Podcasts about Serendipity

On episode 52 of Generationship, Rachel Chalmers sits down with Piyush Agarwal to explore how developer behavior reveals far more about buying intent than traditional sales signals. They discuss why most dev tool GTM strategies fail, how to distinguish curiosity from real demand, and what it takes to engage developers at exactly the right moment.

Dhruva and I explore both sides of the debate, starting with the case for fully remote organizations. Remote work expands the talent pool beyond geography, allowing companies to access exceptional people wherever they live. It can reduce bias linked to physical presence and office politics, and it often enables deeper focus without constant interruption. Asynchronous communication can sharpen thinking, improve documentation, and create clearer decision trails. Flexibility can also preserve energy and prevent burnout, which is critical for sustaining long term elite performance.From there, we examine the counterargument. Elite performance cultures often rely on talent opportunity bridging, where proximity accelerates access to stretch roles, mentorship, and high visibility work. Informal trust networks can move faster than formal systems. Serendipity matters, and non work conversations frequently spark breakthrough ideas. When solving difficult problems, reduced lag time and rapid back and forth can compound into a meaningful advantage. Work has historically created strong social bonds as well, from industry towns to innovation hubs, where shared space reinforced shared ambition.We unpack whether elite cultures are built on flexibility and design or on density and shared presence, and what fully remote companies must do if they want to maintain exceptional standards rather than drift toward average.

Fluent Fiction - French: Serendipity in Paris: A Bicycle, A Dream, and Divine Destiny Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2026-02-16-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Paris, ville des lumières, a toujours eu un charme particulier, surtout en hiver.En: Paris, city of lights, has always had a special charm, especially in winter.Fr: En ce froid jour de la Saint-Valentin, l'air vif du matin faisait scintiller la Tour Eiffel, grande dame d'acier veillant sur la ville.En: On this cold Valentine's Day, the brisk morning air made the Tour Eiffel sparkle, the grand lady of steel watching over the city.Fr: Parmi les nombreux couples et touristes, Élodie et Camille ne se connaissaient pas encore, mais le destin les attendait.En: Among the many couples and tourists, Élodie and Camille did not know each other yet, but destiny awaited them.Fr: Élodie était déjà sur place, emmitouflée dans son manteau, regardant sa montre.En: Élodie was already on site, bundled up in her coat, checking her watch.Fr: Elle attendait un vélo qu'elle avait réservé sur une application en ligne.En: She was waiting for a bicycle she had reserved on an online app.Fr: Elle rêvait de devenir humoriste et cherchait des idées drôles sur les clichés parisiens.En: She dreamed of becoming a comedian and was looking for funny ideas about Parisian clichés.Fr: Camille, venue du Québec, frissonnait malgré son écharpe chaude.En: Camille, who had come from Québec, was shivering despite her warm scarf.Fr: Elle avait aussi réservé un vélo au même endroit, espérant trouver un angle unique pour photographier la Tour Eiffel.En: She had also reserved a bicycle at the same location, hoping to find a unique angle to photograph the Tour Eiffel.Fr: Son ambition était de créer une image inédite pour son magazine de voyage.En: Her ambition was to create an original image for her travel magazine.Fr: Les deux femmes se retrouvèrent devant le même vélo.En: The two women found themselves in front of the same bicycle.Fr: "C'est mon vélo," annonça Élodie d'un ton assuré.En: "That's my bike," announced Élodie in a confident tone.Fr: "Non, c'est le mien," répliqua Camille en montrant son téléphone.En: "No, it's mine," replied Camille while showing her phone.Fr: Un conflit amusant s'ensuit, chacune affirmant ses droits sur la bicyclette.En: An amusing conflict ensued, each asserting her rights over the bicycle.Fr: Après quelques éclats de rire et un soupçon d'embarras, Élodie proposa un compromis.En: After a few bursts of laughter and a hint of embarrassment, Élodie suggested a compromise.Fr: "Et si je te montrais mes coins préférés de Paris?En: "What if I showed you my favorite spots in Paris?Fr: En échange, tu pourrais m'apprendre quelques astuces pour prendre des photos."En: In exchange, you could teach me some tips for taking photos."Fr: Camille, souriante, accepta.En: Camille, smiling, accepted.Fr: Elle se dit que l'offre était intéressante pour sa mission photographique et pourrait même créer un moment unique à capturer.En: She thought the offer was intriguing for her photography mission and could even create a unique moment to capture.Fr: Au fil de leur promenade, Élodie raconta des anecdotes historiques avec une touche d'humour qui faisait ressortir tout son potentiel comique inattendu.En: During their walk, Élodie recounted historical anecdotes with a touch of humor that highlighted her unexpected comedic potential.Fr: Camille découvrit alors à travers son objectif une Paris pleine de vie et d'histoires, grâce aux interruptions désopilantes d'Élodie.En: Camille then discovered through her lens a Paris full of life and stories, thanks to Élodie's hilarious interruptions.Fr: À un moment donné, alors qu'Élodie faisait mine d'être une touriste en extase devant la tour, Camille immortalisa ces instants naturels et hilarants.En: At one point, while Élodie pretended to be a tourist in awe of the tower, Camille captured these natural and amusing moments.Fr: Ce fut la révélation pour Élodie, qui réalisa combien les situations quotidiennes pouvaient inspirer son rêve comique.En: It was a revelation for Élodie, who realized how much daily situations could inspire her comedic dream.Fr: En fin de journée, alors qu'elles sirotaient un chocolat chaud dans un café voisin, Élodie et Camille échangèrent leurs coordonnées.En: By the end of the day, as they sipped hot chocolate in a nearby café, Élodie and Camille exchanged contact information.Fr: Elles comprirent qu'une nouvelle amitié venait de naître, promesse de futures collaborations entre rires et clichés capturés.En: They realized that a new friendship had been born, promising future collaborations filled with laughter and captured shots.Fr: Élodie gagna en assurance et Camille enrichit sa vision photographique, chacune trouvant dans l'autre une énergie créatrice nouvelle.En: Élodie gained confidence and Camille enriched her photographic vision, each finding in the other a new creative energy.Fr: Avec la Tour Eiffel en toile de fond, elles sourirent, reconnaissantes pour ce malentendu qui les avait réunies.En: With the Tour Eiffel as a backdrop, they smiled, grateful for the misunderstanding that had brought them together. Vocabulary Words:the charm: le charmethe breath: le soufflethe tower: la tourthe burst: l'éclatthe spark: l'étincellethe anecdote: l'anecdotethe scarf: l'écharpethe bicycle: la bicyclettethe embarrassment: l'embarrasthe misunderstanding: le malentenduthe watch: la montrethe photographer: le photographethe revelation: la révélationthe humor: l'humourthe destiny: le destinthe idea: l'idéethe tourist: le touristethe ambition: l'ambitionthe background: l'arrière-planthe hint: le soupçonthe potential: le potentielthe colleague: le collèguethe angle: l'anglethe lens: l'objectifthe backdrop: la toile de fondthe app: l'applicationthe photographer's mission: la mission photographiquethe stage: la scènethe shot: le clichéthe coat: le manteau

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Trapped in Snow: Discovering Love and Passion in Belgrade Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2026-02-15-23-34-02-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Завејана зима стигла је у Београд, носећи са собом снежни ковитлац.En: The snow-covered winter arrived in Belgrade, bringing with it a flurry of snow.Sr: У канцеларији модерне зграде налик стакленој кутији, Владимир и Милена припремали су се за нови радни дан.En: In an office of a modern building resembling a glass box, Vladimir and Milena were preparing for a new workday.Sr: Споља се пружао поглед на снежни пејзаж, као са разгледнице.En: Outside, there was a view of the snowy landscape, like a postcard.Sr: Љубавни празник, Дан заљубљених, како га зову, биће другачији ове године, али они то још нису знали.En: The love holiday, Valentine's Day, as they call it, would be different this year, but they didn't know that yet.Sr: Снег је почео да пада још јутрос, полако, али сигурно.En: The snow began to fall this morning, slowly but surely.Sr: До поднева, бела завеса прекрила је град.En: By noon, a white curtain covered the city.Sr: Ваздух у канцеларији био је испуњен благим звуком гријача, који су стајали као тихи стражари против хладноће напољу.En: The air in the office was filled with the gentle sound of heaters, standing like silent sentinels against the cold outside.Sr: Владимир, пројект менаџер који често чезне за нечим више, гледао је кроз стакло у невероватну игру снежних пахуљица.En: Vladimir, a project manager who often longs for something more, was looking through the glass at the incredible dance of snowflakes.Sr: Прилично затворен и озбиљан човек, крио је љубав према фотографији, али му често недостаје време и мотивација.En: A rather reserved and serious man, he hid a love for photography but often lacked the time and motivation.Sr: Милена, пак, увек пуна идеја, борила се да одржи тај баланс између пословних обавеза и креативних пројеката које толико обожава.En: Milena, on the other hand, always full of ideas, struggled to maintain that balance between business obligations and creative projects she adores.Sr: У току поподнева, светлост у згради се нагло утихнула, нашавши се усред снежне олује која је све затворила.En: In the afternoon, the light in the building suddenly dimmed, finding itself in the midst of a snowstorm that shut down everything.Sr: Саобраћај се зауставио, а планови за вечерашње прославе распршили су се попут пахуља на ветру.En: Traffic stopped, and plans for tonight's celebrations scattered like flakes in the wind.Sr: "Изгледа да ћемо остати овде дуже него што смо планирали", уздахнула је Милена, гледајући према празничним поклонима заборављеним.En: "It seems we'll be staying here longer than we planned," sighed Milena, looking at the forgotten holiday gifts.Sr: Владимир је поставио свој фотоапарат на ивици прозора.En: Vladimir placed his camera on the edge of the window.Sr: "Можда је ово прилика коју сам чекао", прошапта у себе, осмехујући се тим новим могућностима.En: "Maybe this is the opportunity I've been waiting for," he whispered to himself, smiling at these new possibilities.Sr: Нису знали да су разлози који су их и задржали били управо оно што су им требали.En: They didn't know that the reasons that kept them there were exactly what they needed.Sr: Владимиров објектив ухватио је град у белом руху, сваки тренутак претварајући у вечност слике.En: Vladimir's lens captured the city in white attire, turning every moment into the eternity of an image.Sr: Милена је отворила свој лаптоп, пописујући нове идеје које су се табориле у њеној глави.En: Milena opened her laptop, jotting down new ideas that camped in her head.Sr: Радили су заједно, делећи снове и планове, сагледавајући засебне светове кроз објектив и креативне записе.En: They worked together, sharing dreams and plans, viewing separate worlds through the lens and creative notes.Sr: Током ноћи, у међусобном ангажовању, открили су нове инспирације и боље разумели своје страсти.En: During the night, in mutual engagement, they discovered new inspirations and better understood their passions.Sr: Владимир је добио самопоуздање да слика што чешће, док је Милена схватила како може спојити своју маштовитост са обавезама.En: Vladimir gained the confidence to photograph more frequently, while Milena realized how she could combine her creativity with her obligations.Sr: Јутро је у Београду било магично, са снегом који је полако почињао да се топи.En: Morning in Belgrade was magical, with snow slowly starting to melt.Sr: Сунце је обасјало канцеларију, доносећи топлину и комфор.En: The sun illuminated the office, bringing warmth and comfort.Sr: Камера је била пуна нових фотографија а лаптоп свежим идејама.En: The camera was full of new photographs, and the laptop with fresh ideas.Sr: Владимир је знао да ће од овог дана фотографија бити део сваког његовог дана, док је Милена схватила да може истрајати у оба света, професионалном и маштовитом.En: Vladimir knew that from this day forward, photography would be a part of every day for him, while Milena understood that she could persevere in both worlds, professional and imaginative.Sr: Учили су једно од другог, схвативши да нема ништа лепше од тога када је страст подељена и подстакнута.En: They learned from each other, realizing there's nothing more beautiful than when passion is shared and encouraged.Sr: Изашли су из зграде, градом који се коначно будио, подсећајући их да су се због снежне ноћи донеле одлуке које ће живот учинити богатијим.En: They exited the building, into a city finally waking up, reminding them that due to the snowy night, decisions were made that would make life richer.Sr: У тим обичним тренуцима, схватили су — он је сањар са објективом, а она визионарка са стратегијом.En: In those ordinary moments, they realized—he is a dreamer with a lens, and she a visionary with a strategy.Sr: Дан заљубљених је другачије прослављен, али бољи него што су очекивали.En: Valentine's Day was celebrated differently, but better than they expected. Vocabulary Words:flurry: ковитлацlandscape: пејзажreserved: затворенserious: озбиљанmotivation: мотивацијаbalance: балансobligations: обавезеdimmed: утихнулаscattered: распршилиforgotten: заборављенимopportunity: приликаcaptured: ухватиоeternity: вечностjotting: пописујућиengagement: ангажовањеinspirations: инспирацијеpassions: страстиpersevere: истрајатиvisionary: визионаркаstrategy: стратегијаscenes: сценеsentinels: стражариpeculiar: невероватнуordinate: разгледницеpostcard: разгледницаlined: посећеноshut: затворилаweather: времеcomfort: комфорflourished: табориле

What happens when you look at a scientific failure from a different angle? In this episode, we celebrate the intersection of aesthetic beauty and rigorous research as we sit down with the inaugural winners of the SSR ReproBioArt Contest.Join us as Dr. Ingrid Carvacho (Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile) and Dr. Martin Estermann (NIH) reveal the stories behind their award-winning images. From a "rejected" chicken embryo that transformed into a vibrant butterfly to a two-cell embryo that looks like a distant solar system, our guests discuss how high-resolution imaging is changing the way we understand the beginnings of life.In this episode, we explore:The Serendipity of Discovery: How a 180-degree flip turned Martin's "urogenital butterfly" from a rejected journal cover into a prize-winning masterpiece.Science Beyond the Capital: Ingrid's powerful story of building a research program in regional Chile and the "infrastructure gap" that required a three-hour drive just to access a microscope. The Power of Metaphor: Why describing early embryo development as a "complex universe" helps bridge the gap between the lab and the general public. The Future of Imaging: A look at cutting-edge techniques like Expansion Microscopy and how researchers are "stretching" cells to see life in higher resolution than ever before.Featured Guests:Dr. Ingrid Carvacho: Associate Professor and PI of the Lab of Ion Channels and Reproduction. Winner of the People's Choice Award. Dr. Martin Estermann: Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Humphrey Yao's lab at NIEHS. Winner of the SSR Members' Choice Award.About the ReproBioArt Contest: Organized by the SSR Public Affairs Committee, this contest celebrates the visual representation of scientific research related to the study of reproduction. To view the winning images discussed in this episode, follow SSR on social media or visit [SSR.org].

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Dan Absher, a lifelong Beatles fan and CEO, about the cultural impact of the Beatles and the insights he has drawn from their success for his upcoming book, 'The Fab Four Pillars of Impact: Building Dynamic Teams the Beatles' Way.' They discuss Dan's early memories of the Beatles, his experiences in Liverpool, and the lessons that modern businesses can learn from the Beatles' journey, including the importance of unity, vision, and adaptability. Links Dan's book — The Fab Four Pillars of Impact: Building Dynamic Teams the Beatles Way (Greenleaf Book Group Press, February 2026) fab4academy.com — Dan's website The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, February 9, 1964 Cliveden (National Trust) Strawberry Fields Forever Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways Dan Absher's lifelong passion for the Beatles began at age five. The Beatles' charisma and humor were key to their early success. Ringo's role was essential as the steady drummer of the group. Family traditions often incorporate Beatles music, especially at milestone birthdays. Cliveden, where the Beatles filmed, was a significant experience for Dan. Liverpool has transformed into a vibrant city with a Beatles economy. Freda Kelly provided unique insights into the Beatles' personalities. The Beatles' success was driven by the right people and a catalytic vision. Internal conflicts and differing visions contributed to the Beatles' breakup. The Beatles' legacy continues to influence modern business practices. Soundbites Here are 10 interesting soundbites from the episode: "It wasn't until much later that I started to realize how great of musicians they were too. Right then it was their charisma, their personalities, their humor." — Dan on watching the Ed Sullivan show at age five. "I might have been coerced into picking Ringo because they needed a drummer and not another guitar player. But I fully embraced the Ringo role." — Dan on childhood Beatles roleplay with his brother and cousin. "Every occasion I can think of, particularly in my life, a Beatles song gets played a lot at family outings." — Dan on how the Beatles are woven into his family traditions. "John's vision was to save the world. George's was to save his soul and be close to God. Paul wanted to remain relevant in music his whole life. And Ringo — his vision was, have fun with my buddies." — Dan on how their diverging visions fractured the band. "It sounds absurd to think of the four of them having a strategic planning retreat, but that's what they needed." — Dan on what could have saved the Beatles. "Paul was clinging so hard to try to keep them together. I think that clinging itself had a way of pushing them further apart." — Dan on Paul's role in the breakup. "No one I think is in my tree. He's talking about feeling different and isolated, maybe special." — Dan breaking down why Strawberry Fields Forever is his favorite Beatles song. "The big fight was over who was going to manage the Beatles — Alan Klein or Paul's in-laws. They were all wrong." — Dan on the business conflict that tore them apart. "Each of the four of them had a vote and each of the four of them had veto power of anything they wanted to do." — Dan on how Apple Corps eventually structured their business. "It made me realize life's short. Most people back at the company, they got it handled. They can do it without me." — Dan on how dying on the operating table inspired him to finally write the book. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Beatles' Impact 01:49 Dan's Beatles Origin Story 04:33 Teenage Years and Family Traditions 07:27 Study Abroad at Clifton Estate 09:25 Visiting Liverpool: A Beatles Pilgrimage 11:20 An Evening with Freda Kelly 14:06 Abbey Road Experience 15:17 The Fab Four Pillars of Impact 19:09 The Formation of The Beatles 21:52 The Role of Vision and Competition 23:25 Camaraderie and Emotional Bonds 27:57 Synergy and Serendipity in Creativity 31:25 Understanding the Breakup 36:03 The Aftermath and Corporate Dynamics 42:34 Lessons for Modern Businesses 49:09 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

Ever notice how the most meaningful connections seem to happen "by accident"? They're not accidents. They're collisions you can engineer. James Eder—entrepreneur, coach, and author of The Collision Code—reveals the exact framework for creating serendipitous moments that change your business and life. His story: Built Student Beans to 200+ employees. Diagnosed with a heart condition. Told he might need a transplant. Instead of slowing down, he wrote a book, donating 100% of royalties to charity, and created a coaching practice serving entrepreneurs worldwide. The Collision Code breaks down to three elements: Permission - Give yourself permission to start conversations (or blame this podcast for making you do it) Confidence - Built through practice, not preparation Context - Create conversation starters through what you wear, carry, or say In our conversation on Get Yourself Optimized, James shares how he met his longest-running client (8+ years, £20,000+ engagement) by asking a stranger on the street, "Are you looking for a job?" because the man had a resume in his hand. Real connections. Real results. Real impact. The show notes, including the transcript and checklist to this episode, are at getyourselfoptimized.com/552.

“The anxiety around uncertainty is caused by the belief that we need certainty to act."Episode 9: Certainty Not RequiredEmbracing Uncertainty, Setbacks, and Serendipity in the Creative LifeWhat if the need for certainty is actually the thing keeping you stuck?In this episode of Be. Make. Do., Lisa and Dan explore how uncertainty, setbacks, and even mistakes can become powerful catalysts for creative and vocational freedom. Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, they look at how figures like Abraham, Sarah, and Ruth navigated the unknown—and what their stories teach us about faithful action without guarantees.You'll discover why certainty isn't required to move forward, how action itself can become part of discernment, and how to recognize serendipity as an “expected unexpected” in the creative life.Helpful Resources: Download your FREE Vocation Trap Tracker: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Discover Your Artist Archetype → Take the Free Quiz at soulmakers.org Download the Full Artist Archetypes Guide for deeper insight: www.soulmakers.org/bemakedo Read the article, Vocation's Unbroken Chain: Biblical Call Stories and theExperience of Vocation by Chris KeetonConnect & Share: Subscribe to Be. Make. Do. for more in the Vocation Traps series Share this episode with a friend or creative you know Join the conversation on socials using #VocationTrapsPodcast Join our brand new Instagram Broadcast Channel!

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the remarkable Lucy Giovando Watts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Streamlinevents, as today's guest. Stay tuned as Lucy shares her journey, offers insights from her work at Streamlinevents, and tells us why serendipity often matters more than we realize. Streamlinevents Streamlinevents is a full-service corporate event agency in Emeryville, California, with over 24 years of industry experience. The team partners with corporate clients on sales kickoffs, incentive programs, user conferences, and complex meetings. The company is powered by the best-of-the-best event managers, technologists, creatives, and sourcing experts who thrive in an industry defined by constant motion. Lucy's Journey Lucy began her career in politics, working for a member of Congress and supporting political events, where she discovered her passion for live experiences. She then joined the tech sector in Silicon Valley, rising from event manager to Global Events Director, where she produced worldwide events. After that, she founded her own boutique event management company, which she ran for over 13 years, and later co-founded an event technology startup. Lucy briefly worked in association management before joining Streamline Events as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Entrepreneurship and Getting Comfortable With Discomfort Building businesses taught Lucy that growth occurs outside of our comfort zones. For her, launching a startup meant daily exposure to sales, pitching, demos, and investors, along with the risk of failure. Over time, discomfort became normal, and fear was no longer a signal to stop. Instead, it became proof of forward motion. The Power of Saying Yes Lucy's decision to attend a reception she considered missing set off a chain reaction that led to pitch competitions, partnerships, press coverage, integrations, and ultimately an acquisition offer for her startup. That experience reinforced the value of openness and action, even when confidence lags behind opportunity, proving that even small yeses can unlock outcomes no amount of planning could ever predict. Serendipity Openness to chance encounters, conversations, and unplanned moments can play a role in one's career and in a company's growth. Serendipity does not replace preparation, but it rewards those who show up, engage, and are willing to act before they feel fully ready. Imposter Syndrome Lucy highlights how the perfectionistic mindset and people-pleasing culture in the hospitality industry can amplify imposter syndrome, particularly for women. Experience taught her that waiting to feel "ready enough" can become a barrier. Momentum comes from acting before you're certain and recognizing that doubt does not disqualify your capability. Creativity  Lucy reframed her identity by finding areas of creativity in problem-solving, strategy, leadership, and idea synthesis. Creativity blossoms when people allow time for mental space, pull inspiration from unexpected sources, and disconnect from constant digital noise. Human Connection in an AI-Driven World Technology and AI can enhance efficiency, but they cannot replace in-person connection. Conferences, incentives, and live events fulfill a fundamental human need for belonging, trust, and spontaneous interaction. As digital tools expand, the value of face-to-face experiences continues to strengthen rather than diminish. Leadership, Safety Nets, and Being Bold Strong leadership creates safety nets that empower teams to take risks. When people know their leaders have their backs, they are more willing to experiment, speak up, and innovate. At Streamline Events, leaders encourage bold thinking, creative exploration, and professional visibility through speaking, writing, and idea-sharing, while modeling that same courage themselves. Bio: Lucy Giovando Watts Lucy Giovando Watts is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Streamlinevents, a woman-and minority-owned events agency delivering innovative, sustainable, and inclusive events worldwide. With over 20 years of experience leading global teams, managing event companies, and founding her own event tech startup, Lucy brings deep expertise in strategy, operations, and financial management. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Lucy Giovando Watts On LinkedIn Streamlinevents Email Lucy: Lucy.gw@streamlinevents.com

What happens when a comfortable life starts to feel small? We sit down with Barry Maughan to trace an 8,000‑mile drive from Alexandria to Africa's southern tip in a 1969 VW combi bus, and the deeper journey from chasing success to finding meaning. A sudden coup in Libya shut a border and opened a path that led through dust tracks, steel‑belted tyres, and the unvarnished generosity of strangers who refused payment and offered help with a smile.We explore the difference between governments and people, and why most danger comes from regimes, not villagers. Barry shares the Cairo friendship that quietly reshaped everything. Serendipity kept showing up, including a stop at a radio station in Addis Ababa between 1969 and 1975, which led to a career in broadcasting, covering history in real-time and later hosting programs for the Voice of America's English to Africa service.Along the way, we talk practical grit and tender moments: navigating without GPS, patching tubes under acacia thorns, and an unforgettable exchange between two mothers, linked by the same protective love. With a one‑year‑old in the back, the road demanded preparation and humility, and returned lessons about global citizenship, family, and care that outlast any itinerary. Beneath the African Sun, Barry's new book, gathers the photos, the near‑misses, and the quiet truths about travel, courage, and the people who make a journey possible.If stories like this move you, follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps more listeners find conversations that change how we see the world.His memoir, Beneath the African Sun.Send BEHAS a text.Support the showTo Share - Connect & Relate: Share Your Thoughts and Shape the Show! Tell me what you love about the podcast and what you want to hear more about. Please email me at behas.podcast@gmail.com and be part of the conversation! To be on the show Podmatch Profile Ordinary people, extraordinary experiences - Real voices, real moments - ​Human connection through stories - Live true storytelling podcast - Confessions - First person emotional narratives - Unscripted Life Stories. Thank you for listening - Hasta Pronto!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Serendipity in Snow: A Connection Beyond City Chaos Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-09-08-38-19-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雪が降りしきる冬の山中、静かな温泉旅館がありました。En: In the midst of a snow-laden winter mountain, there was a quiet onsen inn.Ja: そこは、都会の喧騒を逃れたい人々のお気に入りの隠れ家でした。En: It was a favorite hideaway for people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.Ja: リコは、この温泉旅館に来ていました。En: Riko had come to this onsen inn.Ja: 彼女はインテリアデザイナーとして忙しい毎日を過ごしており、少しでもストレスを忘れたかったのです。En: She was busy with her daily life as an interior designer and wanted to forget her stress, even just a little.Ja: グループ旅行の一員として参加したものの、彼女は他の人たちと一緒に活動するのを避けていました。En: Although she joined a group trip, she avoided activities with the others.Ja: 静かな時間を、自分自身のために使いたいと思っていました。En: She wanted to use the quiet time for herself.Ja: 一方、晴樹は賑やかな性格のフリーランスの写真家で、新しいインスピレーションを求めてこの旅に来ていました。En: On the other hand, Haruki was a lively freelance photographer who came on this trip in search of new inspiration.Ja: いつもは人と話すことが大好きな彼も、この温泉では何か特別なものを探していました。En: Usually, he loved talking with people, but at this onsen, he was looking for something special.Ja: しかし、美しい風景を前にしても、彼には何かが欠けていると感じていました。En: However, even with the beautiful scenery in front of him, he felt something was missing.Ja: ある日、リコはいつものグループから離れて、あまり人が行かない旅館の奥の方へと歩いていきました。En: One day, Riko separated from her usual group and walked towards the back of the inn where few people went.Ja: 雪の降り積もる庭を見ながら、ゆっくりと心が落ち着いていくのを感じました。En: As she looked at the garden covered with snow, she felt her heart gradually calming down.Ja: 偶然、晴樹もその辺りをカメラを持って歩いていました。En: By chance, Haruki was also walking around there with his camera.Ja: 彼はリコの姿を見つけ、こっそりと彼女を追いかけました。何か彼女の背後には特別な物語があると感じたのです。En: He spotted Riko and secretly followed her, sensing there was a special story behind her.Ja: しばらくすると、二人は小さな雪の庭で出会いました。En: After a while, they met in a small snowy garden.Ja: 晴樹は、思い切ってリコに話しかけました。En: Haruki, taking a leap of faith, spoke to Riko.Ja: 「一緒に雪を見ませんか？」と。En: "Would you like to watch the snow together?" he asked.Ja: リコは少し驚きましたが、彼の親切な声と笑顔に惹かれて、承諾しました。En: Riko was a bit surprised, but she was drawn to his kind voice and smile, and agreed.Ja: 二人は雪を見ながら話を始めました。En: They started talking while watching the snow.Ja: リコは、自分の過去や仕事の悩みを少しずつ話し始めました。En: Riko gradually began to talk about her past and her work troubles.Ja: 話を聞いていた晴樹は、彼女の言葉に心を打たれました。En: Listening to her, Haruki was moved by her words.Ja: それこそが、彼が探していた「人間の物語」だったのです。En: This was the "human story" he had been searching for.Ja: その夜、二人は旅館のロビーで、さらに話を続けました。En: That night, the two continued talking in the inn's lobby.Ja: リコは心の壁を少しずつ解放し、晴樹もまた、彼女の視点から新しいインスピレーションを得ました。En: Riko slowly started to open up her heart, and Haruki also gained new inspiration from her perspective.Ja: 旅行が終わる頃、二人は連絡を取り合うことを決めました。En: By the time the trip ended, they decided to keep in touch.Ja: リコは心が軽くなり、晴樹は新たなインスピレーションを得ました。En: Riko felt her heart was lighter, and Haruki found new inspiration.Ja: 彼らの物語は静かに始まったのでした。En: Their story quietly began. Vocabulary Words:amidst: 山中laden: 降りしきるonsen: 温泉inn: 旅館hideaway: 隠れ家escape: 逃れるhustle: 喧騒bustle: 賑やかinterior designer: インテリアデザイナーfreelance: フリーランスphotographer: 写真家inspiration: インスピレーションperspective: 視点separated: 離れてscenery: 風景gradually: ゆっくりacknowledge: 了承soliloquy: 独白calm: 落ち着くserendipitously: 偶然contemplate: 熟考するsubconscious: 無意識のprofound: 深いevoke: 呼び起こすmelancholy: 憂鬱rejuvenate: 再生するsync: 調和するmetamorphosis: 変容ephemeral: 儚いresonate: 共鳴する

From a tiny newspaper advert to a chance conversation with a friend… the universe had plans for Simone.What started as a spark quickly became her path to becoming a makeup artist — guided by the legendary Daniel Bauer and fuelled by the courage to build her own business from the ground up.In this episode, we dive into:

In this deeply reflective and expansive conversation, Darin sits down with poet, speaker, and consciousness explorer Adam Roa for a raw dialogue on creativity, stillness, identity, and the courage it takes to live from integrity instead of performance. From viral art and the pressure of platforms to darkness retreats, emotional sovereignty, and redefining success, this episode explores what it really means to listen inwardly in a world addicted to noise. This is not a conversation about answers. It's a conversation about asking better questions and trusting the quiet moments where truth lives.     What You'll Learn in This Episode How art and creativity act as accelerators for human consciousness Why stepping back from visibility can be an act of integrity, not avoidance The emotional cost of constant output and public expectation What happens when identity dissolves and certainty disappears Why stillness, darkness, and solitude reveal what discipline cannot How to rebuild meaning when old belief systems fall apart The difference between inspired expression and performative sharing Why emotions are not obstacles — but the point of being human     Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife and the mission of sovereignty and conscious living 01:00 – Sponsor break: Truniagen 02:18 – Introducing Adam Roa and his global impact through poetry 03:10 – Why art reaches places words alone cannot 04:28 – First impressions of Adam's viral poem and emotional resonance 06:05 – How "You Are What You've Been Looking For" reached 250M+ people 07:18 – Art as permission to feel — and why healing requires emotion 08:27 – Why personal transformation must include the emotional body 09:32 – Serendipity, readiness, and owning your inner authority 10:31 – Seeing yourself on the stage before the invitation arrives 11:35 – Limiting beliefs and the illusion of needing permission 12:26 – Offering your gift freely — and the moment everything changed 13:19 – Preparation meets opportunity: why readiness matters 14:21 – Acting when something feels wrong in the world 15:43 – Fear, courage, and why confidence is built — not bestowed 17:31 – Why manifestation happens through action, not just meditation 18:33 – Why fear disappearing is actually dangerous 19:48 – Fear as proof that you care — the opposite of apathy 21:02 – Creating new realities instead of fighting reactive systems 22:50 – Sponsor break: Fatty15 and cellular health 26:31 – Creativity in the age of AI — amplification vs. outsourcing 27:26 – Repressed trauma and uncovering the roots of the self 28:45 – Creativity as pattern recognition and personal evolution 30:30 – Depression, breakups, and art as a pressure release 31:41 – Plant medicine as a doorway to childhood revelations 33:07 – Ayahuasca vs. Iboga: radically different spiritual journeys 35:11 – Why facilitation and container safety are critical 37:44 – The risks of unsafe ceremonial spaces and faux shamans 40:57 – The importance of indigenous-focused healing perspectives 42:44 – Finding the "doors" within through meditation and breathwork 43:55 – Building meaningful work without becoming noise 46:03 – Overcoming survival instincts from a premature birth 48:08 – Following the desire for hope, possibility, and solutions 49:55 – Meditation, gamma states, and stream of consciousness 50:49 – Visualizing the higher self and the glowing library 51:37 – SuperLife Patreon: deeper conversations and community 53:30 – Five days in complete darkness: stripping identity away 55:23 – Hearing the whisper of God beneath the mental noise 57:39 – Why the voice of the omnipresent sounds like your own 59:20 – Returning to the modern world and electromagnetic signals 1:02:04 – Choosing silence and authenticity over performative posting 1:03:54 – Integrity, vulnerability, and the dangers of unsafe platforms 1:07:38 – Creating from truth rather than chasing algorithms 1:08:27 – Crazy Love: journal entries on the messy arc of relationships 1:10:18 – Self-revelation: finding yourself reflected in the art 1:12:18 – Breaking the 12-year loop and choosing new patterns 1:13:51 – The iterations of love and the cycle of constant change 1:16:30 – Authenticity vs. the "Guru" facade of social media 1:19:41 – Art as a time capsule for past consciousness 1:22:31 – Triggers as access points for personal healing 1:23:43 – Giving yourself permission to play and be "unproductive" 1:26:12 – Life as a soul scavenger hunt guided by curiosity 1:28:24 – Reaching the breaking point and shifting from push to magnetism 1:29:58 – Investigating deep pain and the process of rebirthing 1:31:38 – Designing a collective society with intention 1:33:10 – Closing poem: "Heaven" — the courage to feel all of life 1:35:45 – Gratitude for the miracle of the next breath 1:37:34 – Digging for the love of life and turning the page to heal     Thank You to Our Sponsors Truniagen: Go to www.truniagen.com and use code DARIN20 at checkout for 20% off Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout.     Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns — beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Adam Roa Website: adamroa.com Instagram: @adam.roa Book: Crazy Love     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "The most impactful thing you can do for the world is learn how to love life, all of it. Not by avoiding pain, but by having the courage to feel deeply, because contained within emotion is the very key that sets us free."

Get the inside scoop on SXSW EDU 2026 as Mike Palmer sits down with Kayla Meyers from SXSW EDU to preview what's heading to Austin this March. From a reimagined city-wide footprint to the biggest podcast stage lineup yet, we're breaking down why this year is a must-attend for anyone in the education ecosystem. Kayla shares her journey from museum curator to the mastermind behind the conference's "impeccable vibes," offering a deep dive into the trends shaping the 2026 program. What we covered:

Fluent Fiction - Korean: Serendipity in the Snow: Inspiration at Changdeokgung Gardens Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ko/episode/2026-02-06-23-34-02-ko Story Transcript:Ko: 창덕궁의 후원, 고요하게 눈이 얹힌 풍경은 마치 그림 같았다.En: The Huwon of Changdeokgung, with a serene layer of snow, looked like a picture.Ko: 설날을 맞아 살짝 분주했지만, 그 안에 담겨 있는 고요함이 차분하게 그림을 그려주었다.En: It was slightly busy in celebration of the Seollal, but the tranquility within painted a calm scene.Ko: 지수는 이곳에 영감을 찾으러 왔다.En: Jisoo came here seeking inspiration.Ko: 그녀는 미술을 전공하는 학생으로, 다음 프로젝트를 준비 중이었다.En: She is an art student preparing her next project.Ko: 그녀의 목표는 창덕궁의 정원을 그녀의 스케치에 담는 것이었다.En: Her goal was to capture the gardens of Changdeokgung in her sketches.Ko: 붉고 푸른 궁궐의 선명한 색채를 스케치에 표현하고 싶었다.En: She wanted to express the vivid colors of the red and blue palace in her work.Ko: 민호는 역사애호가였다.En: Minho was an enthusiast of history.Ko: 그는 창덕궁의 건축 양식을 연구하기 위해 이곳을 찾았다.En: He came to study the architectural styles of Changdeokgung.Ko: 연구 논문의 마감일이 가까워오자 점점 더 긴장되었다.En: As the deadline for his research paper approached, he grew more anxious.Ko: 갑자기, 회색 하늘에서 비가 내리기 시작했다.En: Suddenly, rain started to fall from the gray sky.Ko: 지수는 서둘러 정원의 한쪽에 있는 정자로 피했다.En: Jisoo hurriedly sought shelter in a pavilion on one side of the garden.Ko: 안에는 이미 민호가 서 있었다.En: Minho was already standing inside.Ko: "안녕하세요," 지수가 말했다.En: "Hello," Jisoo said.Ko: "여기 피할 만한 데가 없어서요.En: "There's not much place to take shelter."Ko: "민호가 미소를 지으며 고개를 끄덕였다.En: Minho nodded with a smile.Ko: "괜찮습니다.En: "No problem.Ko: 저도 마찬가지라서요.En: I'm in the same situation.Ko: 여기 앉으세요.En: Please have a seat."Ko: "비가 땅 위에 떨어지는 소리만이 두 사람을 감싸고 있었다.En: The sound of rain hitting the ground surrounded them.Ko: 지수는 조심스럽게 그녀의 스케치북을 민호에게 보여주었다.En: Jisoo cautiously showed her sketchbook to Minho.Ko: "이런 색채가 제가 생각하는 창덕궁의 느낌인데요," 지수가 말했다.En: "These are the colors I think reflect the feeling of Changdeokgung," Jisoo said.Ko: 민호는 스케치를 찬찬히 보았다.En: Minho carefully examined the sketches.Ko: "정말 멋지네요.En: "It's really impressive.Ko: 이 부분은 제가 연구한 기록들에 따르면 궁궐의 역사적인 특징이 잘 표현되어 있어요.En: According to my research, this part beautifully captures the historical features of the palace."Ko: "지수는 민호의 설명을 들으며 새로운 깨달음을 얻기 시작했다.En: Listening to Minho's explanation, Jisoo began to realize something new.Ko: 그녀의 그림에 역사적 숨결이 더해지는 과정이었다.En: It was as if the historical essence was being added to her artwork.Ko: 서로의 이야기에 빠져드는 동안, 두 사람은 시간이 지나는 줄도 몰랐다.En: While they were engrossed in each other's stories, time slipped by unnoticed.Ko: 마침내 비가 멈추고, 지수는 종이 위에 자신이 원하던 완벽한 장면을 완성할 수 있었다.En: Finally, the rain stopped, and Jisoo was able to complete the perfect scene she wanted on paper.Ko: 민호도 새로 얻은 아이디어로 연구에 큰 도움이 될 것을 깨달았다.En: Minho realized that the new ideas he gained would greatly benefit his research.Ko: 미소를 지으며, 지수와 민호는 정자를 떠났다.En: With smiles, Jisoo and Minho left the pavilion.Ko: 앞으로의 날씨는 그들에게 더없이 맑고, 그들의 마음속에 새로운 우정의 싹이 자라기 시작했다.En: The weather ahead seemed endlessly clear, and a new friendship began to blossom in their hearts. Vocabulary Words:serene: 고요하게tranquility: 고요함inspiration: 영감enthusiast: 애호가architectural: 건축anxious: 긴장되다shelter: 피하다pavilion: 정자reflect: 반영하다impressive: 멋지다captures: 담다essence: 본질engrossed: 빠져드는unnoticed: 알아차리지 못한benefit: 도움이 되다blossom: 자라다layer: 얹힌sketches: 스케치features: 특징historical: 역사적인charm: 아름다움vivid: 선명한research: 연구deadline: 마감일hurriedly: 서둘러examined: 보았다realize: 깨달았다slipped: 지나가다completed: 완성했다clear: 맑다

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Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Lost Puffins: A Tale of Winter Adventure and Serendipity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-02-04-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Den klare blå himmelen kastet en fredfull glød over det snødekte landskapet i den lille bygda; en perle blant Norges fjellidyll.En: The clear blue sky cast a peaceful glow over the snow-covered landscape of the small village; a pearl among Norge's mountain idylls.No: Hver eneste grantrær var kledd i hvitt, og hyttene langs stien var som små, lune reder.En: Every single spruce was dressed in white, and the cabins along the trail were like small, cozy nests.No: Det var en perfekt dag for Signe og Helge å snøre på seg trugen og utforske vidda.En: It was a perfect day for Signe and Helge to strap on their snowshoes and explore the plateau.No: Signe hadde forberedt seg godt.En: Signe had prepared well.No: Vinteren var hennes element, og hun kunne ikke vente med å vise Helge hvordan man navigerte gjennom snøen som en ekspert.En: Winter was her element, and she couldn't wait to show Helge how to navigate through the snow like an expert.No: Helge, på sin side, var fascinert av Sigues entusiasme.En: Helge, on his part, was fascinated by Signe's enthusiasm.No: Han tok på seg trugen mer forsiktig, men med et smil.En: He put on his snowshoes more cautiously, but with a smile.No: Signe lo fornøyd når Helge prøvde å kopiere henne.En: Signe laughed contentedly as Helge tried to copy her.No: Da de kom forbi en åpen slette, oppdaget de noe uventet.En: As they came across an open plain, they discovered something unexpected.No: En flokk med lundefugler, som vanligvis ikke var her på denne tiden av året, satt i en forvirret klynge på bakken.En: A flock of puffins, which usually weren't here at this time of year, sat in a confused cluster on the ground.No: De flakset og kvitret nervøst.En: They flapped and chirped nervously.No: "De har forvillet seg!" utbrøt Signe.En: "They've lost their way!" exclaimed Signe.No: Hjertet hennes slo raskere; dette kunne være hennes sjanse til å vise Helge hva hun var god for.En: Her heart beat faster; this could be her chance to show Helge what she was capable of.No: Helge satte seg på huk og betraktet fuglene med et vennlig blikk.En: Helge crouched down and observed the birds with a friendly gaze.No: "Hva gjør vi?" spurte han.En: "What do we do?" he asked.No: Signe tenkte seg om, så grep hun tak i lomma etter en sjokoladeplate.En: Signe thought for a moment, then reached into her pocket for a chocolate bar.No: "Vi kan bruke dette," sa hun ivrig og brøt av en bit for å strø den foran fuglene.En: "We can use this," she said eagerly and broke off a piece to scatter it in front of the birds.No: Signe begynte å gi fra seg improviserte fuglelyder, og med et glimt av håp begynte noen av lundefuglene å røre på seg.En: Signe began to make improvised bird sounds, and with a glimmer of hope, some of the puffins started to move.No: Men snøen var dyp, og terrenget var vanskelig.En: But the snow was deep, and the terrain was difficult.No: Da de kom til kanten av en liten snøskavl, skled Signe og forsvant under et lag av snø, fulgt av en klynge av lundefugler som fattet mot til å følge etter.En: When they reached the edge of a small snowdrift, Signe slipped and disappeared under a layer of snow, followed by a cluster of puffins who gathered the courage to follow.No: Helge brast ut i latter og måtte klatre etter dem for å redde situasjonen.En: Helge burst out laughing and had to climb after them to rescue the situation.No: Mens de prøvde å løsne lundefuglene fra Sigones snøfylte genser, lo Helge fortsatt.En: As they tried to free the puffins from Signe's snow-filled sweater, Helge was still laughing.No: "Det er ikke alltid man kan tvinge naturen til å høre etter," sa han med et smil.En: "You can't always force nature to listen," he said with a smile.No: Sammen rotet de seg ned fra snøskavlen, og etter noen forsøk, syntes lundefuglene å finne sin retning igjen.En: Together they scrambled down from the snowdrift, and after a few tries, the puffins seemed to find their direction again.No: Signe sto der, dekket av snø, hvesende lett.En: Signe stood there, covered in snow, breathing lightly.No: Hun gløttet mot Helge med et beskjedent smil.En: She glanced at Helge with a modest smile.No: Hun forsto nå at hun ikke trengte å vise seg frem; den ekte gleden kom fra å være akkurat der, sammen med Helge.En: She realized now that she didn't need to show off; the real joy came from just being there, with Helge.No: Mens de gikk nedover stien, mot den lille hytta i dalen, følte Helge seg takknemlig for å ha lært fra Signe og hennes eventyrlyst.En: As they walked down the trail, towards the small cabin in the valley, Helge felt grateful for having learned from Signe and her sense of adventure.No: Snart forsvant flokken av lundefugler mot horisonten, og de to vennene pakket sammen dagen med et vennlig nikk og visshet om en uforglemmelig vinterdag.En: Soon, the flock of puffins disappeared toward the horizon, and the two friends wrapped up the day with a friendly nod and the knowledge of an unforgettable winter day.No: Det var en enkel påminnelse om at naturen, akkurat som mennesker, har sine egne planer, og det å feile noen ganger bare er en del av eventyret.En: It was a simple reminder that nature, just like people, has its own plans, and that failing sometimes is just a part of the adventure. Vocabulary Words:plateau: viddaprepared: forberedtenthusiasm: entusiasmefascinated: fascinertplain: sletteflock: flokkpuffins: lundefuglerconfused: forvirretcluster: klyngechirped: kvitretchance: sjansecrouched: satte seg på hukimprovised: improviserteterrain: terrengetsnowdrift: snøskavlslipped: skledrescued: reddescrambled: rotetmodest: beskjedentgrateful: takknemligunforgettable: uforglemmeligreminder: påminnelseelement: elementnavigate: navigerteunexpected: uventetscatter: strøobserved: betraktetreached: greipendeavor: eventyrhorizon: horisonten

Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Valley of Serendipity: Unplanned Paths to Peace and Love Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2026-02-04-23-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: En el corazón del Valle de Guadalupe, donde las colinas verdes se extienden bajo un cielo despejado, Marcela caminaba entre las vides con su amigo Luis.En: In the heart of the Valle de Guadalupe, where the green hills stretch out under a clear sky, Marcela was walking among the vines with her friend Luis.Es: Habían llegado al valle buscando paz y buen vino.En: They had come to the valley seeking peace and good wine.Es: Era invierno, pero el sol brillaba con suavidad.En: It was winter, but the sun shone gently.Es: Marcela, una entusiasta del vino y una profesional agobiada por su trabajo en la ciudad, estaba decidida a aprender más y relajarse.En: Marcela, a wine enthusiast and a professional overwhelmed by her city job, was determined to learn more and relax.Es: Luis, siempre el aventurero, la persuadió a dejar atrás sus planes estrictos.En: Luis, always the adventurer, persuaded her to leave her strict plans behind.Es: Mientras recorrían el viñedo, se encontraron con Javier, un joven guía local con ojos brillantes y energía inagotable.En: As they toured the vineyard, they encountered Javier, a young local guide with bright eyes and boundless energy.Es: Javier soñaba con tener su propia bodega algún día.En: Javier dreamed of having his own winery someday.Es: Invitó a Marcela y a Luis a una cata improvisada.En: He invited Marcela and Luis to an impromptu wine tasting.Es: A Luis le pareció una estupenda idea.En: To Luis, it seemed like a wonderful idea.Es: “Marcela, debes probar esto.En: “Marcela, you must try this.Es: Confía en mí”, dijo Luis.En: Trust me,” said Luis.Es: Javier ofreció a Marcela una copa de un vino rojo robusto.En: Javier offered Marcela a glass of robust red wine.Es: Ella sonrió, pero su mente todavía repasaba las actividades que había anotado en su agenda.En: She smiled, but her mind was still going over the activities she had written down in her planner.Es: Sin embargo, bajo la influencia del valle y el entusiasmo de Luis, decidió dejar de lado el control.En: However, under the valley's influence and Luis's enthusiasm, she decided to let go of control.Es: Ese día, Javier los llevó a un lugar escondido en el viñedo.En: That day, Javier took them to a hidden spot in the vineyard.Es: Se sentaron sobre una manta y compartieron un picnic sencillo: queso, pan y más vino.En: They sat on a blanket and shared a simple picnic: cheese, bread, and more wine.Es: El aire era fresco, y el paisaje, perfecto.En: The air was fresh, and the landscape was perfect.Es: “¿Por qué viniste al valle?”, preguntó Javier, mirándola con interés genuino.En: “Why did you come to the valley?” Javier asked, looking at her with genuine interest.Es: “Quería escapar.En: “I wanted to escape.Es: El trabajo es demasiado.En: Work is too much.Es: Quiero tranquilidad”, respondió Marcela.En: I want peace,” Marcela replied.Es: Durante la conversación, Marcela y Javier descubrieron una conexión inesperada.En: During the conversation, Marcela and Javier discovered an unexpected connection.Es: Compartieron sueños y aspiraciones.En: They shared dreams and aspirations.Es: La risa era fácil, y el tiempo pasó volando.En: Laughter came easily, and time flew by.Es: El día de San Valentín se acercaba, y para Marcela, parecía que la vida le daba una sorpresa anticipada.En: Valentine's Day was approaching, and for Marcela, it seemed life was giving her an early surprise.Es: Decidió que no quería regresar de inmediato a la ciudad.En: She decided she didn't want to return to the city immediately.Es: Quería explorar más con Javier.En: She wanted to explore more with Javier.Es: “¿Qué te parece quedarte unos días más?”, sugirió Luis.En: “How about staying a few more days?” suggested Luis.Es: Marcela finalmente entendió que el momento y la compañía eran más valiosos que su itinerario.En: Marcela finally understood that the moment and the company were more valuable than her itinerary.Es: Así, extendió su estadía, dispuesta a descubrir no solo más sobre el vino, sino también sobre la vida y el amor.En: Thus, she extended her stay, willing to discover not only more about wine but also about life and love.Es: El Valle de Guadalupe, con su paz y encanto, le mostró a Marcela que a veces, los planes más bellos son aquellos que uno no hace.En: The Valle de Guadalupe, with its peace and charm, showed Marcela that sometimes, the most beautiful plans are those one doesn't make.Es: Y, quizás, en esa extensión de su viaje, encontró más de lo que había estado buscando.En: And perhaps, in extending her trip, she found more than she had been seeking. Vocabulary Words:the heart: el corazónthe valley: el vallethe vine: la vidthe winter: el inviernothe enthusiast: el/la entusiastathe itinerary: el itinerariothe influence: la influenciathe vineyard: el viñedothe wine tasting: la catathe adventurer: el aventurerothe peace: la pazthe charm: el encantothe cheese: el quesothe bread: el panthe picnic: el picnicthe company: la compañíathe city: la ciudadthe surprise: la sorpresathe landscape: el paisajethe energy: la energíathe sun: el solthe activity: la actividadthe agenda: la agendathe dream: el sueñothe aspiration: la aspiraciónthe connection: la conexiónto persuade: persuadirto relax: relajarseto extend: extenderto escape: escapar

Fluent Fiction - Serbian: Snow, Coffee, and Chance: A Serendipitous Valentine's Day Meeting Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sr/episode/2026-02-03-23-34-02-sr Story Transcript:Sr: Милан је у том тренутку био дубоко у својим мислима.En: Milan was deep in thought at that moment.Sr: Седео је сам у углу прометног кафића у предграђу Београда.En: He was sitting alone in the corner of a busy café in the suburbs of Belgrade.Sr: Споља, снег је нежно падао, покривајући улице као бели тепих.En: Outside, the snow was gently falling, covering the streets like a white carpet.Sr: Људи су журили, сакривени у своје топле капуте и лиснате шалове.En: People hurried by, hidden in their warm coats and leafy scarves.Sr: Унутра, мирис свеже припремљене кафе и топла светлост стварали су пријатну атмосферу.En: Inside, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm light created a pleasant atmosphere.Sr: Док је Милан прелетао очима преко дигиталних фотографија ушушканих у свом лаптопу, у сличном другом углу седела је Јована.En: As Milan skimmed through digital photos nestled in his laptop, in a similar corner sat Jovana.Sr: Недавно се преселила у овај крај и осећај трагања за неким познатим био је све што је остало од пресељења.En: She had recently moved to this area, and the feeling of searching for something familiar was all that was left from the move.Sr: Заузимајући своје место у новом животу, дан је почела с капућином и новинама.En: Taking her place in a new life, she started the day with a cappuccino and a newspaper.Sr: Ненамерно, Милан је чуо Јованин глас.En: Unintentionally, Milan overheard Jovana's voice.Sr: Говорила је телефоном са Луком.En: She was talking on the phone with Luka.Sr: "Данас је Дан заљубљених, морамо отићи на ту изложбу фотографија," рекла је она.En: "Today is Valentine's Day, we must go to that photography exhibition," she said.Sr: Миланово срце је прескочило.En: Milan's heart skipped a beat.Sr: Фотографија је била његова страст.En: Photography was his passion.Sr: Одлучио је да ризикује, и пришао њеном столу.En: He decided to take a risk and approached her table.Sr: "Извините," рекао је стидљиво, "чуо сам да волите фотографије.En: "Excuse me," he said shyly, "I heard you like photography.Sr: И ја се бавим њима.En: I am into it too."Sr: " Јована се са благо неповерењем насмешила, али је видела искреност у његовим очима.En: Jovana smiled with slight skepticism but saw sincerity in his eyes.Sr: "Стварно?En: "Really?Sr: Која врста фотографије вас занима?En: What kind of photography interests you?"Sr: " упитала је.En: she asked.Sr: "Обожавам пејзаже," одговорио је он, с очима пуним страсти.En: "I love landscapes," he replied, with eyes full of passion.Sr: Разговор је лагано текао и обоје су уживали у друштву око чаше кафе.En: The conversation flowed smoothly, and both enjoyed each other's company over a cup of coffee.Sr: Тог поподнева су заједно отишли ​​на изложбу.En: That afternoon, they went to the exhibition together.Sr: Милан је делио свој свет кроз објектив фотоапарата, док је Јована слушала и питала се како јој његове фотографије остављају без даха.En: Milan shared his world through the lens of a camera, while Jovana listened and wondered how his photographs took her breath away.Sr: Док су лутали међу уметничким делима, откривали су сличности у својим животима и поделили неке од својих најличнијих прича.En: As they wandered among the artworks, they discovered similarities in their lives and shared some of their most personal stories.Sr: После изложбе, Јована се окренула ка Милану с осмехом.En: After the exhibition, Jovana turned to Milan with a smile.Sr: "Ово је био диван дан.En: "This was a wonderful day.Sr: Хоћеш да се поново сретнемо?En: Would you like to meet again?"Sr: " упитала је.En: she asked.Sr: Милан је, осећајући нову снагу и самопоуздање, прихватио предлог радо.En: Milan, feeling renewed strength and confidence, readily accepted the proposal.Sr: Оба су знали да је ово почетак нечег специјалног.En: They both knew this was the beginning of something special.Sr: Док су се упутили ка остављеном снегу који је пуцкарао под њиховим корацима, Милан и Јована су се загледали у будућност.En: As they headed towards the crumbling snow under their steps, Milan and Jovana looked into the future.Sr: Миланов страх од одбијања се отопио, а Јована је осетила како се отвара могућностима које носи нова средина.En: Milan's fear of rejection melted away, and Jovana felt the possibilities that the new environment offered opening up.Sr: Тако је, уз једну изложбу и случајни разговор у кафићу, почела нова прича међу снегом и кафом.En: Thus, with one exhibition and a chance conversation in a café, a new story began among the snow and coffee.Sr: Милан и Јована нису само нашли пријатељу у једно другом, већ и нешто више.En: Milan and Jovana did not only find friendship in each other but something more.Sr: Надати се новим авантурама, спремни да заједно корачају ка будућности.En: They were hopeful for new adventures, ready to step into the future together. Vocabulary Words:suburbs: предграђеhidden: сакривениpleasant: пријатнаatmosphere: атмосфераskimmed: прелетаоdigital photos: дигиталне фотографијеnestled: ушушканихunintentionally: ненамерноexhibition: изложбаrisk: ризикујеshyly: стидљивоsincerity: искреностpassion: страстflowed: теклаwandered: луталиartworks: уметничка делаsimilarities: сличностиpersonal stories: најличнијих причаcrumbling: остављеномrenewed: новуconfidence: самопоуздањеheaded towards: упутили каmelts: отопиоpossibilities: могућностимаenvironment: срединаfriendship: пријатељствоadventures: авантуреbreathtaking: без дахаscarf: шалbrew: припремљене

In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins talks with author Linda Stasi about her historical novel, The Descendant, inspired by her own Italian-American family history. Stasi traces her ancestors' journey from Sicily to the Colorado mining camps, revealing the brutal realities faced by immigrant laborers in the American West. The conversation explores the violent labor struggles surrounding the Ludlow Massacre and the role of powerful figures like John D. Rockefeller, as well as the diverse immigrant communities that shaped Colorado's mining towns. Stasi challenges stereotypes about Italians in America, highlighting their roles as workers, ranchers, and community builders—not just mobsters. Jenkins and Stasi also discuss Prohibition-era bootlegging and the early roots of organized crime in places like Pueblo, weaving together documented history with deeply personal family stories of survival, violence, and resilience. Drawing on her background as a journalist, Stasi reflects on loss, perseverance, and the immigrant pursuit of the American dream, making The Descendants both a historical narrative and an emotional family legacy. Click here to find the Descendant. 0:04 Introduction to Linda Stasi 3:12 The Role of Women in History 7:05 Bootlegging and the Mafia’s Rise 9:31 Discovering Family Connections 14:59 Immigrant Struggles and Success 19:02 Childhood Stories of Resilience 24:04 Serendipity in New York 26:19 Linda’s Journey as a Journalist Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” Subscribe to the website for weekly notifications about updates and other Mob information. To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent ‘Brothers against Brothers’ or ‘Gangland Wire,’ the documentaries click here.  To purchase one of my books, click here.  [0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers out there, glad to be back here in studio, Gangland Wire. This is Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, and I have an interview for you. This is going to be a historical fiction author. This is going to be a historical fiction book by a writer whose family lived the life of, whose family, This is going to be a real issue. This book is going to, we’re going to talk about a book. We’re going to talk with an author about the book. We’re going to talk with the author, Linda Stasi. We’re going to talk with the author, Linda Stasi, about her book, The Descendants. Now, she wrote a historical fiction, but it’s based on her actual family’s history. [0:50] From Sicily to New York to California. The wild west of colorado now get that you never heard of many italians out west in colorado but she’s going to tell us a lot more about that and how they were actually ended up being part of the pueblo colorado mafia the corvino family and then got involved in bootlegging and and then later were involved in ranching and different things like that so it’s uh it’s a little different take on the mob in the United States that we usually get, but I like to do things that are a little bit different. So welcome, Linda Stasey. Historical fiction, how much of it is true? Is it from family stories? All the stories are true. I’ll ask you that here in a little bit. Okay, all the stories are true. All right. All the stories are true. [1:41] It’s based on not only stories that were told to me by my mother and her sisters and my uncles and so forth, But it’s also based on a lot of actual events that took place while they were living in Colorado. And it’s based on the fact that, you know, people don’t know this. We watch all these movies and we think everybody who settled the West talk like John Wayne. There were 30 different languages spoken right in the minds of Colorado. So my uncles rode the range and they were, drovers and they were Italian. I mean, they were first generation. They were born in Italy and they made their way with all these other guys who were speaking Greek and Mexican and you name it. It wasn’t a lot of people talking like, hey, how are you doing, partner? How are you doing, bard? Talking like I do. Right. [2:46] But it took a long time for you you can blame the movies for that and the dominant uh uh caucasian culture for that right and you know there was that what was the movie the the martin scorsese movie killers of the flower moon oh yeah all the uh native americans spoke like they were from like movie set in color and oklahoma so he was like what. [3:13] Yeah, well, it’s the movies, I guess. [3:25] Unlike any women that I would have thought would have been around at that time. They were rebellious, and they did what they wanted, and they had a terrible, mean father. And I also wanted to tell this story. That’s what I started out telling. But I ended up telling the story of the resilience of the immigrants who came to this country. For example, with the Italians and the Sicilians, there had been earthquakes and tsunamis and droughts. So Rockefeller sent these men that he called padrones to the poorest sections of Sicily, the most drought-affected section, looking for young bucks to come and work. And he promised them, he’d say, oh, the president of America wants to give you land, he wants to give you this. Well, they found themselves taken in the most horrific of conditions and brought to Ellis Island, where they were herded onto cattle cars and taken to the mines of Colorado, where they worked 20-hour days. They were paid in company script, so they couldn’t even buy anything. Their families followed them. They were told that their families were coming for free, and they were coming for free, but they weren’t. They had to pay for their passage, which could never be paid for because it was just company script. [4:55] And then in 1914, the United Mine Workers came in, and there were all these immigrants, Greeks and mostly Italians, and they struck, and Rockefeller fired everyone who struck. So the United Mine Workers set up a tent city in Ludlow. [5:14] And at night, Rockefeller would send his goons in who were—he actually paid the National Guard and a detective agency called Baldwin Feltz to come in. And they had a turret-mounted machine gun that they called the Death Squad Special, and they’d just start spraying. So the miners, the striking miners, built trenches under their tents for their women and children to hide. when the bullets started flying. And then at some point, Rockefeller said, you’re not being effective enough. They haven’t gone back to work. Do what you have to do. So these goons went in and they poured oil on top of the tents. And they set them on fire. [6:00] And they burnt dozens of women and children to death. They went in. The government claimed it was 21 people, but there was a female reporter who counted 60-something. and they were cutting the heads and the hands off of people, the children and women, so they couldn’t be identified. It all ended very badly and none of Rockefeller’s people or Rockefeller got in trouble. They went before Congress and Rockefeller basically said they had no right to strike. And that was that. So here are all these men and women now living wild in the mountains of Colorado, not speaking the language, not. Being literate, not able to read and write. [6:44] And living in shacks on mountains in the hurricane, I mean, in the blizzards and whatnot. And then it’s so odd. In 1916, Colorado declared prohibition, which was four years before the rest of the country. [7:00] So these guys said, well, we need to make booze. We need to make wine. What do you mean you can’t have booze and wine? So that’s how bootlegging started in Colorado. And that’s how the mafia began in the West. with these guys. [7:18] It’s kind of interesting. As I was looking down through your book, I did a story on the more modern mafia. This started during bootlegging times in Pueblo, and I noticed in your book, I refer to Pueblo, this was the Corvino brothers. So did you study that? Is that some of the background that you used to make, you know, use a story? You used real stories as well as, you know, the real stories from your family, real stories from history. Well, the Carlinos are my family. Oh, you’re related to the Carlinos. Well, what happened was I didn’t know that. And my cousin Karen came across this photo of the man who was her son. [7:59] Grandfather that she never met because he was killed in the longest gunfight in Colorado history when she was 10 days old. And he was Charlie Carlino. So she came across it and we met, we ended up meeting the family. Sam Carlino is my cousin and he owns like this big barbecue joint in san jose california and uh we’ve become very friendly so i i said i look i’m looking at this and i think wait a minute vito carlino is the father he has three sons and one daughter the youngest son charlie who was the the handsome man about town cowboy, they had a rival family called the dannas in bootlegging and charlie carlino and his bodyguard were riding across the baxter street bridge driving in one direction and the dannas were coming in the other direction and the dannas got out and and killed them and it’s exactly what I’m thinking to myself, Vito Corleone, three sons, Charlie gets killed on the bridge while the two cars are… I thought, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I mean. [9:26] It can’t be that coincidental, right? No. No, it can’t be. Even the bridge. Somebody was doing their research. [9:46] And had baby Charlotte, who was only 10 days old at the time. So all these stories are true, and it started other gunfights and so forth and so on. But I thought, holy shit. That’s my family. I had no idea. I mean, I knew my aunt was married to a guy whose name was Charlie Carlino, And I should show you the picture because he looks like the missing link from the village people. He’s got big fur chaps on and a cowboy hat. I mean, he’s got his holsters on and he’s got his long gun over his shoulder. It’s like, wow. Yeah, so that story is true. And my mom was a little girl when the Pueblo flood happened. And she always recalled the story to me about watching in horror as the cows and the horses and people were floating away, dead. [10:54] So now the name of your book is A Descendant, which is you, of course. And you kind of use the situations that you just described and the real life people in this book. So then how does this book progress and what other situation do you use? Well, I used many of the acts. I used the Ludlow massacre, the flood, the bootlegging, the prohibition. I also uncovered that the governor of Colorado said. [11:30] Assigned all these guys to become prohibition agents, but they were all KKK. Yeah. So they actually had license to kill the immigrants, just saying they had a still. They had a still. And they were wholesale killing people. So there’s that story. There’s the story of the congressional hearing of Rockefeller after that. And um the the book ends up with my mother um beating my father um who was not in colorado she met him at my aunt’s wedding and avoided him and avoided him and they finally got together and it ends up the book ends up at the start of world war ii and my father was drafted into the air Force, or the Army Air Corps, as it was called that time, and his was assigned to a bomber. He was a co-pilot or a bombardier or something, I forgot. And my grandfather on my father’s side said, well, wait a minute, where are you going to do this? And he said, well, we’re going to Italy. And he said, you’re going to bomb this? Your own country? And my father said, no, no, Bob, this is my country. [12:47] So the book comes full circle. Yeah, really. You know, I, uh, uh, sometimes I start my, I’ll do a program here for different groups or for the library once in a while. And I always like to start it with, you know, first of all, folks, remember, uh. [13:03] Italians came here after, you know, really horrible conditions in southern Italy and Sicily and they came here and they’re just looking for a little slice of American pie the American that’s all they want is a some of the American dream and you know they were taking advantage of they had they were they were darker they had a different language so they didn’t fit it they couldn’t like the Irish and the Germans were already here they had all the good jobs they had the businesses and so now the Italians they’re they’re kind of uh sucking high and tit as we used to say on the farm they’re they’re uh you know picking up the scraps as they can and form businesses. And so it sounds like, you know, and they also went into the, I know they went in the lead mines down here in South Missouri, because there’s a whole immigrant population, Sicilians in a small town called Frontenac. And it also sounds like they went out to the mines in Denver, Colorado. So it’s based on that diaspora, if you will, of people from Southern Italy. And they’re strapping, trying to get their piece of the American pie. Right. And I think that I also wanted very much to change the same old, same old narrative that we’ve all come to believe, that, you know, Italians came here, they went to New York, they killed everybody, they were ignorant slobs. And my family had a ranch! They were ranchers! They had herds of cattle! It’s like, that’s just been dismissed as though none of this existed because. [14:30] Yes, they were darker, because they had curly hair. [14:34] There’s a passage in my book that’s taken actually from the New York Times, where they say that Southern Italians are. [14:43] Greasy, kinky-haired criminals whose children should never be allowed in public schools with white children. Yeah. They used to print stuff like that. I’ve done some research in old newspapers, and not only about Italians, but a lot of other minorities, they print some [14:57] horrible, horrible, horrible things. Well, every minority goes through this, I guess. Everyone. I think so. Part of it’s a language problem. You hear people say, well, why don’t they learn our language? Well, what I say is, you know, ever try to learn a foreign language? It’s hard. It is really, really hard. I’ve tried. It is really hard. I got fired by my Spanish teacher. Exactly. You know how hard it is. I said, no, wait, I’m paying you. You can’t fire me. She said, you can’t learn. You just can’t learn. My grandkids love to say she got fired by her Spanish teacher. [15:36] But it’s such a barrier any kind of success you know not having the language is such a barrier to any kind of success into the you know american business community and that kind of a thing so it’s uh it’s tough for people and you got these people young guys who are bold and, they want they want to they end up having to feel like they have to take theirs they have to take it because ain’t nobody giving it up back in those days and so that sounds like your family they had to take however they took it they they had to take what they got how did that go down for them, start out with a small piece of land or and build up from there how did that go out well from what i understand um. [16:21] They first had a small plot, and then that they didn’t own. They just took it. And then as the bootlegging business got bigger, they started buying cattle and sheep. And they just started buying more and more land. But my grandfather was wanted because he killed some federal agent in the Ludlow Massacre. So he was wanted. So it was all in my grandmother’s name anyway. So she became, in my mind and in my book, she becomes the real head of the family. And my grandfather had a drinking problem, and she made the business successful and so forth. And then I do remember a story that my mother told me that—. [17:16] Al Capone came to the ranch at some point, and all the kids were like, who’s this man in the big car? There was other big cars. And then they moved to New York shortly after that, although they were allowed to keep the ranch with some of my aunts running it. I think there was a range war between the Dana family and the Carlinos and the Barberas, and they were told, get out of town, and they got out of town. And then they made a life in Brooklyn. And then my mom went back to Colorado and then came back to Brooklyn. [17:54] You think about how these immigrants, how in the hell, even the ones who come here now, how in the hell do you survive? I don’t know. Don’t speak the language. You don’t have the money. How do you survive? I don’t know. I truly don’t know. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t either. I couldn’t either. I don’t even want to go to another country where I don’t speak the language unless I can hire somebody to do stuff for me, you know, try to scuffle around and get a job, work off the books. You know, you got to work off the books, so to speak, and take the lowest, hardest jobs that they are, that there are. I don’t know. It’s crazy. I don’t really understand. Yeah. But, uh, so this, uh, it’s really interesting this, uh, the whole thing with the ranches and, and building up the ranches out there. I know we spoke, talk about Al Capone. Well, his brother, I think it was, it was not Ralph. There was another Capone brother. Which one? Well, another Capone brother who became, came a revenuer and I’ve seen some pictures of him and he looks like a cowboy with a hat and everything. He was in Nebraska or something. [19:02] It’s so funny. And I just, when I was growing up and I would tell people that my mom rode her donkey and then her horse to school, and they’d always say to me, but aren’t you Italian? [19:19] That’s Italian. Italian. Yeah, it’s interesting. Now, of course, your mom was, I noticed something in there about being in Los Animas in that area. Yes. Was there some family connection to that? And I say that because my wife’s grandfather lived there his whole life in Los Animas. Well, Los Animas County takes in Pueblo, I believe. Oh, okay. That’s the northern, that’s the far northern edge of Pueblo. The whole big area. I didn’t realize it was that close to Pueblo. I think my mom’s birth certificate actually says Los Animas County. Uh-huh. Something like that, yeah. Okay, all right. I didn’t realize Los Andemos was that close. I think. I might be wrong. Oh, it could be. It had those big counties out west, a great big county, so it would probably do. [20:10] So let’s see. Tell us a couple other stories out of that book that you remember. Well, there’s a story of my mother and her sister, Clara. Clara was a year what do they call Irish twins you know Italian twins she was like 14 months younger than my mom and um, When my mom had to start school, she was very close to my Aunt Clara, and they refused to go to school without each other. So my grandmother lied and said they were twins. And the teacher said, I don’t think they’re twins. This one’s much littler than the other, and I’m going to send the sheriff to that guinea father of yours and make sure. Well, unfortunately, the town hall burnt down with all the records that night. So they were never able to prove that Aunt Clara was a year younger. [21:14] Interesting. And also there’s a story of how they were in school when the flood hit. And my mother did have a pet wolf who was probably part wolf, part dog, but it was her pet named Blue. They got caught in the flood because they were bad and they had detention after school. And um had they left earlier they would have um so the dog came and dragged them was screaming and barking and making them leave and the teacher got scared because of the wolf and so they left and the wolf was taking them to higher and higher ground and had they stayed in that schoolhouse they would have been killed the teacher was killed everybody was washed away Wow. Yeah, those animals, they got more of a sense of what’s going on in nature than people do, that’s for sure. But she had always told me about her dog wolf named Blue. When they went back to New York City, did they fall in with any mob people back there? They go back to Red Hook. They had connections that were told, they were told, you know, you can, like Meyer Lansky and a couple of other people who would help them, um. [22:33] But my mom—so here’s an absolutely true story, and I think I have it as an epilogue in the book. So a few years ago, several years ago, my daughter had gotten a job in the summer during college as a slave on a movie set that was being filmed in Brooklyn. And she got the job because she, A, had a car, and B, she could speak Italian. And the actress was Italian. So every night she’d work till like 12 o’clock and I’d be panicked that she’d been kidnapped or something. So she’d drive her car home. But then every night she was coming home later and later and I said, what’s going on? She said, you know, I found this little restaurant and right now we’re in Red Hook where the, and it wasn’t called Red Hook. It was called, they have another fancy name for it now. [23:32] And she said and I just got to know the owner and he’s really nice and I told him that when I graduated from college if I had enough money could I rent one of the apartments upstairs and he said yes and she said we’ve got to take grandma there we’ve got to take grandma there she’ll love the place she’ll love the place and so my mother got sick and just came home from college, and she was laying in the bed with my mother, and she said, Grandma, you’re going to get better, and then we’re going to take you to this restaurant, [24:03] and I promise you, you’re going to love it. So my mother, thank God, did get better, and we took her to the restaurant. [24:12] The man comes over, and it’s a little tiny Italian restaurant, and the man comes over, and he says, Jessica, my favorite, let me make you my favorite Pennelli’s. And my mother said, do you make Pennelli’s? And he said, yes. She said, oh, when we first came to New York, the man who owned the restaurant made us Pennelli’s every day and would give it to us before we went to school. And he said, really, what was his name? And she said, Don, whatever. And he said, well, that’s my grandfather. She said, well, what do you mean? He said, well, this is, she said, where are we? And he said. [24:53] They called it Carroll Gardens. And he said, well, it’s Carroll Gardens. She said, well, I grew up in Red Hook. He said, well, it is Red Hook. She said, well, what’s the address here? And he said, 151 Carroll Street. And she said, my mother died in this building. [25:09] My daughter would have rented the apartment where her great-grandmother died. What’s the chances of that of the 50 million apartments in New York City? No, I don’t know. And the restaurant only seats like 30 people. So… My mother went and took a picture off the wall, and she said, this is my mother’s apartment. And there were like 30 people in the restaurants, a real rough and tumble place, and truck drivers and everything. And everybody started crying. The whole place is now crying. All these big long men are crying. Isn’t that some story? Full circle, man. That’s something. Yeah, that is. Especially in the city. It’s even more amazing in a city like New York City. I know. That huge. That frigging huge. That exact apartment. Oh, that is great. So that restaurant plays a big part in the book as well, in the family. Okay. All right. All right. Guys, the book is The Descendant, Yellowstone Meets the Godfather, huh? This is Linda Stasi. Did I pronounce that right, Stasi? Stacey, actually. This is Linda Stasi. And Linda, I didn’t really ask you about yourself. [26:17] Tell the guys a little bit about yourself before we stop here. Well, I am a journalist. I’ve been a columnist for New York Newsday, the New York Daily News, and the New York Post. I’ve written 10 books, three of which are novels. [26:34] And I’ve won several awards for journalism. And I teach a class for the Newswomen’s Club of New York to journalists on how to write novels, because it’s the totally opposite thing. It’s like teaching a dancer to sing, you know? It’s totally opposite. One of my mentors was Nelson DeMille, my dear late friend Nelson DeMille, and I called him up one night after I wrote my first novel, and I said, I think I made a terrible mistake. He said, what? I said, I think I gave the wrong name of the city or something. He said, oh, for God’s sakes, it’s fiction. You can write whatever you want. [27:17] But when you’re a journalist, if you make a mistake like that, you’re ruined. Yeah, exactly. So I have. We never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Go ahead. I’m sorry. I said I have a daughter and three grandsons. My daughter is the only female CEO of a games company. She was on the cover of Forbes. And my husband just died recently, and he was quite the character. He got a full-page obit in the New York Times. He’s such a typical, wonderful New York character. So I’m in this strange place right now where I’m mourning one thing and celebrating my book. On the other hand, it’s a very odd place to be. I can imagine. I can only imagine. Life goes on, as we say, back home. It just keeps going. All right. Linda Stacey, I really appreciate you coming on the show. Oh, thank you. I appreciate you talking to me. You’re so much an interesting guy. All right. Well, thank you.

Jeff Farrell 'Cocaine Diaries' My Substack (Subscribe)Jeff Farrell Website*Leave a review on Apple or Spotify* (nothing does more to help grow the show)Podcast Starter PacksOffshore Finance/Kleptocracy & Money LaunderingGeopolitics/Economics/Economic DevelopmentExplorers & AdventurersInvestigative Journalists---When Irish journalist Jeff Farrell arrived in Venezuela during the Chávez years as a Latin American correspondent, he couldn't have chanced a more serendipitous encounter that lead to one of the most harrowing stories he'd ever tell. That encounter was with the Irish drug mule, Paul Keeney, and his story that followed became the bestselling book, 'Cocaine Diaries', which pulls back the curtain on the nightmarish reality of Venezuela's prison system: the corruption, the violence, the abuse and the absurdity.Jeff discusses the extraordinary risks facing foreign correspondents trying to report from Venezuela today, where journalists are turned back at the airport and armed civilian militias called 'colectivos' who patrol the streets. We discuss his forthcoming novel 'Last Call of Caracas', which he's been writing for eight years and life imitated art a bit early in this case because by sheer coincidence, the novel ruptures to a scene of the US attacking Venezuela Throughout it all, Jeff reflects on a country he clearly loves but can no longer safely visit—and holds onto hope that one day, when the regime falls and the diaspora returns, he might get to write something positive about Venezuela for a change.Timestamps00:00 Jeff Farrell & The Story03:00 The Risks of Reporting from Venezuela06:13 The Challenges of Foreign Correspondence09:03 Life Under a Regime of Fear11:59 The Complexities of Venezuelan Society14:57 The Impact of Corruption and Socialism18:12 The Beauty and Paradox of Venezuela21:06 The Geography and Demographics of Venezuela24:04 The Journey of a Foreign Correspondent27:07 The Serendipitous Encounter with Paul Keeney44:27 A Journey into the Venezuelan Prison System51:47 Serendipity and the Book Deal54:07 Paul Keeney's Life and Struggles01:00:22 The Harsh Realities of Venezuelan Prisons01:08:14 Escape from Venezuela01:13:54 The Aftermath of the Book and Future Plans01:18:04 Reflections on Journalism and Human Experience

Fluent Fiction - Italian: When Laptops Swap: Serendipity Brews in Trastevere Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-02-01-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole invernale splendeva sul quartiere di Trastevere, dove un piccolo caffè era nascosto tra le strade strette di Roma.En: The winter sun was shining on the quartiere di Trastevere, where a small café was hidden among the narrow streets of Roma.It: Era un luogo perfetto per chi cercava una pausa tranquilla dal ritmo frenetico della città.En: It was a perfect place for those seeking a quiet break from the fast pace of the city.It: Dentro, l'aroma del caffè riempiva l'aria, mentre i clienti chiacchieravano e sorseggiavano i loro espressi.En: Inside, the aroma of coffee filled the air, while the patrons chatted and sipped their espressos.It: Lorenzo, un artista dal cuore d'oro e dalla testa tra le nuvole, sedeva a un tavolino, immerso nei suoi pensieri.En: Lorenzo, an artist with a heart of gold and his head in the clouds, sat at a little table, lost in his thoughts.It: Aveva appena finito di sistemare i suoi disegni, quando Paolo, il suo amico che lavorava al caffè, gli portò un cappuccino.En: He had just finished organizing his drawings when Paolo, his friend who worked at the café, brought him a cappuccino.It: "Grazie, Paolo," disse Lorenzo distrattamente, sfogliando il suo sketchbook.En: "Grazie, Paolo," said Lorenzo distractedly, flipping through his sketchbook.It: Nel frattempo, Giulia, una donna d'affari precisa e organizzata, entrò nel caffè in cerca di un tavolo libero.En: Meanwhile, Giulia, a precise and organized businesswoman, entered the café looking for a free table.It: Aveva un'importante riunione più tardi e stava facendo gli ultimi controlli sulla sua presentazione.En: She had an important meeting later and was making the last checks on her presentation.It: Si sedette accanto al tavolo di Lorenzo, senza notare i suoi disegni sulla sua destra.En: She sat down next to Lorenzo's table, without noticing his drawings to her right.It: Quando Lorenzo si alzò per prendere un dolce al bancone, prese di fretta la custodia del suo laptop – o almeno così pensava.En: When Lorenzo got up to get a pastry from the counter, he hurriedly took the case of his laptop — or so he thought.It: Tornato al suo posto, aprì la custodia solo per trovare dei grafici aziendali invece dei suoi schizzi.En: Back at his seat, he opened the case only to find business charts instead of his sketches.It: "Che strano!"En: "How strange!"It: pensò, mentre osservava meglio quella che era chiaramente una presentazione business.En: he thought, as he looked more closely at what was clearly a business presentation.It: Dall'altro lato del caffè, Giulia controllò il suo laptop e scoprì con orrore i disegni di un artista.En: On the other side of the café, Giulia checked her laptop and discovered with horror the drawings of an artist.It: "Questo non è mio!"En: "This isn't mine!"It: esclamò con preoccupazione.En: she exclaimed with concern.It: Fece una rapida ricognizione del locale e notò Lorenzo con una custodia che sembrava familiare.En: She quickly looked around the place and noticed Lorenzo with a case that seemed familiar.It: "Scusa!"En: "Excuse me!"It: disse Lorenzo, sollevando lo sguardo mentre Giulia si avvicinava.En: said Lorenzo, looking up as Giulia approached.It: "Credo che ci sia stato un errore."En: "I think there's been a mix-up."It: "Già," annuì Giulia, leggermente irritata.En: "Indeed," nodded Giulia, slightly irritated.It: "Credo che tu abbia il mio laptop."En: "I think you have my laptop."It: Lorenzo sorrise imbarazzato.En: Lorenzo smiled embarrassedly.It: "Ups, che pasticcio!En: "Oops, what a mess!It: Facciamo cambio?"En: Shall we swap?"It: In quel momento, Paolo osservava la scena con un sorriso di compiacimento.En: In that moment, Paolo watched the scene with a smile of satisfaction.It: Era quel tipo di serendipità a cui sperava di assistere.En: It was the kind of serendipity he hoped to witness.It: "Forse il destino sa cosa fa," pensò.En: "Maybe destiny knows what it's doing," he thought.It: Dopo aver risolto il malinteso e ristabilito l'ordine, Lorenzo e Giulia risero insieme, sedendosi di nuovo ai loro tavoli.En: After resolving the mistake and restoring order, Lorenzo and Giulia laughed together, sitting back down at their tables.It: "Sai," disse Lorenzo, "forse dovrei prestare più attenzione."En: "You know," said Lorenzo, "maybe I should pay more attention."It: Giulia, finalmente rilassata, rispose: "E io forse dovrei essere meno rigida."En: Giulia, finally relaxed, replied, "And maybe I should be less rigid."It: Poco dopo, Paolo portò due tazze di caffè e si unì a loro.En: Shortly after, Paolo brought two cups of coffee and joined them.It: "Vi offro questo per festeggiare una nuova amicizia," disse, strizzando l'occhio.En: "I'll treat you to this to celebrate a new friendship," he said, winking.It: Con il profumo di caffè fresco nell'aria e sorrisi sinceri sui loro volti, Lorenzo e Giulia scoprirono che c'era più che solo lavoro in quel caffè.En: With the scent of fresh coffee in the air and genuine smiles on their faces, Lorenzo and Giulia discovered that there was more than just work in that café.It: Tra i sorsi e le risate, il freddo di febbraio sembrava lontano, e così pure le frenesie del quotidiano.En: Between sips and laughs, the February cold seemed distant, as did the daily hustle.It: Forse, dopotutto, Paolo aveva ragione: il destino ha sempre un modo per riunire le persone giuste al momento giusto.En: Perhaps, after all, Paolo was right: destiny always has a way of bringing the right people together at the right time. Vocabulary Words:the sunshine: lo splendore del solethe neighborhood: il quartierethe pace: il ritmothe patrons: i clientithe aroma: l'aromathe laptop: il laptopthe sketchbook: il sketchbookthe pastry: il dolcethe counter: il banconethe mistake: il malintesothe serendipity: la serendipitàthe destiny: il destinothe drawing: il disegnothe hustle: la frenesiathe error: l'errorethe mess: il pasticciothe satisfaction: il compiacimentothe order: l'ordinethe scene: la scenathe expression: l'espressionestrange: stranorigid: rigidoto swap: fare cambioto treat: offrireto resolve: risolvereto witness: assistereto discover: scoprirethe fragrance: il profumothe realization: la realizzazionethe cup: la tazza

Experiencing Joy and Bliss - A Creative Visualisation What if joy and bliss weren't things you had to chase… What if they were already inside you, waiting to be remembered? In this deeper episode of Personal Development Unplugged, Paul guides you through a powerful creative visualisation designed to help you experience joy, bliss, and deep personal pride – not just think about them. This is not about forcing positivity or pretending everything is perfect. It's about sending a clear emotional signal to your unconscious mind: "This is how I want to feel." Using imagination, memory, sensory awareness, and gentle NLP-style anchoring, you'll explore what joy truly feels like for you – and how that feeling can begin to influence your future choices, goals, and direction in life. This episode works best when you can set aside around 20 minutes with no distractions. It's an internal experience – subtle, safe, and deeply personal. In this episode, you'll: Discover why feelings, not goals, are the real compass of personal development Experience a guided creative visualisation for joy, bliss, and personal pride Learn how imagination can bypass internal resistance and unlock change Anchor empowering emotional states you can access whenever you choose Begin building a "base camp" for future growth and deeper work Explore how joy can become a signal your unconscious mind follows This episode gently sets the foundation for upcoming deeper dives into joy, purpose, and removing what gets in the way of feeling truly alive. Best enjoyed somewhere comfortable, safe, and uninterrupted with headphones Your Key Takeaways Your unconscious mind often knows more than your conscious plans Joy and bliss are states, not rewards Imagination is a valid and powerful route to emotional change You can consciously anchor empowering feelings Feeling good isn't selfish – it's ecological Your Call to Action Subscribe so you don't miss the upcoming deeper dives Share this episode with someone who could use more joy in their life https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/473-experiencing-joy-and-bliss-a-creative-visualisation Explore Paul's hypnosis and visualization tracks at paulcloughonline.com/podcast Send feedback or suggestions to feedback@personaldevelopmentunplugged.com Shine Brightly

Len Fisher gathered Nobel laureates, leaders in science, philosophers and economists to brainstorm serendipity in science, asking how it might be exploited for even more gain. 

Richard Lucas hosts a compelling discussion with celebrated British entrepreneur and author David Cleevely. In this insightful podcast, Richard and David dive into Cleevely's book, 'Serendipity: It Doesn't Happen by Accident,' exploring how environments can be engineered to foster luck. Richard guides the conversation as David explains the puzzle that inspired the book: why significant entrepreneurial ventures repeatedly emerge from seemingly chance encounters in hubs like Cambridge. They discuss the characteristics, systems, and culture—including the crucial role of values of generosity and kindness—that enhance the likelihood of serendipitous, high-impact collaborations. David Cleevely's book, 'Serendipity: It Doesn't Happen by Accident,' explores the idea that environments can be engineered to foster luck, leading to entrepreneurial success through serendipitous, high-impact collaborations. LinksHis book 'Serendipity: It Doesn't Happen by Accident” is available here and from all major booksellers,David Cleevely CBE FREng, FIET is the Chairman of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. He is the founder of telecoms consultancy Analysys (acquired by Datatec International in 2004). co-founded the web based antibody company Abcam (ABC.L) with Jonathan Milner and was Chairman until November 2009 which was acquired by Danaher for US$5.7 billion in 2023. He has co-founded several other companies and is Chairman of two of them..He has been active in promoting Cambridge. He was a prime mover behind Cambridge Network, co-founder of Cambridge Wireless, co-founder and Chairman of Cambridge Angels, Founding Director of the Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge and Vice Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Commission. Other policy work has included membership of the IET Communications Policy Panel, the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board and the Enterprise Committee and the National Engineering Policy Group at the Royal Academy of Engineering. From 2001 to 2008, he was a member of the Ministry of Defence Board overseeing information systems and services (DES-ISS, formerly the Defence Communications Services Agency). In addition to Raspberry Pi, his charitable work includes the Cambridge Science Centre, which he helped set up and fund in 2013 and continues as Chair. Richard Lucas, the host of this NBN channel, is founder of CAMentrepreneurs—a network supporting entrepreneurship globally among Cambridge University Alumni and others through locally led chapters. CAMentrepreneurs - Peter Cowley legacy  Books and articles mentioned in the podcast Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives by James H. Fowler PhD (Author), Nicholas A. Christakis The Strength of Weak Ties Mark S. Granovetter Gov. Pritzker Commencement Address: Kindness is intelligence Cambridge Angels 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

Richard Lucas hosts a compelling discussion with celebrated British entrepreneur and author David Cleevely. In this insightful podcast, Richard and David dive into Cleevely's book, 'Serendipity: It Doesn't Happen by Accident,' exploring how environments can be engineered to foster luck. Richard guides the conversation as David explains the puzzle that inspired the book: why significant entrepreneurial ventures repeatedly emerge from seemingly chance encounters in hubs like Cambridge. They discuss the characteristics, systems, and culture—including the crucial role of values of generosity and kindness—that enhance the likelihood of serendipitous, high-impact collaborations. David Cleevely's book, 'Serendipity: It Doesn't Happen by Accident,' explores the idea that environments can be engineered to foster luck, leading to entrepreneurial success through serendipitous, high-impact collaborations. LinksHis book 'Serendipity: It Doesn't Happen by Accident” is available here and from all major booksellers,David Cleevely CBE FREng, FIET is the Chairman of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. He is the founder of telecoms consultancy Analysys (acquired by Datatec International in 2004). co-founded the web based antibody company Abcam (ABC.L) with Jonathan Milner and was Chairman until November 2009 which was acquired by Danaher for US$5.7 billion in 2023. He has co-founded several other companies and is Chairman of two of them..He has been active in promoting Cambridge. He was a prime mover behind Cambridge Network, co-founder of Cambridge Wireless, co-founder and Chairman of Cambridge Angels, Founding Director of the Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge and Vice Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Commission. Other policy work has included membership of the IET Communications Policy Panel, the Ofcom Spectrum Advisory Board and the Enterprise Committee and the National Engineering Policy Group at the Royal Academy of Engineering. From 2001 to 2008, he was a member of the Ministry of Defence Board overseeing information systems and services (DES-ISS, formerly the Defence Communications Services Agency). In addition to Raspberry Pi, his charitable work includes the Cambridge Science Centre, which he helped set up and fund in 2013 and continues as Chair. Richard Lucas, the host of this NBN channel, is founder of CAMentrepreneurs—a network supporting entrepreneurship globally among Cambridge University Alumni and others through locally led chapters. CAMentrepreneurs - Peter Cowley legacy  Books and articles mentioned in the podcast Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives by James H. Fowler PhD (Author), Nicholas A. Christakis The Strength of Weak Ties Mark S. Granovetter Gov. Pritzker Commencement Address: Kindness is intelligence Cambridge Angels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Winter's Whisper: Love Blossoms in Vondelpark's Snow Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-01-27-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Een koude bries waaide door het Vondelpark, waar een dunne laag sneeuw de paden bedekte.En: A cold breeze blew through the Vondelpark, where a thin layer of snow covered the paths.Nl: Bas stond bij de vijver.En: Bas stood by the pond.Nl: Zijn handen warmden zich aan een kop hete koffie.En: His hands warmed themselves on a cup of hot coffee.Nl: Hij was hier vaker, genoot van de rust die de natuur hem bood, weg van de hectiek van Amsterdam.En: He was here often, enjoying the peace that nature offered him, away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam.Nl: Aan de andere kant van de vijver zat Sanne.En: On the other side of the pond sat Sanne.Nl: Ze strooide broodkruimels naar de eenden, haar gedachten afdwalen naar gedichten die ze nog moest schrijven.En: She was scattering bread crumbs to the ducks, her thoughts drifting to poems she still had to write.Nl: De eenden waren al vertrouwd met haar aanwezigheid, happend naar de stukjes die ze liefdevol naar hen gooide.En: The ducks were already familiar with her presence, snapping at the pieces she lovingly tossed toward them.Nl: Bas zag haar.En: Bas saw her.Nl: Iets in haar rustige aanwezigheid trok hem aan.En: Something in her calm presence attracted him.Nl: Misschien was het de manier waarop ze glimlachte bij het zien van de vogels.En: Maybe it was the way she smiled when she saw the birds.Nl: Hij ademde diep in.En: He took a deep breath.Nl: Hij wilde een gesprek beginnen, hoewel hij wist dat hij zich moest openstellen - iets wat hij vaak moeilijk vond.En: He wanted to start a conversation, even though he knew he had to open up—something he often found difficult.Nl: Hij verzamelde moed en stapte naar voren, "Mooie ochtend, vind je niet?"En: He gathered courage and stepped forward, "Beautiful morning, don't you think?"Nl: De woorden kwamen eenvoudig: geen grootse introductie, gewoon mens tot mens.En: The words came simply: no grand introduction, just human to human.Nl: Sanne keek op, verrast. "Ja, het is prachtig," antwoordde ze.En: Sanne looked up, surprised. "Yes, it's beautiful," she replied.Nl: En zo, met die paar woorden, begon hun kennismaking.En: And so, with those few words, their acquaintance began.Nl: Bas vertelde over de vogels, hun gedrag en wat ze bij hem opriepen.En: Bas talked about the birds, their behavior, and what they evoked in him.Nl: Sanne luisterde aandachtig, haar interesse gewekt.En: Sanne listened attentively, her interest sparked.Nl: De tijd gleed voorbij, en hun gesprekken werden diepgaander.En: Time slipped by, and their conversations grew deeper.Nl: Hoewel Sanne wist dat de stapels boeken op haar wachtten, genoot ze van de rust in hun samenzijn.En: Although Sanne knew that piles of books awaited her, she enjoyed the tranquility in their companionship.Nl: Bas voelde zich kalm, alsof hij eindelijk iemand had gevonden die niet alleen luisterde, maar begreep.En: Bas felt calm, as if he had finally found someone who not only listened but understood.Nl: Het park veranderde.En: The park changed.Nl: Langzaam vielen er sneeuwvlokken om hen heen.En: Slowly, snowflakes began to fall around them.Nl: Bas stelde voor om een stukje te lopen, samen door de met sneeuw bedekte paden.En: Bas suggested taking a walk, together through the snow-covered paths.Nl: Sanne knikte, blij met het voorstel.En: Sanne nodded, pleased with the suggestion.Nl: Tijdens hun wandeling spraken ze eerlijk over hun zorgen.En: During their walk, they spoke honestly about their concerns.Nl: Bas vertelde over zijn angst om zich open te stellen, om teleurgesteld te worden.En: Bas talked about his fear of opening up, of being disappointed.Nl: Sanne sprak over haar drukke studie. Haar wensen om tussen de boeken door ook te leven.En: Sanne spoke about her demanding studies and her desires to live alongside her books.Nl: Ze vonden troost bij elkaar.En: They found comfort in each other.Nl: De open gesprekken voelden bevrijdend.En: The open conversations felt liberating.Nl: Het klikte.En: It clicked.Nl: Toen de dagen korter werden, kwamen Bas en Sanne tot een besluit.En: As the days grew shorter, Bas and Sanne came to a decision.Nl: Ze wilden elkaar opnieuw zien.En: They wanted to see each other again.Nl: Niet vanwege de eenden, de sneeuw, of de toevallige ontmoeting, maar vanwege de connectie die ze voelden.En: Not because of the ducks, the snow, or the chance meeting, but because of the connection they felt.Nl: Een verbinding die voelde als een warme gloed in de winterse kou.En: A bond that felt like a warm glow in the winter cold.Nl: En zo, in het serene Vondelpark, vonden Bas en Sanne niet alleen een vriendschap, maar ook het begin van iets wat beloofde meer te worden.En: And so, in the serene Vondelpark, Bas and Sanne found not only a friendship but also the beginning of something that promised to become more.Nl: Iets wat de winterkou overstijgt en het verlangen naar echte verbinding vervult.En: Something that transcends the winter chill and fulfills the longing for genuine connection. Vocabulary Words:breeze: briespond: vijverpaths: padenhustle: hectiekbustle: druktescattering: strooidecrumbs: broodkruimelsdrifting: afdwalentossed: gooidepresence: aanwezigheidattracted: trok aantrampled: vertrouwdcourage: moedintroduction: introductieacquaintance: kennismakingattentively: aandachtigsparked: gewekttranquility: rustcompanionship: samenzijnfamiliar: vertrouwdliberating: bevrijdendserene: serenebond: verbindingtranscends: overstijgtgenuine: echtehappily: blijdeep breath: diep inademenenticing: aantrekkelijkassured: verzekerdreluctant: terughoudend

Are you a high-performing founder feeling overwhelmed by the "mess" of operations and the "black hole" of marketing? In this episode of the Will Power Podcast, Will sits down with Alexis Krisay, founder of Serendipity and the mastermind behind Vamped.Alexis shares her journey from running a high-level marketing agency for 18 years to discovering the life-changing power of remote assistants. We dive deep into why healthcare and wellness businesses often struggle to scale, how to bridge the gap between "visionary" and "execution," and the exact framework you can use to determine which tasks are stealing your wealth and your freedom.Key Takeaways:The "Vamped" Method: Why training remote assistants in marketing and executive support is the secret weapon for modern entrepreneurs.The Freedom Formula: How to calculate your hourly worth and identify the tasks you should outsource immediately to reclaim your life.Marketing vs. Admin: Why social media isn't just "posting a reel"—and how a trained assistant can handle the 90% of engagement that actually drives revenue.Culture & Leadership: The unique "servant culture" of talent in the Philippines and how it differs from the domestic hiring market.Case Studies in Success: How Vamped clients saw a 350% increase in engagement and dozens of new subscribers in just 30 days.Resources Mentioned:Vamped: VampedVA.comVirtual Rockstar: VirtualRockstar.comBook: Buy Back Your Time by Dan MartellBook: Day Trading Attention by Gary VaynerchukBook: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraSend us a textVirtual Rockstars specialize in helping support or replace all non-clinical roles.Learn how a Virtual Rockstar can help scale your physical therapy practice.Subscribe here to our completely free Stress-Free PT Newsletter for your weekly dose of joy.

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Snowstorm Serendipity: A Chance Reunion in Oslo Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-01-23-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en kald vintermorgen på Oslo S.En: It was a cold winter morning at Oslo S.No: Snøfnugg danset gjennom luften, store og tunge.En: Snowflakes were dancing through the air, large and heavy.No: Ingrid klemte skjerfet tett rundt halsen.En: Ingrid wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck.No: Hun fokuserte på målet: å komme til jobbmøtet med Aksel.En: She focused on the goal: to get to the work meeting with Aksel.No: Men snøstormen truet med å ødelegge planene hennes.En: But the snowstorm threatened to ruin her plans.No: Plattformene var glatte, og toget til Drammen var forsinket.En: The platforms were slippery, and the train to Drammen was delayed.No: "Ikke nå," hvisket Ingrid for seg selv.En: "Not now," Ingrid whispered to herself.No: Hun tok et dypt pust, forsiktig med isen under føttene.En: She took a deep breath, careful with the ice under her feet.No: Mens hun ventet, hørte hun en kjent stemme.En: While she waited, she heard a familiar voice.No: "Ingrid?En: "Ingrid?No: Er det virkelig deg?En: Is it really you?"No: " Mathias sto der, smilende og avslappet, som om vinteren kun var en skygge.En: Mathias stood there, smiling and relaxed, as if winter was just a shadow.No: "Ingrid!En: "Ingrid!No: Det er lenge siden sist," sa Mathias.En: It's been a long time," said Mathias.No: Han hadde vært en nær venn i ungdomsårene hennes, men livets veier hadde ført dem fra hverandre.En: He had been a close friend in her younger years, but life's paths had led them apart.No: "Hva gjør du her?En: "What are you doing here?"No: " spurte hun, overrasket men glad for å se ham.En: she asked, surprised but happy to see him.No: "Jeg pendler fra Oslo til Asker.En: "I commute from Oslo to Asker.No: Og snøen, den liker jeg.En: And the snow, I like it.No: Den gir meg en unnskyldning til å ta det med ro," svarte Mathias med et lurt smil.En: It gives me an excuse to take it easy," replied Mathias with a sly smile.No: Ingrid lo, men følte samtidig trykket av klokken.En: Ingrid laughed but felt the pressure of the clock at the same time.No: Hun hadde lite tid.En: She had little time.No: Toget hennes kunne dukke opp når som helst.En: Her train could show up at any moment.No: "Hvordan har du det?En: "How have you been?"No: " spurte Mathias.En: asked Mathias.No: "Urolig," innrømmet Ingrid.En: "Anxious," Ingrid admitted.No: "Jeg har en viktig jobbintervju snart, og snøen gjør meg nervøs.En: "I have an important job interview soon, and the snow is making me nervous."No: "De snakket litt videre, og Ingrid kjente gamle følelser av komfort og varme for Mathias.En: They chatted a bit further, and Ingrid felt old feelings of comfort and warmth for Mathias.No: Men ansvaret kalte.En: But responsibility called.No: Hun måtte ta et valg.En: She had to make a choice.No: "Det er hyggelig å se deg igjen, Mathias.En: "It's nice to see you again, Mathias.No: Kan vi bytte nummer?En: Can we exchange numbers?No: Jeg må løpe til toget," sa Ingrid, raskt.En: I have to run to the train," said Ingrid, quickly.No: Mathias rakte henne telefonen, og de utvekslet kontaktinfo.En: Mathias handed her the phone, and they exchanged contact info.No: "Lykke til med intervjuet, Ingrid.En: "Good luck with the interview, Ingrid.No: Vi får ta en kaffe snart!En: We should grab a coffee soon!"No: " ropte han mens Ingrid skyndte seg mot plattformen.En: he shouted as Ingrid hurried toward the platform.No: Med snøflak i håret og en bankende puls, fant hun endelig riktig tog.En: With snowflakes in her hair and a pounding pulse, she finally found the right train.No: Hun pustet lettet ut da det gled bort fra stasjonen.En: She sighed with relief as it glided away from the station.No: Selv med distraksjonen av gamle minner, var Ingrid takknemlig for øyeblikket hun hadde delt med Mathias.En: Even with the distraction of old memories, Ingrid was grateful for the moment she had shared with Mathias.No: Det skapte en ny gnist av håp og motivasjon.En: It created a new spark of hope and motivation.No: Vel fremme, møtte hun Aksel, litt anpusten men i tide.En: Once there, she met Aksel, slightly out of breath but on time.No: Intervjuet gikk bra.En: The interview went well.No: Ingrid klarte å balansere mellom presisjon og følelser, og hun følte en ny styrke i seg.En: Ingrid managed to balance precision and emotions, and she felt a new strength within herself.No: Oslo S forble en katedral av støy bak henne, men denne gangen hadde reisen annet å tilby – vennskap og muligheter.En: Oslo S remained a cathedral of noise behind her, but this time the journey had more to offer – friendship and opportunities.No: Ingrid smilte, for hun visste at noen ganger gir også snøstormer plass for solskinn.En: Ingrid smiled, for she knew that sometimes snowstorms also make way for sunshine. Vocabulary Words:snowflakes: snøfnuggscarf: skjerfgoal: målthreatened: truetslippery: glattedelayed: forsinketfamiliar: kjentsurprised: overrasketcommute: pendlerexcuse: unnskyldningsly: lurtpressure: trykketanxious: urolignervous: nervøschosen: dukket oppresponsibility: ansvaretchoice: valgexchange: byttecontact info: kontaktinfohurried: skyndte segpounding: bankendeglided: gledrelief: lettet utdistraction: distraksjonengrateful: takknemligspark: gnistmotivation: motivasjonbalance: balansereprecision: presisjonstrength: styrke

Episode Summary:Why do some people seem to attract good fortune? In this episode, I explore the neuroscience of serendipity – those chance discoveries and happy accidents that change everything. From Alexander Fleming's mouldy petri dish to the role of the brain's default mode network in connecting unrelated ideas, this episode uncovers the science behind what we call “luck.”You'll learn how curiosity, openness, and cognitive flexibility make us more likely to notice opportunity when it crosses our path – and how to train your brain to do just that.In this episode:How the term serendipity was born from a Persian fairy taleWhat neuroscience reveals about “accidental” discoveriesWhy “lucky” people simply notice more (Wiseman, 2003)How creative insights emerge from brain network interplay (Beaty et al., PNAS, 2018)Why our digital lives might be shrinking our chances for serendipity – and how to get it backThe Three Tools for Your Super Brain Kit to invite more insight, connection, and creative luck into your lifeThree Tools for Your Super Brain Kit:Expand your input – curiosity feeds connection.Practise attentive openness – notice what others miss.Reframe setbacks as openings – mistakes can be portals to discovery.Referenced research:Beaty, R. E. et al. (2018). PNAS, “Robust default–executive coupling supports creative cognition.”Wiseman, R. (2003). The Luck Factor.Busch, C. (2020). The Serendipity Mindset.Key Quote:“Serendipity isn't just luck – it's the brain's brilliance at connecting the unconnected.”Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/superbrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toni Sant presents the 755th in a series of podcasts featuring music by performers in or from Malta. Artists featured in this podcast: PART 1Michael Azzopardi - AnnimaliJames Cardona - Għall-Ħarġa Fadi Abou Rjeili - Ah, xi ħlew!Mario Saliba -Mighty GodThe Alchemist/Midnight - It's Never Too LateSceptocrypt - This Odometer SyndromePART 2Chess Galea - Falling KnivesTom Caruana - Salsa Verde [Perfect Match] Peach Talk - CollidescopeAndre Camilleri - Make America Great AgainMama Kin Spender - PromisesMelbourne Ska Orchestra - The Ballad of Monte LocoAlexandra Alden -Big SkyFake Ophelia - Out of TimeSandro Zerafa - SerendipityTara Formosa - ConfessionalKlingande & Shaun Farrugia - Feelings for YouBahjat - LocoPART 3Featured album: Mine by Banjo Lucia >> Details about this podcast [in Maltese] See also: - MMI Podcast: YouTube playlist - MMI Podcast: Facebook Page - MMI Archive on Mixcloud | @tonisant on Twitter - M3P: Malta Music Memory Project - Mużika Mod Ieħor ma' Toni Sant on Facebook  (MP3)

This episode marks Rose Claverie's conversation with Sunny Bates for the Harvest Series.Recorded at Harvest in Kaplankaya, they come together to explore a question that feels increasingly urgent in our modern world: what does real connection truly mean?In this thoughtful and expansive dialogue, Sunny Bates challenges transactional networking and reframes connection as an act of generosity, curiosity, and courage. Reflecting on community, asking, and vulnerability, this episode is a powerful reminder that human connection remains one of our most essential tools.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Harvest00:29 – What makes a connection extraordinary01:14 – Sunny Bates' work and background01:53 – Networking without discomfort02:30 – Shyness, asking, and vulnerability03:48 – Becoming a connector from childhood05:12 – Why people fear uncomfortable personalities06:00 – Giving generously and transformation06:10 – How travel reshaped connection07:31 – Networks, generosity, and ripple effects08:25 – Introverts, extroverts, and curiosity09:29 – Managing energy and meaningful interactions10:39 – Hiring, trust, and deep evaluation12:08 – Approaching busy or guarded people13:53 – When connection becomes transactional15:02 – Personal mission and alignment16:05 – Rejection, fear, and asking again17:25 – Phones, avoidance, and modern disconnection18:46 – Advising TED and building communities20:26 – Sustaining engaged communities22:02 – Connection as political resistance24:14 – Regretful connections and responsibility28:24 – Courage, motherhood, and career risk32:14 – The courage to ask32:54 – Closing reflectionsYou can follow us on Instagram at @HarvestSeries or @rose.claverie for updates.Watch our podcast episodes and speaker sessions on YouTube: Harvest Series.Credits:Sound editing by: @lesbellesfrequencesTechnician in Kaplankaya: Joel MoriasiMusic by: ChambordHarvest Series is produced in partnership with Athena Advisers and Capital PartnersHarvest Series Founders: Burak Öymen and Roman Carel

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Dinosaur Love: A Museum Proposal in Unexpected Moments Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-01-18-23-34-02-da Story Transcript:Da: Snefnuggene dalede stille ned over byen, mens Soren og Astrid trådte ind i det store Museum for Naturhistorie.En: The snowflakes drifted quietly down over the city as Soren and Astrid stepped into the large Museum of Natural History.Da: De var rejst hele vejen fra København til denne weekendtur, langt væk for at nyde tid sammen.En: They had traveled all the way from København for this weekend getaway, far away to enjoy time together.Da: Museet, med sine høje lofter og et væld af udstillinger, føltes som en portal til verdens tidligste mysterier.En: The museum, with its high ceilings and a wealth of exhibits, felt like a portal to the world's earliest mysteries.Da: Soren havde en hemmelig plan.En: Soren had a secret plan.Da: Han ville finde det perfekte øjeblik til at fri til Astrid.En: He wanted to find the perfect moment to propose to Astrid.Da: Han elskede at dele sin passion for historie og videnskab med hende, og det her museum føltes som det ideelle sted.En: He loved sharing his passion for history and science with her, and this museum felt like the ideal place.Da: Men i dag var museet fyldt med besøgende, alle ivrige efter at se de enorme dinosaurknogler og glitrende krystaller.En: But today, the museum was filled with visitors, all eager to see the enormous dinosaur bones and glittering crystals.Da: Astrid kastede henrykte blikke rundt i de forskellige udstillinger, men dybt inde mærkede hun en snert af usikkerhed.En: Astrid cast delighted glances around the various exhibits, but deep inside she felt a tinge of uncertainty.Da: Forholdet med Soren var vigtigt for hende, men hun ønskede klarhed over deres fremtid.En: Her relationship with Soren was important to her, but she desired clarity about their future.Da: Hendes sind var fyldt med spørgsmål, som truede med at fjerne hendes tilstedeværelse fra øjeblikket.En: Her mind was filled with questions, threatening to remove her presence from the moment.Da: Soren bemærkede folks summen og den konstante strøm af besøgende.En: Soren noticed the hum of people and the constant stream of visitors.Da: Det udfordrede ham, for det var næsten umuligt at finde et privat øjeblik.En: It challenged him, as it was nearly impossible to find a private moment.Da: Men tanken om at deltage i dinosaurudstillingen gav ham en idé.En: But the thought of joining the dinosaur exhibit gave him an idea.Da: Han førte Astrid hen mod den lidt roligere del af museet, hvor en majestætisk dinosaur stod.En: He led Astrid towards a slightly quieter part of the museum, where a majestic dinosaur stood.Da: De stoppede ved den store Tyrannosaurus Rex.En: They stopped by the large Tyrannosaurus Rex.Da: Astrid blev draget af dens styrke og historie.En: Astrid was drawn to its power and history.Da: Soren tog hendes hånd og trak vejret dybt.En: Soren took her hand and took a deep breath.Da: Han var lige ved at bukke ned på knæ, da en stemme over højtalerne brød den stille luft.En: He was just about to kneel when a voice over the loudspeaker broke the still air.Da: En speciel dinosaurbegivenhed blev annonceret, og mange mennesker skyndte sig hen til dem.En: A special dinosaur event was announced, and many people hurried over to them.Da: Pludselig var det rolige hjørne et mylder af forventningsfulde mennesker.En: Suddenly, the quiet corner became a flurry of expectant people.Da: Soren mødte Astrids øjne, og i det virvar af stemmer og bevægelser, samlede han sit mod.En: Soren met Astrid's eyes, and amidst the chaos of voices and movements, he gathered his courage.Da: "Astrid," begyndte han, hans stemme lys i al tumulten, "jeg elsker dig.En: "Astrid," he began, his voice bright in all the tumult, "I love you.Da: Mere end alt."En: More than anything."Da: Folk omkring dem standsede op et kort øjeblik, nogle smilende, nogle optagede af begivenheden.En: People around them paused for a brief moment, some smiling, some focused on the event.Da: "Vil du gifte dig med mig?"En: "Will you marry me?"Da: Astrids tvivl smuldrede væk, erstattet af en strålende glæde.En: Astrid's doubts crumbled away, replaced by radiant joy.Da: Hun lo, en lys og klar latter, som blandede sig med rummets lyde.En: She laughed, a light and clear laughter, blending with the sounds of the room.Da: "Ja, Soren!En: "Yes, Soren!Da: Selvfølgelig vil jeg det," svarede hun varmt.En: Of course, I will," she replied warmly.Da: Spontaniteten i øjeblikket skabte en uforglemmelig oplevelse for dem begge.En: The spontaneity of the moment created an unforgettable experience for them both.Da: Soren følte en lettelse og en dyb glæde.En: Soren felt a relief and a deep joy.Da: Han lærte at nogle af de bedste øjeblikke sker uplanlagt.En: He learned that some of the best moments happen unplanned.Da: Astrid indså, at når hun lod tvivlen flyve bort, fandt hun en dybere forbindelse og ny glæde i de små magiske øjeblikke med Soren.En: Astrid realized that when she let her doubts fly away, she found a deeper connection and new joy in the small magical moments with Soren.Da: Sammen vandrede de videre gennem museet, nu forlovet og fulde af håb for det, der venter forude.En: Together, they wandered further through the museum, now engaged and full of hope for what lies ahead.Da: Museet summede videre med liv, og deres kærlighed fandt på ny en stærk, fælles vej i dagene fremad.En: The museum buzzed on with life, and their love found anew a strong, shared path in the days to come. Vocabulary Words:drifted: daledegetaway: weekendturportal: portalmysteries: mysterierpropose: friexhibits: udstillingerglittering: glitrendecast: kastededelighted: henryktetinge: snertuncertainty: usikkerhedclarity: klarhedpresence: tilstedeværelsehum: summenconstant: konstantchallenged: udfordredemajestic: majestætiskdrawn: dragetevent: begivenhedflurry: mylderexpectant: forventningsfuldecourage: modtumult: tumultencrumble: smuldrederadiant: strålendespontaneity: spontanitetenunplanned: uplanlagtconnection: forbindelsewandered: vandredeengaged: forlovet

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Serendipity in Science: The Budapesti Museum Encounter Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-18-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A fények ragyogtak az üvegtető alatt, ahogy a Budapesti Tudományos Múzeum látogatói izgatottan járkáltak az új kiállításon.En: The lights shone under the glass ceiling as the visitors of the Budapesti Tudományos Múzeum walked excitedly through the new exhibit.Hu: Kint a téli szél vadul fújt, de belül meleg és otthonos volt az atmoszféra.En: Outside, the winter wind blew fiercely, but inside, the atmosphere was warm and cozy.Hu: Az emberek csoportokban gyülekeztek, érdeklődve tekintgettek a különleges tárgyakra.En: People gathered in groups, looking curiously at the special objects.Hu: Bence lassan sétált a kiállítási teremben.En: Bence walked slowly through the exhibition hall.Hu: Szerette a tudományt.En: He loved science.Hu: Mindig is lenyűgözte az élet rejtélyei, de gyakran érezte egyedül magát a gondolataival.En: He had always been fascinated by the mysteries of life, but often felt alone with his thoughts.Hu: Most is csöndesen figyelt, próbálta megérteni a körülötte lévő világot.En: Even now, he observed quietly, trying to understand the world around him.Hu: Nem messze tőle Lilla ujjongva mesélt barátjának, Emesének egy holografikus naprendről.En: Not far from him, Lilla was excitedly telling her friend, Emese, about a holographic solar system.Hu: Lilla mindig szenvedéllyel fordult a tudomány felé, minden apró részlet érdekelte őt.En: Lilla always approached science with passion; every little detail intrigued her.Hu: Emese bátorította, hogy jöjjön el egyedül a múzeumba, hogy jobban fel tudja fedezni azt, amit igazán szeret.En: Emese encouraged her to come to the museum alone so she could explore more of what she truly loved.Hu: Egyszer csak Bence megpillantotta Lilla lelkesedését, ami vonzotta őt.En: Suddenly, Bence noticed Lilla's enthusiasm, which drew him in.Hu: Egy pillanatra habozott, megrémült a lehetőségtől, hogy újra elutasításban részesül, mint korábban sokszor.En: He hesitated for a moment, frightened by the possibility of facing rejection again, as he had many times before.Hu: De aztán, mintha egy belső hang megszólalna, mégis odasétált Lillához.En: But then, as if an inner voice spoke to him, he walked over to Lilla.Hu: - Bocsánat, tényleg izgalmas, amit mondtál a naprendről. Egyedül jöttél? - kérdezte Bence kicsit bizonytalanul.En: "Excuse me, what you said about the solar system sounds really exciting. Did you come alone?" Bence asked, a little uncertainly.Hu: Lilla felnézett, meglepetten, de barátságosan mosolygott.En: Lilla looked up, surprised, but smiled warmly.Hu: - Igen! Imádom a tudományt. Alig vártam ezt a kiállítást. – válaszolta.En: "Yes! I love science. I could hardly wait for this exhibition," she replied.Hu: Bence és Lilla együtt fedezték fel az emeleten a vadonatúj űrtechnológiai kiállítást.En: Bence and Lilla explored the brand-new space technology exhibition upstairs together.Hu: A beszélgetésük egyre mélyebb és személyesebb lett.En: Their conversation became deeper and more personal.Hu: Bence érezte, hogy Lilla valóban érti és értékeli őt.En: Bence felt that Lilla truly understood and appreciated him.Hu: Lilla pedig észrevette, hogy Bence figyelmes hallgató, aki tiszteli az ő szenvedélyét.En: Meanwhile, Lilla noticed that Bence was a thoughtful listener who respected her passion.Hu: Ahogy az utolsó termet is bejárták, észrevették, hogy eltelt az idő.En: As they went through the last room, they realized time had passed.Hu: Az egész napot együtt töltötték.En: They had spent the whole day together.Hu: - Talán meglehetne ismételni ezt. Mit gondolsz? – kérdezte Bence, kezdve érezni a remény melegét.En: "Maybe we could do this again. What do you think?" Bence asked, beginning to feel the warmth of hope.Hu: Lilla mosolygott.En: Lilla smiled.Hu: - Nagyon szívesen. Jó lenne együtt felfedezni még több dolgot.En: "I'd love to. It would be nice to discover more things together."Hu: Az ajtó felé sétáltak, és a hideg levegővel szembenézve Bence megváltozott emberként érezte magát, nyitottabbnak.En: They walked toward the door, and as they faced the cold air, Bence felt like a changed person, more open.Hu: Lilla tanult belőle, hogy figyelni, nem csak mesélni is fontos.En: Lilla learned from him that listening is as important as telling.Hu: A kapcsolatuk kezdetét lelkesen várták, és elindultak egy közös új kaland felé a tudomány világában.En: They eagerly awaited the beginning of their relationship and embarked on a new adventure together in the world of science. Vocabulary Words:shone: ragyogtakceiling: üvegtetőfiercely: vadulcozy: otthonosexhibit: kiállításonmysteries: rejtélyeicuriously: érdeklődvesolitude: egyedülbaffled: megérteniholographic: holografikusfascinated: lenyűgözteambiance: atmoszféraintrigued: érdekeltecourage: bátorítottahesitated: habozottfrightened: megrémültrejection: elutasításutter: megszólalnaexclaimed: mondtálupstairs: emeletenappreciated: értékelithoughtful: figyelmeslistener: hallgatóconversed: beszélgetésükanticipated: vártamencounter: szembenézveinitiated: elindultakrelationship: kapcsolatukembarked: megkezdődöttadventure: kaland

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Tulips and Serendipity: An Urban Market Encounter Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-01-17-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De winterzon scheen bleek over de drukke markt van Amsterdam.En: The winter sun shone pale over the busy market of Amsterdam.Nl: Het was een koude ochtend, maar de warmte kwam van de mensen die haastig van kraam naar kraam slenterden.En: It was a cold morning, but the warmth came from the people who hurriedly strolled from stall to stall.Nl: De lucht was gevuld met de geur van versgebakken brood, pittige kazen en de bittere prik van koffie.En: The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, spicy cheeses, and the bitter touch of coffee.Nl: Tussen de geluiden van kwebbelende mensen en de zachte muziek in de achtergrond, stonden Bram en Anouk bij dezelfde bloemenkraam.En: Among the sounds of chattering people and soft music in the background, Bram and Anouk stood at the same flower stall.Nl: Bram, een grafisch ontwerper aan het begin van de dertig, had besloten zijn zaterdag anders te besteden.En: Bram, a graphic designer in his early thirties, had decided to spend his Saturday differently.Nl: Weg van de computer, op zoek naar echte interacties.En: Away from the computer, in search of real interactions.Nl: Anouk, een journalist met een passie voor duurzaam leven, struinde de markt af op zoek naar nieuwe ideeën voor haar artikel.En: Anouk, a journalist with a passion for sustainable living, was scouring the market in search of new ideas for her article.Nl: Hun handen strekten zich gelijktijdig uit naar de laatste bos tulpen.En: Their hands simultaneously reached out for the last bunch of tulips.Nl: "Oh, pardon!"En: "Oh, pardon!"Nl: zei Bram, terwijl hij zijn hand terugdeinsde.En: said Bram, as he withdrew his hand.Nl: Hij keek verlegen naar Anouk, die zijn blik opving en glimlachte.En: He looked shyly at Anouk, who caught his gaze and smiled.Nl: "Geen probleem," antwoordde Anouk vriendelijk.En: "No problem," Anouk replied kindly.Nl: Ze keek naar het smeltende sneeuwdek op de bladeren van de tulpen.En: She looked at the melting snow cover on the leaves of the tulips.Nl: "Tulpen zijn zo mooi, zelfs in de winter."En: "Tulips are so beautiful, even in winter."Nl: Bram knikte.En: Bram nodded.Nl: Hij wilde graag meer zeggen, maar woorden vond hij lastig.En: He wanted to say more, but found words difficult.Nl: Uiteindelijk, na enkele seconden van aarzeling, waagde hij een poging.En: Finally, after a few seconds of hesitation, he ventured a try.Nl: "Ik probeer mijn leven buiten het internet om te verrijken.En: "I'm trying to enrich my life outside of the internet.Nl: Ik werk veel met digitale beelden, maar niets kan de schoonheid van de natuur vervangen."En: I work a lot with digital images, but nothing can replace the beauty of nature."Nl: Anouk keek hem nieuwsgierig aan.En: Anouk looked at him curiously.Nl: "Ik schrijf over duurzaamheid en tuinieren in stedelijke omgevingen.En: "I write about sustainability and gardening in urban environments.Nl: Misschien hebben we wel meer gemeen dan we denken."En: Maybe we have more in common than we think."Nl: Bram voelde een warme gloed in zijn buik.En: Bram felt a warm glow in his stomach.Nl: Hier was iemand die zijn interesse begreep.En: Here was someone who understood his interest.Nl: "Ik werk samen met een gemeenschapstuin niet ver van hier," zei hij, zijn moed verzamelend.En: "I work with a community garden not far from here," he said, gathering his courage.Nl: "Als je wilt, kun je een keer langskomen.En: "If you'd like, you could come by sometime.Nl: Het is echt inspirerend."En: It's truly inspiring."Nl: Anouk dacht even na.En: Anouk thought for a moment.Nl: Ze had een eerste indruk gehad van Bram, een van scepticisme, maar nu zag ze dat hij oprecht was.En: She had a first impression of Bram, one of skepticism, but now she saw that he was sincere.Nl: Misschien konden ze elkaar helpen.En: Maybe they could help each other.Nl: "Ik zou het heel graag willen zien," antwoordde ze oplucht.En: "I would love to see it," she answered with relief.Nl: "Het kan me zeker helpen met mijn volgende artikel."En: "It can definitely help me with my next article."Nl: Samen liepen ze de markt uit, de tulpen tussen hen in.En: Together they walked out of the market, the tulips between them.Nl: De lucht was fris en hun adem wolkjes in de koude lucht vormde kleine plukjes rook.En: The air was fresh and their breath formed small puffs of smoke in the cold air.Nl: Bram voelde dat hij iets had overwonnen in zichzelf.En: Bram felt that he had overcome something in himself.Nl: Anouk besefte dat openheid soms de mooiste kansen bracht.En: Anouk realized that openness sometimes brought the most beautiful opportunities.Nl: Ze hielden pas halt bij de uitgang van de markt, lachend en pratend over plannen om de tuin te bezoeken.En: They came to a stop at the market's exit, laughing and talking about plans to visit the garden.Nl: De dag begon met een onverwachte ontmoeting en eindigde met het vooruitzicht van iets moois.En: The day began with an unexpected encounter and ended with the prospect of something beautiful.Nl: Hun handen, die de tulpen stevig vasthielden, markeerden het begin van een nieuwe vriendschap, klaar om te bloeien als de bloemen die ze bij zich droegen.En: Their hands, tightly holding the tulips, marked the beginning of a new friendship, ready to bloom like the flowers they carried with them.Nl: In het leven van de stad, tussen het geroezemoes en de geuren van de markt, vonden Bram en Anouk elkaar.En: In the life of the city, amidst the buzz and aromas of the market, Bram and Anouk found each other.Nl: Wat begon als een simpele koop van tulpen eindigde als een stap in een nieuwe richting, persoonlijk en gezamenlijk, om samen iets moois te laten groeien.En: What began as a simple purchase of tulips ended as a step in a new direction, personally and collectively, to grow something beautiful together. Vocabulary Words:pale: bleekhastily: haastigstrolled: slenterdenstall: kraamchattering: kwebbelendecuriously: nieuwsgierighesitation: aarzelingventure: wagenenrich: verrijkensustainable: duurzaamscouring: struinde afsimultaneously: gelijktijdigwithdraw: terugdeinzenskepticism: scepticismesincere: oprechtprospect: vooruitzichtglow: gloedovercome: overwonnenopenness: openheidbuzz: geroesemoesaromas: geurentightly: stevigwonder: verlangeninteractions: interactiesdigital: digitalegarden: tuininspiring: inspirerendrealize: besefmarket: marktencounter: ontmoeting

This is the book learnings companion to my Mastery book review: I pulled 17 personal takeaways (from ~70 notes) and unpack what they mean in real life. We go from vocation and apprenticeship, to why “not even enlightenment is enough”, to the prepared mind, the dimensional mind, and why tech (especially AI) is collapsing the walls between fields.(00:00) Book learnings (and why you should watch the review first)(00:19) Pen-in-hand reading + 70 notes → 17 key lessons(01:23) Lesson 1: “Mind under the lights of the world” (focus beats distraction)(02:32) Lesson 2: Vocation — the well-employed life(03:55) Lesson 3: “Seed/uniqueness” — and my pushback (life can change you)(05:14) Lesson 4: Ask “how did you get there?” (the invisible chrysalis years)(06:26) Lesson 5: Value over money in apprenticeship (Accenture crucible)(07:30) Lesson 6: Trust the process (and don't mentally quit)(08:12) Lesson 7: Not even enlightenment is enough — pushed to the abyss(09:52) Lesson 8: The “seven deadly realities” + social intelligence undertow(10:14) Lesson 9: The mask vs authenticity (effective… until it breaks)(10:51) Lesson 10: Dimensional mind — creating instead of consuming(11:35) Lesson 11: Serendipity, but with a prepared mind (Pasteur)(12:48) Lesson 12: Think away from the obvious (out-of-the-box production)(13:43) Lesson 13: Manufacture pressure (Edison / Elon-style)(14:33) Lesson 14: Prolonged immersion → creative abstraction (the real crux)(14:57) Lesson 15: Fuse intuition + rationality (higher-level intuition)(15:44) Lesson 16: Mastery equation: time + intense focus + self-awareness(16:25) Lesson 17: Tech/AI connecting fields — become part of it(17:36) Wrap: key favourites + what hit hardestConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Serendipity at Ben Gurion: A Tu Bishvat Connection Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2026-01-13-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: שערי נתב"ג היו פתוחים לרווחה.En: The gates of Ben Gurion Airport were wide open.He: אורות נצנצו והתנגשו עם רחש קולות הכרזות שלא פסקו.En: Lights twinkled and mingled with the constant hum of announcement voices.He: איתן עמד בשדה התעופה, מבטו תוהה על המסכים, המודיעים על העיכוב בטיסה שלו.En: Eitan stood in the airport, his gaze questioning the screens that announced the delay of his flight.He: הנוף סביבו מלא נוסעים ממהרים, אך בראשו היה ריקות משונה, משהו שלא התייחס אליו קודם.En: The view around him was filled with hurried passengers, but there was a strange emptiness in his head, something he hadn't paid attention to before.He: "יואו, תיעשה משהו עם עצמך," הציעה נועם, עמיתו, במבט משועשע כשצ'וטטו בוידאו.En: "Yo, do something with yourself," suggested Noam, his colleague, with an amused look during their video chat.He: "תמצא מישהי לדבר איתה.En: "Find someone to talk to.He: זה ט"ו בשבט, לא?En: It's Tu Bishvat, right?"He: "איתן חייך, מבין את הבדיחה, אבל הלב שלו ידע שהיא רוצה בטובתו.En: Eitan smiled, understanding the joke, but his heart knew she meant well for him.He: הוא לא תכנן לפגוש אף אחד, אבל אז הבחין בבחורה עם מצלמה משתלשלת מצווארה, עומדת בודדה ופניה עייפות אך מסוקרנות.En: He didn't plan to meet anyone, but then he noticed a girl with a camera hanging from her neck, standing alone, her face tired yet curious.He: "שלום," אמר איתן, מתקרב בזהירות.En: "Hello," said Eitan, approaching cautiously.He: "אני איתן.En: "I'm Eitan.He: אפשר לשבת לידך?En: Can I sit next to you?"He: "יהל, הנערה עם המצלמה, חייכה אליו.En: Yael, the girl with the camera, smiled at him.He: "בטח, אני יהל.En: "Sure, I'm Yael.He: נדמה לי שאני גם מחכה לטיסה שמתעכבת.En: I think I'm also waiting for a delayed flight."He: "התחילו לשוחח.En: They started talking.He: יהל סיפרה על אהבתה לצילום, על המסעות שלה ברחבי העולם.En: Yael shared her love for photography and her travels around the world.He: אך לאחרונה היא מרגישה שהיא הולכת לאיבוד בפן המקצועי.En: But recently, she felt lost professionally.He: איתן הקשיב בעניין, ובפעם הראשונה מזה זמן רב, לא רצה להסתתר מאחוריו המחשב הנייד שלו.En: Eitan listened with interest, and for the first time in a long time, he didn't want to hide behind his laptop.He: "העבודה שלי מדברת רק עם עצים וצמחים," הוא אמר.En: "My work speaks only with trees and plants," he said.He: "אבל שכחתי איך לדבר עם אנשים.En: "But I forgot how to speak with people."He: ""תן לי לנחש," חייכה יהל תוך כדי שהיא מצלמת את כוס הקפה בידיה.En: "Let me guess," Yael smiled as she photographed her cup of coffee.He: "ט"ו בשבט זה הדבר שלך.En: "Tu Bishvat is your thing."He: "איתן צחק, מתרשם איך הצליחה לשלב את שיחת החולין עם מקצועו.En: Eitan laughed, impressed at how she managed to blend small talk with his profession.He: "אולי זאת ההזדמנות להתחבר מחדש.En: "Maybe this is the chance to reconnect."He: "משך השיחה, הרגיש איך הקרבה הזאת, שהגיעה משום מקום, ממלאת אותו באנרגיה ותקווה.En: Throughout the conversation, he felt how this connection, which appeared out of nowhere, filled him with energy and hope.He: כל מילת יחס ותנועת גוף רק חיזקו את הקשר הנרקם ביניהם.En: Every gesture and movement only strengthened the bond forming between them.He: הם מצאו עולמות משותפים בהם התעניינו - נסיעות, טבע, ואפילו הכפר שבו גדלו בארץ.En: They found common worlds of interest—travel, nature, and even the village where they grew up in Israel.He: קול הכרזה בקע פתאום ממערכת הרמקולים, מבשר על תחילת העלייה למטוס.En: An announcement suddenly blared from the speakers, signaling the start of boarding the plane.He: המבט של איתן ויהל נפגש שוב, מלא התרגשות ותעלומות עתיד.En: The eyes of Eitan and Yael met again, full of excitement and future mysteries.He: "הזדמנות כזו לא קורית כל יום," הוא אמר.En: "Such an opportunity doesn't happen every day," he said.He: "חייבים לנצל אותה," ענתה יהל בהבנה מלאה.En: "We have to take advantage of it," Yael replied with full understanding.He: הם החליפו פרטי קשר, מבטיחים לשמור על קשר ולהמשיך לחקור את הקשר שלהם.En: They exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch and continue exploring their connection.He: עם לבבות מלאי תקווה והתחדשות, עלו כל אחד למטוס, מתמלאים בהרגשה שיש להם לאן לשאוף מעבר לאופק.En: With hearts full of hope and renewal, each boarded their plane, filled with the feeling that they have something to aspire to beyond the horizon.He: וככה, בט"ו בשבט קר, בתוך שדה תעופה עמוס, מצאו איתן ויהל פיסה קטנה של השראה וחיבור אנושי אמיתי.En: And so, on a cold Tu Bishvat, in a crowded airport, Eitan and Yael found a small piece of inspiration and genuine human connection.He: קווי חייהם נמצאים כעת במסלול חדש, מסעיר ומלא באפשרויות.En: Their life paths are now on a new, exciting, and possibility-filled course. Vocabulary Words:gates: שעריtwinkled: נצנצוmingled: התנגשוhum: רחשannouncement: קולות הכרזותgaze: מבטוquestioning: תוההscreens: מסכיםdelay: עיכובemptiness: ריקותcolleague: עמיתוamused: משועשעapproaching: מתקרבcautiously: בזהירותtired: עייפותcurious: מסוקרנותprofessionally: בפן המקצועיgestures: מילת יחס ותנועת גוףbond: הקשר הנרקםblared: בקעspeakers: מערכת הרמקוליםexcitement: התרגשותmysteries: תעלומותopportunity: הזדמנותexchange: החליפוrenewal: התחדשותinspiration: השראהgenuine: אמיתיpossibility-filled: מלא באפשרויותcourse: מסלולBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Snowbound Serendipity: Finding New Paths at Liszt Ferenc Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-13-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Liszt Ferenc nemzetközi repülőtér forgalmas volt még télen is.En: The Liszt Ferenc International Airport was busy even in winter.Hu: Az emberek vastag kabátokban és sapkákban mozogtak, a kifutópályákat hó borította.En: People moved around in thick coats and hats, and the runways were covered in snow.Hu: A kijelzőkön piros betűkkel villogtak a késések.En: Delays flashed in red letters on the displays.Hu: A hóvihar miatt itt rekedt utasok türelmetlenek voltak.En: Passengers stranded due to the snowstorm were impatient.Hu: László egy fontos üzleti találkozóra sietett.En: László was hurrying to an important business meeting.Hu: Ügyvezető igazgatóval akart találkozni, aki a cég jövőjét jelentette.En: He wanted to meet with the CEO, who represented the company's future.Hu: Bár a munkáját szerette, mostanában egyre inkább vágyott némi kikapcsolódásra.En: Although he loved his work, lately he had been craving some relaxation.Hu: Az utóbbi időben a munkahelyén sokat dolgozott, így alig várta, hogy végre továbbrepülhessen.En: He had been working a lot at his job recently, so he was eagerly waiting to finally fly onward.Hu: A terminálon azonban minden repülés késésre lett ítélve.En: However, at the terminal, every flight was sentenced to a delay.Hu: A várakozás közben László meglátta Zsófiát, aki gitártokot cipelt.En: While waiting, László spotted Zsófia, who was carrying a guitar case.Hu: A fiatal nő éppen visszatért egy európai turnéról.En: The young woman had just returned from a European tour.Hu: Lelkesedésében mégis valami hiányzott: az új dalainak az ihletettsége.En: Yet something was missing from her enthusiasm: the inspiration for her new songs.Hu: Egy fotelbe ült, és jegyzettömbjében dalötleteket firkált.En: She sat in an armchair and scribbled song ideas in her notebook.Hu: Kicsit távolabb Bálint, a földi kiszolgáló munkása, a repülőtér bejáratánál állt.En: A bit further away, Bálint, the ground service worker, stood at the airport entrance.Hu: Bár álmodozott távoli országokról, édesanyja ápolásáról és a családjáról gondoskodnia kellett.En: Although he dreamed of distant countries, he had to take care of his mother and family.Hu: Ma is itt volt, hogy az utasoknak segítsen a helyzetben.En: He was here today as well, to help passengers in the situation.Hu: Ahogy László a kijelzőkre pillantott, észrevette, hogy minden járat törölve van.En: As László glanced at the displays, he noticed that all flights were canceled.Hu: Dühöngött, de ellenőrizte az időjárás-jelentést.En: He fumed but checked the weather report.Hu: A hóvihar csak rosszabb lett.En: The snowstorm was only getting worse.Hu: Új tervet kellett kiötlene.En: He needed to come up with a new plan.Hu: Mérgelődött, miközben odafigyelt Zsófia finom gitárpengetésére.En: He grumbled while paying attention to the gentle strumming of Zsófia's guitar.Hu: – Szia!En: "Hi!"Hu: – köszönt Zsófiának.En: he greeted Zsófia.Hu: – Szia!En: "Hi!"Hu: – válaszolta barátságosan Zsófia.En: Zsófia replied amicably.Hu: – Szereted a zenét?En: "Do you love music?"Hu: – kérdezte László.En: László asked.Hu: – Nem is tudom, keresek valami különlegeset – válaszolta Zsófia.En: "I don't know, I'm searching for something special," Zsófia replied.Hu: László elmosolyodott, és érezte, hogy valami új és izgalmas kezdődik.En: László smiled and felt that something new and exciting was beginning.Hu: Bálint is megjelent köztük, és érdeklődve hallgatta a beszélgetést.En: Bálint also joined them and listened to the conversation with interest.Hu: – Nem mehetek sehova, de ez a hely tele van történetekkel – mondta bátortalanul.En: "I can't go anywhere, but this place is full of stories," he said timidly.Hu: Hosszú órákig beszélgettek.En: They talked for long hours.Hu: László, Zsófia és Bálint megosztották álmaikat és félelmeiket.En: László, Zsófia, and Bálint shared their dreams and fears.Hu: László hirtelen úgy érezte, hogy amire igazán szüksége van, nem a találkozó, hanem ezek az emberek, akiket véletlenül talált.En: László suddenly realized that what he really needed wasn't the meeting, but these people he had stumbled upon.Hu: Amikor végül megjavult az idő, László már nem volt ugyanaz az ember.En: When the weather finally improved, László was no longer the same person.Hu: Megfogalmazódott benne, hogy egy kis spontaneitás sosem árt.En: He realized that a little spontaneity never hurts.Hu: Zsófia új ötletekkel indult a következő albumához, és Bálint meghozta a döntést, hogy a jövőben több időt szán az álmai megvalósítására.En: Zsófia set out with new ideas for her next album, and Bálint made the decision to dedicate more time in the future to realizing his dreams.Hu: Ahogy ismét elindultak, László rádöbbent valamire: nem az úticél, hanem az utazás formálta át.En: As they set off again, László realized something: it wasn't the destination, but the journey that transformed him.Hu: Az élet néha váratlan lehetőségekkel teli, melyek sokkal többet adhatnak, mint amire eleinte gondolnánk.En: Life is sometimes full of unexpected opportunities, which can offer much more than we initially think. Vocabulary Words:airport: repülőtérrunways: kifutópályákdisplay: kijelzőkpassenger: utasokimpatient: türelmetlenekCEO: ügyvezető igazgatócraving: vágyottrelaxation: kikapcsolódásstranded: rekedtscribbled: firkáltinspiration: ihletettségegentle: finomstrumming: gitárpengetésamicably: barátságosanspontaneity: spontaneitásconversation: beszélgetéstimidly: bátortalanulrealized: rádöbbenttransformed: formálta átdestination: úticéljourney: utazásunexpected: váratlanopportunities: lehetőségekkelsituations: helyzettour: turnédistant: távolicanceled: törölvegrumbled: mérgelődöttgreeted: köszöntspecial: különlegeset

The web is turning agentic. And that changes everything from shopping to search to SEO.In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier sits down with Dave Anderson (VP at ContentSquare + host of the “Tech Seeking Human” podcast) to unpack what happens when browsers and AI assistants don't just answer … they do stuff. For you. On your behalf.From Atlas and agentic browsing to the growing backlash from retailers (hello, Amazon vs Perplexity), we explore who benefits, who loses, and what the internet becomes when agents are the default user.You'll hear why retailers are nervous (security, margins, coupon hunting), why agent-first experiences might create “headless” retailers (like ghost kitchens, but for ecommerce), and why search is shifting from SEO to AI visibility. Plus: real talk about trusting agents with your credit card, hallucinations, and what it means if your agent can look indistinguishable from you.GuestDave Anderson — VP, ContentSquarehttps://contentsquare.comPodcast: Tech Seeking Humanhttps://www.techseekinghuman.aiLinks & subscribeSubscribe for more conversations on tech, AI, and what's next: https://techfirst.substack.comTranscripts always available herehttps://johnkoetsier.com00:00 Agentic web: what changes when browsers “do stuff”00:59 Meet Dave Anderson (VP + podcast host)01:31 30,000 feet: why “agents” suddenly matter03:48 The agent future John wanted 10 years ago04:21 Why Amazon doesn't want your agent shopping on Amazon05:07 Ticketmaster, bots, and the security nightmare06:26 Siri's original promise vs today's reality08:31 Are agents just bots… or something different?10:04 Retail fears: coupon hunting, margins, returns chaos11:21 Can you trust an agent with your credit card?11:59 Why retailers want their own agents (and control)13:14 Amazon's agent works… but is it the whole internet?14:19 Ghost kitchens for retail: “headless” agent-first brands15:17 Hugo Boss jacket test: agents vs manual search16:40 Agents should talk to your finance agent17:14 Kids + deepfakes: what even looks real anymore?18:04 Is this corrosive to apps… or the web?19:10 Online identity, anonymity, and agent verification20:28 Two futures: human-first brands vs agent-first retail21:19 Agentic browsers on your device: can they “look like you”?22:51 Baseball vs golf: the best analogy for search now24:44 Instant shopping problem: returns + missing “services layer”26:10 AI weirdness: wrong names, wrong locations, shifting behavior27:37 Agents beyond shopping: support is the sleeper win29:49 Inventing the future: who adopts agents and who won't31:13 Will people get tired of AI and crave humans again?31:45 Serendipity vs optimization: the restaurant debate32:36 Wrap: nobody solved agents… but the shift is real

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Frosted Beginnings: A Serendipitous Encounter in Shinjuku Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-07-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 新宿御苑には風が冷たく吹いていた。En: The wind blew coldly in the Shinjuku Gyoen.Ja: 冬の朝、霜に覆われた庭園は静けさに包まれていた。En: On this winter morning, the garden, covered in frost, was wrapped in silence.Ja: ヒナはカメラを手に、ゆっくりと歩いていた。En: Hina was walking slowly with a camera in her hand.Ja: 彼女は写真家として、完璧な瞬間を捉えたかった。En: As a photographer, she wanted to capture the perfect moment.Ja: 冬の一瞬の美しさを切り取るため、新年のこの日を選んでいた。En: She had chosen this day in the new year to capture the fleeting beauty of winter.Ja: カオルは東京に戻ってきて、久しぶりにこの庭を訪れた。En: Kaoru had returned to Tokyo and visited this garden for the first time in a while.Ja: 長い間、外国に住んでいたので、日本の風景が懐かしく感じたものの、少し違和感もあった。En: Having lived abroad for a long time, he felt nostalgic about the Japanese scenery, though there was also a slight sense of unfamiliarity.Ja: 彼の友人レイはしばしばカオルにアドバイスをくれた。En: His friend Rei often gave him advice.Ja: 「いろんな人に出会って話を聞くといいよ」と言われ、カオルは新しい本のためのインスピレーションを得ようとしていた。En: "It's good to meet different people and listen to their stories," he had been told, and Kaoru was trying to gain inspiration for a new book.Ja: ヒナは雪に覆われた木の枝を見上げた。En: Hina looked up at the snow-covered branches of a tree.Ja: そのとき、風が吹き、雲が少し動いた。En: At that moment, the wind blew, and the clouds moved slightly.Ja: そこから一筋の光が現れ、霜に輝く一輪の花に触れた。En: A single ray of light appeared and touched a lone flower shining in the frost.Ja: 「これは撮らなくちゃ」と心の中で叫んで、急いでシャッターボタンを押した。En: "I have to capture this," she shouted in her mind and quickly pressed the shutter button.Ja: ちょうどその瞬間、カオルもその場に来ていて、同じ光景を見ていた。En: At just that moment, Kaoru arrived on the scene and saw the same view.Ja: 「こんな偶然があるんだな」と彼は微笑んだ。En: "What a coincidence," he smiled.Ja: 「その瞬間は特別だよね」と、彼もカメラを構えた。En: "That moment is special, right?" he said as he raised his camera.Ja: ヒナとカオルはお互いの存在に気づき、同じ写真を撮っていることに驚いた。En: Hina and Kaoru noticed each other's presence and were surprised to find they were taking the same photograph.Ja: 「あなたもカメラ好きなんですね」とヒナが話しかけた。En: "You like photography too, don't you?" Hina asked.Ja: 「ええ、旅が好きで、その記録に写真を始めました」とカオルが答えた。En: "Yes, I love traveling, and I started taking photos as a way to document my journeys," Kaoru replied.Ja: 話していくうちに、二人は共通の話題がたくさんあることに気づいた。En: As they talked, they realized they had many common interests.Ja: 雪が降り始め、庭はますます幻想的になった。En: Snow began to fall, making the garden even more magical.Ja: ヒナは心の中で新しい信念を感じ、自分の才能にもっと自信を持つことができた。En: Hina felt a new conviction in her heart and gained more confidence in her talent.Ja: 「協力できたら楽しいね」と彼女は提案し、カオルも賛成した。En: "It would be fun to collaborate," she suggested, and Kaoru agreed.Ja: 二人は連絡先を交換した。En: They exchanged contact information.Ja: 「一緒に素晴らしいものを作れるかもね」とカオルは微笑んだ。En: "We might be able to create something wonderful together," Kaoru smiled.Ja: 帰り道、彼は東京の風景が少しだけ温かく感じられた。En: On the way home, he felt the scenery of Tokyo seemed just a bit warmer.Ja: 冬の日、新宿御苑の一瞬が二人の心を通して新しい始まりを迎えた。En: On that winter day, a moment in Shinjuku Gyoen marked a new beginning through their hearts.Ja: それは、彼らの物語がこれからも続く、希望に満ちた始まりだった。En: It was a hopeful start for a story that would continue on. Vocabulary Words:blew: 吹いていたfrost: 霜wrapped: 包まれていたfleeting: 一瞬のnostalgic: 懐かしくunfamiliarity: 違和感inspiration: インスピレーションlens: レンズconviction: 信念collaborate: 協力exchanged: 交換したbeginning: 始まりmagical: 幻想的capture: 捉えるsolitude: 静けさmomentary: 瞬間lone: 一輪のshutter: シャッターボタンcoincidence: 偶然specifically: 特別document: 記録ray of light: 一筋の光contact information: 連絡先silence: 静けさにjourneys: 旅abroad: 外国slightly: 少しgained: 得るsuggested: 提案しtouched: 触れた

Fluent Fiction - Hindi: Raindrops and Serendipity: A Delhi Love Story Unfolds Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hi/episode/2026-01-06-08-38-20-hi Story Transcript:Hi: दिल्ली के बाजार में सर्दियों की एक आम दोपहर थी, जब अचानक आसमान बदलने लगा।En: It was an ordinary winter afternoon in the markets of Delhi, when suddenly the sky began to change.Hi: बादल झूमने लगे और बारिश ने शहर को घेर लिया।En: The clouds started to sway, and rain enveloped the city.Hi: इससे बचने के लिए लोग इधर-उधर भागने लगे।En: To escape it, people began running here and there.Hi: रेड लाइट चौक के पास एक छोटी-सी चाय की दुकान थी।En: Near the red light intersection, there was a small tea shop.Hi: वहीं पर रिया और समीर की कहानी शुरू होती है।En: It is here that the story of Riya and Sameer begins.Hi: रिया, एक फ्रीलांस फोटोग्राफर, जो हर समय कुछ खास और नया कैद करने की तलाश में रहती थी।En: Riya, a freelance photographer, was always on the lookout to capture something special and new.Hi: उसके विचार और तस्वीरे हमेशा उसकी दुनिया को नए तरीके से देखती थीं।En: Her ideas and pictures always viewed her world in a new light.Hi: दूसरी ओर समीर, एक सॉफ्टवेयर इंजीनियर, जो जीवन की अनिश्चितताओं को गले लगाने में विश्वास रखता था।En: On the other hand, Sameer, a software engineer, believed in embracing the uncertainties of life.Hi: एक दिशाहीन यात्रा पर, वह नए लोगों से मिलना पसंद करता था।En: On a directionless journey, he enjoyed meeting new people.Hi: रिया बारिश से बचने के लिए उस चाय की दुकान में आई।En: Riya entered the tea shop to escape the rain.Hi: अंदर घुसते ही उसने देखा, दुकान गर्माहट से भरी थी।En: As soon as she stepped inside, she noticed the shop was filled with warmth.Hi: अदरक और इलायची की खुशबू पूरे माहौल में फैल रही थी।En: The aroma of ginger and cardamom was spreading throughout the environment.Hi: टेबल पर रखी हुई गीली अखबारें और स्टीम की मग चाय, एक आरामदायक अहसास दिला रही थीं।En: The wet newspapers and steaming mugs of tea on the table provided a cozy feeling.Hi: एक बड़ा सा खिड़की था, जिससे बारिश की बूंदों की हल्की आवाज सुनाई दे रही थी।En: There was a large window from where the soft sound of raindrops could be heard.Hi: रिया ने अपने कैमरे से उस चाय की दुकान का फोटो खींचा, जो काफी आकर्षक लगा।En: Riya took a photo of the tea shop with her camera, which looked quite captivating.Hi: उसी समय समीर की नजर उस पर पड़ी।En: At the same moment, Sameer noticed her.Hi: उसे लगा कि यह फोटो खींचने का अनोखा तरीका है।En: He felt that it was a unique way of taking photos.Hi: उसने रिया से कहा, "आपका कैमरा बहुत अच्छा काम कर रहा है।En: He said to Riya, "Your camera is doing a great job."Hi: "रिया ने हल्की मुस्कान दी।En: Riya gave a gentle smile.Hi: हमेंशा अपने आप में रहने वाली रिया को ऐसे बातचीत शुरू करने में हिचकिचाहट हो रही थी।En: Riya, who usually kept to herself, was hesitant to start such a conversation.Hi: लेकिन समीर के मुस्कान और शब्दों ने बात को थोड़ा आगे बढ़ाया।En: But Sameer's smile and words carried the conversation a bit further.Hi: "क्या आप एक प्रोफेशनल फोटोग्राफर हैं?En: "Are you a professional photographer?"Hi: " समीर ने पूछा।En: Sameer asked.Hi: "हाँ, मैं फ्रीलांस काम करती हूँ।En: "Yes, I freelance.Hi: यहां कुछ नया और अनोखा ढूंढ़ने आई हूँ," रिया ने जवाब दिया।En: I'm here to find something new and unique," Riya replied.Hi: दोनों की बातों का सिलसिला चाय के स्वाद के साथ चलता रहा।En: Their conversation flowed with the taste of tea.Hi: समीर ने अपने अगले अपॉइंटमेंट को कुछ देर के लिए टाल दिया, ताकि वे बातें कर सकें।En: Sameer delayed his next appointment for a while, so they could keep talking.Hi: जैसे ही बारिश रुकने लगी, समीर ने रिया को कहा, "क्या आप मेरे साथ थोड़ी सैर पर चलेंगी?En: As the rain began to cease, Sameer said to Riya, "Would you like to take a stroll with me?Hi: शायद हमें कुछ और अद्भुत जगहें देखने को मिलें।En: We might discover some more wonderful places."Hi: "रिया ने थोड़ी देर सोचा।En: Riya thought for a moment.Hi: उसके मन में थोड़ा संकोच था, लेकिन एक नई संभावना और प्रेरणा की उम्मीद उसे तैयार कर गई।En: She felt a bit hesitant, but the hope of a new possibility and inspiration prepared her.Hi: "ठीक है, चलो!En: "Alright, let's go!"Hi: " रिया ने जवाब दिया।En: Riya replied.Hi: दोनों दुकान से निकल पड़े, बारिश की बूंदों से सजी हुई सड़कों पर चलते हुए।En: The two stepped out of the shop, walking along the rain-kissed streets.Hi: रिया महसूस कर रही थी कि कभी-कभी अचानक मिलने वाली चीजें भी जीवन में नई दिशा ला सकती हैं।En: Riya was feeling that sometimes unexpected meetings can also bring a new direction in life.Hi: समीर और रिया के कदम अब उन गलियों में थे, जहां शहर के छुपे हुए खूबसूरत कोने उनकी कला की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे।En: Sameer and Riya's steps were now in those lanes where the hidden beautiful corners of the city were awaiting their art.Hi: इस पल में, रिया ने महसूस किया कि यथार्थ और सामंजस्य का मिलन ही उन्हें नवीनीकृत प्रेरणा दे सकता है।En: In this moment, Riya realized that the union of reality and harmony could give them renewed inspiration. Vocabulary Words:ordinary: आमintersection: चौकfreelance: फ्रीलांसcapture: कैदuncertainties: अनिश्चितताओंembracing: गले लगानेdirectionless: दिशाहीनshop: दुकानwarmth: गर्माहटaroma: खुशबूenvironment: माहौलcozy: आरामदायकstepping: घुसतेcaptivating: आकर्षकunique: अनोखाhesitant: हिचकिचाहटconversation: बातचीतfreelance: फ्रीलांसappointment: अपॉइंटमेंटstroll: सैरpossibility: संभावनाinspiration: प्रेरणाstroll: सैरrain-kissed: बूंदों से सजीunexpected: अचानकharmony: सामंजस्यrenewed: नवीनीकृतunion: मिलन

====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== DEVOCIÓN MATUTINA PARA ADOLESCENTES 2026“LA VUELTA AL MUNDO EN 365 DIAS”Narrado por: Mone MuñozDesde: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist Church05 DE ENEROEL “POSTRE”«La serpiente dijo [...]: "No es cierto, no van a morir» (Génesis 3:4, NVI)Prepara tu estómago y, más que nada, ten un bolsillo digno de un millonario. ¿Sabes cuál es el postre más caro del mundo? O mejor, ¿cuánto cuesta? Haz un intento: ¿100 dólares? ¿Mil dólares? ¡No! ¡Estás muy lejos!El restaurante se llama Serendipity 3 y está en Nueva York. Allí puedes probar la delicia dulce más cara del planeta. ¿El nombre? Frozen Haiute Chocolate. ¿Y quieres saber de una vez su precio? ¡Nada más y nada menos que 25 mil dólares! Eso es lo que cuesta un auto nuevo.El postre es un sundae de chocolate preparado con una mezcla de 28 tipos de cacao exclusivos y refinados, importados de África y Sudamérica. Después de eso, esta mezcla recibe otros 14 ingredientes secretos, celosamente guardados por el coqueto restaurante. Además, se sirve con crema fresca y está decorado con una trufa extravagante que cuesta cinco mil dólares el kilo.¿Satisfecho? Todavía hay más: viene acompañado de hojas de oro comestibles, una cuchara souvenir tallada en ora de 23 quilates y una pulsera que adorna la copa de cristal. Para que algún afortunado pueda degustar tanta extravagancia, es obligatorio pedir este postre con dos semanas de antelación, para que el chef pueda garantizar todos los lujosos ingredientes.¿Y si alguien te ofreciera este postre gratis, además de prometerte que te haría inmortal? Eso fue exactamente lo que Satanás le ofreció a Eva. Revistió el fruto prohibido con promesas exquisitas capaces de ilusionar e hipnotizar. Ella lo probó, satisfizo su curiosidad, se deleitó con el brillo de la tentación, ¡y lo arruinó todo! A fin de cuentas, el lujo exagerado —que promete un cielo de comodidad sin Jesús— siempre trae desgracia, soledad y frustración.Eso es lo que el pecado intenta hacer con nosotros. Nos engaña y nos pone trampas. Hoy, no permitas que el sundae más caro del universo te aleje de Cristo: Las delicias traicioneras pueden venir disfrazadas de películas, juegos virtuales, amistades peligrosas, apuestas o el consumo innecesario de marcas. Para distinguir bien entre un dulce bueno y un anzuelo de Satanás, solo debes pedirle sabiduría a Dios. ¿Vamos a decirle «no» a la tentación, aunque parezca apetitosa?¡Ah, y no gastes más de cinco dólares en un helado! 

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Snowstorm Serendipity: How Strangers Became Allies Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-01-03-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 在那座大都市的高铁站，冬季的寒风让每位旅客都裹紧了外套。En: At the high-speed train station in that bustling metropolis, the winter wind made every traveler wrap their coats tightly.Zh: 人们在那里交错而过，脸上带着匆忙或无奈的神情。En: People were passing by each other with looks of haste or helplessness on their faces.Zh: 电子屏上的信息不断更新，显示更多的列车延误，这无疑让整个候车厅的气氛都增添了一丝紧张。En: The electronic screen's information constantly updated, showing more train delays, which undoubtedly added a touch of tension to the entire waiting area.Zh: 链是一位有抱负的女商人，她急需赶往另一个城市参加一个重要的商务会议。En: Lian is an ambitious businesswoman who urgently needed to get to another city for an important business meeting.Zh: 在去程的途中，她满心都是即将见到的合作伙伴和即将达成的协议。En: On her way, she was filled with thoughts of the partners she was about to meet and the agreements she was about to finalize.Zh: 可是，意外的暴风雪让她的计划泡汤。En: However, an unexpected snowstorm threw her plans into disarray.Zh: 坐在候车厅的长椅上，链看着不断被取消的列车信息，心里充满着焦急与无奈。En: Sitting on the bench in the waiting hall, Lian watched the endless cancellations of train information, filled with anxiety and helplessness.Zh: 此时，她偶然遇见了明，一个好奇心旺盛的大学生，正在背包旅游。En: At this time, she happened to meet Ming, a curious university student who was backpacking.Zh: 他刚刚在图书馆写完论文，正想着利用假期旅行。En: He had just finished writing a thesis at the library and was thinking of traveling during his vacation.Zh: 和他们同在这长椅上等待的还有卫，一位沉默的艺术家，正在寻找下一个灵感。En: Also waiting on this bench was Wei, a silent artist in search of the next inspiration.Zh: 链感到失落和烦躁，无奈之下主动与明和卫搭话。En: Lian felt lost and irritable, so she took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Ming and Wei.Zh: 她坦言自己的困境，并希望能一起想办法。En: She candidly shared her predicament and hoped they could think of a solution together.Zh: 明被链的故事吸引，兴致勃勃地提出可以一起查看本地交通的其他可能性。En: Ming, intrigued by Lian's story, eagerly suggested that they explore other local transportation options together.Zh: 卫则微笑着点头，他从未想到陌生人间的交流竟也如此有趣。En: Wei smiled and nodded, never having thought that interactions among strangers could be so interesting.Zh: 几人的对话中，暴风雪越发猛烈，广播里很快宣布所有晚间列车全部取消。En: During their conversation, the snowstorm grew fiercer, and the announcement soon declared the cancellation of all evening trains.Zh: 面对这种新情况，他们意识到必须团结合作，寻找其它方案。En: In the face of this new situation, they realized they must unite and cooperate to find alternative solutions.Zh: 经过几番讨论，明提到了一位本地的企业家，他知道对方正计划去链所要去的城市。En: After several discussions, Ming mentioned a local entrepreneur he knew, who was planning to go to the same city as Lian.Zh: 他们设法联系了那位企业家，此人正好有空位，并乐意共享行程。En: They managed to contact the entrepreneur, who happened to have a vacant seat and was willing to share the trip.Zh: 一路上，链得以展示其商业头脑和魅力，与这位企业家建立了良好的关系。En: Along the way, Lian was able to showcase her business acumen and charm, establishing a good relationship with the entrepreneur.Zh: 最后，通过这个意外的旅途，链不但抓住了新的商业机会，也收获了意外的友谊。En: In the end, through this unexpected journey, Lian not only seized new business opportunities but also gained unexpected friendships.Zh: 在这次经历中，她明白了适应与合作的重要性，也体会到了在人生旅途中有时需要敞开心扉，迎接意外的馈赠。En: Through this experience, she understood the importance of adaptability and cooperation, and realized that sometimes in the journey of life, it's necessary to open one's heart and embrace unexpected gifts.Zh: 大都市的高铁站已被抛在身后，链却带上了新的希望继续前行。En: The high-speed train station in the big city was left behind, but Lian carried new hope forward. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 繁忙的metropolis: 大都市helplessness: 无奈unabated: 不减embrace: 迎接entrepreneur: 企业家vacant: 空的predicament: 困境initiative: 主动acumen: 头脑cancellation: 取消disarray: 混乱irritable: 烦躁candidly: 坦言fiercer: 猛烈curious: 好奇thesis: 论文stranger: 陌生人adaptability: 适应cooperation: 合作intently: 认真broadcast: 广播realized: 意识到showcase: 展示establishing: 建立filled: 充满intrigued: 被吸引hastily: 匆忙aspiring: 有抱负unexpected: 意外的

Will Mannon and David Nebinski reflect on their whirlwind tour bringing the online community magic to in-person events across 13 events in 13 cities in late 2025 during the Internet Serendipity World Tour powered by Circle.  They share what worked (local co-hosts, creator marketing partnerships, the structure of the facilitated events), what was tough (holiday timing and marketing timing) and how they might do things differently in the future. This episode is essential listening for anyone planning large-scale events, 0-1 community building, or is deeply interested in the intersection of online and offline connection. Excited for you to build and grow your Portfolio Career! 

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: New Year, New Journeys: Connections in Snowy Budapest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-01-01-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A hópelyhek lassan szállingóztak Budapest felett, amikor Lajos a Keleti pályaudvarra megérkezett.En: The snowflakes were slowly drifting down over Budapest as Lajos arrived at the Keleti train station.Hu: Az állomás tele volt emberekkel, mindenütt sürgölődés és feszültség.En: The station was filled with people, with bustling and tension everywhere.Hu: Az új év első napja volt, és a város még szinte álmosan ébredt fel az előző esti ünneplés után.En: It was the first day of the new year, and the city was still waking up drowsily from the previous night's celebrations.Hu: Lajos, a táskáját szorosan magához ölelve, sietett hogy elérje a vonatát.En: Lajos, hugging his bag tightly, hurried to catch his train.Hu: Ma egy fontos interjú várt rá, ami talán a karrierje nagy lehetősége lehet.En: Today, an important interview awaited him, which could be a great opportunity for his career.Hu: Ugyanakkor az állomás egy másik szegletében egy fiatal nő, Zsófia, épp a kétségbeejtő menetrendet tanulmányozta.En: Meanwhile, in another corner of the station, a young woman, Zsófia, was studying the confusing schedule.Hu: Őt egy fontos koncert várta, ahol egy híres zenei tehetségkutató is megfordulhatott.En: She was headed to an important concert where a famous music talent scout might make an appearance.Hu: Mindketten érezték, hogy nincs sok idejük.En: Both of them felt that they didn't have much time.Hu: A hóesés azonban egyre erősödött, és az információk zavartak voltak az állomás hangszóróin keresztül.En: However, the snowfall was intensifying, and the information through the station speakers was muddled.Hu: „Nehéz nap lesz” – gondolta Lajos, miközben a hangulat egyre feszültebb lett körülötte.En: "It's going to be a tough day," thought Lajos, as the atmosphere around him grew more tense.Hu: Az emberek körülötte idegesen beszélgettek, telefonáltak, és próbálták megérteni a helyzetet.En: The people around him were talking nervously, making phone calls, and trying to understand the situation.Hu: Miután Lajos megtudta, hogy a vonatja késik, idegességében Zsófia mellett állt meg, aki láthatóan ugyanabban a helyzetben volt.En: After Lajos found out that his train was delayed, he stopped nervously next to Zsófia, who was visibly in the same predicament.Hu: „Szép kis helyzet, ugye?” – próbált mosolyt csalni Zsófia arcára.En: "Quite a situation, isn't it?" he tried to bring a smile to Zsófia's face.Hu: Zsófia csak bólintott.En: Zsófia just nodded.Hu: „A vonatom késik, és ha nem érkezem időben, lemaradok a fellépésemről.”En: "My train is delayed, and if I don't arrive on time, I'll miss my performance."Hu: „Én újságíró vagyok, egy fontos interjúra megyek.En: "I'm a journalist, heading for an important interview.Hu: Elég peches nap...” – mondta Lajos, miközben próbált valami megoldást találni.En: Quite an unlucky day..." said Lajos, while trying to find some solution.Hu: „Talán együtt valahogy jobban boldogulnánk.En: "Maybe we could manage better together somehow.Hu: Mit gondolsz?”En: What do you think?"Hu: Zsófia néhány pillanatig elgondolkodott, majd úgy döntött, hogy nincs veszítenivalója, és elfogadta Lajos ajánlatát.En: Zsófia thought for a few moments, then decided that she had nothing to lose and accepted Lajos's offer.Hu: Összetartottak a kihívással szemben, és közösen kezdték felfedezni az állomás környékét, hogy találjanak alternatív közlekedést.En: They faced the challenge together and began exploring the area around the station to find alternative transportation.Hu: Végül felfedeztek egy helyi utazási szolgáltatást, ami elérhető közelségbe tudna vinné őket céljaikhoz.En: Eventually, they discovered a local travel service that could take them within reach of their destinations.Hu: A hó azonban már vastagon borította az utcákat, és bizonytalanok voltak, hogy bízhatnak-e a sofőrben egy ilyen időjárásban.En: However, the snow had already thickly covered the streets, and they were uncertain if they could trust the driver in such weather.Hu: A feszültség nőtt, ahogy a vihar erősödött.En: The tension grew as the storm intensified.Hu: De úgy döntöttek, hogy kockáztatnak.En: But they decided to take the risk.Hu: Az utazás izgalmas és néha félelmetes volt, de a sofőr gyakorlott volt a havas utakon.En: The journey was exciting and sometimes frightening, but the driver was experienced on snowy roads.Hu: Lajos figyelmes volt Zsófiára, és a hosszú úton elkezdtek mesélni egymásnak történeteket az életükről.En: Lajos was attentive to Zsófia, and during the long ride, they started sharing stories about their lives.Hu: Ahogy a kocsi megérkezett a közeli kisvárosba, Lajos egy kávézóból tudta tartani az interjút videóhívás segítségével.En: As the car arrived in the nearby small town, Lajos was able to conduct his interview via video call from a café.Hu: Zsófiának pedig szerencséje volt, mert egy helyi zenész, aki hallotta történetüket, felajánlotta, hogy elviszi a koncertre.En: Zsófia was lucky because a local musician, who heard their story, offered to take her to the concert.Hu: Végül mindketten elérték céljukat.En: In the end, both reached their goals.Hu: Lajos rájött, hogy néha a megosztott küzdelmek közelebb hoznak másokhoz, és nyitottabbá vált.En: Lajos realized that sometimes shared struggles bring people closer and became more open.Hu: Zsófia pedig tapasztaltabb és magabiztosabb lett az ilyen váratlan helyzetek kezelésében.En: Zsófia became more experienced and confident in handling such unexpected situations.Hu: Budapest felett az égen a hó tovább hullott, de a két utazó most már sokkal jobban érezte magát, mintha újjászülettek volna az új év első napján.En: Above Budapest, the snow continued to fall, but the two travelers felt much better now, as if they had been reborn on the first day of the new year. Vocabulary Words:drifting: szállingóztakbustling: sürgölődéstension: feszültségdrowsily: álmosanhugging: ölelveconfusing: kétségbeejtőschedule: menetrendscout: tehetségkutatómuddled: zavartakpredicament: helyzetbenperformance: fellépésunlucky: pechesalternative: alternatívtransportation: közlekedésintensified: erősödöttrisk: kockáztatattentive: figyelmesconduct: tartanivideo call: videóhívásreborn: újjászülettekexploring: felfedeznithickly: vastagontrust: bízhatnakstorm: viharexciting: izgalmasfrightening: félelmetessharing: mesélnistruggles: küzdelmekexperienced: gyakorlottconfident: magabiztos

This week, Jaye Newport is back to talk about 2001's romantic comedy Serendipity. Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, it's a story of two people who meet by chance while holiday shopping in New York City. But are they fated to be together? Or do they make the choice to upend their lives for one another? It's fate vs choice, crossing paths and just missing each other all over NYC, with Jeremy Piven, Molly Shannon, and a scene stealing Eugene Levy. So, is this one worth a watch over 20 years later? Or just a product of late 90s Rom-Com silliness? Let's find out...Jaye and Audie Norman have a podcast! The Studio Window is available anywhere you get your podcasts and at https://www.extralettuce.com/studiowindowThanks go out to Audie Norman (@TheAudieNorman) for the album art. Outro music In Pursuit provided by Purple-Planet.comSupport the show by going to patreon.com/wyhsVisit tvstravis.com for more shows and projects from TVsTravis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textHow did a fashion designer trained in Italy and a lacrosse coach/urban composting activist become married farmers stewarding a historic farm in collaboration with land, sheep, and plants? Tune in to hear Anne and David Darling's extraordinary story of: Serendipity, guidance, collaborations with nature and spirit, and life-changing decision points. The amazing process of David being partially gifted a large historic farm, then meeting Anne in a surprising way. Their journey of land restoration in partnership with Spirit and “gathering celestial light.” How even a dream come true can start with no kitchen and septic problems! Find the Farm's offerings at https://www.thefarmatcatawissacreek.com/ Kindly leave us a review so more people can discover the show, and SUBSCRIBE to receive quick access to new episodes.Follow The Alight Institute on Instagram at @alight.institute https://www.instagram.com/alight.institute/ We're happy to hear your thoughts at support@alightinstitute.com

Serendipity—“the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way”—is the perfect word for the whirlwind adventure Anaiz Garcia and Enrique Cepeda have taken to celebrate their union. On today's episode of Wedding Secrets Unveiled!, Anaiz and Enrique join Sara to unpack their journey from a courthouse “I do,” to an Italian elopement, to a full-on Happily Ever After celebration. Sara had the honor of photographing every step of the way. So settle in and enjoy this wild love story. And who knows, it might just spark ideas for your own wedding plans! Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast wherever you're listening so you never miss an episode. Even better share it with a friend! It's a great way to show your support and let us know what you think. Thank you for listening. To get the full show notes head to _________________ For more information check out our website at www.sarazarrella.com/podcast Check us out on YouTube! Make sure to like and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@SaraZarrella/podcasts Join our Monthly Newsletter for tips, tricks and Freebies! https://sarazarrella.com/newsletter Would love to be friends on the gram at https://www.instagram.com/sarazarrellaphotography/

Welcome back to Morgan Hasn't Seen with Jeannine Brice & Morgan Robinson!!A seasonal selection of movies that while set at Christmas, don't necessarily have anything to do with the holiday hold down the MHS fort this December with everything from hitmen to surveillance conspiracy, and rom-coms to drug fuelled raves!A fate-filled New York rom-com full of warmth and festive feeling magic on the show this week as Jeannine and Morgan talk the sweetness, sappy-ness, and sentimentality of SERENDIPITY (2001) starring John Cusack & Kate Beckinsale!Our YouTube Channel for all our regular videos:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvACMX8jX1qQ5ClrGW53vow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ItsAWonderful1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/ItsAWonderful1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IT'S A WONDERFUL PODCAST STORE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teepublic.com/user/g9design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sub to the feed and download now on all major podcast platforms and be sure to rate, review and SHARE AROUND!!Keep up with us on (X) Twitter:Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ItsAWonderful1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Morgan:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/Th3PurpleDon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeannine:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/JeannineDaBean_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Keep being wonderful!!

The Accidental Diplomat: Robert Stryk and the New Zealand Connection: Colleague Kenneth P. Vogel explains that Robert Stryk's rise in the lobbying world was fueled by serendipity and bold bluffs, exemplified by a chance encounter with a New Zealand diplomat at a cafe; the diplomat revealed that New Zealand, having prepared for a Clinton victory, had no contacts within the incoming Trump team and could not arrange a congratulatory call between their Prime Minister and the President-elect, and Stryk, leveraging a connection to a former Trump campaign field director, provided a phone number that successfully connected the embassy to Trump's team, establishing his credibility and launching his career in high-stakes foreign lobbying. 1980