POPULARITY
Categories
National Book Award-winning author Colum McCann says he chooses what to write about based on what he most wants to know. His latest novel “Twist” springs from his fascination with the underwater cables, no thicker than a garden hose, that carry some 95% of the world's telecommunications. McCann's protagonist is a journalist who goes asea to investigate a cable break off the coast of Africa after the Congo River floods. We talk to McCann about themes of sabotage and repair – both in the abyssal zone he writes about and in our lives. Guests: Colum McCann, author, “Twist” - his other novels include “Apeirogon,” “Transatlantic” and “Let the Great World Spin,” which won a National Book Award Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Welcome to Costco. I love you.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam – with BFF of the BFE: Synthia beaming in from the not-so-distant future as we crack open the absurd, prophetic, and depressingly accurate Idiocracy (2006). We're trading shark-infested waters for Gatorade-irrigated crops and President Camacho in our 289th episode as we ask: Was Idiocracy always this smart, or has the world just gotten that dumb? We explore how a film that bombed at release has somehow become the most referenced dystopia not named Orwell. What does it say about society that Mike Judge's lowbrow future doesn't seem that far off? Synthia breaks down the subtle and not-so-subtle satire—and why this film still hits different in a post-algorithm world. Ian wonders whether the comedy lands… or whether it's just too bleak to laugh anymore. Liam confesses which part of the film made him physically cringe (hint: it's not just the opening montage). We talk about the difference between satire and smugness, and where Idiocracy walks that tightrope. Is the film's central conceit plausible… or offensively oversimplified? With the film's conceit being that everyone is stupid, are we allowed to get frustrated with the tone for being too stupid? Why Terry Crews as President Camacho might be the most pitch-perfect casting choice in a dystopian comedy ever. What modern products or trends Idiocracy weirdly predicted (we're looking at you, reality TV and clickbait). And finally, whether Idiocracy is the Best Film Ever—or just the most important film people still haven't seen. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
Ready to learn about Saddam Hussein and Christiane Amanpour? No? Well it DOES have information on where the title of the song came from. We also learn about the United Nations Special Commission and tunnels and more tunnels.
The United States and European Union have reached a trade deal that will see the EU face 15 per cent tariffs on most of its exports to America. The deal prevents a Trans-Atlantic trade war that could have had a huge impact on the global economy. Announcing it at his Scottish golf resort, Donald Trump described it in glowing terms but experts say Europe is likely to take a hit.
Jazz is the music that many people associate with New Orleans. But before there was jazz in New Orleans there was opera. It was the only city in the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century with a resident opera company that produced the latest European works. In New Orleans and the Creation of Transatlantic Opera, 1819–1859 (University of Chicago Press, 2022), Charlotte Bentley considers the thriving operatic life of New Orleans, drawing out the international connections that animated it. She explores the process of bringing opera to the stage, taking a detailed look at the management of New Orleans's Francophone theater, the Théâtre d'Orléans, as well as the performers who came to the city and the reception they received. Opera's role was not confined to the theater, however, and Bentley demonstrates that opera permeated everyday life in New Orleans and examines literary works to understand the genre's significance to the city. Bentley examines the complicated transatlantic dance that brought operas and performers to New Orleans forever influencing the city, and ultimately, American culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Jazz is the music that many people associate with New Orleans. But before there was jazz in New Orleans there was opera. It was the only city in the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century with a resident opera company that produced the latest European works. In New Orleans and the Creation of Transatlantic Opera, 1819–1859 (University of Chicago Press, 2022), Charlotte Bentley considers the thriving operatic life of New Orleans, drawing out the international connections that animated it. She explores the process of bringing opera to the stage, taking a detailed look at the management of New Orleans's Francophone theater, the Théâtre d'Orléans, as well as the performers who came to the city and the reception they received. Opera's role was not confined to the theater, however, and Bentley demonstrates that opera permeated everyday life in New Orleans and examines literary works to understand the genre's significance to the city. Bentley examines the complicated transatlantic dance that brought operas and performers to New Orleans forever influencing the city, and ultimately, American culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/performing-arts
Jazz is the music that many people associate with New Orleans. But before there was jazz in New Orleans there was opera. It was the only city in the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century with a resident opera company that produced the latest European works. In New Orleans and the Creation of Transatlantic Opera, 1819–1859 (University of Chicago Press, 2022), Charlotte Bentley considers the thriving operatic life of New Orleans, drawing out the international connections that animated it. She explores the process of bringing opera to the stage, taking a detailed look at the management of New Orleans's Francophone theater, the Théâtre d'Orléans, as well as the performers who came to the city and the reception they received. Opera's role was not confined to the theater, however, and Bentley demonstrates that opera permeated everyday life in New Orleans and examines literary works to understand the genre's significance to the city. Bentley examines the complicated transatlantic dance that brought operas and performers to New Orleans forever influencing the city, and ultimately, American culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/music
Jazz is the music that many people associate with New Orleans. But before there was jazz in New Orleans there was opera. It was the only city in the United States during the first half of the nineteenth century with a resident opera company that produced the latest European works. In New Orleans and the Creation of Transatlantic Opera, 1819–1859 (University of Chicago Press, 2022), Charlotte Bentley considers the thriving operatic life of New Orleans, drawing out the international connections that animated it. She explores the process of bringing opera to the stage, taking a detailed look at the management of New Orleans's Francophone theater, the Théâtre d'Orléans, as well as the performers who came to the city and the reception they received. Opera's role was not confined to the theater, however, and Bentley demonstrates that opera permeated everyday life in New Orleans and examines literary works to understand the genre's significance to the city. Bentley examines the complicated transatlantic dance that brought operas and performers to New Orleans forever influencing the city, and ultimately, American culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-south
“You're gonna need a bigger boat.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Megs – as we head out to sea with special guest Carlo from The Movie Loot for our 288th episode, diving deep into Steven Spielberg's blockbuster breakthrough Jaws (1975). We're trading crane kicks for chum buckets and mechanical shark mishaps as we discuss: The real-life beef between Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw—method acting, ego clashes, and barbed insults at sea. Spielberg's first reaction to hearing the now-iconic Jaws theme from John Williams… and why he thought it was a joke. Just how crucial it is to find an actress who can tick all the boxes—especially when it comes to screaming convincingly. The urban legend behind the film's POV shots—and whether the broken shark really made the film better. Is the actual shark reveal a thrilling payoff… or a rubbery letdown? We break down whether it holds water. We all agreed it's a film of two halves—but did we agree on which half was better? Would Jaws still work with a female character in one (or more) of the core trio? We explore casting, gender dynamics, and cabin tension. How many big screams should a film have? Is there a magic number—or do we just love that head-in-the-boat moment too much? Does Brody have the worst wife ever for casually revealing his deepest fear to a total stranger at dinner? The key changes from the Peter Benchley novel—and why most of them were for the better (goodbye, mafia subplot). Why Spielberg was convinced he'd never work again after Jaws—and how it nearly swallowed his career whole before making him a legend. And finally, whether Jaws is the Best Film Ever. Catch so much more of Carlo on The Movie Loot on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movie-loot/id1578191119 or on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4o5ZvtvZ64XAoxIIxiAj1q Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
Join us as we help you navigate the challenges and rewards of a transatlantic passage. Whether it is your first-time or an experienced cruiser looking for refined strategies, this podcast breaks down every phase of the crossing—from how to choose a transatlantic to the strategic choice of stopping in Bermuda. Bermuda isn't just a tropical gem steeped in History —it's a crucial launch point, rest stop, and weather checkpoint for many West-to-East or East-to-West crossings. We'll explore why savvy sailors use Bermuda as a waypoint, and how it can enhance both safety and comfort on your voyage.
Visit us at Network2020.org. The EU's Readiness 2030 plan marks a significant shift in European defense, with €800 billion in planned spending driven by the war in Ukraine and growing doubts about U.S. security guarantees. As the bloc moves to strengthen its military capabilities and reduce reliance on external powers, key questions emerge: Could shared threats finally unify national defense strategies? Will common borrowing transform how Europe finances its security? And how might a more robust European defense industry reshape relations with Washington?Join us on for a discussion with Dr. Rob de Wijk, founder of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and Professor of International Relations and Security at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs at Leiden University; and Sander Tordoir, Chief Economist at the Centre for European Reform. This conversation will provide key insights into European defense space and transatlantic security.Music by Alex_Kizenkov from Pixabay.
Today we are heading across the ocean to Iceland to chat with Jess from transatlantic crochet. Learn all about Jess' journey to crocheting cosplays, entering competitions and adding new elements to her creations.#podcast #crochet #cosplay
In his third appearance on Irish Stew, historian Dr. Damian Shiels joins Martin Nutty for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. Now living in Finland, Damian shares the personal story behind his move abroad, driven by Ireland's rising cost of living and the opportunities remote work provides.The episode explores Damian's latest projects, including "Transatlantic", a new podcast he co-hosts with Finn Dwyer, which dives deep into the historical connections between Ireland and America.Damian also discusses his groundbreaking new book, Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861–1865. The culmination of 15 years of research, the book offers a powerful and detailed examination of the Irish experience during the American Civil War, revealing the socio-economic realities and identities of Irish soldiers in Union ranks.Throughout the episode, themes of immigration, identity, and racism are explored, connecting past and present. Damian and Martin reflect on how understanding the history of the Irish diaspora can illuminate today's pressing issues—from housing crises to evolving notions of Irish identity, both at home and abroad. Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 24; Total Episode Count: 127
unlock this GF when you support the show @ patreon.com/quorators
This is an excerpt from a patrons-only episode. To hear the full thing, and dozens more, visit Patreon.com/LoveMessagePod and become a patron from £3 a month.In this patrons episode we wanted to spend some time talking about the band on everyone's lips: Kneecap. The Belfast three-piece have been in the headlines of all the papers in recent weeks for their vocal support of Palestine, trouble with the law, and Transatlantic festival shutdowns. Tim and Jeremy provide a healthy dollop of context to the group, including a potted history of Irish independence, the post-Good Friday Northern Irish settlement, working class culture and the changing status of the Irish language at home and abroad. In addition to this they discuss rave rap, drug humour, Welsh, McCarthyism, Kneecap's eponymous 2024 film, their Glastonbury appearance, the BBC, and the British state response to their music and performances. Jeremy is going to follow up this show with a supplementary episode on some of the musical antecedents to what Kneecap are up to, so hold tight for that in the coming few weeks.Tracklist: Kneecap - C.E.A.R.T.AKneecap - Amach Anocht Kneecap x DYRT - Mam Kneecap - Parful Kneecap - Guilty Conscience Kneecap ft Money - The Recap
Energy Vista: A Podcast on Energy Issues, Professional and Personal Trajectories
As energy infrastructure becomes a battlefield for hybrid threats, NATO is rethinking how to defend its member states beyond traditional warfare. In this special episode, Leslie Palti-Guzman speaks with Dr. Benedetta Berti, Director of Policy Planning at NATO's Office of the Secretary General.Together, they explore: Why energy security is central to NATO's collective defense The growing threat of sabotage, cyberattacks, and underwater cable disruption Strategic vulnerabilities in energy grids, shipping routes, and military fuel logistics NATO's evolving stance on hybrid warfare and systemic challenges posed by ChinaAlso we deep-dive on NATO's deterrence strategies, and the economic upside of defense-industrial innovation.Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.This episode was recorded on July 10, 2025
“Wax on, wax off.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, and the triumphant return of Megs (Kev's still away… last seen jogging up a hill in a grey tracksuit muttering “No mercy”) – as we crane kick our way into our 287th episode, tackling the inspirational, emotional, and occasionally questionable The Karate Kid (1984). We're trading crystal fortresses for dojo face-offs and dusty training montages as we discuss: Does Daniel LaRusso bring most of his problems onto himself? We break down whether he's the underdog—or the instigator. What is the difference between a cute girl and a hot girl? And where does Elizabeth Shue's Alli fall on the spectrum of '80s love interests? Does Ralph Macchio wear one of the all-time worst Halloween costumes in movie history? (Spoiler: Yes. Yes, he does.) Can you really learn black belt-level karate in just a few weeks? Or did Daniel unlock cheat codes under Mr. Miyagi's tutelage? Ian goes to war with the score—and one particular song that just doesn't belong. The film suggests America was batty about soccer in the '80s. Was that true… or just wishful screenwriting? Why the studio was reluctant to cast Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi—and how he proved them all spectacularly wrong. Ian finds a way to shave 10 minutes off the runtime—Miyagi would approve of the efficiency. Why does Daniel's mother uproot their entire life for a job that seems… deeply underwhelming? Does Daniel deserve Alli in the end—or was she just too good for this drama-prone karate kid? We wax (lyrically) on and off about themes, nostalgia, and tournament ethics. And finally, whether The Karate Kid is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
STORY OF AMERICA - Experienced seaman Samuel Champlain joined the crew aboard the ‘Saint-Julien’ on his first Trans-Atlantic crossing, while in his early thirties. This journey lasted two years and gave Champlain the opportunity to learn about Spanish holdings from the Caribbean to Mexico City. Along the way, he took detailed notes, wrote an illustrated report on what he learned on this trip, and gave this secret account—entitled ‘Narrative of a Voyage to the West Indies and Mexico 1599 to 1601’—to his King, Henry the fourth, who rewarded Champlain with an annual pension. In 1603, King Henry IV wanted the French to begin settling in the New World in hopes that wealth could be brought back to France. So he sent an expedition to locate a place on the American continent to establish a colony and fur trade settlement. Although he held no official title at the time, Samuel de Champlain would be among the men who would take part in this great venture. Check out the YouTube versions of this episode at: https://youtu.be/wQfUcn9cOLE https://youtu.be/KoUrrYV4OBQ Samuel de Champlain books available at https://amzn.to/40Ty6ck New France books available at https://amzn.to/3nXKYzy America History books available at https://amzn.to/3OnczVT ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's Books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM LibriVox: The Makers of Canada-Champlain by N.E. Dionne, read by C. BarrattSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With surprise moves on Canada and Brazil, a wobbling dollar, and fresh pressure on EU-US relations, where does it all leave Ireland? Patrick Honohan, Honorary Professor of Economics at Trinity College Dublin joins the programme to look at what's been happening and where it might all be heading.
Listen in as editors explore how airlines on both sides of the Atlantic are adapting their strategies to tap into growing demand for travel between Europe and South America, including how M&A could play a key role in shaping the next phase of South Atlantic competition.
“You'll believe a man can fly.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (Megs couldn't make it—she's busy spinning the Earth backwards to reclaim her weekend while KevDog's off searching for crystals in the Arctic... or just stuck in a phone booth with no signal - as we don the cape, slick back the hair, and fly faster than a speeding bullet into our 286th episode, reviewing Richard Donner's iconic superhero origin story Superman (1978). We're trading classical guitars and military trenches for red trunks and crystal fortresses as we discuss: We look at how Superman redefined the superhero genre before it was a genre—and why it still matters nearly 50 years later. Why Christopher Reeve may be the most perfectly cast superhero of all time, and how his dual performance still holds up. Ian dives into the film's structure and why the three-act split (Krypton, Kansas, Metropolis) feels so bold and ambitious. We condemn and then forgive Teen Clark (Jeff East) and do likewise for Brando but without the forgiveness at the end We discuss whether Lex Luthor is a credible villain—or just a walking punchline with a killer property portfolio. Liam marvels at the charm, the score, and the genuine sense of wonder—while struggling not to get emotional about Pa Kent. We ask: does the “reverse time” ending still fly? Or is that where the cape starts to fray? And of course: whether Superman (1978) is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
It's hard to know the truth when you KNOW someone is lying. That's the situation that the documentarians, and the audience, are in when it comes to Cocaine Air. No one seems to know anything about the over 1,500 pounds of cocaine loaded onto a private jet bound for France from the Dominican Republic. We laugh a LOT about a serious subject…Email us: KillerFunPodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook: fb.me/KillerFunPodcastAll the Tweets, er, POSTS: https://x.com/KillerFunPodInstagram: killerfunpodcast
“Bayan o sarili?” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we ride into revolution and betrayal in our 285th episode, tackling the powerful, patriotic, and provocative Heneral Luna (2015). We're later joined by BFF of the BFE Juleen, as we trade chequered flags for sabres and cigar smoke while we discuss: Ian shares a personal story about how his perspective on film shifted dramatically this week—and why Heneral Luna hit harder than expected. We talk about rediscovering old hobbies and how sometimes history—and a great movie—can reignite forgotten passions. We've got some big BFE cast news to share—don't worry, no one got court-martialed. Was Antonio Luna an epic figure… but a deeply unlikeable man? We break down the myth and the man. At what point do patriotism and ego diverge—especially in military leadership? And how much of Luna's downfall was self-inflicted? Why is this vital and volatile chapter of Filipino history completely absent from most American history books? Juleen joins us with powerful insights from her time living in Southern California and how Heneral Luna resonates against today's shifting political tides. Our Rodecaster decides to go full rebellion, jumping ship mid-episode—more than once. What's with all the Jesus imagery? From framing to posture to betrayal, Luna doesn't hold back. One scene left Ian absolutely gobsmacked—he didn't see it coming, and we're still picking our jaws off the floor. Why did troop movements in this film feel like Season 8 of Game of Thrones? Can we get a map? Are Americans great marksmen… or hilariously awful? And what made standing up in battle a form of actual camouflage? Whether Heneral Luna is the Best Film Ever—or just the best film you've never heard of. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
Analyzing Putin's Miscalculations and the Western Response – A Discussion with Lt. Gen. (retired) Ben HodgesIn this episode, former Lieutenant General Ben Hodges joins the host to discuss Vladimir Putin's belief in the inevitability of Russia's triumph over Europe and the flaws in that thinking. They dive deep into the current state of the Russian military, its geopolitical strategies, and the significance of the West's response. Hodges outlines the importance of economic measures and political will to help Ukraine defend itself. The discussion also covers the influence of Trump's policies, the misjudgment of Russia's mass by historical tyrants, and potential strategic moves by Ukraine. The talk wraps up with insights into the weakening of U.S. military institutions and the need for retired military leadership to speak out.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Current State of Western Resolve00:27 Putin's Misconceptions and European Defense01:06 Guest Introduction: Lt. General Ben Hodges02:13 Strategic Implications of Putin's Beliefs05:21 Economic and Military Strategies Against Russia10:10 Ukraine's Resilience and Future Strategies16:02 The Role of Western Support and Sanctions19:14 Potential Outcomes and Historical Comparisons22:51 Putin's Escalation Tactics and Western Response26:25 Challenges in Western Unity and Action30:46 Concerns About US Military and Political Integrity33:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------Putin in a recent rambling speech seems surprised the West has not collapsed yet. According to his mythologised version of history, the West is decadent and ripe for implosion, it is an inevitability in his mind. So why is Europe raising defence spending to 5% of GDP and why are Russian armies failing to deliver victories in Ukraine. His finances are catastrophic, his resources are stretched, his military capability weakening, and his regime getting more brittle. But he clings to the inevitability of triumph. ----------Ben Hodges is a retired United States Army officer, who became commander of United States Army Europe in November 2014, and held that position for three years until retiring from the United States Army in January 2018. Until recently he was the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, at the Center for European Policy Analysis, specializing in NATO, Transatlantic relationship and international security. ----------LINKS:https://twitter.com/general_benhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hodges https://cepa.org/author/ben-hodges/ https://warsawsecurityforum.org/speaker/hodges-ben-lt-gen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hodges-1674b1172/ ----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Sacred Remembrance: In this episode St Luke's Executive Director John Ericson interviews Chadra Pitman about her work in remembering the victims of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The discussion covers the many slave codes of the 17th century Virginia Colony and how they divided the labor class according to skin color thus creating the social construct of race. Chadra Pitman is an Anthropologist, Human Rights Advocate, Remembrance Celebration Coordinator, Public HIstorian and the Executive Director of the Sankofa Project. Chadra holds a B.A. in Anthropology from George Mason University and a Masters of Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Chadra's publications include; “Mother of the Movement: Remembering Bambara and the ‘African Bones' in the Briny Deep,” and “If Bones Could Speak.”
This week, your Nice Hosts have a new prompt from a new source. Lydia's husband, Ian, draws from a rainy source of inspiration and the Hosts are all-in. We brush up on the water cycle, requisition the equipment, practice our Trans-Atlantic accents, dunk on hot dogs, and puzzle over water-based cloud economies.Big Pharma - SteamLe Ballon Rouge - WikipediaWater Cycle - WikipediaLoop Hero - SteamHuman Resource Machine - SteamPromptto match the current weather - what goes on inside the clouds during a thunderstorm?Game typeDesign documentPlayer count1RulesYou control a cloud factory and manage what the cloud distributesMission-based, scenariosPlenty of fun fantasy optionsCondition optionsSunshineWaterStatic (use a balloon?)WindThe shape of your factory/cloudWater is your core resourceUse it to build the factory, use it to make the rain and complete tasks, use it to expandGain it from water vapor and such (water cycle)Your factory is also water, you can reuse itYou go through a campaignPick between a set of jobs each time, bigger jobs give more repIsometric viewLevel 1: rain on the hot dog cartHave the cloud rain over an area for a specific period of timeThe mission before you just needed to dump some waterThe player needs to collect water to have enough rain on the hot dog cartAutomation is the gameYou need to shape the cloud to fit all of the machines that you order from a catalogCatalog has a ton of options, with their own efficienciesLevel 2: rain on a hot dog festivalLevel ??: Flood the Nile
“The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we rev the engines, grip the wheel, and go full throttle into our 284th episode with a look at Ron Howard's high-octane drama Rush (2013). We're trading poisoned apples for podium finishes as we dive into one of Formula 1's greatest real-life rivalries: What is it about films that explore the pursuit of greatness that gets our hearts racing every time? We break down why stories with duelling personalities—like Hunt and Lauda—are so compelling, especially when each sees themselves reflected in the other. What elements of the true story were changed, streamlined, or dialled up to eleven for cinematic effect? Ian and Liam try to figure out which one of them is the reckless playboy and which is the meticulous technician… and it gets uncomfortable quickly. We talk about the power of respect over friendship, the blurred lines between envy and admiration, and why this film might be Ron Howard's unsung masterpiece. Whether Rush is the Best Film Ever—or just one hell of a ride worth taking. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
Episode 148.1: Juneteenth, Kessler Syndrome, Transatlantic Cables, Iran, Wyoming, and Old Bardstown BIB
“So long… partner.” Join your favourite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam – as we stare mortality, memory, and molten doom right in the eye in our 283rd episode, covering Pixar's emotional rollercoaster Toy Story 3 (2010). We're trading poisoned apples for daycare drama and incinerator trauma as we ask whether this trilogy-closer really is the perfect goodbye: We are so very thankful for a new piece of kit that limited our downtime this week We talk about why Toy Story 3 might just be the best third act in any trilogy ever. Ian reflects on the passage of time, growing up, and how Pixar weaponised emotion in the final 20 minutes. Liam bravely tries to hold it together during that incinerator scene—and that goodbye with Andy. Is Lotso one of Pixar's greatest villains and what is it about him that Liam hates so much but Ian loves so much? We talk about daycare as dystopia, Big Baby as horror icon, why Mr. Pricklepants deserved more screen time and who exactly is watching these kids at the daycare? Why does this hit so hard for adults? Is it just about toys—or everything we leave behind? Ian breaks down the film's narrative structure and how it perfectly mirrors growing up and letting go. Whether Toy Story 3 is the Best Film Ever—or just the most emotionally devastating G-rated film of all time. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
Carl Hancock Rux, poet, playwright, recording artist, essayist and radio journalist, talks about Lincoln Center's fifth annual Juneteenth celebration, which pays tribute to enslaved people and their use of folklore to survive the trauma of the Transatlantic slave trade.
Paul and Alex compare notes on their transatlantic British Airways experiences — from the really bad, to the truly great, the airline needs to dig for those latter gems, its future foundation is here (the IT bugs don't help however, trust ground staff). The cot strategy of the bulkhead seat (not if you're lucky to get a double upgrade though). Do not use the US mobile passport (well, do, but we don't want more people in those queues haha). Alex sees himself at the airport, watches a Hong Kong movie and stares at sad packet of crisps and an old banana (the pantry!). Paul says adieu to an old aircraft seat, celebrates a captaincy, and smiles at a pilot with fat fingers ("Ground, do you copy?"). Do not speculate on the causes of that Air India tragedy, please (or at least, do it in private). Island hopping with Hoper (on a Ferrari-red Robinson R66), and the wonders of high-speed crafts, the super fast ferries of Greece (think of a 747 on water).We mentioned:https://flyhoper.comhttps://www.welcomepickups.com —Follow us, and comment on: Instagram - Bluesky - Threads - Mastodon - Twitter/XComment on each episode, and rate us, on SpotifyReview, and rate us, on Apple PodcastsComment, like, review, and rate us, on FacebookComment on YouTube (there's no video, just audio!)Search for "Layovers" on any podcast service (some direct links are on our website)If we're missing one, or if you have any feedback, let Paul know on Instagram - Threads - Mastodon - Bluesky - Twitter/X
Ultra-fast long-distance bike rides have garnered a lot of attention of late, headlined by Lael Wilcox's record-setting circumnavigation of the planet. But as impressive as many of those efforts are, there's something lost in moving so quickly. Seeing the world by bike is a great way to slow down, take it all in, and have an experience that other methods of transportation can't replicate.Chris McCaffrey finished a seventeen-month ride around the world last fall, and we sat down to hear his whole story, from the trans-Atlantic rowing effort that sparked his interest in long-distance human-powered travel, to the incredible places he saw and people he met along the way, and a whole lot more.RELATED LINKS:BLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Why ride around the world? (2:29)Trans-Atlantic rowing attempt (6:23)Chris's first big bikepacking trip (17:56)Lessons learned from that trip (24:03)Bike setup for the ride around the world (26:45)The route (32:10)Setting off (39:01)North America (43:22)Europe (49:12)Asia (51:03)Getting sick (1:04:44)Favorite places & next destinations (1:25:20)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Happy anniversary, baby.” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting trio – Ian, Liam & Megs (Kev's taking care of some issues in Atlanta) – as we lock and load for our 282nd episode, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Doug Liman's bullet-riddled marital meltdown Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). We're trading treasure maps and Pepsi product placement for high-tech arsenals and awkward couples therapy as we discuss: At what point exactly did Brad Pitt's & Angelina Jolie's respective existing marriages become doomed The world of super spies and just how deep your cover has to be before you forget who you're actually married to. We get a guest review from a parent of a podcaster this week—they've certainly chosen a side Do our respective genders guarantee a same-gender allegiance or is it up for grabs One of us struggles to accept the film's central conceit (spoiler: it involves assassins, suburbs, and how you manage to create your respective weapons stashes). How this film caused a minor international incident We ask the big question: Was Brad Pitt a character actor trapped in a movie star's body all along? What's wrong with the narrative pacing—and why does it feel like the film ran out of bullets before the third act? We dive into the ongoing conversation around gender pay equality, especially when both leads aren't marquee stars. Is this a great film or just a very stylish couples' argument with body count. How much mediocrity can great chemistry overcome Whether Mr. & Mrs. Smith is the Best Film Ever Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
On April 22, 2025, gunmen in the town of Pahalgam, located in the disputed region of Kashmir, killed 26 people—mostly Indian tourists. A four-day military clash between India and Pakistan ensued, bringing both countries to the brink of a full-blown war, before a ceasefire was reached on May 10, 2025. During the India-Pakistan clashes, Beijing urged both sides to deescalate and called for a “political settlement through peaceful means.” But China did not play a neutral role in the conflict. Consistent with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's purported statement to his Pakistani counterpart that “China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests,” China reportedly provided intelligence, satellite equipment, and other forms of support to Pakistan before and during the clashes.To analyze China's role in the conflict, host Bonnie Glaser is joined by Andrew Small. Andrew is a senior transatlantic fellow with GMF's Indo-Pacific program, and author of two books on China, including “The China-Pakistan Axis: Asia's New Geopolitics,” which is now ten years old, but remains an insightful and relevant study. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:46] China's Diplomatic Response to the India-Pakistan Clashes[05:58] Beijing's Offer of Playing a “Constructive Role”[10:56] A Testing Ground for Chinese Weaponry and Equipment[14:03] China's Cautious Approach to Sino-Indian Relations[18:10] Military Support and the Sino-Pakistan Relationship[23:44] Implications for Chinese Arms Exports[26:27] Indian and Pakistani Assessments of Chinese Involvement[30:06] Influence of US-China Rivalry on India-Pakistan Relations
Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton interviews Christopher Morales, also known as @ThatOneBondGuy on Instagram and Youtube, to get a Californian's perspective on 1985's James Bond film A View to a Kill. https://www.instagram.com/thatonebondguyhttps://www.youtube.com/thatonebondguyThis final Roger Moore 007 film takes place in San Francisco, for the final hour, close to where Chris lives. Both he and Thomas have enjoyed exploring the locations, so here they happily share their love of the film. Some light spoilers for the film, but if you're listening to them enthuse over a 40 year old film, hopefully you've seen it already! This film was discussed in Episode 189, an interview with the film's director, John Glen.Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shop (...and thank you to the listener in Germany who ordered an 'A is for Albion' mug recently!)Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show
Nurses Out Loud with Kimberly Overton, BSN, RN – Join me in a dialogue with Norwegian journalist Rebecca Mistereggen as we explore medical freedom, censorship, and spiritual awakening. Rebecca shares her journey challenging pharmaceutical narratives and media restrictions. From grief-driven advocacy to international collaboration, conversation inspires listeners to reclaim sovereignty, amplify their voice, and unite in the global...
Nurses Out Loud with Kimberly Overton, BSN, RN – Join me in a dialogue with Norwegian journalist Rebecca Mistereggen as we explore medical freedom, censorship, and spiritual awakening. Rebecca shares her journey challenging pharmaceutical narratives and media restrictions. From grief-driven advocacy to international collaboration, conversation inspires listeners to reclaim sovereignty, amplify their voice, and unite in the global...
Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, arrives in Washington for a high-stakes meeting with president Trump. Plus: Bulgaria gets the green light for the euro. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transatlantic betrayal Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-other-hand-with-jim.power-and-chris.johns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
“Goonies never say die!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian, Liam, KevDog & Megs – with a surprise zipline call-in from Georgia – as we hunt for treasure, dodge booby traps, and argue over coastal real estate law in our 281st episode covering the beloved ‘80s adventure The Goonies (1985). We're trading poisoned apples for pirate maps and Baby Ruth bars as we discuss: Why Ian still can't remember androgynous character names—and what that means for Andy and the podcast's collective patience. We get into a surprisingly spirited debate over what foreclosure actually means (and how much Spielberg economics we're willing to accept). What's the real tragedy behind the film's stunning set design—and the moment it all went poof. Which young actor accidentally ruined an iconic shot… and whether Spielberg ever truly forgave him. We get honest about Chunk, fat shaming, and how watching it through a 2025 lens left some of us feeling a little queasy. We go over some podcast metrics, because if the Fratellis can chase gold, we can at least check our download stats. Who far outpunches his small role in the cast—and who far outkicked his coverage romantically (we're actually not looking at Brand). Kev's brought along some exotic treats (if you're English), and reactions range from delighted to deflated. Someone (take a guess) tries to do some serious heavy lifting to make the central treasure-hunting plot actually make sense. Ian gives what he thinks is a masterclass in narrative construction and points out where The Goonies missed a few easy wins (even with pirate ships involved). Whether The Goonies is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
Energy Vista: A Podcast on Energy Issues, Professional and Personal Trajectories
In this French-language episode, host Leslie Palti-Guzman welcomes Anne-Sophie Corbeau, Global Research Scholar at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy, for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving market dynamics and geopolitics of gas in 2025.Together, they explore three major themes:
Charlie's brief three-day visit has set the UK on fire. Charlie talks to Ben Leo of GBNews about his stops at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as his viral interview where he labeled Islam as incompatible with Western civilization. Josh Hammer of Newsweek discusses the strategic merit of Trump's battle with Harvard University. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at chariekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlie's brief three-day visit has set the UK on fire. Charlie talks to Ben Leo of GBNews about his stops at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as his viral interview where he labeled Islam as incompatible with Western civilization. Josh Hammer of Newsweek discusses the strategic merit of Trump's battle with Harvard University. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at chariekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“Here's Johnny!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting duo – Ian & Liam (with Megs checking in later once she arrives from Florida) – as we snowmobile into the Overlook Hotel for our 280th episode (B-Tech Kev's not here. Doesn't he get that all work and no play make Kev a dull boy?) and crack open Stanley Kubrick's psychological horror masterpiece The Shining (1980). We're trading ditching the swim team for haunted hallways and axing our way through one of the most iconic films ever made as we discuss: Liam talks far too much about a film that we're not reviewing today (but what else is new?). We correct a few political misnomers from last week, because facts matter—especially when ghosts are listening. Ian talks about the passing of George Wendt; Liam, not to be outdone, imagines the hypothetical passing of one of his heroes. Megs joins us and delivers a full-on mini-episode as she trials her new sidepod and recounts her real-life triumph over the forces of nature. We debate whether Jack Nicholson is giving a genuinely strong performance… or just letting his charisma do all the heavy lifting. Is there causality in this story—or is it all just vibes? And if there isn't, shouldn't that break the movie? Ian reveals who he's in good company with on this one—and who he most certainly is not. Ian also explains the origin of the iconic “Here's Johnny!” line to, well… everyone. Ian asks if this movie is trying to cram two different horror movies into one Liam swears this isn't a horror movie and the boys try to come up with a list of what makes a film a horror film Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
The United States and China reached a 90-day truce in the trade war when their representatives met in Geneva in early May. Both sides agreed to temporarily roll back tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers. President Trump announced that a “total reset” in US-China relations had been achieved. Beyond the hyperbole, the two sides agreed to establish a mechanism on economics and trade and launch negotiations to address trade imbalances and other problems. Whether a deal is reached, what it might look like, and what it might include, remains to be seen. The future trajectory of US-China relations, overall, is still unclear.This episode highlights a Chinese perspective on the US-China bilateral relationship, including on the recent trade talks and the factors that will influence US-China relations going forward. Sun Chenghao, a fellow and head of the U.S.-Europe program at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS), and council member of the Chinese Association of American Studies joins host Bonnie Glaser for this episode. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:39] What does Trump want from China? [04:29] What view does Dr. Sun hold?[05:00] Assessing the US-China Geneva Talks[09:21] Feasibility of a Broad US-China Trade Deal[13:23] Implications of Trump's “Unification” Comment[16:46] Importance of the Strategic Channel[20:47] Declining America, Rising China[23:27] Shift in US Policy Toward Alliances[27:49] The Future of US-China Relations
“Give her the goddamn [microphone], Conrad!” Join your favorite TransAtlantic podcasting crew – Ian & Liam (Megs and B-Tech Kev have headed off to Houston) – as we dive deep into the murky waters of grief, guilt, and WASP repression for our 289th episode, covering Robert Redford's directorial debut Ordinary People (1980). We're joined by BFF of the BFE: Ariannah (Who Loves BFE the Most™), as we trade poisoned apples for therapy sessions and take a long, quiet look at the cracks beneath the perfect family portrait as we discuss: How Ordinary People took the 1980 Oscars by storm Does the film's quiet intensity still hit home—or has its reserved style become a relic of another era? Is Conrad a deeply sympathetic protagonist—or a mirror too uncomfortable to look into? How Ordinary People explores mental health, emotional repression, and the cold war between appearance and authenticity. Would the film still work today or have we successfully de-stigmatized mental health, trauma, and therapy? Which character we most relate to – and does that change Where Mary Tyler Moore lands in the pantheon of dramatic performances. And what's someone's major gripe with her character's arc? Speaking of gripes—can we talk about that family photo scene? We've got questions about golf sweaters, family breakfast tension, and how much pain can hide behind tickets to Michigan State We get personal about how Ordinary People affected us—and whether we saw ourselves in any of its emotional breakdowns. We talk quiet power, redemptive silence, and the importance of just… being there for someone. Whether Ordinary People is the Best Film Ever. Become a Patron of this podcast and support the BFE at https://www.patreon.com/BFE. We are extremely thankful to our following Patrons for their most generous support: Juleen from It Goes Down In The PM Hermes Auslander James DeGuzman Synthia Shai Bergerfroind Ariannah Who Loves BFE The Most Andy Dickson Chris Pedersen Duane Smith (Duane Smith!) Randal Silva Nate The Great Rev Bruce Cheezy (with a fish on a bike) Richard Ryan Kuketz Dirk Diggler Stew from the Stew World Order podcast NorfolkDomus John Humphrey's Right Foot Timmy Tim Tim Aashrey Buy some BFE merch at https://my-store-b4e4d4.creator-spring.com/. Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor. Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/.
In this episode, we're joined by Nicky Humphreys and Ally Lewis, the founding members of Dyslexia Awareness Northern Ireland, for a transatlantic talk on dyslexia. Nicky Humphreys did her PGCE Primary in 2004/05; in 2016, she commenced a postgraduate diploma in teaching literacy to learners with dyslexia/SpLD through the Northern Ireland Dyslexia Centre. She worked as a tutor for the Centre in Belfast for a few years before setting up her own small business teaching children in her local area and working with her local schools. Her professional body is PATOSS. She is married to Marshall and they have three children. She loves spring/summer and holidays. Ally Lewis is a former pediatric and neonatal nurse who transitioned into education after having children. Her personal journey into literacy advocacy began when her son struggled with reading and spelling in early primary school. Frustrated by the lack of support and resources in Northern Ireland, Ally pursued structured literacy training in Belfast. Since then, she has become a passionate advocate for children with dyslexia, offering support to families and working one-on-one with students in schools. Together, along with Jodi Snowdon (who now works for NESSY), Nicky and Ally founded the Facebook page and advocacy group in Northern Ireland, DANI (Dyslexia Awareness Northern Ireland). Resources mentioned in this episode: Nessy The Dyslexia SpLD Trust Dyslexia Awareness NI Dyslexia Crisis in Northern Ireland Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz M.D. Science of Reading (SOR) Discussion and Support Group NI Teachers Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Students with Dyslexia by Casey Harrison We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you'd like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. We're looking for topic and guest suggestions for season 4 of the Together in Literacy Podcast! Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!
Eighty years since Nazi Germany surrendered, Europe marks VE Day as the once unbreakable transatlantic bond faces new pressure under the "America First" president of Donald Trump. Christiane speaks with Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, about his relationship with Trump, the future of NATO and Ukraine, and the Russia-China anti-Western alliance. Them, with the fate of both the people of Gaza and the Israeli hostages still on the line, Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, talks to Christiane about the humanitarian crisis and the latest military escalation. Marking 25 years of Vladimir Putin's rule over Russia, Fred Pleitgen brings us a rare and highly stage-managed look at the Russian president's life at the Kremlin. Christiane also speaks with award-winning and best-selling novelist Isabelle Allende about her new book, "My Name is Emila Del Valle." From her archives, in honor of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Christiane's conversation with 102-year-old WW2 veteran Jake Larson at the American Cemetary in Normandy. Papa Jake, as he is known, has become an unlikely TikTok star with over one million followers. And finally, as country music celebrated its biggest night of the year at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards this week, Christiane revisited her conversation with industry titan and seven-time nominee Rosanne Cash, daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Richard Clarke was raised on Toronto Island and first sailed at 4 years old. An impressive performance with Canadian Youth sailing led him to compete in the Finn Class in four consecutive Olympic Games with Team Canada. This opened the door to a wildly successful professional sailing career. Richard was part of a winning Volvo Round the World crew, has broken the 24-hour sailing distance record four times, holds both the Transatlantic and the Transpac records – his accolades are jaw dropping, and these are only a handful. Richard is a great storyteller, so I'm sure you are going to love this episode, full to the brim with stories – insightful and entertaining. -- This season of ON THE WIND is sponsored by Weather Routing Inc., aka 'WRI', 59º North's longtime weather routing & forecasting friends. To learn more and sign up for WRI, go to wriwx.com and tell them that 59º North sent you. -- This season of ON THE WIND is also sponsored by Boat How To, an educational website co-founded by longtime friend of the pod & sailing tech guru Nigel Calder. Check out the courses at BoatHowTo.com.
Today we are excited to have Listener Lewis from the United Kingdom joining us (and appreciate him staying up very late to record with us!) to share his 13-night Westbound Transatlantic cruise on the Disney Dream! We hear about why they decided to take this cruise (pretty much later in the game), stateroom choice, dining experiences, famous guests onboard, unique destinations along the way, lots of entertainment, kids' activities, and much more! We hope you can continue the conversation with us this week in the Be Our Guest Podcast Clubhouse at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast. Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!