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In this episode, Alan welcomes back Dr George Harold Nash to the podcast to discuss his article on Serra da Capivara National Park, one of the most important archaeological regions in South America. Together, they explore the park's extraordinary rock art, controversial early dates, and what the evidence might mean for long-standing models of migration into the Americas. Transcripts For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/160 Links Serra da Capivara: America's Oldest Rock Art? Dr George Harold Nash profile Contact Dr. Alan Garfinkel avram1952@yahoo.com Dr. Alan Garfinkel's Website Support Dr. Garfinkel on Patreon ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet APN Shop Affiliates and Sponsors Motion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this transparent, relatable, and deeply personal episode, David Archuleta opens up about faith, identity, and self discovery while discussing his memoir Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself. Raised by a Honduran mother and a white father, David reflects on growing up between cultures, navigating Latinidad, and learning to fully embrace his heritage. He shares how serving a mission in South America strengthened his Spanish and expanded his understanding of community, culture, and belief. The conversation also explores the pressure of religious expectations, family trauma, and the emotional toll of reconciling faith with his same sex attraction. David speaks honestly about his three engagements to women, shame, healing, and what it took to step away from what no longer aligned with who he truly is even his church. From the legacy of his multi platinum hit Crush to honoring Latin classics like Contigo en la Distancia, this episode connects music, culture, and identity in a way that feels raw and real. At its core, this conversation is about courage, growth, and choosing authenticity. If you have ever questioned your faith, struggled with belonging, or felt caught between cultures, this one will resonate. David Archuleta’s memoir DEVOUT: Losing My Faith to Find Myself is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States is pretty intertwined with Latin America. So why has it historically been seen as more of a European outpost than a nation in the Western hemisphere that is part of the broader Americas? Our guest this week points out that there are other ways to understand the history and identity of the U.S. aside from the narrative that is so often a part of contemporary discourse. Greg Grandin is the C. Vann Woodard Professor of History at Yale and the author of “America, América: A New History of the New World.” He joins WITHpod to discuss a revolutionary concept of the “New World,” democratic backsliding in the U.S., why he says we should rethink hemispheric history, and more. Note: this episode was recorded on 4/17/25. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links —Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.Trade drama is back in the headlines. President Trump is threatening higher tariffs on countries that fail to honor trade agreements. Following last week's Supreme Court ruling, the EU announced it would pause ratification of its agreement, while India is deferring talks on its own deal. Despite the legal setback, the White House says it remains committed to its trade agenda and is exploring alternative tools to implement tariffs. Markets clearly reacted to the renewed uncertainty, with stocks under pressure to start the week.Grain markets felt the ripple effects. Soybean and wheat futures moved lower Monday as traders weighed the potential impact of trade disruptions and retaliation tied to the newly announced 15% global tariff. Corn futures, meanwhile, managed to hold steady. When policy uncertainty rises, volatility often follows — and that theme remains firmly in play.Export data offered a few surprises. US corn shipments exceeded expectations for the third straight week, posting a very strong year-over-year gain. Wheat inspections also came in above trade guesses. Soybean shipments, however, disappointed and continue to reflect uneven demand patterns. China remained a major buyer, accounting for roughly half of weekly inspections.USDA also reported a fresh flash sale of corn to Colombia, adding to an already solid sales pace this marketing year. Demand for US corn has been a notable bright spot recently, especially when compared to other segments of the export complex.Weather and field conditions remain a major talking point in South America. Brazil's soybean harvest is advancing at its slowest pace in several years, with rains and longer crop cycles creating delays. Planting progress for Brazil's second corn crop is also lagging last year's pace, which could become increasingly important for global feed grain supply expectations.Outside of grains, US consumers continue to show remarkable resilience in the face of high beef prices. Despite record price levels, demand remains strong as buyers adapt by shifting toward more affordable cuts and smaller portions. The protein story remains a powerful force across the broader agricultural landscape.As always, volatility, policy, and global production trends remain key market drivers.
Anything that’s in Earth orbit faces the constant threat of radiation – energy and charged particles from the Sun and beyond. It can cause instruments to glitch or fail, and even destroy a satellite. And it poses a health risk for astronauts. The threat is greatest in a zone in the southern hemisphere – the South Atlantic Anomaly. It covers several million square miles above South America and South Atlantic Ocean. It’s a weak spot in Earth’s magnetic field that allows intense radiation to penetrate closer to the surface. And it’s getting bigger. The magnetic field can deflect many of the charged particles that bombard our planet. That protects orbiting satellites and astronauts. It also protects the surface from power blackouts and other effects. But the field is offset a bit from the center of the planet. It extends a little farther into space in some regions, but dips closer to the surface in others. And the South Atlantic Anomaly is the biggest dip of all. Spacecraft that are passing through the region often have to switch off some of their instruments to protect them from the harsh radiation. A recent study found that the anomaly has gotten bigger over the past decade – by about half the area of continental Europe. So the space above that part of Earth is getting nastier – a bigger “danger zone” in the southern hemisphere. We’ll have more about radiation hazards tomorrow. Script by Damond Benningfield
Big news off the top for SOT on Monday night as a high-profile coach is calling it later this weekWe look at who could be next at River Plate, the rest of South America, CONCACAF (both U20 and CCC), Europe, and the Picks of the Week
The Copa Libertadores qualifying rounds reach a decisive moment this week. On this episode of the SoccerMetrics Copa Libertadores Show, Howard Hamilton previews all eight second-leg matches in the tournament's second preliminary round, where every tie remains on the edge after tightly contested first legs.From Sporting Cristal and 2 de Mayo's dramatic draw to controversy surrounding Argentinos Juniors and Barcelona, the margins are thin and the tension is rising across South America. Injury concerns, suspensions, altitude challenges, and squad rotation decisions could all determine who moves one step closer to the group stage.Plus, a look at key players to watch, tactical storylines across each bracket track, and what's at stake as clubs fight to keep their Libertadores dreams alive.
Edith Targonski arrived to the United States from Peru when she was 19 years old. Her sister had arrived a few years before and she was so happy about being reunited with her, but unhappy to speak English. She had visited the U.S. numerous times prior to her move but didn't know much English and lacked confidence in her speaking skills. She soon met a fellow immigrant from Poland, who arrived at 17 years old with his parents. They fell in love and got married. Edith and her husband created a beautiful family blending and honoring their individual cultures from South America and Poland, while building their own family traditions. They learned English and raised their children in an English speaking household but also exposed their children to Spanish and Polish for them to have the opportunity to communicate with their grandparents and broaden their horizons. Since arriving twenty seven years ago, Edith has been very motivated to learn, grow her career and serve the community. She earned a special education degree from Sacred Heart Univ, and was an effective classroom teacher for many years. Currently, she serves as a passionate advocate for families who have children with special needs. She is a business development consultant. She has been a dedicated volunteer to many organizations, giving credit to her father for her need to give back and learning this from watching him. She has graduated about 9 senior citizens who have achieved citizenship under her tutelage at the Stamford Senior Center. She currently serves in the role of Editor-in-Chief of Latincolors magazine, which is a bilingual magazine that is widely circulated throughout Fairfield County, CT. and Westchester County, NY. The mission of Latincolors is to bridge both geographical and cultural communities and celebrate the accomplishments and endeavors of the people, agencies, groups and organizations making a positive impact in the community. It is available in both English and Spanish and is a free publication and available online. Like many other guests on the podcast, she was enrolled in the PLTI (Parent Leadership Training Institute). She has been a facilitator for People Empowering People-PEP and currently serves on the Design Team. In addition, she serves on numerous other boards in the community, all of them serving the immigrant and Latin communities in different ways, while raising her 3 children to be passionate, giving and kind people.
North Dakota State Climatologist Daryl Ritcheson joins the show for his annual check-in about the climate (our fourth???) - He and Jacob revisit last year's forecast misses and hits before diving into 2026. They explore the transition from La Niña to El Niño, implications for U.S. agriculture, hurricane risk in the Gulf, and crop prospects in South America and the Black Sea. The discussion then widens into a candid debate over sea level rise, extreme weather trends, and climate data interpretation... Highlighting disagreements, long-term cycles, and the importance of questioning assumptions in an era of clickbait and politicized climate narratives.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Welcome(01:40) - Forecast Scorecard(04:02) - Federal cuts & the National Weather Service(06:52) - AI in meteorology(09:18) - Weather hype, clickbait, and short public memory(13:17) - 2026: La Niña fading, El Niño on deck(14:39) - Atlantic hurricane outlook for 2026 (Gulf Coast focus)(19:32) - Heartland & farm belt forecast(22:30) - West vs. Rockies(24:30) - Global Ag weather(27:44) - Black Sea outlook(29:34) - 1.5°C Threshold: What the Recent Record Heat Means(34:26) - Satellites vs. Tide Gauges(35:48) - Glaciers, Natural Cycles & Past Warm Periods(37:25) - Extreme Weather Claims(40:09) - Tornado Trends & the Problem of Short Data Windows(42:41) - What Actually Keeps Daryl Up at Night(44:50) - Depoliticizing Climate Talk(49:12) - India & the Monsoon(52:22) - Trusted Data Sources, Raw Data, and “Weather Rhymes”--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com--Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today's volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--
This week let’s learn about some blue frogs! Further reading: Scientists make chance discovery of rare blue skin mutation in Kimberley magnificent tree frog White's True-Blue Green Tree Frog Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. When most of us draw a frog, we reach for the green markers, because most frogs are green. That's true of the magnificent tree frog, also called the splendid tree frog, which is fairly common in the Kimberley region of western Australia. It grows just over 4 inches long, snout to vent, or about 10 and a half cm, and lives in rocky areas. It spends the day hiding in rock crevices, holes in trees, or sometimes in people's houses, and it comes out at night to hunt for insects and other small invertebrates. From the name, you might imagine that this is an especially pretty frog, and it is. It's mostly bright green on top and yellow to white underneath, and it has tiny yellow spots on its head and back. It looks like it has an olive green cap on its head, but that's actually a large parotoid gland, a skin gland common in frogs and toads that secretes neurotoxins. Most frogs don't have a parotoid gland at all, and in ones that do you typically will barely notice it, but the magnificent tree frog's covers the entire top of its head almost to its nostrils and down onto its back. The skin color of a frog depends on its chemical makeup. Melanophores make black and brown colors, xanthophores make yellow. Blue is different, since it's not a color that's actually found in skin pigments. Instead, a green frog's skin contains iridophores that reflect blue light waves, the same way a bird's feathers show blue. The combination of yellow and blue makes green, and the addition of melanophore pigments determine how dark or bright the green is. In July of 2024, two land managers were working in the Charnley River-Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary. They were in a workshop when one of them noticed a magnificent tree frog sitting on a bench, not that unusual of an occurrence–except that this frog wasn't green. It was blue! The condition is called axanthism, where the yellow pigments in the frog's skin don't show up the way they should. Most of them time axanthism in frogs means the animal has little patches of blue or bluish coloration, but this specific frog was blue just about everywhere it should have been green. Its parotoid gland was still olive green and it had yellow on its feet, but mainly it was a very attractive dark blue. The land managers were stunned. They took photos and sent them to pretty much everyone, and frog experts and ecologists hurried to examine the blue frog. But they decided not to keep the frog in captivity. It was released back into the wild to live out its blue froggy life normally. Some frogs are naturally blue, like some poison dart frogs of South America. The blue poison dart frog's legs are dark blue and its body a lighter blue with black spots. It grows less than two inches long, or about 4.5 cm. Poison dart frogs collect toxins in their bodies from some of the toxic insects they eat, and the bright coloration signals to predators that this frog will make you really sick if you eat it. Axanthism is rare but not all that uncommon in frogs. About the same time that the blue magnificent tree frog was hopping into the workshop in Australia, two little girls playing around a pond in Nova Scotia, Canada found a teal-blue frog. Ironically, the frog is actually called the green frog and it's ordinarily a dark olive-green all over. The girls named the frog Bluey and released it back into the pond. Another blue green frog was found in New Hampshire, in the United States, also in July 2024. In June 2024 a forest ranger spotted a northern leopard frog in Washington state that had splotches of light blue on its head and back. In May of 2024 a light blue Japanese tree frog was found by a couple on a walk. The Australian green tree frog is closely related to the magnificent tree frog, although it doesn't have a parotoid gland hat. It's mostly green with a white or pale gray belly. It's sometimes called the dumpy tree frog because it's a little chonk. Actually, for a frog it's a pretty big chonk, up to 4 and a half inches long, or over 11 cm. It's also sometimes called White's tree frog after John White, who described it in 1790. It was the first Australian frog that was ever scientifically described. But that leads us to a little mystery. John White named the frog Rana caerulea. Its current scientific name is Ranoidea caerulea. But “caerulea” refers to the color blue, not green, as in cerulean blue. John White collected the frog in 1788, preserved it in alcohol, and finally described it two years later. He refers to it in his writing as a blue frog and the illustration accompanying it shows frogs that are actually blue. But this frog is supposed to be green! The main suggestion for why a famously green frog was initially described as blue is that the alcohol that White used to preserve the frog's body actually destroyed the yellow pigment in its skin. This is something that does sometimes happen with frog specimens in museums. But it's also possible that White ended up with a blue specimen, much like the blue magnificent tree frog we talked about earlier. He wouldn't have known that the blue frog had a rare color mutation. That would explain why he referred to the frog as blue and gave it a name that means blue. That might also explain why White described the Australian green tree frog first. Maybe he just thought it was pretty. Everyone likes the color blue. Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening! I'm at Dragon Con this weekend, where who knows, I might actually see a blue frog. Anything is possible at Dragon Con.
In this episode of the Feel Free Again podcast, I am joined by Rhys Kiaaina, a grief recovery specialist, who shares his profound personal journey with the Grief Recovery Method. Rhys opens up about his experience with unresolved grief from the loss of his grandmother, the church split that impacted his community, and how the grief recovery process helped him find healing after 18 years of emotional turmoil. He dives into the powerful and transformative process of identifying grief, embracing it, and working through it to find peace. Rhys explains how the Grief Recovery Method not only helped him recover emotionally from the significant loss of his grandmother but also opened his eyes to the power of healing unresolved grief in other areas of his life. His story of transformation emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional pain we carry, especially when it remains unresolved for years. We also explore the profound impact of the method on communities, highlighting how it helped Rhys navigate his own grief while also aiding others in their healing journey. In this candid conversation, Rhys offers advice to those struggling with grief, encouraging them to take action and seek help. Whether it's grief from personal loss, church splits, or other emotional wounds, this episode provides hope and practical insights for overcoming the emotional pain that can sometimes feel insurmountable. If you're ready to heal from past hurt and emotional loss, tune in for Rhys' powerful message on how the Grief Recovery Method can help transform your life. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Rhys Kiaaina and the Grief Recovery Method 00:43 - Rhys' Journey into Grief Recovery 02:05 - Impact of Church Split on Rhys and His Community 03:18 - Introduction of Grief Recovery Specialist at Rhys' Church 04:50 - Emotional Struggles After Church Split and Unresolved Grief 05:36 - Reflecting on the Loss of a Dear Family Friend 06:10 - Role of Grief Recovery Specialist in Helping the Church Heal 07:42 - Unresolved Childhood Grief and Its Lasting Impact 09:22 - Uncovering Unresolved Grief from the Loss of His Grandmother 12:02 - How Grief Recovery Helps Navigate Emotional Healing 14:50 - The Guilt Rhys Felt After Recommending Chemotherapy for His Grandmother 16:39 - Realizing the Importance of Feeling Emotions to Heal 19:15 - Rhys' Breakthrough: Visiting His Grandmother's Grave 24:30 - The Power of Emotional Connection in Grief Recovery 58:00 - Rhys' Path to Becoming a Grief Recovery Specialist Connect with Rhys: Website 1: https://www.peacewithrhys.com/ Website 2: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/grms/rhys-kiaaina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhys-kiaaina-795b9793/ Email: rhys@peacewithrhys.com About the Host: Cole James, President of the Grief Recovery Institute, shares about the Power of Grief Recovery! Cole is dedicating his life to help people with grief. Now, grief is much more than just losing someone. Did you know that? You've probably heard of the Five Stages of Grief, right? Well, this goes much deeper than you think. Let me explain. Everyone has some type of grief in their lives, some haven't yet, but it's part of life. We can't escape it, BUT we can work through it. And you don't have to do it alone. Let's talk about it. We have trained Grief Recovery Method Specialists, who help heartbroken people, in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and North America. The Grief Recovery Method Certification Program is taught and available in multiple languages including: English, Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian. Our home office is in the United States and serves English-speaking nations and populations around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth Nations. In addition, we have international affiliate offices in Sweden, Australia, Mexico, and Hungary. Our goal is to help as many people as possible, which is why our books have been translated into over 30 languages including: Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Ukrainian, Russian, and many more. For more information visit: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why balancing cost, speed, and quality is now table stakes in logistics strategy How to design a flexible 3PL platform without hardcoding yourself into rigidity The operational difference between supporting enterprise brands vs. high-growth brands Why scenario planning still matters in an era of tariffs, snowstorms, and volatility How to avoid over-engineering automation that limits long-term flexibility What defines a true strategic partnership beyond SLAs and QBRs Why solving problems together—not alone—is the real measure of partnership maturity TIMESTAMPED SEGMENTS 00:00 – 01:00 | Balancing Cost, Speed & Quality Post-Pandemic 01:00 – 02:30 | Becoming the Customer: Operational Audits & CX Insight 02:30 – 04:00 | Agility, Uncertainty & Platform-First Thinking 04:00 – 05:30 | Defining High-Growth vs. Enterprise Brands 05:30 – 07:00 | Capability-Based Support Models vs. Split Teams 07:00 – 09:00 | What Real Strategic Partnerships Actually Look Like TOP QUOTES [00:01:00] “We know the cost of customer acquisition has increased exponentially. So the customer you have is the customer that you wanna keep.” - Laura Ritchey [00:03:00] “I think obviously the overused word of agility these days… how quickly can you divert to warehouses that aren't closed or to transportation options that are still running?” - Laura Ritchey [00:05:00] “We were doing 10,000 orders a day. All of a sudden we have to do 100,000, and that's really different.” - Laura Ritchey [00:08:15] “Are we solving them together, or are we solving them alone?” - Laura Ritchey [00:18:00] “The team is looking to us to be the calm in the storm.” - Laura Ritchey ABOUT THE GUEST Laura Ritchey is President & CEO of the Americas region at GEODIS and a member of the Group's Executive Board. She leads nearly 20,000 teammates across eight countries, overseeing contract logistics, freight forwarding, and transportation operations throughout North and South America. With more than 30 years of experience—including 15 years in supply chain leadership across retail and third-party logistics—Laura previously served as CEO of Radial, Inc., driving growth through operational excellence. Her background spans finance, sourcing, distribution, and strategic transformation. She holds a J.D., MBA, and bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University. LINKS MENTIONED Laura's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/ GEODIS website: https://geodis.com/ Subscribe and Keep Learning!If you're a logistics leader looking to scale sustainably, don't miss out! Subscribe for more expert strategies on tackling modern supply chain challenges.Be sure to follow and tag the eCom Logistics Podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube
Note: This episode was recorded on February 17th, 2026, before the death of Mexican cartel leader “El Mencho.” In this episode, Mariana speaks with Jorge Castaneda, a Mexican politician and academic who served as Secretary of State from 2000 to 2003. They discuss President Trump's high-pressure stance toward Mexico and how President Sheinbaum has thus far been able to navigate his demands while avoiding a face-to-face meeting. They also explore the on-the-ground realities behind President Trump's claims that Mexican trafficking organizations are allied with the government, the recent shifts in Mexico's security strategy, and the risks of a unilateral U.S. incursion. Finally, the conversation turns to the broader region, examining the likelihood of regime change in Cuba, the evolving situation in Venezuela, and the anticipated pushback to the new "Don-Roe Doctrine" in South America. As these nations increasingly depend on China as a primary market for commodities and a major source of foreign direct investment, the tension between U.S. hemispheric policy and global economic realities has never been higher.
In this episode of The Translation Company Talk Podcast, we sit down with Charles Campbell, founder and president of Translation Back Office and a board member of Vamos Juntos, to explore business opportunities and challenges for language service providers across South America and the Caribbean. Charles shares a candid view of today's market conditions and how uncertainty, shifting priorities, and cost pressures are impacting translation, interpreting, and localization, and why leaders need to pause, reassess, and adapt quickly. The conversation also dives into the rise of Vamos Juntos as a regional industry force bringing together LSPs, buyers, and technology providers for in-person collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Charles explains how the conference is helping strengthen professional standards, spotlight regional talent, and build stronger connections between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the global language industry, while keeping the focus on community, learning, and practical takeaways for everyone navigating change.
Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his FIT specialist tour operator remains focused on selling only through travel advisors. Barry also details the programs Avanti has for advisors, including destination training and education, including a new Europe reference guide. Avanti sell customized FIT packages and group travel to Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, North Africa and the Middle East, and the South Pacific, with more to come. For more information or to access travel advisor bookings, visit https://book.avantidestinations.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
The mobile phone market is dominated by a small group of global brands, yet there remains a growing demand for devices that prioritize practicality, affordability, and simplicity. Unnecto focuses on value‑oriented mobile phones designed to deliver essential features without the cost or complexity associated with flagship devices. The company operates across the Americas, with a presence in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean, and develops products informed by direct feedback from local markets.Unnecto's strategy centers on creating devices that serve real‑world needs rather than competing in the high‑end specification race. This includes offering 5G connectivity, eSIM support, NFC, large batteries, and generous storage in its Android smartphones. The emphasis is placed on usability and reliability, ensuring that customers receive meaningful functionality rather than features that inflate cost without improving everyday experience.Meeting the Needs of Diverse MarketsIn South America and the Caribbean, Unnecto focuses on delivering accessible smartphones that balance performance and affordability. These markets often require durable devices with long battery life, strong connectivity, and practical features suited to daily communication and media use. Unnecto's local presence allows the company to adapt quickly to regional preferences and tailor devices to specific market conditions.In the United States, the company targets a different set of users. The market is heavily influenced by premium brands, making it challenging for new entrants to compete directly. Instead, Unnecto appeals to customers seeking alternatives to high‑priced smartphones, individuals transitioning to Android for the first time, and users who want a simpler, less distracting mobile experience. This includes consumers who are intentionally stepping back from constant notifications and app‑driven engagement.The Snap: A Modern Feature Phone with a Physical KeyboardOne of Unnecto's most distinctive products is the Snap, a foldable feature phone equipped with a physical QWERTY keyboard. The device is designed for users who prefer tactile typing or who want a streamlined communication tool without the distractions of a modern smartphone. The keyboard offers satisfying travel and responsiveness, creating a familiar experience reminiscent of earlier mobile devices while maintaining a compact, pocket‑friendly form factor.The Snap appeals to two primary groups. The first includes users who appreciate the nostalgia and efficiency of a physical keyboard. The second consists of younger consumers seeking digital balance. Many in this demographic are adopting simpler phones as secondary devices for nights out, travel, or periods of intentional disconnection. The Snap supports calling, texting, a basic camera, dual SIM functionality, and a microSD slot, but it does not include an app store or social media applications. This design encourages communication without the constant pull of algorithm‑driven content.Practicality, Affordability, and Everyday UseThe Snap's affordability is a key part of its appeal. Priced at around seventy dollars, it offers a durable build, a textured exterior for comfortable grip, and a hinge designed for repeated use. The device is available unlocked and compatible with T‑Mobile and its subsidiary carriers, as well as major online retailers. Its simplicity makes it suitable as a primary phone for users seeking minimalism or as a secondary device for situations where a high‑value smartphone may be impractical.Unnecto's broader product line follows the same philosophy: devices built to be functional tools rather than status symbols. By focusing on essential features, long battery life, and accessible pricing, the company provides alternatives for consumers who want reliable communication without unnecessary complexity.ConclusionUnnecto brings a practical, user‑focused perspective to the mobile phone market through value‑driven smartphones and thoughtfully designed feature phones. The Snap exemplifies this approach by offering a modern take on the classic QWERTY device, supporting communication while reducing digital noise. As consumers increasingly seek balance between connectivity and simplicity, Unnecto's products provide meaningful options that align with evolving expectations around mobile technology.Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.Sponsored by: Get $5 to protect your credit card information online with Privacy. Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more. Secure your connection and unlock a faster, safer internet by signing up for PureVPN today.
The mobile phone market is dominated by a small group of global brands, yet there remains a growing demand for devices that prioritize practicality, affordability, and simplicity. Unnecto focuses on value‑oriented mobile phones designed to deliver essential features without the cost or complexity associated with flagship devices. The company operates across the Americas, with a presence in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean, and develops products informed by direct feedback from local markets.Unnecto's strategy centers on creating devices that serve real‑world needs rather than competing in the high‑end specification race. This includes offering 5G connectivity, eSIM support, NFC, large batteries, and generous storage in its Android smartphones. The emphasis is placed on usability and reliability, ensuring that customers receive meaningful functionality rather than features that inflate cost without improving everyday experience.Meeting the Needs of Diverse MarketsIn South America and the Caribbean, Unnecto focuses on delivering accessible smartphones that balance performance and affordability. These markets often require durable devices with long battery life, strong connectivity, and practical features suited to daily communication and media use. Unnecto's local presence allows the company to adapt quickly to regional preferences and tailor devices to specific market conditions.In the United States, the company targets a different set of users. The market is heavily influenced by premium brands, making it challenging for new entrants to compete directly. Instead, Unnecto appeals to customers seeking alternatives to high‑priced smartphones, individuals transitioning to Android for the first time, and users who want a simpler, less distracting mobile experience. This includes consumers who are intentionally stepping back from constant notifications and app‑driven engagement.The Snap: A Modern Feature Phone with a Physical KeyboardOne of Unnecto's most distinctive products is the Snap, a foldable feature phone equipped with a physical QWERTY keyboard. The device is designed for users who prefer tactile typing or who want a streamlined communication tool without the distractions of a modern smartphone. The keyboard offers satisfying travel and responsiveness, creating a familiar experience reminiscent of earlier mobile devices while maintaining a compact, pocket‑friendly form factor.The Snap appeals to two primary groups. The first includes users who appreciate the nostalgia and efficiency of a physical keyboard. The second consists of younger consumers seeking digital balance. Many in this demographic are adopting simpler phones as secondary devices for nights out, travel, or periods of intentional disconnection. The Snap supports calling, texting, a basic camera, dual SIM functionality, and a microSD slot, but it does not include an app store or social media applications. This design encourages communication without the constant pull of algorithm‑driven content.Practicality, Affordability, and Everyday UseThe Snap's affordability is a key part of its appeal. Priced at around seventy dollars, it offers a durable build, a textured exterior for comfortable grip, and a hinge designed for repeated use. The device is available unlocked and compatible with T‑Mobile and its subsidiary carriers, as well as major online retailers. Its simplicity makes it suitable as a primary phone for users seeking minimalism or as a secondary device for situations where a high‑value smartphone may be impractical.Unnecto's broader product line follows the same philosophy: devices built to be functional tools rather than status symbols. By focusing on essential features, long battery life, and accessible pricing, the company provides alternatives for consumers who want reliable communication without unnecessary complexity.ConclusionUnnecto brings a practical, user‑focused perspective to the mobile phone market through value‑driven smartphones and thoughtfully designed feature phones. The Snap exemplifies this approach by offering a modern take on the classic QWERTY device, supporting communication while reducing digital noise. As consumers increasingly seek balance between connectivity and simplicity, Unnecto's products provide meaningful options that align with evolving expectations around mobile technology.Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.Sponsored by: Get $5 to protect your credit card information online with Privacy. Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more. Secure your connection and unlock a faster, safer internet by signing up for PureVPN today.
Presented by Howard Hamilton, the founder of SoccermetricsThe qualifiers continue...There may not have been a whole lot of goals, but what was scored had a lot of meaning heading into the week...Let's all learn together...
It's The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they hear where there is a new boss lady in town in this red angus outfit. We head to the Dry Creek Ranch. Plus updates on the Agridime cattle ponzi scheme, market recaps, the ranch channel sales calendar and lots more all wrapped into this brand new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Season 6, EPISODE 277 Dry Creek Ranch: Passion For Red Angus Dry Creek Ranch in Amidon, North Dakota, is a family-run Red Angus cattle operation that focuses on raising registered and commercial cattle, selling breeding bulls, and offering ranch-raised beef directly to customers. The ranch is operated by the Robison family and emphasizes practical, efficient cattle genetics and long-term herd improvement, with activities that include private-treaty sales and ranch-direct beef marketing. It's part of the western North Dakota ranching tradition, combining working-ranch livestock production with a direct connection to consumers and other cattle producers in the region. Current State Of The Beef Business Beef prices are climbing faster than almost anything else in the consumer price index. The broad beef and veal category is up 15 percent over the past year, as of January. Uncooked ground beef has hit a new record high, after posting its biggest jump since June of 2020, according to new government data released last Friday. That stands out against the rest of the grocery aisle, where price pressures have eased. Chicken prices rose just over 1 percent in the past year, while milk prices have stayed mostly flat. At the wholesale level, the average value of choice beef in 2025 was up 16 percent from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Even major meatpackers like Tyson Foods are feeling the strain, with the company's beef division reporting quarterly losses since early 2024. The surge in beef prices has pushed the White House to respond. President Donald Trump has pledged to increase competition in beef processing and has expanded Argentine beef import quotas in an attempt to boost supply. But the situation is more complicated. The U.S. cattle herd has fallen to its smallest level since the early 1950's. Drought, higher production costs, and elevated interest rates have all made raising cattle more expensive. Don Close, a senior animal protein analyst at Terrain Ag, says the cattle industry is cyclical, but this downturn has lasted longer than expected. Right now, ranchers can make more money selling animals young for slaughter than keeping them to rebuild herds. And even if herd expansion started today, it wouldn't reach grocery store shelves until at least 2028 — meaning beef prices could stay high for years. Meanwhile, the U.S. has halted shipments of live cattle from Mexico following the return of the New World screwworm. Imports from South America may provide some relief, but those supplies are mostly used for ground beef and won't quickly solve the broader cattle shortage. And that is a quick snap shot of the current beef business Reference: https://fortune.com/2026/02/14/why-are-beef-prices-so-high-american-cattle-herd-inflation/ Five Federally Indicted For Alleged $220 Million Nationwide Cattle Fraud Scheme Five individuals were federally indicted last week for their roles in an alleged $220 million nationwide fraud scheme involving the online and direct-to-consumer meat business Agridime. Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were: Jed Wood of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering involving wiring more than $63,000 to a lender for “Home Payoff” Joshua Link of Strafford, Missouri, charged with ten counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property Tia Link of Smithton, Missouri, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering, including wiring more than $527,000 to purchase real property Taylor Bang of Killdeer, North Dakota, charged with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering Royana Thomas of Arlington, Texas, charged with six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering As alleged in the indictment, each of the defendants were associated with Agridime LLC, a business headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas that offered cattle sales and meat processing and retail services to the public. Jed Wood served as the Operations Director. Joshua Link served as the Executive Director. Tia Link served as the Marketing Director. Taylor Bang served as a cattle broker, and Royana Thomas served as the financial controller. The indictment alleges that, from January 2021 through December 2023, the five defendants, acting through Agridime, perpetrated a fraud scheme in which they falsely represented to individual cattle purchasers, cattle ranchers, and feedlots that Agridime would use their funds to purchase specific individual cattle from each victim, raise the cattle, and eventually sell the meat from the same specific individual cattle for a profit. In reality, as the indictment charges, the defendants did not use victim funds as promised and instead used newer cattle purchaser funds to pay Agridime operating expenses, pay funds owed by Agridime to earlier cattle purchasers, pay personal expenses, and purchase real property. Reference: https://www.tsln.com/news/five-federally-indicted-for-alleged-220-million-nationwide-cattle-fraud-scheme-one-is-fugitive-on-fbi-wanted-list/ Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Haley Robison - Dry Creek Ranch https://www.drycreekranchnd.com/ Follow On Facebook: @drycreekranchnd Kirk Donsbach – Financial Analyst at StoneX https://www.stonex.com/ Follow on Facebook: @StoneXGroupInc Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms. Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources: Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/
Part 2 of our interview with Felipe Antunes de Oliveira on his recent book Dependency and Crisis in Brazil and Argentina: A Critique of Market and State Utopias (2024). In this timely and theoretically rigorous work, Antunes de Oliveira examines why the two largest countries in South America fail to materialize the development they continually promise to achieve. Instead of approaching the topic from a policy-failure perspective, he focuses on what public debates reveal about "development" itself. Building on this, Antunes de Oliveira offers a theoretical and empirical critique of neoliberal and neodevelopmentalist ideas surrounding cycles of structural reform in Brazil and Argentina, drawing on dependency theory to propose an alternative political economic framework for analyzing development challenges. Felipe Antunes de Oliveira is a senior lecturer in International Relations at Queen Mary University of London and a coordinating editor at Latin American Perspectives. Outside the academy, he has served as a diplomat for the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as General Coordinator of International Financial Affairs at the Brazilian Ministry of Finance in 2024, and, since December 2024, as an Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund. Dependency and Crisis in Brazil and Argentina is available for purchase through the University of Pittsburgh Press: https://upittpress.org/books/9780822948100/ For more information about Latin American Perspectives, our podcasts, and guests, please contact latampodcasts@gmail.com
From the moment that I first heard this sound, I thought the flute sounded very much like a little steam train. At first, I researched about Columbian trains and found there is a tourist train to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine, 200 metres (660 ft) underground in a halite mountain near the city of Zipaquirá, in Cundinamarca, Colombia.I wanted the listener to hear the original recording in the track but did edit the order, tempo and pitch to give an idea of the effort of the train on its journey. I then added a rhythmic synth line to give a feeling of travel and sourced some steam train sounds from freesound. Towards the end of the track I layered other synth lines and a church organ as the train reaches its destination, the salt cathedral. However, the more I worked on the track, It brought back memories of a journey I made many years ago on the little train that takes people up Yr Wyddfa. So a little nod to this is the tune to Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau that comes in at the end of the track.Many of the tracks and audio pieces I create are based on memories and this is no exception. From the moment that I first heard this sound, I thought it sounded very much like a little steam train chugging up a very steep mountainside, whether in South America or my homeland, Wales.Chocó panpipe music reimagined by Museleon.———Part of the project A Century of Sounds, reimagining 100 sounds covering 100 years from the collections of the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford. Explore the full project at citiesandmemory.com/century-sounds
There are 15 species of cranes across the globe, found everywhere but Antarctica and South America. During the winter, cranes forage and rest together by the thousands. Listen in to the voices of cranes from all over the world. Nothing evokes the spirit of the wild like the voices of these majestic birds.This episode is brought to you by the Bobolink Foundation.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ship captains usually avoid navigating under South America because it's super dangerous! The waters around the southern tip, called Cape Horn, are known for strong winds, huge waves, and unpredictable weather. It's basically like the wild west of the ocean, and even experienced sailors can struggle there. Plus, there's a much safer and quicker route called the Panama Canal, where ships can pass through a man-made channel instead of going all the way around. The canal saves a lot of time and trouble. So, it's no surprise that most captains prefer the easier and safer option! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Something strange is happening over South America — and it's been crashing satellites for years.
Dotun Adebayo and Tim Vickery are joined by Bruce Ackland to discuss Arsenal returning from Wolves with a score draw and Peter Bolster from The Spion Kop Podcast joins to discuss Liverpool's chances of winning the Champions League and Tim has all the latest from South America.Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/IjeBvsxDBMY?feature=shareJoin the Brazilian Shirt Name Whatsapp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBNgO58PgsAgQXRP32T
The Boys bring the usual chaos and somehow still manage to drop serious value along the way.The guys kick things off debating which foods deserve to be wiped off the planet forever. Colton goes after applesauce for texture crimes, Ross makes a passionate case against cottage cheese calling it lumpy almost-spoiled milk, and Jess wants yellow squash gone for good. Ross also throws shade at mushrooms and beets noting they both taste like dirt no matter what you do with them, even while acknowledging that mushrooms literally run the communication network of forests. The whole thing is exactly as ridiculous and fun as it sounds.On the project side Jess is launching Dills Dumpsters, a new side business he is standing up alongside his trim carpentry work. He walks through the logistics of running two trucks, getting his father-in-law set up as a subcontractor through a company they named D&D Exploration and Cattle Corp after a Landman episode, and why your Google business page matters more than almost anything when you are starting a local service company.Colton has a new woodworking commission coming in from a rodeo connection designing a custom house. He is cutting decorative alder corbels for two-story exposed beams and adding custom cabinet doors with a relief cut of his clients personal tattoo design. The guys get into real detail on how to attach corbels to plaster walls, the right grain direction for corbels, and why one big long screw plus a plugged hole is often the cleanest solution.The deep cut this episode is the history of tattoos and piercings as a skilled trade. Jess makes the case that tattooing and piercing are the oldest human crafts in existence, predating written language and trade guilds, showing up independently across ancient Egypt, Asia, South America, and Europe. They cover the evolution of tattoo styles from Polynesian influence on American traditional sailor tattoos to Japanese Irazumi to trash polka, touch on why implant grade titanium is the industry standard for piercing jewelry, and drop the wild fact that New York City banned tattoos all the way until 1997.Ross shares his nugget on how he scored an $8500 Samsung smart fridge for $3150 by negotiating the floor model price, a scratch and dent discount, and a free delivery fee. The fridge has a built-in camera that lets you check your groceries from the store, suggests recipes based on whats inside, and even tracks expiration dates. The guys also break down why Guitar Center during the week is one of the best places to haggle.Jess rounds things out with a practical stair building nugget on how to accurately measure and cut newel post heights using the stair rake method, flipping your post upside down and running a board across the nose of each step to get a consistent reference line regardless of uneven step heights.Season four kicks off the first week of March and the guys still need listener submissions for the new episode naming theme. Hit like and subscribe wherever you listen and send those ideas in.
On this episode of Investor Connect, Hall welcomes Barry, who presents a medical device focused on improving treatment for hydrocephalus, a condition caused by excess fluid in the brain. Barry describes the current standard approach—ventricular-peritoneal shunts that drain fluid from the brain to the abdomen using a long rubber tube—and outlines key issues including infection, clogging, and siphoning that can over-drain the brain. He notes a 40% first-year reintervention rate, with roughly $1B in first-year reintervention costs and about $3B in annual overall health system costs, and explains that patients typically face a lifetime of revisions averaging about 10 surgeries. Barry explains their alternative approach, "physiologic shunting," which drains cerebrospinal fluid into part of the venous system and is placed entirely on the cranium, avoiding the long-tube failure points. The procedure is described as a 15–30 minute implant that can be done under local anesthesia, requires no navigation/robotics, uses standard neurosurgical tools, and is designed for constant, self-regulating flow. He positions the device as a Class II de novo/510(k) pathway and says the team has had two FDA pre-submission meetings, is currently in sheep animal studies, and plans a GLP study later in the year to support an IDE for human use. Barry shares market context: the U.S. hydrocephalus shunt market is about $170M annually with around 100,000 surgeries per year, including about 70,000 revisions; worldwide the market is about $500M. He argues a more reliable device could rapidly capture the revision market and notes the current market is dominated by Medtronic and Integra. He also discusses an additional opportunity in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in patients over 65, stating there are about 700,000 diagnosed in the U.S. and only 1% receive shunts despite symptom improvement. Barry states the company has raised $2.5M to date and is seeking an additional $2.5M via convertible note to reach a first-in-human pilot targeted around 2025, with initial offshore pilots potentially in South America or Australia. Barry is a medical device industry professional who presents a cranial implant designed to simplify hydrocephalus management and reduce revision surgeries. He emphasizes the device's ease of training for neurosurgeons, multiple cranial placement locations, and a "no bridges burned" approach where the implant can be removed and replaced through a small skin incision if needed. Barry describes a competitive landscape that includes one competitor pursuing an endovascular technique, while his team's approach is a surgical technique intended to be safer, simpler, and not dependent on specialized equipment. He also discusses manufacturing readiness, stating a supplier/contractor has been identified and that devices used in animal studies meet sterility and related standards. Barry discusses the shortcomings of current shunts, the company's physiologic shunting approach, the regulatory and study plan toward first-in-human use, the funding raise, and the market opportunity—especially capturing the large revision segment and potential expansion into normal pressure hydrocephalus. ________________________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https:/_/tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
What happens when a song inspires you to book a solo flight to New York City in the middle of winter? For Lungile Mashele, it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with solo travel. In this debut episode of the Chica Travel Podcast Season 2, host Lelo Boyana sits down with Lungile: Banker, Wine Connoisseur, and World Traveller to talk about the beauty of travelling alone, navigating safety as an African woman abroad, finding your most authentic self far from home, and why South America has her whole heart. Whether you've been dreaming of your first solo trip or your fortieth, this one's for you. Connect With CHICA Travel Podcast Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chicatravelpodcast?si=pW4gjMI6rfwLx9Xo Instagram: @Chicatravelpodcast / @MsLeloB
For today's episode, host Josh Sidman sat down with Carlos Louge to discuss the life and ideas of Silvio Gesell (specifically, his thoughts on Keynes).Carlos Louge is the Founder and Director of the Silvio Gesell Institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A lawyer and economist by training, Carlos has worked in the areas of alternative exchange systems and complementary currencies since the 1990s. He has written numerous articles as well as a book entitled Keynes and Gesell: A New Paradigm, in which he argues that many of the core ideas in The General Theory were previously developed by Gesell during his years in Argentina. He furthermore advocates for a more inclusive view of economic history, making the argument that many ideas which are ascribed to European and American thinkers were developed decades and even centuries earlier in South America.To check out more of our content, including our research and policy tools, visit our website: https://www.hgsss.org/
Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links —Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.
Presented by SoccermetricsFirst legs are up and running again in qualification and five different nations are represented in tight competitions and matchups...Howard Hamilton, the founder of Soccermetrics, has his look at just what to expect
Have you longed to integrate your Christian faith into your patient care—on the mission field abroad, in your work in the US, and during your training? Are you not sure how to do this in a caring, ethical, sensitive, and relevant manner? This “working” session will explore the ethical basis for spiritual care and provide you with professional, timely, and proven practical methods to care for the whole person in the clinical setting. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qpah9kh1lttg6cm1jjop9/Bob-Mason-Ethics-of-Spiritual-Care-revised.pptx?rlkey=0emve2ja8282nv8xc4uinq1hg&st=9033htwx&dl=0
Dr. David discusses the lost art of Scripture memorization. He provides four important reasons for why modern Christians should go back to this important spiritual discipline. He also discusses several practical tips that we can use to help us memorize God's Word.Resource Highlights- Practicing the Way- John Mark ComerReflections on the ResurrectionDavid and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, Africa, India, Nepal, and South America. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!Show credits:Opening music- Beach Bum Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Closing music- Slow Burn Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Ambassador Robert Blackwill — a towering figure in American foreign policy who served under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, and is the only person to have served as both U.S. Ambassador to India and Deputy National Security Advisor — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a sweeping and sobering conversation about America's position in the world. Blackwill, currently the Henry A. Kissinger Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of Lost Decade: The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power, argues that the U.S. urgently needs to recapture the kind of bipartisan foreign policy consensus that defined the Cold War era. He calls China the most dangerous rival America has ever faced, warning that Beijing is actively preparing its military for a potential Taiwan invasion — a threat that has only intensified amid China's massive late-2025 military exercises around the island and growing questions about whether the Trump administration would intervene to defend Taipei. The conversation spans the full scope of the global chessboard, from NATO's potential collapse — an especially timely concern as the Pentagon has moved to scale back U.S. participation in NATO advisory groups and Defense Secretary Hegseth skipped the latest defense ministers' meeting in Brussels — to why any Ukraine peace deal will inevitably reward Russian aggression, to Trump's puzzling warmth toward adversaries like China and Russia while publicly disparaging European allies. Blackwill warns that Trump is driving swing countries like India into China's orbit, and that the U.S. isn't headed for a multipolar world but a bipolar one, with China gaining ground across Africa, South America, and Asia. With the 2028 presidential race on the horizon, Blackwill makes a forceful case that the next generation of candidates must present a clear, durable vision for America's role in the world — before it's too late. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Ambassador Robert Blackwill joins the Chuck ToddCast 02:00 America needs to recapture its cold war “bipartisan consensus” 02:30 Alliances contributed to American strength 04:00 Why were assumptions of China joining the world wrong? 06:00 China is the most dangerous rival America has ever had 07:15 Should we have developed an Asian security pact sooner? 09:00 Marxism tells China that for it to be safe, it must lead the world 10:30 Liberal internationalism has gotten weaker in its expression 11:30 What should we make of Xi purging his military leadership? 12:45 U.S. intelligence penetration of China has been limited 14:30 China is working very hard to prepare military for Taiwan invasion 15:45 Worse outcome: Let China invade Taiwan or fight them over it? 16:45 Biden clearly said he’d intervene on behalf of Taiwan 17:30 Trump doesn’t seem inclined to defend Taiwan 18:30 China’s military isn’t battle tested, invasion is a huge risk 19:30 How have Iraq/Afghanistan informed the debate over defending Taiwan? 20:45 A majority of Americans wouldn’t support war with China over Taiwan 22:15 What would you advise next President to do with Taiwan if no war by 2028? 23:00 Trump is unique, will take most of “Trumpism” with him when he leaves 24:30 Debate after Trump will be between nationalism & liberal internationalism 26:00 Tough to know what Democrats strategy for role in the world is 27:00 How do you rebuild alliances in a more durable way? 29:30 The American people don’t support the admins “gangster” foreign policy 31:15 If Europe is separated from the U.S., they’ll truly go on their own 31:45 Trump says nothing positive about Europe, but praises China & Russia 34:00 Hard to believe Donald Trump would abide Article 5 34:45 NATO could collapse if Trump doesn’t respond to action against Baltics 35:30 Taiwan remains greatest risk for the duration of Trump’s term 36:30 Any peace deal in Ukraine will reward Russia’s aggression 37:15 Ukraine remains determined not to lose their statehood 38:00 Putin knows he’ll never have a friendlier American president than Trump 39:00 Intelligence sharing is most valuable thing America provides Ukraine 41:00 Trump can do so much more to rupture our alliances in 3 years 42:00 Europe is more traumatized by what Trump says than what he does 43:00 What to make of Marco Rubio’s role in the administration? 45:00 Rubio has to perform an incredible balancing act 47:00 Trump is driving “swing countries” like India into China’s arms 47:30 We aren’t headed for a multipolar world, it will be bipolar 48:30 Partners want consistency from America, based on strength 51:00 2028 candidates need to present a vision for America’s role 52:30 China ahead of America in Africa, South America & Asia…not Europe 53:00 China isn’t ahead yet, but trends are bad 54:30 America’s contempt for the third world has been detrimental 56:15 Trump’s approach to the world won’t change in the next 3 yearsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chuck Todd explores whether the United States is on the verge of a new reform era — and argues that the signs are more promising than you might think. Starting with a constitutional amendment now circulating in Congress to nullify presidential pardons, backed by both a Maryland Democrat and Republican Don Bacon to give it bipartisan credibility, Todd makes the case that the pardon power has been so thoroughly abused — from Biden's preemptive pardons giving Trump political cover, to Trump intermediaries allegedly being paid for sold pardons — that the kind of structural corruption requiring structural repair is now undeniable. Todd puts this moment in historical context, drawing parallels to the reform cascades that produced the 16th Amendment (born from rampant income inequality), the 17th Amendment (born from a corruption scandal involving the sale of Senate seats), and the 19th Amendment (born when democracy itself felt like it was slipping away), while cautioning that not every reform era gets it right — the 18th Amendment and Prohibition being a case study in moral panic and overcorrection. His broader argument is that reform eras tend to cascade once they begin, that the tools to demand a better democratic structure already exist, and that if Congress shifts from debating revenge to debating reforms, that alone represents meaningful progress. Then, Ambassador Robert Blackwill — a towering figure in American foreign policy who served under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, and is the only person to have served as both U.S. Ambassador to India and Deputy National Security Advisor — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a sweeping and sobering conversation about America's position in the world. Blackwill, currently the Henry A. Kissinger Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of Lost Decade: The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power, argues that the U.S. urgently needs to recapture the kind of bipartisan foreign policy consensus that defined the Cold War era. He calls China the most dangerous rival America has ever faced, warning that Beijing is actively preparing its military for a potential Taiwan invasion — a threat that has only intensified amid China's massive late-2025 military exercises around the island and growing questions about whether the Trump administration would intervene to defend Taipei. The conversation spans the full scope of the global chessboard, from NATO's potential collapse — an especially timely concern as the Pentagon has moved to scale back U.S. participation in NATO advisory groups and Defense Secretary Hegseth skipped the latest defense ministers' meeting in Brussels — to why any Ukraine peace deal will inevitably reward Russian aggression, to Trump's puzzling warmth toward adversaries like China and Russia while publicly disparaging European allies. Blackwill warns that Trump is driving swing countries like India into China's orbit, and that the U.S. isn't headed for a multipolar world but a bipolar one, with China gaining ground across Africa, South America, and Asia. With the 2028 presidential race on the horizon, Blackwill makes a forceful case that the next generation of candidates must present a clear, durable vision for America's role in the world — before it's too late. Finally, Chuck gives his reaction the Munich Security Conference, offers up his ToddCast Top 5 “Most Absurd Awards Created To Soothe Trump’s Ego” and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Get your wardrobe sorted and your gift list handled with Quince. Don't wait! Go to https://Quince.com/CHUCK for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:15 A constitutional amendment circulating to nullify presidential pardons 03:45 We may be seeing a structural shift at a time that it’s needed 04:30 Reform eras happen when both sides decide rules need to be tightened 05:00 We’ve seen governors sell pardons, nothing like what Trump’s doing 06:00 Trump intermediaries are getting paid for sold pardons 07:15 Biden’s pardons basically gave Trump license for his corrupt pardons 08:30 For institutional change, you need bad actors on both sides 09:30 Maryland congressman introduced amendment to override pardons 10:15 Don Bacon signed on to endorse amendment, makes it bipartisan 11:15 Nullification threshold is set pretty high 12:30 17th amendment was born out of political corruption scandal 14:15 16th amendment born out of rampant income inequality 15:30 19th amendment came when it felt like democracy was slipping away 16:15 18th amendment came from moral panic, was later repealed 17:00 Reforms can be necessary, some are an overcorrection 18:00 Structural corruption requires structural repair, requires amendment 19:15 Other areas of structural reform that could gain traction 21:00 Reform eras don’t stop with one thing, tend to cascade 22:45 We have the tools to demand a better structure for democracy 24:30 If congress is debating reforms instead of revenge, that’s progress 33:15 Ambassador Robert Blackwill joins the Chuck ToddCast 35:15 America needs to recapture its cold war “bipartisan consensus” 35:45 Alliances contributed to American strength 37:15 Why were assumptions of China joining the world wrong? 39:15 China is the most dangerous rival America has ever had 40:30 Should we have developed an Asian security pact sooner? 42:15 Marxism tells China that for it to be safe, it must lead the world 43:45 Liberal internationalism has gotten weaker in its expression 44:45 What should we make of Xi purging his military leadership? 46:00 U.S. intelligence penetration of China has been limited 47:45 China is working very hard to prepare military for Taiwan invasion 49:00 Worse outcome: Let China invade Taiwan or fight them over it? 50:00 Biden clearly said he’d intervene on behalf of Taiwan 50:45 Trump doesn’t seem inclined to defend Taiwan 51:45 China’s military isn’t battle tested, invasion is a huge risk 52:45 How have Iraq/Afghanistan informed the debate over defending Taiwan? 54:00 A majority of Americans wouldn’t support war with China over Taiwan 55:30 What would you advise next President to do with Taiwan if no war by 2028? 56:15 Trump is unique, will take most of “Trumpism” with him when he leaves 57:45 Debate after Trump will be between nationalism & liberal internationalism 59:15 Tough to know what Democrats strategy for role in the world is 1:00:15 How do you rebuild alliances in a more durable way? 1:02:45 The American people don’t support the admins “gangster” foreign policy 1:04:30 If Europe is separated from the U.S., they’ll truly go on their own 1:05:00 Trump says nothing positive about Europe, but praises China & Russia 1:07:15 Hard to believe Donald Trump would abide Article 5 1:08:00 NATO could collapse if Trump doesn’t respond to action against Baltics 1:08:45 Taiwan remains greatest risk for the duration of Trump’s term 1:09:45 Any peace deal in Ukraine will reward Russia’s aggression 1:10:30 Ukraine remains determined not to lose their statehood 1:11:15 Putin knows he’ll never have a friendlier American president than Trump 1:12:15 Intelligence sharing is most valuable thing America provides Ukraine 1:14:15 Trump can do so much more to rupture our alliances in 3 years 1:15:15 Europe is more traumatized by what Trump says than what he does 1:16:15 What to make of Marco Rubio’s role in the administration? 1:18:15 Rubio has to perform an incredible balancing act 1:20:15 Trump is driving “swing countries” like India into China’s arms 1:20:45 We aren’t headed for a multipolar world, it will be bipolar 1:21:45 Partners want consistency from America, based on strength 1:24:15 2028 candidates need to present a vision for America’s role 1:25:45 China ahead of America in Africa, South America & Asia…not Europe 1:26:15 China isn’t ahead yet, but trends are bad 1:27:45 America’s contempt for the third world has been detrimental 1:29:30 Trump’s approach to the world won’t change in the next 3 years 1:31:15 We need a consensus on America’s role in the world 1:32:00 Reaction to Munich security conference 1:32:30 Rubio sees himself as a bridge to the rules based order & Trump 1:33:45 Trump will easily throw Rubio or Vance under the bus 1:35:00 AOC didn’t seem to have the most prepared answers in Munich 1:36:30 The right wants to dunk on AOC, when Trump is far more ignorant 1:37:45 We hold political opponents to far higher standards than our own team 1:38:15 ToddCast Top 5 Most Absurd Awards Created To Soothe Trump’s Ego 1:39:00 #5 McDonald’s french fry certification pin 1:39:45 #4 Undisputed Champion of Clean Coal award 1:40:45 #3 FIFA Peace Prize 1:41:45 #2 The Tim Cook Special 1:42:45 #1 NRSC Champion For Freedom Bowl 1:44:15 Giving out these awards is a terrible look 1:44:45 The actual Nobel Peace Prize given by Machado did not qualify for list 1:45:45 Trump is desperate for historic accolades 1:46:30 Ask Chuck 1:46:45 Will we live to see a Democratic elected statewide in Tennessee? 1:53:00 Loved history lesson on importance of 1848, could you expand on it? 1:56:45 What rights from the Bill of Rights has Trump NOT violated? 1:58:45 Why aren’t SCOTUS potential retirements getting more attention?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The soybean industry has been subject to a lot of obstacles over the last year with tariffs, South America, and policy, but there are some good things coming. Scott Metzger, the President of the American Soybean Association, shares some of the biggest worries they have on Capitol Hill, and why farmers should be optimistic with lots of new crush plants coming online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to regularly scheduled podcasting! The tours have gone to South America, Transylvania, the Netherlands, Texas, and the UAE -- regional tours ftw, btw -- over the past two weeks. Karolina Muchova finally gets a big title, Mboko notches an incredible run to the Doha final, Zheng announces herself, Felix becomes king of Canada, and most importantly we're back from Mexico, caught up on sleep and armed with fresh takes. We decide to finally dip our toes in the apparently imminent Serena comeback, whatever it shall be, and how it interacts with her endorsement of GLP-1 drugs (and her family's vested interest). We've also got random takes on Bad Bunny, Brad, Puerto Vallarta, and Destanee Aiava's eye-opening retirement announcement. 0:30 Catching up with us 12:00 Shelton Does Dallas; Canada's Indoor King; the ATP's hottest final 17:05 Muchova finally gets that elusive second title. A big one! 25:30 Zheng, Sakkari, Iga's d****e b****e 36:00 Red card! 39:50 I guess we should tackle the “comeback” 50:15 Odds and ends: Jack's gateway haircut, Naomi picks on a podcast (not us, confirmed) 55:20 Destanee Aiava drops a hell of a retirement announcement
From ultra-light hotel bikepacking on a road bike to six-month expeditions in remote regions on a heavily laden hybrid, Emma has experienced nearly every form of bike travel, including ultra-endurance racing. She is a passionate advocate for slow travel as a means to reconnect with nature, embrace minimalism, and discover alternative ways of living. Her travels have shaped a deep commitment to sustainability, wild camping with minimal impact, and challenging the idea of nature as a park or playground, separate from our everyday lives. You can sign up to her newsletter for monthly updates and tips. She is particularly keen to empower others, especially women, to embrace solo adventures, and she shares both practical guidance and philosophical reflections through her writing and events. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries. Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast. Your support makes a difference. Thank you x *** Show notes Who is Emma Working as a cycling journalist and tour guide Moving around a lot and not really having a home base Currently writing a guidebook on French Guiana Having a normal childhood and not being particularly sporty Growing up in France and starting running at 16 Running and rowing throughout university Taking a gap year after university and heading to South America in 2016/2017 Fundraising for 6 months before starting from Ushuaia and heading to Lima in Peru. Having a very small/tight budget Wild camping as much as possible What it was like on the trip - starting in January and dealing with prevailing winds all the way Travelling in a group of 3 and what it was like Being totally tolerant for a month Doing a few more little trips, before heading with her partner on a European cycle trip Journaling on the trip and writing a little bit each evening Her bike set up and how it's changed over the years Getting a vintage road bike, a carbon road bike, a gravel bike…. Dealing with saddle sores Brooks Leather Saddle Planning and logistics Spreadsheets…. Route planning and starting with google, to find official routes, or to see if other people have created a route bikepacking.com komoot.com Thoughts on being brave Managing personal fears Encountering risk in everyday life Following gut instinct Moving away from being a nice girl Travelling on your own Being allowed to change your mind Deciding to do more cycling competitions Ultra races and why the winners are the ones who sleep the least Trying out new challenges How expensive ultra endurance races can be The joy of long trips and how it can change your perspective of time The dream 6 month to a year trip Wanting to go back to South America or cycling from Europe to Asia Being content with taking her time on trips The cycling guidebook about French Guiana. How to connect with Emma online Final words of advice for other women who want to go on adventures and discover more of the world Do it in a simple and gradual way. The power of keeping it simple Social Media Website: www.emmakarslake.com Newsletter: www.emmakarslake.com/newsletter Insta: @emma_up_cycles Linkedin: Emma Karslake
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, steps outside traditional Mafia territory and into a shadowy world just as dangerous—and just as fascinating: the international theft of ultra-rare automobiles. Gary is joined by author Stayton Bonner, former senior editor at Rolling Stone, and legendary car-recovery specialist Joe Ford, the real-life figure behind Bonner's book The Million Dollar Car Detective. At the center of the story is a breathtaking pre-World War II automobile—the Talbot-Lago Teardrop Coupé—once described as the most beautiful car in the world. Stolen from a Milwaukee industrialist's garage in 2001, the car vanished into the international underground of elite collectors, forged paperwork, and high-stakes deception. Joe Ford explains how he became the go-to investigator when rare cars worth millions disappear—and why stolen vehicles are far harder to recover than stolen art. What follows is a years-long global hunt involving disgruntled mechanics, fabricated titles, shell corporations, Swiss intermediaries, and a billionaire buyer now locked in civil litigation. Bonner adds rich historical context, tracing the car's glamorous past—from European aristocracy to Hollywood royalty—and exposing how loneliness, obsession, and greed often surround these legendary machines. The conversation expands into other notorious cases, including the disappearance of the original James Bond Aston Martin from Goldfinger, and how wealthy collectors sometimes knowingly harbor stolen artifacts. This episode is a true-crime story without guns or gangs—but filled with deception, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice across borders. If you love investigative work, high-end crime, and stories that feel like James Bond meets Gone in 60 Seconds, this one's for you.
Stephen Miller, Trump's Goebbels, has openly declared that the new “international law” is “might makes right.” To discuss how that is playing out with the attacks on small boats off the coasts of South America, the kidnapping of President Maduro of Venezuela, the attempt to squeeze the country of Cuba to the point of collapse, Gaza and other outrageous ways this is playing out internationally, this week Sam speaks to legal scholar Marjorie Cohn. Follow her work at marjoriecohn.com.Read, share and discuss The People's Indictment of Donald Trump. To get involved, text REFUSE to 855-755-1314 or sign up online, follow @RefuseFascism on social media (@RefuseFashizm on TikTok) and our YouTube channel: @Refuse_Fascism.Support:Subscribe to Refuse Fascism on Substackpatreon.com/refusefascismdonate.refusefascism.orgVenmo: Refuse-FascismBuy merch (Big Cartel)Buy merch (Fourth Wall)Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown
All episodes from 169 onwards are Patreon-only. I explain this on my last public episode. I will continue to update this feed and the website so that people know the Patreon is active. Listen to all episodes 169 and beyond in the Patreon feed. Join the Patreon community from $1 a month here: https://www.patreon.com/unknownpassagepodcast Unknown Passage is only available via Patreon and official podcast platforms. Any websites claiming affiliation, including the previously owned podcast website (before I went private only Patreon) are unauthorised._______________
MLS Matchweek is here and Atlanta United's 10th season begins Saturday in Cincinnati. Jason Longshore sets the table for opener week across SDH Network and 92.9 The Game, including Atlanta Soccer Tonight, Training Ground Dispatch, and player and Tata Martino availability. Plus, why eliminating VAR is outdated thinking, Macclesfield's Cup night against Brentford, MLS roster moves around the league, and the latest headlines from Europe, South America, and beyond.
My guest today is LoraKim Joyner, a passionate protector of parrots, who knows that the health of one is interconnected to the health of all beings. LoraKim received her B.S in Avian Sciences, her Doctorate in Veterinarian Medicine, a Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, which led to meaningful work in bird conservation throughout Central and South America. Years later she saw the need to address human well-being and obtained her Masters in Divinity and was ordained a Unitarian Universalist minister and became certified in NonViolent Communication. LoraKim's expansive experience covers, bird education, research and conservation, parish ministry, co-founder of the non-profit organization One Earth Conservation and leading transformational projects in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana, Suriname and Paraguay. Her mission and motto is "Unconditional Solidarity" with the acronym U.S., which reflects that it takes all of us to protect parrots, protect people and protect our planet! Get a literal and figurative bird's eye view of LoraKim's multi-species ministry, community collaborations, and nurturing nature approach where she honors the inherent worth, dignity and needs of all individuals, while she spends the months of March and April in Honduras. There she will be supporting the efforts of the local people who are trying to save their forests and birds from poaching and abuses. Support her inspiring efforts to protect their natural resources by holding the government accountable. Check out the Show Notes for links to One Earth Conservation where you can donate, follow the live-steam, and share on social media to spread the word of Joyner's heart and mind opening work. While exploring additional ways to get involved, on the site of One Earth Conservation, also check out the list of books written by Joyner. Enjoy the podcast!! Links: GoFundMe Solidarity Campaign www.oneearthconservation.org/ amoloros@gmail.com
This week, we're diving into one of the strangest and most unforgettable birds in the world: the Calfbird. Found in the forests of northern South America, this bizarre species is famous for its bald head, striking blue skin, and an otherworldly call that sounds like a chainsaw. Even wilder? The Calfbird produces that sound using a mechanism similar to how a bullfrog vocalizes—making it a true standout in avian biology and animal sound production.Join married ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with bird-loving co-hosts RJ Pole and Amanda Pole, as we explore Calfbird behavior, vocalizations, habitat, and why this species continues to fascinate scientists and birders alike.We also answer a listener question about Snowy Owls, adding even more birdwatching insight to the episode.Whether you're a seasoned birder, a science enthusiast, or just love learning about weird and wonderful wildlife, this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together is packed with memorable bird facts, expert knowledge, and plenty of fun along the way.
Howard Hamilton, the founder of Soccermetrics, continues his look at the early prelims in the Libertadores...But, there's also an impolrtant message off the top...
This is Episode 2 of our sub-series "Environmental Issues along the Belt and Road."The series considers the complexities of Chinese actors' impacts on the environment, extractive activities, and role in driving sustainability solutions from the sands of the Mekong River to lithium mines in Argentina. Since 2012, China has invested roughly US$4 billion in 12 nickel projects across Southeast Asia, with a major focus on Indonesia, which supplies 16% of global nickel production. In South America, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina— known as the Lithium Triangle—together hold over 54% of the world's lithium reserves beneath their salt flats as of 2024, and China is the only country to have signed agreements with all three. In this episode, we explore what makes minerals “critical” to the energy transition, how China's long-term industrial strategy and geopolitical struggles has (re)shaped global critical mineral supply chains, and, through cases of Indonesian nickel and lithium in Argentina, how stakeholders in producer countries navigate trade-offs between economic development, sovereignty, & environmental and social impacts.We interview 4 experts: Dr. Jing Li is a professor at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business and holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Investment Strategy. She also serves as the Co-Director of the Jack Austin Center for Asia Pacific Business Studies. Her research explores international investment strategies, joint ventures, emerging market firms, innovation in emerging economies, & the behavior and performance of state-owned enterprises. Related reading here, here & here.Dr. Anastasia Ufimtseva is the Senior Program Manager for International Trade and Investment at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. She holds a Ph.D. in Global Governance from the Balsillie School of International Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University, with a specialization in international political economy. Her research explores global energy governance, trade & investment, the political economy of natural resources, & international development, with a focus on Asia. Related reading here & here. Muhammad Habib Abiyan Dzakwan (Zahwan) is a researcher at the Department of International Relations, CSIS Indonesia. He holds an MA in International Economics and General International Relations from SAIS, Johns Hopkins University. His research areas cover sustainable development, critical minerals, & emerging technologies. Related reading here, here & here. Thanks for listening! Follow us on BlueSky @beltandroadpod.blsk.social
What do you do when your partner of almost a decade finally proposes, and after a just few short months of marriage, tells you he thinks you made a mistake getting married? Well, if you're the guest of this episode from our archives, you pack your bags and start traveling the world. You might never even come back. On this episode, we sit down with Asia Dawn Simonelli, who's unexpected heartbreak made her realize that life is too short and uncertain to do anything but what brings her joy. Her sudden divorce inspired her to spend a year traveling around South America, eventually settling in Mexico City, only to decide that Italy is where she truly belongs. Hear how her love of travel led her to a life of her dreams, and how she turned what could have been a devastating crisis into a new career that brings her joy and purpose and helps other women who've been through similar trauma. Find out more about Asia's relationship coaching services on her website, read about her travels on her travel blog, and follow her adventures on her Instagram page. Read her viral HuffPost article After My Divorce at 32, I Left the Country and Never Came Back. ***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some of our earlier episodes, every Friday we are now airing an episode from our vast archives! Enjoy!*** ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: Our third annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure is in the books! If you'd like to join us in 2026, and be part of an intimate group of listeners on a magical and unforgettable journey to Rome, discovering the city with us as your guides, find out more here. ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!
A 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Argentina opened the world's eyes to Hezbollah's presence in Latin America. But the Iranian proxy, a US-designated terrorist group, has operated in the region since the 1980s. This started in the Tri-Border Area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, earning the nickname "the United Nations of crime." The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has said Hezbollah's revenues in Central and South America fund its External Security Organization, which plans their terrorist plots overseas. Wes Tabor, a former DEA agent, knows all about it. He was part of a landmark case that exposed their ties to drug cartels and financial institutions. Wes takes us into the present, describing how the US's removal of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela impacts Hezbollah's presence in the Western Hemisphere. Subscribe to Sasha's Substack, HUMINT, to get more intelligence stories: https://sashaingber.substack.com/ For more information about the International Spy Museum, visit: https://www.spymuseum.org/ And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic, you can reach us by email at spycast@spymuseum.org. This show is brought to you by N2K Networks, Goat Rodeo, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. This episode was produced by Flora Warshaw and the team at Goat Rodeo. At the International Spy Museum, Mike Mincey and Memphis Vaughan III are our video editors. Emily Rens is our graphic designer. Joshua Troemel runs our SPY social media. Amanda Ohlke is our Director of Adult Education and Mira Cohen is the Vice President of Programs.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance had a clear message for his fans and his haters. The pop star's show was a colorful and vibrant vision of Puerto Rican culture and heritage, from a real life wedding to boxing matches - and even a surprise cameo from Ricky Martin. Against a backdrop of widespread immigration crackdowns and targeted rhetoric, Bad Bunny centered joy as an act of resistance - and as a space for all people in North and South America to unite. Brittany is joined by Pop Culture Happy Hour cohost Stephen Thompson, music and entertainment critic Reanna Cruz, and Alana Casanova-Burgess, host of La Brega podcast, to understand the version of America that Bad Bunny wants us to live in.For more on Bad Bunny, check out this deep dive into his latest album: Bad Bunny & the battle for Puerto RicoSupport Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Thomas Halliday recounts the Miocene dry Mediterranean basin refilling through the massive Zanclean flood, detailing Gargano Island's unique fauna, then explores Oligocene South America where monkeys arrived from Africaby rafting across the Atlantic.