Podcasts about transportation

With immigration enforcement ramping up in Texas, Texas Tribune reporter Colleen DeGuzman and immigration attorney Paul Pirela join TribCast to discuss.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Van Slyke, founder of Utica Bike Rescue, to talk about bikes, mobility, walkable cities, and why transportation is really about participation and freedom. Utica Bike Rescue has redistributed thousands of bikes over the past decade — helping people get to work, school, and medical appointments — but Matt's work goes far beyond bike repair. As a transportation planner, he helps us understand how infrastructure shapes daily life, community connection, and opportunity. In this conversation, we explore:

Episode: 1510 Thomas Sopwith's hundredth birthday.  Today, we meet the oldest airplane designer.

Episode: 1509 Late 18th century competition among roads, canals and railways.  Today, we look at roads, canals, and railways.

Eli Lipmen, Executive Director of MoveLA joins the show to discuss The Future of Transportation in Los Angeles. As L.A. races to ‘be transit-ready' for the World Cup, Super Bowl, & Olympics, will the billions spent have a substantial impact on our City? Lipmen talks about the funding from Measure R & Measure M and what progress is being made throughout our city from the billions of dollars generated.

Sara Eisen & David Faber kicked off the hour with a look at consumer affordability ahead of some key White House events today around the topic - before breaking down the market picture with Trivariate's Adam Parker, along with one tech analyst who says investor sentiment hasn't been this negative on software in a decade.  Plus: alternative energy stocks jumping as a key group reportedly meets at the White House today to talk about AI power - hear the latest reporting, this hour... and a deep-dive on the Administration's newest push on auto affordability in a wide-ranging all-star interview you don't want to miss with Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy, the head of the EPA Lee Zeldin, and USTR's Jamieson Greer.Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transportation budget shortfalls, a potential new digital component in Vermont's Lottery, and a local musician shares a ballad inspired by cuts to federal funding and a nearly 100-year-old guitar.

INTERVIEW: Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld discusses the new citizen‑driven proposal by activists to replace Measure C. Backed by the Transportation 4 All coalition, the plan mirrors the version that couldn’t gain full support from the Fresno Council of Governments, dedicating 65% of an estimated $7 billion to road repairs and 25% to public transit. Supporters argue the measure prioritizes neighborhood streets and equity, Bredefeld says not enough goes to roads. To qualify for the 2026 ballot, organizers must gather 35,000 signatures across Fresno County. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Duffy is the 20th United States Secretary of Transportation, leading the federal department responsible for the nation's highways, air travel, railroads, and transit systems. A former U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 7th District and ex-host of The Bottom Line on Fox Business, Duffy brings experience in law, public service, and media to his role. He has focused on infrastructure, safety, and regulatory reform since taking office in 2025.FOR MORE WITH SECRETARY DUFFY:INSTAGRAM & X: @SecDuffyFOR MORE WITH ELISHA KRAUSS: INSTAGRAM: @elishakraussWEBSITE: elishakrauss.com JOURNAL: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/author/elisha-krauss/LIVE SHOWS: January 16 - Grants Pass, ORJanuary 17 - Bend, ORJanuary 29 - New York, NY (2 shows)January 30 - Chester, NYJanuary 31 - Washington, DC (2 shows)Thank you for supporting our sponsors:BetOnlineForThePeople.com/AdamHomes.comoreillyauto.com/adamPluto.tvSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new episode of Parsing Immigration Policy examines the controversy surrounding foreign truck drivers and the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). It also offers policy recommendations for the U.S. Department of Transportation and Congress to address safety and labor concerns in the trucking industry. The episode features Gord Magill, a third-generation truck driver and author […]

The Department of Transportation is deploying artificial intelligence to enforce regulations against companies hiring illegal foreign drivers. This new initiative aims to identify fraud regarding non-domiciled CDLs that officials warn are driving down wages for American truckers, as detailed in DOT to use AI to go after illegal truckers. Southeastern Freight Lines is expanding its reach south of the border through a new partnership with Fletes Mexico Carga Express. The move is designed to streamline less-than-truckload shipments between the U.S. and Mexico with real-time tracking and faster customs clearance, according to Southeastern Freight Lines joins regional carriers moving into Mexico trade. A recent industry report indicates that parcel shipping rates have reached record highs driven by a proliferation of blanket surcharges. Even as fuel prices have declined, carriers hiked fuel surcharges significantly year-over-year to maintain revenue, a trend analyzed in Proliferation of parcel delivery surcharges drives up shipping rates. Finally, a new episode of The Long Haul features an interview with a non-domiciled CDL holder sharing his perspective on the regulatory crackdown. This is your daily update on the freight market for Thursday, January 15th. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In "Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser", Joe Lynch and Michael Kornhauser, Vice President of Trimble, discuss how integrated data and precision mapping create a more secure, efficient, and connected transportation ecosystem. About Michael Kornhauser Michael Kornhauser is sector vice president of Trimble, leading Transportation & Logistics in North America. With more than 20 years in various leadership roles, Michael has proven to be an astute and dynamic leader with deep industry understanding and passion for delivering superior customer value. Kornhauser, along with Dan Popkin, established the European operations and development of the successful CoPilot business and guided the ALK Technologies business integration into Trimble. Under his leadership, Trimble's mapping solutions have become highly recognized and respected throughout the North American trucking and rail industries. He studied at Trinity College, where he received a research grant from NASA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem In "Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser", Joe Lynch and Michael Kornhauser, Vice President of Trimble, discuss how integrated data and precision mapping create a more secure, efficient, and connected transportation ecosystem. The Power of a Global, Integrated Ecosystem: Trimble is no longer just a collection of individual tools; it is an intelligent ecosystem designed to connect all aspects of the supply chain—trucks, drivers, back offices, and freight. Because many of Trimble's customers are multinational, the company provides a global footprint that ensures consistency in data and operations, whether a shipment is moving through North America, Europe, or beyond. Industry Under Attack: Prioritizing Cybersecurity: Kornhauser emphasizes that the transportation industry is "under attack" from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. To combat this, Trimble invests over $100 million annually in R&D, with a significant portion dedicated to cybersecurity. By partnering with giants like Microsoft, they ensure that even small carriers using their platform have enterprise-grade protection that they couldn't afford to build on their own. The "Four Revolutions" of Transportation Tech: Michael outlines the technological shifts that have defined the industry: GPS: The foundation that allowed for real-time tracking (which Trimble pioneers helped patent). TMS (Transportation Management Systems): The transition from paper to digital "ERPs for trucking." ELD Mandate: Moving from selective enforcement to universal, data-driven safety and compliance. AI: The current revolution, focusing on automation, predictive agents, and massive efficiency gains. Strategic AI Implementation: "Eating Our Own Cooking": Unlike startups that may take a "move fast and break things" approach, Trimble is highly measured with AI. They are currently using AI internally to write code and improve customer support agents before rolling those features out to their Fortune 500 clients. This ensures that the "always-on" nature of global logistics isn't disrupted by experimental tech. The TMS as the "System of Record": Despite the many apps and sensors in a modern truck, the Transportation Management System (TMS) remains the heart of the ecosystem. Michael explains that Trimble's strategy is to keep the TMS as the central hub where "Order-to-Cash" workflows live, while connecting specialized tools (like maintenance or navigation) seamlessly into that single source of truth. Precision Mapping for "People Who Drive for Work": A major differentiator for Trimble is their proprietary mapping (PC Miler and CoPilot). Unlike consumer apps like Waze, Trimble's mapping is built for heavy-duty trucks, accounting for bridge heights, hazmat restrictions, and even specific entry/exit gates at massive industrial complexes. This "last mile" precision is often the difference between a profitable trip and a costly delay. A "Customer-First" Partner Philosophy: Trimble embraces an open platform, hosting hundreds of partners—including some competitors. Michael highlights that the goal is to eliminate the "swivel chair" effect, where a dispatcher has to jump between 10 different monitors. By allowing third-party apps (like fuel cards or specialized sensors) to integrate into the Trimble stack, they provide carriers with the flexibility to build the specific "tech stack" their niche requires. Learn More About Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem Michael Kornhauser | Linkedin Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected with Rob Painter The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation with Jonah McIntire Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking with Rishi Mehra The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

A two-mile stretch of roadway in North Texas will soon be known as Charlie Kirk Memorial Parkway in honor of the late conservative activist. Commissioners in Hood County issued a proclamation Tuesday to dedicate Williamson Road, just south of Granbury, for Kirk. In other news, It's goodbye to Rye in Dallas, the Greenville Avenue restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives last year. Rye is expected to close March 7; North Texas drivers can expect closures, detours and heavy traffic delays on Interstate 30 in downtown Dallas this weekend due to planned construction activity by the Texas Department of Transportation. According to TxDOT, all lanes of east- and westbound I-30 will be closed between the I-35E and I-45/U.S. 75 interchanges as part of the ongoing I-30 Canyon corridor improvement project; and a 52-story tower in downtown Dallas called The National is headed to foreclosure. The restaurants within The National will remain open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the final hour of the show Jon talks about the fraud in Minnesota and how the government is using transportation systems to commit fraud. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the final hour of the show Jon talks about the fraud in Minnesota and how the government is using transportation systems to commit fraud.

For the final hour of the show Jon talks about the fraud in Minnesota and how the government is using transportation systems to commit fraud. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week we discussed best places to travel in 2026. This week we focus specifically on train journeys both here in the U.S and abroad. Our expert joining is the vice president of Lonely Planet Experiences and train travel enthusiast Tom Hall who recently penned the article, "Best New Train Journeys 2026." He'll share his recommendations and field calls from listeners.

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss the Department of Transportation's decision to drop its appeal regarding highway funding for sanctuary states, even as Secretary Sean Duffy shifts tactics to target non-domiciled CDL compliance as detailed in Trump Administration Waves White Flag on Transportation Funding Immigration Fight, But the War is Far From Over. Despite this legal concession, the administration is using compliance audits to withhold funding over English language standards and license requirements, a move that threatens to impact nearly 200,000 immigrant drivers. We also analyze the latest economic data showing inflation has accelerated with a 2.7% rise for the year, a trend explored in Consumer Price Index reports continued hikes in 2025. Rising costs for shelter, food, and energy are driving this increase, while transportation capacity has simultaneously plummeted to its lowest level since 2021. Additionally, the federal government is calling on industry experts to help identify the most critical physical and digital impediments to commerce, according to Feds seek input on solving supply chain bottlenecks. This new Request for Information aims to guide federal research and technology investments through 2030 to ensure goods move more smoothly across the nation's infrastructure. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever been curious about retiring in Oaxaca, Mexico? Well, grab your sun hat, because today we're diving into that dreamy destination! We chat with David and Harvey, a dynamic duo who've crafted their lives in this vibrant city after years of exploring Latin America. They'll share the scoop on community vibes, cost of living, and the oh-so-important healthcare scene. Spoiler alert: it's all about connection and convenience, from the cobblestone streets to the local markets. So, stick around and soak in the wisdom from two guys who've turned their retirement into a colorful adventure!Let's talk about walkability, community vibes, and the sweet life in Oaxaca! David and Harvey break down the nitty-gritty of life in their new home, where cobblestone streets lead to charming markets and friendly faces greet you at every corner. They've lived in several neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor, and they reveal what surprised them most about settling in. Spoiler alert: the vibrant energy of the city, especially during the Day of the Dead celebrations, is a total game-changer! They emphasize the importance of community and how they've built connections with fellow LGBTQ folks, from volunteer opportunities to regular meetups. Plus, they share tips on navigating local healthcare and the importance of learning some Spanish to truly immerse yourself in the culture. This episode is packed with insights for anyone considering a retirement adventure south of the border!Takeaways:Oaxaca is a vibrant city filled with music, art, and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for retirees.David and Harvey share their experiences living in various Latin American countries before settling in Oaxaca.The cost of living in Oaxaca is quite reasonable, with rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $500 monthly.Healthcare in Oaxaca can be affordable, but many choose private care due to overcrowded public hospitals.Community is key in Oaxaca, with places like the Oaxaca Lending Library connecting LGBTQ folks with each other.Transportation in Oaxaca is walkable, and public options like taxis and buses are readily available, making car ownership unnecessary.Links referenced in this episode:wheredogaysretire.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:AirbnbAmazonCostcoSantanderMentioned in this episode:Introducing LGBTQSeniors.com – A Free Community for Connection & PrideMark Goldstein, host of the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast, shares exciting news: LGBTQSeniors.com is live! It's a free online community for LGBTQ folks 50+ featuring: Private messaging & forums Monthly Zoom meetups Real connection—without the social media clutter If you love what Mark's building, please support the cause at

On our last Sock Talks of TRB, we catch up with former LBC guest Ev Tripolitis, a Senior Advisor on Construction Technology for Cliff. Ev shares the #1 question she brought to TRB and the ways that transportation project delivery has changed over the years. Learn more Cliff at https://www.firsttojump.com/.

Today's podcast begins with our well-spoken host, Mike Slater, monologuing about "progressive white women" and how they've been a problem that all Americans have to deal with. Does that sound incendiary? Listen in and see if you ultimately agree with Mr. Slater!Following that opener, Mike speaks to U.S. Congressman Mark Harris (R-NC-08) about some legal shenanigans happening with immigrant trucker licenses in his state of North Carolina and how the Trump 2.0 administration is dealing with it. MAGA! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eleanor and Matthew dig into the dueling proposals that seem to be teeing up a contentious property tax fight.

Neo4j's Ajay Singh discusses future shifts in AI and why knowledge graphs may be the missing layer in your Gen AI strategy.Topics Include:Ajay Singh from Neo4j discusses graph intelligence platform serving 80+ Fortune 100 companies.Financial services firms use Neo4j knowledge graphs to detect fraud rings and accounts.IT companies build digital twins of infrastructure to analyze attack surfaces and vulnerabilities.Knowledge graphs provide richer context for Gen AI agents beyond what vector search offers.Gaming company achieved 10x faster insights and 92% reduction in analyst data gathering.Transportation company improved tariff code workflow from 50% abandonment to 95% completion rate.Neo4j has partnered with AWS since 2013, running on AWS infrastructure and Marketplace.Customers combine Neo4j with AWS Bedrock and SageMaker to build agentic AI applications.Neo4j evolved from late-stage AWS collaboration to early-stage joint customer solution development approach.Success requires business-first mindset over technology-first to avoid POCs that never reach production.Effective Gen AI needs semantic layers and knowledge graphs, not just throwing documents at LLMs.Future agents will tackle outcome-based objectives requiring explainability, security, and proper LLM operations.Participants:Ajay Singh – Global Vice President, Neo4jSee how Amazon Web Services gives you the freedom to migrate, innovate, and scale your software company at https://aws.amazon.com/isv/

In this week's episode of FTR's Trucking Market Update podcast, we discuss payroll employment in trucking and for the overall U.S. economy. We also address residential construction and U.S. trade in goods. Plus, we recap the week in diesel prices and the spot market for truck freight as usual.  The Trucking Market Update is hosted by FTR's Vice President of Trucking, Avery Vise. As this information is presented, you are welcome to follow along and look at the graphs and indicators yourself by downloading the presentation.Download the PDF: https://ftrintel.com/trucking-podcast Support the show

We had two prominent CEO's in our studio Monday, with Jeremy Peterson, CEO of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, and Dr. Ben Wilson, CEO of the Greater Erie Community Action Committee, talking about transportation and EMTA's new Transit Development Plan, and the overall lived experience for underresourced individuals in our region.

As Sock Talks continue, we're joined by William Dunwoody, Construction Bidding Administrator with the Georgia Department of Transportation. William tells us the one thing that AI will never replaces, and gives his thoughts on thematic consistency at this year's TRB conference.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe EU economy is imploding, Germany the power manufacturing company is falling apart and now companies are moving to Hungary. Trump built the tariff system to compete the [CB]. Trump has now started the narrative of why the Fed should not be controlling the US economy. DOJ has begun a criminal investigation, soon the Fed will be restructured into the Treasury. The [DS] is panicking, they are losing the chess match and they have no more move except one. Trump has now set the stage and the [DS] will follow the path to their destruction. The money supply is in the process of being shutdown, the [DS] is struggling, the countries they controlled are struggling. Soon Trump will have all the leverage and the enemy will be at it’s weakest point. Game Over. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/2010625048856424506?s=20   countries. In the year 2023, Germany lost 123,000 manufacturing jobs. The trend has continued in 2024 and 2025. Lousy energy policy has consequences. https://twitter.com/RealPNavarro/status/2010480063091720266?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealPNavarro/status/2010480094662332678?s=20   factory jobs appear. https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/2010701202971935191?s=20 JUST IN: RINO Tillis Threatens to Block Fed Nominations Over Powell Criminal Investigation Federal investigators opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Powell is under fire for the cost of renovating the Fed's DC headquarters. The cost ballooned from $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion. RINO Senator Thom Tillis is threatening to block any future Fed nominations over the Justice Department's federal criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Source: thegatewaypundit.com FED Chairman Jerome Powell Attempts to Evade Legal Accountability by Hiding Behind His Office Regardless of how you feel about the Federal Reserve Board, I think we would all agree the construct of an autonomous central bank is outside the boundaries of our constitutional framework.  Factually, the Sea Island financial group set up the Federal Reserve as a system of control over the U.S. economy that was completely unnecessary.  . Last year facing ridiculous cost overruns, congress questioned Powell over the insane spending proposal by Powell for a new office building.  Chairman Powell characterized the construction changes that escalated the cost of the project from $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion as ‘minor modifications.'  That's $2.5 billions of taxpayer money. .[Transcript] – “Good evening. On Friday, the Department of Justice served the Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas, threatening a criminal indictment related to my testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last June. That testimony concerned in part a multi-year project to renovate historic Federal Reserve office buildings. I have deep respect for the rule of law and for accountability in our democracy. No one—certainly not the chair of the Federal Reserve—is above the law. But this unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration's threats and ongoing pressure. This new threat is not about my testimony last June or about the renovation of the Federal Reserve buildings. It is not about Congress's oversight role; the Fed through testimony and other public disclosures made every effort to keep Congress informed about the renovation project. Those are pretexts. The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President. This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions—or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation. I have served at the Federal Reserve under four administrations, Republicans and Democrats alike. In every case, I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor, focused solely on our mandate of price stability and maximum employment. Public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats. I will continue to do the job the Senate confirmed me to do, with integrity and a commitment to serving the American people. Thank you.” Source:theconservativetreehouse.com Powell says criminal investigation by Trump's Justice Department threatens Fed's independence https://twitter.com/unseen1_unseen/status/2010547216906125721?s=20 https://twitter.com/jeffreytucker/status/2010520328389173522?s=20  would love to have been a fly on that wall, just listening in. Jerome caved. Now he is whining like a man-child that his supposed independence is being compromised by a threatened criminal indictment over a profligate building project. Historians will have a hard time making sense of this hilarity, including the faux-serious pose in this histrionic statement of pretend integrity. There is no place in a democracy for a secretive and all-controlling central bank. These conspirators are toast, if not now or tomorrow, then eventually. A peoples’ government needs a peoples’ money that people can own and control, and a banking system that is based on market competition, not a cartel of big shots. Sorry, Jerome, you showed your cards five years ago, revealing exactly who and what you serve, and that is not the American people. These are the end times for the Federal Reserve. https://twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/2010771831658107044?s=20 https://twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/2010761420082917557?s=20 Silver and Gold Hit New Highs on Fed Probe and Heightened Geopolitical Tensions   Gold and silver prices are climbing in response to concerns around geopolitical issues and policy independence at the Federal Reserve. Source: barrons.com    of Dollars! It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay. Anybody who says that it can be quickly and easily done would be making a false, inaccurate, or totally misunderstood answer to this very large and complex question. It may not be possible but, if it were, it would be Dollars that would be so large that it would take many years to figure out what number we are talking about and even, who, when, and where, to pay. Remember, when America shines brightly, the World shines brightly. In other words, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, WE'RE SCREWED! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP Political/Rights  WBD is not just another studio. It is the home of HBO, DC Comics, the Harry Potter films, Game of Thrones, and one of the most important film archives in the world. Netflix itself boasts that the acquisition would combine Warner's “iconic franchises and storied libraries” with the world's largest streaming platform. If Netflix absorbs these assets, it will not just be the biggest streaming service. It will become the most dominant cultural gatekeeper the United States — and much of the world — has ever seen. Yet despite the obvious risks, WBD's leadership is pushing forward even though Paramount Skydance has launched an all-cash tender offer of $30 per share for the entire company — a bid that implies significantly higher value for shareholders than Netflix's offer.  At the same time, merging WBD's vast film and television library into Netflix would weaken competition in both streaming and content markets and concentrate cultural power in ways fundamentally at odds with the diversity of voices a free nation needs to survive. On these grounds alone, this merger should be stopped. Handing this machine control over Warner's franchises and future output would allow one company to rewrite characters, retell history, redefine social norms, and control which ideas reach audiences. Majority Of North Carolina Trucking Licenses Issued To Foreigners Are Illegal: Duffy A review of non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) granted in North Carolina found that 54 percent were issued illegally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) said in a statement on Jan. 8. The review was conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is part of its ongoing nationwide audit of trucking licensing systems, the department said. DOT warned that if North Carolina does not “fix their serious failures” and revoke licenses issued illegally to foreign nationals, the department will withhold almost $50 million in federal funding. Source: zerohedge.com DOT Strips California Of $160 Million Over Foreign Truckers A showdown between the U.S. Department of Transportation and the State of California reached a breaking point on Wednesday after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will withhold approximately $160 million in safety program money from the state. The move follows California's failure to meet a January 5 deadline to cancel more than 17,000 commercial truck driver's licenses that Duffy asserts were unlawfully issued by the state to foreign truckers. The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced in late December that it would delay the cancellation until March 6, but FMCSA did not agree to the extension. The $160 million penalty marks the first year of potential sanctions. Under federal law, if California continues to defy the FMCSA's Final Determination, the amount withheld could double in the second year. Source: zerohedge.com DOGE Yes, Dina Powell McCormick worked in the Trump administration. She served as the United States Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy from 2017 to 2018 . She also held the role of Senior Advisor to the President for Entrepreneurship, Economic Growth, and the Empowerment of Women starting in January 2017 . For context, the Truth Social post you linked is Trump congratulating her on her new role as President and Vice Chairman of Meta (announced today, January 12, 2026)  1104 Q !xowAT4Z3VQ ID: 28003e No.967331 Apr 9 2018 12:09:25 (EST) Anonymous ID: db2d29 No.967224 Apr 9 2018 12:02:45 (EST) >>967123 YOU are being TRACKED. NO FB account required. WTF? Is it embedded in Android OS? This is BIGGER than you think. Agencies attached. Q >>967224 Think ‘Bridge’. GOOG. FB. TWITTER. IG. ‘Central’ algorithm. The stage had to be set. Q Geopolitical  U.K Asks Germany and France, EU NATO, to Support Expanded Presence in Greenland  President Trump wins again. Seriously folks, you would think that after all this time the Europeans would finally understand how President Trump manipulates the media cycle and gets them to do exactly what he wants – while they and the majority of their constituents think it's exactly the opposite.  This stuff is just too funny now. According to European media outlets, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in discussions with Germany and France to send a NATO alliance to Greenland to establish a stronger NATO military footprint. {LINK} The media present this, hilariously, as if European NATO is going to defend Greenland against President Trump and the USA military. {{INSERT SEVERAL LAUGHING EMOJIS HERE}} I mean, think about it rationally. The U.K, France and Germany are unwilling to send troops into Ukraine without the protection of the U.S. military.  But somehow, for some reason, the U.K, France and Germany are going to send troops to Greenland to defend against the U.S. military. The narrative sounds silly when put into context, right? So, President Trump starts talking about the U.S. taking aggressive unilateral action to secure Greenland as a strategic national security matter.  Suddenly, ‘Voila!' European NATO, under the auspices of defending their Denmark democracy, wakes up and says, ‘No, wait, you can't just take Greenland, that's bad.'  Then they assemble urgent talks to send EU NATO military resources to Greenland.  Exactly what President Trump has been requesting to formerly deaf ears. See how that works?  Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/thestinkeye/status/2010481974985560110?s=20  notes… JSOC   Step 4: seize narrative and news cycles for a week or two while all the large accounts get their marching orders and post the same stuff over and over. The EU threatens to mobilize to “protect Greenland” and quietly discovers they cannot project meaningful power outside their continent without the US. Step 5: DJT walks back the outrageous solution (invasion) to the somewhat radical solution (purchase). The big accounts feel like they matter, the little accounts feel like the have been heard. DJT gets what he wanted all along, and Denmark gets a pile of money to fritter away buying votes with socialist BS. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2010567080802738660?s=20 https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2010739799477354900?s=20 systemic instability. https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2010605925342597449?s=20   Guard Corps (IRGC). https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2010532329303965733?s=20  Venezuela’s leader was a fugitive from US law enforcement and not a legitimate head of state, according to 60 different countries. He was apprehended, and Venezuela’s remaining leaders were asked to cooperate with US expectations. Greenland is likely to negotiate a compact of free association with the US and receive financial assistance, while maintaining self-governance, in exchange for military protection. Cuba is in rapid decline due to a loss of support from Venezuela (and other factors). China and Russia could offer assistance, but at considerable risk. Trump can wait and watch Cuba self-destruct, then come in and offer assistance to the Cuban people if and when they ask. Iran is in a similar situation to Cuba: a nation in rapid decline, with massive risk for Trump if he intervenes too quickly. The likely play there is to wait for the Ayatollah to flee. There would be no finger-pointing about “regime change” if the Islamic regime collapses on its own. Then, the US could offer assistance as an interim government is established. War/Peace https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/2010435240079319153?s=20  specifically exclude any NATO troops from ever being put into Ukraine. All of these steps are designed to specifically undermine President Trump’s efforts at peace between Ukraine and Russia. The warmongers in Europe are determined to keep the war going as long as possible. They need to distract their voters with enemies so they don’t realize how Europe is collapsing economically and culturally. The European “leaders” desperately need enemies like Trump and Putin in order to point the finger and cast blame while things get worse in their own countries. Blame external forces, not their own policies. North Korean Hackers Using QR Codes to Steal Sensitive Information: FBI  North Korean state-sponsored cyber threat group Kimsuky is targeting American entities via a QR code scheme that can compromise sensitive information, the FBI said in a Jan. 8 alert. “As of 2025, Kimsuky actors have targeted think tanks, academic institutions, and both U.S. and foreign government entities with embedded malicious Quick Response (QR) codes in spearphishing campaigns,” the FBI stated. “This type of spearphishing attack is referred to as Quishing.” “Quishing (QR Code Phishing) is a phishing technique in which adversaries embed malicious URLs inside QR codes to force victims to pivot from their corporate endpoint to a mobile device, bypassing traditional email security controls.” In quishing campaigns, threat actors send QR images to targets as email attachments or embedded graphics, which typically evade URL inspection mechanisms. When targets scan the QR code, they are routed via redirectors to webpages that harvest their credentials. Such webpages impersonate Microsoft 365, Okta, or VPN portals. These operations typically end with hackers bypassing multifactor authentication (MFA) and hijacking cloud identities without triggering the usual “MFA failed” alerts. They can then establish persistence in the organizations' networks and use the compromised mailboxes to carry out further hacking operations, the agency warned. The FBI recommended that organizations adopt a multilayered security strategy to tackle the unique risks posed by QR hacking schemes. Source:  americafirstreport.com  https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2010464207192371542?s=20 Medical/False Flags Cancer Drugs Drive Nearly One-Fifth Of Pharma Sales  The global pharmaceutical industry’s revenue is increasingly concentrated in a handful of high-value drug classes, with oncology, diabetes/obesity treatments and immunology leading the charge. As Statista’s Tristan Gaudiat details below, according to estimates from Statista Market Insights, cancer drugs alone generated over $217 billion last year, making oncology the largest therapeutic segment, driving nearly one-fifth (18 percent) of all pharmaceutical sales. You will find more infographics at Statista Antidiabetic medicines rank second, with estimated sales of over $85 billion in 2025, contributing 7 percent to global market revenues. Source: zerohedge.com   then Premiums will FALL, by 50% or more, for most people. I want to go back to the three year window where you can get in there for ObamaCare where you won't pay as much. Don't expand ObamaCare. Congress must make Trump Rules permanent. These were President Trump's 2018 Short Term Plans Rule that President Obama terminated. All Congress has to do is say, ‘Look, the Short Term Plans can last up to 36 months, your Insurer can sell you a Renewal Guarantee so it can last even beyond that period, and you will get lower priced Insurance, better Insurance, Longer Term Insurance and, it doesn't cost Taxpayers a dime or, it won't destabilize ObamaCare.' Much simpler than what President Trump's advisers are selling him, much better to assuage the fears of nervous Democrats, because we had these Rules in place for six years, and ObamaCare did not crater. Subsidies will not solve this problem. Government should be capping what it spends on Healthcare at ZERO. Send them a check. No need for subsidies. Congress has to get out of the way of Private Insurance Companies. Give the money to the Consumers to buy directly from the Health Insurance Companies.” [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2010347486783693056?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2010445777676673233?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealAbs1776/status/2010549397969350845?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2010554642107675018?s=20 https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/2010362097562013779?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2010540542220726775?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2010537739767238962?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/2010374476819472477?s=20   dozens and dozens of those individuals to justice already. We're gonna keep hundreds of HSI officers there to continue to protect those children. Every day we get another individual that was sexual assault against a child. Sodomy against a child. I can't believe that the mayor and governor can defend allowing those people to go out there and victimize more of our children and grandchildren.” Infuriating. When see you see these dumbass leftists protesting in the streets, just know that they are out there protecting pedophiles. At this point, how can anyone claim that the Democrats are the “good guys”? https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2010755631972577560?s=20   rammed a Border Patrol vehicle, threatening the lives of federal law enforcement officers. He should NEVER have been in our country to begin with, and we will ensure he NEVER walks free in America again. President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2010487811732840449?s=20  A federal grand jury voted to indict the former FBI Director on two felony counts — and then three federal judges unraveled that indictment through conjecture, media narratives, personalized attacks on the United States Attorney, and procedural anomalies that have no precedent in federal criminal practice. https://twitter.com/RealSLokhova/status/2010247488826175976?s=20 https://twitter.com/realJeremyCarl/status/2010710384769151325?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Episode: 1507 Rediscovering lighter-than-air flight.  Today, do you suppose you'll ever get to ride in a dirigible?

About the Show:“I hope there's silver buckshot… a lot of small action in a lot of areas is what will really help us get where we need to be.” – Jessica LewallenThis episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® host Randy Wilburn and architect Jessica Lewallen discuss housing, growth, and what it takes to keep Northwest Arkansas a place where people can actually afford to live.Through her work with ULI's Faithful Foundations program, the Fayetteville Housing Crisis Task Force, and as founder of Gemstone Design Studio, Jessica's tackling one of our region's biggest challenges—making sure explosive growth doesn't price people out or erase what makes this place special.You'll hear stories from Jessica's journey, practical ideas for housing solutions, and why fixing this requires everyone—homeowners, churches, policymakers, planners, and regular folks—to show up. Whether you're a longtime resident worried about preserving open spaces, a newcomer searching for affordable housing, or someone wondering how to get involved, this episode offers both wisdom and hope for building a Northwest Arkansas where the next generation can thrive.Key Takeaways:Shifting Household Needs: Nearly three-quarters of households in Northwest Arkansas are made up of two people or fewer, highlighting a need for smaller, more affordable homes, not just large family houses.Smarter Land Use & Infill: Thoughtful infill development helps preserve access to parks, farmland, and green spaces, by building density where infrastructure already exists—instead of sprawling into new areas.Transportation's Hidden Costs: Affordable housing isn't just about rent or mortgages—long commutes and car dependency mean Northwest Arkansans face combined housing and transportation costs rivaling larger metro areas.Local Action, Local Solutions: Real change comes from community-led efforts—whether it's homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), churches repurposing land, or neighbors engaging in city committees.Education Fuels Empowerment: Programs like ULI's READY and Groundwork's Chats help citizens gain the knowledge to shape housing policy, dispelling myths and fostering supportive, effective advocacy.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Jessica Lewallen, Gemstone Design StudioEmail: jessica@gemstonedesignstudio.com

Stefan Hermann is an engineer who spent 15 years at Liebherr Aerospace and Transportation. Rather surprisingly, he switched from making LPBF landing gear components possible & simulation to having his own YouTube Channel. CNCKitchen, therefore, was going to be a very different YouTube channel. And Stefan has taken his engineering rigor to desktop printers, material testing, 3D printing tips, layer height and part strength as well as 3D printer reviews. We talk about simulation, test, failure modes and much more with Stefan in an enlightening talk. This episode of the 3DPOD is brought to you by Materialise, a global leader in 3D printed medical software and devices, and additive manufacturing software and services. With decades of expertise, Materialise supports highly regulated and high-demand sectors, from healthcare to aerospace and beyond.

Episode: 1503 The second generation of women fliers comes to maturity.  Today, a new generation of women fliers.

Skip Richter Answers your questions all morning long!

First, an update on yesterday's breaking news about the two people shot by federal immigration agents in Portland. Then we're talking about National Guard troops in Oregon finally being told to go home, Governor Tina Kotek's push to repeal a transportation package she supported, and TriMet's plan to cut bus lines in response to their budget crisis. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are Stumptown Savings founder Bryan M. Vance and our very own executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Residents Raise Funds for Town With Nearly Nude Calendar [CBS] Trump Warns Portland, ‘We'll Go Back In When the Crime Starts,' as National Guard Demobilizes [Oregonian] Gov. Tina Kotek Calls for Repeal of Controversial Transportation Package She Championed [Oregonian] TriMet To Eliminate Portland-Area Bus Routes, Shorten MAX Green Line Amid Budget Crisis [Oregonian]   Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 9th episode: Lan Su Chinese Garden Neo Home Loans

Indiana's senior U.S. Senator is one of just five Republicans to vote in favor of a war powers resolution limiting President Trump. Several hundred people gathered in downtown Indianapolis Thursday night to protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this week. Mayor Joe Hogsett has appointed Police Chief Chris Bailey as the new Chief Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff. Indiana is attracting data centers from tech companies across the country. A federal court ruled Thursday that IU violated the First Amendment rights of pro-Palestine protesters it banned from campus in 2024 and found the expressive activity policy it passed that August unconstitutional. Republicans in the House and Senate have released their priorities for the 2026 legislative session, prioritizing public safety and deregulation. The Indiana Department of Transportation is postponing more than 300 projects due to funding issues. Indiana University Hoosiers face off with the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Zach Bundy, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

I really enjoyed this conversation with Natalie and her mother, Mary, because it reminded me how an unstoppable mindset is often built quietly, over time, through creativity, learning, and persistence. Together, they share what it has been like to navigate life across generations while facing learning disabilities, health challenges, workplace adversity, and the constant need to adapt. We talk about Natalie's journey with attention deficit disorder and anxiety, how creative outlets like baking, art, music, and storytelling helped her find focus and confidence, and why returning to school later in life became an act of self-trust rather than fear. Mary's story adds another powerful layer. She reflects on growing up with low self-esteem, navigating male-dominated workplaces, and dealing with sexual harassment long before there were systems in place to address it. As a mother, artist, and professional, she shares what it means to keep moving forward while supporting her daughter's growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore accessibility, creative entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, and why accommodations and understanding still matter. I believe you will find this episode both honest and encouraging, especially if your own path has been anything but linear. Highlights: 00:00 – Hear how creativity and resilience shaped an unstoppable mindset across two generations.08:35 – Learn how attention deficit disorder and anxiety changed the way focus, learning, and confidence developed.14:33 – Discover why stepping away from a demanding career can open the door to new growth.21:23 – Understand how workplace sexual harassment leaves lasting effects long after it happens.35:16 – See why protecting and celebrating local artists became a personal mission.59:09 – Learn why accessibility, accommodations, and empathy still matter in everyday life. About the Guest: Mary Dunn: Mary was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA.  She was the only child of Norman and Lucille Rump.  At a young age, she liked to draw and as she grew older she enjoyed painting.  Her first painting was in oil and Mary was eleven years old.  However, because of the expense of art supplies, it was difficult to pursue a continuous endeavor in that particular form of art. While in high school, nothing really exciting happened as Mary was on the shy side.  She didn't belong to any groups and she really just wanted to graduate.  She graduated in the upper third of her class.  The most momentous part of the graduation was that Jeff Goldblum was also a graduate of her class. After graduation, Mary continued her education at The Pittsburgh Beauty Academy.  There she studied cosmetology and acquired a teacher license.  Although she never taught, she did work at a few different shops and also managed a shop.  These experiences helped Mary to become less shy. At that time, she met her first husband and had two children.  The marriage lasted for eleven years, and Mary was left with two small children.  Mary realized that her background in cosmetology would not be sufficient to raise two small children. She decided to go to college. With the support of her parents, she was accepted to attend Carlow College which is now Carlow University.  There she studied business and minored in theology.  She almost minored in art, but she needed one more credit to have that as a minor.  It was important for her to graduate in order to take care of her children.  While in college she belonged to several organizations.  One organization was an honor society called Delta Epsilon Sigma.  There she became an assistant chair of the organization.  The second organization was OASIS.  The organization was for non-tradition students.  She was vice-president during her senior year at Carlow.  She graduated in 1991 cum laude. After Carlow, she found her first employment opportunity working the Equitable Gas Company as a “Technical Fieldman”.  In this position, Mary would draft pipeline installations, work up costs for those installations, and fill in for supervisors when they went on vacations.  The job was difficult as it had usually been filled by men prior to her.  She was thrust into a job that she learned on her own and was subject to sexual harassment.   At that time, sexual harassment was not spoken about.  Mary didn't even realize that her peers were doing these things to her.  When she supervised union personnel, they were nice and valued her expertise.  However, when she returned to the office, more harassment continued. During that period, Mary decided to get a Master's Degree and enrolled in Carnegie Mellon's Heinz school of Public Management.  Her classes were very valuable as she learned about leadership, information systems, and marketing communications.  She graduated in 1996 with distinction.  Even though after she graduated from CMU, she continued to be sexual harassed.  She thought it might be a good idea to document the issues that made her position difficult.  She began to take notes on these incidents.  When she went to Human Resources, Mary was told that she should confront these people and tell them how she was feeling.  Mary couldn't do that because she felt it would make matters worse.  She applied for another position within the company.  In 1997, Mary became Program Manager of Energy Technology. While there, Mary developed and implemented a marketing plan to promote the use of alternative fuels.  As a Program Manager, Mary became a member of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities which focused on alternative fueled vehicles.  During this time, she became a board member and focused on grants and wrote the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Newsletter. In 1999, her position was eliminated at Equitable.  In some ways, Mary was relieved about the elimination, but in other ways, it was the first time this ever happened to her.  She was now remarried and was concerned about her children. It was very scary. Thankfully, Mary was not unemployed for long.  She was hired at Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission as a Transportation Planner.  In this position she implemented a newly designed client tracking system of their products and services that helped to increase revenue. Additionally, she worked on a communication plan to implement branding and crisis communications. Eventually, Mary became a Marketing/Communication Specialist for Southwestern Pennsylvania Communications.  She was responsible for multi-media communications connected with branding. Mary designed logos for special projects, arranged special affairs, open houses and conferences.  She remained a part of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities.   Mary additionally prepared presentations for executive management to deliver regarding the Joseph A. James Memorial Excellence in Local Government Achievement Award that recognizes a municipal government elected or appointed official in any local government, agency, or Council of Government for a lifetime of exemplary governance or management. Unfortunately, a new Executive was hired to replace the past Executive who had passed away.  Because of this, our whole department was eliminated. After Southwestern, Mary was hired as the Manager of Administration and Human Resources for THE PROGRAM for Female Offenders.  While at THE PROGRAM, Mary was responsible for maintaining the policies and daily operations in THE PROGRAM.  She implemented a cost effective foodservice program, introduced staff ID cards and implemented the Windows NT network server and computer security using a Digital Subscriber Line which is a type of high-speed internet connection that uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet access to three PROGRAM facilities. Additionally, Mary implemented a human resource database for directors and managers that targeted specific employment information. Mary maintained safety equipment and introduced a safe evacuation plan for her building.. Unfortunately, because THE PROGRAM was grant based and when it was time to acquire grant money much of the previous grants were not renewed and Mary lost her job.  Mary eventually was hired by Roach and Associates, Inc. as a Project Manager. In this position, she negotiated oil and gas leases for exploration and productions of future gas wells in Clearfield County Pennsylvania.  During this time, Mary was responsible for permitting activities with the state, county and federal agencies as well as prepared training seminars to meet pipeline safety regulations as per U.S. Department of Transportation, CFR49, Parts 192-193. Mary authored documentation regarding pipeline regulations for various housing authorities and gas production companies within Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York.  Besides working at Roach, Mary became part of the Transition Team for Peduto for Mayor of Pittsburgh.  That was such a memorable experience as my team focused on some of the issues facing the newly elected Mayor. It was nice to be a part of change. After working ten years at Roach and Associates, Inc., Mary decided it was time to retire in 2015. While working at Roach, Mary began dabbling in art again.  It had been quite a while since college and painting.  But she began to work in pastels and eventually more in the line of acrylic painting.  She became president of the Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League.  She no longer is president of that group.  Mary now belongs to the Pittsburgh Society of Artists where she was juried into the group.  She has had her work display at The Galaxie in Chicago,  Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Monroeville Library, Gallery Sim, Boxheart Gallery, Southern Allegheny Museum of Art, Saville Gallery in Maryland and various other galleries around Pittsburgh.  Her Study in Pastels won an Award of Excellence from Southern Allegheny Museum of Art.  Mary also came in second place in the Jerry's Artarama Faber Castel Contest. As time went on, Mary decided to focus more on her art work and began teaching students how to paint with Acrylic.  She also began a YouTube channel, Pittsburgh Artist Studio, where she gave free art lessons in acrylic to future artists around the country.  Unfortunately, Mary developed chronic back issues, and she had to give up her teaching.  She has had two back operations to alleviate the pain, but the second operation really didn't help.  It has caused more painful issues.  Therefore, it is difficult for her to paint a long period of time.  Currently, Mary devotes her time to illustrating her oldest daughter's books for children.  The books are a series about a little boy's adventures in his life.  Her books can be found on Amazon under her name “Nicole Leckenby”.  Additionally, she has illustrated a book for her younger daughter, Natalie Sebula, entitled “The Many Colors of Natalie”. In conclusion, now that Mary is retired, she has had more time to work on different art projects a little at a time.  She lives with her husband Steve and two dogs Grumpy and Sally.  She belongs to a group of wonderful women who review Bible Psalms each week. Since my minor in theology, I do enjoy reading various books on different religious subjects.  I am thankful for each day that I have and continue to work on the gifts God has given me. Natalie Belin: I am focusing on the arts. I am a creator with an ambitious attitude. I have no problem thinking BIG and dreaming BIG. While everyone else stays inside the lines, I boldly color outside the lines. Natalie resides near Pittsburgh, PA. She is 40 years old and loves adventures. Within these 40 years Natalie has experienced highs and lows. However, during the low points she was like water: adaptable, resilient, and always finding a way through. At toddler age, it was brought to the attention that she had high pressure in her eyes. However, nothing was really done about it because of her age. Typically, high pressures occur in older adults. After many years, one eye doctor took it seriously.  He prescribed eye drops and finally recommended a laser technique to open the tear ducts.  This alleviated the high pressure and since no eye drops have been needed. In 5 grade, she was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Her mother, Mary Dunn advocated for her until someone listened, and her teachers realized it was a real problem. Steps were taken to help Natalie focus more.  As she grew older, it was important to do activities that helped her focus such as cheerleading and possible careers in culinary. Because of the importance of focusing, Natalie decided that culinary arts would be beneficial.  Natalie graduated in October of 2004 from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute with an associate's degree in Specialized Technology Le Cordon Bleu Program in Patisserie & Baking.  While there, she was elected class president. The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute offered externships to various prestigious areas to hone the craft.  Natalie's externship was at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulpher Springs where she was ultimately hired. However, Natalie decided to return to Pittsburgh after a car accident. Natalie continued to work as a pastry chef for about five years. After, she decided to further her education, and Natalie graduated in December of 2023 from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. Some of her academic achievements are National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Sigma lambda-Alpha Chi Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh, Delta Alpha PI Honor Society. During her academic life, Natalie became an Emmy nominated producer for Pitt to the Point (a class focusing on the news as well as behind the scenes of a news/magazine program that covers the City of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh regional campuses as well as national and international events.) Currently, Natalie is in a Graduate Certification Program which is also at the University of Pittsburgh. The Certification is in Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law (SEAL). She hopes to use this program as a steppingstone to complete her master's degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Arts Law. In addition to the SEAL certification, one could say that Natalie is a woman of many colors.  She works full-time as an Administrator for the Rehabilitation Science Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. This is where she provides administrative support for general program management, advising and faculty. Another aspect of Natalie's many colors is writing.  Several years ago, she wrote a poetry book called The Many Colors of Natalie. This is a book for 18+. There are several illustrations in the book that complement the poems. Mary Dunn, Natalie's mother, created the illustrations. In August of 2020, Natalie launched The Many Colors of Natalie Blog. She started this blog to give a new perspective to Pittsburgh other than being known for sports. This allows individuals the ability to educate themselves on different variations of Pittsburgh's art or artists as well as bringing awareness to the art scene. Natalie's motto is Love Art & Support Your Local Artist! Additionally, Natalie has been a model/actor since 2012. Most of her work consists of being an extra in various music videos and movies. Furthermore, she is an ambassador for Ambassador Sunglasses and Just Strong Clothing. Just Strong Clothing's Mission “We are a clothing brand on a mission to empower those who are not just strong for a girl, they are just strong. Whether you are an experienced lifter, a new starter or have simply overcome great adversaries in your life, the JustStrong community are here to empower and motivate you to never give up.” “Ambassador was formed to extract, refine, and exhibit the marriage between what was and what will be in fashion culture. When wearing Ambassador, you break the mold of the mundane to embrace your unmatched individualism.” Besides being an ambassador, Natalie became a Creative Percussion Artist in 2020. “Creative Percussion is a family-owned business, established in 2018, and run by husband-and-wife team, Kevin and Cheri Feeney.” Her picture is on the site as a CP percussion artist. Not only is Natalie a musician, but she dabbles in various mediums in art. Her mixed media piece Peace, Love, and Woodstock is currently in the Woodstock Museum located in Saugerties, New York. “The purpose for the Woodstock Museum is: To gather, display, disseminate and develop the concept and reality of Woodstock, encompassing the culture and history of a living colony of the arts, with special emphasis placed on the exhibition of self-sustaining ecological technologies. To encourage and increase public awareness of Woodstock by providing information to the general public through cultural events, displays of artifacts, outreach programs, communication media events and personal experiences, and to contribute, as an international attraction, to the cultural life and prosperity of our region; and to engage in all lawful activities in pursuit of the foregoing purposes.” Lastly, Natalie and her mother Mary Dunn started a side hustle several years ago. Mother and Daughter Collaboration (vending show name) is a great opportunity for Natalie to showcase her entrepreneurial skills in addition to her art. Their Etsy name is Maker's Collab Studio. In conclusion, Nat is excited for the future, and to see what is in store. She considers herself to be dynamic and resilient. Even those who know Natalie would say the same.  Regardless of what she has been through, she keeps going. She realizes that the tough times eventually do end. In self-reflection, the “tough time” may have been a life lesson, or a possible steppingstone to what's next in her life. Only time will tell. Natalie will always be a supporter of the arts, and she will always create in some way. As Natalie ages, she sees the importance of advocating for the disabled. At one point in her life, she was embarrassed about sharing her learning disability because she felt that we live in a society where having a disability isn't necessarily welcomed and is frowned upon. Do not fear individuals who need special accommodations.  Instead, educate yourself. Try being that individual who needs certain accommodations, and the accommodations are not provided or easily accessible. Progress has been made in educating the ignorant. However, there is more work that needs to be done. Ways to connect with Natalie & Mary**:** Blog website: Home - The Many Colors of Natalie Personal website: Home | natalie-sebula-belin Book of poetry: The Many Colors of Natalie: Written by: Natalie Belin - Kindle edition by Dunn, Mary, Leckenby, Nicole, Merlin, Grace, Palmieri, David. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Facebook: (1) Facebook Instagram: Natalie Sebula (@themanycolorsofnatalie) • Instagram photos and videos Etsy: MakersCollabStudio - Etsy About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson  01:21 Hi everyone, and welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset. We're doing something that we've done a few times before, and we get to do it again today. We have two people as guests on unstoppable mindset this time, mother and daughter, and that'll be kind of fun they have, between them, lots of experiences in art, but in all sorts of other kinds of things as well. They live in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and I'm not going to say a whole lot more, because I want them to tell their stories. So I want you to meet Natalie bellen and her mother, Mary Dunn. So Natalie and Mary, both of you, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  02:03 Well, thank you for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  02:03 having us. Yes, we're happy to be here. Thank you. Michael Hingson  02:06 Well, let's see. We'll start with mom. Why don't you tell us something about the early Mary growing up, and you know what? What life was like growing up? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  02:18 Well, growing up, I was born in Pittsburgh. I was actually born on in the south side of Pittsburgh, and it was called St Joseph Hospital, and now it's an apartment building, but we lived here. I've lived here all my life. I lived in Hazelwood until I was about the age of three. Then we moved to Whitaker, Pennsylvania, and now I'm in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. So it's like we hopped around a bit. Growing up in my family was a little bit difficult. I had been bullied quite a bit by my cousins, so it kind of like left you know how it does with bullying. You know, it's not like today. Of course, I didn't want to go out and do something terrible to myself. It's just that it left my self esteem very low, and I just kind of stayed and was by myself most of the time. So until I grew up, I graduated from high school, I went to West Midland, North High School, I graduated in the same class as Jeff Goldblum. Although I didn't know him, I knew that he was very talented. I thought he was more talented on a piano than he was with acting, but he is still he's still very good with the piano, with his jazz music, and that's basically it. I've been in West Mifflin now for she's been quite a bit Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  03:49 since I was in seventh grade, and now I'm 40 years old, so we've been here a long time. Michael Hingson  03:54 Yeah, so it's sort of like 3027 years or so, or 28 years? Yes, well, Natalie, tell us about you when it was like growing up in and all of that. Sure. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  04:08 No problem. So I grew up in Whitaker for the most part, my yearly eight years, like until about fifth grade, I guess about like fifth grade, and then we moved, well, we just moved to a different house and whatever. Yeah, that when we moved for the second time, it was more in a neighborhood with kids, so that was, like, a lot more fun. And we played like tag and all that. So that my early years, I remember that like playing tags, swimming, I love, like skiing on the water, jet skis, stuff like that. Definitely. I loved running around. And I loved dance as a kid too, that was a lot of fun. Michael Hingson  05:00 Okay, and so you went to high school? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  05:05 Oh, yeah, I went, Yes. I went to West Midland area high school, and I graduated in 2003 in 2004 I graduated from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute as a pastry chef and part of the things that I had to do to graduate, I had to do, like, about a six month internship where I resided in white sulfur springs, West Virginia, and I got to do my externship at the Greenbrier, and that was pretty exciting, because it has quite the history. There. People love it there for Well, one of the things that sticks in my mind is Dorothy Draper, who decorated that resort. Her taste is very cool, because she went bold, like with flower print and stripes mixed together for wallpaper. There's stories in history behind the sulfur water there. And then most people might know the Greenbrier for their golf courses, for the golf course actually, or in history about the sulfur water Michael Hingson  06:26 now, you had high eye pressure for a while after you were born, right? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  06:31 Oh, yes, the eye pressures. That's quite the story, let me tell you so at a very young age, like different doctors and eye doctors that I went to. They knew that I had high pressures, but they didn't seem like it was a big issue. But my mom had the inkling that I needed to go to a different doctor when I was like, I guess you Middle School, Michael Hingson  06:58 yeah, yeah, you were about now, was there a lot of pain because of the pressure. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  07:02 I didn't even know was happening, so I wasn't in discomfort or anything. So they said, don't they kind of dismissed it. So I wasn't worried about it, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  07:14 Neither was I. But you know, like eventually we did go to a doctor and he said, Oh, my goodness, you have these high pressures. And it's, it could be like glaucoma. We don't ever see that in a young person, you know, they haven't ever seen anything like that. He was just amazed by it. And go ahead, you can finish this. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  07:36 Dr Al, I have so much respect for him, because he truly took care of my eyes for a very long time. I started seeing him in middle school, and I saw him up until, like my late 30s, and he I would see him quite frequently, because he would always monitor those pressures, because he knew the importance of that and how they could damage my eyes and I can lose my sight. So he always had me do like fields test eye pressure checks, because your pressures in your eyes can fluctuate throughout the day. So I would come in in like different times of the day to make sure they're not super high and stuff like that. He would prescribe me on different eye pressure medications like eye drops, because the they like the eye drops would help my eyes to it to regulate the pressures to a certain point, and then my eyes would get used to them, it seemed like, so then we would have to go to a different prescription. I caused that doctor a lot of stress, I think, because he was always thinking about my case, because it was so rare. And he went to a conference, actually, and brought that up at a conference, and at that conference, they said for me to get the laser, laser procedure done to Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:10 open the tear ducts. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:12 Yeah, yeah. And luckily, that solved it. Michael Hingson  09:18 Wow, so you so the the tear ducts were, were small or not draining properly, correct? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:26 Yeah, it was points where, like, if I wanted to cry, no tears would come Michael Hingson  09:31 out, no tears would come out. Well, yeah, yeah. Then you also discovered, or somehow you you learned about being Attention Deficit Disorder. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  09:45 Yeah, so, um, when I was from like one or like, from kindergarten to third grade, I went to a Catholic school, and I didn't seem like there was anything. Being really wrong. But then when I went to a public school, I was really having a hard time grasping the material, and I would get really frustrated when I was at home trying to do the homework and I just wasn't understanding. I believe the educators there said like I was also behind, which could have been part of the issue. But my mom would like try to help me with my homework, and it was like Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  10:28 it was hard. She would, she would get so frustrated and throw the papers and just, you know it, because it was very difficult for her, and we really couldn't under I couldn't understand why. You know this was happening, because my, my other daughter, I never had issues like that with so we had, I guess we were told to go. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  10:53 I think that was Miss Lenz in fifth grade. Yeah, she had me get tested for a learning disability, and with all the testing that was done with that, they said that I had attention deficit disorder. So whenever that diagnosis was made, I was able to get like teacher teaching aids to help me through tests to help me understand the curriculum a little bit better. Tutors did the counselor Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  11:28 I well they I did take her to get tested outside of school, and that's they actually told me some things that could help her with this. And then I went to the teachers, and the teachers, some of them, didn't, like, actually take this into consideration. They, they didn't really realize attention deficit disorder at that time. It was new. And so they, they kind of said, well, we don't, we don't believe in that or whatever. And I said, Well, can you just have her, like, sit up front, because she would pay attention more and she would focus better, because that's the problem she couldn't focus on. So it took a while, and then finally, the principal in the fifth grade, he had a meeting with the teachers us, and he actually was the one who brought that to their attention, that this is a problem, that attention disorder, you know, does occur, and some of it is hyper, just hyperactive disorder. So it luckily she didn't have that part of it, but it was the focusing, and we just got her more involved in things that she could learn how to focus. They recommended cheerleading, they recommended culinary school, and I think that really helped her to learn more on focusing. But she still has anxieties and things like that. It's still Michael Hingson  13:03 it's still there. So why culinary school? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  13:07 So that is such a fun question. When my grandma used to watch me, she was very particular on what I was like watching. She didn't want me to watch anything like super crazy or out there. So I would always watch cooking shows, and I thought he was so unique, the different recipes and everything that these chefs were making. And I love some of their personalities, like emerald, he was always so hyper and loud, so fun. And it was interesting to see the different types of foods that they were creating that, like certain countries make. You know, I love Spanish food. It's so good. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  13:55 She decided not to even get into that part. That was the thing. She wanted to be a pastry chef, yeah, Michael Hingson  14:02 something to be said for chocolate chip cookies. But anyway, go ahead. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  14:07 Yeah, she makes a good one, too. At Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  14:10 this point, I don't even know why. What drew me to baking more than culinary I think the two different styles are cooking are very interesting, because like with cooking, you don't have to be so exact with the measurements and everything with certain things like the spices and stuff. If you don't like rosemary, you don't have to put it in there. But with baking, it's definitely more scientific. Have to be more accurate with the measurements of certain ingredients, like baking soda, because it's lavender and like, altitude will totally screw up your baking Yes, so many reasons that elevation is so important. So yeah, so Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  14:59 mine's to it. Or whatever, you know? Yeah, Michael Hingson  15:01 so you went and did an externship, and then what did you do? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  15:06 So with the externship, I was there for a little bit over six months, I was officially hired, and I graduated from culinary school, but, um, I got in a car accident. So that's like, why left? So I was in baking professionally for about a total five years, and then I went back to school. Sorry, that's grumpy. Can you hear him barking? 15:36 I'm sorry. I'll go. No, no, it's fine. Michael Hingson  15:41 So why did you leave culinary? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  15:43 Um, I was just ready for a change. Because I started working professionally when I was like 19, so by my mid 20s, I was just ready to go back. I mean, that is a very demanding field. You're working several hours. Um, you're working with all types of personalities, certain pressures, long days sometimes. And I was just ready to see what else was out there for me. Michael Hingson  16:12 So you went back to school to study, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  16:15 yes, so my when I graduated in 2023 with my undergraduate degree, it was in humanities, and it focused on three areas of art, music, studio, arts and theater. The main focus was theater, okay? Michael Hingson  16:39 And so, what did you do with that? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  16:42 So with that degree, I did several different things. I wrote a poetry book, which I provided a link so people can access if they would like to purchase it. I created a blog in 2020 called the many colors of Natalie, and I created a blog to help bring a different perspective to Pittsburgh, other than just it being a city for sports, because there's a lot of talented artists out there, and plus, like during a pandemic, that caused a lot of strain on a lot of things, and I was really worried about certain venues that were iconic here closing and completely wiping out the whole art industry here, you know. So, um, with that too, I also, um, I was doing music at the time as a percussionist, and that's when I got introduced to creative percussion products, and I was using that with the different performances that I was doing. And I ended up being one of their artists featured on their page, website or website, yeah. Okay, yeah, and I also volunteered at a local dance studio called Lisa de gorrios dance, and I got to work with the younger kids, and I did that for a couple years. So that was interesting to see what it was like to teach and put on performances. It's a lot of you get to see the behind the scenes and time management and stuff like that. Also, I'm thinking here for a second, sorry. How about, oh, we, my mom and I created an Etsy shop. So we started a few years ago, called Mother Daughter collaboration, a vending that was like our vending show name, and we did that for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  18:56 we've been doing that for a while. Yeah, we, we put different products up. I kind of tend to do my artwork, and she puts up some things also in art, we have, we have interesting things like CD, telephone, covers, cases, purses, you know. And we're working on a new product now to to put on to the Etsy shop this year. We didn't do many vending shows. I had surgery last last year on my back, and I had a hard time recovering because it was pretty expensive. So we're hoping to get that going again this year, or towards the end of the year, when the Christmas shows start happening, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  19:47 we did, um, create an Etsy shop called makers collab studio, and we were focusing more on that this year. Um, so we do have, like, a variety of different products. Um. Um, which I also provided the link to the Etsy shop. If anybody wants to check out our products and what we have, that'd be great if you stop checked out that. Michael Hingson  20:11 Yeah, my late my late wife, was a quilter and tried to run an Etsy shop, but people didn't want to pay any kind of real prices for handmade quilts, because they just thought that quilts should be, like, 50 or $75 and that just wasn't realistic. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  20:30 But, well, that's, that's the trouble. What we're seeing also, yeah, we do, I do, like, we do t shirts and things like that too. But people it. I don't think people realize what's behind the whole process. No, or they don't care. No, you know, I mean, there's a lot involved as far as your equipment. When it was covid, I was, well, I'm retired, but I was working part time, and I was able to, you know, get what is it, you know, workers, whatever, yeah, you know, yes. And with that money, I actually bought like things to do, T shirts, like the heat press and different parts to like a cricket that we can do things with. And so, you know, like the things that you know, you still have to buy supplies, even with my artwork, it's so expensive anymore, when I first started back in, you know, when my kids grew up and they were on their own, where I really focused on it, and I can't believe the expense of it. You know, it's just, it's everything's expensive these days. So, yeah, really watch what you're doing and how you approach it too. You know, you can't spend a lot of money on things. We don't have, like, a whole backlog of products. I mean, we just do a few things and hope that the things that we make are sellers, you know, Michael Hingson  22:05 yeah, well, and I hope it, it can is more successful for you going forward. That's a useful thing. You You've done a lot Mary with with art over the years, but you've also had other, other kinds of jobs where you've worked for some pretty large companies, and you've been reading your bio, you faced some sexual harassment issues and things like that, haven't you? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  22:29 Yes, yes, that was difficult boy, and I didn't realize that at the time I went to college late in life because I was getting divorced and I needed a job that I could take care of my family, my girls, and so I decided to go to college and my my mom and dad watched my kids while I went to school, which was nice. And the first job I had was with the gas company here, and I was called a technical Fieldman. And what I would do is, like, I would draw pipeline installations and the and sometimes I would fill in as a supervisor. When I filled in first as a supervisor, it was great. I mean, the guys were decent. We always came to a conclusion. I always trusted what they're you know what they would say about pipeline? Because I knew nothing about pipeline. It was all new to me. But when I would go back to the office, it was, it was just like crazy things that would happen. I mean, I won't go into detail, and I started writing these things down because I thought this just doesn't seem right, that these people are saying these things to me or doing these things to me. I had a nice little book of all these incidents that happened, and I went to the HR department, and they wanted me to confront these people in my office, to tell them how I felt. Well, that, to me, would have made everything worse, because that's just that, you know, kind of work environment. So luckily, I was, I was promoted into a job that lasted two years, and then my job was eliminated. So that was my first, my first thing with that was the only time I really had sexual harassment that was really bad. I went on to another which was the program for female Well, I worked for a university for a while, and then I went into the program for female offenders, which was really interesting work. I enjoyed that it was like people that were out on that needed to, that were like drug addicts and and they were looking for a new way. They had been in jail and this incarcerated, and they came into this. Program they had that was part of their incarceration or parole. They had to do this, this program, and that was so interesting. I mean, it was just heartfelt, because you just saw these people that were trying so hard to make a good life for themselves and not to go back to their original way of living. And unfortunately, that was all grant money. And that job ended also so that, you know, and I was a transportation planner, I did a lot of things, and then I ended up going back into the gas industry. I worked for an engineer, and we were working in the production side of everything. So he had drove to you wells, and we had leases, and I took care of those. And I liked that job for about 10 years. I stayed there, and then I I retired. I was getting tired of it at that point. Michael Hingson  26:02 Yeah. Why was your first why was your first job at the original gas company eliminated? Or when you were promoted and you said it was eliminated, yeah? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  26:10 Well, that's what I like to know why it was eliminated. I think sometimes that job was just to keep me quiet. That's how I felt. I mean, I, I they, they knew that I was upset and that I didn't like what was happening. And I think it was just to keep me quiet, and they realized that that job wasn't going to last, but it was a marketing job. We were using different ways to use gas, alternative fuel vehicles, fuel cells, you know. So it was an interesting job, too, but it it didn't really have the supervisor we had was not really a person that pushed the product, you know. So that could have been the reason, too, that they eliminated a lot of that. Yeah, so I wasn't the only one that went I mean, there was another person in that at that time, and eventually that whole department was eliminated. Now that gas company, they sold all that off, and another gas company took it over and equitable. Still is EQT here, and they work, I think at this point, they work with the leases and things like that, and horizontal drilling, they call it. Michael Hingson  27:38 So now that you're retired, what do you do? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  27:41 Well, for a while there, Michael Hingson  27:44 in addition to Etsy, yeah, for Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  27:47 a while, I was actually doing hair. I was my first, my first, I guess, employment type, or whatever. I went to beauty school, and I became a cosmetologist, and I also became a teacher in cosmetology. So when I first became all that the money wasn't so great. I worked my first job. I was so excited I had this job because I thought I was going to be making millions. You know, they they really pump you up in in beauty school that you're going to really succeed and you're going to make this money. Well, my first job, I worked over 40 hours at that job, and I only got $15 in my first pay. It was like we had to stay there the whole time until everyone was finished working. So the girls that had their clientele that they worked the whole day and into the evening, like till eight o'clock. Maybe we had to stay till eight o'clock. Even though I didn't have anybody to do. I might have had one person that day, yeah, so that that wasn't too I just worked at that for a few years, and then I decided to leave and take care of my family. Yeah, well, that that I went back to it when I retired, and it had changed significantly, making pretty good money. I was only working three days a week, and I did pretty well. But then my back. I had the issues with my back, and I couldn't go back to it, which really upset me. I really love that job. Michael Hingson  29:29 Well, things happen. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  29:31 Yeah, it does. You know, I'm happy not to stay at home. I figured now that I'm actually 73 years old now, so I think I I should retire Michael Hingson  29:47 and enjoy my life a little. Well. So Natalie, you graduated in 2023 and so then what did you start to do? And what are you doing now? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  29:57 So what I'm doing now is I'm. Still focusing on the Etsy shop, but I also got into a graduate certificate program, and this certificate is in sports entertainment and arts law, and I really hope to use this program as a stepping stone to complete my master's degree in the sports entertainment and arts law program. Michael Hingson  30:25 What exactly is a graduate certification program, as opposed to a master's degree? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  30:32 So that's a great question. So the certificate program is like a newer program, and it's like the only one in the world, I'm pretty sure, that focuses on sports, entertainment and art. So it's like a newer, more modern type of learning program. And this certificate is a great stepping stone, and for me to check it out before I actually go in to the master's program. This is, like, my second week, and I love it so far, and all these classes that I'm doing, and if I keep my grades up and everything, will apply to the master's program if I get in. Michael Hingson  31:15 Okay, well, so Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  31:20 less credits than, like, what you would need for a master's program, and it's less I don't need a textbook. I have these things called nutshells, where I'm pretty sure, like, I'll be studying different types of cases or something like that through that. So it's like online stuff. Michael Hingson  31:43 The Okay? And how long do you think it will take you to complete that Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  31:49 the certification program should be about a year, and it's all online, okay? Michael Hingson  31:55 And how, how long have you been doing it so far? Just two weeks. Oh, so next August, yeah, yeah, yeah. And the hope is then you can use that to go forward and actually work toward getting a master's degree. Which, which sounds pretty cool, yeah, for sure. What do you want to do with it once you get a master's degree? Well, like Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  32:20 all those points like sports entertainment and arts, I think is Pittsburgh is a great city to represent all of those. And I hope to help represent like clients, maybe do like to protect their works and them as an artist. And I would like to hopefully get into paralegal work. That's what I'm focusing on right now. Michael Hingson  32:47 So is school pretty much full time for you these days? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  32:51 No, it's still part time, and that's what I like love about this program, because, like all week, you'll be doing 10 hours outside of so I still work full time as an administrator in the SHRS program, and I am the administrator for Rehabilitation Science. So yeah, it's great to have like, bosses and everything that support me in my educational journey, because that makes my life a lot easier too. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  33:26 Yeah, that's some great bosses. Michael Hingson  33:29 Well, it's good to have some people who tend to be a little bit more supportive. It helps the psyche when you get to do that. Yes, yeah. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  33:39 Because the one thing that I noticed with this program, it is definitely more manageable, because, like the undergrad program, I did enjoy the process. For most parts, some of it was really challenging. But the undergraduate program, it was really hard for me to get late night classes. Most of those classes that I had to take were I had to be in person, so like late classes were pretty hard to get, but my bosses allowed me to take earlier classes so I could help finish the program faster, but I just had to make up that time. Right? Michael Hingson  34:28 When did you discover that you had artistic talent? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  34:32 Um, I don't know if I ever really discovered that I had the talent, but I was very passionate at a young age, like when my mom was going back to school, I always loved watching her paint, because she had like the painting classes. I always thought so I like sit on the floor and watch her paint. And at a very young age, I was in the dance class. Do you remember the name? A France Dance School of Dance, France School of Dance. And I love dance class so much. I remember one time the dance school was closed because of a holiday, and I was, like, so upset, like, I didn't believe, like, the dance school was closed and I didn't understand, like, why I wasn't allowed to go. So they called the school and it went straight to, like, the answering machine so they could prove, like, it was closed and nobody was there. I was like, ready to show up. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  35:30 She wanted to go, yeah. She was just about three or four when she was taking the dance classes at that time. Yeah. But then it became on, you know that they both the kids were involved, but I couldn't afford it anymore. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  35:45 So dance is very expensive. Yeah? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  35:48 Well, you know, like, at that time too, I was going to school, and I didn't have much of a salary, and I was living with my parents, so, I mean, and they were retired, so it was, like, very tight. Yeah, right. Michael Hingson  36:04 Well, it nice to have an enthusiastic student, you know, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  36:13 so true. Well, Michael Hingson  36:15 so you've created the many colors of Natalie blog, tell me about that. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  36:22 So I reach out to different artists that were that are located in Pittsburgh or at one time, working or living in Pittsburgh. So this is like musicians, photographers, actors and they, I I create questions for them, for them to answer in their own words, like advice that they would give, or funny stories that they had while working in the field. And that's that's the main point of the blog, because I want it to be a resource for people and for them to also see, like, why that genre is cool. And I think another reason that motivated me to create that blog is some people just don't see an importance to art, and I find that so offensive. Like, yeah, so I just wanted it to be as an educational type thing as well. Michael Hingson  37:28 How long has the blog been visible? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  37:33 So it's been visible for about five, six years now, five years, yeah, and I did over like 50 some posts. Michael Hingson  37:45 Do you do that with consistency? Or So do you have one, like, every week or every three weeks, or every month, or something like that? Or how does that work? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  37:53 So when I first started, I was consistent with the posts I don't ever leave my blog, like, not active for like a year. Like, I always try to post something, but it's a little more challenging to do a post. Like, every month, whenever I'm working, going to school, volunteering for different things, running the Etsy shopper, vending so I had to cut it back a little bit because that is just me running it. Michael Hingson  38:30 So you've also created a mixed media piece. First of all, what is a mixed media piece? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  38:35 You want to explain Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  38:36 the mixed media? Oh, well, a mixed media is like different mediums. It could be paint, it could be pictures, and it's posted on a board, a canvas, or whatever it can be in a journal. You know, you just use various types of mediums. It could be using lace, it could be using fabric, it could be using, like I said, pictures, paper, and they call it mixed media. So she decided she wanted to create a mixed media. I had a huge canvas that was given to me. It was like 36 by 36 giant. It was huge, and I knew I couldn't do anything on that, because I don't paint big. I like to paint on smaller canvas, like an eight and a half by 11, or eight and a half by 14. So she, she decided she wanted to use that Canvas for something. But you go ahead and tell them. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  39:38 So, um, whenever Woodstock had their 50th anniversary, and I believe that was around 2019 I had the opportunity to go to yaska's Farm and camp where the original campers from the very first Woodstock would stay in that. Campsite was like, right next to this yaska farms. So I took some pictures of it, like me with the yaska farm house. And so it was very inspirational to go to that because I was doing research on what Woodstock was, the original Woodstock. And what that was about, I talked to Uber drivers that were actually at the original Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite musicians, and for him to not be there, I was like, so sad. Very sad. So with all the education experience. I needed to release that. And I took my mom, let me have that canvas, and like I created a mixed media giant collage, and I got that into the Woodstock Museum in Socrates, New York. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:01 Wow, it's actually there now, Michael Hingson  41:04 yep. How long has it been there? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:07 I believe got that in there? Yeah, about two years. Michael Hingson  41:13 Wow. So it's kind of almost a permanent piece there. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:17 I hope so. I hope they keep it there for sure. What? Michael Hingson  41:21 What prompted them to be interested in having it there. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  41:25 So I that piece was so giant, and I loved how it turned out, and I wanted that more than just in my house, my art pieces are very close to me, because that's like my soul and my work, and I want it out there to somebody who cares about it. So I reached out to Shelly nation, Nathan, because they, I believe, are the owners of the Woodstock Museum, and they were more than happy to have it. I had it shipped out there. And then, whenever the season was to reopen the museum, I went out there and visited it. And it's a very great it's a very cool place. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:10 Recommend, yeah, she, she was interviewed by them, also, right? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:14 Oh, yeah, we did go on a radio station. And that was also a cool experience, because I was never on a radio show at that time. Cool. Michael Hingson  42:25 Well, that's pretty exciting. I have not been to the Woodstock Museum, so that might be something to explore at some point when I get get back there next that'd Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:35 be great. Yeah, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  42:37 all those things like, you know, like I grew up during that period, of course, I didn't go to the Woodstock. Original Woodstock wouldn't let me do that. I was only 16 at the time, and but I mean, you know, like, like looking back at that and and seeing how all those people were there, and not nothing terrible happened, you know, I mean, hundreds of 1000s of people, and nobody got hurt. Well, they might have passed out, maybe from things, but nobody was, like, shot or killed or and like today. I mean, you can't you're so afraid to do anything today, you don't know what's going to happen. And it just was a different time. And the musicians that were there. I mean, that music was is still good today. You know, it's it, it hasn't faded. And I wonder sometimes about today's music, if it will continue to be popular in years to come, or if it's just going to fade out. You know, we won't know that, and so well I won't be here, probably Michael Hingson  43:44 we won't know for a while anyway, yes, but I did hear on a radio station a rebroadcast of a lot of the Woodstock concerts that was kind of Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  43:56 fun. Yes, yes. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  44:00 Sorry I didn't mean to cut you. Go ahead. Go ahead. When I was talking to like the Uber drivers and stuff like that, and people who were at the original Woodstock, it seems like they were reliving that experience when they were telling the stories. I mean, it was great. Michael Hingson  44:15 Yeah. Well, you play creative percussion. First of all, what is pre creative percussion? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  44:23 So I actually have that written in some notes, what it actually is. So do you mind if I read off my notes? Michael Hingson  44:30 You're welcome to however you want to answer, perfect. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  44:33 So I was asked to be a creative percussion artist in 2020 and creative percussion is a family owned business established in 2018 and run by husband and wife team, Kevin and Sherry Feeney. They're great. I've had the opportunity to talk to them very much a couple of times, and my pictures also on the site. Um. Uh, under like my stage name now is a Bulla. So if you scroll down spell that it's S, E, B as a boy, u as in unicorn, L, L as in Len and a is an apple. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  45:16 Okay, what types of things, kinds Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  45:18 of there's various types of shakers that I played because of various bands that I was in, I was the percussionist, so I played tambourine and stuff. But like, they have uniquely shaped shakers, like there's the hatch shakers, which I love them. They had a baseball shaker, and these little golf ball shakers, and they all carry different sounds, and they really blended differently with the type of song that I was playing was playing, yeah, so it's cool, Michael Hingson  45:53 yeah, so interesting. So you you play them as part of being with a band, or what Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  46:01 for the most part, yeah, sometimes there was an acoustic band or just like a full band, and either way, I tried to have those pieces blend into the song. What I didn't learn when I was doing that is and an acoustic you really have to be on your game, because, like, if you mess up, like, people are gonna hear it more than if you're in a full band. So, yeah, right. Michael Hingson  46:38 So you do you still do that? Do you still play Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  46:42 at this time? I don't, um, just because I wanted to focus on other things, so I took a step back from that. Michael Hingson  46:51 Do you think you'll do more of it in the future, or Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  46:56 possibly, but like, that's how I am. I kind of just like, experience it, do it until I'm ready to move on to something else. Michael Hingson  47:04 So you flit, you flip from thing to thing, yeah, yeah, yeah. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  47:10 So, like, if you ever follow me, you might just see, like, me evolving and just trying other things. Michael Hingson  47:19 Well, you're adventurous. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  47:22 Yes, I love adventure. Michael Hingson  47:25 Nothing wrong with having an adventure in the world and getting to really look at things. So what are you doing now if you're not doing creative percussion and so on? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  47:38 Well, for the last couple months, I was helping my mom recover from like the back surgery. And then I was I was focusing on my blog, just really paying attention to that, getting certain interviews, and then schooling, getting ready to go into the certificate program. Michael Hingson  48:05 So you think you're gonna go ahead Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  48:09 and I'm setting up the Etsy shop. Michael Hingson  48:13 So you're pretty excited about seal, the sports entertainment, art and law. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  48:19 Yes, I'm very excited about that. I was very excited to get into the program. The professors are great. The whole programs like really good. The people involved in it, they seemed, they seem really organized and let me know what I need to do to get into the program. And they are really nice. If I have a question, they're happy to answer it. I love the curriculum, so I hope you go, Well, Michael Hingson  48:46 do you experience anything any more dealing with like attention deficit? Oh, 100% it still creeps up, huh? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  48:55 Well, it's more anxiety than anything. But like this program, I think, is to help calm my anxiety with just different things that are set up. And like, how responsive the professors are and how nice they are. But my goodness, when I was in my undergraduate program, like I was really pushing myself, and I would like, of like, when 2020, came around in the pandemic, I needed to talk to my doctor and get on meds, like I could no longer not do that without meds. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  49:29 Yes, she was, she was struggling. It was tough. Yeah. I mean, when I went for my Bachelor's, I I I wasn't working. She was working. When I went for my master's, I was working, but, and I know how hard that is, you know, trying to balance things, especially I was working at equitable at the time, and the things that I was going through and being, you know, filling in for supervisors was I. I was on call, like, 24 hours a day, and it, you know, like that was, I can see how difficult it is to do both. It's just, I know what she was going through there, and she goes through it, but she did well. She graduated sigma, sigma cum laude. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  50:17 Yeah, I did get some honorary, like accolades for like, whenever I graduated. So that was pretty exciting, because the hard work did pay off. Michael Hingson  50:29 What do you think about studying and attending classes virtually as opposed to physically being in the room? Hybrid learning? Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  50:38 Some people may have an issue with that, but I personally, cause I was working full time and it was hard for me to get later classes, I preferred the online learning, but I understand, like some of the classes really did need me to be there, like the theater classes, and I was okay with that. I don't mind either, either or, but it just seems like online learning is more manageable. For me, it Michael Hingson  51:08 takes more discipline to to stick with it and focus on it, as opposed to being in the classroom. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  51:14 Um, yeah, I agree, but I think which, which is not a negative thing, by the way. Oh, yeah, no, no, no, I totally understand, but I think, um, I forget what I was going with that. Michael Hingson  51:26 Sorry. Well, we were talking about the fact that more discipline dealing with, Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  51:33 Oh, yeah. Oh, that's right, thank you. It's just, um, I think if you truly want it, you're gonna put forth the effort in anything. You know, it's may not always be enjoyable, but like, if you want it, you'll put through it. You'll push through it, like with high school, my mom knows, just like from elementary to high school, like that curriculum, I was just not feeling it, but I knew I had to stick it out. I wanted to be a high school dropout. I voiced that many of times, but like, I knew if I wanted to get to culinary school, I had to really focus on my academics through then and just try to push through and just do it, do what I had to do to graduate. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  52:19 Yeah, it's such a different environment to high school, I believe, you know, like I found that I really enjoyed college. I enjoyed my subjects. They went fast. The classes went fast. It was fast paced, but it was an I learned more. I you know, I think that slowness of the way that they do things in in the high school, it takes them like three weeks to get through one chapter, you know, and so it, it just, it just made it a big difference. And I, I wished I could continue to go to school. I think I was a really good student. Michael Hingson  52:59 I think one of the things about college is, and I've talked to several people who agree, is, you certainly learn from the courses that you take, but College offers so much more with with with the extracurricular activities, with the interaction with people, with The greater responsibility. College offers so many more life lessons if you take advantage of it, that really makes it cool. And I, I always enjoyed college. I liked it a lot. Natalie Belin & Mary Dunn  53:29 Yeah, yeah, I did too, I think with some of my challenges and frustrations, not only with my learning disability, but like the fact that

In today's episode, Vickie and Angela talk through the various transportation options that are available at Disney.  They'll walk you through the pros/cons of each as well as how to maximize the possibilities based on your needs. Be sure to join them as they talk through it all! Follow us on all our social media accounts on Facebook and on Twitter at @Mousecapadespod. Thinking about being a guest on our show, or have a question or comment? Contact us anytime via text or phone at 636-373-4497. Have a magical day my friends!

Stephen Nessen, transportation reporter for the WNYC and Gothamist newsroom, talks about the latest transportation news including the results of the first year of congestion pricing, mayor Mamdani's announcement on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign, and more.

The radical Left is accusing an ICE agent of murder after a woman appeared to try and run him over in Minneapolis today. Washington made an egregious ‘error’ when reporting the state’s carbon reduction. // LongForm: GUEST: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Alaska’s new order of Boeing jets and cracking down on states issuing CDL’s to illegal immigrants. // Quick Hit: Sydney Sweeney is in a new hit film.

HT2496 - Transportation and Photography With very few exceptions, my photography is thoroughly dependent on my ability to transport myself from one location to another. The only time I don't use a car to go photographing has been my trips to Japan and China. Even there an important part of my success in photography relies on an effective transportation strategy. I never used to think about this in my youth, but now a transportation strategy has become a huge requirement I dare not ignore or take for granted Show your appreciation for our free weekly Podcast and our free daily Here's a Thought… with a donation Thanks!

In the 8 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Bethany Mandel discussed: WALTER CURT INTERVIEW: Independent investigative journalist details Somali fraud investigations in Ohio, including Jubba Jubba Daycare and Somali Education Resource Center profiting from government programs. MINNESOTA FRAUD HEARING: House Oversight Committee clashes over Somali community's role in welfare fraud, with Republicans highlighting statistics and Democrats pushing back on generalizations. DC TRAFFIC CAMERAS: Department of Transportation proposes banning automated traffic cameras in D.C., potentially costing millions in revenue but celebrated by drivers, amid pushback from city officials. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Thursday, January 8, 2026 / 8 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, the U.S. Department of Transportation has officially withheld $160 million in safety funding from California following a dispute over commercial driver's licenses. The state missed a critical deadline to revoke thousands of licenses issued to foreign drivers, a situation federal officials describe as a systemic collapse of safety protocols. Shifting to the rails, the Surface Transportation Board has introduced a proposal designed to give captive shippers access to competing lines through reciprocal switching. By removing the requirement to prove anti-competitive conduct, this regulatory change aims to foster competition and offer more options to businesses served by a single railroad. Additionally, a new quarterly report from U.S. Bank and DAT warns that a shrinking carrier pool could cause shipping costs to spike rapidly if demand rebounds. The episode wraps up with a preview of today's FreightWaves TV lineup, featuring discussions on trucker wages, the Logistics Manager Index, and the outlook for manufacturing in 2025. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In "Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking", Joe Lynch and Rishi Mehra, VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. Rishi Mehra As VP, Product and Engineering, Rishi Mehra is primarily responsible for overseeing the company's technology, products and engineering in North America. Mehra has been with Trimble since 2014, and previously served as a senior product manager and director of web products for ALK Technologies (now a part of the Trimble family). In that role, he led the product management and go-to-market activity for all web solutions globally and helped establish the commercial transportation-focused web digital platform within the organization. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking In "Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking", Joe Lynch and Rishi Mehra, VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. The Power of a Connected Ecosystem: Trimble is more than a mapping company; it is a platform that connects shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers. Rishi emphasizes that they don't have to provide every single solution themselves. Instead, they prioritize an open, scalable platform that allows partners (even competitors) to integrate, ensuring the customer has a seamless flow of data across their entire tech stack. Mapping as a Profitability Tool: Mapping technology is now a primary driver of ROI. By using tools like PC*Miler, carriers can plan the most cost-effective routes by factoring in state-specific fuel prices, tolls, and equipment-specific restrictions. Rishi notes that in a tight economy with low operating ratios, these "small" routing efficiencies are often the difference between a carrier being profitable or losing money. Preventing "Nuclear Verdicts" Through Safety Tech: Safety isn't just about avoiding accidents; it's about protecting the company from existential legal threats. Trimble's CoPilot Navigation prevents bridge hits (a major source of liability) by using precise commercial vehicle data. By investing a few dollars a month in truck-safe routing, fleets avoid the "nuclear verdicts" that have historically bankrupt multi-generational trucking companies. Hyper-Local Weather and Traffic Intelligence: General weather alerts are often too broad to be useful. Through a partnership with Weather Optics, Trimble provides a risk index score for specific road segments. This alerts drivers to hydroplaning risks, high winds that could tip empty trailers, and snow accumulation in real-time. This data also flows to dispatchers, allowing them to proactively reroute freight before a driver gets stuck. Solving the "Driver Utilization" Problem: The industry is shifting its focus from a "driver shortage" to a "driver utilization" problem. Trimble uses data analytics to track dwell times and detention at shipper facilities. By providing drivers and dispatchers with predictability regarding how long a stop will take, fleets can better manage Hours of Service (HOS) and ensure drivers aren't wasting their legal driving windows sitting at a dock. Combatting Sophisticated Cargo Theft and Fraud: Cargo theft is becoming increasingly high-tech, involving "spoofing" and "double-brokering." Rishi explains how Trimble uses connectivity to protect assets—for example, disabling fuel cards if the truck's GPS shows it isn't actually at a fuel bay. This level of integration between telematics and financial tools provides a layer of security that manual processes cannot match. The New "Three-Letter" Revolution: AI: The interview marks a transition in the industry's technological evolution. After the eras of GPS, TMS, and ELD, the next major frontier is AI. Trimble is integrating AI into its new TMS to automate mundane tasks, power "autonomous workflows," and provide predictive insights that help the industry move goods "safer, greener, and faster." Learn More About Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking Rishi Mehra | Linkedin Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected with Rob Painter The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation with Jonah McIntire The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

When a new U.S. presidential administration is inaugurated, federal agencies experience changes in leadership and staff. Nicole Nason served as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation during the first Trump Administration. She understands as well as anyone the challenges of pursuing policy priorities in transportation while navigating the often choppy waters of politics in Washington, D.C. Ms. Nason joins us today to discuss her passion for public safety inspired by her father, who was a motorcycle cop in New York State; reminisce with Allan about their time together as agency leaders in Washington; and urge others to pursue a life in public service. | View the United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions (Plum Book) mentioned in the episode

The MTA has phased out MetroCards in favor of tapping and OMNY cards. Listeners call in to offer their tributes to the iconic yellow cards, which date back to the 1990s. 

A blackout that left one-third of San Francisco customers without power – some up to three days – was one of six outages that plagued PG&E throughout the holidays. Disabled Waymos blocked streets. The Nutcracker was cancelled. Restaurants and businesses were closed. Customers and politicians are demanding answers and calling for the end of PG&E's monopoly. We'll talk about the blackout and what it can tell us about the reliability of  our power sources and Waymo's vulnerabilities, and we'll  hear how it affected you. Guests: Joe Eskenazi, managing editor and columnist, Mission Local Jeffrey Tumlin, former Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Brad Templeton, entrepreneur, writer; Templeton is the chairman emeritus of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and previously worked at Waymo Bilal Mahmood, supervisor, District 5, Board of Supervisors San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin Clark interviews Charles Gordon Jr., the Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Rutland High School in Macon, Georgia. Charles shares his journey from being a military kid with a passion for athletics to becoming an Athletic Director. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple roles, including coaching cross country and basketball, dealing with administrative responsibilities, and the importance of mentorship. Charles also talks about the significance of fundraising, transportation logistics, and managing limited resources. Tune in to learn about the insights and lessons Charles has gained throughout his career and how he's adapting to his new role as AD.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:52 Journey to Coaching03:09 Returning to Macon04:49 Educational Background and Coaching Roles05:40 Challenges and Lessons in Coaching13:50 Fundraising Strategies19:10 Transportation and Facility Management24:37 Transition to Athletic Director32:56 Coaching Challenges and Adaptations33:56 Managing Multiple Sports and Coaches34:19 Uniform Management and Logistics43:50 The Importance of Energy and Consistency45:30 Evolving Coaching Philosophies48:30 Empowering Assistant Coaches54:59 Adapting to Team Needs and Overcoming Challenges01:03:59 Reflecting on Growth and Future Plans

America’s growth from a rugged frontier nation to the globe’s industrial superpower in the space of 100 years can be explained by one word: coal. Before coal dominance, American buildings were defined by height limits imposed by stonework. The tallest building in the 1830s was Baltimore’s 235-foot tall Phoenix Shot Tower. Transportation also worked poorly without coal. The early wood-fired 4-4-0 locomotives struggled with top freight speeds around 15 mph and pulling trains of approximately 450 tons. The transition to coal and cheap steel enabled the steel-supported 555-foot Washington Monument and allowed massive coal-fired trains to achieve express passenger speeds up to 100+ mph and haul loads over 4,000 tons. For a century the entire world was dependent on coal. It powered railroads, built urban skylines, and provided warmth, light, and power for families rich and poor. Although the American economy soared, society unknowingly suffered from coal’s debilitating health and environmental impacts. Skies were so dirty that on some days, visibility was limited to a few feet. Coal miners frequently died from cave-ins, explosions, or contracting black lung. Towns like Centralia in Illinois were fundamentally destroyed by an underground fire started in 1962 that continues to burn. Today’s guest is Bob Wyss, author of “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal.” We look at a range of figures that were part of coal’s story, from a largely unknown and unrecognized Pennsylvanian inventor who helped spark the Industrial Revolution to a prominent society clubwoman who clashed with the powerful coal forces in Utah that were fouling the air and sickening residents. It also includes clashes between powerful tycoons, coal miners, and the American public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 questions that will shape Texas politics in 2026For this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor look ahead in the new year to discuss Gov. Greg Abbott's power, Democrats chances and the issues that will dominate election season.

Scheim is excited to see which NFL Quarterbacks change teams. Curtis reacts to a potential new transportation bill in MA that would limit how many miles people are able to drive per year, Courtney reacts to Cardi B defending Stefon Diggs.