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In this interview, I chat with Thao Thai about The Seekers of Deer Creek, her inspiration for the story, incorporating Vietnamese art and culture, creating a strong sense of place, the stunning cover, and much more. Thao's recommended reads are: Son of Nobody by Yann Martel Between You a River by Kimberly Garza Understory by Chloe Benjamin Looking for some great summer reads? Check out my printable 18-page Summer Reading Guide here for a tip of your choice or for a set price here via credit card with over 45 new titles vetted by me that will provide great entertainment this summer - a number of books you will not see on other guides. So many fabulous books are coming out in 2026, and you can learn about a bunch of them in my guide. Thanks so much to those of you who have donated to the show. Donate to the podcast here or on Venmo. Want to know which new titles are publishing in June - October of 2026? Check out our sixth Literary Lookbook which contains a comprehensive but not exhaustive list all in one place so you can plan ahead, and we color-code by genre in this one! Looking for something new to read? Here is my monthly Buzz Reads column with five new recommendations each month. Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Bangkok Podcast | Conversations on Life in Thailand's Buzzing Capital
Greg interviews Jared Rydelek, the creator of the Weird Explorer YouTube channel. Jared explains that his day job is a contortionist, but his lifelong vegetarianism sparked a deep fascination with rare fruits. He shares how this hobby evolved into a channel where he travels the globe to taste unique produce, discovering a surprisingly vast subculture of fruit enthusiasts. Jared notes that there are tens of thousands of edible fruits worldwide, far beyond the limited variety found in typical grocery stores. Next, Greg asks Jared about his favorite fruits in Thailand. Jared highlights the snake fruit, noting that the Thai variety differs significantly from those in neighboring countries. He also expresses a strong preference for the yellow mangosteen. The conversation then takes an amusing turn when Jared recounts his encounters with fake or molded fruits. He describes tracking down a highly sought-after fruit only to realize it was a clever fake, eventually learning that seeking out older female vendors in local markets is the best way to find authentic and rare produce. A few other fruit-centric stories follow - who knew there could be so many different characters and wild hijinks in the fruit subculture? Following the interview, Ed expresses admiration for Jared, noting that while he personally lacks the motivation to hunt down obscure foods, he respects the passion involved. Greg concludes by praising Jared for his dedication to exploring niche subcultures and promoting the area where agricultural and cultural knowledge overlap.
Jenn Saesue didn't want to open another Thai restaurant that served the same watered-down menu as everyone else's—so she didn't. Nearly a decade later, she's the cofounder of 55 Hospitality, the group behind Fish Cheeks, the Michelin-listed Bangkok Supper Club, and Bub's Bakery, New York's first completely allergen-free bakery. Matt talks with Jenn about refusing pad Thai, managing an impossible reservation list, and how a birthday cake for her husband turned into a two-and-a-half-year research and development project. Subscribe to This Is TASTE: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the headlines today, we have updates on the horrifying murders two Russian siblings and a Thai family of three in Chon Buri, unfortunately the homicide news doesn't end there as a jealous Chinese man in Chiang Mai and a local Phuket woman both commit horrendous acts of violence against family members, then, a bizarre case of an alleged pilot becoming homeless in Bangkok gets clarification from the airline he was supposedly employed by, also in Bangkok, the city is consulting the public over Petrol Tuk Tuk restrictions in the city, and finally a little palette cleanser for you in the form of my trip to the Ubon Ratchatani Candle festival that was held over the weekend, which has been chosen by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for a new promotion pilot.
#ghostboard #thaihorror #horrorpodcast #endingexplainedGhost Board is a 2026 Thai horror–thriller film directed by Chanathip Wongpoltree. The story follows a group of teenagers who must confront ghosts and demons while playing a board game, fighting for survival before dawnCredits :Director - Chanathip Wongpoltree
The Problem: We Suppress, Not FeelWe are programmed to make feelings go away instead of feeling them.We look for distraction—easy to find today—and suppress our emotions.We think our emotions are our enemy.We like to be together with happy people, with no drama.And so we consume a lot of drugs, or we become addicted to social media and our mobile phones.Look at today's health reports:60% of children are chronically ill.10% are autistic.Suicide rates are at an all-time high.Depression has never been at such a high level.Wars are raging like crazy.The suicide rate of U.S. Army servicemen is five times higher than the death rate on the battlefield.Isn't this evidence enough to question a society that supports the suppression of emotions?How Does It Start?We send our five-year-old child to kindergarten. It comes back depressed.We politely ask what happened, and then we say:"Don't see it that way. Don't be emotionally affected. Don't go into your emotions. You see it absolutely wrong."The message is clear: Suppress your emotions.Instead, we should let the child cry or express its emotions fully.Just be there. Comfort it until it finds calmness by itself.You think that will never happen?It will happen—it just needs time.And please, don't scroll on your mobile phone while doing it.A Personal Story: IndiaWe decided to go to India.Our journey was very challenging—so many things went wrong.She wanted to go home. I said: "Go. I will continue."But she stayed.She could express all of her emotions, her doubts, her anxiety. She got severely sick twice.Can you imagine? We went from 45°C heat to freezing snowstorms at 5,400 meters altitude in Ladakh, and then back to 45°C in Delhi and Varanasi.She couldn't eat the Indian food. She had never experienced freezing temperatures as a Thai person. There was no heating. The internet didn't work.Shocking or not?For me, it wasn't—because I'm used to it.At the end of the trip, she asked me: "Where should we go next time?"I said: "Africa."She said: "OK."Why?Because she could express all her emotions and never got abandoned or punished.That is what a true relationship looks like.What Happens When We Suppress Negative Feelings?Suppressed negative emotions will:Make us sick.Influence our decisions negatively.Increase our fear level significantly.Make us addicted to consumption, shopping, distraction, social media, drugs, etc.Isolate us—because we can't express our emotions, we can't build true relationships.Suppress our positive emotions as well.Reduce our vulnerability, sensitivity, and love.Suppress our spontaneity and creativity.Close our heart.Cause choleric reactions—sudden outbursts of anger over minor problems, punishing innocent people.Lead to projections—blaming others for our own wrongdoing.Turn us into robots.The Beauty of Expressing EmotionsWatch a three-year-old child.They don't suppress their emotions.They change their mood within five minutes.When they are happy, they beam with joy.When they are sad, they cry.That is the beauty of expressing emotions.The Solution: MindfulnessMindfulness is not about stopping your thoughts and feelings.It is about learning to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment or attachment.What Is True Adulthood?True adulthood is mindfulness—accepting our own thoughts and emotions, and accepting all emotions from other people without resenting them.How to Learn This?Attend encounter groups and bioenergetic groups—until you learn to express your emotions fully and accept the emotions of other people.Just do it.My Video: Why Fighting Your Feelings Is Making Everything Worse https://youtu.be/c5FOfKBEmEQMy Audio: https://divinesuccess.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/Podcast5/Why-Fighting-Your-Feelings-Is-Making-Everything-Worse.mp3
In Episode 247 of the Pu'u Muay Thai Podcast, Jonathan Puu sits down in person at Teep Studios with Arm, creator of Muay Thai Testament, one of the leading English-language sources covering Muay Thai news, Rajadamnern Stadium, and the fight scene in Thailand.Arm joins the podcast while touring the United States alongside Petchsila, the reigning Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) Champion, as they travel across the country conducting seminars and sharing authentic Muay Thai with American gyms. Together, Jonathan and Arm discuss: How Muay Thai Testament grew into one of the biggest English-language Muay Thai media platforms The current state of Muay Thai in Thailand RWS, Rajadamnern Stadium, and the evolution of entertainment Muay Thai The controversy surrounding youth fighting in Thailand Gambling, scoring, and how Thai stadium culture is changing Why foreign fans often misunderstand traditional Muay Thai Social media's impact on fighters and promotions Why now is one of the best times for international fighters to pursue opportunities in Thailand How Thailand is opening its doors to the global Muay Thai community If you've ever wondered what's really happening inside Thailand's Muay Thai scene—from the stadiums to the gyms to the people shaping the sport—this episode offers an insider's perspective from someone living it every day.Follow Arm / Muay Thai Testament
In today's stories, police make new arrests in the search for missing Russian siblings, a Qatari tourist faces deportation after a Hua Hin rampage, and an alleged Indian kidnapping gang is busted in Pattaya. Plus, a deadly landslide in China, a Ukrainian tourist assaulted in Phuket, a British influencer under fire for a racist rant, and a Thai man caught pretending to be police to avoid a massage bill.
The owners of One of a Thai are heading to Toronto today to compete on Family Feud Canada! They're about to air their "dirty laundry" on national TV... but there's only one question we really want answered: How is your food SO ridiculously good?! And if they ask for the secret ingredient... we fully support pleading the fifth.
Episode Summary The Responsible Seafood Summit returns to Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together seafood professionals from across the global value chain for four days of learning, collaboration, and meaningful industry connections. Hosted by the Global Seafood Alliance, the Summit creates an environment where producers, retailers, suppliers, researchers, NGOs, policymakers, and seafood leaders can exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges, and work toward practical solutions that strengthen the future of responsible seafood. This year's program highlights major industry priorities including global seafood markets, aquaculture production, fisheries, animal health and welfare, feed innovation, labor practices, and seafood supply chains. With a new program structure that combines broad industry discussions with focused deep-dive sessions, attendees will have opportunities to gain valuable insights, build new partnerships, and help shape the conversations driving seafood sustainability and innovation worldwide. Episode Sponsor Thank you to Veramaris for sponsoring this episode of the Aquademia podcast Their vision is bold: reshaping how the world is nourished with Omega-3. By pioneering new ways to deliver essential nutrition, Veramaris supports the aquaculture industry in closing the Omega-3 supply gap. Through resilient innovation, they produce high quality EPA and DHA directly from natural marine algae, providing farmers with a secure, reliable supply to raise healthier fish. Earning trust in every drop of algal oil, Veramaris makes sustainable growth possible today, and tomorrow. Learn more at Veramaris.com and give them a follow on LinkedIN. Featured Guests Steve Hart Senior Vice President of Market Development Global Seafood Alliance Key Topics Covered Why Bangkok was selected to host the 2026 Responsible Seafood Summit The importance of returning the Summit to Asia The 2026 theme: Connect, Collaborate, Commit New program structure featuring plenary sessions and focused deep-dive discussions Global seafood market trends and changing consumer preferences Aquaculture production, feed innovation, and animal health Tuna sustainability, labor practices, and vessel connectivity Networking opportunities designed to encourage meaningful industry relationships Industry field trips showcasing Thai aquaculture, fisheries, feed production, and culinary experiences Executive keynote conversations with leaders from Binhuan, Umios, and Thai Union Key Takeaways The Responsible Seafood Summit emphasizes collaboration that leads to real industry action. Returning to Thailand places the event at the center of one of the world's most important seafood regions. New programming combines high-level industry perspectives with practical, solution-focused discussions. Networking is intentionally built into every aspect of the event through meals, receptions, tours, and the attendee app. Field trips provide firsthand experiences across aquaculture, fisheries, seafood production, and Thai culture. Industry leaders from across the seafood supply chain will share insights on navigating today's rapidly changing marketplace. The Summit offers valuable opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers to build lasting relationships. Links and Resources Mentioned Responsible Seafood Summit (REGISTER) Seafood Nutrition Partnership - Summer Seafood Challenge The views expressed by external guests on Aquademia are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Aquademia or the Global Seafood Alliance. Listeners are advised to independently verify information and consult experts for any specific advice or decisions.
learn words and phrases about Easter
เมลเบิร์นยังเป็นเมืองในฝันของนักเรียนต่างชาติอยู่หรือไม่ เอสบีเอส ไทย พูดคุยกับนายกเทศมนตรีนครเมลเบิร์น นิโคลัส รีซ และนักเรียนไทยในรัฐวิกตอเรีย ถึงโอกาส ความท้าทาย และประสบการณ์การเรียนและใช้ชีวิตในออสเตรเลียในการประชุมสุดยอดนักเรียนต่างชาติ ประจำปี 2026
Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewPatricia Stellamares is the founder of Invocation Healing Arts & Retreats — an artist, writer, clairvoyant, and retreat guide rooted in the ancestral medicine traditions of her Northern New Mexico grandmothers, her Thai teachers, and years of exploration across spiritual and healing practices.In this podcast, Patricia speaks openly about late-diagnosed AuDHD, religious trauma, Catholic school, ableism within faith communities, surviving abuse, and the role psilocybin played in her deprogramming and healing journey. Through storytelling, spirituality, art, and raw conversation, this is a space for neurodivergence, liberation, and healing.HER AUG 7th RETREAT INFO BELOWInvocationhealingarts.com@invocationretreats@invocationhealingartsI got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974 Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga PodcastGoFundMEIf you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening $keenie19 on Cash AppFollow my other social media sites to interact and engage with me:Email me to be on the podcast or inperson Interview: floraandfungapodcast@gmail.comFacebookInstagramTwitterTikTokYouTubePatreon---------------------------------------------------------------------------Zbiotics: "FLORA10"Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day...
The Bangkok Podcast | Conversations on Life in Thailand's Buzzing Capital
Greg and Ed tackle the uncomfortable topic of self-censorship in Thailand, especially as it pertains to the podcast itself, and the churning, roiling issue of what you can say, when, and how, which seem to be in the news every day. Although it is unfortunate, the reality of working and living in Thailand is that the laws and culture are not the same as back home in the U.S. and Canada. Obviously, this means no discussion of the monarchy, and Ed explains how he always advises visiting friends to simply avoid discussion of the monarchy and royal family in pretty much any context. This is good advice for all foreigners in Thailand actually. Second, the boys concur that although they do criticize the government broadly, they make sure not to name specific politicians or policymakers. Although technically no law forbids it, strong and pointed criticism of the Thai government has a way of ending up poorly for the critic, from sudden problems with your visa to (in extreme cases) outright disappearance. On a podcast that is not centered on political issues, it just ain't worth the risk, and while the guys feel comfortable critiquing the government broadly, that's about as far as they are willing to go. Last, Greg and Ed discuss Thailand's defamation laws, which work differently than the laws back home where 'truth' is more or less an absolute defense. In Thailand, even if you say something true, you can be found guilty of violating another person's privacy. As Ed put it, Thailand has a 'mind your own business' culture, as opposed to the 'speak truth to power' culture we have back home. All this being said, the guys admit that self-censorship is fairly rare and not really a problem for a podcast focused on the serious (and sometimes silly) aspects of living in Thailand as a foreigner. Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.
At a Fleischmanns street fair, a bottle with a bright red label and bold white type — Station Navy Strength Gin — stops Brett at the Skillers booth. Owner James Rooney pours a taste and explains why British sailors once needed their gin strong enough that gunpowder would still ignite if it got splashed with the stuff. That bottle leads to a drive up to Lexington, NY, to see where it's made.Skillers Mountaintop Distillery occupies a small pre-fab barn in what started as Rooney's ski house property near Hunter. Kaatscast walks us through some of the New York state laws that made a small operation like his possible — the Micro Distillery Act of 2003, which cut licensing fees enough to let small producers in; the Farm Distillery Act of 2007, which let distillers open tasting rooms and sell direct, the way wineries already could; and the Craft New York Act of 2014, which simplified licensing further and let farm distilleries sell in satellite locations. In exchange, farm distilleries have to source at least 75% of their ingredients from New York — Skillers uses 100% New York corn as the base for all three of its spirits, filling in the small remainder with botanicals like coriander that can't be grown locally.The three bottles get a full tasting. Greywacke vodka takes its name from the bluestone bedrock under the Catskills, and Rooney credits its stony, mineral edge to Schoharie Creek water that's filtered through that rock. The navy strength gin, bottled at 57% ABV, is built specifically to survive being mixed into a Negroni without landing flat. And horilka — a honey and chili spirit named for the Ukrainian word for flower (kvitka) — nods to the area's Ukrainian community, using local honey and an ultrasonic extraction process to pull flavor from Thai chilies.Gin-smith Jeff Graham describes running the still, watching a batch drip for hours to yield about 20 gallons at a time. Marketing director Todd Spire talks about the tasting room's weekend acoustic music series. And we learn that Skillers spirits are now on shelves at Elevated Wines in Hunter and behind the bar at Small Talk in Woodstock and Peekamoose in Big Indian. Next up: a Skillers Negroni made entirely in-house, which means Rooney is now considering his own line of vermouth.FeaturingJames Rooney, founder and owner, Skillers Mountaintop DistilleryJeff Graham, gin smithTodd Spire, director of marketingRic Rawlins, tasting guestMusic: "Growing Up Catskills" by Josh Roy Brown, from the documentary of the same name.
คุยกับ เซีย ผู้หญิงไทยที่เข้าแข่งขันรายการ Alone Australia ซีซัน 4 ถึงเส้นทางชีวิตจากเด็กหญิงที่ไม่มีแม้แต่รองเท้าใส่สู่การเป็นนักวิ่งอัลตรามาราธอนระดับโลก และสิ่งที่เธอได้เรียนรู้จากการวิ่งและการใช้ชีวิตอย่างโดดเดี่ยวในการแข่งขันเรียลลิตีชื่อดัง
This week on High on Home Grown, we bring you another round-up of the biggest cannabis stories from the UK and around the world, covering crime, medical cannabis, regulation, and the continuing evolution of legal markets. Macky: Essex resident sentenced for importing 24 kilos of cannabis concealed in his vehicle Thai cannabis smuggler jailed for 12 months - National Crime Agency Smee: NHS Trust Approves UK-First Inpatient Medical Cannabis Policy · CannabisHealth Guernsey deputy calls for cannabis to be taxed 'like alcohol' - BBC News Dr.Margaret: Report: Illegal cannabis diversion from Canada a growing problem in Europe Billy: Two Strain review/grinder report This week we discuss two separate cannabis smuggling cases, examining the risks people continue to take despite increasingly sophisticated border enforcement. We also look at a landmark decision by an NHS Trust to approve the UK's first inpatient medical cannabis policy, a significant step forward for patient access within the healthcare system. Smee also brings us a story from Guernsey, where calls are growing for cannabis to be regulated and taxed in a similar way to alcohol, echoing many of the arguments we've been making on the show for years. Dr. Margaret explores a new report warning that cannabis legally produced in Canada is increasingly finding its way onto Europe's illicit market, raising fresh questions about regulation and international trade. Billy rounds off the episode with two more strain reviews, sharing his thoughts on the latest flower he's been trying. Another packed episode full of cannabis news, medical developments, policy discussions, and honest opinions from the High on Home Grown panel.
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Cat Stevens was positioned as a pop star and had some monior success before a near-death experience changed his perspective on everything. Tom, Rob, and Allan get together to discuss pick-noise on yoru acoustic guitar take, creating your own album art, and the encouraging words of older brothers. Join the comment thread NOW available on our free Patreon to continue the conversation about this episode and get early access to the weekly show 100% ad free, plus 60+ bonus shows like Song Battle and Guilty Pleasureshttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/09KHIXFvrEdGa2pgNZ4lT7?si=79f598c70d5f4019Listen to Tea for the Tillerman here:https://open.spotify.com/album/44VxbAytHpVi3Rq8hRhild?si=c7LHashRS-KGFMwP-vFQagAnd our international playlists continue to grow:Thai, German, Sweden 1, 2, & 3, Italian, Australian, Belgium 1 & 2Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreNext week's album: The Allman Brothers Band - Live at Fillmore EastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Fish Cheeks chef-partner Dustin Everett joins Dave for a conversation on seafood, Thai cooking, restaurant culture, and why one tiny fish bone can outweigh 160 perfect plates. They discuss frozen versus fresh squid, sticky rice, octopus, Portuguese seafood, fish aging, kitchen technology, and the balance between old-school technique and modern equipment. Plus: Experimental bread, and why fake grill marks bother Dave more than they should. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“How It All Started (Unfortunately...)” (Ep. 327) The 'Sterds™ explore the concept of gateways-- the dish that started an affinity for Thai food, that movie scene that opens a portal to one's sexual awakening, and all the tiny beginnings that make no sense but absolutely do. Creative Commons Music: “Habitual Ritual” by Revolution Void — freemusicarchive.org/music/Revolution_Void/ Content Warning: NSFW language, occasional sexual references, and the possible inebriation of hosts and/or guests. Listener discretion advised. © 2015-2026 JonSquared Media
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Heart Code might be the Thai GL that finally gets the balance right. In this episode, we break down why Tarn and Vicky's story works so well, from grounded fight scenes to standout chemistry and unforgettable moments like the dock scene.We also share listener reactions and favorite scenes, plus what makes Tungpang and Jessie such a compelling on screen duo. If you are into action, romance, and GL series that actually deliver, this one is worth the listen.If you want to support us and gain access to bonus content become a Patreon: BGE PatreonWanna talk queer media with us and our friends? Join our Discord: BGE Discord LinkThis episode along with all our other episodes are now available on YouTube: Check out the BGE ChannelAs always, please feel free to reach out to us on all the things. We love hearing from you!Instagram @biggayenergypod Twitter(X) @biggayenergypod Tik Tok @BiggayenergypodTumblr @biggayenergypod
Australia has been transfixed by the alleged murder of a Thai girl and the Australian man accused of her killing. Investigative reporter Stephen Drill has just returned from the scene at Pattaya. He joins guest host Jonty Burton to discuss the alleged crime and the seedy underworld that is at the centre of it. Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: lifeandcrimes@news.com.au Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewruleAdvertising enquiries: newspodcastssold@news.com.au Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/ If you or anyone you know needs helpLifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a whirlwind week of Disney and Universal discoveries, from a chaotic Lorcana release to a little-known Walt Disney World store hidden inside an Orlando parking garage. Lauren shares highlights from her latest theme park merchandise haul, including deeply discounted Universal gear and retro-inspired Contemporary Resort merchandise. Then Jim digs into the surprisingly smelly construction history connecting Seven Seas Lagoon, EPCOT, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Walt Disney World's original hotels. NEWS • A limited-edition Disney Lorcana release creates massive crowds at Disney Springs and forces the cancellation of a London event. • Jim and Lauren consider whether artificial scarcity and reseller demand are helping fuel Lorcana's popularity. • Lauren discovers an official Walt Disney World merchandise and ticket location hidden inside an International Drive parking garage. • Universal Orlando's Brown Derby shop offers select current merchandise at discounts of up to 70 percent. • The Contemporary Resort leans into vintage Disney style with monorail merchandise, classic photography, and deep-cut references. FEATURE • The excavation of Seven Seas Lagoon required moving millions of cubic yards of ancient organic material. • EPCOT guests encountered an unforgettable odor when construction crews disturbed old World Showcase Lagoon debris during development of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. • Jim explains how Walt Disney World's original hotels were designed to extend the storytelling beyond the Magic Kingdom. • Early resort concepts included Persian, Thai, Dutch, Cape Cod, and South Seas destinations positioned around Bay Lake. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Save up to 12 percent on Disney and Universal theme park tickets through UnlockedMagic.com, powered by the trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fayetteville, Arkansas sits in the Ozark Mountains with direct flights, a major university, and Walmart's Bentonville headquarters less than 40 minutes away. But the real surprises start once you're on the ground: 4,000 acres of parkland, 120 miles of trails, and a UCI Bike City title that no other American city holds. We wandered through vintage shops like Aunt Bill's, Grey Dog, and Fayetteville's Funky Flea, ate our way through Hugo's and The Guisinger, and enjoyed a Pride celebration with history that goes back to 1975, nearly fifty years before the first official NWA Pride Parade rolled down Dickson Street. This one's proof that some of the best stories are hiding in plain sight.Northwest Arkansas Pride: The Story That Stuck With UsNorthwest Arkansas Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in the South, and its roots run far deeper than most visitors expect.The first NWA Pride Parade rolled down Dickson Street in 2004. But local Pride history reaches back to at least 1975, with the Miss Gay Fayetteville Arkansas America pageant hosted at George's Majestic Lounge, Arkansas' oldest live music venue. That's nearly fifty years of community history behind a celebration many outsiders assume is a recent addition to the South.This year marked the 22nd Annual NWA Pride Parade, with events including a Hi-Tea Dance & Pool Party at Mount Sequoyah. Northwest Arkansas Pride Weekend is presented by the Tyson Family Foundation and produced by Northwest Arkansas Equality, Inc., a detail that loops right back to the Tyson and Walmart corporate presence just down the road in Bentonville.Best Restaurants in Fayetteville, ArkansasA Taste of Thai, a Fayetteville staple since 2000Little Bread Company, an artisan bakery and sandwich shop tucked on Block StreetHugo's, a basement burger joint off the square that's been a local favorite since 1977Maxine's Taproom, a historic Fayetteville barThe Guisinger (pronounced GY-zing-er), a cocktail bar inside the historic Guisinger Music Building on the Fayetteville squareFollow Links:Direct your audience to our companion article, Why Fayetteville, Arkansas Is One of the South's Most Surprising Small Towns, for the full list of restaurants, shops, and links we mention in this episode. Connect With Us:Phone Number: 805-298-1420 - Leave us a message! We'd love to hear from you.Email: podcast@onlyinyourstate.comThanks for listening to States of Discovery. Until next time!
Today's headlines include: One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has said her comments about domestic violence were taken out of context, following backlash from advocates and experts. Unemployment remained steady at 4.4% in June, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The death toll from a tunnel explosion in India on Monday has risen to 22, with authorities recovering more bodies in recent hours. And today’s good news: Researchers from Australia and Thailand have developed biodegradable seed pods aimed at restoring Thai seagrass meadows. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy TassellProducer: Imogen Abbott Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
learn how to use bpai to say "too" and "too much" with this video conversation
In the headlines today, more than 9 million baht have been disbursed to the Bangkok fire victims' family, but is it enough? Also, a Taiwanese court finalizes sentences in a half-billion baht Bangkok property scheme, in Chiang Mai, nominee-business investigations lead to 18 raids, in travel news, Thai airports have introduced unaccompanied baggage checking schemes, and finally in corporate news more than 500 KFC branches could be sold off, and new maneuver suggests tap-to-pay may be coming to Apple products in Thailand soon.
เคยรู้สึกไหมว่าทำไมเราต้องอดทน การอดทนมันช่วยอะไรเราได้? รู้ไหมว่า 'ความอดทน' อาจเป็นพรสวรรค์ของใครหลายคน มาฝึกฝนความอดทนผ่านมุมมองของคุณบุ๋ม บุณย์ญานุช บุญบํารุงทรัพย์ Chief Energizer Officer บริษัท ปีติพีอาร์ จำกัด ในรายการ THE ORGANICE
The Bangkok Podcast | Conversations on Life in Thailand's Buzzing Capital
After a recent wave of news headlines highlighting government crackdowns on things as varied as fake paternity scams and cheating civil servants, Greg and Ed begin by asking whether Thailand is finally enforcing the rule of law in any meaningful way. Greg points to changes in visa policy, noting that authorities reduced visa-free stays after discovering widespread abuse from visitors working illegally. Next, Ed brings up the crackdown on illegal nominee company ownership, pointing to cases where foreign nationals set up front businesses using fake Thai shareholders to bypass local laws. Moving to healthcare scandals, Ed highlights an investigation into multiple hospitals involving a birth record scam where foreign women paid local men to falsely claim paternity. Greg then transitions to a massive cheating scandal in the civil service, where thousands of local officials face dismissal after paying bribes to pass government employment exams. Next, the conversation turns to a tragic nightclub fire, which Greg uses to illustrate that while strict laws exist on paper, consistent enforcement remains a persistent problem without public pressure. Finally, Greg shares a personal experience to show that enforcement efforts may indeed be increasing. He describes how an immigration officer conducted an unexpected spot check at his office to verify his employment, forcing him to appear in person at the immigration bureau to prove his status, something he has never experienced during his decades in the country. The guys conclude that something certainly SEEMS different about recent law enforcement efforts, but only time will tell if real change is afoot.
Hello, and welcome to the All About Thailand Podcast. I am Mike, and today we're heading into the heart of village life to explore one of Thailand's most important traditions — farming.In this episode, we'll look at the hard work of Thai farmers, especially here in Isan, where rice fields and agriculture have been part of village life for generations.We'll discover the challenges they face, from weather and pests to protecting their crops, and how traditional knowledge continues to play an important role in feeding communities across Thailand.Link to subscribe below to the All About Thailand Special Edition Podcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/lonely-traveler-productio/subscribe
Find LUCY near you at https://www.lucy.co/stores, or SAVE 20% on your first online order at https://www.lucy.co/FOODS with promo FOODS If you want a simple daily upgrade for your teeth, check out Underbrush from Nathan & Sons. https://nathanandsons.com/products/remineralizing-gum Follow Tim on IG: @timchantarangsu Follow David on IG: @davidsocomedy Follow Robyn on IG: @robynlynncouch Check out Goodie Brand at https://www.GoodieBrand.com Check out Tim's Patreon for exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/timchantarangsu If you want to support the show, and get all the episodes ad-free go to: https://dudesbehindthefoods.supercast.com/ To watch the Dudes Behind the Foods podcast on YouTube go to: www.youtube.com/timothy Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/DudesBehindtheFoodsPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the headlines today, a bus overturns in Surin injuring 57 passengers including students, then in Bangkok Police raid a secret club hidden behind a gaming shop front, in Hong Kong, two Thailand origin travelers were arrested with 21 kgs of cannabis in their luggage, in some tragic news, a house fire claims the lives of an elderly couple and 73 cats in their care, also, termiste destroy more than one million baht stored in a safe, and finally a Thai-foreign couple has been accused of leaving a nearly 200,000 baht wedding bill unpaid.
Musicians recount the strange and unexpected story behind the making of your favorite albums. Al Green worked the touring circuit for years before developing his signature intimate vocal style and becoming a soul superstar. Then came the hot grits incident. Tom and Rob welcome a special guest to discuss restrained production, a crack rhythm section, and the gospel / soul crossover potential. Join the comment thread NOW available on our free Patreon to continue the conversation about this episode and get early access to the weekly show 100% ad free, plus 60+ bonus shows like Song Battle and Guilty Pleasureshttps://www.patreon.com/1001AlbumComplaintsJoin our Mailing List here: https://linktr.ee/1001albumcomplaintsEmail us your complaints (or questions / comments) at 1001AlbumComplaints@gmail.comListen to our episode companion playlist (compilation of the songs we referenced on this episode) here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cMhATkF9Wl28a3EIlI4In?si=2279a5a350dd4564Listen to Let's Stay Together here:https://open.spotify.com/album/58eMx3QrTkiRmGGbSz2XL0?si=gl7SAJGNTMyqMAe1M6UeGwAnd our international playlists continue to grow:Thai, German, Sweden 1, 2, & 3, Italian, Australian, Belgium 1 & 2Intro music: When the Walls Fell by The Beverly CrushersOutro music: After the Afterlife by MEGAFollow our Spotify Playlist of music produced directly by us. Listen and complain at homeFollow us on instagram @thechopunlimited AND @1001AlbumComplaintsWe have 1001 Merch! Support us by buying some.US Merch StoreNext week's album: Cat Stevens - Tea for the TillermanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
All links: https://www.youtoocanlearnthai.com***Unlock exclusive & ad-free episodes:Anchor/Spotify: https://anchor.fm/learnthai/subscribe (available in 30+ countries)Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/youtoocanlearnthai (recommended for listeners in Thailand)Detailed tutorial: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n-tZKW76sT7ULyvOVdH7_3NcPpbWmXRAzIZp7T0_rUM***Transcripts and FAQs: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qG1rvNaTFbjtVlYt7x5RxtUT3fFpuHfN_KAmpVuONsw***Books: https://viewauthor.at/khrunan (Thai alphabet and activity books)Free audio flashcards for basic Thai vocabulary: https://quizlet.com/youtoocanlearnthai***Merch (t-shirts and phone grips):USA: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EZF44ILW1L5NUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/14ESIQA0SZ5LLGermany: https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/219DDRPHY347Y***Facebook: www.facebook.com/youtoocanlearnthaiYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/YoutoocanlearnThai***ความตื่นเต้นเป็นความรู้สึกเหมือนมีพลังบางอย่างอยู่ในตัวเราหัวใจเราจะเต้นเร็วขึ้นในสมองเรามีความคิดมากมายความตื่นเต้นอาจเกิดขึ้นเวลาที่เราเริ่มทำโปรเจกต์ใหม่ๆหรือเวลาที่เราได้เจอคนรักหลังจากที่ไม่ได้เจอมานานค่ะ***ความ ตื่นเต้น เป็น ความ รู้สึก เหมือน มี พลัง บาง อย่าง อยู่ ใน ตัว เราหัวใจ เรา จะ เต้น เร็ว ขึ้นใน สมอง เรา มี ความ คิด มากมายความ ตื่นเต้น อาจ เกิด ขึ้น เวลา ที่ เรา เริ่ม ทำ โปรเจกต์ ใหม่ ๆหรือ เวลา ที่ เรา ได้ เจอ คน รัก หลัง จาก ที่ ไม่ ได้ เจอ มา นาน ค่ะ***ความตื่นเต้นเป็นความรู้สึกเหมือนมีพลังบางอย่างอยู่ในตัวเราExcitement is a feeling like we're filled with some energy.หัวใจเราจะเต้นเร็วขึ้นOur hearts beat faster.ในสมองเรามีความคิดมากมายOur minds are full of ideas.ความตื่นเต้นอาจเกิดขึ้นเวลาที่เราเริ่มทำโปรเจกต์ใหม่ๆWe may feel excited when we start a new projectหรือเวลาที่เราได้เจอคนรักหลังจากที่ไม่ได้เจอมานานค่ะor when we see someone we love after a long time.
Book Spoiler free review Please do not leave comments with book spoilers, we will do a separate episode reviewing the Air Novel.In this episode of the podcast, we're reviewing Episodes 6 through 8 of The Air, the third installment of the 4 Elements mega series starring Sarocha Chankimha and Rebecca Patricia Armstrong as Lom and Princess Blew. These episodes deliver everything we wanted from a FreenBecky romance: heartfelt confessions, impossible choices, family drama, political intrigue, and one of the sweetest reunions in the 4 Elements series.If you want to support us and gain access to bonus content become a Patreon: BGE PatreonWanna talk queer media with us and our friends? Join our Discord: BGE Discord LinkThis episode along with all our other episodes are now available on YouTube: Check out the BGE ChannelAs always, please feel free to reach out to us on all the things. We love hearing from you!Instagram @biggayenergypod Twitter(X) @biggayenergypod Tik Tok @BiggayenergypodTumblr @biggayenergypod#TheAir #4Elements #FreenBecky
A 17-year-old disappeared in Thailand after meeting an Australian man. Less than a day later her body was found inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. In this episode Tim and Xanthe examine the evidence authorities allege they have against Australian man Simon Peter Carman, and how they say they tracked him through an extensive network of CCTV. Carman denies intentionally killing the teenager - Thanchanok Donhomla - claiming he acted in self-defence, and could face the death penalty if convicted under Thai law. You can read the Sydney Morning Herald article about Thanchanok Donhomla and her family, mentioned in this episode HERE Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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กลุ่มแม่ชาวไทยในนครเมลเบิร์นแบ่งปันประสบการณ์การเลี้ยงลูกในต่างแดน โดยระบุว่า แม้ออสเตรเลียจะมีระบบสาธารณสุขและบริการสำหรับครอบครัวที่ช่วยดูแลแม่และเด็กได้เป็นอย่างดี แต่การมีเครือข่ายทางสังคมของผู้คนที่มีภาษาและวัฒนธรรมเดียวกันยังมีบทบาทสำคัญในการแลกเปลี่ยนประสบการณ์และสนับสนุนกันในชีวิตประจำวัน
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports relatives and friends of Thai fire victims collect bodies in Bangkok as the death toll climbs to 32.
In the headlines today, a hotel blaze in Chiang Mai sees guests fleeing for safety, then, a random Thai man presenting himself as a government official spreads misleading information about the deadly nightclub fire in Bangkok, also, a karaoke venue has returned 150,000 baht after a billing dispute in what appears to be an increasingly common scam, in visa news Thailand is reinstating 30-day visa-free stays for Indian visitors, and a little later the Prime Minister shares the stage with the Nene Royal after she represents the country on America's Got Talent.
The Bangkok Podcast | Conversations on Life in Thailand's Buzzing Capital
Ed interviews K. Khemthong Tonsakulrungruang, a constitutional lawyer and professor from Chulalongkorn University whose work bridges law and Buddhism. After Ed shares his own background as an American lawyer, the two men begin by discussing the modern relevance of Buddhist teachings. K. Khemthong explains that Buddhist mindfulness practices are more important than ever for combating the overwhelming distractions of smartphones and social media. They touch upon how both traditional and secular meditation retreats are increasingly popular for people seeking mental clarity in a chaotic world. Next, Ed brings up Khemthong's academic focus, prompting a fascinating story about a former student who researched local political movements. The guest recounts how Thai protest leaders have historically invoked Buddhist concepts to justify anti-democratic actions. He explains that this political ideology emphasizes the purity of a leader's intentions rather than the strict legality of their actions, meaning that acting with a benevolent mind can supposedly excuse technically illegal political moves. Finally, the conversation shifts to the intersection of religion and constitutional law in Thailand. They discuss how various iterations of the Thai constitution have handled the country's religious identity. K. Khemthong notes that while the government guarantees freedom of religion, it also holds a special duty to promote Buddhism. The interview concludes with an agreement that the state maintains a delicate, pragmatic balance to honor the nation's primary faith without marginalizing minority religions.
Jess On The Mountain: Yoga, Chakras & Becoming Your Own Guru
What if your favorite massage style says more about your nervous system than your muscles?In this episode of Room to Evolve, Jessica Goulding sits down with Austin-based licensed massage therapist Danielle Evans to explore Polyvagal Manual Therapy, the subtle language of the nervous system, and why healing begins with invitation rather than force.Danielle shares how the body holds the stories of our lives, from our earliest experiences onward, and invites us to consider the skin as the outermost part of the brain. Together, Jessica and Danielle consider what it means to remember our intrinsic well-being, why the nervous system responds to a whisper, and how a state of hypervigilance can leave us less connected to the wisdom of our own bodies.Their conversation weaves together neuroscience, embodied wisdom, compassion, and the surprising power of gentleness.In This EpisodeThe difference between sympathetic activation, rest and repair, and social connectionSensitivity as a spectrumHow the nervous system communicates more than we realizeWhat it means to "remember intrinsic well-being"Why permission, not pressure, creates the conditions for healingWhy Danielle believes the only healer is the selfHow understanding the nervous system can deepen compassion for ourselves and othersWhy the body responds to very gentle pressureDanielle's threshold of grief and lossAbout DanielleDanielle Evans, LMT, believes healing is invitational. Since graduating from the Lauterstein-Conway School of Massage in 2012, she has provided therapeutic bodywork informed by an interwoven lineage of teachers, mentors, and modalities.Drawing from Polyvagal Manual Therapy, craniosacral therapy, shiatsu, Thai bodywork, Swedish massage, sports massage, and neuromuscular therapy, Danielle meets each client with an approach tailored to their unique needs. In recent years, her work has become increasingly focused on nervous system function and the body's remarkable capacity for resilience.Rather than using force or heavy pressure, Danielle creates space for the body to unravel from the inside and remember its intrinsic well-being.Learn MoreWebsite: https://balancing-bodywork.square.site/Instagram: @sistermoonshadowIf you're in the Austin area, Danielle is offering 20% off your first session when you mention this episode.Stay ConnectedVisit Room to Evolve for weekly reflections, contemplative practices, podcast episodes, and upcoming retreats:https://roomtoevolve.comSubscribe to receive new essays, guided practices, and resources for living with greater presence, curiosity, and intention.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv At least 27 killed in Bangkok bar fire, Thai authorities say Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell dies aged 39 Major incident declared in Wales as wildfires burn across UK Walthamstow Residents evacuated after east London fire Wimbledon semi finalist Arthur Fery invites Prince George and Princess Charlotte to play tennis Two men die after trying to save children at Seaton Carew beach Thousands will have died in UKs unprecedented May and June heatwaves Nothing to suggest Ann Widdecombe killing was politically motivated, police say Andrew Flintoffs Top Gear crash passenger sues BBC Studios Dog rescued from Ben Nevis suspected to have eaten discarded cannabis
Thai officials are investigating an explosive fire which tore through a bar in the capital Bangkok, killing at least 27 people. Dozens more were injured, many critically. Eyewitnesses say the fire started near the stage and spread across the ceiling, filling the room with smoke. Also: the US and Iran carry out more tit-for-tat attacks, amid conflicting claims over whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or not; an investigation into the Chinese man accused of being Mexico's "Fentanyl King"; the US Republican senator Lindsey Graham - who turned from being a critic of Donald Trump to one of his key allies - dies suddenly at the age of 71; we hear from the grandaughter of the last woman to be executed in Britain as she is granted a conditional pardon; and a T.rex fossil could become the most expensive ever.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.ukPhoto: A woman near the scene of the fire at a Bangkok bar. Credit: REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa TPXA
Episode Summary This Best Of installment is a glorious grab bag of old-school DV filth, featuring a Thai prostitute speed-reading her menu, a hospital that promises to de-drunk you in ten days, Rain Florence offering foreskin restoration counseling for cash, and multiple people getting obliterated by trains because apparently railroad tracks remain irresistible to the […] The post All Juiced Up On Thai Hookers first appeared on Distorted View Daily.
At least 28 people are dead after a bar in the Thai capital was gutted by fast-moving flames.We'll hear the latest from Bangkok about the situation, as dozens remain missing and 25 people are said to be critically injured.Also in the programme: We'll go inside the world of the Chinese man known as the "Fentanyl King"; and we have a tribute to the actor Sam Neill from his friend, the former New Zealand prime minister, Helen Clark, after his sudden death.(Photo shows Thai firefighters and rescue workers working at the scene of a fire at a bar in Bangkok, Thailand on 13 July 2026. Credit: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA)
What if the best leaders are not the ones with the biggest ideas? In this episode, John Dues argues that the leaders who make the greatest impact are the ones who create the fastest learning cycles. John and Andrew Stotz explore why small tests often outperform large initiatives, how PDSA builds real organizational knowledge, and why improvement is a learning process, not an implementation process. If your organization is launching new initiatives, this conversation offers a different question to ask: What's the smallest test we can run to learn whether this idea actually works? TRANSCRIPT 0:00:02.3 Andrew Stotz: My name is Andrew Stotz and I'll be your host as we dive deeper into the teachings of Dr. W. Edwards Deming. Today I'm continuing my discussion with John Dues, who is part of the new generation of educators striving to apply Dr. Deming's principles to unleash student joy in learning. The topic for today is the Fastest Way to Learn What Works. I love that title, John. Take it away. 0:00:30.0 John Dues: Hey Andrew, it's good to be back. Yeah, I was thinking about talking about leadership today, and I was thinking about who are the leaders that we tend to admire? I think the typical person would say these leaders with big, bold ideas. In my world, a superintendent launches this district-wide initiative, or maybe it's a principal has this sweeping school improvement plan that they've put in place. In your world, maybe some CEO unveils this new strategic direction. We think about these leaders, if they're described, they're visionary, decisive, courageous. But I think, as I've done this study, I've become increasingly convinced that we're paying attention to the wrong leaders in a lot of cases... 0:01:31.6 Andrew Stotz: So the right leaders are the ones that have their pen over their right ear. 0:01:36.9 John Dues: Always. That's the mark. That is the mark... 0:01:39.6 Andrew Stotz: I think I see that on you. 0:01:43.9 John Dues: I'm definitely not describing me. I'm just an observer, observer of the world. But I think these leaders make these big promises, but I'm increasingly convinced that the leaders who we should be paying more attention to are the ones that create these fast learning cycles. So in a typical place, a company or something, a school, they're faced with a problem. These leaders don't immediately ask, "How do we scale this? How do we scale this idea?" I think they're turning to a different question, and that's, "What's the smallest test we can run to learn whether this idea actually works?" It's a very different, very different question. And I think it's tough because this is a question that's not gonna make headlines, but I think it's one of the more important questions that a leader can ask... 0:02:49.9 Andrew Stotz: Isn't a great leader supposed to be doing the big things? You're talking about the smallest. 0:02:52.8 John Dues: The big things, right, the large initiatives, that's what gets attention. But I think the larger the initiative, the problem is the longer it takes to learn whether that thing, that idea, is helping or hurting or maybe having no effect at all. And I think what happens is, and what I've seen in schools repeatedly, I'm sure it's probably the same in the private sector, is oftentimes by the time the evidence actually arrives, if it ever does, so much time, money, and goodwill has been spent that it almost doesn't matter whether the idea itself was successful. All this cost was sunk into training people, all these new expectations have been established, and then we almost become more invested in proving the initiative was the right decision. And then once that happens, it's almost impossible to go about learning if it's actually having the effect that we intended to. And I think a lot of this has to do with many improvement efforts that I see. They start with a solution. They're sort of starting with not a clear definition of the problem, but this idea that they think is gonna have an impact, whatever that is. It could be a new curriculum in a school, an attendance campaign because attendance has been a big thing lately, some type of new evaluation process that they're gonna use with teachers or workers, whatever. But the point is that the assumption is that the solution's known at the beginning and that success really just depends on implementation. But I think the problem I see is that no one stops and thinks, "What if this solution actually doesn't work in our system?" We copy these ideas, we've seen this thing, whatever it is, work somewhere else, and we almost don't even consider whether the context matters. And it's maybe the most important thing to consider. 0:05:11.7 Andrew Stotz: I think about Deming, Dr. Deming, saying, "How would they know?" 0:05:16.0 John Dues: How would they know? Yeah. And I think, again, so much gets sunk into the initiative, all that training, all the money, all the resources, whatever. At a certain point, the organization is so invested that they almost sort of solidify into defending the idea rather than trying to learn whether it's actually working. That tipping point, I think, can happen pretty quickly, especially if it's a large, organization-wide initiative. 0:05:50.5 Andrew Stotz: Yeah, and I can imagine a new person coming... A superstar coming in from another place where they implemented something that really worked, and now they're going, "Let's do it in our..." and that may or may not have the same impact in that new location that that person's responsible for. 0:06:09.6 John Dues: Yeah. And I think almost immediately the conversation then shifts from learning whether the idea is working to confirming what everyone hopes will happen. I think that might be the most dangerous moment in an organization. And so the purpose that I'm talking about, testing on a small scale, is not actually to verify the idea. The purpose is to learn whether the idea survives contact with reality. A good scientist, for example, their first step when they have a hypothesis is try to falsify it. And I feel like if it was ever taught to education or business leaders, that idea has been completely lost to history. And maybe even in some respects in the science world too, that falsification principle is sort of... That's the first step when you're testing an idea. That is not what I've experienced as an educator. I don't know if you've had that same experience in the business world. 0:07:21.9 Andrew Stotz: Yep, yep. I'm just thinking about that quote about no plan survives first contact with the enemy. I know von Clausewitz said it. There was another guy that said it, I think, before him, but it's just so, so true. 0:07:41.2 John Dues: Yeah. And I think this other way of thinking that I'm talking about is so counter to how most organizations operate. Once that solution is selected, whatever it is, the focus completely shifts to implementation and adoption. But the thing is, improvement, at its most fundamental level, it's a learning process. It's not an implementation process. And so... So often we're asking, how do we roll this thing out? I think a good leader, what they're gonna ask, is how can we learn more about this idea as quickly as possible? Right? This other way of thinking, this small testing, it reduces risk, generates feedback, reveals obstacles that you're blind to initially. But most importantly, it creates knowledge, like real working knowledge in your system, in the context where this idea is eventually... When it does roll out system-wide, where it's gonna have to work. And the thing is, is if it works at that small level, you can expand it. If it fails, you can cut your losses when not much has been lost in the way of time, resources, that type of thing. But either way, the organization is gonna learn from that small test... 0:09:09.2 Andrew Stotz: I found it, by the way. 0:09:10.6 John Dues: Oh, go ahead. 0:09:11.9 Andrew Stotz: Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, a Prussian field marshal and military strategist. The closest translation was, "No plan of operations extends with certainty beyond the first encounter with the enemy's main strength." Or summarized as, "No plan survives first contact with the enemy." So it wasn't Mike Tyson who said it first when he said, "Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face." 0:09:45.3 John Dues: Yeah, right, same idea. I think the Prussians had quite a bit of revolutionary ideas coming out of their military prowess. I think the organizational structure maybe came even from Prussian military hierarchies and stuff like that. 0:09:54.0 Andrew Stotz: Definitely. 0:10:02.8 John Dues: Yeah, but I think, going back to my original sort of statement about which leaders get branded as outstanding or great or leaders to pay attention to, is those large initiatives attract attention, right? And we tend to celebrate those leaders with bold visions or these big plans, sweeping announcements. They're decisive and courageous because when you make those pronouncements, it appears as if they know exactly where the organization could go next or should go next. I think the problem here is that confidence can so easily be mistaken for knowledge. And often, especially in the world that I live in, not just schools but urban schools, the average superintendent is only in their seat for three or so years. Some a little more, some, a lot, a lot less. And so by the time you find out whether the thing worked or didn't, the person's gone. They're on to the next thing, and no one remembers what exactly they promised to do when they got here three years ago... 0:11:18.7 Andrew Stotz: He was really good. "I liked him. He was nice. I thought he had some good ideas." 0:11:21.5 John Dues: Right, right. 0:11:24.4 Andrew Stotz: "Who's our new boss now?" 0:11:27.4 John Dues: Yeah. And so they get this recognition for these big announcements, and it's before any evidence exists that this thing works, right? And so meanwhile, there's these other leaders who I think deserve more attention, are frequently doing something that's much less visible. And what they're doing is building a system that learns. 0:11:40.2 Andrew Stotz: Mm. 0:11:53.1 John Dues: And so instead of asking people to just trust their ideas, they're really thinking about ways to design tests of those ideas. So they're not really trying to prove themselves right like this first camp of leaders is. What they're trying to do is discover where they might be wrong. And that's just not as flashy. It just doesn't garner the same type of attention as that first type of leader. But I think if we really want to improve organizations, schools in my case, or businesses in your case, the thing is, if you're really gonna improve, it depends on actual knowledge, not just enthusiasm, not just charisma. When I think about a promising idea, that's not the same thing as a good idea. And a good idea, even a good idea, is not the same thing as an idea that works in your system, right? And so what we're trying to do is learn, learn, test, not confirm, learn what actually happens when we put something to the test in our system. 0:13:04.7 Andrew Stotz: It makes me think about what I mentioned to you before we turned on the recording, which is that I've been starting to do PDSAs with my accounting and inventory team. Every month I go and sit down with them after they've closed the books, and I've designed a simple format for them. And the way I've explained it to them is that imagine that you want to lose weight, and you think, okay, there's three things I read on the internet: get good quality sleep, eat less carbohydrates, and walk every day. If we do all three of those things, we're probably gonna lose weight. And as an individual, that may be good enough. But if we do them separately, we'll actually acquire knowledge as to which one has the biggest impact. Now, it gets even more difficult because if you do them consecutively, it's harder to make an impact as you start to lose weight. But the point is, is that... And the reason why it's important is because we need to think about how we as an organization are acquiring knowledge. And so I've got a golden three-ring binder, and each of the PDSAs we put in there, and then we're starting to collect them. Once a month, our impact that we're expecting from that PDSA may take six months to occur, but we're revisiting and discussing and deciding, do we continue with this or do we improve it? And we just have two things that we're focusing on, the accounts receivable and also reducing the amount of inventory that we have in the business. And those two things, the beauty of doing PDSA with accounting is that it's a repetitive cycle. Marketing's not a repetitive cycle. Sales, not necessarily a repetitive production, but accounting is the same thing over and over again. So what a great opportunity to improve. 0:15:10.8 John Dues: Yeah, and that's really interesting because a lot of times financial or accounting functions in businesses sort of get left out of the improvement equation. And that's a big mistake, I think, because especially if those people are sort of left to their own devices and the sole focus is on the bottom line, right? And so you could cut cost in an area and actually cause the business, obviously, great harm if you don't have the full picture in mind. So I think that's a great... 0:15:44.0 Andrew Stotz: And that's a whole another area of misusing finance. But the point that I'm thinking about as I'm going through this, because I was thinking about where is the best place to really start strong implementation of PDSA, and my conclusion is accounting. Because accounting is not even like finance saying, "Oh, we need to hit this target" or something. They're just cranking through a process over and over again. And I told my accounting team, I said, because it's a pretty big team of people in both accounting and inventory, I said, "We're gonna work on this for 12 months until we've got the format, the structure, everybody understands it, we have it all translated into Thai from English so it's very clear." I said, "And then you guys are gonna then teach the rest of the organization how do we do PDSA." 0:16:34.0 John Dues: The accountants are, huh? 0:16:36.1 Andrew Stotz: Which is pretty exciting. 0:16:38.4 John Dues: What's... How are they receiving it? 0:16:40.8 Andrew Stotz: It's confusing. It's hard. They're thinking about things and writing stuff down. The first few ones, they realize they didn't really make it that clear, so it's a struggle. And I can say for myself, being an expert in this area, that bringing it to them in a simple way, not easy. And it's also easy to abandon. And I suspect that many employees would think, "Okay, this is the next initiative," versus something that I'm just gonna, every single month, review, work with them on, and keep improving. And then we want to build that competency to understand what works. Because if we can test things one at a time, they also can see how you really got to narrow it down. 0:17:30.8 John Dues: Yeah, that's a great application of continual improvement where you're learning by doing. There's no better way. It's gonna feel clumsy at the start, the first few cycles that you go through. But I think once people see it's not a test, it's not an evaluation especially, it truly is a learning process that can have a big impact on whatever the problems in your area are. That's what I've found. After people go through this a few times, and you make the predictions, and people think they're gonna get judged on their predictions, or the predictions are gonna be wrong, especially at the start, I've continually had to tell people, "No, you're not failing. Yes, your prediction may have been off quite a bit, but that's in the first cycle." We do this a few times, and you're gonna get your sort of understanding of reality and that gap is gonna get closer and closer as you run those cycles. 0:18:28.5 Andrew Stotz: Yeah, and I've been teaching more and more on corporate strategy, and I've identified what I call 11 Ways to Win, how great companies win. And so I've kind of tried to narrow it down to what I think are the core ways that companies win. And one of them is know-how. And Toyota is a good example. 0:18:40.2 John Dues: Yeah. 0:18:52.0 Andrew Stotz: And part of the question for know-how is, does this company have a method of acquiring knowledge? Because know-how can't just be, "We got a couple really smart guys," because when they leave, that competitive advantage is gone. 0:19:00.4 John Dues: Yeah. 0:19:08.8 Andrew Stotz: And that's where the process of how do we acquire knowledge, this idea of narrowing it down as you're talking about, yeah, exciting. 0:19:19.8 John Dues: Yeah, that is exciting. And the PDSA is a great, I think, technique to use to introduce people to continual improvement methods. Because I think after you've gone through it a few times, it becomes pretty intuitive pretty quickly. And it basically combines all the elements that Deming taught into a single sort of learning process. You get the psychology in there, the systems thinking is in there, understanding variation, obviously the theory of knowledge, the PDSA is core to that. So you get all four components right there with the PDSA. 0:19:55.1 Andrew Stotz: Well, shall we wrap this up? What do you want to leave people with? 0:20:13.3 John Dues: Yeah, I think one thing I was gonna say right before the wrap-up was one of the areas that we're trying to do this actually in is actually strategic planning, which is a broad area of an organization that's sort of comprehensive. But we've, I think, tried to incorporate that same sort of PDSA thinking into our strategic planning process. Because schools, like any organization, they're dynamic and the conditions are unpredictable, especially over an extended period of time. And so what we're thinking through is how do you have sort of this combination of a long-term constancy of purpose, because you have to have that, what's our long-term purpose, our long-term aim? But then how do we also continually adapt? And we've tried to build both of those things into our strategic plan. So I think that's sort of a unique approach, a unique way of thinking, even down to the fact that the strategic plan document itself, what we used to do is the culmination would be this color spiral-bound document that looked really, really nice when the consultant would hand it off to you at the end of the process. Now we're doing this all internally, and the strategic plan is in a Google Doc, and it is literally continually updated as we learn through the various tests that we're running over the three-year period. So it's more like a management system than a static document. So even a thing like a strategic plan, which of course there are components that we have locked in for the three-year period, these are some long-term priorities, but there are some annual and quarterly things that we're updating all the time based on what's actually happening on the ground and what the data is telling us. So you kind of have to sort of do a hybrid of both those things in certain areas of your organization, I think. And I think the most important thing is that we're creating a system that's capable of generating knowledge that we're learning over time, all while focused on a sort of clear long-term aim. I think that's kind of the key thing. So... 0:22:15.2 Andrew Stotz: Excellent. I don't think I can add anything to that. So on behalf of everyone at the Deming Institute, I want to thank you again for this discussion. And for listeners, remember to go to deming.org and jump into DemingNEXT to continue your journey. You can find John's book, Win-Win: W. Edwards Deming, the System of Profound Knowledge, and the Science of Improving Schools, on Amazon.com. This is your host, Andrew Stotz, and I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Deming, and that is that "people are entitled to joy in work."
Behind the Scenes at TD & Co. – Questions from a listener // Ordinary to Extraordinary - An Ultimate Fish Sandwich // From Pantry Wild Cards to Delicious Dishes // Washington Wine with Luanne Holden-Boushey of Boushey Vineyards, previewing the Auction of Washington Wines’ Winemaker Picnic // The Art of Thai Beef Salad // And as always, we’ll wrap up today’s show with Food for Thought: Tasty Trivia!