing up now and getting your early access tickets: http://patreon.com/mattp1tommyYou can listen to an extended version of every Race Review podcast over on our Patreon! Sign up to also get every P1 episode ad-free, early access to 'The Delusion Tour' tickets and merch, and access to our Discord server where you can chat with us and other F1 fans! Click here to sign up now!Follow us on socials! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Irish and Celtic Music Podcast
    Monday Morning Fun #711

    Irish and Celtic Music Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 66:04


    What do you do to make Monday morning more fun? Listen to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #711. Subscribe now! Olivia Barrett, Banda Gaites Camín de Fierro, Old Blind Dogs, Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, Crikwater, Hanneke Cassel, The AML Trio, Celia Farran, Willowgreen, Ghost Of A Banshee, Highlander Celtic Rock Band Australia, Journey North, Phoenyx, Kinnfolk GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items for Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2025 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music of 2025 episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on YouTube to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:06 - Olivia Barrett "The Whistle Buoy/The Bell Buoy" from Elsewhere 3:49 - WELCOME 5:21 - Banda Gaites Camín de Fierro "Al Pasar por el puertu M" from Rock & Fierro 11:32 - Old Blind Dogs "Scotland Yet" from Wherever Yet May Be 14:56 - Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira "Midnight" from Here to Stay 18:50 - Crikwater "A Pint of Plain (Live)" from Live in Buffalo 21:49 - FEEDBACK 25:19 - Hanneke Cassel "Pieces of Us / Marc et Laura" from Some Melodious Sonnet 29:50 - The AML Trio "Pride of Pimlico" from Sons Of Erin's Isle 32:10 - Celia Farran "Gnomes" from Irish Song Compilation by Celia Farran 35:54 - Willowgreen "The Monday Morning Reel / Star of the County Down" from Sheila's Brush 40:40 - THANKS 43:36 - Ghost Of A Banshee "Celtic Cannon (Reel)" from Along The Rural Trail 46:04 - Highlander Celtic Rock Band Australia "Old Man at the Pub" from North of the Wall 49:52 - Journey North "Catherine's tune" from Journey North (Revisited) 53:35 - Phoenyx "Marley O'Reilly" from Keepers of the Flame 1:01:52 - CLOSING 1:02:38 - Kinnfolk "The Parting Glass" from Star Above The Mountain 1:05:00 - CREDITS The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Finally, remember—our planet's future is in our hands. The overwhelming evidence shows that human activity is driving climate change, from record  -  breaking heat waves to rising sea levels. But the good news? We have the power to fix it. Every choice we make—reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting clean energy, and lobbying our political leaders—moves us toward a more stable climate. Start a conversation today. The facts are out there, and the future is ours to shape. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host of Folk Songs & Stories. This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music - only episode. You'll also learn how to get your band played on the podcast. Bands don't need to send in music, and You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Again email follow@bestcelticmusic Remember to VOTE for your Favorite Track in Highlight Reel #4.1. It's still open for a couple more days. The Poll ends on May 30. WHAT IS AN ALBUM PIN? An album pin is a lapel pin with artwork inspired by a specific album or song from an album. It could be the actual album artwork or it could be inspired by a specific track on the album. The best album pins stand out on their own. They appeal to more than just your fans. It is simple, bold, and visually engaging. However, what truly makes it an “album pin” is that the purchaser also gets a digital album with their pin. I have an entire blog on my website with details including templates for you to make your own album pin jacket. THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! Because of generous patrons like you, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast releases new episodes nearly every single week. Your support doesn't just fund the show—it fuels a movement. It helps us share the magic of Celtic music with thousands of new listeners and grow a global community of music lovers. Your contributions pay for everything behind the scenes: audio engineering, stunning graphics, weekly issues of the Celtic Music Magazine, show promotion, and—most importantly—buying the music we feature from indie Celtic artists. And if you're not yet a patron? You're missing out! Patrons get: Early access to episodes Music - only editions Free MP3 downloads Exclusive stories and artist interviews A vote in the Celtic Top 20 Join us today and help keep the music alive, vibrant, and independent.

    Coffee House Shots
    Can Reform conquer Scotland?

    Coffee House Shots

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 23:12


    Dissatisfaction with the established political parties is driving a ‘tartan bounce' in Scotland for Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Far from being an English phenomenon, Reform is polling favourably with Scottish voters. There will be a by-election next week for the Scottish Parliament seat of Hamilton, in what will be Reform's first big test inside the politics of devolved government.For councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform earlier this year, Reform's appeal in Scotland is no surprise. He joins Lucy Dunn to explain why he thinks the ‘sky is the limit' for Reform, why Farage is an asset to the party in Scotland and to explain Reform's current views around devolution powers.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    caithnesscraftcollective
    Episode 306 - Crafters Fingerprint

    caithnesscraftcollective

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 51:03


    The Blether is all things Pink. Hello Section Wots e Craic - Love Sewing Mag with Frank the French Bulldog or Snoopy Knitted Moomin Socks edited by Linda Permanto Shetland Wool Week 2025 Hat by Rachel Hunter of the Shetland Spinners Weavers Dyers Guild. The All Over Toorie. Free Workshop Week www.workshopweek.co/schedule Croft Hoose Hat by Ella Gordon Big Beautiful Hug Wrap by Hiromi Glover from Purl Soho Reading - The Last Witch of Scotland by Phillip Paris The Trails of Marjorie Crowe by CS Robertson Ribbon of Wildness by Peter Wright

    The Half Court Press Podcast
    E01/S23 - Alan Veitch of Scottish Hockey Heritage an Introduction

    The Half Court Press Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 14:23


    Alan Veitch is an archivist and a statistician for the sport of field hockey. He is one of the people behind the organisation that celebrates and records the game in the North of Britain, called Scottish Hockey Heritage. In this series of episodes, taken from an interview recorded in Edinburgh on May of 2025, we chat about a variety of topics, including what Scottish Hockey Heritage does, what it plans to do in the future and how you and others can help to record the history of hockey in Scotland. All episodes were done in conjunction with the Half Court Press and Scottish Hockey Heritage. The producer was Tao MacLeod.Scottish Hockey Heritagewww.scottish-hockey-heritage.orgAlan Veitch Hockey Archivist and StatisticianInterview location; EdinburghInterview date; 09.05.2025Episode 1; Alan Veitch of Scottish Hockey Heritage an IntroductionEpisode 2; Alan Veitch on Scottish Hockey HeritageEpisode 3; Alan Veitch on the Current Activities of Scottish Hockey HeritageEpisode 4; Alan Veitch on the Future Plans of Scottish Hockey HeritageHalf Court Presswww.halfcourtpressmagazine.comFacebook & Twitter; @HalfCourtPress1Threads & Instagram; @half_court_press1The Half Court Press Podcast is available on…iTunesSpotifyGoogle PodcastsApple PodcastsAmazon MusicBreakerOvercastPocket CastsRadioPublic

    Flatirons Community Church Audio Podcast
    Freedom Isn't Free—Here's What It'll Cost You - Braveheart

    Flatirons Community Church Audio Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 85:48


    What if the freedom you're chasing won't come unless you fight for it?This week's Behind Closed Doors dives into Braveheart—not just the movie, but the heart behind it. Jim unpacks how one of history's most iconic films mirrors the reality of men growing up without fathers, and how a good man stepping in can change everything. Through the story of William Wallace, we get a powerful look at courage, sacrifice, and the cost of real freedom—especially for those still carrying the weight of old chains.Wallace's fight for Scotland's freedom parallels the fight every man faces—for his integrity, his family, his soul. Forge, our new mentorship initiative, is how we start pushing back against fatherlessness right here, right now. Whether you're a single mom praying for help or a man ready to lead, this talk makes it clear: the time is now. Choose to fight. Choose freedom.

    Rockin' the Suburbs
    2125: April 2025 New Music 7: The Beths, Self Esteem, Those Damn Crows, Black Stone Cherry

    Rockin' the Suburbs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 14:01


    The April 2025 New Music Train makes another journey across the Atlantic in this episode and finds Roger Grace in a warm and sunny Montrose, Scotland. He regales us with new music from The Beths, Self Esteem, Those Damn Crows and Black Stone Cherry.  Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart,Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

    PUB SONGS for Celtic Geeks
    Wild Kitty Turns 20: Paws, Pints, & Parodies #299

    PUB SONGS for Celtic Geeks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 27:32


    2025 is the 20 year anniversary of the release of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. We're resharing the Cat Lovers Podcast along with stories about the song that launched that album, “Wild Kitty”. You'll also enjoy the music of Jesse Ferguson in this week's show. This is Folk Songs & Stories #299 WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES 0:35 - Marc Gunn “Wild Rover” from Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic folk musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I'm also a cat lover as you'll hear later on in the show. This show is for fans of my music. But it's also for people who attend Celtic festivals, Renaissance festivals, and science fiction conventions. If you're new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather. Here's a weird request. I would like you to think of the first song that comes to your mind. Next, take a picture. Not one but three. Three pictures to tell a story. Perhaps you have a story to tell as well take some pictures and send them to me. 3:08 - NEWS Poll: What's your favorite song on Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers? Merch: Buy Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers on Patreon or Bandcamp. 4:20 - UPCOMING SHOWS JUL 19: Fiddler's Green Coffeehouse Concert series @ 8 PM, First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta. 470 Candler Park Dr. NE / Atlanta GA 30307. 404-378-5570. firstexistentialist.org, Presented by Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music (AAFFM) JUL 31-AUG 3: Gen Con, Indianapolis, IN AUG 28-SEP 1: Dragon Con, Atlanta, GA SEP 24-28: ALEP 6, Harrodsburg, KY OCT 17-19: MultiVerse, Peachtree City, GA NOV 8: IrishFest Atlanta, Roswell, GA with Inara DEC 7: Nerdy Wonderland at The Lost Druid, Avondale Estates, GA @ 12 - 5 PM. 5:02 - Jesse Ferguson "Bonnie Dundee" from Ten 8:45 - SUPPORT THE CLUB The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be a blog, an exclusive podcast, downloadable song, printed sheet music, or stories from the road. Plus, you'll get access to all of my Coffee with The Celtfather video concert series. Email follow@celtfather ! If you can't support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free. Special thanks to our newest and returning patrons: 9:33 - CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I lead a small group of people on an exciting adventure to one of the Celtic nations and other exciting locations. In 2025, we're going on a Celtic Invasion of Galicia in Spain. Galicia is indeed one of the more obscure Celtic nations to those of us who are most familiar with Ireland and Scotland. Find out more at CelticInvasion.com. 9:43 - IRISH DRINKING SONGS FOR CAT LOVERS In 2003, I was back from Dragon Con chatting with a friend on the phone. The Irish song “Wild Rover” was stuck in my head as we started talking about cats. The chorus came around and I started meowing. An idea started growing in my head. What if I parodied a bunch of traditional Irish drinking songs with lyrics all about cats. I wrote my first three songs before the end of October. I then found Ari Koinuma in Austin to help me produce the single. I set up a website at CatDrinkingSongs.com. In December, someone posted the idea to Fark. I had 20,000 website hits in one day and hundreds of comments. I knew this was a great idea. In May of 2005, I launched a podcast to help raise money for a CD of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. Thus was born the Cat Lovers Podcast. 10:54 - CAT MUSIC LOVERS #1: “WILD KITTY” AND CATS IN PHYSICS (REBOOT) In honor of the 20 year anniversary of my first cat CD, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I am re-releasing the Cat Lovers Podcast on this feed. I'll also share new stories about the inspiration behind the album creation, including the liner notes from the album. Cats in the News Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers Cats in Physics Deer hunting kitties 23:52 - Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats “Wild Kitty” from Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers “Wild Kitty” is a parody of the traditional Irish song “Wild Rover”. autoharp, lead vocal: Marc Gunn fiddle: James "Cedric" Hazlerig bass, maracas: Ari Koinuma bgv: Marc Gunn, Ben Hamby, Blake McCaig, Ari Koinuma meows: Marc Gunn, April Porter, Ben Hamby, Blake McCaig, 26:41 - CREDITS Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen. You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I'm performing. Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment. Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com! #pubstories  

    P1 with Matt and Tommy
    Monaco GP Driver Ratings (and a HUGE announcement!)

    P1 with Matt and Tommy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 49:17


    So, how do you grade F1 drivers whose entire weekend was decided by one quali lap on the Saturday and so most spent Sunday on a leisurely drive around the streets of Monaco with no overtaking whatsoever? Let's find out...Tickets for 'The Delusion Tour' will be on sale for Patreon subscribers TOMORROW! Join us at shows across the U.S, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands later this year by signing up now and getting your early access tickets: http://patreon.com/mattp1tommyYou can listen to an extended version of every Race Review podcast over on our Patreon! Sign up to also get every P1 episode ad-free, early access to 'The Delusion Tour' tickets and merch, and access to our Discord server where you can chat with us and other F1 fans! Click here to sign up now!Follow us on socials! You can find us on Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Football Daily
    Women's Football Weekly: Earps, Corsie & glory for the Gunners

    Football Daily

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 53:19


    Ellen White and Ben Haines are at St Georges Park and react to the shock announcement that England goalkeeper Mary Earps is retiring from international football. Ellen shares her view on why now but they also reflect on what Mary did for the women's game and its profile, particularly for goalkeepers. Niamh Charles and Keira Walsh share their memories of playing with Mary and her impact off the pitch. They also look ahead to England's next Nations League games against Portugal and Spain as the Euros approaches. Ellen and Ben also talk Arsenal winning the Champions League and how Renee Slegers masterminded that huge victory over Barcelona. Plus Jen Beattie has caught up with her former teammate and Scotland captain Rachel Corsie who has announced her retirement from football this week. Rachel won 154 caps for Scotland and led her country out at their first ever World Cup in 2019 and is part of the Scotland camp for their next Nations League fixtures against Austria and the Netherlands.00:20 Intro 01:36 Mary Earps retires from England 04:10 Earps statement 10:28 Arsenal win the Champions League! 15:50 How did Arsenal do it? 20:35 Niamh Charles 25:00 Keira Walsh 32:30 Rachel Corsie with JenBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries next weekend: Wed 2000 Real Betis v Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League Final Fri 1945 England v Portugal in the UEFA Women's Nations League Sat 2000 PSG v Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League Final

    The WorldView in 5 Minutes
    The late Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty proclaimed Jesus, Russia launched largest aerial attack on Ukraine since war's start, America is most generous nation

    The WorldView in 5 Minutes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025


    It's Tuesday, May 27th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Trump delegation investigates violations of free speech in U.K. The Trump administration has sent a delegation  to investigate the violations of free speech in the United Kingdom. They met with five people who have been arrested, and even convicted, of praying silently near abortion mills in Glasgow, Scotland as well as Birmingham and Bournemouth, England. At issue is the U.K.'s equating protesting near abortion clinics with silent prayer, and the government's antipathy towards pro-lifers expressing their opinions about killing children.  Only 39% of Americans “extremely proud” of citizenship Are Americans losing a sense of patriotism?  A 2023 Gallup Survey found only 39% of Americans are “Extremely Proud” of their citizenship status.  And a Wall Street Journal/National Opinion Research Center survey found the percentage of Americans who considered patriotism “very important” has dropped from 70% in 1998 to 38% in 2023.  Keep in mind Isaiah 40:5-7. It says, “Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales; look, [the Lord] lifts up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless.” Russia launched largest aerial attack on Ukraine since war's start Russia launched  298 drones and 69 missiles on Kiev over the weekend, reports the Associated Press. It was the largest aerial attack on the capital of Ukraine since the beginning of the 3-year war. Altogether, Russia sent 900 drones into Ukraine over the weekend. President Trump responded on his Truth Social account calling Putin “absolutely crazy,” reports The Financial Times. TRUMP: “I'm not happy with what [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is doing. He's killing a lot of people. I don't know what happened to Putin. I've known him a long time. Always gotten along with him, but he's sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don't like it at all. Okay? We're in the middle of talking, and he's shooting rockets into Kiev and other cities. I don't like it at all.” And Trump warned that any attempt on the part of Russia to take all of Ukraine would "lead to the downfall of Russia.”  Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” goes to the Senate As The Worldview reported on Friday, Trump's “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed the House of Representatives by a single vote on Thursday.   The major highlights of the bill include tax cuts, the elimination of $700 million of Planned Parenthood funding, a national private school dollar-for-dollar tax credit to scholarship donors, and an expanded child tax credit. If you have not yet called your two Senators, call them TODAY at 202-224-3121 and ask them to DEFUND Planned Parenthood. We can expect maybe even a bigger fight in the Senate over the spending bill. Republican Senators are split on the bill.  Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri does not want to cut Medicaid spending.  And Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky described the spending cuts this way.  PAUL: “I support spending cuts. I think the cuts currently in the bill are wimpy and anemic.” Texas legislature passed Ten Commandments bill on Sabbath The Texas legislature has approved a bill requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools throughout the state come September. Ironically, they passed the bill on the Sabbath, breaking the fourth commandment! The bill heads back to the Senate, after which Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign it into law. A similar law, enacted recently in Louisiana, is hung up in a federal court. Oregon has more elderly than children The state of Oregon's demographics are not doing well. The state now has more elderly over 65 years of age than children under 18 years of age, presenting a demographic challenge, reports The Oregonian.  In 1985, there were twice as many children as elderly. At this rate, in 10 more years, Oregon will have 40% more seniors than children.   The state holds the position as the eighth worst demographic in the nation. The other states are located on the eastern seaboard. Oregon was the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. That was in 1994. Here is what God says in Deuteronomy 30:19. “I call Heaven and Earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” 500,000 new homes are on the market The U.S. construction industry should beware!   Inventory of new homes has reached 2007 levels — now 500,000 on the market, up from 150,000 homes in 2012. America is most generous nation America is the most generous nation in the world, by a long shot.   That's the conclusion in the most recent Global Philanthropy Report produced by the Lilly Foundation.    The US is the highest charitable contributor to other nations, by percentage of gross national income. With a total of $50 billion of philanthropic outflow, Americans contribute 70% of the world's philanthropic outflow to other nations, whereas it only makes up 4% of the world's population. Other generous nations included the UK, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Australia, and South Korea.  The late Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty proclaimed Jesus And finally, Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame has died at the age of 79. His family announced Sunday that he has gone to be with the Lord.  Willie and Korie Robertson Instagrammed that “He reminded us often of the words of Paul.  ‘You do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.'” Phil said, “When I die, don't cry. Sing. Dance. But don't cry when I die.  When I die, you say, ‘He made it!'” His son and daughter-in-law spoke of the lives who “have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus.” Listen to Phil share his love of evangelism in this excerpt from his Unashamed podcast. PHIL: “It's been the most exciting one thing I've ever done in my life.” WILLIE: “What?” PHIL: “To see people go from lost to saved.” WILLIE:  “Oh, that's right!” PHIL: “It's the most exciting thing I've ever done in my life is being a part of that. The guy that ordered the duck call. That's all he wanted was a duck call. And in the midst of that, he cursed God. ‘G.D. this and G.D. that.'  Before we hung up, he said, ‘You got my duck call coming?' I said, ‘Yeah, I got it coming.' “I said, ‘By the way, why do you keep cursing the only One that could save you from death?' It was silence.  He said, ‘Hey, send me my duck call.'  (Dial tone. He hung up). “Well, about 10 minutes went by and the phone rang. He said, ‘Hey, it's me again. You know what? I never thought about that.' I said, ‘Well, you're cursing Him. Unless He can get you out of here alive, I don't know no one else that could. You know what you ought to do. You ought to come over here and I'll tell you about the One you're cursing. You may change your mind.' He said, ‘I might do that.' I said, ‘Well, you ought to.'  Well a week goes by, knock on the door, he steps in the door, and he said, ‘I'm the one that was cursing God. And you told me you're going to show me why I shouldn't.' “So, I told him about Jesus. He was converted. About 15 or 20 years later, I ran into him, and he was one of the leaders at that church where I was speaking. So, you never know.” The Duck Dynasty reality program aired on A&E between 2012 and 2017. At its peak, the reality program reached 10 million viewers.  Sadly, the network pulled the program after Phil Robertson referred to homosexual behavior as “sinful.”  Watch the trailer for the movie about Phil called The Blind and rent the movie itself here. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, May 27th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

    Queerly Recommended
    I'm working on myself! (QR 108)

    Queerly Recommended

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 52:20


    This week, Kris catches Tara up on all the news. Book deadlines, a trip to Vegas, Tiki the rescue dog, and a whole summer dedicated to working on what? Check that episode title.  Kris is super busy and Tara is a little scatterbrained (wait for the outtake at the end to hear why). But what's nobody too busy for? You guessed it: recommendations. Official Recommendations From Kris: Younger (Netflix) Kris's official recommendation this week is the TV series Younger (2015-2019). This is Kris's second time watching it and she's fallen in deep. It's the story of a middle-aged woman who pretends to be in her 20s to work in a millennial media company. Kris describes it as queer-friendly, flirty, and fun, with characters you'd want to be friends with. She's had a great time with it and thinks you will too. From Tara: The Woman From the Waves by Roslyn Sinclair Tara's official recommendation this week is The Woman From the Waves by Roslyn Sinclair, which isn't out yet, but will be on June 5 (here's the preorder link). It's a contemporary romantasy between a shapeshifting ocean-dwelling horse spirit off the coast of the Orkney Islands in Scotland and the nun who captures her attention. Tara loved this book, describing it as one she will return to again and again. She gives a caution for readers with religious trauma, particularly if it's rooted in Catholicism, as the nun in the book reconciles with a lot of internalized homophobia. Works/People Discussed Tiki, the rescue dog SASS - Sapphic Action Support Squad Facebook Group Lambda Literary Statement on Book Bans The Last of Us (HBO) Survivor (CBS) Novocaine (2025) Death of a Unicorn (2025) RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars (Paramount+) 90 Days to Wed by Yanana  Sapphic World Book Club Facebook Group Dream a Little Dream by Melissa Brayden Support & follow the show Buy us a Ko-fi Sign up for our newsletter on Substack Facebook: @QueerlyRecommended Instagram: @queerlyrecommended Bluesky: @queerlyrec.bsky.social Get all our links on Linktr.ee

    Wild for Scotland
    Frozen in Time - Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (+ Travel Tips)

    Wild for Scotland

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 26:19


    'Frozen in Time' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the May episode.In this story, we travel to the southwest of Scotland and spend a few days exploring the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere at the height of Spring. We wander through one of Scotland's most picturesque bluebell forests and listen to the birds of the woodland. We're staying at a tranquil shepherd's hut on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, go wild swimming in a loch and a river, and we wander through the bustling town of Gatehouse of Fleet.Visit my website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript, photos from my trip and links to all the places & resources I mention in this episode.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you! Let me help you plan your DREAM TRIP to Scotland! Book a free enquiry call to find out more. Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Connect with me on Instagram @wildforscotland!Join our email list to never miss an episode.Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

    Functional Moms
    67. Perimenopause Weight Loss: Why It's SO Hard (And Exactly How to Fix It) with Leslie Weidner

    Functional Moms

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 34:33


    This episode is for you if you're a woman over 40 looking to shred weight and gain energy. We are going to find applicable solutions from a registered dietitian specializing in perimenopause!Leslie Weidner is a nutritionist with over a decade of experience in nutrition and dietetics. She specializes in guiding women through the complex journey of perimenopause, helping them navigate hormonal changes with personalized nutrition plans and lifestyle adjustments.Over the past 5 years, Leslie has empowered women in perimenopause to make sustainable, healthy habit changes. In 2023, she moved from Kirkland, Washington to Scotland where she lives with her family. She coaches women virtually through her company Leslie Weidner Nutrition. We learn:Why keto, high protein and other fad diets failThe importance of fiber for perimenopausal womenWeight cycling leads to extra weight gain in the long runVisceral fat is a concern for health, not just appearanceWhy the scale isn't the best indicator for healthSelf-acceptance is important as bodies change with ageHow diet influences mental healthHow women metabolize alcohol differently during perimenopauseHormonal changes lead to increased fatigue and sleep issuesHormone replacement therapy can provide relief for some womenEating less and exercising more backfires during perimenopauseMorning sunlight can regulate circadian rhythmsHow social media can contribute to stress and disrupt sleepConnect with Leslie:https://www.instagram.com/perimenopause_nutritionist/Thank you for listening to our show. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a review and subscribe. It will allow us to continue to bring more episodes your way!Kristin and Raquelinfo@functionalmoms.com https://www.instagram.com/functionalmomspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@functionalmomspodcast

    Prologues
    1 Year in Scotland | Wherever You Go, There You Are

    Prologues

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 26:35


    I've officially lived in Scotland for one entire year, which feels extraordinary, fake, joyful, and sudden all at once.

    THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas
    Angelo Leo/Tomoki Kameda | Moses Itauma/Mike Balogun | Josh Taylor/Ekow Essuman | Plant vs Charlo?

    THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 62:22


    Teddy and Teddy recap all of the boxing action from the past weekend. From Japan to Scotland, tune in to hear all of the recaps and full fight analysis from Teddy Atlas.Thanks for being with us. The best way to support is to subscribe, share the episode and check out our sponsor: https://athleticgreens.com/atlas Timestamps:00:00 - Intro05:15 - Remembering Georgia O'Connor08:25 - Leo vs Kameda17:30 - Sponsor18:30 - Itauma vs Balogun36:15 - McGregor vs Collins41:30 - Taylor vs Essuman 51:20 - Plant/Charlo PreviewTEDDY'S AUDIOBOOKAmazon/Audible: https://amzn.to/32104DRiTunes/Apple: https://apple.co/32y813rTHE FIGHT T-SHIRTShttps://teddyatlas.comTEDDY'S SOCIAL MEDIATwitter - http://twitter.com/teddyatlasrealInstagram - http://instagram.com/teddy_atlasTikTok - https://twitter.com/Teddy_Atlas_RealTHE FIGHT WITH TEDDY ATLAS SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram - http://instagram.com/thefightWTATwitter - http://twitter.com/thefightwtaFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheFightwithTeddyAtlasThanks for tuning in. Please be sure to subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Get Rich Education
    555: How to Reduce Vacancy and Increase Your Income, Teak Update

    Get Rich Education

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 42:59


    Discover powerful strategies to maximize your rental property returns and minimize costly vacancies. Learn how top investors are transforming their approach to property management, from tenant retention techniques to smart staffing solutions. Key Insights: Master the art of keeping great tenants and reducing turnover Understand when to scale your property management approach Explore innovative investment opportunities beyond traditional real estate Market Trends Spotlight: Rental demand is on the rise Emerging investment options offer unique wealth-building potential Strategic diversification is key to long-term financial success Explore alternative investment opportunities like sustainable teak forestry - a generational wealth strategy that offers: Low entry point Long-term growth potential International diversification Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, these insights will help you make more informed, profitable real estate decisions. Resources: Learn more about the teak tree investment opportunity at Gremarketplace.com/teak Show Notes: GetRichEducation.com/555 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com GRE Free Investment Coaching: GREinvestmentcoach.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments.  You get paid first: Text FAMILY to 66866 Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search “how to leave an Apple Podcasts review”  For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— text ‘GRE' to 66866 Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript:   Automatically Transcribed With Otter.ai    Keith Weinhold  0:01   Welcome to GRE. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, learn how to reduce a giant operational expense that you'll have over time your tenant vacancy and turnover, including how many units you must own before you hire your own on site property manager as your employee. Whatever happened to agent commissions in light of last year's NAR settlement, then a timely update on teak tree investing today on Get Rich Education.   Mid South home buyers. I mean, they're total pros, with over two decades as the nation's highest rated turnkey provider. Their empathetic property managers use your ROI as their North Star. So it's no wonder that smart investors just keep lining up to get their completely renovated income properties like it's the newest iPhone. They're headquartered in Memphis and have globally attractive cash flows and A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and now over 5000 houses renovated their zero markup on maintenance. Let that sink in, and they average a 98.9% occupancy rate, while their average renter stays more than three and a half years. Every home they offer has brand new components, a bumper to bumper, one year warranty, new 30 year roofs. And wait for it, a high quality renter. Remember that part and in an astounding price range, 100 to 180k I've personally toured their office and their properties in person in Memphis. Get to know Mid South. Enjoy cash flow from day one. Start yourself right now at mid southhomebuyers.com that's mid south homebuyers.com   You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is get rich education.   Welcome to GRE from Manchester, New Hampshire to Manchester, England and across 188 nations worldwide, I'm Keith Weinhold, and you are back inside one of America's longest running and most listened to shows on real estate investing. This is get rich education. What's all that stuff really mean? I'm just another slack jawed and snaggletooth podcaster, a shaved mammal with a microphone. I'm joining you from here in London, England this week for the first time ever on the show. More on that later. Let's talk about reducing the biggest operational expense that you're ever going to have as a real estate investor, at least the one that you can exert a good measure of control over. That is reducing your tenant vacancy and turnover, that constant menace. Now, I suppose you might say that property tax is your biggest ongoing ops expense, but you've got less control over your property tax rate. So yeah, we're talking about increasing your net income by lowering your VIMTUM operating expenses. Vacancy is the V in that acronym. This is big because this can make or break your ability to have your property create positive cash flow and getting tenant turnover right both increases your income and reduces your expenses. It is springtime currently, and it's soon going to be summer, so it is the right time to talk about this. It's when there is more tenant turnover. The goal here is for you to really move the dial in increase the likelihood that your tenant is going to renew their lease. Now, sure if your tenant gets a new job out of town, they're going to move out. But if they're moving because of too many maintenance issues, well then that's something that you could have fixed. The average tenancy duration in the US over time is two to three years. And of course, that's going to be longer in single family rentals and shorter in apartments. And how long your tenant stays is driven by three factors, the price of your unit, the quality of your maintenance and the quality of your management. Let's say that your tenant moves out. To be conservative, that your vacancy period is two months between tenants. Okay, that's the turnover and the time to lease. It two months is a somewhat longish vacancy period. But come on, it happens sometimes, especially if you're going to make upgrades between tenancies and you're busy with other things in your life, if you have a move out every year at that rate, well, that is too often. That would amount. To a vacancy percentage of 14% you might think it's 17% but it isn't, because it's a 12 month vacancy plus two vacant months, all right, but if instead that tenant moves out every two years, that's just 8% vacancy, and every three years that's just 5% vacancy. Of course, if you keep your vacancy period to only one month rather than two, you can have all those numbers. You can really see how you are increasing your income by retaining the tenant. The most vital thing for you to keep in mind is that fast quality maintenance and good communication are by far the best forms of customer service that a property manager can provide, so prompt, quality maintenance. That's a retention strategy. Being a proactive helps. One strategy you can engage in is to reach out to the tenants two months before their lease is set to renew, and that's the time to give them the new lease price and ask them if they intend to stay. If they say, No, they're not, ask them why. And occasionally, you can sway them if there's been a misunderstanding in your relationship, for example, a lingering maintenance issue that hasn't been addressed, and perhaps they didn't bother to contact you about that, if nothing else, I think I mentioned this to you one time before offering a small reward, like a gift card helps. I mean, creating this sense of reciprocation is really one of the best retention tactics out there, even if the items being reciprocated aren't anywhere near equal value, like the value of a 12 month lease versus you giving them, say, a $50 gift card now, say you've tried those strategies, and none of that works, and your tenant does decide to leave, perhaps 45 days from now, but you know that you've got time in your life to turn over the unit now, and You know that you're going to be really busy with other things in 45 days. One thing that you can do then is shift your strategy to pay the tenant. Say you can pay them as little as 10 or 20 bucks a day to leave early. This way they'll vacate during a period where you've got the time to devote to the vacancy and the turnover and the showings to prospective new tenants, and that way, it's not going to linger vacant as long now, a technique like this is a little similar to an eviction, where if a tenant has violated their lease or becomes non paying, without you having to go through the length of Your court driven formal eviction process, you can pay them a lump sum to leave early. Hopefully that's not your situation, but that can come up. And I think you've heard of it before. This is known as the Cash for Keys strategy. That means to get a tenant that's made some violation against their lease, and you want to have them vacate the unit sooner. This means that you get the keys in your hand and the right to enter when you pay them to leave, rather than having to go through the not so fun eviction process and see a tenant wants to avoid a formal eviction as well, because that goes on their record, and then it can make it tough for that tenant to get rental housing elsewhere. But I dislike the Cash for Keys strategy in order to hold off from a formal eviction, because what that does is that rewards a person that violated a lease, although we know that that might also shorten your economic vacancy period, and it could actually be economically beneficial to you, Cash for Keys. It's just not ethical, though. I know it might be tempting for you, the landlord, the cash for key strategy. It rewards societally immoral behavior. Now, of course, you might be using a professional property manager that does all of this stuff for you, like I do today, but still, these are often the best practices for your manager. And I started out self managing, just like a lot of real estate investors do in the beginning, and that's where I learned strategies and techniques like this for reducing your tenant vacancy and turnover. Now, here's a really interesting question that you may not have had to ask yourself yet, but you may down the road, if you've grown your portfolio to a certain size and you're serious about reducing your vacancy and turnover expense, it might be time to ask yourself one big question, and that is for your management and maintenance. Should you use contractors, or should you start to hire your own employees? Now, if you have a small portfolio, it won't be enough work for you to keep an employee busy, so you should go with contract. Contractors. On the other hand, if you have an apartment complex with on site property management, I would definitely recommend having a make ready crew on site, because it's just so easy for them to get to and from a job site. Now, you should still maintain relationships with contractors as a backup, of course, and you should also have specialists like plumbers, electricians and HVAC people ready to call now, most investors are small and they use off site management, but if you grow big enough someday, or maybe it's two day, the important point about employees is that you really need to stay on them, because every extra hour costs you. You don't want anyone out there who's thinking that speed isn't essential, because they're like, ah, you know, I get paid by the hour. Contractors, on the other hand, they quote you or your manager a job up front. So while an extra day hurts because it's one more day you can't lease the unit, it hurts less than it does if you have your own employees. One problem with contractors is they often can't start right away, and this tends to be more true if you're self managing. See if you use a professional manager. They might have their own in house people so you can leverage their employees without having to manage employees yourself, even if your manager brings in an off site contractor, like an electrician or a plumber. Well, that contractor probably gets a lot of business from your property manager, and they have some sense of loyalty to your property manager, therefore, they're incentivized to show up on time faster than if you're trying to self manage, say, your small portfolio of five properties, and you or your tenant are the ones that call the electrician or the plumber. Well, those contractors are going to be less likely to prioritize you and your infrequent requests, and this is just another reason that I like to employ professional management and not self manage. Now, virtually no new real estate investor is going to hire their own employees, and most are never going to at all. All right, but how do you know? How would you know when it's time to hire your own property manager or your own contractor, and have them on your own payroll and you are their boss, if you've got under 20 to 30 units, all right, typically third party property management or self management with contractors, that's going to make more sense, because having a full time, dedicated employee, it's just not financially justifiable. Below 20 or 30 units, you're not going to be able to keep that employee busy. And I'm generally talking about if you have one apartment building here, or a bunch of single family rentals, only if they're in small, close proximity to each other. What about if you grow up to 30 to 60 units? All right now you're in a gray area. If the property is something that's pretty management intensive, like high turnover, or you own an older building, or you generate a lot of work orders, or you're in a challenging area. Well, at 30 to 60 units, you might justify a part time on site person. So how that could practically work in this 30 to 60 unit gray area, what you can do is have a resident manager that gets free rent, plus perhaps a small stipend from you. Okay, so that's a strategy that you can play in this gray area zone. That way they can be responsive to tenant requests, and you can keep your vacancy and turnover costs down. All right, how about when you're going even bigger and you reach 60 to 100 units. Now you're in the range where a full time on site manager or a maintenance person, starts to make financial and operational sense, because here it's 60 to 100 units. Your staffing model, it might be that you have one full time manager, they do the leasing, the tenant relations, in the admin stuff, and you'll also have a second person, a full time maintenance tech if they're needed, all right? And the final tier here, if you reach more than 100 units, oh, okay, now it is standard for you to have a full on site team. You could be in the hundreds of units. So we're talking about a property manager, a leasing agent, a maintenance lead, a groundskeeper and sometimes also a part time assistant manager. So that's it. That's the hierarchy of how, based on your portfolio size and where they're located, how you can serve tenants well and reduce your vacancy and turnover expense. Yes. All right now, what are some things that can shift those thresholds, those unit counts? Well, high rent or luxury buildings, they often need on site staff at a smaller unit count, very low rent or section eight properties, they may need more intensive oversight, buildings that have amenities, like some of these newer apartment buildings that have a pool and a gym, okay, that can trigger some more staffing needs. And if you own multiple properties that are nearby to each other, well, then you can share employees across those properties. And you've got to look at local labor costs in places like New York City, northeastern New Jersey, parts of New England, Miami or LA, those high cost places. Then breaking even on staffing. That probably takes a bigger property than those numbers that I talked about. But here, we tend to invest in those investor advantage areas, the inland northeast, the South, in the southeast, in the Midwest. Now, if you've got, say, even 50 smaller properties, but they're scattered all over the place, in multiple states, well then of course, you're not going to hire employees. A good general metric to leave you with here is that one on site employee for every 50 to 80 units that you own in the same area, that is common, that is a common industry practice in market rate multifamily apartments right now, these are pretty timeless strategies I've been talking about with you here.    As for what's happening in The market lately, I continue to slowly get more optimistic about the long beleaguered apartment market. A few weeks ago, I talked about how there's finally been greater apartment rent increases, although those rent increases are still historically low. What recently we learned that apartments are seeing a longer duration of tenancy and today, per real page, every single one of the 50 largest apartment markets has posted month over month occupancy gains, and then that's somewhat commensurate with what we're seeing on the one to four unit side, because the home ownership rate has fallen. It just fell from 65.7% down to 65.1 quarter over quarter. Now that doesn't sound like much, but that's actually a substantial drop in the home ownership rate in just one quarter. And fewer homeowners means more renters. So this basically means that the percent of Americans, renting has gone up because you just take the flip side of those numbers. So the rentership rate has essentially risen from 34.3 up to 34.9 in just one quarter. Something that completely makes sense, because we all know that home ownership affordability, especially for that first time, home buyer is lower, more renters. Is good for rental property owners. It's bringing more rental demand, more occupancy and more future pressure on rising rents. Now I want to follow up with you on a story from last year that made a lot of waves in the larger real estate world, but not so much for real estate investors. You surely remember this. That is the NAR settlement that a lot of people thought would result in lower real estate agent fees. Lowered commissions were coming. That's what everybody thought last year. Stories about that were all over the place that realtor fees are about to shrink. What's happened since then? Well, not much realtor fees, they still haven't fallen in any significant way, although the settlement was more than a year ago and this went into effect nine months ago. So to back up for a moment, in case you missed it, what happened is that a group of sellers accused the NAR, the National Association of Realtors, of inflating home costs by letting buyer side and seller side agents communicate about commission rates on the MLS home database, which only agents can see. And a jury agreed, so the NAR settled the lawsuit for over $400 million in damages, and it barred agents from sharing commission rates on those MLS databases. So that was a huge change that was expected to extinguish the globally high five to 6% realtor fee in the United States, because global averages are between one and 3% so as a result, the US real estate industry, they were bracing themselves for up to a 30% drop in the commissions that Americans pay annually in fees. But the new rules. Things have been nothing other than a big nothing burger. It only took a matter of weeks, really, for most agents to realize, you know, what did the agents do? They just simply moved their conversations off the NAR website and over to phone, text and email. That's it. Yes, that's all they did. So since that time, the average commission for buyers agents has barely budged. It ticked down less than 110 of 1% so for example, it ticked down less than 500 bucks on a 500k home that's per Redfin. So agents still expect sellers to pay five to 6% now I'm not against agents. Not only can an agent guide you through the process, what they can do is get you a higher sale price than they could have otherwise, because they really know how to market and advertise your property and reach a greater pool of buyers, but their commission rates have hardly budged. And of course, here at GRE marketplace, we typically use a direct model where agent compensation isn't priced into your properties anyway.    To review what you've learned so far today, being proactive can help reduce your tenant vacancy and turnover expense and increase your income. Prompt, quality maintenance, that is a retention strategy in itself, as can having one on site employee for every 50 to 80 apartment units. And one year later, changes at the NIR really haven't reduced aging commissions appreciably. I'm coming to you from London, England today, taking in all the top sites, Buckingham Palace and watching the changing of the guard over there, Big Ben a Thames river cruise and the London Bridge, which is actually called Tower Bridge. The real estate transaction that I'm currently involved in here is paying $550 a night to stay here at a nice hotel in the center of the city. It's right near the Thames, kind of a steep rate, and I sure didn't have to stay right in the city center, where everything is more pricey. But that's the experience that I want to have. Next week, I'll bring you the show from Edinburgh, Scotland, where I'll be paying even more for a well located hotel right on the Royal Mile, and I'll tell you how much more then I am here to boost their economies, I suppose more next, including a really timely update. I'm Keith Weinhold. You're listening to Episode 555, of get rich education.    The same place where I get my own mortgage loans is where you can get yours Ridge lending group NMLS, 42056, they provided our listeners with more loans than anyone because they specialize in income properties. They help you build a long term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage. Start your pre qual and even chat with President Chaley Ridge personally while it's on your mind, start at Ridge lendinggroup.com. That's Ridge lendinggroup.com.    You know what's crazy? Your bank is getting rich off of you. The average savings account pays less than 1% it's like laughable. Meanwhile, if your money isn't making at least 4% you're losing to inflation. That's why I started putting my own money into the FFI liquidity fund. It's super simple. Your cash can pull in up to 8% returns and it compounds. It's not some high risk gamble like digital or AI stock trading. It's pretty low risk because they've got a 10 plus year track record of paying investors on time in full every time. I mean, I wouldn't be talking about it if I wasn't invested myself. You can invest as little as 25k and you keep earning until you decide you want your money back. No weird lockups or anything like that. So if you're like me and tired of your liquid funds just sitting there doing nothing. Check it out. Text family to 66866, to learn about freedom. Family investments, liquidity fund again. Text family to 66866.   Tom Wheelwright  24:21   this is Rich Dad advisor, Tom wheelwright. Listen to get rich education with Keith Weinhold, and don't quit your Daydream.   Keith Weinhold  24:37   Welcome back to Episode 555, of get rich Education. I'm your host, Keith Weinhold, with an episode number like 555, you would expect me to go deep with you on real estate pays five ways, but we did that five weeks ago on episode 550 with your audio masterclass right here on the show today, we're talking about something with less upside. Than say that or the inflation triple crown, and instead on reducing your downside, vacancy and turnover expense, next week here on the show, I expect to sit down with a guest that's a highly regarded financier and author of a fairly hot new finance book, Christopher Whelan, and next week's show could get really interesting, because I've heard Chris say something about how real estate prices could fall back to 2020 levels. In my opinion, that is so many levels of unlikely that happening is about as likely as your grocery bills falling back to 2020 levels. So we'll see it could turn into a debate next week with Christopher Whelan and I. He is a sharp, well informed guy that also used to work at the New York Fed. That's next week down the road, longtime and former co host of the real estate guys radio show, Russell gray will join us again here, and we'll see what he's been up to in his post real estate guys, radio life that's coming up in a few weeks. Lots of great future content here, monologs, yes, those slack jawed monologs For me, repeat guests and new guests joining in as well. Back to this week now, there's an intriguing and potentially lucrative investment that we've discussed on the show here before, and I do have a timely and crucial update about it. A little while back, I sat down with the teak operations principle when we were in New Orleans together. These are yes, those Panama teak tree plantations that so many of you have already invested in. Yes. So as it is here. I am an American in London today talking about teak trees in Panama and I interviewed our upcoming guest here when we were in New Orleans together, the teak investment has a long time horizon, because trees have to grow. There's also a low cost of entry and no loans available. This is a real estate investment. You can own the land with the title to it and the trees that grow on top of them. Historically, teak returns have been five and a half percent, which doesn't sound like much, but see it grows in board foot volume at the same time that the unit price grows. And if inflation runs high over the next 25 years, your return might be higher. But the reason that we're discussing this now is because the principal, Mike Cobb here meeting with me, he is going to mention a price, and this is key two weeks from today, on June 9, the price for the teak parcels increases substantially. I'll tell you about that shortly. So for GRE followers, you can get locked into the lower price for just two more weeks. Here's my chat from a little while back with the teak tree investment principle, and then I'll return to bring you more.    Hey, did you know that you can own a quarter acre parcel of a producing teak plantation, you own the title to the land, and you get the growth in the trees. On top of that, this is something that you can do as an investor. And teak trees are a valuable hardwood that you own, typically in Central America. So there's a very low cost of entry to this investment, and that's what attracts a lot of people to it. And I am with Mike Cobb, the CEO. He's also the author of the new book how to buy your home overseas and get it right the first time. But Mike, a lot of people are interested in the teak investment because it is so approachable. Tell us about it. Give us a general overview.   Mike Cobb  28:42   absolutely, you know, thanks for having me on. It's always nice to be with you. We're, we're having some fun here in New Orleans, which is terrific, you know, yeah, the teak plantation is something that I envisioned back in 1998 so what's that like 26 years ago? Right? And in 1999 we planted our very first 100 Acre teak plantation. Because what we thought about at the time, which has now proven true 25 years later, is that, you know, I was either going to need the money in 25 years and be really glad I did this, or I wasn't going to need the money in 25 years and I was going to be really glad I did this. You know what? I don't really need the money now, but I'm really glad I did this. And 25 years comes. And I think that's been really the challenge for a lot of people looking at teak. They're just like, ah, 25 years. It's too long, but 25 years comes. 25 years will come, and you can either have planted the trees and be ready to take this huge windfall of return, or you won't be getting a windfall return. So I think that's the challenge, the mental challenge, I think maybe an average investor has, but I know you work with superior investors because they're paying attention to what you're writing, they're watching your podcast, they're reading your newsletter. You have far superior investors than I would say, the average investor. So I think this is a great thing for folks to check out.   Keith Weinhold  30:00   All right, so you're talking about the investment timeline, from the time a tea tree seed is planted until the harvest time that can feel like quite a while. You have been doing this over 25 years, and that is key when you as an investor go offshore or go overseas to have trust in a stable company that's been around for a long time. That's why, really, you're one of the few people that I work with who are outside of the United States real estate like the teak trees.   Mike Cobb  30:25   Thank you. Yeah, we've been around for 31 years. I've been working in the region. 31 our development company is 28 years old. Our plantation is now 26 years old. 25 with the trees, but we bought the land 26 years ago. But the bottom line, you're right and and the other thing that we should care about. And you brought this up earlier, when we're kind of chatting, is country, what country are you planting trees in that you got to wait 25 years for them to mature and harvest? By the way, the Panama. By the way, Panama, and of all the countries in the region where I feel the most comfortable as an investor, Panama's yet, because Panama's got the canal. And I know people say, oh, yeah, that's right. It's a vital strategic US interest. It's a vital world interest. The Chinese care about it as much as we do. The Europeans care about it. Anybody who wants commerce to happen cares about that canal being open. And so you've got this country, Panama, that has the canal stable, economically stable, politically stable. And when starting to talk about 2550 7500, year time frames, because you own the land, you get the harvest in 25 years, you replant, and then your children get the next harvest, and your grandchildren get the next harvest. It is truly generational wealth. Stewardship   Keith Weinhold  31:41   Panama is a little bit like investing overseas with training wheels on their well developed, first Central American nation. They even use the United States dollars. They do is that familiar? Absolutely well. But as the investors thinking about investing in teak plantations, just tell us about the properties of teak wood, of all wood types. Why teak? Tell us about the value there.    Mike Cobb  32:00   Yeah, teak has been grown in plantations, starting with the British back about 400 years ago. And so you've got centuries of plantation growing of teak as a crop, right? And so you've got this incredible longevity of information and things like that. And I know some of the stats off the top of my head, since 1972 the average price of teak lumber has has risen about five and a half percent a year over a 52 year period. Talk about track record, centuries of growing as a crop, right? 52 years as a lumber commodity. Look, people been using it to make ships. Its hardness is its most valuable characteristic is an extremely hard wood. It's resistant to rot fungus, so it's used in outdoor furniture, for example, right? Some of the stuff on the Titanic they pulled up from the bottom of the ocean, you know, chairs made a teak, right? Teak. But ship builders fine furniture, outdoor furniture and and they're cutting teak down. This is so important, they are cutting teak down eight to 10 times faster than anybody in the world is replanting it. So just imagine what that does to supply and demand and prices based on just basic economics, right?   Keith Weinhold  33:13   Yeah, that is some scarcity. That is a really good point. Tell us about what you're surely interested in. What do the investor returns look like.   Mike Cobb  33:21   Yeah. So you know, to own one of these quarter acre parcels, by the way, you said it before you own the land, you get title to the land you own the trees. $6,880 that's your that's your entry. Gosh. So for less than $7,000 you own a quarter acre of teeth trees that in 25 years projected returns. We all projections right about $94,000 a little over $94,000 so 7000 turns into $90,000 over 25 years, harvest, plant the trees again, and in 25 years, your kids or your grandkids will get the next harvest, and so on and so on. It is a powerful generational wealth stewardship. In fact, right now we have what we call give the gift of teak because look, you know, you got kids, you got grandkids. What are you gonna get them? Right? I mean, they got everything they want, presumably, right? You buy them a teak parcel, right? Buy that kid, buy that grandkid, a teak parcel. What a cool idea. Oh my gosh, in 25 years, you might be gone, right, but they're gonna get this big windfall, and they're gonna thank grandma or grandpa, right for for thinking of them 25 years into the future?   Keith Weinhold  34:27   Yeah? Oh, I love that. And you're so proud about what you do. You regularly offer investor tour so that they come and see the teak. But maybe you know, for you, the investor, you're wondering, okay, if you're used to investing in us real estate, you might be making two leaps here. You'd be going from residential real estate to agricultural, and you'd also be investing in a nation outside your home country. And when it comes to those sort of questions, I think any savvy investor asks, okay, what are the risks involved with this investment? Can you tell us about that?   Mike Cobb  34:59   Yeah, sure. Look, you've got political risk, country risk, political risk, which, I think again, of all the countries in the region, Panama, dollar, economy, canal, safe, stable. So the political risk is minimal. It's there. It's real. You know, fire risk is an issue, right? Trees burn. The good thing about teak is that after about year three, they're up. And you keep them trimmed, trim all the low branches off. So fire risk really drops incredibly low after about year three or four. But ultimately, it's about professional management. We have a company called Heyo Forrestal that we hired 25 years ago, 26 years ago, actually, to help us find the land, do the analysis of the land, make sure it was good for teak. And when you hire professionals, you get professional results. I mean, we stayed with this company for 26 years now, and the guy that we met early on, a little forestry engineer, is now General Manager and partner in the business. So we've watched that business grow up alongside ours at the same time. Those relationships, you know, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers have a song you can't make old friends. So here we are with Jacobo and some of the Luis that we've worked with for, you know, 26 years, and the relationships matter, especially in that part of the world, but professionalism and professional management is the key, and you have that alongside the relationships. Both are important.   Keith Weinhold  36:20   yes. So we're talking about how the property manager is such an important part of your team, and you think about your single family homes or your apartment buildings. And Mike here is talking about the importance of professional management, because teak trees need a little management and pruning, and sometimes there are thinnings which can give you some income so that you don't have to wait 25 years. Correct another way in which you might not have to wait 25 years for the full harvest cycle is at times you can buy trees that are, say, already seven years old, so you can only be waiting 18 years, or that are teens, so you might only be waiting 10 years, or some things about that, those are some of the options. But Mike, before I ask you if you have any last word, if you want to learn more about this, get some information, learn more about it, and learn how to connect with Mike's team. He is one of our GRE marketplace providers, and he's the owner of that company. You can do that at gre marketplace.com/teak, any last thing someone should know about teak before they consider investing? Mike?    Mike Cobb  37:16   Yeah, well, two things you mentioned the tour. So we do run discovery tours. We have one coming up in January, end of January, two days, we go out to the plantation, the teenage teat plantation, by the way, oak, which is eight or nine more years to harvest. Then we're going to the sawmill, because all of our logs go through a sawmill to convert to lumber, which enhances the return to the investor.    Keith Weinhold  37:36   Do the teens sleep until noon? Or can we visit them   Mike Cobb  37:38   and then they're on their phones all day If we're gonna go visit them. We'll wake them up and, like, get on their phones. But here's, here's the last parting word. I think it's scary for a lot of people. It is scary. You're going overseas, you're outside of, you know, residential you're going into a new industry. You're going to a new country. The reason this works for so many people, over 1000 now, have done this, is it's such a small bite, $7,000 and if that's maybe one or 2% of your portfolio, what I hate to say, put it on the table and roll the dice, but you'll be happy you did. I'm happy I did. It's a small bite, but that international diversification is so important. And then you put it in something that's absolutely not correlated to the market. It's not correlated to us real estate. I mean, in 2008 to 2012 when real estate was dying in the US, our trees just kept growing. So non correlated, non US, right? And non residential. I think that's the reason you want to take a little tiny piece of your portfolio and put it overseas in something like teak.    Keith Weinhold  38:42   We know over the long term that it has grown in value 5.5% a year, but at the same time, it grows in volume, in the amount of board fees you're getting a crease, an increase in both unit value and volume. It's really growing a couple ways. At the same time, you've had over 1000 different individual investors invest in the teak now, several dozen, maybe even more than 100 of those have been you the get rich education follower. So again, thanks for joining me, Mike. If you want to learn more, start at gre marketplace.com/teak. I'm Keith Weinhold. I'll see you next time.    Yeah, good information from Mike there again for GRE followers, that 6880 price deadline is Monday, June 9, and then it goes to 8680, that is a 26% price increase, and this is because land and planting costs have skyrocketed. And you know, I have long wondered about when they were going to change that same lower price that they've had for a lot of years. The provider recently added a sawmill to convert logs to lumber, and that enhances investment returns. So when you inquire for more info, you can ask about that, and that could very well put them above the 94k per part. Possible projected payout. Teak, hardwood, it just has some amazing physical properties. It's not your run of the mill. Backyard. Maple, it is a real asset. Think of it as a forest that fights back against Fiat and the provider reputation and continuity are almost impeccable. They've even had the same forestry manager, yeah, sort of like a property manager for trees, because trees take things like prunings and thinnings, the same manager for all 26 years of the teak operation. In the future, I might join one of their teak investor tours in Panama, and if I do, I'll be sure to let you know so that we can meet up that might even be a GRE exclusive tour. What you really need to know now is that, again, the lower price is good until Monday, June 9, to get started or simply learn more, visit gre marketplace.com/teak, that's t, e, a, k, until next week, I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream.   Unknown Speaker  41:10   Nothing on this show should be considered specific, personal or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal, real estate, financial or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of get rich Education LLC exclusively.   Keith Weinhold  41:34   You know, whenever you want the best written real estate and finance info, oh, geez, today's experience limits your free articles access and it's got pay walls and pop ups and push notifications and cookies disclaimers. It's not so great. So then it's vital to place nice, clean, free content into your hands that adds no hype value to your life. That's why this is the golden age of quality newsletters. And I write every word of ours myself. It's got a dash of humor, and it's to the point because even the word abbreviation is too long, my letter usually takes less than three minutes to read, and when you start the letter. You also get my one hour fast real estate video. Of course, it's all completely free. It's called the Don't quit your Daydream letter. It wires your mind for wealth, and it couldn't be easier for you to get it right now. Just text gre 266, 866, while it's on your mind, take a moment to do it right now. Text, GRE to 66866.   The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth, building, getricheducation.com  

    Woman's Hour
    Women in farming | A Woman's Hour special

    Woman's Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 57:38


    In a special bank holiday programme, Anita Rani escapes from the studio and spends the day at a dairy farm in Devon to explore the reality of female farmers' lives.Farmer Lorna Burdge shows Anita what a day in her life as a dairy farmer involves, from milking at 6am to feeding calves, measuring grass, looking after her three children and tackling invoices in the office.We hear about a groundbreaking three-year study into the health and wellbeing of female farmers announced by the University of Exeter and Farming Community Network. Dr Rebecca Wheeler, the project lead from the University of Exeter's Centre for Rural Policy Research, and Linda Jones, from the charity Farming Community Network, explain why the study is needed, who they want to hear from and what they hope it will achieve.Farming Today and Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith gives Anita some of the context and policy changes of the last few years in the industry which some say have impacted farmers' wellbeing.Anita has a cup of tea in the farmhouse kitchen and hears from three women farmers about the challenges, stresses, achievements and joys of their jobs. Joining Anita and Lorna are Sinead Fenton, an edible flower and herb farmer in East Sussex, and Caroline Millar, who has an arable, lamb and beef farm near Dundee in Scotland.What action is being taken to address some of the challenges for women in this industry? Anita hears from Rachel Hallos, the Vice-President of the National Farmers' Union for England and Wales, an organisation which represents thousands of farmers and is looking at the experience of female farmers.And finally, Katie Davies, who was awarded Farming Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2025, tells Anita why she's trying to inspire more women to get into farming.For more information on the three-year study on the wellbeing of female farmers, and how to take part in the research, head to: https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5pqBN1BBqIxEns2Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Olivia Bolton Assistant Producer: Claire Fox Editor: Karen Dalziel

    Theology on the Go
    Resist Tyrants, Obey God

    Theology on the Go

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 24:18


    When considering the Reformation, men like Martin Luther and John Calvin come readily to mind, but few would put John Knox in the same category. And yet Jacob Tanner, author and pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, argues that Knox's contributions are as valuable as anything that Luther or Calvin put forth. Jacob sits down with Jonathan and James today to explore the life and teachings of John Knox, which are highlighted in Jacob's new book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God.  …John Knox, as the reformer of Scotland, as it were, is one of the most important, I would argue, theologians that the West has ever produced, and a lot of people don't think of him that way. – Jacob Tanner Together, they discuss why Knox remains a pivotal figure in Protestant theology and how his principles of resistance and obedience to God resonate in today's world. Join us for an enlightening conversation about faith, public witness, and the power of prayer. Thanks to the generosity of Founders Press, we are pleased to offer a couple copies of Jacob Tanner's book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God to our listeners. Enter here to win.   Show Notes: To view Jacob Tanner's books: https://press.founders.org/?s=jacob+tanner  

    Ghost Huns
    EP131: Is that... a hand?

    Ghost Huns

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 50:46


    We start with a rant (woo!) about the mansplaining of parcels and Jesus. Why must they do this? Amongst the big topics this week we ask - is skiing silly and smug? Basically, another diatribe to kick off a stunning eppy. This week is another C.o.W SPESHY - Creep of the Week!!! You have so many wonderful tales, so we're diving right on in. First for some contemporary Spooky News: Yvette Fielding has a haunted house - let's get into it. COW Stories:1) Big Suze has a story called 'Haunted in the Mountains' from Anonymous. Expect a wooded creepfest... THERE IS VIDEO EVIDENCE. Terrifying. Disgusting. Vile. 2) Hannah has a story from Anonymous . Grandad's story about a ouija board. The replies start to get very weird... F.I.R.E.... 3) Big S has a story from T. Carl the doctor is working in a huge hospital... then things take a very strange turn. 4) Hannah has a story from Grace who hails from Ondo State in Nigeria. An exorcist arrives prepared to fight the spirits... 5) Big Suze has a shortie C.O.W from Ruby from Scotland! This is 1000% true about Ruby's little brother. Can you recognise someone from their wave? ENJOY WE LOVE YOU HUNS, SEE YOU OVER ON PATREON!JOIN OUR PATREON! EXTRA bonus episodes AND a monthly ghost hunt for just £4.50! Or £6 for AD-FREE EPS and weekly AGONY HUNS! We'll solve your problems huns! Sign up here:www.patreon.com/GhostHunswanna see our shows? SEE HANNAH AT EDINBURGH FRINGE HERE 13-24 AUGUST:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/rip-hannah-bitch-cough-ski-wipSEE SUZIE DO MCSHOW HERE THURSDAY 21 AUGUST:https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/event-detail/suzie-preece-mcshow-wip-thu-21st-aug-the-bill-murray-london-tickets-202508211830/

    Inspire Campfire
    Episode 173: EBC Part 2: Reflections from the Trail with Clare, Keith & Sam

    Inspire Campfire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 52:36


    This week, in part 2 of our Everest Base Camp series, we're honored to welcome three extraordinary adventurers from our recent Everest Base Camp trek: Keith Davis, a real estate investor from Eugene, Oregon; Clare Brown, an upland ecologist from Scotland; and Sam Van Keulen, a real estate investor based in Burgundy, France. United by their spirit of adventure, these three individuals joined host Scott Wurtzbacher on an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas.Our guests take us through their transformative experiences trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp, where they joined Paralympic gold medalist Karen Darke in her remarkable journey. They describe those pivotal moments facing the challenges of high altitude, mechanical issues with Karen's specialized bike, and the breathtaking majesty of the world's highest mountain range. What began as a physical challenge quickly evolved into something deeper—a profound experience of human connection, present-moment awareness, and spiritual growth.In this episode, we explore the meaning of perseverance beyond its physical demands, the unique spirit of the Nepalese people, and how this journey became a catalyst for personal transformation for each guest. Keith shares the emotional journey of honoring his sister's memory, Clare discovers her ability to be truly present, and Sam reflects on finding life's true value beyond material possessions. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through challenge, embracing adventure one step at a time, and what it truly means to travel with an open heart.

    WEBURLESQUE
    S9 e251: Never Doing Anything in Half Measures w/ Dinah Dare

    WEBURLESQUE

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 116:14


    Viktor Devonne speaks with Dinah Dare based out of the Central Belt of Scotland. We talk cultural differences, aggressively complimentary behavior, trapeze, what is classic, the royal family, and (post-)covid (tw: eating disorder talk at 32-38 minute mark). This chat was recorded on April 29, 2025. Give love to the folks… Dinah on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dinah_dare/ More Dinah: https://linktr.ee/Dinahdare More Viktor: http://www.instagram.com/viktordevonne More WEBurlesque: http://www.instagram.com/weburlesque FOOTCLOTHES! Get 10% off your order with the code VIKTORDEVONNE at FOOTCLOTHES.COM

    The Twin Bill
    41. Dale Jacobs, author of MAKESHIFT FIELDS

    The Twin Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 32:06


    Dale Jacobs joins us to talk about his book, Makeshift Fields: Chasing Baseball Across Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. ⁠⁠⁠Buy Makeshift FieldsFollow Dale Jacobs on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Twin Bill Lit Journal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Early Innings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Short Relief⁠⁠⁠⁠Hosted by Scott BolohanMusic by Mark Bolohan

    Cutting Through the Matrix with Alan Watt Podcast (.xml Format)
    May 25, 2025 "Cutting Through the Matrix" with Alan Watt --- Redux (Educational Talk From the Past): "Puppets, Pearls, and Palaver -- If I Had a Rocket Launcher"

    Cutting Through the Matrix with Alan Watt Podcast (.xml Format)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 95:50


    --{ "Puppets, Pearls, and Palaver -- If I Had a Rocket Launcher"}-- South African refugees arrive in the US - Two Israeli embassy staffers killed, shooter cries "Free Palestine" - Elias Rodriguez' 'Manifesto' - Alan Watt's blurb from Feb. 1, 2007 - Richard Perle's Speech to Students at the Oxford Union - June 2006, regarding Middle East Military Agenda, Pre-Emptive Strikes, North Korea - Iran - Syria, Project for a New American Century - Israel and Palestine, Pope Benedict XVI - Tony Blair - George Bush, Terrorism, Pakistan, Ahmadinejad, Religious Fundamentalism, Playing All Sides from the Top, Leaders - Mobs - Chaos - Solutions, British Israel Movement, Reinterpreting Revelations, Lebanon, Highland Clearances of Scotland, Esoteric Religion of the Elite, Exoteric Mass Followers, Albert Pike - "Morals and Dogma - " Xerxes, Education of a Pharaoh, Roman Looting, Chicken Wings of Democracy - Royal Institute of International Affairs - Great Builder's Business Plan, Elite Gangsterism, Conceptual Money - God and the Name of God, Use of Tribal Psychology in Warfare - Chemical Experimentation on Military Troops - Conformity vs Risk-Taking, Empathy for Others. (Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears For Fears, "If I Had a Rocket Launcher" by Bruce Cockburn)

    Crazy Train Radio
    Crazy Train Radio's Interview with Actress, Writer & Director Debra De Liso (Slumber Party Massacre)

    Crazy Train Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 69:51


    This next guest is a multi-talented in many different aspects: Working as an actor, choreographer/dancer, director, playwright and teacher. She also played the title role in a critically acclaimed production of "Agnes of God" at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. However most of our fans know her as part of the horror classic "Slumber Party Massacre". We also touch on her new project that finished "Small Town Movie". Let's welcome Ms. Debra De Liso!Debra De LisoWebsite: https://www.smalltown-movie.com/Crazy Train RadioFacebook: facebook.com/realctradioInstagram: @crazytrainradioX/Twitter: @realctradioBlueSky: @crazytrainradio.bsky.socialWebsite: crazytrainradio.usYouTube: youtube.com/crazytrainradio

    RNZ: Nine To Noon
    The family recipes spicing up Dunedin life

    RNZ: Nine To Noon

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 12:44


    If you've been down to Otago Farmers Market on a Saturday morning, it's likely you'll have seen Danielle Culling. For the past four years, rain or shine, Danielle has been a regular feature at the market - selling pickles and curry pastes through her business Tartan Sari. The Tartan Sari story goes back decades. 30 years ago, Danielle's parents Louisa and Ron set up a pickle business in London - making family recipes and selling to Indian supermarkets. The recipes arrived in London via Goa, Kenya and Scotland - before decades later, arriving in Dunedin. Tartan Sari business owner Danielle Culling joins Kathryn.

    Stuff That Interests Me
    Glasgow: OMG

    Stuff That Interests Me

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 2:44


    Good Sunday morning to you,I am just on a train home from Glasgow, where I have been gigging these past two nights. I've had a great time, as I always seem to do when I go north of the wall.But Glasgow on a Saturday night is something else. My hotel was right next to the station and so I was right in the thick of it. If I ever get to make a cacatopian, end-of-days, post-apocalyptic thriller, I'll just stroll through Glasgow city centre on a Friday or Saturday night with a camera to get all the B roll. It was like walking through a Hieronymus Bosch painting only with a Scottish accent. Little seems to have changed since I wrote that infamous chapter about Glasgow in Life After the State all those years ago. The only difference is that now it's more multi-ethnic. So many people are so off their heads. I lost count of the number of randoms wandering about just howling at the stars. The long days - it was still light at 10 o'clock - make the insanity all the more visible. Part of me finds it funny, but another part of me finds it so very sad that so many people let themselves get into this condition. It prompted me to revisit said chapter, and I offer it today as your Sunday thought piece.Just a couple of little notes, before we begin. This caught my eye on Friday. Our favourite uranium tech company, Lightbridge Fuels (NASDAQ:LTBR), has taken off again with Donald Trump's statement that he is going to quadruple US nuclear capacity. The stock was up 45% in a day. We first looked at it in October at $3. It hit $15 on Friday. It's one to sell on the spikes and buy on the dips, as this incredible chart shows.(In other news I have now listened twice to the Comstock Lode AGM, and I'll report back on that shortly too). ICYMI here is my mid-week commentary, which attracted a lot of attentionRight - Glasgow.(NB I haven't included references here. Needless to say, they are all there in the book. And sorry I don't have access to the audio of me reading this from my laptop, but, if you like, you can get the audiobook at Audible, Apple Books and all good audiobookshops. The book itself available at Amazon, Apple Books et al).How the Most Entrepreneurial City in Europe Became Its SickestThe cause of waves of unemployment is not capitalism, but governments …Friedrich Hayek, economist and philosopherIn the 18th and 19th centuries, the city of Glasgow in Scotland became enormously, stupendously rich. It happened quite organically, without planning. An entrepreneurial people reacted to their circumstances and, over time, turned Glasgow into an industrial and economic centre of such might that, by the turn of the 20th century, Glasgow was producing half the tonnage of Britain's ships and a quarter of all locomotives in the world. (Not unlike China's industrial dominance today). It was regarded as the best-governed city in Europe and popular histories compared it to the great imperial cities of Venice and Rome. It became known as the ‘Second City of the British Empire'.Barely 100 years later, it is the heroin capital of the UK, the murder capital of the UK and its East End, once home to Europe's largest steelworks, has been dubbed ‘the benefits capital of the UK'. Glasgow is Britain's fattest city: its men have Britain's lowest life expectancy – on a par with Palestine and Albania – and its unemployment rate is 50% higher than the rest of the UK.How did Glasgow manage all that?The growth in Glasgow's economic fortunes began in the latter part of the 17th century and the early 18th century. First, the city's location in the west of Scotland at the mouth of the river Clyde meant that it lay in the path of the trade winds and at least 100 nautical miles closer to America's east coast than other British ports – 200 miles closer than London. In the days before fossil fuels (which only found widespread use in shipping in the second half of the 19th century) the journey to Virginia was some two weeks shorter than the same journey from London or many of the other ports in Britain and Europe. Even modern sailors describe how easy the port of Glasgow is to navigate. Second, when England was at war with France – as it was repeatedly between 1688 and 1815 – ships travelling to Glasgow were less vulnerable than those travelling to ports further south. Glasgow's merchants took advantage and, by the early 18th century, the city had begun to assert itself as a trading hub. Manufactured goods were carried from Britain and Europe to North America and the Caribbean, where they were traded for increasingly popular commodities such as tobacco, cotton and sugar.Through the 18th century, the Glasgow merchants' business networks spread, and they took steps to further accelerate trade. New ships were introduced, bigger than those of rival ports, with fore and aft sails that enabled them to sail closer to the wind and reduce journey times. Trading posts were built to ensure that cargo was gathered and stored for collection, so that ships wouldn't swing idly at anchor. By the 1760s Glasgow had a 50% share of the tobacco trade – as much as the rest of Britain's ports combined. While the English merchants simply sold American tobacco in Europe at a profit, the Glaswegians actually extended credit to American farmers against future production (a bit like a crop future today, where a crop to be grown at a later date is sold now). The Virginia farmers could then use this credit to buy European goods, which the Glaswegians were only too happy to supply. This brought about the rise of financial institutions such as the Glasgow Ship Bank and the Glasgow Thistle Bank, which would later become part of the now-bailed-out, taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).Their practices paid rewards. Glasgow's merchants earned a great deal of money. They built glamorous homes and large churches and, it seems, took on aristocratic airs – hence they became known as the ‘Tobacco Lords'. Numbering among them were Buchanan, Dunlop, Ingram, Wilson, Oswald, Cochrane and Glassford, all of whom had streets in the Merchant City district of Glasgow named after them (other streets, such as Virginia Street and Jamaica Street, refer to their trade destinations). In 1771, over 47 million pounds of tobacco were imported.However, the credit the Glaswegians extended to American tobacco farmers would backfire. The debts incurred by the tobacco farmers – which included future presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (who almost lost his farm as a result) – grew, and were among the grievances when the American War of Independence came in 1775. That war destroyed the tobacco trade for the Glaswegians. Much of the money that was owed to them was never repaid. Many of their plantations were lost. But the Glaswegians were entrepreneurial and they adapted. They moved on to other businesses, particularly cotton.By the 19th century, all sorts of local industry had emerged around the goods traded in the city. It was producing and exporting textiles, chemicals, engineered goods and steel. River engineering projects to dredge and deepen the Clyde (with a view to forming a deep- water port) had begun in 1768 and they would enable shipbuilding to become a major industry on the upper reaches of the river, pioneered by industrialists such as Robert Napier and John Elder. The final stretch of the Monkland Canal, linking the Forth and Clyde Canal at Port Dundas, was opened in 1795, facilitating access to the iron-ore and coal mines of Lanarkshire.The move to fossil-fuelled shipping in the latter 19th century destroyed the advantages that the trade winds had given Glasgow. But it didn't matter. Again, the people adapted. By the turn of the 20th century the Second City of the British Empire had become a world centre of industry and heavy engineering. It has been estimated that, between 1870 and 1914, it produced as much as one-fifth of the world's ships, and half of Britain's tonnage. Among the 25,000 ships it produced were some of the greatest ever built: the Cutty Sark, the Queen Mary, HMS Hood, the Lusitania, the Glenlee tall ship and even the iconic Mississippi paddle steamer, the Delta Queen. It had also become a centre for locomotive manufacture and, shortly after the turn of the 20th century, could boast the largest concentration of locomotive building works in Europe.It was not just Glasgow's industry and wealth that was so gargantuan. The city's contribution to mankind – made possible by the innovation and progress that comes with booming economies – would also have an international impact. Many great inventors either hailed from Glasgow or moved there to study or work. There's James Watt, for example, whose improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the Industrial Revolution. One of Watt's employees, William Murdoch, has been dubbed ‘the Scot who lit the world' – he invented gas lighting, a new kind of steam cannon and waterproof paint. Charles MacIntosh gave us the raincoat. James Young, the chemist dubbed as ‘the father of the oil industry', gave us paraffin. William Thomson, known as Lord Kelvin, developed the science of thermodynamics, formulating the Kelvin scale of absolute temperature; he also managed the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable.The turning point in the economic fortunes of Glasgow – indeed, of industrial Britain – was WWI. Both have been in decline ever since. By the end of the war, the British were drained, both emotionally and in terms of capital and manpower; the workers, the entrepreneurs, the ideas men, too many of them were dead or incapacitated. There was insufficient money and no appetite to invest. The post-war recession, and later the Great Depression, did little to help. The trend of the city was now one of inexorable economic decline.If Glasgow was the home of shipping and industry in 19th-century Britain, it became the home of socialism in the 20th century. Known by some as the ‘Red Clydeside' movement, the socialist tide in Scotland actually pre-dated the First World War. In 1906 came the city's first Labour Member of Parliament (MP), George Barnes – prior to that its seven MPs were all Conservatives or Liberal Unionists. In the spring of 1911, 11,000 workers at the Singer sewing-machine factory (run by an American corporation in Clydebank) went on strike to support 12 women who were protesting about new work practices. Singer sacked 400 workers, but the movement was growing – as was labour unrest. In the four years between 1910 and 1914 Clydebank workers spent four times as many days on strike than in the whole of the previous decade. The Scottish Trades Union Congress and its affiliations saw membership rise from 129,000 in 1909 to 230,000 in 1914.20The rise in discontent had much to do with Glasgow's housing. Conditions were bad, there was overcrowding, bad sanitation, housing was close to dirty, noxious and deafening industry. Unions grew quite organically to protect the interests of their members.Then came WWI, and inflation, as Britain all but abandoned gold. In 1915 many landlords responded by attempting to increase rent, but with their young men on the Western front, those left behind didn't have the means to pay these higher costs. If they couldn't, eviction soon followed. In Govan, an area of Glasgow where shipbuilding was the main occupation, women – now in the majority with so many men gone – organized opposition to the rent increases. There are photographs showing women blocking the entrance to tenements; officers who did get inside to evict tenants are said to have had their trousers pulled down.The landlords were attacked for being unpatriotic. Placards read: ‘While our men are fighting on the front line,the landlord is attacking us at home.' The strikes spread to other cities throughout the UK, and on 27 November 1915 the government introduced legislation to restrict rents to the pre-war level. The strikers were placated. They had won. The government was happy; it had dealt with the problem. The landlords lost out.In the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917, more frequent strikes crippled the city. In 1919 the ‘Bloody Friday' uprising prompted the prime minister, David Lloyd George, to deploy 10,000 troops and tanks onto the city's streets. By the 1930s Glasgow had become the main base of the Independent Labour Party, so when Labour finally came to power alone after WWII, its influence was strong. Glasgow has always remained a socialist stronghold. Labour dominates the city council, and the city has not had a Conservative MP for 30 years.By the late 1950s, Glasgow was losing out to the more competitive industries of Japan, Germany and elsewhere. There was a lack of investment. Union demands for workers, enforced by government legislation, made costs uneconomic and entrepreneurial activity arduous. With lack of investment came lack of innovation.Rapid de-industrialization followed, and by the 1960s and 70s most employment lay not in manufacturing, but in the service industries.Which brings us to today. On the plus side, Glasgow is still ranked as one of Europe's top 20 financial centres and is home to some leading Scottish businesses. But there is considerable downside.Recent studies have suggested that nearly 30% of Glasgow's working age population is unemployed. That's 50% higher than that of the rest of Scotland or the UK. Eighteen per cent of 16- to 19-year-olds are neither in school nor employed. More than one in five working-age Glaswegians have no sort of education that might qualify them for a job.In the city centre, the Merchant City, 50% of children are growing up in homes where nobody works. In the poorer neighbourhoods, such as Ruchill, Possilpark, or Dalmarnock, about 65% of children live in homes where nobody works – more than three times the national average. Figures from the Department of Work and Pensions show that 85% of working age adults from the district of Bridgeton claim some kind of welfare payment.Across the city, almost a third of the population regularly receives sickness or incapacity benefit, the highest rate of all UK cities. A 2008 World Health Organization report noted that in Glasgow's Calton, Bridgeton and Queenslie neighbourhoods, the average life expectancy for males is only 54. In contrast, residents of Glasgow's more affluent West End live to be 80 and virtually none of them are on the dole.Glasgow has the highest crime rate in Scotland. A recent report by the Centre for Social Justice noted that there are 170 teenage gangs in Glasgow. That's the same number as in London, which has over six times the population of Glasgow.It also has the dubious record of being Britain's murder capital. In fact, Glasgow had the highest homicide rate in Western Europe until it was overtaken in 2012 by Amsterdam, with more violent crime per head of population than even New York. What's more, its suicide rate is the highest in the UK.Then there are the drug and alcohol problems. The residents of the poorer neighbourhoods are an astounding six times more likely to die of a drugs overdose than the national average. Drug-related mortality has increased by 95% since 1997. There are 20,000 registered drug users – that's just registered – and the situation is not going to get any better: children who grow up in households where family members use drugs are seven times more likely to end up using drugs themselves than children who live in drug-free families.Glasgow has the highest incidence of liver diseases from alcohol abuse in all of Scotland. In the East End district of Dennistoun, these illnesses kill more people than heart attacks and lung cancer combined. Men and women are more likely to die of alcohol-related deaths in Glasgow than anywhere else in the UK. Time and time again Glasgow is proud winner of the title ‘Fattest City in Britain'. Around 40% of the population are obese – 5% morbidly so – and it also boasts the most smokers per capita.I have taken these statistics from an array of different sources. It might be in some cases that they're overstated. I know that I've accentuated both the 18th- and 19th-century positives, as well as the 20th- and 21st-century negatives to make my point. Of course, there are lots of healthy, happy people in Glasgow – I've done many gigs there and I loved it. Despite the stories you hear about intimidating Glasgow audiences, the ones I encountered were as good as any I've ever performed in front of. But none of this changes the broad-brush strokes: Glasgow was a once mighty city that now has grave social problems. It is a city that is not fulfilling its potential in the way that it once did. All in all, it's quite a transformation. How has it happened?Every few years a report comes out that highlights Glasgow's various problems. Comments are then sought from across the political spectrum. Usually, those asked to comment agree that the city has grave, ‘long-standing and deep-rooted social problems' (the words of Stephen Purcell, former leader of Glasgow City Council); they agree that something needs to be done, though they don't always agree on what that something is.There's the view from the right: Bill Aitken of the Scottish Conservatives, quoted in The Sunday Times in 2008, said, ‘We simply don't have the jobs for people who are not academically inclined. Another factor is that some people are simply disinclined to work. We have got to find something for these people to do, to give them a reason to get up in the morning and give them some self-respect.' There's the supposedly apolitical view of anti-poverty groups: Peter Kelly, director of the Glasgow-based Poverty Alliance, responded, ‘We need real, intensive support for people if we are going to tackle poverty. It's not about a lack of aspiration, often people who are unemployed or on low incomes are stymied by a lack of money and support from local and central government.' And there's the view from the left. In the same article, Patricia Ferguson, the Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Maryhill, also declared a belief in government regeneration of the area. ‘It's about better housing, more jobs, better education and these things take years to make an impact. I believe that the huge regeneration in the area is fostering a lot more community involvement and cohesion. My real hope is that these figures will take a knock in the next five or ten years.' At the time of writing in 2013, five years later, the figures have worsened.All three points of view agree on one thing: the government must do something.In 2008 the £435 million Fairer Scotland Fund – established to tackle poverty – was unveiled, aiming to allocate cash to the country's most deprived communities. Its targets included increasing average income among lower wage-earners and narrowing the poverty gap between Scotland's best- and worst-performing regions by 2017. So far, it hasn't met those targets.In 2008 a report entitled ‘Power for The Public' examined the provision of health, education and justice in Scotland. It said the budgets for these three areas had grown by 55%, 87% and 44% respectively over the last decade, but added that this had produced ‘mixed results'. ‘Mixed results' means it didn't work. More money was spent and the figures got worse.After the Centre for Social Justice report on Glasgow in 2008, Iain Duncan Smith (who set up this think tank, and is now the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions) said, ‘Policy must deal with the pathways to breakdown – high levels of family breakdown, high levels of failed education, debt and unemployment.'So what are ‘pathways to breakdown'? If you were to look at a chart of Glasgow's prosperity relative to the rest of the world, its peak would have come somewhere around 1910. With the onset of WWI in 1914 its decline accelerated, and since then the falls have been relentless and inexorable. It's not just Glasgow that would have this chart pattern, but the whole of industrial Britain. What changed the trend? Yes, empires rise and fall, but was British decline all a consequence of WWI? Or was there something else?A seismic shift came with that war – a change which is very rarely spoken or written about. Actually, the change was gradual and it pre-dated 1914. It was a change that was sweeping through the West: that of government or state involvement in our lives. In the UK it began with the reforms of the Liberal government of 1906–14, championed by David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, known as the ‘terrible twins' by contemporaries. The Pensions Act of 1908, the People's Budget of 1909–10 (to ‘wage implacable warfare against poverty', declared Lloyd George) and the National Insurance Act of 1911 saw the Liberal government moving away from its tradition of laissez-faire systems – from classical liberalism and Gladstonian principles of self-help and self-reliance – towards larger, more active government by which taxes were collected from the wealthy and the proceeds redistributed. Afraid of losing votes to the emerging Labour party and the increasingly popular ideology of socialism, modern liberals betrayed their classical principles. In his War Memoirs, Lloyd George said ‘the partisan warfare that raged around these topics was so fierce that by 1913, this country was brought to the verge of civil war'. But these were small steps. The Pensions Act, for example, meant that men aged 70 and above could claim between two and five shillings per week from the government. But average male life- expectancy then was 47. Today it's 77. Using the same ratio, and, yes, I'm manipulating statistics here, that's akin to only awarding pensions to people above the age 117 today. Back then it was workable.To go back to my analogy of the prologue, this period was when the ‘train' was set in motion across the West. In 1914 it went up a gear. Here are the opening paragraphs of historian A. J. P. Taylor's most celebrated book, English History 1914–1945, published in 1965.I quote this long passage in full, because it is so telling.Until August 1914 a sensible, law-abiding Englishman could pass through life and hardly notice the existence of the state, beyond the post office and the policeman. He could live where he liked and as he liked. He had no official number or identity card. He could travel abroad or leave his country forever without a passport or any sort of official permission. He could exchange his money for any other currency without restriction or limit. He could buy goods from any country in the world on the same terms as he bought goods at home. For that matter, a foreigner could spend his life in this country without permit and without informing the police. Unlike the countries of the European continent, the state did not require its citizens to perform military service. An Englishman could enlist, if he chose, in the regular army, the navy, or the territorials. He could also ignore, if he chose, the demands of national defence. Substantial householders were occasionally called on for jury service. Otherwise, only those helped the state, who wished to do so. The Englishman paid taxes on a modest scale: nearly £200 million in 1913–14, or rather less than 8% of the national income.The state intervened to prevent the citizen from eating adulterated food or contracting certain infectious diseases. It imposed safety rules in factories, and prevented women, and adult males in some industries,from working excessive hours.The state saw to it that children received education up to the age of 13. Since 1 January 1909, it provided a meagre pension for the needy over the age of 70. Since 1911, it helped to insure certain classes of workers against sickness and unemployment. This tendency towards more state action was increasing. Expenditure on the social services had roughly doubled since the Liberals took office in 1905. Still, broadly speaking, the state acted only to help those who could not help themselves. It left the adult citizen alone.All this was changed by the impact of the Great War. The mass of the people became, for the first time, active citizens. Their lives were shaped by orders from above; they were required to serve the state instead of pursuing exclusively their own affairs. Five million men entered the armed forces, many of them (though a minority) under compulsion. The Englishman's food was limited, and its quality changed, by government order. His freedom of movement was restricted; his conditions of work prescribed. Some industries were reduced or closed, others artificially fostered. The publication of news was fettered. Street lights were dimmed. The sacred freedom of drinking was tampered with: licensed hours were cut down, and the beer watered by order. The very time on the clocks was changed. From 1916 onwards, every Englishman got up an hour earlier in summer than he would otherwise have done, thanks to an act of parliament. The state established a hold over its citizens which, though relaxed in peacetime, was never to be removed and which the Second World war was again to increase. The history of the English state and of the English people merged for the first time.Since the beginning of WWI , the role that the state has played in our lives has not stopped growing. This has been especially so in the case of Glasgow. The state has spent more and more, provided more and more services, more subsidy, more education, more health care, more infrastructure, more accommodation, more benefits, more regulations, more laws, more protection. The more it has provided, the worse Glasgow has fared. Is this correlation a coincidence? I don't think so.The story of the rise and fall of Glasgow is a distilled version of the story of the rise and fall of industrial Britain – indeed the entire industrial West. In the next chapter I'm going to show you a simple mistake that goes on being made; a dynamic by which the state, whose very aim was to help Glasgow, has actually been its ‘pathway to breakdown' . . .Life After the State is available at Amazon, Apple Books and all good bookshops, with the audiobook at Audible, Apple Books and all good audiobookshops. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theflyingfrisby.com/subscribe

    New Books Network
    Richard D. Oram, "A Land Won from Waste: Scotland AD 400-1400" (Birlinn, 2025)

    New Books Network

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 61:12


    Drawing together the evidence of archaeology, palaeoecology, climate history and the historical record, this first environmental history of Scotland explores the interaction of human populations with land, waters, forests and wildlife. A Land Won From Waste: Scotland AD 400–1400 (John Donald/Birlinn, 2025) by Professor Richard Oram takes the reader from the climatic highs of the Late Iron Age to the depths of the war-torn and plague-ravaged fourteenth century. Departing from traditional frameworks that divide Scotland's history into periods based on kings' reigns or major political events, discussion instead follows the major shifts in climate that divide these fourteen centuries into epochs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Starting amidst the fields and forests shaped across the eight millennia of Scotland's prehistory, where we encounter the imprint of past generations of hunters and gatherers, farmers and fishermen, as well as the legacies of climate impacts and pathogens, the book explores the depths of the Late Antique Little Ice Age and the long climb back to the ‘Golden Age' of the twelfth- and thirteenth-century Medieval Climate Anomaly, to end with the slide through crop-failure, famine, war and disease of what is reputed to be the ‘worst century in human history'. Also listen to Dr. Oram's previous New Books Network interview on the “sequel” to this book, covering the period 1400-1850: Where Men No More May Reap or Sow: The Little Ice Age.  This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

    In the Market with Janet Parshall
    Hour 2: Where We Find Our Peace

    In the Market with Janet Parshall

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 44:24 Transcription Available


    Don’t be fooled, the fight for the lives of the pre-born doesn’t stop just because the political climate in Washington D.C. changes. On In The Market with Janet Parshall, a regular guest on the program addressed the ongoing battle against the abortion pill that has gone from being an outlier to one of the most widely used means of taking the life of the unborn. He warned us of the inherent danger of this option and why it may be time for this drug to have more government regulation over its distribution and use. Then we took a hard look at the recent massive power outages in Spain and Portugal where millions were without power after a celebration just weeks before in Spain where they touted 100 percent energy from renewable sources. Our climate expert addressed whether this is a neon warning sign to the United States about our own futures if we turn to complete dependance on alternative energy sources and whether or not this is the first major sign of what he calls “the green breakdown”. Is it possible that the anxiety and depression that many believers struggle with is less physical and more spiritually rooted in how our personal relationship with God operates? Our guest explained what an “insecure attachment to God” looks like and how it can have a dramatic impact on our mental wellbeing. She also explained how repairing that connection opens the door for God to share His healing story through our lives as a platform to lift up and encourage others who struggle with their own attachment relationship with Him. We boarded another radio flight to the land down under for more enlightening conversations with our favorite Scottish apologist. He addressed the effort to redefine womanhood in Scotland and whether or not believers should support corporations that support abortion among other thought-provoking topics. We gave you the opportunity to hear from a respected attorney who detailed a recent religious liberty victory out the Chicago Public School system and what the larger scale ramifications of this win means for religious liberty across the country going forward. We also spoke to that man who has turned statistics into powerful tools for ministry as he laid out the findings of this year’s American Worldview Inventory and explained why we are seeing significant faith shifts across the nation. Once again, we invite you to join us for another important discussion of the news of the week through the lens of God’s unchanging truth.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Adventure Rider Radio Motorcycle Podcast
    The Soul of the Ride: Rediscovering Adventure with Charley Boorman

    Adventure Rider Radio Motorcycle Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 44:21


    It's been 20 years since Long Way Round changed the face of motorcycle travel—and inspired a generation to dream bigger. That original journey, sparked by a simple idea, captured lightning in a bottle with its raw spirit, sweeping landscapes, and the magic of two friends chasing the horizon on massive BMWs. Then came Long Way Down and Long Way Up. In their latest series, Long Way Home, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman trade the extremes for something refreshingly real—a ride from Scotland to England via the long way around. On vintage bikes, they wind their way through more than 15 countries, rediscovering the pure joy of the open road. It's not just a ride—it's the kind of ride we all dream of, and it certainly looks like Long Way Home will inspire the next wave of riders, just as Long Way Round once did.

    The Motivated Classroom
    127 ¦ What I learned from watching six weeks of CI classes in three different countries - Part One: With Jonathan McBride

    The Motivated Classroom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 34:59


    In this episode I am joined by the wonderful, Jonathan McBride, for Part one of a two-part special series. Jonny and I met at The Agen Workshop in 2023. He teaches German and French in a state school in Scotland and he secured funding to go and spend six weeks watching three different CI teachers in three different countries in 2024: Me (Liam Printer) in Switzerland, Adriana Ramirez in Canada and finally, Tina Abour in Germany. The goal was to learn from what other CI teachers are doing in three very different schools in three very different systems, and to then report back to the Scottish government and education department about what he saw and learned. In this first part of our two-part series, Jonny had just spent two weeks with me in Switzerland after already doing two weeks with Adriana in Canada. He shares what he say, what he learned and most importantly, what he hopes to take back to his classroom in Scotland. Part two of this series follows up with Jonny approximately 9 months later, after coming back from Germany and spending almost a year implementing the ideas he had observed. A truly fascinating journey and a must listen for language teachers all over the world!Full programme notes are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.liamprinter.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow The Motivated Classroom on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@themotivatedclassroom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@themotivatedclassroom⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.I'd love to know what you think, please get in touch! Join the conversation with the hashtag #MotivatedClassroom.Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Become a Patron of The Motivated Classroom podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com.⁠Please let me know what you think! Keep in touch and share widely!

    Talon Podcast
    Season 6, Episode 3: Alex Salo on Scotland CFE Trip

    Talon Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 5:42


    Episode host Nina Mast talks to sophomore Alex Salo, a Minnehaha actor, about the upcoming CFE adventures for students involved in the play "A Dress". The students plan to be gone for two weeks over the summer performing this original piece in Scotland. 

    Palace Intrigue: A daily Royal Family podcast
    Kate Middleton Nails Warship Christening in Navy Elegance While William Reveals Louis' Football Chaos

    Palace Intrigue: A daily Royal Family podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 9:21


    The Princess of Wales wowed in a nautical Suzannah London coat dress as she christened HMS Glasgow with a bottle of whisky — a royal tradition she first performed in 2011. Meanwhile, Prince William visited a community centre in Leith, kicked a penalty, admired local art, and revealed that Prince Louis currently supports five football teams. Yes, five. Also: questions over Kate's private jet to Scotland, and what the Sussexes might learn from a good hat photo.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!    Subscribe to Deep Crown's free newsletter at https://deepcrown.substack.com

    Tibet TV
    བདུན་ཕྲག་འདིའི་བོད་དོན་གསར་འགྱུར་ཕྱོགས་བསྡུས། ༢༠༢༥།༠༥།༢༣ Tibet This Week (Tibetan)- May 23, 2025

    Tibet TV

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 13:36


    ◆ དཔལ་ལྡན་སྲིད་སྐྱོང་མཆོག་གིས་ཁེ་ན་ཌའི་ནང་གི་གཞུང་འབྲེལ་འཚམས་གཟིགས། ◆ འཛམ་གླིང་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ཁག་གིས་རྒྱ་ནག་གཞུང་ནས་༧ཀུན་གཟིགས་པཎ་ཆེན་སྐུ་ཕྲེང་བཅུ་གཅིག་པ་གར་མྱུར་གློད་བཀྲོལ་དགོས་པའི་ཞབས་སྐུལ། ◆ དཔལ་ལྡན་སྲིད་ཚབ་མཆོག་གིས་བཞུགས་སྒར་དུ་ཕེབས་པའི་ཧིན་རྡུའི་ཆོས་ལུགས་ཀྱི་མཐོ་རིམ་སྐུ་ཚབ་ཚོགས་ཆུང་ཞིག་དང་མཇལ་འཕྲད། ◆ བོད་ཀྱི་ཞོ་སྟོན་རྒྱས་པ་ཐེངས་ ༢༨ པ་མཇུག་སྒྲིལ་བ། ◆ སྤྱི་འཐུས་སློབ་དཔོན་ཐུབ་བསྟན་རྒྱལ་མཚན་ལགས་དང་སྤྱི་འཐུས་ལྷ་རྒྱ་རི་རྣམ་རྒྱལ་སྒྲོལ་དཀར་ལགས་རྣམ་གཉིས་ནས་བལ་ཡུལ་ཁུལ་གྱི་གཞུང་འབྲེལ་ས་བགོས་ཕྱོགས་བསྐྱོད་ལེགས་གྲུབ་བྱུང་བ། ◆ (Scotland)སི་ཀོཊ་ལེནྜ་གཞུང་གིས་༧གོང་ས་༧སྐྱབས་མགོན་ཆེན་པོ་མཆོག་གི་༧སྐུའི་ཡང་སྲིད་ཀྱི་གནད་དོན་གཙོ་བོར་བྱས་པའི་བོད་མིའི་ཆོས་དད་རང་དབང་དང་འགྲོ་བ་མིའི་ཐོབ་ཐང་ལ་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་ཡོད་པ་གསལ་སྟོན་གནང་བ།

    Scottish Football
    Cup Final weekend special

    Scottish Football

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 24:30


    David Currie is joined by former Scotland goalkeeper Gemma Fay and Sunday Mail chief football writer Scott McDermott to preview Saturday's Scottish Cup final between Aberdeen and Celtic and Sunday's Scottish SWF Cup final between Glasgow City and Rangers.

    Irish and Celtic Music Podcast
    What You Do Matters #710

    Irish and Celtic Music Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 65:43


    We can make a difference, whether it's make positive change on the changing climate or helping indie Celtic musicians get their music heard on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #710. Subscribe now! Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, Adam Agee & Jon Sousa, The AML Trio, Fourth Moon, Brendan Hayes/Fergal Scahill/Padraig Rynne, Heather Alexander, Ghost Of A Banshee, Whiskey Faithful, Olivia Barrett, Rebecca Winckworth, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Crikwater, Phoenyx, Stinky Ocean Kelpie, Journey North, Celia Farran GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items for Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2025 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music of 2025 episode. You have just three weeks to vote this year. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on YouTube to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2-3 weeks. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:06-Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira "Passport to Mettabee" from Here to Stay 4:13-WELCOME 6:16-Adam Agee & Jon Sousa "Coppers and Brass / Munster Buttermilk" from Ceol na gCarad 10:15-The AML Trio "Brennan on the Moor" from Sons Of Erin's Isle 12:18-Fourth Moon "Prater Park" from Ellipsis 18:42-Fiona Tyndell "Airdí Cuan" from Éinin An Cheóil 22:34-FEEDBACK 25:27-Heather Alexander "Brannigan's Special Ale" from Midsummer 27:53-Ghost Of A Banshee "I Bid You Farewell" from Along The Rural Trail 30:56-Whiskey Faithful "Roamin' in the Gloamin'" from Roamin' in the Gloamin' 33:20-Olivia Barrett "The Sparkle Horse" from Elsewhere 35:32-Rebecca Winckworth "Dusk Starts to Fall" from Chapters of Time 39:06-Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh "Banks of the Nile" from daybreak: fainne an lae 43:27-THANKS 45:50-Phoenyx "King of Elfland's Daughter" from Keepers of the Flame 49:12-Crikwater "Angels' Share (Live)" from Live in Buffalo 53:08-Stinky Ocean Kelpie "Kerry Polka Donks" from single 55:31-Journey North "Bannockburn" from Journey North (Revisited) 1:01:38-CLOSING 1:02:29-Celia Farran "I'll Tell Me Ma" from The Bard of Armagh:  A Tribute to Tommy Makem 1:04:46-CREDITS The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. ⚡ Episode 2: What You Do MattersEvery action counts. Use less energy. Waste less. Demand clean power. When millions of people make small changes, the impact is massive. This isn't just about the planet—it's about protecting our homes, our health, and our future. Change doesn't happen alone. Start a conversation. Ask a question. Vote like the planet depends on it—because it does. Your children, your neighbors, and your future self are counting on you to speak up today. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host of Folk Songs & Stories. This podcast is for fans of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast and you will get a free music-only episode. You'll also learn how to get your band played on the podcast. Bands don't need to send in music, and You will get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Again email follow@bestcelticmusic WHAT IS AN ALBUM PIN? An album pin is a lapel pin with artwork inspired by a specific album or song from an album. It could be the actual album artwork or it could be inspired by a specific track on the album. The best album pins stand out on their own. They appeal to more than just your fans. It is simple, bold, and visually engaging. However, what truly makes it an “album pin” is that the purchaser also gets a digital album with their pin. I have an entire blog on my website with details including templates for you to make your own album pin jacket. THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST!

    Quantum - The Wee Flea Podcast
    Quantum 357 - Truth Stumbling in the Marketplace

    Quantum - The Wee Flea Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 51:45


    This week we look at how truth stumbles in the marketplace - in the Church of Scotland;  the Pope; The war in Italy fought over a bucket; Woke history in the UK; Masterchef; English literature without novels; Cross Country trains and Pride;  How to get free health care in Australia; Country of the week - Uruguay; Is Israel killing 14,000 babies? Why Greggs symbolises Broken Britain; China's new super plane; Starmers EU betrayal; The rising cost of Net Zero; Tim Vine; the Christian influence on Crystal Palace; Eurovision; Icecream and winged horses in heaven; Alpha's good year; and final word of the Love of God - with music from Tears for Fears; Harry Belafonte and Odetta; Yuval Raphael;  JJ;  Dolly Parton;  Pindingo;  and Simon Khorolskiv

    In the Market with Janet Parshall
    Hour 2: Views From Down Under

    In the Market with Janet Parshall

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 44:26 Transcription Available


    Join us as we wing our way to the Land of Oz and hear what David Robertson has to say about a thing or two. He will tackle subjects like: If you know a corporation is supporting abortion, do you support that corporation? Why is Denmark fighting over its religious heritage? And why does a former leader in Scotland push back against the idea that only biological women are women? Learn how to apply the Word to the world around us.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Gardening with the RHS
    The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

    Gardening with the RHS

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 43:54


    Step into the bloom of RHS Chelsea 2025! In this special episode, we delve into the standout themes, emerging trends, and — of course — the spectacular plants that define this year's show. Journey with us from Scotland's wild coastal landscapes to the dappled canopies of urban forests, as we meet the visionary designers behind 2025's most breathtaking gardens. We'll also shine a spotlight on the real stars of the show: the plants themselves — and the groundbreaking breeders competing for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year award.   Hosts: Jenny Laville, Gareth Richards, Tom Howard, James Armitage   Links: Chelsea Flower Show tickets Chelsea Flower Show gardens Chelsea Plant of the Year RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse

    MoneyWise on Oneplace.com
    The Danger of Buy Now, Pay Later

    MoneyWise on Oneplace.com

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 24:57


    “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” — Luke 12:15In an age of instant gratification, getting what we want has never been easier, even if we can't afford it. But as “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services become increasingly popular, they're quietly reshaping our relationship with money, debt, and even contentment. Let's explore how these programs work, why they're spiritually and financially dangerous, and how Scripture invites us into a better way.What Is Buy Now, Pay Later?Originally used for large purchases like furniture or electronics, BNPL services now allow consumers to split nearly any purchase into multiple payments—even cheeseburgers. DoorDash, for example, lets customers finance their food in four installments. The convenience may seem harmless, but it can mask deeper issues.Companies like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, Zip, Sezzle, and PayPal offer these options at checkout. According to Experian, more than 80% of U.S. shoppers have used BNPL. The ease is attractive, but the long-term impact can be devastating.BNPL makes it seem like you're not going into debt, but that's exactly what's happening. Small recurring payments across multiple platforms add up fast, leading to overdraft fees, financial stress, and, in many cases, high interest rates—some as high as 36% for missed or extended payments.A $60 DoorDash meal split into four $15 payments doesn't seem bad—until you do it for every meal. Or take a $3,000 couch bought with a BNPL plan: one missed payment, and that couch could ultimately cost $8,000 due to fees and interest.Scripture's Warnings About DebtThe Bible doesn't shy away from warning us about the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” Debt isn't just a financial issue—it can become an emotional and spiritual burden, dividing our attention and devotion.In Luke 12:15, Jesus reminds us that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Yet BNPL feeds the lie that more stuff equals more satisfaction. Instead of trusting God to provide, we try to manufacture comfort and control through impulsive spending.Why are we tempted to buy now and pay later? Often, it's not out of need, but out of insecurity, impatience, or discontentment. Paul models a better path in Philippians 4:11–13: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content...I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”True contentment doesn't come from a checkout screen—it comes from trusting the Lord to provide, even when the budget feels tight.A Better Way: Practical and Spiritual WisdomSo, how do we resist the pull of BNPL and grow in godly contentment?Practically:Build margin. Save up for purchases ahead of time.Budget for “wants.” Use a separate category or envelope system.Set spending limits. Use cash or debit card to help avoid overspending.Spiritually:Examine your heart. Ask: Am I trusting God, or just trying to feel better?Pursue contentment. Let God define your enough.Practice gratitude. Train your heart to see God's provision in what you already have.Freedom to Live GenerouslySaying no to unnecessary debt frees us to say yes to generosity. When we live with open hands and open hearts, we reflect the freedom we have in Christ—freedom from striving, fear, and scarcity. And that's far better than four easy payments.So next time you see a “Pay in 4” button, pause. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I pay for it in full? And does this reflect trust in God, or just in a payment plan?Wise stewardship begins with contentment, and contentment begins with Christ.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are sending our son on a five-week mission trip to Scotland. We're debt-free and want our kids to stay that way. I'm hesitant to open a credit card, but what's the best, safest way to give him access to money while he's overseas?We recently sold our home at a profit, bought a new one, and are now debt-free. However, the new home needs repairs, and we still have a mortgage. Should we tithe on the profit from the home sale, or use those funds for the house needs?I'm a recently retired teacher with two annuities—one worth $19,000 and the other about $13,000. I've just opened an IRA and wonder if I should roll the annuities into it, or if there might be a better strategy.I've inherited a large amount of cash-valued property and need guidance on how to manage it wisely, especially to minimize potential tax liability.We paid off our home in October 2024. Do we need the deed and title to protect ourselves from fraud, or is it handled automatically?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

    The Scottish Clans Podcast
    186 The Truth about Clan Slogans/War Cries

    The Scottish Clans Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 28:48


    Where do Scottish clan slogans come from—and are they the same as heraldic mottos? In this episode, we explore the Gaelic origins of the word "slogan," meaning "army shout," and how these cries functioned in Highland warfare. While many Highland clans had distinctive battle slogans, not all did, and Lowland examples are even rarer. We'll also untangle the confusion between slogans and formal mottos found in coats of arms. Tune in to better understand the role of these rallying cries in Scotland's clan history.Join the Team on PatreonThe Scottish Clans WebsiteThe YouTube ChannelMyHeritage 14-day Free TrialDetails for the Scottish Clans Tour in Scotland!✔️ What's Included:7 nights in handpicked accommodationAll breakfasts & dinnerEntry fees for all castles, heritage sites, and ferries on the itinerarPrivate luxury mini-coach and full-time local guideTour liaison to support you before and during the triSmall group experience (just 15 travelers max)❌ What's Not Included:FlightsLunches

    The Women's Soccer Show
    Chelsea Rejoice & KC Triumph

    The Women's Soccer Show

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 38:02


    Chelsea did the domestic treble! Beating United in the FA Cup Final, Chelsea emerge victorious in all three domestic competitions. Also, a new owner for Chelsea has emerged... but are Sara & Allie fans? And that's not all! The Champions League Final is this coming weekend and we're of course previewing the massive matchup between Arsenal & Barcelona. Do either of our co-hosts believe in Arsenal? Next, it's a surprise trip to Scotland for a brand new Champion! And finally, NWSL is in full swing and KC beat Orlando in the much anticipated showdown. Is it time for Orlando to worry? Episode edited by Mike Adams @monkeyhillmedia. Follow us on socials @thewososhow

    The How to Be Awesome Podcast
    206 - HRT as Medical Magic

    The How to Be Awesome Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 63:19


    Send us a textWelcome back tot he Coven of Awesomeness Podcast! This week we have Lynne, a fabulous Lifestyle Medicine Nurse who is going to share with us the wonders of HRT (hormone Replacement Therapy). But before we get to the juicy bit, we have Witchy Wisdom! This month, a listener is asking if leaving your moon water or crystals out in the sun will "ruin" the moon's work.Lynne then talks us through the magic of HRT and how it can support people experiencing symptoms of menopause. We talk about what HRT is and how it can be used, as well as how you can support yourself, or get support from your medical professional, as you navigate these changes. We finish, as always, with awesomeness. Renee has been busy building community, Louise has been taking part in Renee's community, and Lynne and her family have been connecting in nature. For complete show notes and links, go to awesomeon20.com/episode206Follow Renee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Renee_awesomeon20/Follow Louise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Louise_awesomeon20Support the showIf you're able, give this podcast your support by joining the International Coven of Awesomeness on Patreon so we can keep sharing witchy content for that's free for all.Get your free ebook How to Work with the Moon to Get Things Done.Check out the latest workshop offerings from the STC Witchcraft Academy for both online workshops and in-person circles in the Glasgow, Scotland area.Find all your favorite recipes and witch tips at Awesome on 20 Kitchen Magick.Book a tarot reading with Renee at Sagittarian Tarot & Coaching. Join the Moon Magic Membership coven to receiving ongoing support in your witchcraft journey. Join our Coven of Awesomeness Facebook group open to everyone.

    Rockin' the Suburbs
    2120: April 2025 New Music 2: Brown Horse, Messa, Suede, Bon Iver, Etran de L Air, Lifeguard

    Rockin' the Suburbs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 24:20


    Jim took the April 2025 New Music train out for a spin and dropped it off in Scotland, where Steven Routledge takes over and steams back across the Atlantic to pick up Bob Peterson in Wisconsin. This pair of new music aficionados discuss tunes from Brown Horse, Messa, Suede, Bon Iver, Etran de L' Air and Lifeguard. Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart,Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Threads, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, next covered by Frank Muffin and now re-done in a high-voltage version by Quartjar again!  Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com.

    Not Just the Tudors
    How to Kill a Scottish Witch

    Not Just the Tudors

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 60:36


    **This episode contains some descriptions of torture and executions**If you lived in Scotland in the 1500s, it was highly likely that you, or someone you knew, would be tried as a witch. Witch hunts and executions ripped through the country for over 150 years, with at least 4,000 accused, including men. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores this dark chapter in Scottish history with campaigners Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi, founders of the Witches of Scotland. Together they discuss the societal and legal conditions that allowed for accusations and executions, culminating in a formal apology in 2022 from then First Minister Nicholas Sturgeon.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Theme music from All3Media. Other music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.More:Witchfinder Generalhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6b1kxIw1rs903xC8CpAFvLThe Witchhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0vMBNuE1iTCcHluxo0a5r2Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

    Get Rich Education
    554: How to Borrow Tax-Free Like a Billionaire

    Get Rich Education

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 42:45


    Keith discusses the mortgage landscape, emphasizing the benefits of cash-out refinances with Ridge Lending Group President, Caeli Ridge. They unpack the Trump administration's plan to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could impact the mortgage market. Investors are discovering powerful strategies to leverage property equity and optimize their financial portfolios. By understanding innovative borrowing techniques, savvy real estate investors can access tax-efficient capital and create sustainable wealth-building opportunities. Consider working with a lender that specializes in investor-focused loan products and provides comprehensive education on the options available.  Resources: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Show Notes: GetRichEducation.com/554 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com GRE Free Investment Coaching: GREinvestmentcoach.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments.  You get paid first: Text FAMILY to 66866 Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search “how to leave an Apple Podcasts review”  For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— text ‘GRE' to 66866 Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript:   Automatically Transcribed With Otter.ai    Keith Weinhold  0:01   Welcome to GRE. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, we're talking about the mortgage loan landscape in this era. Is title insurance a rip off today? Is it worth it for you to pay discount points at the closing table to get a lower interest rate? Learn about how a cash out refinance. Is your ability to borrow tax free, much like a billionaire does, and what are the dramatic changes that the current administration could take to alter the mortgage environment for years, all today on get rich education.    Speaker 1  0:34   Since 2014 the powerful get rich education podcast has created more passive income for people than nearly any other show in the world. This show teaches you how to earn strong returns from passive real estate investing in the best markets without losing your time being a flipper or landlord. Show Host Keith Weinhold writes for both Forbes and Rich Dad advisors, who delivers a new show every week since 2014 there's been millions of listener downloads of 188 world nations. He has a list show guests include top selling personal finance author Robert Kiyosaki, get rich education can be heard on every podcast platform, plus it has its own dedicated Apple and Android listener phone apps build wealth on the go with the get rich education podcast. Sign up now for the get rich education podcast or visit get rich education.com   Corey Coates  1:20   You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is get rich education.   Keith Weinhold  1:36   Welcome to GRE from Liverpool, England to Livermore, California and across 188 nations worldwide. I'm Keith Weinhold, and you are listening to get rich education, the voice of real estate. Since 2014 it's been estimated that there are about 800 billionaires in USA, and hey, you might be one of them, but there's a pretty good chance that you aren't well. When it comes to lending and mortgages, you can actually take a page out of a billionaires playbook and do something very much like what they do whenever you perform a cash out refinance if you've got dead equity in a property, and you can borrow against your own home to a greater extent than you can against your rental properties, even either one of those is a tax free event, you've now got tax free cash, and you can use that money on anything from investing it in the stock market To using your proceeds for a down payment on more real estate or buying a boat or going to Disneyland, and you didn't have to relinquish your asset at all. You continue to hold on to the asset. Now, the mechanics are somewhat different, sure, but when you do a cash out refinance like this, it's a bit like billionaires borrowing against their stock. Instead, you're borrowing against the value of your real estate. In fact, listening to this short clip, it's Trevor Noah talking about how billionaires do exactly this, and you'll notice that the crowd laughs because it actually sounds funny that you can really do this,    Speaker 2  3:22   the shares that they hold in a company, because it is an unrealized gain, right? So they go like, yeah, you're worth 300 billion, but we can't tax you on those stocks because you haven't sold the shares, so you don't, like, have the money. And I understand the argument. They go like, No, you don't have it. It's just what it's worth, because it will also crash, and then you have nothing, so we can't tax you on it. Then I'm like, Okay, I understand that. Then Elon Musk offers to buy Twitter, all right? He offers to buy it. And then he says in his offer, he goes, I'm putting up my Tesla stock as collateral. Then I'm like, so you do have it? Then he's like, no, no, no, no, I don't have it. I don't have it. I'm just gonna say so then they accept the offer. He now buys Twitter. Now that they've accepted his offer, he now goes to private equity and banks and like other rich people and whatever. He goes like, can you guys borrow me the money to buy Twitter? And then he's like, I'm I want to buy Twitter because I don't want to sell any of my Tesla shares, so I want to use your money to buy Twitter. And then it's like, but then they're like, What are we loaning it against? And he's like, Well, my Tesla shares. Then I'm going, like, Wait, so, so you, you can, you can buy a thing based on what you have, yes, but when we want to tax you, you can say, I don't have it. Do you hear what I'm saying here?   Keith Weinhold  4:46   Yeah, you can borrow against your real estate if you have substantial equity in it. We'll talk about just how much now billionaires borrow against their stock holdings using financial products like portfolio lines of credit or. For securities based loans. These are the names for how they do it, essentially taking out loans and using their stock as collateral. And this allows them to access cash without selling their assets and without incurring capital gains taxes, much like you can so you can say that you don't want to sell your property in you don't have to go through some capital raising round either, like a billionaire might have to when they're borrowing against their stock. You can just have a more standard mortgage application for your cash out refinance, and you don't even have to have a huge portfolio. I mean, even if you just own one 500k property with 50% equity in it, you can do this so it's available to most any credit worthy person, again, tax free. But of course, this doesn't mean that you always should take this windfall, because it often creates a higher monthly payment. You've got to be the one that makes that decision in controlling your cash flows, that is key. I'll talk about that some more with today's terrific guests. Also the Trump administration's desire to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac we're going to talk about that and what that would do to the mortgage landscape. I am in the USA today, next week, I'll be bringing you the show from London, England for the first time, the following week, from Edinburgh, Scotland. Yes, the mobile GRE Studio will be in effect. I typically set it up myself, and I usually don't need the help of the hotel staff for an appropriate Sound Studio either. And then shortly after that, I will be in Anchorage, Alaska, where I'm competing in these fantastic mountain running races. And then by next month, that's where I hope to meet up with you in person for nine days of learning and fun, as I'll be in Miami as part of the faculty for the terrific real estate guys invest or summon at sea, where we're all going to disembark from Miami and go to St Thomas, St Martin and the Bahamas, and then after that great event, it is a long flight from Miami back to Anchorage again. And that's got to be one of the longer domestic flights, not just in the nation, but in the world, Miami to Anchorage, and then shortly after that, I will be in the Great Northeast early this summer, New York and Pennsylvania, including for my high school reunion. So I'll really be putting the miles on these next couple months. One interesting thing that I've noticed for next week's show, where I'll be joining you from London, is how much I'm paying per night at both my hotel in England and then later my hotel in Scotland. That's obviously a short term real estate transaction. These are some of the more expensive places in the world, really. So next week and then the week after, I just think you'll find it interesting. I'll tell you how much I'm spending per night in both London and then Edinburgh. And they're both prime locations, where the hotels are the center of London and then right on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. That is in future weeks as for today, let's talk about the mortgage landscape with this week's familiar and terrific guest.   I'd like to welcome in one of the more recurrent guests in our history, so she needs little introduction. She's the longtime president of the mortgage company that's created more financial freedom for real estate investors than any lender in the nation because they specialize in income property loans. It's where I get my own loans for my own rental properties. Ridge lending group. Hey, welcome back to GRE Caeli ridge.    Caeli Ridge  8:57   Thank you, Keith. You know I love being here with you and your listeners. I appreciate you having me.   Keith Weinhold  9:01   You've helped us for so long. For example, who can forget way back in episode 56 Yeah, that's a deep scroll back when Chaley broke down each line of a good faith estimate for us, that's basically a closing statement sheet. She told us exactly what we pay for at the closing table, line by line like origination fee, recording costs and title insurance so helpful. It's just the sort of transparency that you get over there. Buyers pay for title insurance at the closing table. It is title insurance a rip off. A few years ago, a lot of people speculated that title insurance would fade away because the property's ownership could be transparent and accessible to everybody on the blockchain, but we don't really see that happening. So tell us about title insurance, and really, are we getting value in what we pay for there at the closing table?   Caeli Ridge  9:54   Well, I think the first thing I would say is that it really isn't going to be an option as far as I. Know, as long as the individual is going to source institutional funding leverage use of other people's money, they're going to require the lender, aka Ridge lending, or whoever you're working with, they're going to require that title insurance that ensures their first lien position. Doing that title search, first and foremost, is going to make it clear that there isn't some cloud on title, that there isn't some mechanic lien that had been sitting out there for however many years it may have just been around. And those types of things never go away. So for a lending perspective, it's going to be real important that that title insurance is paid for and in place to protect their interests, things like judgments, tax liens, like I said, a mechanic's lien, those will automatically take a first lien position in front of a mortgage. So obviously we're not going to risk that and find ourselves in second lien position in the event of default and somebody else is getting paid before we are. So not really an option. Is it a rip off? I don't know enough about how often it's paid out, and not to speak to that, but I will tell you that it isn't a choice.   Keith Weinhold  11:07   Title Insurance, like Shaylee was talking about. It protects against fraud related to the property's ownership, someone else claiming rights to the property, and this title search that an insurer does it also, yeah, it looks for those liens and encumbrances, including unpaid taxes, maybe unpaid HOA dues, but yeah, mortgage lenders typically require title insurance, and if you the borrower, you might think that's annoying. Well, it does make sense, because the bank needs to protect their collateral. If a bank ever has to foreclose, they need to have access to you, the borrower, to be able to do that without any liens or ownership claims from somebody else. Caeli, how often do title insurance companies mess up or have to pay out a claim? Does that ever happen?   Caeli Ridge  11:50   I mean, if I have been involved in a circumstances where that was the case, it's been so many years ago, they're pretty fastidious. I don't know that I could recall a circumstance where something had happened and the title insurance was liable. They go through the paces, man, they've got to make sure that, and they're doing deep dives and searches across nationwide to make sure that there isn't any unnecessary issue that's been placed on title Not that I'm aware of. No.    Keith Weinhold  11:50   Are there any of those other items that we tend to see on a good faith estimate that have had any interesting trends or changes to them in the past few years?    Caeli Ridge  12:27   Yeah, I've got a good one, and this is actually timely credit reports. So over the last couple of years, something has been happening with credit reports where, you know, maybe three, four years ago, a credit report, let's say a joint credit report, a husband and wife went and applied that credit report might cost 25 bucks. Well, now it's in excess of 100 plus. Some of what we're going to be talking about today, it kind of gets into the wish list of Jim neighbors, who is the president of the mortgage brokers Association. He's been talking to the administration about some of his wishes, and credit report fees is actually one of the things that they're wanting to attack and bringing those costs down for the consumer. So when we look at a standard Closing Disclosure today, credit report costs have increased significantly. I don't have the percentages, but by a large margin over the last couple of years,    Keith Weinhold  13:21   typically not one of your bigger costs, but a little noteworthy. There one thing that people might opt and choose to have on their good faith estimates, so that borrower therefore would actually pay more out of pocket with today's higher mortgage rates. And I'm sure not to say high, because historically, they are not high. Do we see more people opting to pay discount points at the closing table to get a lower rate and talk to us about the trade offs there   Caeli Ridge  13:46   right now, first and foremost, that there isn't a lot of option for investment property transactions, whether it be a purchase or refinance. There's not going to be that option where the consumer gets to choose to say, Okay, I want to pay points for a lower rate or not pay points for a higher rate the not paying points is the key here. There isn't going to be a zero point option for investment property transactions. And this gets a little bit convoluted, and then I'll circle back and answer the question of, when does it make sense to pay the points, more points versus less points? We have been in a higher rate environment that I think a lot of people have become accustomed to as a result secondary markets, where mortgage backed securities are bought and sold, they keep very close tabs on the trends and where they think things are headed. Well, something called YSP, that stands for yield, spread, premium, under normal market circumstances, a consumer can say, okay, Caeli, I don't want to pay any points. Okay, I'll take this higher interest rate, and I don't want to pay any points, because that higher interest rate is going to have YSP, yield, spread, premium to pay compensation to a lender, and you know, the other third parties that may be involved in that mortgage backed security. But. Sold and traded, etc, okay? They have that choice under normal market circumstances. Not the case right now, because when this loan sells the servicing rights, whoever is going to pick up the servicing rights, so when Mr. Jones goes to make his mortgage payment, he's going to cut a check to Mr. Cooper. That's a big one, right? Or Rocket Mortgage, or Wells Fargo, whoever the servicer is, the servicing rights are purchased at a cost. They have to pay for the servicing rights, and let's say that's 1% of this bundle of mortgage backed securities that they're purchasing. Well, they know the math is, is that that servicer is going to take about 36 months before that upfront cost is now in the black or profitable. This all will land together. Everybody, I promise you stick with me, so knowing that we've got about a 36 month window before a servicer that picked up the rights to service this mortgage is going to be profitable in a higher rate environment, as interest rates start coming down, what happens to the mortgage that they paid for the rights to service 12 months ago, 18 months ago, that thing is probably going to refinance right prior to the 36 month anniversary of profitability. So that YSP seesaw there is not going to be available for especially a non owner occupied transaction. So said another way, zero point rates are not going to be valid on a non owner occupied transaction in a higher rate environment when secondary markets understand that the loans that are secured today will very likely be refinanced prior to profitability on the servicing side of that mortgage backed security that is a risk to the lender, yes. So we know that right now you're not going to find a zero point option. Now that may be kind of a blanket statement. If you were getting a 30% loan to value owner occupied mortgage with 800 credit scores, you know that's going to be a different animal. And of course, you're going to have the option to not pay points. The risk for that is nothing. Okay, y SP is going to be available for you, the consumer, to be able to choose points at a lower rate, no points higher rate. When does it make sense to pay additional points? Let's say to reduce an interest rate, the break even math. And you know, I'm always talking about the math, the break even math is actually the formula is very simple. All you need to do is figure out the cost of the points. Dollar amount of the points, let's say it's $1,000 and that's what it's going to cost you to, say, get an eighth or a quarter or whatever the denomination is, in the interest rate reduction. But you aren't worried about the interest rate necessarily. You're looking at the monthly payment difference. So it's going to cost you $1,000 in extra points, but it's only going to save you $30 a month in payment when you divide those two numbers, what's that going to take you 33 months? 30 well, okay, and does that make sense? Am I going to refinance in 33 months? If the answer is no, then sure pay the extra 1000 bucks. But that's the math, the cost versus the monthly payment difference divide that that gives you the number of months it takes to recapture cost versus cash flow or savings, and then you be the determining factor on when that makes sense.    Keith Weinhold  18:10   It's pretty simple math. Of course, you can also factor in some inflation over time, and if you would invest that $1,000 in a different vehicle, what pace would that grow at as well? So we've been talking about the pros and cons of buying down your mortgage rate with discount points before we get into the administration changes. Cheley talk about that math in is it worth it to refinance or not? It's a difficult decision for some people to refinance today with higher mortgage rates than we had just a few years ago, and at the same time, we've got a lot of dead equity that's locked up.   Caeli Ridge  18:40   I would start first by saying, Are we looking to harvest equity? Are we pulling cash out, or are we simply doing a rate and term refinance where we're replacing one loan with another loan, if it's for rate and term, if we're simply replacing the loan that we have today with a new loan, that math is going to be pretty simple. Why would you replace 6% interest rate with a 7% interest rate? If all other things were equal, you wouldn't unless there was a balloon feature, or maybe an adjustable rate mortgage or something of that nature involved there that you have to make the refinance. So taking that aside, focusing on a cash out refinance, and when does it make sense? So there's a little extra layered math here. The cash that you're harvesting, the equity that you're harvesting, first of all, borrowed funds are non taxable. What are we going to do with that pile of cash? Are we going to redeploy it for investing more often than not talking to investors? The answer is yes. What is that return going to look like? So you've got to factor that in as well, and then we'll get to the tax benefit in a moment. But generally speaking, I like to as long as the cash flow is still there, okay, you've got to have someone else covering that payment. Normally, there's exceptions to every rule. I don't normally advise going negative on a cash out refi. There are exceptions. Okay, please hear me. But otherwise, as long as the existing rents are covering and that thing is still being paid for by somebody else, then what you want to do is look at that monthly payment. Difference again, versus what you're getting out of it. And then you divide those two numbers pretty simply, and it'll take you how long. And then you've got a layer in the cash flow that you're going to get from the new acquisitions, and whether that be real estate or some other type of investment, whatever the return is, you're going to be using that to offset. And then finally, I would say, make sure that you're doing adding in the tax benefit. These are rental properties guys, right? So closing costs can be deducted now that may end up hurting debt to income ratio down the road. So don't forget, Ridge lending is going to be looking at your draft tax returns. Very, very important to ensure that we're setting you up for success and optimizing things like debt to income ratio on an annual basis.   Keith Weinhold  20:40   Now, some investors, or even primary residence owners might look at their first and only mortgage on a property, see that it's 4% and really not want to touch that. What is the environment and the appetite like today for having a refinance in the form of a second mortgage? That way you can keep your first mortgage in place and, say, 4% get a second mortgage at 7% or more. How does that look for both owner occupied and non owner occupied properties today?   Caeli Ridge  21:07   you're going to be looking at prime, plus, in many cases, if you don't want to mess with a first lien, a second lien mortgage is typically going to be tied to an index called prime. Those of you that are familiar with this have probably heard of that. Indicee. There's lots of them. The fed fund rate, by the way, is an index. There's lots of them. The Treasury is also another index. Prime is sitting, I think, at seven and a half percent. So you're probably going to be looking at rate wise, depending on occupancy and credit score and all of those llpas that we always talk about, loan level, price adjustment. You know, it could be prime plus zero, it could be prime plus four. So interest rates could range between, say, seven and a half, on average, up to 11 even 12% depending on those other variables. More often than not, those are going to be interest only. So make sure that you're doing that simple math there. And I would prefer if I'm giving advice the second liens, the he loan, which is closed ended, very much like your first mortgage, it's just in second lien position. It's amortized over a certain period of time, closed ended. Not as big a fan of that. If you can find the second liens, especially for non owner occupied, I would encourage it to be that open ended HELOC type.    Keith Weinhold  22:15   What are we looking at for combined loan to value ratios with second mortgages    Caeli Ridge  22:19   on an owner occupied I think you'd be happy to get 90. I think I've heard that in some cases, they can go up to 95% in my opinion, that would go as high as they'll let you go right on a non owner occupied, I think you'd be real lucky to find 80, and probably closer to 70.    Keith Weinhold  22:34   That really helps a lot with our planning. Well, the administration that came in this year has made some changes that can create some upheaval, some things to pay attention to in the mortgage market. We're going to talk about that when we come back. You're listening to get rich education. Our guest is Ridge lending Group President, Caeli Ridge I'm your host, Keith Weinhold.    The same place where I get my own mortgage loans is where you can get yours. Ridge lending group  NMLS, 42056, they provided our listeners with more loans than anyone because they specialize in income properties. They help you build a long term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage. Start your prequel and even chat with President Chaeli Ridge personally while it's on your mind, start at Ridge lendinggroup.com. That's Ridge lendinggroup.com.    You know what's crazy? Your bank is getting rich off of you. The average savings account pays less than 1% it's like laughable. Meanwhile, if your money isn't making at least 4% you're losing to inflation. That's why I started putting my own money into the FFI liquidity fund. It's super simple. Your cash can pull in up to 8% returns, and it compounds. It's not some high risk gamble like digital or AI stock trading. It's pretty low risk because they've got a 10 plus year track record of paying investors on time in full every time. I mean, I wouldn't be talking about it if I wasn't invested myself. You can invest as little as 25k and you keep earning until you decide you want your money back. No weird lockups or anything like that. So if you're like me and tired of your liquid funds just sitting there doing nothing. Check it out. Text family to 66866, to learn about freedom. Family investments, liquidity fund again. Text family to 66866   Hal Elrod  24:38   this is Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning and listen to get rich education with Keith Weinhold, and don't put your Daydream.   Keith Weinhold  24:55   Welcome back to get rich education. We're talking about mortgages again, because this is one. Where leverage comes from. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, we're sitting down with the president of ridge lending group, Caeli Ridge, and I know that she has some knowledge and some updates on new administration leadership and some potential changes for the market there. What can you tell us? Caeli   Caeli Ridge  25:16   I'm pretty excited about this one, and I'm watching very diligently to see how it unfolds. So the new director of the FHFA Federal Housing Finance Agency, all is Bill Pulte. This is the grandson of Pulte Homes. Okay, smart guy. I'm excited to see what he's going to come in and do. Well. He had recently, I think in the last couple of weeks, he put out in the news wires asking for feedback from the powers that be, related to Fannie and Freddie, what improvements they would like to see. So first up was Jim neighbors. He is the president of the mortgage brokers Association. He had a few very specific wish list items, if you will. And the first one on his list was the elimination of LLP, as for non owner occupied and second home. So let me just kind of paint a picture here, because there's some backstory I think is important. So an LLPA, for those of you that have never heard that term before, stands for a loan level price adjustment. And a loan level price adjustment is a positive number or a negative number that associates with the individual loan characteristics. So things like loan to value or loan size, occupancy is a big ll PA, the difference between an owner occupied where you live and one that you're going to use as a rental property, that's a big one. Credit score, property type, is it a single family? Is it a two to four? Is this a purchase? Is it a refi? Anyway, all of those different characteristics are ll pas. Well, if we take a step back in time, gosh, about three years ago now, Mark Calabria, at the time, was the director of the FHFA, and he had imposed increases, specific increases. This was middle of 22 I want to say specific increases to the LL pas for non owner occupied property. So if anybody kind of remembers that time, we started to really see points and interest rates take that jump sometime in 2022 more than just the traditional interest rate market and the fluctuations. This was very material to investment property and second home, but we'll focus on the investment property. So Mr. Jim neighbors came in and said, first and foremost, I'd like to see those removed, and I want to read something to the listeners here, because I thought it was very interesting. This is something I've been kind of preaching from the the rooftops, if you will, for many, many years. Yeah, we've got neighbors sticking up for investors here. He really is. And I Yeah, well, yes, he is. And more often than not, they're focused on the owner occupied so I'm just going to kind of read. I've got my cheat sheet here. I want to make sure I get it all right for everybody. So removal of the loan level price adjustments on investment properties and second homes, he noted that these risk based fees charged by Fannie and Freddie discourage responsible buyers from purchasing second homes and investment properties, with that insignificant increase to cost. And here's the important part, originally introduced to account for additional credit risk, many of the pandemic era llpa increases were not based on updated risk metric. In fact, data has shown that loans secured by investment properties often have strong credit profiles and lower than expected default rates. I mean, anybody that has been around long enough to see what we've come from, like, 08,09, and when we had the calamity of right, the barrier for entry for us to get any conventional financing as investors has been harsh. I mean, I make that stupid joke of vials of blend DNA samples. But aside from it being an icebreaker, it kind of feels true. We really get the short end of the stick. And I feel like as investors especially, post 08,09, our credit profiles, our qualifications, the bar is so high for us, the default risk there has largely been removed. We've got so much skin in the game. With 20 25% down, credit score is much higher, debt to income ratios more scrutinized, etc, etc. So I think that this is, if it passes muster. I think this is going to be a real big win for the non owner occupied side of agency, Fannie, Mae, Freddie, Mac lending.   Keith Weinhold  29:13    The conventional wisdom is, is that if you the borrower, get into financial trouble, you're more likely to walk away from your rental properties than you are your own home and neighbors, sort of like a good neighbor here sticking up for us and stating that, hey, us, the investors, we're actually highly credit worthy people.   Caeli Ridge  29:29   Yeah, absolutely. So fingers crossed. Everybody say your prayers to the llpa and mortgage investor rates gods.   Keith Weinhold  29:37   we'll be attentive to that. What other sorts of changes do we have with the administration? For example, I know that Trump and some others in the administration have talked about privatizing the GSEs, those government sponsored enterprises, Fannie, Mae, Freddie Mac and what kind of disruption that would create for the industry. Is it really any credence to that?   Caeli Ridge  29:58   They've been talking about it for. For quite a while. I mean, as long as Trump has been kind of on the scene, that's been maybe a wish list for him. I don't see that happening over the next years. That is an absolute behemoth to unpack and make a reality. Speaking of Mark Calabria, he was really hot and heavy on the trails of doing that. So what this is, you guys so fatty Freddy, are in conservatorship that happened back post 08,09, and privatizing them and making them where it is not funded, or conservatorship within the United States government. Now it still has those guarantees against default. It's a very complicated, complex, nuanced dynamic of mortgage backed securities, but if we were to privatize them at some point now, am I saying that that's a bad thing? No, not necessarily, but I think it has to be very carefully executed, and because there are so many moving parts, I do not think that just one term of presidency is going to make that happen. If we do it, it's going to be years down the road from now. Is my crystal ball. I don't think we're going to see that anytime soon.    Keith Weinhold  30:58   That's interesting to know. Are there any other industry changes that are important, especially for investors, whether that has to do with the change in administration or anything else?   Caeli Ridge  31:08    Well, specific to that wish list from Mr. Neighbors, one of the other things that he had asked, and there were quite a few, for owner occupied changes as well, he wants to reduce the seasoning for cash out refinances of investment properties, which would be huge good. Yeah, right now it's 12 months on a cash out refinance given very specific acquisition details. Okay, I won't go down that rabbit hole, but currently, if you haven't met exactly these certain benchmarks, you may have to wait 12 months to pull cash out of a property from the day that you acquire it, he's asking that that be pulled back to about six months, which would be nice   Keith Weinhold  31:46   reducing the seasoning period from 12 months to six months, meaning that an investor a borrower, would only need to own that property for that shorter duration of time prior to performing a refinance.   Caeli Ridge  31:58    Cash out refinance, no seasoning required on a rate and term. This is specific for cash out. But again, for cash out, but exactly right   Keith Weinhold  32:04   now, one trend that I think about sometimes, especially when I think back to 2008 2009 days since I was an investor through that time, is, are there any signs in the reduction of the appetite or the propensity to lend, to make loans. So how freely is credit flowing?    Caeli Ridge  32:25   I think pretty freely. I'm not seeing that they're tightening the purse strings. That's not the lens that I'm looking at it from, and I try to keep that brush stroke broad. There have been, I think that on the post, close side, there's been a little extra from Fannie Freddie, and I think that has to do with profitability markers. But overall, I'm not seeing that products are disappearing necessarily, or that guidelines are really becoming even more cumbersome. If anything, I would say it's maybe the reverse of that, and I do believe that probably is part and parcel to this administration and the real estate background that comes with it.   Keith Weinhold  32:59   One other thing I pay attention to, but it just really hasn't been much of a story lately. Are delinquencies in foreclosures. It seems like they've ticked up a little bit, but they're still both really historically low and basically a delinquency being defined as when a borrower makes one late payment, and foreclosures being the more severe thing, typically a 120 days late or more. Any trends there? I'm not   Caeli Ridge  33:24   seeing any now. And in fact, I would tell you that, because we focus so much on investor needs, first payment default is I can count on less than one hand, if I had to, how many times I've seen that happen with our clients over 25 years. So nothing noteworthy there for me.    Keith Weinhold  33:40   Yes. I mean, today's borrowers are just flush with equity. Nationally, there's a loan to value ratio of 47% which is healthy, in a sense. On average, borrowers have a 53% equity position. Of course, the next thing, I think, is like, I don't really know if that's a smart strategy. They're not really getting that much leverage out there. But I think a lot of people just have the old mentality of get it paid off.    Caeli Ridge  34:06   And I think that depending on where you are in your journey, I mean, if you're in phase three, right, where you're just really looking at these investments, these nest eggs to carry you into your retirement and or for legacy reasons, fine, but otherwise, I may argue the point in that I don't care that you have a 3% interest rate on an investment property, or whatever it may be, if it's sitting there idle and as long as it can cash flow, the true chances of those individuals of keeping that mortgage that they got in 2020, 2021, etc, at those ridiculously low interest rates and stroking 360 payments later to pay it to zero is a fraction of a percent right now, whether they're on the sidelines for something else, I don't know, but that debt, equity, I think, is hurting them more than a 3% interest rate is helping them.   Keith Weinhold  34:52    And a lot of times, the mindset of someone is, if they don't need to build wealth anymore, and they're older and they already built wealth, they don't care if they're loaned to value. Was down to zero, and they have it paid off, whereas someone that's in the wealth building phase probably wants to get more leverage. Yeah, Chaley at risk lending group, there you see so many applications come in, and especially since you're an investor centric lender, I like to ask you what trends you're seeing. What are people buying? What are people doing? Are they refinancing? Are they paying loans off? Are they trying to take out more credit? Are there any overall trends with investors that you see in there    Caeli Ridge  35:29   right now? I think the all in one is a clear winner there. The all in one, that first lien, HELOC, that you and I talked about, we broke my little corner of the internet with that one, that one is a front runner for sure, on the refinance side, specifically, we are seeing quite a bit more on the refi side of things, that equity is kind of just sitting there. So even though, if the on one isn't a good fit for them, I'm seeing investors that are willing to tap into that equity instead of just sitting around and waiting for them to potentially lose some equity if the housing market does start to take some decline. And then I would say, on the purchase transaction side, something that's kind of piqued my interest is the pad split. I'm looking at that more often where, for those that are not familiar, you can probably speak more to this, Keith, they're buying single family resident properties, even two to four unit properties, and a per bedroom basis, turning those into rental properties. And they're looking to be quite profitable. So I've got my eyes on that too.   Keith Weinhold  36:23   before we ask how we can learn more about you and what you do in there at Ridge Kayle. Is there any last thing that you'd like to share? Maybe a question I did not think about asking you, but should have.    Caeli Ridge  36:35   I would like to share with your listeners that if they are not working with a lender that focuses on their education and has that diversity of loan product that we have, that they're probably in the wrong support group. You need to be working with a lender that has a nationwide footprint and that has diversity of loan product to cover whatever methodology of real estate investing that you're looking for, and really puts a fine touch on the education of your qualifications and your goals as they relate to underwriters guidelines   Keith Weinhold  37:10   what we're talking about, and I know this through my own experience in dealing with Ridge, since I use them for my own loans myself, is sometimes Ridge might inform You that, hey, you can go and do this and make this deal now, but that's going to mess up this bigger thing 12 months down the road, whereas if you talk with an everyday sort of owner occupant mortgage company, oh, they're just not going to talk like that, because owner occupants, they might only buy every seven years, or something like that. And investors are different, and you need to have that foresight and look ahead. Caeli, this has been great, a really informative conversation about the pulse of the market. Tell us what products that you offer in there.   Caeli Ridge  37:50   Our menu is very, very diverse. I would say what. It's probably easier to describe what we don't offer. We do not have bear lot loans or land loans. We're not offering those right now. We do not have second lien HELOCs currently. We suspended that two years ago. But otherwise, guys, we're going to have everything that you're going to need. So just very quickly, I'll rattle off Fannie Freddie, okay, those golden tickets that we talk about, we've got DSCR loans, bank statement loans, asset depletion loans, ground up construction, short term bridge loans for fix and flip or fix and hold. We have our All In One that's my favorite first lien. HELOC, we have commercial loan products for commercial property and residential on a cross collateralization basis. So very, very robust in the loan product space.   Keith Weinhold  38:33   Caeli Ridge, it's been valuable as always. And then Ridge lending group.com, or your phone number   Caeli Ridge  38:39   855-747-4343, 855-74-RIDGE, , and then to reach us an email, if that's your better mechanism to contact us info@ridgelendinggroup.com   Keith Weinhold  38:50   that's been valuable as always. Thanks so much for coming back onto the show.    Caeli Ridge  38:53   Appreciate it. Keith,   Keith Weinhold  39:00   Yeah, terrific information from Chaley. As always, if you're enamored of borrowing tax free, like a billionaire, against your real estate, they sure can help you out with that and determine whether that's right. It doesn't mean that you always should, but if you have investment ideas for debt equity, and you're attentive to cash flows, run the numbers with them and see if it's worthwhile. As far as new purchases, we all know that soured affordability has made it especially tough for first time homebuyers, and there's more data out there that shows that tenant durations are historically long, longer than they usually are. Tenants are staying in places longer because they have to. Investor purchases have stayed strong, though investors have been buying about the same proportion of single family homes and making them rentals that they have historically and Redfin tells us that. The value of properties that investors have purchased is up more than 6% year over year, so investors are still buying and that makes sense. We're in this era where there's more uncertainty than usual, there's higher stock volatility than usual, and more people are sort of asking themselves, where would I get a better return than on income property, and where would my return be more stable today than in income property as well? If you work with Ridge lending group for a time, you're probably going to understand why I personally use them for my own loans. You'll notice that they really understand what investors need. Thanks to Caeli Ridge today and thank you for being here too. But as always, you weren't here for me. You were here for you until next week. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream.   Speaker 3  40:56   Nothing on this show should be considered specific personal or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal, real estate, financial or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of get rich Education LLC, exclusively.   Keith Weinhold  41:20   You know, whenever you want the best written real estate and finance info, oh, geez, today's experience limits your free articles access, and it's got paywalls and pop ups and push notifications and cookies disclaimers. It's not so great. So then it's vital to place nice, clean, free content into your hands that adds no hype value to your life. That's why this is the golden age of quality newsletters. And I write every word of ours myself. It's got a dash of humor, and it's to the point because even the word abbreviation is too long, my letter usually takes less than three minutes to read, and when you start the letter, you also get my one hour fast real estate video. Course, it's all completely free. It's called the Don't quit your Daydream letter. It wires your mind for wealth, and it couldn't be easier for you to get it right now. Just text. GRE to 66866, while it's on your mind, take a moment to do it right now. Text GRE to 66866   The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth, building, get rich education.com.    

    Flatirons Community Church Audio Podcast
    Freedom Isn't Free—Here's What It'll Cost You - Braveheart

    Flatirons Community Church Audio Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 62:36


    What if the freedom you're chasing won't come unless you fight for it?This week's Behind Closed Doors dives into Braveheart—not just the movie, but the heart behind it. Jim unpacks how one of history's most iconic films mirrors the reality of men growing up without fathers, and how a good man stepping in can change everything. Through the story of William Wallace, we get a powerful look at courage, sacrifice, and the cost of real freedom—especially for those still carrying the weight of old chains.Wallace's fight for Scotland's freedom parallels the fight every man faces—for his integrity, his family, his soul. Forge, our new mentorship initiative, is how we start pushing back against fatherlessness right here, right now. Whether you're a single mom praying for help or a man ready to lead, this talk makes it clear: the time is now. Choose to fight. Choose freedom.

    Supernatural with Ashley Flowers
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    Supernatural with Ashley Flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 38:07


    For centuries, there have been stories of a dinosaur-like cryptid roaming the waters of the Loch Ness in Scotland. To this day, sightings continue to lure in tourists as scientists work to identify or debunk the beast once and for all. But even with modern technology and DNA analysis – her existence can't be ruled out completely. For a full list of sources, please visit: sosupernaturalpodcast.com/legend-loch-ness-monsterSo Supernatural is an audiochuck and Crime House production. Find us on social!Instagram: @sosupernatualpodTwitter: @_sosupernaturalFacebook: /sosupernaturalpod