Podcasts about Turkmenistan

This week, in honor of Halloween, we're presenting two classic stories about facing fears for science.Part 1: As a newly minted PhD student in geology, Erik Klemetti starts to question his decisions when Aucanquilcha, a 20,000-foot volcano in Chile, proves difficult to tame. Part 2: Explorer George Kourounis finds himself growing increasingly anxious as he prepares to enter a fiery sinkhole known as the “Doorway to Hell.” Erik Klemetti is an associate professor of Geosciences and volcanologist at Denison University. He works on volcanoes all over the planet, from Chile to New Zealand to the Cascades of Oregon and California. His research focuses on how crystals record the events inside a volcano before and between eruptions. For the past 9 years, he's been teaching all the “hard rock” classes at Denison. He also writes for Discover Magazine. His blog, Rocky Planet, have been running since Fall 2017. Before that, he wrote Eruptions, a blog about volcanoes, for Wired Science for 9 years. You can also find him on Twitter (@eruptionsblog), variously tweeting about volcanoes, baseball (mostly Red Sox and Mariners) and his love of punk. George Kourounis is a renowned global explorer and storm chaser who specializes in documenting extreme forces of nature including: tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, deserts, caves, avalanches and more. He is an Explorer In Residence for The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, served as the Chairman of the Explorers Club Canadian Chapter, and has received several awards and medals for his efforts. He frequently finds himself driving into the eye of fierce storms, or descending ropes into actively erupting volcanic craters, often while hosting television programs including “Angry Planet” and others. He has given five TEDx talks, and has addressed the United Nations Environmental Emergencies Forum. George's expeditions have taken him to over 80 countries on all seven continents to such far-flung places as: Madagascar, Turkmenistan, Vanuatu, Greenland, North Korea, Myanmar, and Antarctica.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max and Maria spoke with Clayton Seigle about how new sanctions from the Trump administration could potentially impact Russian energy revenues. Additionally, they discussed the effects of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries. This conversation was recorded on October 23, 2025.

Today, we're examining a region that's rarely in the spotlight in the international energy debate, yet has enormous potential: Central Asia. Specifically five countries characterised by a long tradition of fossil fuels, but also by an abundance of sun, wind, and water: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Are these countries already tapping into their potential for a sustainable energy future? We'll get up to speed in regards to their political strategies and investment programs driving the transformation. What are the biggest hurdles in terms of regulation, financing, and infrastructure? How important are international partnerships in making this region a key player in the global energy transition? We talk about this with Elena Metzger. About Elena Metzger Elena Metzger leads the German Energy Dialogues with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). She has been the driving force to shape the Energy Dialogues into a key platform for political and technical exchange on energy efficiency, industrial decarbonization, renewable energies, and green hydrogen. She is also team leader for Central Asia, Türkiye, and the South Caucasus in the International Cooperation Department at the German Energy Agency (dena). About the bilateral Energy Partnership Central Asia With regard to cooperating in the field of energy policy, achieving international climate goals and making climate neutrality a reality by 2045, the German Government's bilateral Energy Partnerships (EPs) have become one of its most important international energy and climate policy instruments. The growing network strengthens political dialogue on climate protection and energy system transformation between Germany and partner countries worldwide. The declared aim of this cooperation is to shape a successful global energy transition that combines security of supply, decarbonisation of industry and foreign trade promotion with effective climate protection. Today's episode is supported by Weidmüller, a specialist in electrification, automation, digitalisation, electrical connectivity and renewable energies. The family-owned company celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and is a true solar pioneer, boasting over 20 years of experience in PV. With more than 80 locations worldwide, Weidmüller markets combiner boxes, communication infrastructure and installation accessories for utility-scale and rooftop systems.

Max and Maria spoke with Leah Kieff and Vlad Lupan about the outcomes of the recent Moldovan parliamentary elections at the end of September, and why they're significant for both Moldova, and the broader region. This conversation was recorded on October 14, 2025.

Từ ngày 08 đến 10/10/2025, tổng thống Vladimir Putin có chuyến thăm cấp nhà nước ba ngày tại Tajikistan vào thời điểm các nước Trung Á đang có những chuyển đổi địa chính trị trong khi Nga tìm cách duy trì ảnh hưởng đang dần suy yếu của mình do cuộc chiến xâm lược Ukraina. Về mặt chính thức, tổng thống Nga đến thủ đô Dushanbe để dự hai cuộc họp quan trọng : Thượng đỉnh Nga và năm nước Trung Á Kazakhstan, Kirghizistan, Ouzbekistan, Tajikistan, và Turkmenistan, và Thượng đỉnh Cộng đồng Các Quốc gia Độc lập (CIS) giữa Nga, năm nước Trung Á cùng với Belarus, Armenia và Azerbaijan. Trung Á : Sân sau chiến lược truyền thống của Nga Theo giới quan sát, những cuộc họp này còn là cách để ông Putin chứng tỏ Nga vẫn duy trì kiểm soát đối với « các nước láng giềng gần », những nước nằm trong vùng ảnh hưởng của Matxcơva, đặc biệt là tại Trung Á, đang trở thành vùng tranh giành ảnh hưởng giữa Trung Quốc và phương Tây. Nhìn từ góc độ lịch sử, Trung Á từ lâu được xem như là sân sau chiến lược của Nga. Và mỗi nước Cộng hòa có những nét đặc biệt và riêng biệt trong quỹ đạo thuộc địa Nga và Xô Viết cũng như là trong mối quan hệ của họ đối với Nga. Các mối liên hệ trong nhiều lĩnh vực kinh tế, thương mại, giáo dục và an ninh, quân sự cũng từ đó được siết chặt hơn. Nhà nghiên cứu về Trung Á đương đại, Isabelle Ohayon, trợ lý giám đốc Trung tâm Nghiên cứu về thế giới Nga, Kavkaz và Trung Âu, trên đài phát thanh France Culture, ngày 08/04/2025, nhắc đến Kazakhstan như một ví dụ điển hình : « Kazakhstan có mối liên hệ rất chặt chẽ và lâu đời với Nga, bởi vì nước này là quốc gia đầu tiên, là không gian đầu tiên bị đế chế Nga đô hộ ngay từ đầu thế kỷ XVIII. Đây cũng là đất nước, trước khi Liên Xô sụp đổ, có cộng đồng cư dân Nga và nói tiếng Nga đông nhất. Người Kazakhstan chỉ chiếm có 39% dân số vào năm 1991 so với tỷ lệ 70% hiện nay. Điều đó cho thấy là hiện tượng Nga hóa, sự hiện diện của Nga, cũng như sự gắn bó với nền văn hóa lớn của Nga theo nghĩa chung đã thâm nhập, thấm nhuần sâu sắc tại Kazakhstan hơn là các nước Cộng hòa khác. Nếu chỉ xét về việc sử dụng ngôn ngữ, tiếng Nga được dùng phổ biến, song ngữ phát triển khá mạnh mẽ ». Năm 1991, Liên Xô tan rã, nhưng các mối quan hệ đó vẫn tồn tại. Theo nữ tiến sĩ Laetitia Spetschinsky, chuyên ngành Quan hệ Quốc tế tại trường đại học Công giáo Louvain, Bỉ, trả lời phỏng vấn báo Bỉ L'Echo, « sự tan rã một đế chế không có nghĩa là toàn bộ cấu trúc được xây dựng trong suốt chiều dài lịch sử bị sụp đổ : Hệ thống liên thông đường sắt và các tiêu chuẩn công nghiệp vẫn được duy trì ». Về điểm này, nhà nhiếp ảnh người Ouzbekistan Timur Karpov, trong một chương trình trên đài truyền hình ARTE (19/11/2024), có cùng nhận định : « Nga luôn gây sức ép mạnh mẽ đối với Uzbekistan. Mối quan hệ giữa hai nước đã bắt đầu phát triển trong suốt thời kỳ Xô Viết. Vào thời điểm đó, toàn bộ giới lãnh đạo đất nước, bằng cách này hay cách khác, đều có liên hệ chặt chẽ với Nga. Hệ quả là việc nước tôi khó thể tách rời khỏi Nga cũng là lẽ tất nhiên ». Chiến tranh Ukraina : Bàn cờ Trung Á được xáo lại Nhưng việc Nga phát động chiến tranh xâm lược Ukraina đã làm thay đổi bàn cờ địa chính trị tại Trung Á. Những phát biểu của ông Putin sẵn sàng dùng vũ lực để chiếm lại những vùng lãnh thổ từng thuộc về đế chế Nga hay để bảo vệ kiều dân Nga ở hải ngoại càng làm gia tăng nỗi lo về an ninh tại các nước Trung Á. Điều này thôi thúc các nước trong khu vực cùng với một số nước vùng Kavkaz bắt đầu mở rộng các mối quan hệ với nhiều nước đối tác cũng như đối thủ của Nga, từ Trung Quốc, Liên Hiệp Châu Âu, cho đến Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ hay các nước Vùng Vịnh, nhằm tìm cách bảo vệ trước nguy cơ một cuộc tấn công mới từ Nga. Đối với năm nước Trung Á, cuộc chiến Ukraina một thời cơ tốt để thiết lập các mối quan hệ mới với nhiều cường quốc khác. Vladislav Inozemstsev, cố vấn đặc biệt tại Viện Nghiên cứu về Truyền thông Trung Đông, trả lời hãng Bloomberg, lưu ý, « tầm ảnh hưởng của Putin đang suy yếu, nhưng sẽ không kéo dài bao lâu ». Trong số các nước tận dụng khoảng trống quyền lực do Nga để lại, Trung Quốc là bên hưởng lợi nhiều nhất. Phóng sự của ký giả Heike Smith, ban tiếng Pháp đài RFI, nêu trường hợp cửa khẩu Khorgos, nằm giữa Trung Quốc và Kazakhstan. Tại đây, các hoạt động vận chuyển hàng hóa từ Trung Quốc sang châu Âu tăng vọt ngoạn mục kể từ khi chiến tranh Ukraina bùng nổ, theo như mô tả của Hicham Belmaachi, một doanh nhân người Maroc. « Từ khi xảy ra chiến tranh ở Ukraina, chúng tôi nhận thấy nhiều công ty quốc tế, đặc biệt là các hãng vận tải biển lớn nhất, đã rút khỏi Nga. Điều này đồng nghĩa với việc các hãng lớn vận tải đường biển quốc tế đã ngừng hoạt động tại Nga. Vì vậy, chúng tôi đã phải thiết kế lại hoàn toàn hệ thống kho bãi tại khu vực này. Cụ thể là Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan và Kyrgyzstan, thay vì nhập khẩu phần lớn sản phẩm từ Nga, nay đã chuyển hướng sang Trung Quốc ». Mối tương quan lực lượng cũng vì thế có thay đổi. Nga không còn thế ưu việt tại Trung Á như trước đây. Nếu như Matxcơva vẫn thống trị khu vực trong lĩnh vực an ninh, Nga lại bị Trung Quốc cạnh tranh trong lĩnh vực thương mại, công nghệ và thậm chí cả ngoại giao. Về điểm này, nhà chính trị học người Kazakhstan, Dossym Satpaiev, giám đốc trung tâm tư vấn Risks Assessment Group, trả lời RFI, nhận định cuộc chiến tại Ukraina đã mang đến một cơ hội tốt cho phép Kazakhstan giữ khoảng cách với Matxcơva. « Đúng là chúng tôi có đường biên giới rất dài với Nga. Khoảng 20% ​​dân số là người Nga. Dầu mỏ xuất khẩu của chúng tôi vẫn đi qua lãnh thổ Nga. Hơn nữa, một phần lãnh thổ Kazakhstan phụ thuộc vào nguồn cung cấp điện của Nga. Kazakhstan cũng nhận khí đốt từ Nga. Vì vậy, Nga vẫn có ảnh hưởng đối với Kazakhstan. Nhưng mặt khác, cuộc chiến ở Ukraina đã tạo cho Kazakhstan một cơ hội tốt để dần dần tách khỏi Matxcơva. Kazakhstan giờ đây phải tìm kiếm một đối trọng địa chính trị với Nga. » Trung Á : Thách thức mới cho Nga Không chỉ có Trung Quốc, nhiều cường quốc phương Tây cũng bắt đầu dòm ngó đến Trung Á, từ Liên Hiệp Châu Âu, Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ, cho đến nước Mỹ của Donald Trump, thông qua các thỏa thuận về đầu tư khai thác khoáng sản, vận chuyển và năng lượng. Trên đài RFI, Michael Levystone, đồng sáng lập Đài Quan sát Tân Á – Âu, chuyên gia về Châu Âu và vùng Á-Âu tại INALCO, nhận xét tiếp : « Đây là khu vực có tiềm năng lớn về năng lượng tái tạo, chẳng hạn như năng lượng mặt trời ở Uzbekistan, năng lượng gió trên bờ biển Caspi của Kazakhstan và Turkmenistan, và thủy điện, vốn đã rất phát triển ở Kyrgyzstan và Tajikistan. Một khu vực nằm ở ngã tư của các cường quốc : Nga, Trung Quốc, Iran, và cũng không xa Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ. Trong bối cảnh các lệnh trừng phạt rất khắc nghiệt đối với nền kinh tế Nga nhằm trả đũa cho cuộc xâm lược Ukraina ngày 24 tháng 2 năm 2022, khu vực này một lần nữa thực sự trở thành trung tâm thương mại xuyên khu vực giữa Trung Quốc và Liên Hiệp Châu Âu theo hướng Đông-Tây, và giữa Nga và Nam Á theo hướng Bắc-Nam. Đây là những quốc gia, các nước Cộng hòa Trung Á, đang nỗ lực tối đa hóa tiềm năng địa kinh tế mới này, gắn liền với việc điều chỉnh quy mô các hành lang giao thông đi qua khu vực này để kết nối các cường quốc kinh tế với nhau. » Dù vậy, giới chuyên gia đều nhận định, bất chấp cuộc chiến tại Ukraina, tầm ảnh hưởng của Nga tuy suy giảm, nhưng Matxcơva vẫn còn hiện diện đáng kể về mặt chính trị, kinh tế và quân sự trong vùng. Trang Bloomberg lưu ý, hàng triệu di dân Trung Á đang sinh sống và làm việc tại Nga gởi tiền, góp phần nuôi sống nền kinh tế trong nước. Kazakhstan, Kirghizistan và Armenia là thành viên của khu vực thuế quan chung do Nga điều hành. Còn Tajikistan tham gia vào khối liên minh phòng thủ với Matxcơva, trong khi Kazakhstan là quốc gia duy nhất trong vùng không có căn cứ quân sự Nga. Trong bối cảnh mới này, theo quan điểm của ông Michael Levystone, mục tiêu chuyến công du Trung Á của tổng thống Putin là nhằm chứng minh Nga vẫn có ảnh hưởng trong vùng. Trên làn sóng RFI, ông nhận định : « Nga đang phải đối mặt với sự cạnh tranh gay gắt từ Trung Quốc và các nước vùng Vịnh, đặc biệt là Các Tiểu vương quốc Ả Rập Thống nhất và Ả Rập Xê Út. Về đất hiếm, Liên minh Châu Âu và Hoa Kỳ rất chú ý và ngày càng hiện diện nhiều hơn. Năng lượng hạt nhân theo truyền thống là một trong những điểm mạnh trong chính sách ngoại giao kinh tế của Matxcơva trong khu vực. Ngoài năng lượng hạt nhân, còn có vũ khí Nga. Vấn đề nhỏ là tại Uzbekistan, Rosatom đã trúng thầu xây dựng một nhà máy điện hạt nhân, nhưng công suất lắp đặt đã bị tổng thống Mirziuyev hạ xuống đáng kể vào năm 2024. Và tại Kazakhstan, dự án xây dựng nhà máy điện hạt nhân trên Hồ Balkash thực tế đã được chính quyền Astana trao cho Rosatom vào đầu năm nay. Bộ trưởng Năng lượng Kazakhstan khi đó đã tuyên bố Trung Quốc sẽ được trao thầu xây dựng một dự án hạt nhân khác tại Kazakhstan. Vì vậy, chúng ta có thể thấy rõ ràng ngay cả ở đây, Nga cũng không hoàn toàn có chủ quyền. Các nước Trung Á, trong trường hợp này là Kazakhstan, vẫn có phản xạ muốn cân bằng mọi thứ để tránh, về cơ bản, giao phó một phần đáng kể an ninh năng lượng của họ cho riêng Nga. »

This week's show starts of with Rachel telling us about the Door to Hell. Seems like a fitting topic as we approach Halloween. But what is it? The Door to Hell is also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan. It is a pit of fire that has burned for perhaps 50 years. It is the result of a drilling project gone horribly wrong. It reminds us a bit of the Burning Mountain in Australia from Episode 68 called "Dead Man's Fingers."  Victoria is up next with the strange fish the Arctic Char. We're likely watching speciation take place as this one fish species has an amazing range of sizes and behaviors. Due to the amazing number of "morphs" present, the Arctic Char has been called the "most variable vertebrate on Earth." Kirk wraps up this week's show with a bizarre creature feature, the Sea Squirt. This strange creature lives a double life and not even Rachel and Victoria suspect that it is actually not an invertebrate.    Join us weekly for more strange nature. Our supporters on Patreon get every episode ad-free!  Support us: patreon.com/strangebynature Email us: contact@strangebynaturepodcast.com Visit us at: strangebynaturepodcast.com  where you can sign up for our episode emails.

Abdylla GeldiyevFounder & Managing DirectorUndiscovered Frontiershttps://undiscoveredfrontiers.com/Abdylla Geldiyev is the founder and managing director of Undiscovered Frontiers, a boutique travel company based in Michigan. A lifelong traveler and advocate for immersive, culturally rich experiences in Central Asia, his journey into tourism began in 2005, when he was asked to guide an Italian writer/enthusiast researching the native dogs of Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert. What started as a chance opportunity quickly grew into a passion and ultimately a career.Over the years, Abdylla built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and trusted guides in Turkmenistan, leading archaeological, cultural, and special-interest tours for international operators, museums, travel clubs, and guidebook writers. Later, in a sales role, he expanded his expertise across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.In 2016, Abdylla moved with his family to the United States to pursue the American Dream. After completing his studies in business at Loyola University and sharing his valuable and hands on experience with U.S.-based travel companies, he launched Undiscovered Frontiers together with his curious son, Iskender, offering transformative journeys across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Turkey, and beyond. Fluent in four languages, Abdylla brings both a global perspective and deep local knowledge to every journey he curates.summaryIn this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Abdylla Geldiyev, founder of Undiscovered Frontiers, about travel in Central Asia, particularly the Five Stans. Abdylla shares insights on the unique experiences travelers can have in these off-the-beaten-path destinations, the growing popularity of the region, and the cultural richness that awaits visitors. He also discusses his personal journey from Turkmenistan to the United States and the establishment of his travel company, emphasizing the importance of authentic cultural interactions and unique travel experiences.takeawaysUndiscovered Frontiers offers off-the-beaten-path experiences in Central Asia.The Five Stans are gaining popularity among travelers seeking unique adventures.Each Stan has its own unique beauty and cultural heritage.Travelers often find that their experiences exceed their expectations.Tourism infrastructure in the Stans is improving, with investments in hotels and transportation.Cultural interactions with locals enhance the travel experience significantly.Abdylla's journey from Turkmenistan to the U.S. showcases the power of resilience and opportunity.Undiscovered Frontiers aims to provide innovative and creative travel experiences.Traveling to Turkmenistan requires a letter of invitation and a local guide.The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with different cultures. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

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We continuously hear of the atrocities happening in Central Asia. Then there's the devastation of Russia's war with Ukraine with thousands of lives lost. There's the Taliban's control of Afghanistan with those living there having to flee to other nations. As devastating as these issues are, what must not be ignored is the fact that the persecution of believers continues. In spite of this, the Gospel is flourishing. People are coming to Christ and churches are being planted. The burden of the laborers is heavy. They need help to take care of physical needs to grant relief to many who are hurting or suffering. That opens the door to Gospel ministry. Are you willing to help? Appearing on Crosstalk to tell us more was "Timlar Kovalchuk" (Koh-vul-chook) (a pseudonym used to protect him and others). Timlar has been actively involved as a missionary in evangelism for nearly 28 years, the last 15 in outreach to Muslims in Central Asia. Beginning with Ukraine, Timlar noted how it's getting increasingly worse around the Kiev area. In spite of that, he's seen military members coming to Christ while other individuals have come to Christ via camp ministry. Timlar also recounted plans for a youth camp in Turkmenistan. Somehow the secret police (KGB) found out about it, followed up on the youth contacts and began to threaten the parents with loss of work as well as jail time. This is just two examples of what Timlar and his co-laborers in the Lord are having to face, yet the Gospel is moving forward. In fact, as it pertains to the Gospel's impact in Ukraine he said "...it's been beautiful to watch." Listen in as Timlar recounts more!

We continuously hear of the atrocities happening in Central Asia. Then there's the devastation of Russia's war with Ukraine with thousands of lives lost. There's the Taliban's control of Afghanistan with those living there having to flee to other nations. As devastating as these issues are, what must not be ignored is the fact that the persecution of believers continues. In spite of this, the Gospel is flourishing. People are coming to Christ and churches are being planted. The burden of the laborers is heavy. They need help to take care of physical needs to grant relief to many who are hurting or suffering. That opens the door to Gospel ministry. Are you willing to help? Appearing on Crosstalk to tell us more was "Timlar Kovalchuk" (Koh-vul-chook) (a pseudonym used to protect him and others). Timlar has been actively involved as a missionary in evangelism for nearly 28 years, the last 15 in outreach to Muslims in Central Asia. Beginning with Ukraine, Timlar noted how it's getting increasingly worse around the Kiev area. In spite of that, he's seen military members coming to Christ while other individuals have come to Christ via camp ministry. Timlar also recounted plans for a youth camp in Turkmenistan. Somehow the secret police (KGB) found out about it, followed up on the youth contacts and began to threaten the parents with loss of work as well as jail time. This is just two examples of what Timlar and his co-laborers in the Lord are having to face, yet the Gospel is moving forward. In fact, as it pertains to the Gospel's impact in Ukraine he said "...it's been beautiful to watch." Listen in as Timlar recounts more!

Max sat down with Tina Dolbaia and Vasabjit Banerjee to talk about their new CSIS paper, "Guns and Oil: Continuity and Change in Russia-India Relations." They delve into the history of the Russia-India relationship, how it's been impacted by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and what to watch for going forward. "Guns and Oil: Continuity and Change in Russia-India Relations," by Tina Dolbaia, Vasabjit Banerjee, and Amanda Southfield (August 2025, CSIS)

En plats kan vara lika betydelsefull som relationen till en människa. Nazanin Raissi hittar ett ord som uttrycker smärtan i att älska en plats. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. ESSÄ: Detta är en text där skribenten reflekterar över ett ämne eller ett verk. Åsikter som uttrycks är skribentens egna.Om eftersommaren är nätterna klara och luften ren. Formationer av flyttande fåglar drar fram över utspridda gråa tegelhus med platta tak. I ravinerna nära källorna växer snår av träd – cypress, en och poppel. Torra dalgångar och karga klippor omsluter kransar av fruktträdgårdar. Horisonten är bruten och det högsta berget är en utslocknad vulkan. Det är 810 kilometer till havet. Jag minns ljuset, stenarna och färgerna – kalkvit, malakitgrönt, bergblått och matt turkos. Min första kärlek var en plats, som inte går att återvända till.Vi är omgivna av dem, platserna skriver filosofen Edward S Casey. Vi lever i dem, delar dem med andra, förlorar dem och dör i dem. Men vad är ens en plats? Är det ett landskap? Är det en gata? Är det latituder, longituder, grader, minuter och sekunder som möts? Är det en unik sammansättning av natur och kultur eller vad? En plats är ett bestämt läge med särskilda drag. En plats kan vara i nästan vilken skala som helst – från ett hörn i ett rum till en hel stad – beroende på hur vi väljer att rikta våra avsikter och vår uppmärksamhet. En plats kan vara ett tryggt hem, en tragedi eller leda och tristess som en bara vill komma bort ifrån. En plats rymmer en variation av betydelser och identiteter som inte är underkastade strikta klassifikationer. Framförallt är en plats, framhåller geografen Edward Relph, en specifik, djup och komplex del av människans existens, lika nödvändig och betydelsefull som relationen till en annan människa. Fotografen Sally Mann tar hjälp av det suggestiva och gäckande walesiska ordet “hiraeth” /hi-rajth/ för att beskriva den “navelsträngsliknande anknytningen till en plats”. Hiraeth är särdeles finkornigt och svåröversättligt. I ett enda ord förenas hemlängtan och vemod, melankoli, saknad och förlust över en oåterkallelig plats, verklig som imaginär. Ingen vet med säkerhet när det började användas men det uppstod ur behovet av att uttrycka smärtan i att älska en plats. Mann kallar det “platssmärta”. Ett språkligt påhitt som ger tillträde till känslor som annars inte nås så enkelt. Det är platssmärta som driver henne. Med en jättelik storformatskamera, ett transportabelt mörkrum och en samling esoteriska och explosiva kemikalier nålar hon fast den amerikanska söderns platser i sepia och svartvitt, igen och igen i decennier. Edward Relph menar att det behövs ett språk som gör det möjligt att identifiera den betydelse som människa och plats har för varandra. Han använder därför begreppen “Insideness” och “Outsideness” Två flytande zoner som representerar ett innanför åtskilt från ett utanför, ett här separerat från ett där, “kosmos istället för kaos” och som påverkar hur människan förhåller sig till sin omvärld. Skiljelinjerna mellan innanför och utanför är många – stadsmurar, nationsgränser, dörrar, portar och trösklar som inte bara markerar gränsen mellan insida och utsida utan möjliggör en passage där emellan. Zonerna utgör platsens essens och kan förstås utifrån människans upplevelse av tillhörighet, trygghet och omsorg om platsen. Förflyttningen från innanför till utanför är som att ryckas bort från cypresserna, kransarna av fruktträdgårdar, ravinerna, stenarna och färgerna in i ett fotografi av fotokonstnären Annika Elisabeth von Hausswolff med titeln, Okänd Plats. Att plötsligen stå i ett övergivet grustag beväxt med björksly, tall, gran och gräs någonstans, varsomhelst, uppe i Norden.Den mest djupgående upplevelsen av plats beskriver Relph som ett tillstånd av omedveten men ändock laddad samhörighet och förankring i platsen. Ett existentiellt centrum som är en del av ens varande med vissheten om att det är här jag hör hemma. Är det kanske därför världen är beströdd av lånade ortsnamn – Lilla Mogadishu i Nairobi, Karlstad i Minnesota, Granada i Filippinerna. Spår av rörelser, erövringar, makt och längtan hem. Eller en tro på att namnen, likt magiska tecken, skulle kunna tämja allt det främmande. Edward S. Casey resonerar att plats så ofta tas för självklar att den överskuggas av tid och rum. Men den bör ses som något i sig självt, inte ett ogripbart fenomen utan konkret och levd. För människan har sitt hem i en värld med djup och horisonter, porösa gränser, märkliga utbuktningar, fåror, rännilar, plana ytor, och utkanter, fortsätter han. Det är genom platserna vi upplever och förstår tiden, rummet och oss själva. För platser har en förmåga att samla liv och inre saker – tankar, minnen, drömmar, språk och historia. Kanske är platsen inte bara scenen för dessa skeenden utan en förutsättning för att de alls ska kunna bli till. Vad annat bär på en sådan kraft?“Känslan av plats, den påtagliga känslan av plats, den med ögonen slutna känslan av plats” skriver konstnären Roni Horn om Island, dess glaciärer, strandlinjer, lavafält, vikar, floder och intensiva stillsamhet. I Horns pågående encyklopedi med titeln To Place, har Island blivit ett verb, en händelse och tidsbärare. Ja, något som likt en ömsesidig relation formas snarare än något statiskt och givet. I fotografiska verk med titlar såsom “Becoming a Landscape” “Att bli ett landskap” gestaltar Horn hur förståelsen av plats förvandlades av mötet med Island. Att platser inte är fixerade punkter på en karta utan något lika levande och föränderligt som människorna som bebor dem. Det är härifrån jag har den klaraste bilden av mig själv och min relation till världen, säger Horn. Tiden borde göra att anknytningen till en förlorad plats bleknar, men det tycks vara tvärtom. Varför är det så? Våra personliga geografier bor i våra kroppar även när det inte längre finns något att komma tillbaka till. Likt konstnären Sophie Ristelhuebers fotografiska serie med den tvetydiga titeln “Eleven Blowups”, alltså Elva förstoringar eller Elva explosioner, som visar digitalt bearbetade bilder av platser i Turkmenistan, Syrien, Irak och Västbanken. Platser som till följd av våld och konflikter kollapsat. Kvar är kratrar och bottenlösa håligheter i marken. “Kroppar och platser delar ett ödesdigert band” skriver Casey. Den ena existerar inte utan den andra. Våra kroppar är alltid placerade någonstans – bundna till platser som vi lutar oss mot, griper tag i, “går över och färdas igenom”. Vi minns dem, åkallar dem i deras frånvaro. De äger en sorts emotionell varaktighet. Långt efter sin kollaps vibrerar de fortfarande. Varför skulle annars cypresserna, kransarna av fruktträdgårdar, ravinerna, stenarna och färgerna fortsätta orsaka smärta likt en förlorad arm; platssmärta. En fantom av platsens närvaro. Nazanin Raissi, psykolog och konstnärProducent: Ann Lingebrandt Litteratur:Edward S Casey: The Fate of Place: A Philosophical History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997. Paperback ed., 2013.Roni Horn: Island Zombie: Iceland Writings. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2020.Roni Horn: To Place: Becoming a Landscape. Denver, CO: Ginny Williams, 2001. Artist's book.Roni Horn: “‘Iceland Could Have Been Anywhere': Roni Horn on How to Be Present Amidst Shifting Landscapes.” Interview by Jan Howard. Artspace, July 14, 2017. https://www.artspace.com/magazine/interviews_features/book_report/roni-horn-phaidon-54896. Accessed August 21, 2025.Sally Mann: Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs. New York: Back Bay Books/Little, Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, 2016.Edward Relph: Place and Placelessness. London: Pion, 1976. Reprint, 2008.Sophie Ristelhueber: Eleven Blowups. Paris: Bookstorming, 2006. Artist's book.Annika Elisabeth von Hausswolff: Alternative Secrecy. Stockholm: Moderna Museet; Köln: Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther und Franz König, 2021. Exhibition catalogue.

Rob, Nico and Nick discuss Nico’s international dating prospects, Turkmenistan, baseball, 80s music videos, lanternflies, treehouses and much more. Chat with the TMT Community on Discord!… The post Two Cents Radio: Episode #416 – 90 Day Nico appeared first on Too Many Thoughts.

Rob, Nico and Nick discuss Nico’s international dating prospects, Turkmenistan, baseball, 80s music videos, lanternflies, treehouses and much more. Chat with the TMT Community on Discord!… The post Two Cents Radio: Episode #416 – 90 Day Nico appeared first on Too Many Thoughts.

Rob, Nico and Nick discuss Nico's international dating prospects, Turkmenistan, baseball, 80s music videos, lanternflies, treehouses and much more. Chat with the TMT Community on Discord! For More TMT Shenanigans: toomanythoughtsmedia.com E-mail: toomanythoughtsmedia@gmail.com Subscribe and Rate on Apple Podcasts

Max and Maria spoke with Stanford professor and former ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul to talk about his latest book, and where things stand today in U.S.-Russia relations. Pre-order Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder by Michael McFaul (HarperCollins, October 2025) "The Real Meaning of Putin's Middle East Failure: Russia's Allies in the Region Couldn't Count on Moscow — and Neither Should China," by Michael McFaul and Abbas Milani (Foreign Affairs, July 2025) "Putin, Putinism, and the Domestic Determinants of Russian Foreign Policy" by Michael McFaul (International Security, Fall 2020)

The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: What is the capital city of Turkmenistan? Question 2: What is the capital city of Italy? Question 3: Lilongwe is the capital city of which country? Question 4: What is the capital city of Peru? Question 5: Beirut is the capital city of which country? Question 6: Which of these countries borders Sweden? Question 7: Where would you find the city of Athens? Question 8: Which mountain is the highest peak in Turkey and is considered a national symbol? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max had wide-ranging conversation with Jade McGlynn while she was traveling in Ukraine. Topics covered include the Ukrainian war effort, the situation behind the lines in the Russian-occupied territories, and the recent protests in Ukraine against perceived efforts by the Zelenskyy administration to limit the independence of domestic anti-corruption agencies. This conversation was recorded on August 1, 2025 "Crossing Thresholds: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Occupation," by Jade McGlynn (June 2024, CSIS).

Meet Abdylla Geldiyev, founder of Undiscovered Frontiers Travel and a true testament to courage and perseverance. Born and raised in the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, Abdylla's story is one of relentless determination to overcome barriers and forge a path to share the magic wonders of his homeland and other lesser-known destinations with the world. Together we explore Turkmenistan's dazzling and little-known treasures to the warmth of Turkmen hospitality. Abdylla breaks myths about visiting this off-the-beaten-path country, reveals stories of travelers whose brief visits turned into lifelong friendships, and reminds us how travel can bridge worlds and change lives.Abdylla's inspiring narrative reminds us that travel is more than sightseeing and more a bridge between worlds and a catalyst for profound change in the lives of both traveler and host. Hear how one person's perseverance inspires us to see travel not just to explore, but to heal, connect, and change the world.Only on Speaking of Travel! Tune in. Thanks for listening to Speaking of Travel! Visit speakingoftravel.net for travel tips, travel stories, and ways you can become a more savvy traveler.

Hear about travel to Turkmenistan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Abdylla Geldiyev, Managing Director of Undiscovered Frontiers,  about an itinerary for one week in this seldom-visited country in Central Asia. Turkmenistan remains one of the least explored destinations in the world. From Ashgabat, a city of Guinness World Records and futuristic white marble architecture, to ancient Silk Road cities and surreal desert landscapes, this itinerary combines history, archaeology, and natural wonders. Why Visit Turkmenistan? Abdylla describes Turkmenistan as a country for seasoned travelers seeking the unusual: Surreal landscapes like Yangykala Canyon and the burning Darvaza gas crater Silk Road cities such as Merv and Konye-Urgench A capital city (Ashgabat) filled with world-record-breaking monuments, the largest indoor Ferris wheel, and the world's largest handmade carpet Rich traditions of Turkmen carpets and the legendary Akhal-Teke horses Sunday arrival in Ashgabat to experience the Tolkuchka-Basar, a sprawling Sunday market alive with carpets, animals, and handicrafts. Suggested One-Week Itinerary in Turkmenistan Days 1–3: Ashgabat and Surroundings ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-turkmenistan-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max and Maria give their takes on the recent efforts to negotiate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. They analyze the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, and then the meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders at the White House.   This episode was recorded on August 20, 2025.

Eliot and Eric welcome Fred Starr, former President of Oberlin University and current Chairman of the Central Asia and Caucasus Institute (CACI). They discuss the current situation in Russia and highlight the logistic difficulties and enormous human and material losses that Russian forces are facing. They also discuss Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan which are rich in mineral and hydrocarbon resources but have been governed by strongmen in the post-communist era. Finally, they conclude the conversation with an overview of the Caucuses highlighting the desire of many former Soviet states to escape Moscow's imperial shadow. Red and Hot: The Fate of Jazz in the Soviet Union: https://a.co/d/a8EbOiO Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Max and Maria spoke with Harley Balzer and Sergei Guriev about the recently released volume, Failure. Russia Under Putin. This conversation was recorded on July 17, 2025. Failure. Russia Under Putin is available now from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Jaridani leo tunaangazia mada kwa kina inayokupeleka katika Hospitali hiyo kusikia wanavyolitekeleza suala la unyonyeshaji hasa kuwaelimisha akina mama wenye hofu ya kunyonyesha kutokana na changamoto zao nyingine za kiafya. Mengine ni kama yafuatayo.Ushahidi unaonesha kuwa unyanyasaji bado ni jambo la kawaida katika huduma kwa wajawazito na watoto wachanga, limesema shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Afya duniani, (WHO) hii leo. Mathalani katika nchi nne, utafiti umebaini kuwa zaidi ya asilimia 40 ya wajawazito walikumbana      na kauli chafu wakati wa kujifungua ili hali zaidi ya asilimia 60 walifanyiwa uchunguzi sehemu zao za siri bila idhini yao.Mkutano wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa nchi zisizo na bandari za baharini, LLDCs ukiendelea huko Awaza, Turkmenistan, shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Maendeleo, UNDP limetaka kubadilika kwa fikra ya kwamba nchi hizo kama vile Rwanda na Uganda zina mkwamo wa kibiashara na maendeleo. Mwakilishi wa UNDP nchini Ethiopia Dkt. Samuel Doe akizindua mpango mpya wa kuonesha faida za nchi hizo kwa muunganiko wao kwa njia ya ardhi amesema…. hii leo LLDCs zinatumia vema uwepo wao kimkakati, katikati ya Afrika  na muunganiko wa kikanda kuwa vitovu muhimu vya kuunganisha nchi kiuchumi , biashara na ubunifu. Wataalamu wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa haki za binadamu leo wamesema ili kuzuia vifo zaidi na mateso kutokana na njaa huko Gaza, Israel inapaswa kurejesha mara moja ruhusa kwa mashirika ya Umoja wa Mataifa ya kibinadamu kuingia bila vikwazo vyovyote eneo la Palestina inalokalia kimabavu.Na katika kujifunza lugha ya Kiswahili, leo mchambuzi wetu ni Dkt. Josephat Gitonga,  ambaye ni Mhadhiri katika Chuo Kikuu cha Nairobi nchini Kenya, kwenye kitivo cha Tafsiri na Ukalimani anafafanua maana ya methali "SAMAKI WOTE HUNUKA, WALIMSHUKU KAMBALE."Mwenyeji wako ni Leah Mushi, karibu!

More than 30 landlocked developing countries – from Bolivia to Bhutan and Burkina Faso – face some of the world's highest trading costs, deepest poverty and weakest investment flows.Rebeca Grynspan, head of the UN's trade and development agency, UNCTAD, has told UN News that they are "invisible to much of the world", prisoners of outdated structural constraints.Speaking on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, in Awaza, Turkmenistan, she explained to Nargiz Shekinskaya why digital trade, regional integration and long-term investment are critical to unlocking their potential.

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina ambayo inamulika unyonyeshaji mtoto maziwa ya mama, uwekezaji kwenye mustakabali yao, kauli mbiu ya Wiki ya unyonyeshaji duniani iliyoanza tarehe Mosi mwezi huu wa Agosti na itakunja jamvi tarehe 7.Mashirika ya Umoja wa Mataifa lile la Wanawake, UN Women na la watoto, UNICEF yamewaeleza waandishi wa habari jijini Geneva Uswisi kuwa hali ya njaa Sudan inazidi kuwa kali zaidi. Salvator Nkurunziza, Mwakilishi wa UN Women Sudan amesema kwamba UN Women inashauri zipewe kipaumbele kaya zinazoongozwa na wanawake, pamoja na makundi kama wanawake wajawazito, wanaonyonyesha, na wasichana balehe katika kila aina ya msaada wa chakula.Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa António Guterres leo katika ufunguzi wa Mkutano kuhusu nchi zisizo na Bahari LLDC3 unaofanyika Awaza, Turkmenistan amewasihi viongozi  kufikiria upya maendeleo kwa mataifa yasiyo na bahari akisema, “leo tunakusanyika hapa kuthibitisha ukweli kwamba jiografia haipaswi kamwe kuamua hatima ya nchi.” Tukirejea Geneva, Uswisi unakofanyika mkutano utakaweka mwelekeo wa jinsi ya kukabiliana na uchafuzi unaotokana na plastiki duniani, Inger Andersen, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Mpango wa Mazingira Duniani, UNEP, ameonya kwamba, “uchafuzi wa plastiki tayari upo katika mazingira, baharini, na hata katika miili yetu. Tukizidi kuendelea kwa mwelekeo huu, dunia yote itazama katika uchafuzi wa plastiki.”Na mashinani leo tuko katika shoroba za makao makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa jijini New York, Marekani ambapo wageni hutoka kila pembe ya Dunia kutembelea jengo hili la kihistoria. Mwalimu Maria Rulands ni mmoja wao.Mwenyeji wako ni Assumpta Massoi, karibu!

This week, Max spoke with Michael Kimmage about the recent headlines connected to Russia and Ukraine, and what they mean for the coming months. "The Limits of Putin's Balancing Act: What the Kremlin Will Sacrifice in Pursuit of Victory in Ukraine," by Michael Kimmage and Maria Lipman (Foreign Affairs, July 2025)

Today's guest is one of Britain's best-loved and most fearless voices in wildlife and environmental broadcasting - it's the brilliant Chris Packham.Chris first made his name back in the 1980s as a presenter on The Really Wild Show, a programme that inspired a whole generation of children - myself included - to get out into nature. But before that, he was actually behind the camera, working as a wildlife cameraman after studying zoology. And it's that deep understanding of animals, ecosystems and science that still underpins everything he does.Since those early days, Chris has become a fixture on British television. You'll know him from Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch, from his BBC documentaries like The Walk That Made Me and Inside Our Autistic Minds, and from his powerful activism, whether he's leading anti-hunting campaigns, protesting HS2, or calling out the destruction of biodiversity in the UK and beyond.He's won multiple awards for his environmental work and was awarded a CBE for services to nature conservation. But he's also never been afraid to challenge the establishment, and I think that's one of the reasons so many people connect with him. In today's episode, we explore the places that have shaped him, from Kathmandhu to Kashmir, Mauritius to Marrakech. He talks about the awe and purpose he finds in travel, the power of experiencing landscapes that tell stories - whether it's battle sites like Little Bighorn in Montana or the brutalist war memorials of the Balkans - and the importance of discomfort, of being challenged by a place.We talk about being neurodivergent and how that shapes the way he sees the world when he travels - and also the places he'll never return to. Spoiler: it's not a great day for Dubai or Vegas.Destination Recap:White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USABig Bend National Park, Texas, USAEverglades National Park, Florida, USAZion National Park, Utah, USANew Forest National Park, Hampshire, England HondurasBorneoScotlandArles, France MauritiusSeville, SpainKathmandu, Nepal Kashmir, IndiaAntarcticaGalapagos, EcuadorMarrakech, Morocco Bar of sand nr Sanibel Island, Florida, USALittle Big Horn, Montana, USADubaiLas Vegas, USAPhilippines RainforestThe ‘Stans - Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan Finding the Spomeniks With thanks to Airbnb for their support of today's episode.Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first to find out who is joining me on next week's episode come and follow me on Instagram I'm @hollyrubenstein, and you'll also find me on TikTok - I'd love to hear from you. And if you can't wait until then, remember there's the first 14 seasons to catch up on, that's over 155 episodes to keep you busy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He makes it easy.   “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  - Romans 10:13 (KJV)

Max and Maria are joined by Richard Giragosian and Jeffrey Mankoff to talk about the current geopolitical moment in the South Caucasus, with a particular focus on the dynamics at play in the relationships between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. This conversation was recorded on July 9, 2025.

The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: Flatbush and Flatlands are neighborhoods located in which New York City borough? Question 2: What is the capital city of Turkmenistan? Question 3: Which Central American country extends furthest North? Question 4: Which of these countries borders United Arab Emirates? Question 5: What is the capital city of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines? Question 6: What is the capital of Vietnam? Question 7: What Is The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City In The World Question 8: Colombo is a city in which country? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode isn't about politics- it's about power moves. No matter how you feel about Trump or the current administration, the Big Beautiful Bill is now law, and it's already reshaping the game for small business owners. From permanent tax breaks and new deductions to hidden risks and long-term pressure, we lay out the real playbook for entrepreneurs who want to move smarter while others argue.

The Daily Quiz - Geography Today's Questions: Question 1: Which of the 48 contiguous states extends farthest north? Question 2: Which country has the largest amount of timezones on its mainland? Question 3: Which city used to be called Satoyamabe? Question 4: In which country would you find the city of Budapest? Question 5: What is the capital city of Turkmenistan? Question 6: What is the capital of Texas? Question 7: Ashgabat is the capital city of which country? Question 8: Where would you find the city of Vancouver? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hanna Notte returns to the show for a conversation with Max and Maria about what the most recent round of hostilities between Israel and Iran, plus the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, mean for Russia's own Middle Eastern strategy.  This conversation was recorded on June 25, 2025. "Russia no longer needs Iran's help to sustain the war in Ukraine," by Hanna Notte (June 2025, Financial Times) "Why Isn't Russia Defending Iran?" by Hanna Notte (June 2025, The Atlantic)

This episode of the Only Business Podcast asks a question most entrepreneurs avoid: Do you like yourself? We explore how self-perception quietly shapes pricing, leadership, boundaries, decision making, and long term business health. If you have been feeling stuck, scattered, or disconnected from your work, this episode will help you reconnect with the person behind the business and build from a stronger foundation.

Max moderated a live panel discussion with Maria, and two leading experts on the Russian economy, Elina Ribakova and Vladislav Inozemtsev. The conversation focused on the findings of the recent report from the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, "The Russian Wartime Economy: From Sugar High to Hangover."

This week on Paranormal Activity, Yvette Fielding and Karl Beattie descend into the world's most chilling legends as they investigate so-called Gateways to Hell—terrifying sites believed to be literal entrances to the underworld.From the blazing maw of the Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan to the ancient, echoing caverns of Cape Matapan in Greece, we explore the chilling histories, spiritual symbolism, and supernatural stories that surround these locations.Are these hellish landmarks naturally occurring geological phenomena—or evidence of something far darker?Discover why places like Siberia's Batagaika Crater, Iceland's Hekla Volcano, and Italy's Avernus have stirred fear for centuries, and delve into the disturbing legends of the Seven Gates of Hell in Pennsylvania and St. Patrick's Purgatory in Ireland.What caused these sites to earn their infernal reputations?Are they merely myth—or gateways to something we dare not understand?A Create Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This will be the first CG episode to get the complete audio upgrade and revision to achieve the cleanest sound ever for the podcast series I have completed the CG catalog for 2025 (Episodes 058-067) and will replace those this weekend. Let me know what you think. With Western conflict now inevitable in Yemen and Iran, I discuss the vagaries and verities of mountain warfare. The recent American involvement in direct military intervention in Iran hanged the temper and nature of the war inevitably. I assess how the RMAs rapidly displacing centuries-old conflict norms are going to look for the remainder of the century. Buppert's Law of Military Topography: “Mountainous terrain held by riflemen who know what they are about cannot be militarily defeated.” With an area of 1,648,195 square km (636,372 sq mi), Iran ranks seventeenth in size among the countries of the world. Iran shares its northern borders with several post-Soviet states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. References: Points of Resistance and Departure: An interview with James C. Scott Lester Grau and Charles J. Bartles Mountain Warfare and Other Lofty Problems: Foreign mountain combat veterans discuss movement and maneuver, training and resupply (Helion Studies in Military History) Lester Grau The Bear Went Over The Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics In Afghanistan [Illustrated Edition] Lester Grau The Other Side of the Mountain: Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War Mark Thompson The White War: Life and Death on the Italian Front 1915-1919 James C. Scott The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia Sun Tzu The Art of War Carl von Clausewitz On War Miyamoto Musashi A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy H. John Poole The Last Hundred Yards: The NCO's Contribution to Warfare Christian Brose The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare Qiao Liang & Wang Xiangsui Unrestricted Warfare: China's Master Plan to Destroy America Email at cgpodcast@pm.me.

Max and Maria get another update from military expert Mike Kofman on the state of the frontlines in Ukraine.  This conversation was recorded on June 11, 2025. "The Russian Wartime Economy: From Sugar High to Hangover" by Maria Snegovaya, Nicholas Fenton, Tina Dolbaia, and Max Bergmann (June 2025, CSIS.org) "Russia's Battlefield Woes in Ukraine" by Seth Jones and Riely McCabe (June 2025, CSIS.org) "Assessing Russian Military Adaptation in 2023" by Michael Kofman (October 2024, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

In this episode of Only Business, we break down 10 powerful, unexpected business lessons from the film Training Day. From recognizing manipulation and handling pressure, to building real influence and avoiding ego-driven collapse, this deep-dive delivers real-world insights every small business owner needs. If you're growing a business and want to lead with clarity, strategy, and integrity — this episode is a must-listen.Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders navigating high-stakes decisions and complex relationships.

In this episode, we break down how loyalty, when unchecked, can quietly sabotage your growth, your peace, and your business. From underperforming staff and draining clients to outdated strategies and trauma bonds, learn how to spot the difference between genuine commitment and emotional captivity. If you have ever felt worn out by people you care about or stuck in roles you did not sign up for, this one is for you.

It's Friday, June 13th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christians in former Soviet Central Asian nations increasingly face persecution Formerly part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the five “stan” countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — have a mix of ex-Soviet authoritarianism and Islamic nationalism that can be troublesome and even dangerous to Christians, reports International Christian Concern. The region has seen increasing repression of religious minorities during the last few years. Three of these five countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan — have seen a sharp rise in the persecution rankings. Even the comparatively less repressive nation of Kyrgyzstan has just this year returned to the Open Doors Top 50 list for the first time in more than a decade.   Kyrgyzstan has used special operations police to raid state-registered Protestant and Catholic churches and threatened to banish the entire Catholic Church from the country.   In rural Kazakhstan, authorities often pressure Christian business owners to pay bribes. Meanwhile, in neighboring Turkmenistan, a network of secret police and Muslim imams are primed and ready to flush out anyone partaking in so-called aberrant religious activity.  In John 15:8, Jesus said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you" Air India plane crash kills 241 aboard with one survivor An Air India passenger plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad at 1:38pm local time, soon after departing for London, reports CBS News. Ramesh Viswashkumar, the sole survivor of the Air India crash, escaped by jumping from the plane, reports India Today.  He was in seat 11A.  Campbell Wilson, Air India's CEO, expressed his condolences. WILSON: “First and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event.” Officials feared numerous casualties on the ground, as the aircraft had crashed into buildings, including the BJ Medical College undergraduate hostel mess, according to a social post on X. Christian leaders have also offered condolences and are vowing to help the families of the dead passengers, reports The Christian Post. Marines prepare for Los Angeles deployment as protests spread across U.S. California will face off with the White House in court today over President Donald Trump's deployment of U.S. troops in Los Angeles after demonstrators again took to the streets in major cities to protest Trump's crackdown on illegal aliens, reports Reuters. According to the Pentagon, 700 U.S. Marines will be on the streets of Los Angeles by Friday to support up to 4,000 National Guard troops in protecting federal property and federal agents, especially as they round up illegal aliens. Trump's decision to dispatch troops to Los Angeles, over the objections of California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, has sparked a national debate about the use of the military on U.S. soil. Carmen Colado, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst, spoke out publicly in uniform, condemning her own Commander-in-Chief, reports The Independent. COLADO: “We are not pawns for Donald Trump's agenda. Why now? It's because the military was called upon against the protesters. In our oath to serve, we serve the people of the United States, the Constitution. These constitutional rights are being stripped and just denied. The military will not be pawns to that. “So, I'm calling upon the conscience of military members who served previously and now. We have a duty and moral obligation to say no and resist evil.” In response, patriots have called for Carmen Colado to be dishonorably discharged or court-martialed for publicly criticizing the commander-in-chief's orders. Some argued that her actions constituted a violation of the U.S. military's Uniform Code of Military Justice and called for Article 15 to be invoked against her, which empowers a commanding officer to order nonjudicial punishments less severe than a court-martial. On Instagram, Colado describes herself as the “proud daughter of an illegal immigrant.” House cuts $9.4 billion in funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid On Thursday, the House of Representatives narrowly voted to cut $9.4 billion in spending already approved by Congress as President Donald Trump's administration looks to follow through on work done by the Department of Government Efficiency when it was overseen by Elon Musk, reports The Associated Press. The package targets foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides money for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. The vote was 214-212. This bill was passed at the request of President Trump, who has criticized PBS and NPR for alleged bias. Michelle Obama: Creating life is the least of what reproductive system does On the latest episode of the podcast “In My Opinion with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” the former first lady said creating life is “the least” of what a woman's reproductive system does, reports the New York Post. Listen. MICHELLE OBAMA: “A lot of male lawmakers, a lot of male politicians, a lot of male religious leaders think about the issue of choice as if it's just about the fetus, the baby. But women's reproductive health is about our life. It's about this whole complicated reproductive system -- the least of what it does is produce life.” Sadly, the former first lady despises the truth of Psalm 127:3 which declares, "Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Marcus Rogers, a Christian YouTuber, was horrified. ROGERS: “It's called the reproductive system for a reason. I really believe it's just a very demonic, antichrist spirit that these people are just so obsessed with killing babies. There's so many ways that you can prevent getting pregnant by someone you don't want to be pregnant by. There's so many things that you can do to take accountability. But the reality is these people don't want accountability. “They want to sacrifice their babies on the altar of self. They don't want a baby to inconvenience them. But they don't want to live a godly life where you would avoid all of that being a problem if you just got with the person that God has for you in the first place, instead of sleeping around.” Worldview listeners in South Carolina, Texas and Illinois share their hearts I invited Worldview listeners to share what they enjoy about the newscast in 2-6 sentences.  You can share your thoughts -- along with your  full name, city and state -- and send it to adam@theworldview.com Helen Mordente in Blythewood, South Carolina wrote,  “Because we have a small farm and my days are full, I don't listen to the newscast.  I scan the transcript to get the highlights which is all I have time to do.  I trust you as a reliable source of info.” Grace Cox in Duncanville, Texas wrote, “I just started listening this week. I like the stories of the persecuted church. It informs me on how to pray and I think it is important news for Christians to hear. “ And Rene Hernandez in Chicago, Illinois, wrote, “My wife, Adriana, and I, along with our four sons -- Naithan, Neo, Kal-El, and Othniel -- have enjoyed listening to The Worldview in 5 Minutes because you give us the news from a biblical perspective. When we hear about missionaries and those being persecuted in another country, it gives us an opportunity to pray.  It is great to hear the connection with God's Word and the news.” 10 Worldview listeners gave $7,506 to fund our annual budget And finally, toward our midpoint goal of $61,750 to fund half of The Worldview newscast's annual budget by tonight at 12 midnight, 9 listeners stepped up to the plate. Our thanks to Stephanie in Murrieta, California and George in Leesburg, Virginia – both of whom gave $100. We're grateful to God for Peter in Seaside, California and Kevin and Paula in Durham, Kansas – both of whom gave $300 as well as Nathan in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom who gave $506. And we were touched by the generosity of David and Tylaine in San Antonio who pledged $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Victoria in  Paradise, Pennsylvania who also pledged  $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600, Sydney in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada who gave $1,000, Roger in Crossville, Tennessee who gave $2,000, and Scooter in Naples, Florida who will match those last two donations with an additional $2,000 gift. Those 10 Worldview listeners gave a total of $7,506   Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please.  (Drum roll sound effect) $32,071.20 (People clapping sound effect) That means we still need to raise $29,678.80 by midnight tonight, Friday, June 13th to hit the half-way mark, to stay on the air, and fund our 6-member Worldview newscast team for another fiscal year. Remember, if you are one of 6 final people who give a one-time gift of $1,000, Scooter in Naples, Florida will match you with a corresponding $1,000 gift.  Now, if that happens today, we will have raised $12,000. In order to raise the remaining amount, I need to find 15 Worldview listeners who will pledge $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600. And another 30 listeners to pledge $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300. Has God placed it on your heart to be one of the Christian patriots to fund this unparalleled newscast which links Scriptures to stories, calls sin sin, and informs you about the persecuted church worldwide? Please, we need your help right now!  Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right.   Click on the button that indicates a recurring donation if that's your wish. Let's see what the Lord will do! Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, June 13th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

If you're curious about private equity but tired of all the jargon, in this episode, we break it all the way down—what private equity is, how it works, who it helps, and who it hurts. Whether you're building a business or just trying to understand the headlines, this is the clear, honest explanation you've been looking for.

It's Friday, June 6th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Nigerian Muslims killed 9 Christians On June 1st and 2nd, Fulani Muslim herdsmen killed at least nine Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria, following the slaughter of 27 others days before, reports Morning Star News. The attacks took place in Bokkos County in predominantly Christian communities. Emmanuel Auta, a local resident, said, “Christians [are] being butchered.” Another resident, Lilian Madaki, said, “Among some of the Christian victims that I know is a 14-year-old Christian teenager who was shot and wounded and is currently being treated at a hospital.” And, in a text to Christian Daily International, Yakubu Kefas wrote,  “The attackers, who we believe are Fulani terrorists, are carrying out indiscriminate shootings, killings, and large-scale arson, resulting in widespread terror, Christian casualties, and destruction of property.” Please pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ in Plateau State, Nigeria. Proverbs 21:15 says, “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Trump bans new visas for foreign nationals from 12 countries On June 4, President Donald Trump issued a full suspension on new visas for foreign nationals from a dozen countries applying for entry to the United States and a partial suspension on nationals from another seven, reports TheEpochTimes.com. The proclamation is set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 9. A full suspension will go into effect for nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. A partial suspension will affect nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. This executive action comes after the Secretary of State and assistant to the president on Homeland Security filed a report on April 9 identifying countries with such deficient vetting and screening information that a full or partial suspension of entry for their nationals was warranted. ‘60 Minutes' anchor Scott Pelley ripped for "angry, unhinged" speech criticizing Trump Outraged critics blasted longtime CBS “60 Minutes” anchor Scott Pelley as “angry” and “unhinged” after he delivered a fear-baced tirade against President Donald Trump during a commencement speech in North Carolina, reports the New York Post. The CBS newscaster warned Wake Forest University's graduating class on May 19 that “insidious fear” has infiltrated schools, businesses, and homes across the nation — leaving America in a state of “peril.” Listen. PELLEY:  “In this moment, our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack, and insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes.” Scott Jennings, the conservative commentator on CNN, called Pelley out for such a ridiculous statement. JENNINGS: “On the free speech issue, I don't know what America Scott Pelley is living in. We have more speech now than ever. There is no problem with free speech in America. What we do have a problem with are people who don't speak truthfully, who are interested more in narratives than truth, and who are using what used to be journalism for activism. We do have a problem with that.” Jennings asserted that 60 Minutes on CBS is a platform that is more interested in a leftist narrative than the truth. JENNINGS: “If you've watched 60 Minutes for five minutes over the last several years, you would know it's not fair. This is one of the shows, this is one of the outlets that conservatives would point to most often to say: ‘This is the state of American journalism. It's only here to try to hurt Republicans, hurt conservatives, hurt Donald Trump.'” Painting of Jesus returned to prominent location at naval academy U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that he is restoring an historic painting of Jesus Christ to its place of prominence at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, after it had been taken down by Biden-era officials, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Known as “Christ on the water,” the painting depicts Jesus walking on the water in stormy seas toward merchant seamen adrift in a lifeboat, presumably after being torpedoed.  DUFFY: “We are moving Jesus out of the basement. To all the great midshipmen at the Merchant Marine Academy, you let me know how important this painting was to all of you. Now, we all know it was taken out of a place of prominence and put it down in the basement. “I worked with the Academy, and because this is such a historic painting, I'm announcing that through that work with the Academy, this painting is going to go from the basement back to its place of prominence. It'll be a moment to celebrate.” It was painted by Lieutenant Hunter Wood in 1944 as a tribute to all merchant seamen who had been torpedoed during World War II. Actor Kevin Sorbo champions U.S. Christian heritage in new movie In the new docudrama called The American Miracle, historian Paul Kengor, one of 14 historians, captures how pivotal the Declaration of Independence and the subsequent American Revolution was for the world. KENGOR: “America in 1776: This is a watershed event in history. If you were to pick something over the last 450 years, four and a half centuries or so, that truly transformed humanity and the full scope of history, it was 1776.” The American Miracle movie will hit 1,000 screens across America on three days only – Monday, June 9th, Tuesday, June 10th, and Wednesday, June 11th. The actor who plays Benjamin Franklin – Barry Stevens -- is spot on in terms of appearance and disposition alike. FRANKLIN: “We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Kevin Sorbo, who portrays the younger Thomas Jefferson, is an enthusiastic advocate that Americans know their own history. SORBO: “I think there's not enough history being taught in America anymore. I think people forget about what our Founding Fathers did for this country. Documentaries like this, I think, can help heal a nation, as corny as that sounds. I really do think it's important to learn history.” And Pastor Darnell Harper of New Covenant Temple, who screened The American Miracle before its June 9th national release, was amazed to witness God's divine intervention in America. HARPER: “I went to history class. I did not learn that God was in the middle of everything that was going on with the birth of our nation, the Constitution, and it just showed the handiwork of God and how God was establishing the United States of America.” Acts 17:26 says, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole Earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Go to https://americanmiraclemovie.com/, watch the trailer, click on the Tickets tab, and type in your zipcode to purchase tickets at a movie theater near you to see it on June 9, 10 or 11. Pennsylvania Worldview listener wants to pray for persecuted believers Gayle in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania wrote me at Adam@TheWorldview.com and said, “I listen to The Worldview every day and continue to give monthly because I feel that the news is truthful and factual and not slanted.  I'm grateful to learn about the different countries where preachers and citizens are being persecuted for their faith in Christ.  It reminds me to pray daily for the persecuted church around the world.  May the Lord continue to bless The Worldview in 5 Minutes.” If you'd like to share what this newscast has meant to you, please include your full name, city and state. 12 Worldview listeners gave $4,575 to fund our annual budget Toward this week's $30,875 goal to fund one-fourth of The Worldview newscast's annual budget by tonight at 12 midnight, June 6th, 12 listeners stepped up to the plate on Thursday by 7:35pm Central last night.  Our thanks to Paul in Brush, Colorado and Ben in Eureka, California — both of whom gave $25 as well as Kevin in Freeport, New York and Robin in Wellington, Florida -- both of whom gave $50. We're grateful to God for Troy in Coeurdalene, Idaho, Rene in Chicago, Illinois, and Jeremy in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom – each of whom gave $100. And we appreciate the generosity of Marty in Roseburg, Oregon who gave $125, Jeff in Aloha, Oregon who gave $600, Lee and Ruth in Schertz, Texas who gave $1,000, Rita in Sunman, Indiana who pledged $100 per month for 12 months for a gift of $1,200, and Vern in Poteau, Oklahoma who also pledged $100 per month for 12 months for a gift of $1,200. Those 12 Worldview listeners gave a total of $4,575. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please.  (Drum roll sound effect) $10,927 (People clapping sound effect)  We missed our goal of 20 donors by 8 donors. That means by midnight tonight, Friday, June 6th, we still need to raise $19,948. If you, and 19 other listeners, would invest $100 per month for 12 months to help underwrite the cost of the 6-member Worldview news team, we will have funded one-fourth of our annual budget.  Help us reach this $30,875 goal. However, if that's not affordable, then do something.  Even if you pledge just $10/month for 12 months, that's a whopping $120!   No gift is too small or too large as we continue to provide a news source that is accurate and Biblically based. Just go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right.   And click on the button that indicates a recurring donation if you want to give monthly. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, June 6th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Elina Ribakova returned to the show to speak with Max and Maria about the evolution of the Ukrainian economy since February 2022.

The governments of Central Asia—that is Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—influenced by decades of Soviet rule, maintain similar legislation to combat “extremism.” Each of these governments uses these laws beyond just addressing legitimate security threats to penalize individuals engaged in peaceful religious activities. Enforcement measures have included harassment, fines, forced renunciations of faith, detainment, imprisonment, and, at times, torture and extrajudicial killings. On today's episode, Jasmine Cameron, the Europe and Eurasia Senior Legal Advisor at the American Bar Association, and Edward Lemon, the President of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, join USCIRF Commissioner Asif Mahmood. They discuss the international standards for protecting core human rights while addressing security concerns and the ways in which extremism laws in Central Asia violate such standards. They also share how Central Asian states abuse extremism legislation to penalize peaceful religious activities through transnational repression. Finally, they offer recommendations for the U.S. to support religious freedom in Central Asia. Read USCIRF's Issue Update on the Abuse of Extremism Laws in Central Asia for more information on this topic. To learn more about religious freedom in Central Asia, read USCIRF's 2025 Annual Report. With Contributions from:Veronica McCarthy, Public Affairs Specialist, USCIRF

In this episode of Only Business, The StarMaker breaks down how to read and understand a balance sheet and profit & loss statement—without the jargon. Learn how to interpret the numbers that drive your business, spot financial red flags, and make smarter decisions with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, this episode is your crash course in financial fluency every entrepreneur needs.

By Adam Turteltaub Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan were all born out of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. With large energy deposits of national gas, many global companies and their suppliers are operating within these countries. To better understand the compliance risks there, we spoke with Timur Khasanov-Batirov, a compliance officer with deep and wide roots in the region. While we may think of this area as one region, he warns that there are substantial differences by country. Kazakhstan is the most developed, and compliance has gained significant traction in large companies, primarily in the oil and gas sector. Uzbekistan saw three major FCPA cases, and, as a result, compliance has garnered a great deal of attention. The other three countries have much smaller economies and less developed compliance cultures. In addition, Turkmenistan has a fairly-closed economy, which complicates the picture. While it is easy to focus on the anticorruption risk in the region, there are other challenges. The area has become a significant transshipment point to Russia of prohibited and dual-use goods. In addition, child and forced labor is an issue, especially in the textile industry. To mitigate these risks, especially for sanctions evasion and corruption, companies operating in the region will need to pay close attention to the ownership of companies. That is not always easy to do because corporate structures are often opaque. The desktop-based due diligence systems in the US and Europe are likely not sufficient, Timur advises. Having someone on the ground in the region is likely needed. Listen in to learn more about what it takes to operate a compliance program in this important part of the world. Listen now

Max and Maria spoke with Edward Fishman about his bestselling book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. 

Max and Maria welcome Michael Kimmage back to the show to provide his analysis of the ongoing U.S.-led negotiations to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. This conversation was recorded on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. "What if America Abandons Ukraine?" by Liana Fix and Michael Kimmage (Foreign Affairs, May 2025). "The Zeitenwende Is Real This Time," by Michael Kimmage and Sudha David-Wilp (Foreign Affairs, April 2025).