Podcasts about smoky mountains

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/harold-s-old-time-radio-no-1--4206392/support.

Comment bien choisir ses modèles Dans ce premier épisode de la cinquième saison du podcast, Stéphane et Joan explorent notre rapport aux modèles qui inspirent nos vies et notre foi. Entre figures religieuses, personnalités publiques et proches du quotidien, ils questionnent notre quête de perfection et invitent à privilégier des modèles authentiques, imparfaits et humains, capables d'inspirer sans devenir des idoles. [Stéphane] Bonjour, bienvenue à Question de croire, un podcast qui explore la foi et la spiritualité une question à la fois. Et pour débuter notre cinquième saison, on se demande comment bien choisir ses modèles. [Joan] Bonjour, Stéphane, et bonjour à toutes les personnes qui nous écoutent. [Stéphane] Bonjour Joan. La pression liée à un prénom [Joan] Ah, tu as dit bonjour, Joan. Tu vois Joan déjà c'est un modèle pour moi parce que c'est qui? C'est John Baez. Eh oui. Mes parents ont choisi mon prénom parce que voilà, formidable, tu connais John Baez quoi, je veux dire révolutionnaire antitout ou pro-tout, chacun dira ce qu'il veut. Oui, ils ont fait encore plus fort. Ils m'ont donné aussi Angela ou Ángela. Bon, après, des Ángela, il y en a eu dans toute ma lignée espagnole sur plusieurs générations. Mais bon, Angela, on sait très bien que c'est Angela Davis. Et Rosa, il y a aussi beaucoup de Rosa dans ma famille espagnole. Mais là, c'était Rosa Luxembourg. Donc, mes parents étaient-ils, sont-ils des gauchos? Pas du tout! Quand les gens me demandent un peu, pourquoi tu t'appelles Joan? Parce que c'est vrai que normalement on se dit Joan et j'ai dit : « c'est John Baez », à chaque fois ils me font « oh là, là, sacré programme ». Sauf que moi, je vis assez bien avec cet héritage, parce qu'une fois, j'ai entendu un jeune étudiant en théologie, quand j'allais au Bénin pour les formations d'auxiliaires de bibliothèque, pour former des gens dans mon équipe et tout, qui a fait une prédication très drôle, assez humoristique, pour dire que lui, en tant qu'étudiant en théologie, futur pasteur, il avait toujours envie d'être président. Effectivement, c'est parce qu'il avait un prénom qui le prédestinait à cela, puisque ses parents, lui souhaitant un brillant avenir, l'avaient prénommé Chirac. Donc, il a dit que quand il est devenu président de l'Amicale des étudiants en théologie du Bénin, il a senti vraiment, quelque part, il avait honoré l'intention de ses parents, qui avaient pris Chirac comme modèle pour lui. Le pasteur comme modèle de la vie chrétienne [Stéphane] C'est vrai qu'on reçoit parfois, par nos noms ou par nos fonctions, une certaine pression. Moi, ça me fait penser au titre de pasteur. On utilise beaucoup « pasteur » ou « révérend » dans mon Église. Comme je l'ai déjà signifié, moi je suis un peu allergique aux titres qui sont un peu honorifiques. Je trouve ça pompeux. Je dis toujours : « appelez-moi Stéphane. Vous pouvez me tutoyer, ça va bien ». Mais je peux comprendre que dans certains contextes, c'est comme ça que ça fonctionne. J'ai reçu un mandat de travailler avec une communauté essentiellement camerounaise. Il y a des gens d'un peu partout, mais la majorité est camerounaise. Et depuis le début, c'est pasteur Stéphane, pasteur Stéphane, pasteur Stéphane. Bon, j'ai décidé d'accepter, pas de me battre, parce que pour eux et pour elles, c'est important. Mais je trouve des fois, on a tendance à mettre le pasteur sur une espèce de piédestal. On investit tous nos fantasmes dans le sens où le pasteur, c'est quelqu'un de bien nécessairement, c'est quelqu'un de très éduqué, c'est quelqu'un d'une très grande sagesse et Dieu sait qu'on en a rencontré que non, ce n'est pas du tout le cas. Mais on sent qu'on doit projeter quelque chose et il y en a qui jouent un peu le jeu. Moi, mon anecdote d'aujourd'hui, les Québécois peut-être comprendront la référence, surtout si vous avez été aux alentours du Québec dans les années 1990, j'ai vu une vidéo de l'Église ICM, je ne sais pas, je n'ai pas vérifié l'acronyme. C'est un jeune pasteur qui lance un message. Venez à l'église, 16 septembre! Vous allez être accueillis! et je vois le nom Benjamin Carbone. Puis là, j'ai dit, mais est-ce le fils du célèbre Alberto Carbone, qui était un télévangéliste au Québec dans les années 1990? Eh bien oui, il a repris l'entreprise familiale, je pourrais dire. [Joan] Benjamin, si jamais on vous ramène des followers, dis-le-nous, c'est important qu'on sache. [Stéphane] Ah ben oui. Ce que j'ai remarqué en faisant un peu de recherche, c'était lui et son épouse. Il y a des cas où, comme toi Joan, avec ton époux, vous êtes tous les deux pasteurs, mais ce n'est pas l'image du beau couple parfait, l'épouse, le mari, les enfants parfaits, ce que j'appelle la vie Instagram, il n'y a rien qui dépasse, tout est beau. Donc, il se présente comme des modèles de la foi, des modèles de bon chrétien. Ce n'est pas ça la vraie vie, là. Qu'est-ce qu'on cherche là-dedans? Qu'est- ce qu'on cherche à projeter? Qu'est-ce que les gens recherchent là-dedans, pourquoi on veut que nos pasteurs, nos prêtres ou nos leaders religieux, soient des modèles, soient plus que parfaits. Dolly Parton, un modèle surprenant [Joan] Et d'ailleurs, ça me renvoie un petit peu à l'idée source de l'épisode. En fait, moi, je t'ai dit, il y a Dolly Parton qui est morte. Tu m'as dit, « Je ne connais pas trop. Je n'écoute pas trop de la country ». En fait, Dolly Parton, quand elle est morte, j'ai eu tellement de gens dans mon feed des réseaux sociaux qui lui ont payé un hommage, qui ont parlé d'elle, qui ont reposté ses chansons, qui ont parlé de sa vie, qui lui ont dit merci à titre posthume. Du coup, j'ai écouté un peu des épisodes de trucs et de machins, j'ai regardé des publications. Enfin, vraiment, ça m'a touchée parce que je connaissais Dolly Parton, mais je n'avais jamais trop fait attention. Elle vient des Smoky Mountains, un milieu vraiment assez rural, assez montagnard, assez cow-boy. Et elle s'est construit un personnage flamboyant en s'inspirant d'une femme de son entourage que tout le monde traitait de pétasse. En fait, c'était vraiment la femme du village, où quand on passait à côté d'elle, on disait aux enfants, aux petites filles, il ne faut surtout pas ressembler à cette dame. Pour qui elle se prend avec ses cheveux peroxydés, tout blond moche, ses talons, son maquillage, son allure? En plus, elle essaie d'attirer les hommes. Et puis elle, petite fille, dans une famille très chrétienne, vraiment très chrétienne, elle disait, mais un jour, moi, je serai comme cette femme. Parce qu'elle, au moins, elle ose qui elle est. Elle n'a pas peur, elle n'a pas honte. Elle vient d'une famille où on chantait beaucoup, comme c'était souvent le cas dans ces milieux-là. Un petit peu à la Céline Dion, pas du tout la même chose, mais de grandes familles, on chante, on sort le banjo, le truc, le machin. Et toute sa vie, en fait, elle a été une chrétienne hyper investie pour l'égalité des droits, pour les personnes LGBTQ+, les personnes queer, pour la early literacy, pour tout ce qui est l'apprentissage précoce de la lecture. Elle a créé une sorte de programme pour les enfants, pour qu'ils lisent. Elle se fait beaucoup attaquer par les chrétiens conservateurs. Elle n'en a jamais rien eu à taper. Évidemment, elle avait un empire, elle était très riche. C'est une businesswoman, elle a été hyper intelligente en termes de business. Mais ce qui est marrant, c'est que toute sa vie, même en étant assez vieille, elle avait ce look-là avec les cheveux blond jaune, un peu le look dingue, les maquillages flamboyants. Et toujours parce que cette femme, quand elle était petite fille, a été son modèle d'émancipation, d'oser être qui elle est. Et sa famille a eu un peu de mal, je pense, mais en fait, ils ont fini par s'habituer. Je trouve ça formidable, un exemple de vie chrétienne à contre-courant, en fait, de ce dont tu parles. Ça n'a rien à voir avec ça et c'est hyper inspirant pour les générations maintenant. Jésus, un révolutionnaire qui est devenu un modèle [Stéphane] C'est vrai que c'est très intéressant. On regarde certains chrétiens, ils vont dire : « Moi, je suis Jésus. J'admire Jésus. J'aspire à être comme Jésus ». Mais on regarde ne serait-ce que dans les évangiles, les amis de Jésus, c'est, entre guillemets, toutes les mauvaises personnes. Ce sont les prostituées, les lépreux, les collecteurs d'impôts. Toutes les personnes qu'on veut mettre au ban de la société, c'est ça les amis de Jésus. On s'attaque aux pharisiens. Ils étaient toujours à débattre et à essayer d'en découdre avec Jésus. Mais dans la société de l'époque, les pharisiens étaient considérés comme les bons croyants qui allaient au temple, qui respectaient les règles de la religion et tout ça. Et c'était Jésus qui provoquait, qui challengeait le statu quo, qui remettait les choses en question. Et 2000 ans plus tard, ce qu'on voit, c'est que le révolutionnaire ou celui qui voulait brasser la cage est devenu le modèle et les bonnes personnes sont devenues les moins bonnes personnes. Marie Durant, un modèle pour les protestants français [Joan] Moi, je me demande aussi pourquoi est-ce qu'on préfère souvent des modèles morts. Pourquoi est-ce qu'on prend beaucoup de modèles morts en exemple? Pourquoi est-ce que les gens qui sont là, qui justement se décarcassent, font du transport illégal de migrants et de migrantes, partagent leurs biens, replantent des déserts une plante après l'autre, pourquoi ces gens-là n'intéressent pas davantage? Alors bien sûr, il y a toujours quelqu'un qui se fait un petit peu remarquer, souvent quand la personne est jolie, jeune de préférence, souvent mince d'ailleurs aussi, ou a un bon réseau. Et d'ailleurs des fois c'est une bonne chose. Je rappelle que Gisèle Pellicot, l'une de ses filles, faisait partie du grand réseau journalistique et des médias parisiens. Donc, ce n'est pas par hasard non plus qu'on a eu cette médiatisation qui a apporté du fruit, donc ce n'est pas toujours négatif. Mais finalement, pourquoi on s'intéresse souvent plus aux personnes mortes comme modèle qu'aux personnes vivantes ? Et d'ailleurs, pourquoi est-ce que les personnes vivantes n'ont pas le droit d'être complètement vivantes, même quand elles ont subi de grandes offenses ou de grands malheurs? Je pense, et c'est tout bête, mais à Marie Durand. Marie Durand, grand exemple du protestantisme français, de la Résistance, enfermée 38 ans à la tour de Constance. J'y étais à la tour de Constance, c'est épatant d'aller là-bas. Et j'ai une copine, pendant ses études de théologie, elle était guide là-bas, à la tour de Constance, et elle raconte qu'il y a un truc que les gens ne supportaient pas. Tu ne vas jamais deviner ce que c'est Stéphane, c'est trop drôle. C'est qu'à la fin de la visite, elle me disait : « Écoutez, pour Marie Durand, après 38 ans d'emprisonnement, tout est bien qui s'est bien terminé. Elle est sortie de cette tour et elle s'est très vite mariée avec un homme qu'il admirait, qu'il attendait et elle a pu fonder une famille, être heureuse ». Les gens, ils étaient trop déçus! Il se disait, non, mais c'est une martyre, elle a souffert, elle a souffert pour sa foi. Ben non, en fait, on peut être une martyre, souffrir pour sa foi, puis vivre des grands moments de joie, être heureux et heureuse en fait, tout en étant des modèles. La recherche de modèle parfait [Stéphane] C'est vrai que certaines personnes ressentent presque un sentiment de trahison. Lorsque ces personnes investissent leurs émotions dans l'image d'une personne, on veut que ce soit parfait, qu'il n'y ait pas d'aspérité, qu'il n'y ait rien qui dépasse. Tout est lisse. La belle histoire, l'hagiographie, parfait, parfait, parfait. Mais qu'est-ce qu'on recherche dans ces modèles-là, dans ces idoles? Est-ce qu'on recherche justement la perfection, ce qu'on ne peut pas atteindre nous-mêmes, mais qu'on aimerait tellement? Est-ce qu'on ne préfère pas plus des gens ordinaires, je pourrais dire? Des gens justement qui ont souffert, qui ont douté, qui ont surmonté des épreuves, qui ont fait des erreurs, qui ont reconnu leur tort, qui ont réessayé. Qu'est-ce qu'on recherche? Moi, un des trucs que j'ai remarqués, c'est le personnage de mère Thérésa, qui a été acclamée de son vivant. Mais à la suite de sa mort, il y a des choses qui sont sorties. Elle avait écrit des trucs sur qu'elle ressentait le doute, qu'elle avait des périodes plus sombres au niveau de la foi. Puis là, il y a eu des trucs aussi que la gestion financière n'était pas vraiment optimale. On ne parle pas de malversation, mais disons que la comptabilité, ce n'était pas sa force. Les choses étaient un peu mélangées. Et là, les gens disaient, mais c'est scandaleux tout ça. Encore une fois, qu'est-ce qu'on veut? On veut la personne qui agit sans erreur ou la personne qui réussit de grandes choses, mais qui se questionne, qui a un doute. Moi, j'aime bien être capable de me reconnaître un peu dans ces modèles-là, dans ces idoles-là. Je peux me dire : « ah, cette personne-là a eu une passe un peu plus difficile. Ah, moi aussi, j'ai une passe plus difficile. Elle s'en est sortie. Ça m'inspire pour m'en sortir. » L'importance des modèles féminins [Joan] En plus, en tant que petite fille, moi, je manquais de modèles féminins, de leadership féminin, en fait, dans les Églises, dans le religieux. Vraiment, on ne voyait jamais les femmes rabbins, les femmes imams. Bon, côté catholique, voilà. Et puis, j'entendais parler quand j'étais petite de femmes pasteurs. Ça, c'était un sujet assez récurrent, parce que tu pouvais avoir des discussions là ou là, et puis on disait oui, ben voilà, moi, ma pasteure. Mais moi, de là où je suis originaire, la paroisse réformée du Bouclier de Strasbourg, il n'y avait pas de femmes pasteurs dans mon environnement. Il y avait des femmes, des laïcs très investies, c'était déjà chouette, mais pas de femmes pasteure. Et pourtant c'est dommage parce que 100% des femmes en situation de leadership dans les églises expliquent qu'elles avaient besoin de penser à une pionnière pour s'y raccrocher en fait. Ce serait que quand on vient faire des tas de procès à des femmes comme Mère Thérésa. D'un côté, c'est juste de souligner aussi ce qui n'était pas ok. D'un autre côté, c'est aussi de l'acharnement en fait, parce qu'il y a beaucoup d'hommes qui ne sont pas ok dans leur gestion, qui font un peu n'importe quoi. Et finalement, on va finir par te dire ce qui compte, c'est son œuvre ou ce qui compte, ce qu'il a fait. D'ailleurs, il y a un exemple avec un symposium qui a dû avoir lieu, complètement délirant, pour un prof de théologie dont je n'ai même pas envie de parler. Et là, on a bien vu que pour ce symposium, pour ce prof de théologie, qui pourtant a reconnu un certain nombre de trucs vraiment super pas ok, vraiment des choses qui ne vont pas du tout. Il y a plein de gens qui continuent à penser que c'était quelqu'un d'hyper intéressant, qui avait beaucoup contribué à la recherche. Et puis de toute façon, tout le monde a ses faiblesses et ses failles. Et alors c'est là qu'on se rend compte qu'on a du mal à perdre une figure tutélaire. Et on voit aussi que la personne qu'on considère comme une figure tutélaire, elle a du mal à perdre cette petite aura qu'elle a. « C'est un modèle de recherche, de réflexion, de savoir théologique ». On sent que quand tu remets un peu en question ça, sentir jugé, vexé. Moi j'ai interpellé des personnes qui avaient annoncé qu'elles allaient participer à ce symposium alors que voilà, ça aurait été mieux de ne rien faire ou de récolter de l'argent pour les personnes qui ont souffert de certaines situations. « Et oh là, là! Comment tu oses me dire ça, me parler de ça? Faut quand même penser aussi aux contributions exceptionnelles qu'a pu faire ce pasteur. » Mais est-ce que la recherche de vérité ne fait pas partie de l'amour aussi? Est-ce que cette recherche à tout prix de modèle ne devient pas de l'idolâtrie? Je me méfie beaucoup de la him-pathy, le fait d'avoir tellement de sympathie parce que cette personne a apporté beaucoup à ce domaine et à la recherche. Il n'y a pas de her-pathy, très rarement, donc on voit tout de suite qu'il y a un problème. Choisir des modèles qui nous arrangent [Stéphane] On adopte des modèles qui font notre affaire. C'est très rare qu'on va prendre dans l'absolu, telle personne a accompli telle chose. « Je vais suivre cet exemple ». Souvent, ça correspond à qui nous sommes. Lors de la première campagne de Donald Trump, ça paraît tellement loin, un des scandales, parce que ça a été quasiment oublié tellement qu'il y en a eu, c'est qu'il a eu une relation extra-conjugale avec une vedette de la pornographie. Et de voir des pasteurs, des commentateurs dire : « Donald Trump, c'est comme le roi David. Il y avait des aventures, le roi David et c'est un grand roi, c'est un grand pilier de la foi ». Donc, on essaie de prendre certains modèles pour justifier des choses qui sont assez difficiles à être justifiées. Là, je pense qu'il y a un décalage. Dire « Moi, j'aspire à être, je ne sais pas, avoir plus d'empathie, d'aider mon prochain comme telle personne », ça c'est une chose, mais lorsqu'on est rendu à chercher des modèles pour justifier des errements, justifier des crimes, justifier des choses qui sont difficilement justifiables, là je pense qu'il commence à y avoir un enjeu. On n'essaie pas de s'élever vers le haut, on essaie de justifier vers le bas. Être un modèle pour les autres [Joan] Et d'ailleurs, je suis vigilante au fait de justement, à la fois, que les gens puissent avoir quelqu'un avec qui raisonner, ce qui est mon boulot aussi en tant que pasteure et puis en aumônerie de la migration, quelqu'un à qui les gens puissent se raccrocher dans leurs épreuves, d'une façon j'espère la plus équilibrée possible, dans l'idée qu'ils et elles puissent boucler des boucles et sortir de leurs épreuves. Et puis en même temps, des fois, je m'auto-observe et je suis étreinte un peu d'un sentiment étouffant. Est-ce que justement, dans mes excès des fois de vouloir aider, syndrome de la sauveuse contre lequel il faut tout le temps se battre, est-ce que j'ai pu être un exemple un peu excessif pour d'autres? De rentrer tard, me lever tôt, m'occuper des autres? Après d'un côté, moi j'ai beaucoup de plaisir à le faire et puis quand je n'arrive plus à le faire, de toute façon moi je fais des pauses, je n'ai aucun problème avec le concept de pause, de Shabbat. Mais quand on est profilé, qu'on est un peu visible, en tout cas pour des personnes qu'on accompagne, c'est une responsabilité en fait. Et puis c'est une responsabilité qui, qu'on le veuille ou non, est un peu double quand on est une femme. Parce qu'on est assez récente dans le métier, on est encore en train de construire un peu ce que c'est que d'être femme, ministre, pasteur dans un corps pastoral qui a été créé, conçu pour et par des hommes. Et donc voilà, il y a des fois un bout d'excès, mais de réflexion éthique autour de ça qui m'étreint. Être un modèle positif [Stéphane] Tu abordes, on a un point qui me touche vraiment. Est-ce qu'on est nous-mêmes des modèles, positifs ou négatifs? Il y en a qui aiment se présenter comme des modèles, comme je l'ai dit plus tôt, regardez-moi, je suis pasteur, je suis bon, je suis beau. Mais je pense, par exemple, à mon fils, qui a maintenant 16 ans, qui me regarde fort probablement comme je regardais mon père. Fort probablement, toi, tu regardais soit ton père, ta mère. Est-ce qu'on est des modèles positifs? Et ce n'est pas nécessairement parfait, mais positif. Est-ce que je suis inspirant pour les gens autour de moi? Par exemple, au travail, est-ce que je mets les priorités aux bonnes places? Est-ce que je passe assez de temps avec ma famille? Moi, je vois des pasteurs qui vont travailler 60-70 heures par semaine. Puis là, je me dis, oui, mais quelle sorte de vie de famille qui reste là-dedans? Est-ce que c'est quelque chose à imiter? Donc, il y a ça aussi. Qu'est-ce qu'on dégage? Comment qu'on interagit avec les autres personnes? Est-ce qu'on peut être des modèles positifs? L'absence de modèles féminins dans la Bible [Joan] C'est compliqué aussi parce qu'on voudrait pouvoir trouver des modèles dans la Bible. Et moi, je suis souvent bloquée aussi parce qu'il n'y a pas beaucoup de modèles féminins dans la Bible sur des questions un peu de leadership spirituel, sur plein de choses. Il y a des femmes qui disent et qui font des choses dans la Bible, mais on ne va pas non plus extrapoler et pousser la comparaison à des endroits qui sont super anachroniques. Il y a Déborah. Mais est-ce que tout le monde a le caractère ou la force d'être Déborah? Conseillère de guerre, juge, elle fait plein de choses, elle est sous son palmier, elle est multi-task cette femme. Elle est mère de famille, elle est merveilleuse. Mais on ne peut vraiment pas toutes être comme Déborah. On peut reconnaître, on peut honorer les Déborah dans nos vies, dans la Bible. Et en même temps, on est obligé de voir que dans la Bible, il y a surtout des personnes qui se trompent, qui trompent Dieu, qui font des choses horribles, qui après sont rétablies quand même. Et donc, c'est complexe de faire avec tout ça et de trouver des ressources au milieu de tout ça et de se dire, comment est-ce que je gère ces ressources-là, sans être littéraliste, sans vouloir absolument faire dire à la Bible ce qu'elle ne dit pas et construire un peu tranquillement et de façon participative, une sorte de leadership chrétien, le truc dont tout le monde parle. C'est la tarte à la crème le leadership chrétien. Il y a même des bouquins là-dessus. Moi je rigole quand je vois qu'il y a des gens qui lisent des bouquins sur le leadership chrétien, je n'arrive même pas à comprendre comment est-ce qu'on structure ça, mais pourquoi pas quoi! Être capable de relativiser son influence [Stéphane] Je me souviens, il a y quelques années, j'avais acheté un livre à une amie pour sa fille, et c'était l'histoire d'Esther. Et sur le coup, elle m'a dit, c'est quoi? Esther a quand même confronté le roi pour sauver son peuple. C'est du courage. Ce n'est pas rien. Je pense qu'il faut savoir parfois presque lire entre les lignes. Ce n'est pas toujours facile. Et parfois aussi, j'aime bien pour rester dans nos bibles, comment certaines personnes sont conscientes de leur influence. Je pense beaucoup à Paul, qui, si on se fie à la bible, est demeuré célibataire. Mais dans la première lettre aux Corinthiens, au chapitre 7, verset 7, il dit : « En réalité, je préférerais que tout le monde soit comme moi, mais chacun le don particulier que Dieu lui a accordé, l'un de ceci, l'autre de ce don-là ». Paul était conscient qu'il y avait de l'influence. Sûrement plusieurs personnes le considéraient comme un modèle à suivre. Mais il était capable de dire : « Ça, ça fonctionne pour moi. Je demeure célibataire. Je ne me marie pas. Mais je suis conscient que pour d'autres personnes, c'est autre chose ». Et j'espère que moi, puis les modèles que je recherche ont cette idée-là, de ne pas sur-simplifier, ne pas généraliser le tout, d'être capable de dire voici mes qualités et voici ce que j'en ai fait avec, mais peut-être que vous avez d'autres qualités et essayez d'utiliser vos qualités pour la bonne raison. Déjà là, moi je trouve ça un peu plus inspirant comme modèle qu'une personne qui nous dit voici la recette, voici comment faire, appliquer A, B, C, D, E, F. Conclusion [Joan] Je trouve ça assez épatant dans un podcast ouvertement progressiste. On termine plus ou moins avec une exégèse sur Paul, ce que Paul peut apporter dans nos réflexions. Merci Stéphane en tout cas pour cette conversation. [Stéphane] Et merci à toutes les personnes qui continuent à nous écouter. On ne fait pas ça nécessairement pour la célébrité, on ne fait pas ça pour les chiffres, mais ça fait toujours chaud au cœur de voir que les gens sont à l'écoute et ça fait toujours chaud au cœur d'avoir des suggestions, des commentaires, des retours de votre part. Vous pouvez le faire à questiondecroire@gamil.com. Je veux remercier rapidement l'Église unie du Canada, notre commanditaire, qui nous permet de continuer cette aventure. Joan, je te souhaite une très belle journée et porte-toi bien. [Joan] Merci Stéphane. Au revoir à tout le monde et à très bientôt.         Mots clés :   modèle, foi, leadership, authenticité, vulnérabilité, religion, inspiration, société, influence, spiritualité     Sujets clés :   L'importance des modèles dans la foi et la société L'impact de l'authenticité et de la vulnérabilité Les dangers de l'idolâtrie et de la recherche de perfection L'influence de figures bibliques comme Deborah L'effet des modèles sur l'estime de soi et la construction identitaire     Points importants :   La recherche de perfection dans les modèles peut conduire à l'idolâtrie. L'authenticité et la vulnérabilité sont des qualités précieuses chez ceux et celles que l'on admire. Les leaders religieux ne sont pas parfaits, ils ont aussi leurs failles. La société valorise souvent les figures mortes ou idéalisées plutôt que les personnes vivantes et authentiques. Il est légitime de chercher des modèles qui ont surmonté des épreuves et qui doutent. L'exemple de Dolly Parton illustre la puissance d'être soi-même malgré les jugements. La recherche de modèles doit être équilibrée entre inspiration et réalisme.     Citations :   « Chercher la perfection qu'on ne peut pas atteindre » « Les figures tutélaires ont du mal à perdre leur aura »     Chapitres : 00:00:00 - Comment bien choisir ses modèles 00:00:51 - La pression liée à un prénom 00:02:42 - Le pasteur comme modèle de la vie chrétienne 00:06:00 - Dolly Parton, un modèle surprenant 00:08:50 - Jésus, un révolutionnaire qui est devenu un modèle 00:10:21 - Marie Durant, un modèle pour les protestants français 00:12:34 - La recherche de modèle parfait 00:14:54 - L'importance des modèles féminins 00:17:58 - Choisir des modèles qui nous arrangent 00:19:51 - Être un modèle pour les autres 00:21:25 - Être un modèle positif 00:22:53 - L'absence de modèles féminins dans la Bible 00:24:37 - Être capable de relativiser son influence 00:26:39 - Conclusion   * Photo de Alexander Lyashkov, unsplsh.com (https://unsplash.com/fr/@coldfield). Utilisée avec permission.       

More than 80 RVers made it to our Smoky Mountains rally despite diesel prices as high as $7.27 a gallon along the way. Mike reports what they are saying about fuel costs, RV quality, and noticeably quieter campgrounds.In this episode:What rally attendees paid for dieselHershey attendance and the outlook for ElkhartForest River's new rules for content creatorsThe legal challenge to the Patrick-Lippert mergerProposed national forest access changesWhen to see fall color in the SmokiesSources for each story are linked at the end of the episode under the transcript tab aboveJoin our End-of-Season RV Shutdown Workshop: RVLifestyle.com/WorkshopGet the large-type Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement: RVLifestyle.com/RetireSubscribe to our free daily newsletter: RVLifestyle.com/Newsletter

A New York Times bestseller!Country music legend Dolly Parton lends the lyrics of her classic song "Coat of Many Colors" to this heartfelt picture book that beautifully captures the love of her favorite winter coat—and how her trademark positivity shaped her childhood.Although we had no money,I was rich as I could be,in my coat of many colorsmy mama made for me.Dolly Parton's rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee provides the backdrop for this special picture book that tells the story of a young girl in need of a winter coat. Using lyrics from her classic song "Coat of Many Colors," Dolly fondly chronicles how her mother sews her a coat made of rags, and how she is mocked by classmates for being poor. But Parton's positive outlook carries through to the end as the girl realizes that her coat was made with love "in every stitch."Whimsical illustrations pair with Parton's poetic lyrics in this heartfelt picture book that eloquently reveals how love and positivity make us richer than anything money can buy.

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

Pain, loss, and unanswered questions about God can leave people feeling stuck, bitter, and far from hope. Guest author Kari Dumouchel-Parker has walked through decades of both mountaintop beauty and real-life trauma, and she's turned those experiences into powerful stories designed to help readers heal. Drawing from over 30 years of backpacking in the Smoky Mountains, Kari weaves together physical danger, solitude, and problem-solving on the trail with the emotional and spiritual work required to face heartbreak, abuse, grief, and fear. In this episode, Kari shares how her long-distance hiking adventures, getting lost, crossing dangerous rivers, facing washed-out trails, and pushing through exhaustion became living metaphors for navigating life's hardest seasons. She talks about the moment she chose to trust God's sovereignty in the face of real-world danger on the Appalachian Trail, and how that same trust shows up in her characters and stories. These wilderness experiences shape the emotional landscape of her novel Sanctuary, where the main character, Tess, leaves everything familiar in Florida to start over in the West, confront her pain, and rediscover who she is. Kari also dives into her core belief that real growth comes through pain. An easy life rarely forces anyone to look inward, but hard events expose our character, our blind spots, and our patterns. She explains the crucial choice we all face after a traumatic or painful event: either get stuck in bitterness and stay emotionally frozen in that moment, or take time to analyze what happened, what we contributed, and what we're being invited to learn. For Kari, forgiveness is not about excusing the offender or pretending the hurt didn't matter; it's about stepping out of the emotional “ring” with that person and handing them over to God, so we can finally move forward with mental and emotional freedom. Her nonfiction book God Reigns introduces readers to who God is, what His attributes reveal about His heart, and the hidden snares that quietly stall spiritual growth. It tackles the everyday battles believers face, the lies that keep people stuck, and the reality that God deeply loves and pursues each person. Sanctuary, by contrast, uses the vehicle of romance and adventure to explore wounds, identity, and the longing for a great love. Tess encounters two very different men and experiences two distinct kinds of love, all while wrestling with grief, past trauma, and the search for purpose. Kari draws from her own loss of her husband, as well as real-life professional experiences that inspired the backstory of the antagonist, to ground the novel in emotional truth. https://youtu.be/xd3sMDFUkbY?si=iFSLKPXu3ivsyikU Throughout the conversation, Kari emphasizes identity, calling, and the current cultural confusion over who we are. She believes that knowing you are deeply loved by God and understanding something as basic yet profound as truly embracing your identity unlocks the ability to live out your calling with clarity and confidence. Her hope is that Sanctuary and God Reigns will help readers process their pain, release lifelong bitterness, and recognize the quiet ways God has been calling and “wooing” them all along. If you're wrestling with trauma, spiritual questions, or the fear of starting over, Kari's stories and insights offer both a challenge and an invitation: you don't have to stay stuck in the past; you can step into healing, forgiveness, and a new chapter of life with God at the center. Quotes: “A lot of people don't want to forgive because they feel like if they forgive, they're releasing the other person from the bad event. They think they're punishing the other person, when in fact they're punishing themselves.” “If your life is easy, you don't have any reason to grow because you don't have any chance. You think you're okay; you don't see that there's a personality issue that may have led you down the wrong road.” “When you forgive, God says they're My problem; they're not your problem. You can get out of the ring, go on and live your life, and whatever that person's situation is, it's not yours anymore.” Contact Details: Discover Stories of Hope & Healing: Explore Kari's Books Today Need Hope for Your Next Chapter? Follow Kari on Facebook for Faith, and Inspiration Don't Let Your Past Define Your Future: Follow Kari on Instagram for Faith, Healing, and Hope God Reigns on Amazon Sanctuary on Amazon

WATCH on YouTube: @RootsMusicHistory

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

Send us Fan MailIn Episode #57 of Season #4, I will discuss the thought if black bear encounters with humans are seeing a rise or uptick these days.  Your host is Tommy Fowler. I have a biology degree from the University of Kentucky and a high passion for the outdoors.  I am "The Amateur Naturalist".We will talk about:In tonight's episode, I will discuss the topic are the black bears and humans having many more encounters these days and why?I will talk also talk about what to do if you do have a close encounter with a bear, especially if it seems to keep approaching or seems like it is not scared of you at all._________________________________________________________________________*************   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TommyFowler   **************One way that you can support this podcast is to "Buy Me a Cup of Coffee".  Not a real cup of coffee.  Just click on the Buy Me a Cup of Coffee and you can give a small donation to help me get some new equipment or to just stay on the air.  Many thanks in advance if you do._________________________________________________________________________My website:https://theamateurnaturalist.buzzsprout.com/2032491Also, be sure to visit Facebook and look for my site ... The Amateur NaturalistI would love to hear your ideas, see your pictures or hear your feedback.____________________________________________________________________You can help me out by:Please hit “download” on every episodePlease hit Followplease leave me a reviewdownload each of my episodesplease leave a 5-star rating    This helps me grow as a podcaster please tell 1-2 friends or family about this podcast_______________________________________________________________________You can support the people who support the Smoky Mountains, black bears  and wildlife by going to:Friends of the Smokies.          https://friendsofthesmokies.orgAppalachian Bear Rescue.     https://appalachianbearrescue.org________________________________________________________________________** Click here to get $20 off a paid Buzzsprout account to start your own podcast.  It's fun, start today!!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2014700_________________________________________________________________________The short music intro and outro is:"Hickory Hollow" by Dan Lebowitz.  I love this music.  Thank you, Dan.This music is royalty free.Support the showSupport the show

Hallelujah! Welcome, my friends. This is Michael Basham. We are here live, broadcasting from the Smoky Mountains, western North Carolina...MICHAELBASHAM.COM

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

Father Koys is still on sabbatical and is staying with his sister Mary Lou in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Father explores good and bad signs on how we interpret them. Father further explores the concept of guardrails. Ideally when we make a commitment, say in a committed relationship the contemporary thought is that marriage is not necessary. Because of concupiscence with no guardrail such as the confines of the Sacrament of Matrimony, there may be fertile ground for temptation. Living together within guardrails of the Sacrament of Matrimony the maintenance of a loving relationship is greatly assured. Guardrails such as the 10 Commandments are necessary for society to function as God provides them for us to have a true faith. St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish 

Originally aired: 12/9/2024This week, the one and only Dolly Parton graces Dumb Blonde with her presence, and it's truly a dream come true. The living legend first talks with Bunnie about her humble Appalachian roots, her childhood in the Smoky Mountains, and the profound influence of her close-knit family. She then discusses the pivotal role her Uncle Bill played in nurturing her early musical aspirations and helping her land a breakthrough performance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. Dolly also opens up about the challenges she faced navigating the Nashville music scene as a young artist, her enduring partnership with husband Carl Dean, and the entrepreneurial empire she's built, including her successful makeup line, Dolly Beauty, Dolly Wines, and her beloved Imagination Library program.Dolly Parton: Website | Dolly Beauty | Dolly WinesWatch Full Episodes & More: YouTube

It’s the first-ever Round Robin edition of the Sunday Mailbag—because apparently answering emails now requires a committee. Jay T "The Wingman" from the Smoky Mountains, Weedman Hippie from Hollywood, Florida, and his trusty sidekick Lisa from Long Island join Benny to chop down the mighty tree of P1 questions from the Maller Militia.The gang tackles Snoop Dogg’s ice-cream dream job—which Weedman has naturally decided belongs to him—melting in Texas, 70,000 pints of beer disappearing, favorite utensils, quality documentaries, the latest Jerry Jones mosquito audio update, dumb money, no-prep Maller Monologues, favorite gizmos, and human urine helping melt Mount Everest.Urine. Everest. Ice cream. Mosquitoes. This is what passes for intellectual discourse around here. And frankly, why shouldn’t it? Ben Maller has Mail Bag fun for your Sunday! All questions sent in by new listeners & P1's of the #MallerMilitia! Download, subscribe, and remember that sharing is caring (unless it's an STD.) Follow Ben on Twitter @BenMaller and listen to the original terrestrial radio edition of "Ben Maller Show," Monday-Friday on Fox Sports Radio, 2a-6a ET, 11p-3a PT!...Follow, rate & review "The Fifth Hour!" #BenMaller #FSRWeekendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the first-ever Round Robin edition of the Sunday Mailbag—because apparently answering emails now requires a committee. Jay T "The Wingman" from the Smoky Mountains, Weedman Hippie from Hollywood, Florida, and his trusty sidekick Lisa from Long Island join Benny to chop down the mighty tree of P1 questions from the Maller Militia.The gang tackles Snoop Dogg’s ice-cream dream job—which Weedman has naturally decided belongs to him—melting in Texas, 70,000 pints of beer disappearing, favorite utensils, quality documentaries, the latest Jerry Jones mosquito audio update, dumb money, no-prep Maller Monologues, favorite gizmos, and human urine helping melt Mount Everest.Urine. Everest. Ice cream. Mosquitoes. This is what passes for intellectual discourse around here. And frankly, why shouldn’t it? Ben Maller has Mail Bag fun for your Sunday! All questions sent in by new listeners & P1's of the #MallerMilitia! Download, subscribe, and remember that sharing is caring (unless it's an STD.) Follow Ben on Twitter @BenMaller and listen to the original terrestrial radio edition of "Ben Maller Show," Monday-Friday on Fox Sports Radio, 2a-6a ET, 11p-3a PT!...Follow, rate & review "The Fifth Hour!" #BenMaller #FSRWeekendsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I recap all of my adventures in Gatlinburg for the Mountain Music Festival. 3 days of Rock n Roll bliss in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. We also rank 10 songs from some of the musical artist appearing at this year's festival. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! It's quick, easy, and free - Please consider doing one or all of the following to help grow our audience: Leave Us A Five Star Review in one of the following places: Apple Podcast Podchaser Spotify Connect with us  Email us growinuprock@gmail.com Contact Form  Like and Follow Us on FaceBook Follow Us on Twitter Leave Us A Review On Podchaser Join The Growin' Up Rock Loud Minority Facebook Group Do You Spotify? Then Follow us and Give Our Playlist a listen. We update it regularly with kick ass rock n roll Spotify Playlist Buy and Support Music From The Artist We Discuss On This Episode Growin' Up Rock Amazon Store Pantheon Podcast Network Music in this Episode Provided by the Following: Rebels Opera, Tora Tora, Stone Whiskey, Tuk Smith And The Restless Hearts, No Love Lost, Jackyl, Lita Ford, Bad Marriage, And The Cruel Intentions Crank It Up New Music Spotlight Rebels Opera - “Smile Now, Cry Later” If you dig what you are hearing, go pick up the album or some merch., and support these artists. A Special THANK YOU to Restrayned for the Killer Show Intro and transition music!! Restrayned Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special episode, Rob and Peter celebrate the extraordinary life, legendary career, and enduring legacy of the one and only Dolly Parton!But this tribute comes with a twist: recorded live from Dollywood during Rob's bachelor party, Rob is joined by his groomsmen for a rowdy roundtable filled with hilarious stories, questionable decisions, and plenty of laughs. It's part heartfelt farewell, part bachelor-party chaos, and a joyful celebration of Dolly Parton from the heart of the Smoky Mountains.https://www.ricoandtheman.com/https://www.instagram.com/ricoandthemanpod/https://www.youtube.com/@ricomanpodcasthttps://x.com/ricoandtheman

Today, we are doing a special episode. We are Unlocking Dollywood! We will discuss our experience at the Smoky Mountain theme park and determine if it's really as good as everyone says, from the attractions to the food, and more food, plus, of course, all things Dolly Parton.We are Unlocking Dollywood for you to see if there's magic.

The Queen of country music is gone. Dolly Parton passed away at 80, and I couldn't let the week end without honoring her, because her life holds a lesson every artist and dreamer needs to hear. Most people know "I Will Always Love You" as a love song, but Dolly wrote it as a goodbye to the man who gave her one of her biggest breaks. When Elvis later came calling and his manager demanded half the publishing rights, she said no. It broke her heart, but she wouldn't surrender what God had given her, and years later Whitney Houston turned that same song into one of the greatest vocal performances in history. Dirt poor in the Smoky Mountains, nearly 60 years married to one man, faithful to the end. Her story is a powerful reminder to steward the gift He's placed in your hands. Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you. To learn more about the sponsor of today's show and what our family currently uses for our healthcare check out Christian Healthcare Ministries by visiting https://hubs.ly/Q02vWQGy0  Alliance Defending Freedom: https://JoinADF.com/Kirk America's Christian Credit Union: https://americaschristiancu.com/kirk Editing and production services provided by thepodcastupload.com #KirkCameron #TheKirkCameronShow #DollyParton #IWillAlwaysLoveYou #WhitneyHouston #CountryMusic #Faith #Christian #Testimony #GodGivenGifts #Stewardship #RonaldReagan #JamesCameron #Tribute #RestInPeace

What happens when a bunch of men who aren't particularly interested in going to a men's retreat actually spend a weekend together? Apparently, something none of us expected. When Mancation Mountain was created, the plan was pretty simple: get a group of guys together in an incredible Smoky Mountain mansion, eat great food, play poker and pickleball, drink, laugh, hang out, and squeeze in about 90 minutes a day talking about relationships. Because, realistically, how much “deep conversation” are a bunch of guys going to tolerate? Last year, those 90-minute conversations kept turning into four-hour conversations. The guys themselves didn't want them to end. In this episode, Scott sits down with two men who attended the first Mancation Mountain to talk about what actually happened there, including what they expected going in, why some of the men almost didn't come at all, and how a weekend built around having fun unexpectedly became one of the most meaningful experiences many of them had ever had. They talk openly about relationships, sex, insecurity, erectile dysfunction, childhood baggage, non-monogamy, marriage, anxiety, and things some men admitted they had never told another person in their lives. But this isn't therapy camp, and it isn't four days of sitting around crying. It's about something a lot of men may not realize they're missing until they experience it: real friendships with other men who can hear the complicated, uncomfortable, deeply personal parts of your life without judging you, fixing you, or turning the conversation into wife-bashing.Mancation Mountain is sex-positive, but it isn't just for men in non-monogamous relationships. Last year included straight, gay, bisexual, monogamous, non-monogamous, partnered, and single men. The common denominator was simply being open-minded enough to let other people live differently than you do. If the phrase “men's retreat” makes you slightly uncomfortable, this episode may be especially worth hearing. Because several of the men who felt exactly that way going in were the same ones saying, three days later: “I had no idea I needed this.” MANCATION MOUNTAIN - Men's Retreat https://www.naughtygym.com/mancation

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

In this episode of Devotions with Christian Outdoors, Jon Goodwin shares a powerful reminder about the importance of seeking help and guidance in our spiritual walks. He reflects on a recent trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with his wife, where they experienced breathtaking natural beauty and incredible encounters with wildlife. But what's more remarkable is how their willingness to ask for help from locals led them to discover hidden gems they might have otherwise missed. As Jon shares stories of their adventures, he highlights the value of seeking guidance from others in our faith journeys. He points to the example of the Ethiopian eunuch in the Bible, who was helped by Philip in understanding the message of the gospel. Jon encourages listeners to be willing to ask questions and seek out others who can provide insight and understanding, just as the Ethiopian eunuch did. Jon's experiences in the Smoky Mountains serve as a reminder that we don't have to navigate our spiritual walks alone. By seeking help and guidance from others, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and experience the beauty of His creation in new and exciting ways. Whether it's asking a local for advice or seeking out a mentor, John's message is clear: don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on how to deepen your faith and experience the beauty of God's creation, tune in to this episode of Devotions with Christian Outdoors. Jon's stories and insights will inspire you to be more intentional about seeking help and guidance in your spiritual walk. Feel free to reach out to Jon directly via email at jon@christianoutdoors.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nashville, TN & Dollywood: A Tennessee Bucket List Adventure Planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee? Want to tack on a day trip to Dollywood? Tune in to this weekly travel podcast for travel tips, destination inspiration, and bucket list adventures. The Everyday Bucket List Podcast is a travel podcast and travel lifestyle podcast featuring travel podcast stories from travelers, locals, and experts. We cover: Nashville Travel & Attractions: Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway honky-tonks, Johnny Cash Museum, and the Nashville Parthenon Nashville Food & Hotels: Hot chicken, barbecue, biscuits, Goo Goo Clusters, Nashville hotels, and family-friendly experiences Dolly Parton & Dollywood: Dolly Parton's Nashville connection, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the Smoky Mountains, seasonal events, and Tennessee travel ideas Plus, Lee Huffman of Bald Thoughts shares his tips for exploring Nashville, traveling with kids, and creating unforgettable bucket list experiences. Whether you're looking for travel planning inspiration, researching your next destination, or simply love travel podcasts, this episode is packed with ideas for your Tennessee bucket list. CLICK THE LINKS BELOW OR CUT AND PASTE THEM INTO YOUR BROWSER: Read the blog post (show notes): https://karencordaway.com/nashville-tennesee-things-to-do/    Binge-listen to my Seasonal Bucket List playlist https://bit.ly/3SPiiVN  Binge-listen to my Episodes about Hobbies playlist  https://spoti.fi/46Q9p4o   Listen to these episodes next: Best Card for Travel with Lee Huffman (Ep 103) Fun Things to Do in Atlanta, GA Spotify Playlist Fun, Bucket List Things to Do in Charleston. SC (Ep 77) Simple, Fun & Affordable Bucket List Ideas to Do in Everyday Life (Ep 89)   RESOURCES: Grab a copy of  The Everyday Bucket List Book https://amzn.to/3vwxz2K If you'd like to support my work, check out https://buymeacoffee.com/edbl Hire me for VO:  https://www.fiverr.com/s/0D9rdZL?utm_source=CopyLink_Mobile See my UGC Samples on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/EverydayBucketList/user-generated-content-examples/ Hire me as a UGC Video Creator: https://www.fiverr.com/s/99mKB2d?utm_source=CopyLink_Mobile   Connect with the guest: Websites: BaldThoughts.com & WeTravelThere.com Social: @WeTravelThere   Connect with me: Website: KarenCordaway.com Twitter (X): @KarenCordaway https://x.com/karencordaway Pinterest: @Everyday_Bucket_List https://www.pinterest.com/EverydayBucketList/ Tiktok: @Everyday_Bucket_List https://www.tiktok.com/@everyday_bucket_list   If you're enjoying this podcast, please rate and review it here. Let me know what you like about it so I know exactly what content to keep creating for you. Disclaimer: Some of the outbound links financially benefit the podcast. Using our links is a small way to support the show at zero cost to you. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for your support.  

Eine musikalische Reise durch das einzigartige Schaffen von Dolly Parton, einer der grössten und prägendsten Stimmen der Country-Musik. Mit ihren unvergesslichen Songs, ihrer unverwechselbaren Stimme und ihrer warmherzigen Persönlichkeit hat Dolly Parton Generationen von Musikfans begeistert. In dieser Ausgabe blicken wir auf das aussergewöhnliche Lebenswerk der Country-Ikone zurück und begleiten sie auf ihrem Weg von den Anfängen in den Smoky Mountains bis zu ihrem Status als weltweiter Superstar. Dolly Parton war weit mehr als eine erfolgreiche Sängerin und Songwriterin. Sie war eine Inspiration, eine Botschafterin der Menschlichkeit und eine Künstlerin, die stets ihren Wurzeln treu blieb. Ihre Musik, ihre Grosszügigkeit und ihr unverwechselbarer Charme werden unvergessen bleiben. Danke, Dolly, für die Lieder, die Geschichten und die Erinnerungen.

Dolly Parton broke the mould for country music over a seven-decade career, winning 10 Grammy awards, selling more than 100 million records worldwide, and writing in excess of 3,000 songs. Born in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, her childhood was one of poverty, put gave back after finding fame aiding children's literacy and health care through the Dollywood Foundation. Country Music Hall of Fame curator Allison Moorer and Glastonbury Festival organiser Emily Eavis pay tribute.Deirdre McSharry was a pioneering figure in magazine journalism and became editor of Cosmopolitan in the UK during the publication's golden era in the 1970s. Whilst working as the fashion editor at the Daily Express she made famous the schoolgirl Lesley Lawson, who went onto become known the world over…as Twiggy! The writer Hettie Judah, and Twiggy herself, share their memories of her.Professor Pat Easterling was a respected classicist, best known for her pioneering work on Greek tragedy. She became President of the Classical Association in 1989, was elected a Fellow of the British Academy, and was appointed the Regius Professor of Greek at the University of Cambridge – the first, and so far only, woman to hold that position. It was there that she met a young student called Mary Beard, now an eminent classicist and broadcaster herself, who recalls her impact on academia.In 2025 Sir Billy Boston became the first rugby league player ever to be given a knighthood. Despite showing promise playing rugby union as a schoolboy he wasn't selected for his local club in Cardiff and made the then controversial decision to switch codes and join rugby league side Wigan. A decision that brought with it great rewards, but which cost him his dream of ever playing for Wales. BBC Rugby League correspondent, Matt Newsum, tells his story.Presenter: Matthew Bannister Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producer: Lowri Morgan Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Glyn TansleyArchive: BBC One, Glastonbury, 29/06/2014; BBC One, Wogan, 26/03/1983; BBC One, Parkinson, 17/02/2001; BBC Radio 2, John Dunn Show, 11/08/1982; Great Britain Vs Australia, 1960, British Pathe; BBC Radio Wales, Jacko's Sporting Almanac, 19/11/2017;

In Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton, Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American Original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations except her own. During a time when the Beatles set the standard for contemporary music, Dolly appeared on a local country music television show that her high school classmates thought was pure cornpone. The day after her high school graduation, she boarded a bus for Nashville, but record executives turned her down. One said her voice sounded like a screech owl.When Dolly finally got her foot in the door, her talent and focus catapulted her to the top of country charts, the pop world, and movie stardom. Yet her success came at a price. Shunned by many in Nashville who saw her ambition as a betrayal of her country music roots, Dolly became the target of death threats, lawsuits, and a judge who threatened to throw her in jail. She nearly collapsed on-stage and later succumbed to depression that pushed her to the brink, but she refused to be counted out and came back stronger than ever developing Dollywood, the amusement park that became the economic engine of East Tennessee, and founding the Imagination Library that provides free books to children around the world. Her philanthropy to health organizations led to creation of the Moderna COVID vaccine. And, finally, she returned to her roots, recording bluegrass albums that became the most celebrated of her unparalleled 60-year career.Ain't Nobody's Fool is a deep dive into the social, historical, and personal forces that made Dolly Parton one of the most beloved and unifying figures in public life and includes interviews with friends, family members, school mates, Nashville neighbors, members of her band, studio musicians, producers, and many others. It also features never before seen photographs and unearthed documents shedding light on her family's hardscrabble life. More than anything, Martha Ackmann's fresh and animated new book proves Dolly Parton knows just who she is and she ain't nobody's fool.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

In Ain't Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton, Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American Original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations except her own. During a time when the Beatles set the standard for contemporary music, Dolly appeared on a local country music television show that her high school classmates thought was pure cornpone. The day after her high school graduation, she boarded a bus for Nashville, but record executives turned her down. One said her voice sounded like a screech owl.When Dolly finally got her foot in the door, her talent and focus catapulted her to the top of country charts, the pop world, and movie stardom. Yet her success came at a price. Shunned by many in Nashville who saw her ambition as a betrayal of her country music roots, Dolly became the target of death threats, lawsuits, and a judge who threatened to throw her in jail. She nearly collapsed on-stage and later succumbed to depression that pushed her to the brink, but she refused to be counted out and came back stronger than ever developing Dollywood, the amusement park that became the economic engine of East Tennessee, and founding the Imagination Library that provides free books to children around the world. Her philanthropy to health organizations led to creation of the Moderna COVID vaccine. And, finally, she returned to her roots, recording bluegrass albums that became the most celebrated of her unparalleled 60-year career.Ain't Nobody's Fool is a deep dive into the social, historical, and personal forces that made Dolly Parton one of the most beloved and unifying figures in public life and includes interviews with friends, family members, school mates, Nashville neighbors, members of her band, studio musicians, producers, and many others. It also features never before seen photographs and unearthed documents shedding light on her family's hardscrabble life. More than anything, Martha Ackmann's fresh and animated new book proves Dolly Parton knows just who she is and she ain't nobody's fool.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

rWotD Episode 3402: 1950 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Thursday, 27 August 2026, is 1950 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team.The 1950 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team was an American football team that represented East Tennessee State College (ETSC)—now known as East Tennessee State University—as a member of the Smoky Mountain Conference and the Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) during the 1950 college football season. Led by fourth-year head coach Loyd Roberts, the Buccaneers compiled an overall a record of 3–5–1, with marks of 1–2–1 against Smoky Mountain opponents and 0–1–1 in VSAC play. This was the program's first losing record under Roberts and the first losing season since 1941. The team's co-captains were Mark Sutherland and Bob "Snake" Evans. The 1950 squad beat local rival Tusculum. They also tied Milligan in the final meeting between the two rivals as Milligan dropped football after the season. One of the few bright spots of the year was the transfer of Hal Morrison from Tennessee, as he became a record-setting target over the next three seasons. This was the first Buccaneer football team to receive athletic scholarships after the players had gone on strike the previous year.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:49 UTC on Thursday, 27 August 2026.For the full current version of the article, see 1950 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football team on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Kendra.

In this emotional yet highly celebratory tribute episode, host Rita Cosby honors the incredible life, wit, and legacy of the late, great Dolly Parton following the news of her passing after a brief battle with cancer. Listeners from across the country dial in to share how Dolly's iconic music and legendary generosity—from giving away millions of books to kids to donating $1 million to COVID-19 vaccine research—guided them through life's biggest milestones and darkest hours. Packed with Dolly's most famous quips, her smart-as-a-whip business decisions (like saying no to Elvis), and her fiercely independent, apolitical stance, this episode is a beautiful look at country music's ultimate, beloved queen.

Greg Kelly reflects on the life and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton following her reported passing at age 80. Joe Piscopo joins the program and shares personal anecdotes about performing alongside her and praises her remarkable professional generosity. Throughout the program, Greg highlights her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains, her savvy business acumen, and her commitment to remaining fiercely apolitical during her long career.

Before she became known as the Queen of Country Music, beloved by young and old alike, Dolly Parton was a barefoot kid from a two-room cabin in the Smoky Mountains, singing along to her mother's old ballads. With her passing on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, we're revisiting one of the most joyful chapters of her remarkable career: turning one of her biggest hits, "9 to 5," into a Tony-nominated musical. This episode is taken from our first season, now with a new introduction, new soundbites, enhanced audio, and some final thoughts honoring Dolly's legacy and her influence on us all, especially on Broadway. We trace the show's journey from Jane Fonda's idea for a workplace revenge comedy to one of the most iconic movies of the 1980s, and finally to the stage. It's a story worth remembering: how Dolly carried her own voice, and her own songs, all the way to Broadway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolly Parton always said it costs a lot of money to look this cheap, but her impact on the world was entirely priceless. We are looking back at the incredible 80-year journey of a true Smoky Mountain diamond whose songwriting and unmatched generosity outshined even her brightest outfit. Is nobody else on her level of fame and shared love? Also on the show: Charles Barkley says it like it is by calling out the WNBA and their commissioner, an update on MLGW's progress on widespread power outages, the most iconic Dolly Parton performance, and two rounds of Impossible Trivia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

Avery is joined by Mary Mueller, a first-time short term rental investor who shares how she and her husband went from feeling priced out of vacation rentals to purchasing and renovating an affordable cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Mary explains how balancing homeschooling, raising three young children, and navigating family health challenges didn't stop them from finding a value-add property, completing a major renovation, and launching a successful rental that has exceeded their early expectations. She discusses the importance of continuous learning, leaning on experienced mentors, and embracing the beginner mindset, while offering an honest look at the challenges of getting a property rent-ready, managing guests, and building confidence as a new investor. The conversation is an encouraging reminder that ordinary families can build long-term wealth through short term rentals with patience, education, and consistent action. Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery's books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

One of the best things about exploring the United States has to be visiting the National Parks! And there are some that are better during certain times of year than others! And some really just shine during certain months. From the Smoky Mountains in the fall to Yellowstone National Park in winter, these are the best national parks to visit by season!   Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Amanda From a Dangerous Business Substack on Moving to Scotland: https://dangerousbiz.substack.com/ -Romantic Things to Do in Joshua Tree: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/romantic-things-to-do-in-joshua-tree/ -3 Days in the Smoky Mountains: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/3-day-great-smoky-mountains-itinerary/ -Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/things-to-do-in-shenandoah-national-park/ -1 Week in Glacier National Park: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/itinerary-for-glacier-national-park/   Want to support our work? You can buy us a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/worldwidehoneymoon    Need help planning your trip to France? Check out my trip consulting page: https://francevoyager.com/france-travel-consulting-custom-itineraries/    Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! https://www.facebook.com/groups/francevoyager/   Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

We just got back from the Smoky Mountains and I'm taking you along for the whole thing.In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly how we booked our family trip to Dollywood and Gatlinburg, Tennessee: the resort, the flights, the rental car, and yes even how we handled park tickets. If you've ever wondered what a real points trip looks like from start to finishIn this episode, I cover:How we booked our resort [which points/card, how many points, what it would have cost in cash]The flight strategy [airline, points currency, routing from ABQ]Rental CarOur favorite spots in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, where we ate, what we skippedA full day at Dollywood The takeaway: You don't need a huge income or complicated strategy to make trips like this happen. You need a system and the willingness to say yes.Links & Resources:Ready to book your own points trip? Join us inside the Travel Points Lounge Follow along → @pointstooparadiseCapital One Venture X Card

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

These shows are made possible by your support on Patreon.com/RapReviews. RapReviews.com and MarksOfWrestling.com share the same server for hosting so any support for either site would be appreciated. Thank you!

We're back with another edition of the Radio Sucks Radio Show, serving up ten tracks you probably won't hear during your average afternoon of corporate radio repetition. Chris has five killer cuts from Lost Circus, Blacktop Mojo, Audrey Horne, John Diva and the Rockets of Love, and Speed Stroke. Aaron digs into the archives with selections from Rose Tattoo, Quiet Riot, Jackyl, Tom Keifer, and David Lee Roth. It's another mix of brand-new music, overlooked album tracks, deep cuts, and songs deserving a bigger audience. Which picks hit the hardest? Which ones have been hiding in plain sight? You'll have to listen and find out. We'll also be at The Mountain Music Fest, happening August 21–23, 2026, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Come hang out with us for a full weekend of rock in the Smoky Mountains. Get tickets and festival information here We hope you enjoy the Radio Sucks Radio Show and SHARE it with a friend! Decibel Geek is a proud member of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Facebook Fan Page Follow on Twitter Follow on Instagram E-mail Us Subscribe to our Youtube channel! Support Us! Buy a T-Shirt! Donate to the show! Stream Us! Stitcher Radio Spreaker TuneIn Become a VIP Subscriber! Click HERE for more info! Comment Below Direct Download  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with another edition of the Radio Sucks Radio Show, serving up ten tracks you probably won't hear during your average afternoon of corporate radio repetition. Chris has five killer cuts from Lost Circus, Blacktop Mojo, Audrey Horne, John Diva and the Rockets of Love, and Speed Stroke. Aaron digs into the archives with selections from Rose Tattoo, Quiet Riot, Jackyl, Tom Keifer, and David Lee Roth. It's another mix of brand-new music, overlooked album tracks, deep cuts, and songs deserving a bigger audience. Which picks hit the hardest? Which ones have been hiding in plain sight? You'll have to listen and find out. We'll also be at The Mountain Music Fest, happening August 21–23, 2026, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Come hang out with us for a full weekend of rock in the Smoky Mountains. Get tickets and festival information here We hope you enjoy the Radio Sucks Radio Show and SHARE it with a friend! Decibel Geek is a proud member of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Facebook Fan Page Follow on Twitter Follow on Instagram E-mail Us Subscribe to our Youtube channel! Support Us! Buy a T-Shirt! Donate to the show! Stream Us! Stitcher Radio Spreaker TuneIn Become a VIP Subscriber! Click HERE for more info! Comment Below Direct Download  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A subscriber from Tennessee who goes by the handle “Dr. Boggs” on Twitter X recently reached out to describe an incredible orb sighting he, his wife, and daughter had while skywatching on Mother's Day, May 12, 2024. The three family members, upon finishing work, drove to a scenic overlook outside Gatlinburg at around 4:30 a.m. to observe the stars, but saw a lot more than they had expected. Suddenly, numerous purple orbs appeared throughout the sky, all of them traveling north to south. Then, two other orbs appeared right near the vehicle, only to disappear.Support Extraterrestrial Reality/Quirk Zone on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/Extraterrestrial_Reality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out my YouTube channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quirk Zone - YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Extraterrestrial Reality Book Recommendations:Link to ROSWELL: THE ULTIMATE COLD CASE: CLOSED: https://amzn.to/3O2loSILink to COMMUNION by Whitley Strieber: https://amzn.to/3xuPGqiLink to THE THREAT by David M. Jacobs: https://amzn.to/3Lk52njLink to TOP SECRET/MAJIC by Stanton Friedman: https://amzn.to/3xvidfvLink to NEED TO KNOW by Timothy Good:  https://amzn.to/3BNftfTLink to UFOS AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STATE, VOLUME 1:  https://amzn.to/3xxJvlvLink to UFOS AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STATE, VOLUME 2: https://amzn.to/3UhdQ1lLink to THE ALLAGASH ABDUCTIONS: https://amzn.to/3qNkLSgUFO CRASH RETRIEVALS by Leonard Stringfield: https://amzn.to/3RGEZKsFLYING SAUCERS FROM OUTER SPACE by Major Donald Keyhoe: https://amzn.to/3S7WkxvCAPTURED: THE BETTY AND BARNEY HILL UFO EXPERIENCE by Stanton Friedman and Kathleen Marden: https://amzn.to/3tKNVXn#ufos #aliens #vegas aliens #ufo podcast

A subscriber from Tennessee who goes by the handle “Dr. Boggs” on Twitter X recently reached out to describe an incredible orb sighting he, his wife, and daughter had while skywatching on Mother's Day, May 12, 2024. The three family members, upon finishing work, drove to a scenic overlook outside Gatlinburg at around 4:30 a.m. to observe the stars, but saw a lot more than they had expected. Suddenly, numerous purple orbs appeared throughout the sky, all of them traveling north to south. Then, two other orbs appeared right near the vehicle, only to disappear.Support Extraterrestrial Reality/Quirk Zone on Patreon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/Extraterrestrial_Reality⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out my YouTube channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quirk Zone - YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Extraterrestrial Reality Book Recommendations:Link to ROSWELL: THE ULTIMATE COLD CASE: CLOSED: https://amzn.to/3O2loSILink to COMMUNION by Whitley Strieber: https://amzn.to/3xuPGqiLink to THE THREAT by David M. Jacobs: https://amzn.to/3Lk52njLink to TOP SECRET/MAJIC by Stanton Friedman: https://amzn.to/3xvidfvLink to NEED TO KNOW by Timothy Good:  https://amzn.to/3BNftfTLink to UFOS AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STATE, VOLUME 1:  https://amzn.to/3xxJvlvLink to UFOS AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY STATE, VOLUME 2: https://amzn.to/3UhdQ1lLink to THE ALLAGASH ABDUCTIONS: https://amzn.to/3qNkLSgUFO CRASH RETRIEVALS by Leonard Stringfield: https://amzn.to/3RGEZKsFLYING SAUCERS FROM OUTER SPACE by Major Donald Keyhoe: https://amzn.to/3S7WkxvCAPTURED: THE BETTY AND BARNEY HILL UFO EXPERIENCE by Stanton Friedman and Kathleen Marden: https://amzn.to/3tKNVXn#ufos #aliens #vegas aliens #ufo podcast

His father rejected him. His grandmother changed everything. Brad Ryan spent seven and a half years driving across America with his 85-year-old grandmother, visiting all 63 national parks, and quietly healing the wounds his coming out left behind. What started as an adventure became something neither of them expected: a reckoning with family, identity, and the stories gay men tell themselves about who will ever truly accept them. Brad joins Rick to talk about what happens when you stop waiting for the people who hurt you and start showing up for the ones who show up for you. Key Takeaways: Why Brad didn't come out until college and what his father's reaction cost himHow a camping trip in the Smoky Mountains became the turning point with his grandmotherWhy gay men build elaborate stories about rejection that don't match realityWhat intergenerational connection offers gay men that their own community often can'tHow curiosity instead of judgment transforms even the most broken family relationshipsWhy healing doesn't always look like confrontation — sometimes it looks like a road trip About Brad Brad Ryan is a veterinarian, wildlife conservationist, social media influencer, and writer from southeastern Ohio. He earned his BA from Miami University in Ohio, an MSc in mammalian biology from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, and a DVM/MPH combined degree from The Ohio State University, specializing in wildlife medicine and veterinary public health. For Brad, storytelling is a vehicle for healing—rooted in empathy, inspired by nature, and driven by a desire to help others feel seen and connected. As a keynote speaker, he champions LGBTQ+ inclusion in the outdoors, eliminating stigma around mental health, and the protection of wildlife Connect With Brad Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you're going to do, but never do? Then it's time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community

Avery is joined by Lucas Papageorgiou, a manufacturing consultant and real estate investor who shares how careful analysis, patience, and disciplined decision-making helped him build a portfolio of both long-term and short-term rentals. Lucas explains how purchasing a four-unit property at age 24 allowed him to live nearly rent-free while building equity, before expanding into the Smoky Mountains vacation rental market through methodical research and conservative financing. He also discusses why he refuses to chase rapid growth, emphasizing the importance of saving for down payments, resisting overleveraging, and viewing real estate as a long-term investment rather than a get-rich-quick strategy. Throughout the conversation, Lucas offers practical advice on avoiding analysis paralysis, trusting your own due diligence, and building wealth through consistency instead of shortcuts. Connect with us: The Short Term Shop - https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery's books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon

One of the many hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains is Iron Mountain Sporting Clays. But if you're into shooting, this is a must-visit destination. But it goes beyond just a day of shooting; this experience can quickly teach you some important life lessons and have a profound impact on how we live our spiritual lives.

“Infrastructure used to be invisible. Now, it's the brand. ” - Kamila ThompsonThank you for tuning in to The CUInsight Network, with your host, Robbie Young, Vice President of Strategic Growth at CUInsight. In The CUInsight Network, we take a deeper dive with the thought leaders who support the credit union community. We discuss issues and challenges facing credit unions and identify best practices to learn and grow together.My guest on today's show is Kamila Thompson, Senior Director of Growth at Nexcess. She comes on the show to discuss the way that we think about technology, trust, and the future of digital banking. Listen as we talk about protecting a credit union's core system and why the systems surrounding it can have an even more profound impact on security, compliance, and the member experience.Throughout our conversation, Kamila explains how digital transformation has left many institutions managing vendors and integrations, creating complications that often are not understood until an examination or outage exposes the gaps. She shares some practical insights into why leaders need to explain the “why” of their technology in plain language, and we also discuss what organizations can do to better prepare for future exams while strengthening resilience behind the scenes. We explore how member expectations have changed over time—reliability is no longer defined by branch hours or friendly service alone but is measured by whether digital experiences work flawlessly when members need them. Kamila makes the case that infrastructure has become part of a credit union's brand and that trust is built via consistent and dependable technology!As we wrap up the episode, Kamila looks ahead to AI-ready infrastructure, the growing role of purpose-built cloud environments, and why credit unions shouldn't have to choose between innovation, compliance, and security. She also undergoes our usual round of rapid-fire questions, and you're going to want to tune in for her answers. Enjoy my conversation with Kamila Thompson!Connect with Kamila:Kamila Thompson, Senior Director of Growth at Nexcessnexcess.com Kamila: LinkedInNexcess: LinkedIn | YouTubeShow notes from this episode:Shout-out: Indiana JonesShout-out: Kamila's daughterShout-out: Star WarsShout-out: Kamila's grandfatherShout-out: Robbie's grandfatherPlace mentioned: CaliforniaPlace mentioned: WashingtonPlace mentioned: New YorkPlace mentioned: New JerseyPlace mentioned: Nashville, TennesseePlace mentioned: The Great Smoky MountainsBook mentioned: The MANIAC by Benjamin LabatutShout-out: John von NeumannIn this episode:[1:30] - Hear how Kamilla found an ideal fit at Nexcess, combining her passions for marketing, data, and secure infrastructure.[4:58] - Kamilla discusses how rapid digital transformation often leads to hidden compliance risks without a strong infrastructure foundation.[7:21] - It's important for leaders to understand and document their digital infrastructure to meet regulatory expectations.[9:44] - Reliable digital infrastructure has become central to member trust, satisfaction, and long-term retention.[12:32] - For the foreseeable future, Nexcess will be focusing on AI-ready infrastructure, as it enables financial institutions to scale without sacrificing speed or compliance.[13:54] - We learn why Kamilla looked up to her grandfather.[15:11] - Traveling with Nexcess has inspired Kamilla to explore Nashville and the Smoky Mountains.[15:52] - Hear why Kamilla recommends the book The MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut.[16:46] - Kamilla explains how getting up early helps her maintain balance.[17:41] - In closing, Kamilla argues that lasting digital trust depends on reliable infrastructure, not just polished apps.

Another great episode from the vault. Jimmy Tipton has lived his whole life in the Smoky Mountains and has been following dogs since he was old enough to walk. He has followed many different hounds but he has found Stephens Curs to be his breed of choice. He has had a lot of luck pursuing bears and coons in the rough mountains around his home.  Sponsors: https://conkeysoutdoors.com  Promo Code TREETALKINTIME5 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1420083161566245  https://www.facebook.com/p/Animal-Housing-Solutions-Inc  https://fullcrymag.com Merch: https://treetalkin.com/collections  Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@TreeTalkinMedia  https://www.patreon.com/treetalkintime https://www.instagram.com/treetalkinmedia https://www.facebook.com/treetalkinmedia  

Yes, this is a NEW episode! Thanks to Eesa, Grace, and Viki for their suggestions this week. (Actual episode starts at 3 minutes 28 seconds.) Find the Backerkit campaign here! Further reading: Nix Illlustration: Esconichthys The southern hognose snake [picture by Caudatejake – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0]: A beach wolf spider [photo by Memer15151 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0]: Oviraptor may have looked kind of like this when alive [art by PaleoNeolitic – Own work, CC BY 4.0]: Two halves of an esconichthys fossil: Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. Oh, hi! This is a brand new episode, earlier than I expected! I noticed recently that one of the Patreon episodes I'd scheduled for September is one that I'd already run in the main feed a few years ago. I decided to just make a new episode for this week and move the episode that would have run this week to that September slot, because I have an announcement! For our five-year anniversary I published the book Beyond Bigfoot & Nessie: Lesser-Known Mystery Animals from Around the World, with a lot of the entries taken from episodes but also some new topics added. I always intended to do a follow-up for our ten-year anniversary, and have even done a lot of work on it. It's called Small Mysteries, focusing on smaller mystery animals that don't get a lot of attention. It's about half the length of Beyond Bigfoot, all or almost all chapters taken from the podcast. But at this point, I don't think I have time to finish it. I'm staying very busy and happy, with a part-time job taking care of people's pets while they're on vacation, and I'm also writing fiction again. But since that book is half-done, and a lot of people might want a copy even if I don't add much more to it, I'm going to make it available as an ebook only. Do you remember last time I made a crowdfunding campaign, and the people who backed the campaign got a copy of the book as soon as it was published? I'm doing that again, but NOT for Small Mysteries. It's for a different book, called The Moonhound, a cozy fantasy set in an alternate reality Smoky Mountains. The main character is a rabbit who moves to the mountains and meets a possum, and they have adventures. Even if this doesn't interest you, there's a $1 backer tier and if you click that, you have the option to add the Small Mysteries ebook for $2. That means the book is $3. Does that make sense? I feel like it's confusing. The campaign starts on July 15, 2026 and runs through August 15, 2026. If you're listening to the episode before July 15, 2026, you can click through the link in the show notes and follow the campaign, so that you get an email when it goes live. If it's between July 15 and August 15, 2026, click the link in the show notes and there's the campaign! If it's after August 15, 2026, see if there's a link in the show notes that will take you to a place where you can buy the ebook. Okay, that took way too long, so let's get to this week's episode! We have some suggestions that have come in recently, so we'll cover a few of those animals, and we'll finish up with a small fossil mystery in honor of the book. Thanks to Eesa, Grace, and Viki for their suggestions! A quick shout-out to Remy and Julien, and Dylan, Emily, and Michelle for their suggestions too. I'll get to those in the 500th episode that will run at the end of August. We'll start with Viki's suggestion, the hognose snake. The name hognose is used for various species of snake, most of them in North and South America, but some in Madagascar. It's a common snake in many parts of North America, so since we talked about the eastern hognose back in episode 81, let's talk about the southern hognose in this episode. It's found along the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, including parts of North and South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida, and because it has a restricted range where people like to live too, it's vulnerable to habitat loss. It used to live in other states too but its range has shrunk considerably since it was first described in 1766. The southern hognose grows about two feet long, or 61 cm, and like other hognose snakes, its nose turns up like a little pig's snout. The shape of its nose actually may help it dig into leaf litter and dirt to hide. Some individuals are brown or gray, some are red or yellowish. It has darker blotches on its upper side and adults have white bellies. It has a big head that makes some people believe it's venomous, but it's actually harmless to humans and most animals. The only animals that really need to worry about the hognose are amphibians, like toads, frogs, and salamanders, although it will also eat lizards, small mammals like mice, and even large insects. It especially likes to eat toads, and while some toads are toxic, the hognose snake is resistant to toad toxins. A toad will frequently puff itself up to make it appear larger and make it hard for a snake to swallow, but the hognose has a solution for that too. It has big teeth at the rear of its upper jaws, like fangs in the back of its mouth. It uses those teeth to puncture puffed-up toads so they deflate, just like a horrible balloon. But the most memorable thing about the hognose is what it does when it feels threatened. Phase one is aggression. The snake will flatten its neck to look more threatening, raise its head like a cobra, and hiss and strike—but without biting. It's just trying to scare you away. If that doesn't work, the snake puts phase two into effect. It will flop down and roll onto its back like it's dead, its tongue hanging out of its mouth. It even emits a foul musky smell from its cloaca. If you call its bluff and roll drama queen snake onto its belly, it will turn onto its back again, because it's really insistent that it's dead. Since we've already scared away a lot of people who don't like snakes, let's learn about a spider next. Grace suggested we talk about the wolf spider, and also wonders if wolf spiders live in northern California. Wolf spiders are common throughout the world, and while they look scary, they bite people very rarely and their venom is weak, no worse than a bee sting. The wolf spider with the biggest legspan is Hogna ingens, with a legspan less than 5 inches across, or 12 cm. It lives on one island in the Maderia archipelago, and is a beautiful soft gray with white stripes on the legs. The Carolina wolf spider is the most common one found in North America. A big female can have a legspan of four inches, or 10 cm, but its body is not much more than an inch long, or 35 mm, and the spider actually weighs less than an ounce. That's barely 28 grams, or just a little heavier than five sheets of printer paper. The wolf spider is a hunting spider, mostly solitary, and most species don't spin webs. When a female lays her eggs, she attaches the egg case to the underside of her abdomen so she can take them with her while she hunts insects. When the eggs hatch, the teensy babies ride around on the top of her abdomen for a few weeks until they're big enough to not need their mother's protection. Some species of wolf spider will dig a burrow to rest in, and will jump out and grab any insect that happens by, while other species of wolf spider rest in rock crevices and other small spaces. Males are smaller than females and often have flashier patterns. The Carolina wolf spider is mainly gray or brown with darker and lighter longitudinal stripes down the head and body. Most species of wolf spider won't come into your house, but if you do have a wolf spider in your house, you should actually consider yourself lucky. They love to eat cockroaches and ants, which are house pests. The wolf spider hunts mostly by sight and has good vision, and its eyes will even demonstrate eyeshine of various colors, depending on species, if you shine a flashlight around in the dark. Maybe don't do that if you're afraid of spiders. And yes, there are wolf spiders in northern California, because there are wolf spiders in just about every part of the world except for Antarctica! Northern California actually has at least six species of wolf spider. One species does actually build a web, and there's even a species that lives on the beach. That's the beach wolf spider, which is a pale sandy color with darker and lighter stripes to help it blend in with sand and pebbles. It's quite small but it moves really fast, and it's mostly nocturnal. It lives not just in northern California but throughout beaches in North and Central America. Next, Eesa sent a list of suggested animals, including oviraptor. I could have sworn we already covered oviraptor, but we haven't! It's a really interesting dinosaur, so let's take a look now. Oviraptor is a name that means “egg thief,” and it got this name because it was found near fossilized eggs. It lived in what is now Asia about 75 million years ago, and the first specimen was found in Mongolia (still my favorite country) back in 1923. The partial specimen was found lying across a nest of dinosaur eggs. When the dinosaur was described in 1924, it was given the name egg thief because the paleontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn assumed it died while robbing a nest to eat the eggs. But even Osborn wrote that he might be wrong about the dinosaur, and in the 1990s new discoveries of oviraptor nesting sites proved this was the case. Oviraptor wasn't stealing eggs, it was protecting them, because they were its own eggs. It probably actually ate fruit, seeds, and other plant material, along with small animals like lizards. Oviraptor was a small dinosaur that was a little more than six feet long, or about 2 meters, and was the height of a medium to large dog. It walked on its hind legs. It had feathers on its arms and tail, and probably also had feathers over much of its body. It didn't have teeth but it did have a beak that would have probablylooked a lot like a parrot's beak. Its arms had three small claws but probably looked a lot like a wing in many ways, although scientists don't think oviraptor could fly. In other words, oviraptor probably looked a lot like a big, weird chicken, and like a chicken and many other birds, scientists think it sat on its eggs to keep them warm. When a bird incubates its eggs, it's not like you dropping down to sit on a chair. The bird's feet are typically on either side of the eggs, and the bird squats down carefully so that its underside makes gentle contact with the eggs without crushing them. Female chickens and many other birds have a spot on the lower breast that doesn't have any feathers, called a brood patch, which contains extra blood vessels just under the skin. This helps keep the eggs warm and is a soft part of the hen's body, which helps cushion the eggs. We don't know, but it's possible oviraptor had something similar to a brood patch, and its feathered arms and tail also helped protect the eggs from cold air and rain. We now have numerous specimens that died while sitting on nests, probably buried in sandstorms, so we know that oviraptor basically brooded its nest the way modern birds do. Finally, let's finish with our small mystery fossil. It's called Esconichthys apopyris and it lived about 308 million years ago in what is now the state of Illinois in North America. 308 million years ago, Illinois was a tropical area and partly covered by a warm, shallow sea. In a particular place known as the Mazon Creek formation, for a few million years conditions were just right to preserve dead animals and plants in astounding detail. A river carried dead plant materials and mud into an estuary along the ocean's edge, where it sank and settled to the bottom of the sea floor. When an animal died, if it wasn't eaten by something else, its body sank into this soft muddy mess. The bacteria in the mud produced carbon dioxide that combined with iron also present in the mud, which formed a mineral called siderite. This mineral encased the dead animal and slowed decay long enough for a detailed impression of the body to form in the mud. As the centuries passed and the mud became stone, the fossilized body impression was surrounded by a protective ironstone nodule. That's why we know about the soft-bodied animals from the area, even though soft-bodied animals rarely leave fossil evidence. Mazon Creek is where the Tully monster lived, which we talked about in episode 339, but the Tully monster isn't the only mystery animal discovered there. Another one was Esconichthys. We have lots of Esconichthys fossils, partly because it seems to have been extremely common, but also because it was a vertebrate. That means it had a notochord, a type of backbone. Most of the fossils we have are body impressions, so we do know a lot about what Esconichthys looked like when it was alive. What we don't know is what it actually was. Esconichthys was named for the Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois, ESCONI, and the latter half of its name means fish. But it doesn't actually seem to have been a fish, even a larval fish. It grew up to about 3 inches long, or 8 cm, and had a pair of very obvious eyes, two pairs of feathery external gills, and a single fin on the underside of its tail. It didn't have legs or any other fins. Some individuals had wide-set eyes, others had eyes that are close together, which may indicate two separate species, but we don't know. Esconichthys fossils are sometimes referred to as ghosts, because the limbless body with two dots for eyes does kind of look like a cartoon ghost. Other people call Esconichthys fossils grasshoppers or blades. This is because the animal's gills were quite long and are often preserved pointing away from the rest of the body, or sometimes the rear of the body is folded upward. This can make it look roughly like a grasshopper or a pocket knife with one blade unfolded. Esconichthys has been proposed as a larval lungfish or a larval amphibian, but it doesn't really match either animal group. It's the most common fossil found at the Mazon Creek formation by far, preserved in amazing detail, but scientists still have no idea what it is or what it might be related to. You can find Strange Animals Podcast at strangeanimalspodcast.blubrry.net. That's blueberry without any E's. Thanks for listening!

Avery is joined by Yok to revisit the Blue Ridge, Georgia market and explain why it's one of the most overlooked opportunities for short-term rental investors. They discuss what continues to drive demand from Atlanta, Florida, and other nearby metro areas, why Blue Ridge offers less competition than the Smoky Mountains, and the types of cabins that perform best in today's market. Yok shares what buyers should prioritize—including mountain views, modernized interiors, and proximity to downtown Blue Ridge—while explaining why investors don't need over-the-top amenities to be successful. The episode also covers current pricing, the growing demand for waterfront properties, and why Blue Ridge remains an attractive option for both first-time and experienced STR investors. Connect with us: Get connected with a Short Term Shop agent: agents@theshorttermshop.com The Short Term Shop: https://theshorttermshop.com/ https://stsplus.com/ Follow Avery Carl on Instagram Follow Avery Carl on TikTok Join the Short Term Shop Facebook group Check out the Short Term Shop on YouTube   For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery's books: Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon