Podcasts about Villanova University

Tom Bodrovics introduces Chris Whalen, author of Inflated: Money, Debt, and the American Dream, which has been re-released in a second edition with significant updates. The conversation focuses on the current state of markets, the impact of President Trump's tariff policies, and the challenges posed by the federal debt and inflation. Chris explains that he removed 20,000 words from his original book to make space for a new chapter analyzing the Federal Reserve's management of the money supply under Ben Bernanke, Janet Yellen, and Jerome Powell. He highlights how the U.S. housing market has become heavily government-supported, leading to increased volatility and rising costs for consumers. Discussing inflation, Chris notes that it is driven by the inability of governments to generate sufficient income to meet their people's needs, as seen in countries like Argentina. He argues that borrowing from future income through debt creates distortions, particularly in housing markets, where prices have surged due to low interest rates and government intervention. He also critiques the dysfunctionality of Congress, which he believes is unable to pass budgets or manage spending effectively. Chris emphasizes the importance of gold as a hedge against inflation and expresses skepticism about stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, calling them speculative vehicles rather than reliable alternatives to fiat currency. He suggests that the U.S. dollar's dominance in global markets contributes to inflationary pressures, as other countries benefit from using dollars without bearing the associated costs. The discussion concludes with Chris offering an optimistic outlook, noting that while challenges remain, opportunities exist for investors to navigate inflation through real estate and gold. He encourages listeners to manage investments with a long-term perspective, considering the erosive effects of even low levels of inflation over time. Time Stamp References:0:00 - Introduction1:02 - His Revised Book3:08 - Tariffs & Debt Distortions7:12 - Reserve Currency & Inflation11:03 - Debt Markets & Fed/Banks17:32 - National Debt & Spending21:18 - DOGE Cuts & Old Systems30:17 - Trump's Strategy?34:04 - Gold During Nixon Era39:08 - Book & US Administrations44:13 - MMT Era & Cryptocurrency?50:21 - Silver Supply & 1800s52:06 - Stablecoin Backing55:02 - Concluding Thoughts56:33 - Wrap Up Guest Links:Website: https://www.rcwhalen.com/X: https://x.com/rcwhalenBooks (Amazon): https://tinyurl.com/mv3wctcrLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcwhalen/ Richard Christopher Whalen is an investment banker and author based in New York. He serves as Chairman of Whalen Global Advisors LLC, focusing on banking, mortgage finance, and fintech sectors. Christopher is a contributing editor at National Mortgage News and a general securities principal and member of FINRA. From 2014 to 2017, he was the Senior Managing Director and Head of Research at Kroll Bond Rating Agency, leading the Financial Institutions and Corporate Ratings Groups. Previously, he was a principal at Institutional Risk Analytics from 2003 to 2013. Over three decades, Chris has worked as an author, financial professional, and journalist in Washington, New York, and London. After graduating, he served under Rep. Jack Kemp (R-NY) at the House Republican Conference Committee. In 1993, he was the first journalist to report on secret FOMC minutes concealed by Alan Greenspan. His career included roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Bear Stearns & Co., Prudential Securities, Tangent Capital, and Carrington Mortgage Holdings. Christopher holds a B.A. in History from Villanova University. He is the author of three books: "Ford Men: From Inspiration to Enterprise" (2017), published by Laissez Faire Books; "Inflated: How Money and Debt Built the American Dream" (2010) by John Wiley & Sons; and co-author of "Financial Stability: Fraud, Confidence & the Wealth of Nations,

Is spying an un-American activity? Not according to Jeffrey Rogg, whose new book, The Spy and the State, tells the story of American intelligence from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Rogg explores America's ambivalent relationship with espionage, arguing that spying is often viewed as "un-American" and yet necessary. he discusses key figures in American intelligence history such as OSS founder “Wild” Bill Donovan as well as shameful episodes like the botched Bay of Pigs invasion. Rogg highlights how these agencies reflect American society's strengths and weaknesses, and warns against over-politicizing intelligence. Throughout history, he emphasizes, Americans have gotten the intelligence community they've "bargained for." Which is certainly one way of thinking about SignalGate and the current state of American intelligence. 5 take-aways * Americans have historically viewed spying as a "necessary evil" that contradicts core American values of transparency and forthrightness, creating an inherent tension in the intelligence community.* Intelligence agencies often reflect the broader society - during crises, they tend to surveil minority groups, showing how America's fears manifest in intelligence operations.* Major intelligence failures (like the Bay of Pigs) and domestic surveillance represent dark chapters that have eroded public trust in intelligence institutions.* Political polarization of intelligence agencies is dangerous - when appointed leaders and career officials are at odds, it creates a toxic environment for effective intelligence work.* The intelligence community struggles to keep pace with technological advances, creating challenges for modern operations (as seen in the Signal Crisis and COVID work-from-home limitations).* Jeffrey P. Rogg is Senior Research Fellow at the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida. He previously held academic positions at the Joint Special Operations University at US Special Operations Command, the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies at The Citadel, and the National Security Affairs Department at the US Naval War College. He has a BA from Swarthmore College, a JD from Villanova University, an MA in Security Studies from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and a PhD in history from The Ohio State University. He serves on the boards of the International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence and the Society for Intelligence History. He lives in Tampa, Florida.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

In this week's edition of the 23 Podcast, Fr. Jeff and Parker share their thoughts on the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV. They talk about the fact that maybe there will be a "Papal bracket" done for next year's NCAA men's basketball tournament, seeing as the Holy Father is an alumnus of Villanova University, a familiar presence in the tournament each year. Also, most importantly, the pair continue as always, by reading and unpacking this weekend's Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

Fr. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, is an Augustinian priest who has known Pope Leo XIV -- his fellow Augustinian friar -- since the late 1990s. Fr. Kevin is now the vice president for mission and ministry at Villanova University outside Philadelphia -- Pope Leo's alma mater -- and he talked to host Mike Jordan Laskey about his connections with the Holy Father, the history and charism of the Augustinian order, and what he thinks we can expect from this historic pontificate. AMDG is a production of the Jesuit Media Lab, which is a project of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. www.jesuits.org/ www.beajesuit.org/ twitter.com/jesuitnews facebook.com/Jesuits instagram.com/wearethejesuits youtube.com/societyofjesus www.jesuitmedialab.org/

What if I told you one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century wasn't just a Nazi sympathizer, but that fascism was fundamental to his entire philosophical project? In this profound conversation with Colin Bodayle, doctoral student in philosophy at Villanova University, we peel back the sanitized layers of Martin Heidegger's legacy to reveal the uncomfortable truth behind his continued influence.The mystification around Heidegger's Nazism represents one of academia's most persistent blind spots. While other Nazi intellectuals like Carl Schmitt are acknowledged for what they were, Heidegger enjoys special treatment. Colin reveals how Heidegger's manuscripts were likely edited to remove explicitly fascist content, creating a historical deception that continues to this day.Most importantly, we explore how Heidegger's core philosophical concepts—authenticity, Dasein, and his critique of technology—directly support his fascist worldview. His concept of authenticity isn't about individual self-creation but about embracing one's heritage and historical destiny as part of a "folk." His subjective idealism dissolves the possibility of objective truth in favor of interpretation, creating a philosophical framework perfectly aligned with fascist thought.The conversation takes fascinating detours through German idealism, Nietzsche's reactionary politics, and the strange appropriation of Heideggerian concepts by both the contemporary left and far-right figures like Alexander Dugin. We also discuss how continental philosophy's language games often obscure the political implications embedded in philosophical concepts.Rather than suggesting we abandon these thinkers entirely, this conversation invites critical engagement. As Colin notes, "Heidegger can teach you things about being human—he wasn't wrong about everything." But we must approach his work with our eyes wide open to its political foundations.If you've ever grappled with continental philosophy, critical theory, or the political dimensions of abstract thought, this episode offers a masterclass in intellectual clarity and honest critique.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. In this episode, the team discusses the Augustinian (and American) roots of Pope Leo XIV. They discuss: Pope Leo XIV is an alum of Villanova University. What's the atmosphere is like on campus right now? The Augustinian roots of Pope Leo: the intellectual, spiritual and social principles that will lead his ministry How poverty, chastity and obedience are a path to freedom and joy Subscribe to America to get our extensive coverage of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV at: ⁠⁠https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠⁠ Links from the show: ⁠Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday blessing: Appeals for peace, vocations and happy Mother's Day.⁠ ⁠Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first formal address to the College of Cardinals⁠ ⁠Pope Leo XIV's message to the cardinals: Vatican II and Pope Francis are here to stay⁠ ⁠⁠Pope Leo XIV: What to expect in the coming days⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first homily⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who was Pope Leo XIII?⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. In this episode, the team discusses the Augustinian (and American) roots of Pope Leo XIV. They discuss: Pope Leo XIV is an alum of Villanova University. What's the atmosphere is like on campus right now? The Augustinian roots of Pope Leo: the intellectual, spiritual and social principles that will lead his ministry How poverty, chastity and obedience are a path to freedom and joy Subscribe to America to get our extensive coverage of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV at: ⁠⁠https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠⁠ Links from the show: ⁠Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday blessing: Appeals for peace, vocations and happy Mother's Day.⁠ ⁠Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first formal address to the College of Cardinals⁠ ⁠Pope Leo XIV's message to the cardinals: Vatican II and Pope Francis are here to stay⁠ ⁠⁠Pope Leo XIV: What to expect in the coming days⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first homily⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who was Pope Leo XIII?⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History is made as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago becomes Pope Leo the 14th—the first American ever elected to the papacy. This episode covers his background, from Villanova University to missionary work in Peru and leadership roles in the Vatican. We dive into the papal conclave's decision-making process, the emphasis on unity and faith over politics, and global reactions to this groundbreaking moment. Hear about the Pope's first mass in the Sistine Chapel and his call for the Church to walk together as a community of believers.

It's Friday, May 9th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Second anniversary of brutal violence in India Christians of Manipur State, India marked the second anniversary of the brutal ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, reports International Christian Concern. Shockingly, 258 people were killed, 1,000 injured, and 60,000 people were displaced. Plus, 4,786 houses were burnt and 386 religious structures were vandalized, including temples and churches. India is the 11th most dangerous country worldwide in which to be a Christian. Cardinals selected first American Pope On the fourth vote, the College of Cardinals, referred to as the Papal Conclave, chose the first-ever American Pope.  Robert Prevost has taken the name of Pope Leo XIV, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Born in Chicago, educated at Villanova University, and a missionary to Peru, Prevost selected the name Leo for a reason. On ABC News, Catholic Pastor James Martin said this. MARTIN: “Historically, it's a name that would signal his alignment with workers, labor, and the poor.” Catholics claim that Peter, the fisherman disciple of Jesus, was the first pope. In fact, Scripture does not teach that Peter was in authority over the other apostles at all or over the church. Indeed, Ephesians 2:19 says, “So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Catholics also claim that the pope is infallible when he acts or speaks as Christ's representative on Earth. That assertion is not Scripturally supported either. Pope critical of Trump/Vance, pushed COVID vaccine, & removed conservative bishops In terms of positions on the issues, Prevost has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's administration and has consistently used his X account to promote material hostile to Trump's immigration policies.  In one instance from February 3, Prevost reposted an article by the National Catholic Reporter entitled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.” The article criticizes the U.S. vice president for correctly arguing that we owe more immediate responsibility to our own family members and country than to those overseas – a position taught by St. Thomas Aquinas – and reiterated in the “social encyclicals” of the nineteenth- and twentieth-century popes.  As head of the Congregation for Bishops, Prevost was instrumental in the removal of conservative Bishop Joseph Strickland in 2023 from Tyler, Texas, and the removal of the leading French conservative bishop, Dominique Rey, from his diocese of Fréjus-Toulon.   Prevost also reposted a call for the abortion-tainted COVID-19 vaccines to be “available for all” and a United States Conference of Catholic Bishops post that called getting vaccinated “an act of love.”  In 2012, a year before the election of Pope Francis, Cardinal Prevost expressed disappointment that some Western media held “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel,” in particular, the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.” Trump's trade deal with U.K. nets U.S. $5 billion opportunity On Thursday, President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced they had reached a trade agreement that lifted some — but not all — U.S. tariffs on British goods, reports National Public Radio. Trump said it would give U.S. companies better market access for beef, ethanol, other farm products, chemicals, machinery, and industrial products — new opportunities his administration said were worth $5 billion. 2nd largest automaker making splash in America Speaking of the positive impact of Trump's tariffs, Volkswagen Group, the second largest automaker in the world in 2024, is preparing to join the growing list of automakers looking to re-equip its US factories in response to the tariffs, reports The Daily Mail.  The German automaker's luxury brand, Audi — which assembles most of its lineup in its home country, Hungary, Mexico, Slovakia, Spain, and China — is planning to make some of its crossover and SUV models now in America. ‘Frasier' star Kelsey Grammer regrets ex-girlfriend's abortion Frasier star Kelsey Grammer opened up about his profound regret over his ex-girlfriend's abortion in his newly released memoir, reports People Magazine. This tragedy closely preceded another in the actor's life: the 1975 rape and murder of his younger sister, which is the main subject of his memoir Karen: A Brother Remembers.  In his new book, Grammer wrote, “I know that many people do not have a problem with abortion, and though I have supported it in the past, the abortion of my son eats away at my soul.” Just months before his sister's death, he explains that his then-girlfriend became pregnant and decided to abort their baby. While he said he was “willing” to keep the baby, he “did not plead with her to save his life.” Grammer admits he “volunteered to have my son's body vacuumed out of his mother's.” As Live Action reports, abortionists use “vacuums 10-20 times more powerful than a household vacuum cleaner to tear (babies) apart alive.”  Grammer added, “I regret it.” Despite his harrowing regret over his own son's death by abortion, the TV star ironically says he still believes abortion should be legal. Proverbs 31:8 says, “Open your mouth for the voiceless.” Over 7,750 baptized in largest single-day baptism in US history And finally, on Saturday, 7,750 people were baptized in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Huntington Beach, California, an event organizers say marked the largest single-day baptism in American history, reports The Christian Post. Hosted by Oceans Church and led by Pastor Mark Francey, the event dubbed "Baptize California" drew approximately 30,000 attendees from more than 300 churches across the Golden State. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, May 9th, 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.

Pope Leo XIV has officially begun his papacy, celebrating his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel. Meanwhile, Villanova University is marking the historic election of its alumnus, Pope Leo XIV. And, we reflect on the memorable events that unfolded this week at the Vatican.

I want to tell you the story of a kid, born in 1937 into segregated Washington, D.C. He's 9 when his father dies and 13 when his mother has a mental breakdown, disappears, and is institutionalized. He's effectively orphaned. This is how George Raveling's story begins. Despite being dealt one of the worst cards imaginable, George, now 87, went on to become the most revered basketball coach in the world. He played against Jerry West, the man on the NBA logo. He became only the second black basketball player for Villanova University. And he went on to become the first black coach at several American universities. He'd go on to coach and mentor players like Michael Jordan. And chances are, you probably would've never worn—or even heard of—Air Jordan sneakers if it wasn't for George.  Yet, in all his decades of coaching, the words Head Coach never appeared on his door. Instead, it always read: “George Raveling, Educator.” George has had a bit of a Forrest Gump life, somehow showing up at the most important events in American 20th-century history. He stood next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. He met presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Harry S. Truman. And he traveled the world promoting basketball as an international sport. This is a man who made his own breaks, continues to break glass ceilings, and embodies the American dream. Today on Honestly, Bari Weiss sits down with George to discuss his extraordinary life and his new book, What You're Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports, which he wrote alongside Ryan Holiday. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Ground News - Go to groundnews.com/Honestly to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives on today's biggest news stories. Go to fastgrowingtrees.com/Honestly and use the code HONESTLY at checkout to get 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1: 3:05pm- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next head of the Roman Catholic Church—selecting the name Pope Leo XIV. A Chicago native and graduate of Villanova University in Pennsylvania, he is the first American to become pope. According to reports, he has been critical of “transgender ideology” because “it seeks to create genders that don't exist.” 3:20pm- While speaking with the press, President Donald Trump said it was a “great honor” to have a pope from the United States of America and that Pope Leo XIV has already requested a meeting. 3:30pm- On Thursday, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. Under the agreement, the UK has agreed to increase market access for $5 billion in American exports—specifically: ethanol, beef, fruits, vegetables, animal feed, shellfish, textiles, chemicals, and machinery. The Trump Administration's 10% tariff on UK imports will remain in place—though, UK tariffs on U.S. imports will fall from 5.1% to 1.8%, according to Trump. 3:40pm- While speaking with the press, President Trump hinted that more trade agreements will soon be announced and noted that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be meeting with Chinese trade officials this weekend. The U.S. currently has a 145% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 4: 6:05pm- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next head of the Roman Catholic Church—selecting the name Pope Leo XIV. A Chicago native and graduate of Villanova University in Pennsylvania, he is the first American to become pope. According to reports, he has been critical of “transgender ideology” because “it seeks to create genders that don't exist.” 6:15pm- While speaking with the press, President Donald Trump said it was a “great honor” to have a pope from the United States of America and that Pope Leo XIV has already requested a meeting. 6:30pm- On Thursday, Joe and Jill Biden did their first joint interview since leaving the White House—and it went about as well as you would expect. At one point during the conversation, former President Biden bizarrely suggested he could have defeated President Trump a second time despite polling that suggests he would have performed electorally even worse than Kamala Harris.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Show (05/08/2025): 3:05pm- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next head of the Roman Catholic Church—selecting the name Pope Leo XIV. A Chicago native and graduate of Villanova University in Pennsylvania, he is the first American to become pope. According to reports, he has been critical of “transgender ideology” because “it seeks to create genders that don't exist.” 3:20pm- While speaking with the press, President Donald Trump said it was a “great honor” to have a pope from the United States of America and that Pope Leo XIV has already requested a meeting. 3:30pm- On Thursday, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. Under the agreement, the UK has agreed to increase market access for $5 billion in American exports—specifically: ethanol, beef, fruits, vegetables, animal feed, shellfish, textiles, chemicals, and machinery. The Trump Administration's 10% tariff on UK imports will remain in place—though, UK tariffs on U.S. imports will fall from 5.1% to 1.8%, according to Trump. 3:40pm- While speaking with the press, President Trump hinted that more trade agreements will soon be announced and noted that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be meeting with Chinese trade officials this weekend. The U.S. currently has a 145% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods. 4:05pm- Father Robert A. Sirico—Catholic Priest & Founder of the Acton Institute—joins The Rich Zeoli Show LIVE from Rome, Italy and provides on-site analysis of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's election to become the next head of the Roman Catholic Church. Father Sirico's initial assessment of Pope Leo XIV: “this is a man that respects tradition.” Father Sirico is author of the books, “The Economics of the Parables” and “Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy.” 4:30pm- During a House hearing on transgender athletes, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) offered one testifying expert the opportunity to play a game called: “Trump or Trans.” PLUS, is anyone going to read Hilaria Baldwin's new book? Nope. Probably not even her husband, Alec Baldwin. 4:50pm- On Thursday, Joe and Jill Biden did their first joint interview since leaving the White House—and it went about as well as you would expect. At one point during the conversation, former President Biden bizarrely suggested he could have defeated President Trump a second time despite polling that suggests he would have performed electorally even worse than Kamala Harris. 5:05pm- Dr. EJ Antoni—Research Fellow in The Heritage Foundation's Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to break down today's major trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. And what can we expect to come out of this weekend's trade meeting between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese trade officials? 5:20pm- On Thursday, Joe and Jill Biden did their first joint interview since leaving the White House—and it went about as well as you would expect. At one point during the conversation, former President Biden bizarrely suggested he could have defeated President Trump a second time despite polling that suggests he would have performed electorally even worse than Kamala Harris. 5:40pm- In light of Pope Leo XIV, should Villanova change their team mascot? The Villanova Popes? 6:05pm- Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next head of the Roman Catholic Church—selecting the name Pope Leo XIV. A Chicago native and graduate of Villanova University in Pennsylvania, he is the first American to become pope. According to reports, he has been critical of “transgender ideology” because “it seeks to create genders that don't exist.” 6:15pm- While speaking with the press, President Donald Trump said it was a “great honor” to have a pope from the United States of America and that Pope Leo XIV has already requested a mee ...

Spoiler alert: we don't have a new pope – yet. While we wait, we get an update from St. Peter's Square as the conclave begins and dig into the political ramifications of the job.  Guests: Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent & Massimo Faggioli, Villanova University theology professor  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the next Supreme Pontiff and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church.The 267th pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, is a member of the Augustinian religious order and the first American-Peruvian pope.Andrew West hosts this special edition of Radio National's Religion and Ethics Report and he is joined by papal experts, both in Rome and in Australia to discuss the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and what this appointment means for the future of the Catholic Church.GUESTS:Claire Giangravé, Vatican Correspondent for the Religion News Service (currently in Rome)Dr Maeve Heaney, Director of the Xavier Centre for Theological Formation at the Australian Catholic UniversityDr Miles Pattenden, historian of the Catholic Church at Oxford University (currently in Rome)Professor Massimo Faggioli, author, historian and Professor of Theology at Villanova University, US Noel Debien, Religion Specialist, Radio National/Compass (currently in Rome)

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/2dhy5os7 Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Leo XIV: American, Augustinian, Missionary. Leo XIV: Meiriceánach, Aibhistíneach, Misinéir. Robert Francis Prevost is the next pope of the Catholic Church and will be known to the general public as Leo XIV. Robert Francis Prevost é an chéad phápa eile ar an Eaglais Chaitliceach agus mar Leo XIV a bheidh aithne ag an bpobal mór air. It was not expected that the successor to Princip would come from America, but his appointment is a strong indication that there will be a certain continuity between the work of Leo XIV and Princip. Ní raibh súil gur as Meiriceá a thiocfadh an comharba ar Phrionsias, ach nod láidir é a cheapúchán go mbeidh leanúnachas áirithe idir obair Leo XIV agus Prionsias. Robert Prevost, who was not appointed cardinal until 2023, is from Chicago, Illinois, and is one of the 80 men appointed cardinals by Pope Francis since 2013. As Chicago Illinois é Robert Prevost, nár ceapadh ina chairdinéal go dtí 2023, duine de na 80 fear a cheap Prionsias ina gcairdinéil ó 2013. Robert Prevost was born in 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, and entered the priesthood in the Augustinian order there, before graduating with a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in Philadelphia. I 1955 i Chicago Illinois a rugadh Robert Prevost, agus chuaigh sé isteach sna sagairt san ord Aibhistíneach ansin, sular bhain sé céim amach sa matamataic in Ollscoil Vilanova i Philadelphia. He also earned degrees in theology, one of which was a doctorate in Rome. Bhain sé céimeanna amach sa diagacht freisin, ceann acu sin ina dhochtúireacht sa Róimh. In 1985 he headed to Peru where he spent 14 years as a missionary in one of the poorest countries in the world. I 1985 thug sé aghaidh ar Pheiriú áit ar chaith sé 14 bhliana déag ina mhisinéir i gceann de thíortha bochta an domhain. It was brought back to America in 1999 where it was introduced to the Aussies there and around the world. Tugadh ar ais chuig Meiriceá e i 1999 áit a cuireadh é i mbun na nAibhistíneach ansíúd agus ar fud an domhain. But Francis sent him back to Peru in 2014, this time as bishop of Chiclayo in the north of that country, and it was there that Francis called him to Rome in 2023. Ach chuir Proinsias ar ais chuig Peiriú é i 2014, an uair seo ina easpag ar Chiclayo i dtuaisceart na tíre sin, agus is ann a bhí sé gur ghlaoigh Proinsias chun na Róimhe é i 2023. When Prevost was put in charge of the institution that advises the Pope on the appointment of a new bishop, it was clear that Princip wanted to give him power and status. Nuair a cuireadh Prevost i mbun an fhorais a chuireann comhairle ar an bPápa faoi easpag nua a cheapadh, ba léir go raibh Prionsias ag iarraidh cumhacht agus stadas a thabhairt dó. Not long after that, he became a cardinal, the highest rank in the church other than the pope himself. Níorbh fhada ina dhiaidh sin a rinneadh cairdinéal de, an chéim is airde san eaglais seachas an pápa féin. Francis was confident in his ability to communicate with the different factions in the church and his moderate stance on many controversial issues. Bhí muinín ag Proinsias as a chumas cumarsáide leis na heití éagsúla san eaglais agus an seasamh measartha a bhí aige as go leor ceisteanna conspóideacha. The direction that Prevost would follow was clear upon Francis' death. Bhí sé soiléir ar bhás Phroinsias an treo a leanfadh Prevost. He said that the work could not be stopped or turned back, saying that the same strong message was always there: proclaim Jesus Christ and proclaim the Gospel. Dúirt sé nach bhféadfaí an obair a stopadh ná casadh ar ais, á rá go raibh an teachtaireacht chéanna láidir ann i gcónaí: fógair Íosa Críost agus fógair an Soiscéal. But he also said that it needed to be told in a way that the youth, the poor and politicians could hear it in their own way.

Our G&G co-hosts are excited to welcome Megan Simpson, co-founder of Two Sparks Media along with Kelly Parker, who graced the podcast in 2023. A resident of North Carolina, Megan grew up in New Jersey as the youngest of four powerhouse women, and she's been in the people business ever since. From the fitness industry to the franchise world, Megan's gift is making connections and creating collaborations. Megan's Villanova University marketing professor sparked her passion for marketing. “She's a powerhouse of a woman who had clarity and confidence and I wanted to be just like her,” Megan says. Megan enjoys returning to her alma mater to mentor today's students on how to build tomorrow's network. “It's never too early to get on LinkedIn to let us know about you and start connecting,” Megan advises. This episode is packed with energetic, people-focused business vitamins perfect for young careerists and college students, and parents of high schoolers.

Talking History is searching for white smoke as we explore the history of the most unusual conclaves, including the one that lasted almost three years.Featuring Dr Celeste McNamara, Assistant Professor in Early Modern European History, DCU; Dr Patrick Houlihan, Associate Professor in History at TCD; and Dr Massimo Faggioli, Professor of Historical Theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Marco Langon didn't win NCAA indoors, but he turned heads with his confident running and interview afterwards. The junior at Villanova University discusses his motivations, the hardships he has faced, and his unapologetic drive to succeed in running on the eve of Penn Relays, and after his signing of an NIL Deal with Diadora. Want our London Marathon Preview pod? Join the Supporters Club today https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes: 00:00 Marco Langon 02:45 Looking Back at NCAAs 04:26 Inspirations from the Past 0 7:41 His mindset and philosophy 13:34 'Clear a Path' 18:02 Training under Marcus O'Sullivan 25:28 NIL Deal with Diadora 31:56 Overcoming Adversity 35:51 Choosing Diadora 4 1:52 The Importance of Visualization 47:44 Villanova's Legacy at Penn Relays 55:10 The LetsRun Community 59:09 Conclusion and Future Goals Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.

Tonight's Guest WeatherBrain is an Associate Professor at Villanova University, specializing in severe weather risks, societal impacts and hazard mitigation.  His research focuses on tornado and lightning exposure at large outdoor gatherings.  In addition, it focuses on urbanization effects on disasters and improving public safety strategies.  Dr. Stephen Strader, welcome back to WeatherBrains. Brandon Skalniak is a senior emergency management major at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He is passionate about all things weather, having gained an interest in the field when he stumbled upon the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers in second grade. Brandon loves weather history, and cataloging the country's significant weather events on radar is his main hobby.  Welcome to the show as tonight's Guest Panelist, Brandon! Also, Bruce Jones joins us to discuss the importance of NOAA Weather Radio and its integration in order to save lives.  Welcome back, Bruce! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Manufactured housing safety rules situation (17:00) National Manufactured Housing Database under construction (28:20) Secondary confirmation when warned with impending severe weather (45:00) Generalities on gender reaction to severe weather threats (48:30) Stopping flash flooding deaths and mitigating risk (53:40) Risk ranking metric developed by Dr. Strader (59:40) NASCAR lightning strike protocol (01:06:00) Tradeoffs when considering weather safety and proper procedure when in a warning (01:18:30) Further observations on tornado-related fatalities in mobile homes (01:23:00) Continued FAR in the industry and the fallout of these problems (01:25:00) Average lead-time of severe weather warnings (0 1:25:30) Bruce Jones/Midland Weather Radio  (01:45:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:29:14) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:30:40) E-Mail Segment (01:31:55) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1005: Midland Weather Radio Brandon Skalniak on X Picks of the Week: Brandon Skalniak - Millersville AMS on X Brandon Skalniak - Millersville AMS on Instagram Bruce Jones - William Abner Eddy background James Aydelott - Doppler radar view of Madill Oklahoma tornado Jen Narramore - Deep Dive into Florida's Largest Tornado Outbreak - Hurricane Milton Rick Smith - Pat Hyland, CCM: Durant radar view of Madill Oklahoma tornado Troy Kimmel - US Weather Analysis Sites Restored After Funding Lapse Kim Klockow-McClain - Trump Administration Restores Funding for Critical Weather Data Centers John Gordon - A methodology for forecasting, heavy convection precipitation and flash flooding John Gordon - Comparison of the meteorological aspects of the Big Thompson and the Rapid City Flash Floods Bill Murray - Foghorn James Spann - Storm Chase Archive The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

Pope Francis brought a lot of firsts to the Catholic Church. He was the first from Latin America, and under him, the church became increasingly globalized and diverse. He spoke up for LGBTQ rights, for the people of Gaza, and for migrants and refugees around the world. In 2022, he apologized for the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system.But his death on Monday comes at a complicated time for the church. The Vatican is grappling with the new political direction in the United States, and the college of cardinals is bigger and more diverse than it has ever been.Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University, breaks down the legacy of Pope Francis and what the future of the Catholic Church could look like under his successor.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Join us this week on the Church in Action as we revisit an enriching episode on the biblical imperative to do biblical justice from the perspectives of Dallas Willard and C.S. Lewis. Two great voices in the church but not typically known for speaking on topics such as biblical justice. In this episode, we are joined by Jahdiel Perez, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Villanova University, and Pastor Dave Ripper, Lead Pastor at Crossway Christian Church in Nashua, NH. Follow us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewengland/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionNewEngland/Website: https://www.visionnewengland.org/

Rick Sherak, CEO of Exokinetics, shares his incredible journey from serving as an Air Force officer to leading a company that develops transformative mobility devices. He discusses the importance of leadership, sales psychology, and creating compassionate company culture. Rick's passion shines through as he recounts heartwarming stories of how Exokinetics' Zeen device has profoundly improved the lives of people with mobility challenges, including children with cerebral palsy.   Guest links: https://gozeen.com/ | https://vimeo.com/1011399920 | https://vimeo.com/856975581/9994ad1cb8?share=copy Charity supported: Project ELEVATE Mobility Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host: Lindsey Dinneen Editing: Marketing Wise Producer: Velentium   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 053 - Rick Sherak [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and I am so excited to introduce you to my guest today, Rick Sherak. After serving as an Air Force officer, Rick spent over 25 years in the medical diagnostic industry as a commercial and product development executive. Leveraging his broad leadership and medical domain experience, he became CEO of Exokinetics in March 2024 to lead the company into its next expansion phase of market awareness and revenue growth.  Alrighty. Well, welcome, Rick, to the show. Thank you so much for joining me today. I'm so excited to speak with you. [00:01:30] Rick Sherak: Well, it's nice to meet you, Lindsey, and I'm glad to speak with you today as well. Should be fun. [00:01:36] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Excellent. Well, I would love if you would start by sharing a little bit about yourself and your background and what led you to MedTech. [00:01:45] Rick Sherak: Sure. Well, so I currently live just outside of Philadelphia with my wife and our four dogs. We just recently moved here from Boston, so we've had to quickly become Philadelphia Eagles fans. Go birds. We love it here. And my background is kind of interesting, a little bit diverse. I started off my career as an Air Force officer. I tried to follow my dad in his fighter pilot footsteps. Got almost there, but I had a medical disqualification, so I had to do a land based job, but really enjoyed the Air Force. It was a great way to pay for my college and to serve my country and also to learn leadership. It was like a masterclass in leadership. Talking about getting thrown into the leadership fire, and as a young 22 year old, lead a group of people on a mission, motivate everyone, and get everyone producing at their highest capacity. So that was a great way to start. But after I got out of the Air Force, I really wanted to go back to my roots, and that's in the sciences. I've always loved the sciences, especially the biological sciences. I have a degree in biological science from Baylor University. So out of the military, I was looking for an opportunity to use my interest in something that would support my family. So I started with Abbott Laboratories. And Abbott Laboratories, back in the day, was a Fortune 100 company, one of the up and coming medtech companies, had a pharmaceutical arm, but I belonged to the medical diagnostics side of it. And it was great. They, at the time, were hiring a bunch of ex military officers to be their field sales people and none of us knew how to sell. We were all out of either the Air Force, Army, Navy or Marines, but we learned quick. We understood, you know, there's the hill we have to take, but I really respected Abbott because they trained us not only how to sell, but how to sell with integrity, right? And they also, you know, they had 200 products that we had to learn and become masters at because we were selling to hospitals and medical laboratory clinicians, etcetera. But it was a great way to start my career, and I truly found that I loved it. One, I enjoyed the sales aspect. It was fun helping people solve problems with our products, and ultimately, help the patients get the best care right from their diagnostics. But two, it also taught me that I was pretty good at it. I did very well at Abbott. I promoted several times and won some national awards. And as a result, I was recruited away by another medtech company, which was a early stage organization called Ventana Medical Systems. I intended to be there for three years and learn everything I could and then expand my career. I was there for 15 years. And we had a ball. We took this little medical diagnostic company that came up with a transformative device that would automate very complicated processes in the pathology laboratory environment. So it was disruptive technology. We were going out there with something no one had ever seen before. And I joined them pre IPO. So we went public and then we started churning and burning and impressing Wall Street every quarter so that we can up our value. 15 short years later we sold the company to Roche Diagnostics. So what a great exit and just a wonderful experience and developing my leadership cause I was management as I quickly was filling levels as we were growing. But what a wonderful ride, that's something to see, somebody with an early vision to take it step by step to a wonderful exit. But we helped a lot of people, we became a market leader in immunohistochemistry automation, and it just truly was a great experience. But after Ventana, I wanted to do something a little different. So I stepped into the world of startups. I spent about 12 years in the startup world, worked for four startups, two of which died, which happens a lot in that environment. And then the other couple did pretty well. I really enjoyed it because now I was helping people on the oncology diagnostic side of medtech. So each startup had a unique laboratory technology that would better predict the patient outcome to a particular chemotherapy or targeted immunotherapy for their cancer. So, the whole purpose was to see how can we get better predictive value so that these patients don't have to suffer unnecessarily with the wrong drug. So that, again, was just a wonderful opportunity for me because more than not, I would come into these startups and have to create the commercial organization from scratch. That means I had to hire my own national sales team, my own marketing team, my own customer service team and logistics team to handle very delicate samples. But I loved it. It, it enabled me to take everything I learned from the air force, from Abbott, from Ventana and apply it to a small company environment. And I found that it was addictive, and that's why I stayed in it for many years. But then I did another turn and I took a sidestep because I loved also, has always been kind of a frustrated engineer. I joined an engineering company that just focused on design development of medical devices, and they hired me because of my diagnostic domain experience. And I went out and found early stage companies and brought them to this engineering firm so we could take the novel technologies from these companies and make them into a product that could be commercialized. So I did that for several years. Long story short today, I'm in a completely different type of medical device environment. I'm the CEO of Exokinetics, and Exokinetics is a very unique organization in that we decided to look at the mobility device market and fill the gap, because unfortunately people with mobility challenges are basically regulated to either wheelchairs or walkers or electronic scooters, all of which have significant problems to their health because they're not using their body in many cases. And fall prevalence-- people with walkers-- oh, it's just such a shame. There's over 50, 000 emergency room visits a year of people falling with their walkers. So anyways, Exokinetics has developed a very unique mobility device that gives people a lot more freedom. and safety in their daily challenges with mobility. So, sorry, it's kind of long. [00:08:44] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh, I loved it. No, I so appreciate it. Thank you for talking us through all of that. That was great. And so many questions, but I'll try to start at the end a little bit and then probably work my way back. But yeah, so, okay. So I'd love to hear more about the company that you are now involved in and this device. But I'd love to take it back a little bit further and say, what made you aware of this challenge existing that there isn't a great solution in the marketplace, or not maybe more updated options. So what made you aware of that challenge and then decide, "Okay, I think I have the tools, resources, ideas to fix it, to address it"? [00:09:25] Rick Sherak: It's a great question. I, one, I was not aware, right? I was not aware of the challenges. However, a buddy of mine, we go to the same church, you know, we're in a men's group, we're a bunch of old guys hanging out talking about stuff. And he was doing some investment investing into early stage or startup medical diagnostic companies. A very generous individual, and he knew of my background and he goes, "Rick," he goes, "I'm looking at this company. I'm not sure I want to invest, but maybe you can look at it with me." So I did some free consulting for him, he's my friend. And then he kept dragging me to this company to their board meetings. Right. And I'm going, "Hey, this is great," and I give him my advice because, because it was new for me. And that's how I found out, Lindsey, about the challenges that people with mobility issues have, is that the status quo now is, oh, you have Parkinson's, or you have cerebral palsy, or you've had a stroke. Put those people in a wheelchair and just let them live their life at that level. And I didn't realize how horrible that is for many of these people because they still have utility of their legs, right? But when you're confined to a wheelchair for long term, your legs will naturally atrophy, right? And become so weak that they won't be able to use them anymore. So what struck me, as mission driven, was that this company invented with their own engineers, this device that not only promotes people with mobility issues to use their body, but to use their body effectively moving around horizontally around the world, but also vertically. It enables them to go from a seated position to a standing position. And for us, for you and I, we're thinking, "Well, yeah that's pretty good." For them, that is a game changer being able to go from seated position to standing and then walk from that position all without the fear of falling. So, it really touched my heart as I learned more and more about the company and I kept giving more and more time to them. So eventually I was pulled aside and they said, "Rick, what's your appetite for running this company because we need to grow it and we need to get out there and help more people." So lo and behold, I've been here for almost a year. February 1st is my anniversary and it's been a great ride. I just love it. I have a passionate team, mostly of young people. I love it. I couldn't script better people, more compassionate, more caring. All of our customers are suffering in some way or another. Even our elderly customers that are just bad knees, bad hips, bad endurance, our device is perfect for them. So, yeah, you know, we're having fun. [00:12:27] Lindsey Dinneen: That's great. Well, yeah. Thanks for sharing a little bit about that too. And so, as you've stepped into this leadership role that you weren't necessarily anticipating was your next right thing, what were some of the challenges? Because you've had an amazing career, and like you've said at the beginning, you were learning leadership skills all throughout and you've had many iterations of different ways of approaching medtech, with the industry. But now as CEO, that's another thing. And so I'm curious, how was that transition to step into this leadership role and take it on? [00:13:03] Rick Sherak: No. And it has been different in many ways, but it's also very similar in others, right? Because in my opinion, leadership, really the definition from my perspective is that a good leader motivates effectively a group of people, talented people, and usually very diverse group of people, pulls them all together to accomplish an overall mission or goal, right? And it's it. That's the part I wouldn't say that's easy about my job now as a CEO, but it's natural and I love motivating my people. I'm a big fan of management by walking around and I try to talk to all my employees at least every day or every other day just to see what's going on, not only in the business side of things, but also in their personal side of things. I, I assume that nobody's going to respect me unless I earn it. And, I just wanna make sure that I'm leading by example and I'm the guy that either gets to the office first or leaves the office last, just trying to make sure that I'm there for my people when they need me. What is different, Lindsey, is that I am struggling with delegation because I want to do it all myself, right? And I know better. It takes me a long time to dye this hair white because I'm not that old, but just know better. But it's a struggle because you have to allow others to get things done and especially in a small company like this. We were still very early stage. People are wearing a lot of hats and I just have to allow them to go and give them the best guidance I can and then press on to the next thing, right? [00:14:49] Lindsey Dinneen: Absolutely. So, it sounds like you've been very intentional building a company culture that reflects the values that you care about, of course, and also reflects compassion, because you mentioned, your customers, for instance, are all folks that are in a difficult, challenging place. So how do you feel the importance blends from really intentionally cultivating a culture that is this empathic, creative problem solving, just really good culture, it sounds like, to how that affects how you basically present to the world who you are. [00:15:28] Rick Sherak: Yeah, well, no, that's a great question. So where our challenge is that our customer base is so broad, right? And like you said, all of our customers in our DTC business-- that's about 40 percent of our business is direct to consumer, right? But we have other customers, distributors. We have hospitals that use our device, physical therapy, occupational therapy, neurological research, you know, things like that. But the key, I think, from our perspective, is we want people to realize that, hey, we don't have 20 products, right, that we've gotten from other folks. We have designed and developed a very new and transformative device that only came about because we had our own internal engineers, and we've listened to what is needed out there to help people live a better, more free, more independent and active lifestyle. So, you know, interestingly, when we broadcast ourselves out there, I hope that people realize that, "Wow, this is not just a company selling something new, they design and develop this with their own people," right? There's a lot of love in our products, and people can tell because each one of our products is handmade, and it's customized to the individual ordering it by their weight, how much they weigh, and how tall they are, so we can adjust everything for them. And I tell you it's a lot of fun because some people literally take the time when they get their Zeen-- that's the name of our product, Zeen-- but they'll write us these wonderful notes on how this device has just transformed the way that they engage with their world. And, when you sit back and you go, "Hey, what difference are we making today?" Wow. That's why I think I have such a motivated group of people because every day we're talking to these wonderful, courageous individuals that have lost a big part of their ability to live effectively in the world and they're looking for something new, something meaningful and something that's going to help them. And when we can provide that it's just wonderful, very rewarding. [00:17:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. Of course. Just to know the impact that you're making and able to make. And so the days that get really tough or frustrating or whatever, you can still hold onto this anchor of, "But we're making a difference. We know that." [00:18:07] Rick Sherak: And we see it. We have visitors come to the factory just about every week. Maybe two or three visitors will come and they'll try it out. Try out the Zeen to say, "Hey, I saw it on social media, just want to try it. You guys are local." And that's when we really get that, that visceral customer experience, right? It's just crazy, Lindsey. I've seen people come in, bent over sitting on this little electric scooter with a joystick. And they come in and they just look broken, right? And then we get them into a Zeen, and then they're all of a sudden their spine starting to straighten, right? They start sitting up, and then we slowly and compassionately show them how the device works and everything, but we make sure that they feel safe and that they trust. And as soon as we get that go ahead, which often you just see it in their eyes, then we'll engage the levers and the Zeen will lift that person with-- it's kind of like a big bicycle seat under them. It lifts up with this non motorized lift mechanism, that we invented, up to 75 percent of a person's body weight. So now they go from the seating position to standing. Now, many of these people can't do that on their own. They can't extend their legs from seating to standing. They need other people to grab them and lift them, right? But now Zeen lifts them. Now they're standing. And again, it's just phenomenal because this person that came in on this scooter bent over is now standing. They're putting weight on their legs. They're stimulating their brain because there's weight on their legs. Right now, neural connections are starting to flow again, and their spine straightens, and they stand tall, and when they take those first steps, often it's very slow, just tiny little steps. But then we just leave them be, and we talk to their family that came with them, and we go get something to drink, get some snacks, start chatting, and just let them be. And it's amazing, you can just see their brains working, and their legs moving faster and faster. I've seen people barely moving at the beginning, and at the end, they're cruising, we call it the lap, they go around the office, around all the desks and everything, and everybody's clapping, you know. It's amazing. [00:20:28] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. [00:20:28] Rick Sherak: It's so cool! I'm not trying to overstate it, but this is our daily life. So I'm just very happy and pleased that my background has led me here. It's a great way to finish my career. I want to stay here for as long as I can. Hopefully it'll be many years because I enjoy every day of it. [00:20:52] Lindsey Dinneen: Wow. That's incredible. Yeah, and thank you for sharing those stories. I was just imagining that, that laugh and how amazing. [00:21:00] Rick Sherak: It is so cool. [00:21:03] Lindsey Dinneen: Can't possibly get old. Just witnessing joy and hope, honestly, even hope alone is... [00:21:10] Rick Sherak: One of the best is this father comes in with his twin boys. And the boys have cerebral palsy. It's a disease that you get from birth, right? And their legs are just not good. They have no balance at all. And the father brings them in. He carries them because they don't even have a mobility device that really works for them, except for walkers, like an old person walker, right? But he carries them in, he puts them on the, in the lobby, and we bring over the Zeens, and these little boys are the cutest things you've ever seen. They're just, they're twins, they're chatty, they're so excited. We get them into the device, and their first few steps, it's like I said before, we're just tiny, tiny. But then they built their trust. And at the end of the visit, these boys were running. I mean, they were digging in with their little legs, fully supported, fully trusting the device and their hands were in the air waving. And their dad is just like tears. He's just like gushing. He's going, "One, I've never seen my sons run before. Two, they've never moved without their hands either holding a walker or crawling on the floor." He goes, "These boys are running around with their hands in there in the air." And they're saying, "Hey, look, Daddy, my hands are in the air. I don't need to use my hands." Of course, we have Kleenex boxes all over the office. [00:22:36] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. I'm pretty sure you'd have to, it's just part of the the office supplies. [00:22:42] Rick Sherak: Exactly. Yeah. We have a Costco membership for regular shipment of Kleenex. Yeah. [00:22:49] Lindsey Dinneen: That's amazing. Oh, thank you so much for sharing that story. That's incredible... [00:22:53] Rick Sherak: Oh, yeah. [00:22:54] Lindsey Dinneen: ...just for a father's heart. [00:22:56] Rick Sherak: Oh, it's just so amazing. Yeah, it's so amazing. [00:23:00] Lindsey Dinneen: So this is all incredibly exciting just the way it is right now, but I imagine there are future plans. Can you share a little bit about what's next? What are you excited about as you move forward? [00:23:12] Rick Sherak: Well, what's really exciting is our growth potential, right? So again, the Zeen is a very unique device, but it fits so many different segments of populations. Like we've been talking about people with chronic illness. That is our core group, right? We work with people with Parkinson's, MS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, ataxia, you know, just about anything like that where people have strength, balance, or endurance issues. The other part that we're really excited about this year is that we didn't realize until those boys, how much our Zeen would help in the pediatric environment. So now we're making a very concerted effort going after the children's hospital physical therapy groups, showing them the amazing utility of a Zeen. And also because it's so adjustable, a person, a child can get into a Zeen early, let's say at the age of seven, and it could actually stay and grow with them until they're 14 or 15 years old. The whole thing adjusts up. So we're very excited about that market space. And we're also introducing the Zeen to luxury senior centers, because so many of our Zeen customers are just elderly people that don't want to give up, that have this incredible determination to either maintain or regain their mobility. Their knees hurt, their hips hurt, their endurance is down. So that's another avenue that we're introducing ourselves to, primarily through social media and publications through PR. But we're hoping this new awareness will get more Zeens out there. Our goal is really awareness. And that's one of the reasons that you and I are talking. I want to get out there as much as possible and let people know that there's other alternatives out there for their loved ones or for themselves if they have mobility challenges. And please check us out. We have a really cool website, a lot of videos, a lot of testimonials, and we just love helping people. And we're very fair in business. Our product is not cheap, but we give most customers a 14 day minimum home trial, and we say, "Use it a lot, as much as you can to make sure it's a good fit." If you don't like it, money back. So we try to be as fair as possible to make sure it's a good fit. [00:25:39] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, that sounds good. Yeah. And so for any of our listeners that are, you know, going to go and check out the website, just make sure you have your own stash of Kleenex. Oh man. [00:25:54] Rick Sherak: And every time we sell a Zeen, it comes with a virtual training session. So it's a one on one with one of my specialists. And I tell you, these folks are the best. So the best trainers and they're just the most delightful people, right? And they're like you. They're virtual, but you feel like they're right there with you. So we do virtual training for every one of our customers. And, it gives us that opportunity to see people eye to eye and to ensure that they understand their new tool and how to use it and how to, like I mentioned before, how to trust it, and realize that they're not going to fall, that they can move again, and they can do it safely. [00:26:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Amazing. Well, gosh, thank you so much for sharing about the company and... [00:26:38] Rick Sherak: Yeah. [00:26:39] Lindsey Dinneen: ...the device and the lives that it's impacting. And I just, I love learning about this. I'm so excited about the work that you're doing. So thank you for putting in the work. It's not easy. Startup world is difficult and especially medtech, but you've done it. So good job. [00:26:56] Rick Sherak: Well, and this is also interesting for me because it's manufacturing. Before, I didn't have to manage manufacturing. So manufacturing is a whole different beast with getting your parts, getting them ordered in time 'cause everything has to be built just right. This is like a high end super bike, you know, has the latest in technology for aluminum framing and engineering leverage. So that's a challenge for sure. But the other thing I wanted to plug real quick, Lindsey, if you don't mind, is again, we're a premium priced product, but we're not covered under insurance plans right now. That means Medicare or Medicaid. So, part of our outreach is we've created a foundation. It's a nonprofit foundation so that if we can find donors that want to support, the money goes into our foundation, and we take applicants and we provide grants for up to half the cost of a Zeen through the foundation. The other half is on the people that are trying to buy it. And, it's so interesting. Talking about putting skin in the game, right? People call and say, "Geez, I just can't swing that amount of money." Well, let's talk about the foundation, but you have to come up with half. And that creates such a-- it's such a partnership, and they're so excited. They'll be emailing my folks going, "Hey, I was able to raise 500 through a crowdfund! I just got to keep going!" And we're going, "Yeah, keep going!" And as soon as we hit that halfway mark, the foundation kicks in and covers it. So again, I just want to put a plug out there so that we can help very deserving people that just financially need a little support. Yeah. [00:28:37] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. So that's a great way for even listeners to get involved, even if they don't necessarily personally need the device, but donating to this incredible cause, that would be awesome too. [00:28:48] Rick Sherak: Anything would be so appreciated. [00:28:50] Lindsey Dinneen: Great. Yes, absolutely. Well, okay. So pivoting the conversation a little bit just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a master class on anything you want. It can be within your industry currently, it could be about anything. What would you choose to teach? [00:29:13] Rick Sherak: You know, that's funny that you said that. I live right next to Villanova University, and a lot of my neighbors are professors there. And one of our best friends that lives a few houses down she's in the business ethics department. And she even said, she goes, "Rick, have you ever thought about teaching?" And I said, "You know, I've never really been a teacher." But if I were to teach, the thing I would love to do would be to capture over all these years of me being in this industry, the nuances of the psychology of sales. Because people think of sales as, "Oh, you're trying to trick people into buying, right?" Turn that completely upside down to, you're trying to assist people to buy. Because people really, when they're looking at your product, they want it. But they need help. They're counting on you to help them in that process. And it's a psychological bond when you're talking to somebody and you have a product and they have a need and you're trying to find that, that perfect combination, right? So that they feel, "Hey, this is great for me. It's worth every penny because I see the value." Versus having them feel, "Oh man, I'm going to get ripped off." So I would love to go down that path. I think that's so interesting because people are people, and salespeople, the best ones I've ever seen, like I mentioned before, are compassionate and caring, but they're also pleasantly persistent, right? And they just, they go, they listen and they say, "All right, but let's keep moving down the path." And people that are on the buying side truly want that. They want that partnership, that walking side by side down that path to purchase, because sometimes they're not courageous enough to buy just by themselves. So, to destigmatize sales would be kind of fun. [00:31:13] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. That would be great. That'd be a great masterclass too, just to really dive into some of that, and yeah, to put a different perspective on your role and you're helping somebody to achieve what their goals are, to be honest. [00:31:26] Rick Sherak: Absolutely. [00:31:27] Lindsey Dinneen: I love that. [00:31:28] Rick Sherak: Absolutely. And we've all had those good experiences, and we've all had those bad experiences. [00:31:32] Lindsey Dinneen: Definitely. Definitely. So how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:31:40] Rick Sherak: You know, that, that's interesting because I love to read. My morning time is my reading time. That's my time. It's me and my two collies. They're also early risers. The pugs, the two pugs, no, they'll sleep in with their mother. But in my reading and in my studies, essentially, I think it all boils down to at the end of the day, when the curtain starts coming down, wouldn't it be nice, when you're out, you're no longer here and people look back and they just say, "You know what? That guy or that lady really genuinely cared about other people." I think authenticity and being genuine is something I would love to be remembered for. And it's not easy, because sometimes you're not authentic to yourself, yet to others. [00:32:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:32:32] Rick Sherak: But especially at this stage in my life, I just see caring for people is just amazing. Talking about, if everybody cared a little bit more for each other, it might be a different place. [00:32:43] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. And having the courage to be authentic and honest can sometimes also be, it does come with a little bit of vulnerability. So I love that. [00:32:55] Rick Sherak: Oh yeah. Oh my gosh. You know, it's all about, if you're just so lucky to have a little bit of grace, a little bit of wisdom, but like you said, a lot of courage. That's when it all means something, right? Cool. Oh. [00:33:10] Lindsey Dinneen: I know. What is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:33:22] Rick Sherak: Well, you know, funny because we've been talking about leadership and sales. I just got to tell you a quick story because it always makes me smile. As I mentioned before, I was an Air Force officer and all of a sudden I jump out of the Air Force into a sales role with a medical diagnostic company. And, I just went through training. I got assigned to my territory. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I'm a Colorado boy. So Baton Rouge, Louisiana was a little bit different for me, but the company moved me down there, and I started my sales career. And my, my customers were all hospitals and clinical laboratories in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and the Bayou South, all those little towns in there. And I didn't realize it until after I started, but my territory was made out of the accounts the other sales people didn't want. [00:34:16] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh. [00:34:17] Rick Sherak: So the guys that were there, they cherry pick the good accounts, and the ones they didn't want, they made into my territory, right? The new guy. But I went in, I was dialed in. I had my brochures. I knew all my product knowledge. And I'd make appointments and I'd sit in front of these lab managers and these clinical influencers. And these lovely people, they would sit there. They would be so kind. They'd have their arms crossed. I go through my spiel and then they just look at me and they say, "Thank you, Rick, for coming. I'm not interested at this time." I go, "Okay." So this went on, Lindsey, for six months at every single hospital or clinical laboratory. I was like on the bottom of the sales list. I couldn't get anybody to buy anything. And it was like, it was so funny. And this is what makes me laugh. I'll never forget. I was down in south of Lafayette, and I was sitting in front of this lab manager and I've seen him every three weeks like clock work, right? And I'd always bring in new information, recap what we discussed before, and asked for the business. And he'd always say, "No, I'm not interested." But about six months in, he just looked at me and I got through my spiel. And he goes, "Rick," he goes, "Are you just going to keep showing up every three weeks?" And I said, "Yes, sir." And he says, "Look," and I mean, he's going, "Well, I'm not buying anything from you." And I said, "Yes, sir. But I, I truly feel that my products are the best products that you could use in your laboratory to make you more successful and to give your patients the best diagnostic information to help them fight their disease." Because it was mostly oncology focused. And he just looked at me and he goes, "You truly believe that?" I said, "Yes sir, I truly believe and I'm going to keep coming back until you believe." And he just sits back and he, I'll never forget this, he unfolded his arms, put his hands on the table and he goes, "Well, okay, then let me see what you got." And it was awesome. Lindsey, I swear there was like some underground communication channel because every hospital or clinical laboratory started listening to me after about six months. It was weird. And then another six months, I was on top of the sales rolls, and I had turned my territory around and we were just having a ball. But it was that persistence, it was just in the caring. I just cared. I was convinced my products were better, and he appreciated that. And, it, it was a fun, it makes me smile today because there's nothing like seeing somebody say, "Well, you know what, I trust you enough to listen to you now." [00:37:06] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Wow, that's awesome. They really had to go through that know, like, and trust you cycle or a journey. [00:37:15] Rick Sherak: These are long term Louisianians. I'm coming in as an outsider, too. So that was, I had to prove myself. But they are the one most wonderful people. Before I got promoted out of that territory, I used to show up at least once every, maybe two months, per hospital with all these crawfish and a big old pot and a boiler and I would be out in the parking lot. I'd be boiling crawfish and I called the lab and I'd say, "Hey guys, I got crawfish!" And they go, "Oh, Rick has crawfish!" And they all come out and we'd all eat crawfish. That's how you do it in Louisiana. It was a good time. [00:37:54] Lindsey Dinneen: Very cool. Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing about that. And just in general, being so willing to share so much of your story. I really appreciate it. I loved getting an opportunity to learn about you and your background and your heart for MedTech, your heart for the people that you're serving. So thank you. I know days aren't always a walk in the park as much fun as I know you're having, but I know you have good days and bad days. So thank you again so much for joining me. [00:38:19] Rick Sherak: Thank you, Lindsey. [00:38:20] Lindsey Dinneen: And I just wish you the most continued success as you continue to work to change lives for a better world. And just also thanks to our listeners for tuning in. And if you're feeling as inspired as I am, I'd love it if you'd share this episode with a colleague or two and we'll catch you next time. [00:38:40] Ben Trombold: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium. Velentium is a full-service CDMO with 100% in-house capability to design, develop, and manufacture medical devices from class two wearables to class three active implantable medical devices. Velentium specializes in active implantables, leads, programmers, and accessories across a wide range of indications, such as neuromodulation, deep brain stimulation, cardiac management, and diabetes management. Velentium's core competencies include electrical, firmware, and mechanical design, mobile apps, embedded cybersecurity, human factors and usability, automated test systems, systems engineering, and contract manufacturing. Velentium works with clients worldwide, from startups seeking funding to established Fortune 100 companies. Visit velentium.com to explore your next step in medical device development.

Ryan Silverstein, JD candidate at Villanova University, joins Chris Spangle to explain the unitary executive theory through the case of Gwen Wilcox, former chair of the National Labor Relations Board, who sued after being fired by President Trump. Ryan discusses the legal history, constitutional questions, and implications for executive power in American government. A Gift To The Conservative Legal Movement - https://archive.ph/wCaU0#selection-491.0-627.381 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of What We Can't Not Talk About, host Marianna Orlandi welcomes Dr. Anna Bonta Moreland, theologian and professor at Villanova University, to explore the radical, uncomfortable, and ultimately redemptive virtue of forgiveness. Drawing on the character of Dolly from Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, Dr. Moreland shows how literature and theology—especially the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas—can illuminate what it really means to love sacrificially and forgive heroically. In a world torn between cancel culture and moral relativism, Dr. Moreland argues that forgiveness is not weakness but a virtue rooted in charity. Through Dolly's example and Aquinas' thought, listeners are invited to reflect on whether perfection in love is required, and what it means to love and forgive like Christ—even when it hurts.

Don't mess with Texas? More like don't mess with Section 504—and Kaleigh Brendle. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of people with disabilities in universities, hospitals, and other institutions that receive federal financial assistance. But in September, 17 states filed a lawsuit claiming Section 504 is unconstitutional as it stands. Their argument? That recent guidance from the Biden administration, particularly those including gender dysphoria as a disability and emphasizing accommodations be provided in integrated settings, goes too far. Kaleigh Brendle joins Marissa (again!) on Blonde & Blind to unpack what this lawsuit could mean for Section 504 and the civil rights of the disability community. They tackle the misconception that the lawsuit only targets trans people, and stress the importance of cross-community allyship in the fight for justice.Kaleigh Brendle is a senior at Villanova University studying English, Justice & Peace, and Argumentation & Advocacy. She's heavily involved with the National Federation of the Blind and is on the executive board of Villanova's disability alliance LEVEL. Kaleigh is extremely passionate about disability rights and is an aspiring lawyer. She previously appeared on Blonde & Blind in December 2020 to share her experience suing the College Board in "Not Blind to Injustice."Connect with Blonde & Blind!Website  - https://www.blondeblind.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blondeblindLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blonde-blind YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz_ng0bHVm0s33plEl5Kpg X - https://twitter.com/marissa_nissley Connect with Kaleigh! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kaleighbrendle/ Facebook - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-brendle-8a8a0124b LinkedIn - https://www.facebook.com/friday.live.31/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kaleigh.brendle/video/7472500905045282091 Key Points:5:09 - What is section 504?9:50 - What is section 504 important?12:00 - What is Texas v. Becerra?18:05 - Some argue that this lawsuit is only about gender dysphoria, not about eliminating 504. What is your response to that?26:14 - What can people do to get involved?Get Involved - https://dredf.org/protect-504/Resources & Transcript - https://www.blondeblind.com/post/37-don-t-mess-with-section-504-feat-kaleigh-brendle

How does an engineering student shift their career ambitions from big pharma to global health challenges?In this episode of the global health podcast, we learn from Lizzy Loughnane, an engineer who transitioned to humanitarian engineering after joining Villanova University's service learning program. Lizzy shares her journey working on water sanitation hygiene (WASH) projects in Nicaragua and Madagascar, emphasizing the impact of community service projects on clean water access and public health. Through partnerships with Aqua water services and various NGOs, Lizzy discusses the importance of cultural awareness, sustainable water solutions, and community outreach programs in engineering. The episode also features insights from Krista Seng, Aqua's Corporate Giving and Community Affairs Lead, about the essential role of water resource management and the broader implications of engineering for social impact and international development.Villanova VESL ProgramAQUA: aquawater.com-----Support the Podcast: Click here to send in a one-time or monthly donationSubmit a Question: Click here to send in a question!Join the Podcast Mailing list: https://www.globalhealthpursuit.com/mailing-listMake sure to follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook!Email me at hetal@globalhealthpursuit.com

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, I welcomed back Zach Harris and Hunt Rose of TrueCore Properties for a deep dive into their latest moves in the industrial space. They share how a previous podcast episode led directly to acquiring a FedEx facility in Baton Rouge, why Class B industrial is their sweet spot, and what makes secondary markets so attractive. The duo breaks down their buy box, value-add strategy, and shift to a fund model—all while emphasizing the importance of downside risk analysis, building functionality, and broker relationships. From tariffs to rail spurs to market fundamentals, this episode is packed with actionable insights for investors, brokers, and industrial enthusiasts alike.About Zach: As Managing Director and one of the co-founding partners, Zach is responsible for the leadership, growth, and strategic direction of the company while also overseeing the investment and operational functions. Prior to TruCore, Zach was a Director at Stan Johnson Company for over 12 years, where he specialized in net lease industrial investment sales brokerage for clients nationwide and contributed to the closing of over $5.0 billion in transaction volume.Harris earned his B.S. in civil engineering from Villanova University and his master's degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma.About Hunt: As Investments Director and a co-founding TruCore member, Hunt oversees investments, financial underwriting, due diligence, and assists in origination of new investment opportunities. Prior to TruCore, Rose was an Associate Director at Stan Johnson Company specializing in providing equity capital solutions for new real estate development projects nationwide. Rose contributed to the capitalization of more than $2.5 billion in transaction volume and placement of over $200 million inequity capital.Rose started his career with Deloitte in the Hedge Fund and Private Equity Advisory Group in Dallas, TX. Rose obtained a Certified Public Accountant designation and earned a master's degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University.Connect with Zach and Hunt:TruCore Investments Website: https://trucoreinvestments.comZach on LinkedIn:   / zacharystevenharris  Hunt on LinkedIn:   / hunt-rose-9229694b  --

The story of three small ambitious cutting-edge Philadelphia theater companies of the 1970s. Why did some survive - and some falter?For a blog post with images of the productions and people we discuss in the episode, go HERE. (Cover photo for the episode shows the actor Daniel Oreskes in The Servant of Two Masters, which was being presented by The Repertory Company in West Philadelphia's Clark Park during the summer of 1975. He is having his costume arranged by an unidentified female member of the company. Photo taken by Salvatore C. DiMarco, Jr. for the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. Courtesy of the Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries)Here's a special opportunity for those of you who are in the Philadelphia area: on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, I will be moderating Curtains Up on “Cato” - A Panel on Revolutionary Theater. a panel of distinguished scholars  in the Alan B. Miller Theater at the Museum of the American Revolution on the corner of Third and Chestnut, from 6-8 p.m. The panel will include Dr. Shawn David McGhee of Temple University, Dr. Chelsea Phillips of Villanova University, the author Eli Lynn, and the dramaturg Chazz Martin!Adventures in Theater History podcast listeners are invited to receive the reciprocal Museum of the American Revolution member discount for this special program. Go HERE, select $15 Museum Member and (as your Registrant Details) please enter the code: REMIXEDSupport the show"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now!To see a listing on Bookshop.org - GO HERE IF YOU LIKED THE SHOW, AND WANT TO LEAN MORE:Our website: www.aithpodcast.comOur email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.comBluesky: @aithpodcast.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aithpodcast/ YouTube: @AdventuresInTheaterHistorySupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AITHpodcast© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved. ℗ All voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz. ℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing threats to our oceans today. In this episode, we explore how microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic waste—make their way into tropical marine ecosystems and cause lasting damage. Whether it's through broken-down consumer products or fishing gear, plastic pollution infiltrates ocean habitats and harms marine life in ways we're just beginning to understand. Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, are especially vulnerable to plastic pollution. These vital ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastlines, and sustain livelihoods. Dr. Lisa Rodrigues, a professor at Villanova University, shares her research on how microplastics impact coral health, disrupt growth, and even contribute to disease in reef systems. Plastics can also alter water quality and affect the delicate balance that coral reefs depend on to thrive. Marine debris isn't just unsightly—it's a serious ecological problem. From lionfish to tiny plankton, organisms across the food chain are ingesting plastics or suffering from habitat degradation. Dr. Rodrigues explains how even pristine-looking beaches can hide layers of microplastics beneath the surface. We also discuss how citizen science, beach cleanups, and community involvement play key roles in fighting plastic waste in coastal areas. Ocean conservation efforts must include tackling plastic pollution at its source. In this episode, we talk about the role of environmental policy, education, and innovation in reducing marine plastic waste. Whether you're an activist, student, diver, or beach lover, there are actionable ways you can help protect coral reefs and reduce the plastic footprint in our oceans.   Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube  

In 1992 Bill Duke teamed up with Laurence Fishburne and Jeff Goldblum to create one of the best film noirs ever made and a masterpiece of Black cinema. Walter Greason and Tim Fielder join in to talk about it, the rise of hip hop, and the early 90s. About our guests:A native of Mississippi, Tim Fielder is an illustrator, cartoonist, animator and OG Afrofuturist. He is the founder of Dieselfunk Studios, an intermedia storytelling company, and is an educator for institutions such as the New York Film Academy and Howard University. Tim has served clients such as Marvel, Tri-Star Pictures, Ubisoft Entertainment, and the Village Voice, and is known for his TEDx Talk on Afrofuturism. He won the prestigious 2018 Glyph Award, and his work has been showcased in the Hammonds House Museum, Exit Art and NYU Gallatin Gallery. He attended Jackson State University, School of Visual Arts, and New York University. He lives in New York City.Walter Greason teaches American and world history, using media ecology, economics, and African diaspora studies. His areas of research include urban planning, Afrofuturism, and multimedia user experience design. He is an author, editor, and contributor to more than twenty books, mostly notably the award-winning books Suburban Erasure and The Black Reparations Project.  His work on the Timothy Thomas Fortune Cultural Center has garnered international acclaim for the innovative use of digital technology, leading to multiple urban revitalization projects in Minnesota, Florida, New Jersey, and Louisiana. He has written for or appeared as the feature guest on media outlets ranging from the Washington Post, USA Today, the Canadian Broadcast Channel, the Philadelphia Daily News, the Huffington Post, National Public Radio, Historians at the Movies, the New York Times Read Along, WURD Philadelphia, and Today with Dr. Kaye (WEEA, Baltimore). He was a Future Faculty Fellow at Temple University where he completed his Ph.D. in History and a Presidential Scholar at Villanova University where he studied History, English, Philosophy, Peace and Justice Studies, and Africana Studies. His most recent project, The Graphic History of Hip Hop, with Afrofuturist illustrator Tim Fielder, has been featured at the United Nations, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum for African American History and Culture, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Schomburg Center in the New York Public Library system, and San Diego Comic-Con in 2024.

Dana Lloyd is assistant professor of Global Interdisciplinary Studies and affiliated faculty at the Center for Peace and Justice Education at Villanova University. She is the author of Land Is Kin: Sovereignty, Religious Freedom, and Indigenous Sacred Sites (University Press of Kansas, 2023) and the co-editor of American Examples: A New Conversation about Religion, vol. 3 (University of Alabama Press, 2024). A scholar of law and religion, Lloyd is now writing about how law and religion construct mothers and motherhood through an interplay between ideas about care and neglect. She is a co-PI for the research project “Critical Perspectives on Care: Social Reproduction Theory in a Global Context.” Visit Sacred Writes: https://www.sacred-writes.org/carpenter-cohort-2025-jan Visit Classical Ideas: https://linktr.ee/classicalideas Visit Critical Perspectives on Care: https://www.cpcsymposium.com/copy-of-speakers-1    

To expect women and men of flesh and blood to live lives of ethical perfection is to expect too much. Lapses in judgment, ignorance, vice, and sin are inescapable parts of the human condition. Each year, on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, we recite the Al Het prayer, enumerating over 40 sins that we have committed. Sinning is natural, or, as the poet Alexander Pope famously put it, “to err is human, to forgive divine.” And there's a deep truth to that, for while error and vice are natural to the human condition, religion has introduced into the moral landscape the human imitation of God's compassion that releases us, and allows us to release one another, from the crushing burden of guilt and vice. That religious innovation is forgiveness, and it plays a central role in the ethical life of Jews and Christians. A society without forgiveness, in which moral stain can never be wiped away, in which no mechanism for absolution exists, is a society that will grow fearful, fragmented, feeble, and frail. A society that is properly calibrated to the inescapable truths of human sin, and also has an instrument that absolves the sinner and and enable him or her to rejoin society, is resilient. A few years ago, American was bound up in a spate of so-called cancellations in which public figures stood accused of some wrong action, wrong statement, or wrong thought, and were deemed unfit for employment or standing in society. And, in the progressive circles that led these efforts to purify the public arena, no apology would suffice. No cleansing was sufficient to remove the stain: once a bigot, always a bigot. It was around that time that a group of Jewish and Christian theologians began meeting to discuss the idea of forgiveness. Over the course of several years of study, reading, and discussion, a statement emerged. “Forgiveness: A Statement by Jews and Christians” was published in the February 2025 issue of First Things magazine. But of course, something of civilizational significance happened while this group convened, and that was the October 7 Hamas attacks, and the adulation of the attackers by American and European activists. In the face of such evil, could forgiveness be offered? Should it be? What are the limitations on forgiveness and what are the moral obligations on the part of the penitent seeking forgiveness? Two of the statement's signatories, Tikvah's chief education officer Rabbi Mark Gottlieb and the Villanova University professor Anna Moreland, join Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver to discuss these and related themes.

In this episode of Drafting the Past, host Kate Carpenter is joined by Dr. Judith Giesberg. Dr. Giesberg is a historian and professor at Villanova University. She is the author of six books focused on the U.S. Civil War and its aftermath. She is also an active digital and public historian, and her newest book is the culmination of these interests. Inspired by an ongoing digital project, Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Enslaved People to Find Their Lost Families draws on advertisements placed by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War—in some cases, long after—attempting to find loved ones who had been stolen away from them when they were sold by enslavers. It's a fascinating book, at turns heartbreaking and inspiring, and I was delighted to get to ask Judy more about the project and her research process.

"I want to be what I needed." "Culture drives everything." "Generosity and empathy go a long way." "Never abandon who you are." “Everybody comes to the table dealing with something.”   Episode summary | Dr. Kristopher Brown shares his journey in education, highlighting his commitment to creating a positive school environment. He discusses the importance of using student feedback to inform decisions, fostering a culture of inclusion, and the impact of leadership attitude on school dynamics. Dr. Brown reflects on his experiences, emphasizing the need for empathy and generosity in leadership, and shares valuable lessons learned from his career. In this conversation, Kris shares personal anecdotes and insights about leadership, kindness, and the importance of creating safe spaces in educational environments. He reflects on a moment of disappointment when a cherished degree frame shattered, and how an unexpected act of kindness from a colleague helped him see the value of generosity in leadership. Kris emphasizes the need for emotional support in schools, the importance of staying connected to the experiences of students and staff, and the power of authenticity in leadership. He also discusses the significance of maintaining one's identity and optimism in the face of challenges, and shares rapid-fire reflections on personal values and goals for the future.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | Listening to students is crucial for effective leadership. Creating a positive school culture requires intentionality and student involvement. Empathy is essential in addressing student needs and behaviors. Generosity in leadership can significantly impact school communities. Maintaining connections with all stakeholders enhances the educational experience. Reflecting on past experiences helps leaders grow and improve. A positive attitude from leaders influences the entire school environment. Building relationships is key to preventing student issues. Authenticity in leadership fosters a supportive and engaging atmosphere. Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kristopher Brown 01:24 Dr. Brown's Background and Early Life 03:48 Inspiration for a Career in Education 06:54 Using Student Feedback to Drive Change 09:42 Creating a Positive School Culture 11:53 The Importance of Leadership Attitude 14:49 Stories of Generosity and Learning 23:16 Reflections on Leadership and Growth 24:07 The Heartbreak of a Shattered Dream 27:16 Acts of Kindness and Leadership 28:10 Putting Things Back Together 29:55 Creating Safe Spaces in Education 32:24 Staying Connected to the Experience 34:43 Embracing Authenticity in Leadership 35:44 Rapid Fire Reflections 38:56 Keys to Living a Great Life 39:50 Setting Goals for the Future   Guest Bio | Dr. Kristopher Brown is the Assistant Superintendent of Administration for Pennsbury School District, where he has served since 2023. Prior to this, he was the Director of Student Services & Equity for the Abington School District. Dr. Brown has previously served as Principal of Strath Haven High School in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District after spending four years there as assistant principal. In 2017, he was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. . He is an alumnus of Abington Senior High School, where he began his educational career as a social studies teacher after earning his bachelor's degree at Villanova University. Dr. Brown earned a master's degree from Delaware Valley University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Joseph's University, a university at which he also serves as an adjunct professor.   Resources: Sam Cooke, A Change Gonna Come  Where to find R.O.G. Podcast: R.O.G on YouTube R.O.G on Apple Podcasts R.O.G on Spotify 5 Year Gratitude Journal: Grounded in Gratitude on Etsy How diverse is your network?  N.D.I. Network Diversity Index What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz Credits: Dr. Kristopher Brown,  Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 224, Special Guest, Dr. Laura Gallaher.

This week, Jay Jay chimes in from his vacation in Mexico to give his latest updates on the show - & to introduce this week's revisited episode, with record label legend David Rath. David Rath comes from Roadrunner Records where he spent twenty-one years in the A&R and Creative Departments, having been A&R on albums by Slipknot, Korn, Gojira, Coheed and Cambira, Slash, The Amity Affliction, Trivium, Stone Sour, Dream Theater and Megadeth and where he oversaw music videos from Nickelback, Theory Of A Deadman, Killswitch Engage, Jerry Cantrell and Slipknot. Rath helped guide the label through multiple changes in ownership and management, after which he oversaw the signings of Platinum selling acts Young The Giant and Vance Joy for Atlantic and Elektra Records. As the head of the A&R department at Roadrunner, Rath most recently signed and A&R'd Grammy nominated acts Turnstile and Code Orange, along with White Reaper and Motionless In White who both recently scored #1 Alternative and Active Rock radio hits. In 2022, Dave Rath formed a partnership and new venture with Cees Wessels, the original founder of Roadrunner Records, to launch the rock label Blue Grape Music. The Blue Grape name comes from the influential hardcore/metal merch company formerly owned by Wessels. The new label recently signed pioneering metal outfit Code Orange, along with the Bay area post-punk band Spiritual Cramp, and New Jersey's buzzing hardcore band GEL with releases scheduled for 2023. Blue Grape Music has offices in both New York City and Amsterdam and is presently distributed by The Orchard. Prior to being at Roadrunner Records, Rath, a graduate of Villanova University, was the Director of The Philadelphia Music Conference and drummer for the Columbia Records band Heavens Edge.Jay Jay & David discuss their journeys into the record business, the ins & outs of A&R and the current state of the record label industry. David gets into how working in A&R keeps his ear to what's happening in the music world, & why he finds this to be very important. Don't miss this insightful conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Edited & Produced by Matthew Mallinger See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Jay Jay chimes in from his vacation in Mexico to give his latest updates on the show - & to introduce this week's revisited episode, with record label legend David Rath. David Rath comes from Roadrunner Records where he spent twenty-one years in the A&R and Creative Departments, having been A&R on albums by Slipknot, Korn, Gojira, Coheed and Cambira, Slash, The Amity Affliction, Trivium, Stone Sour, Dream Theater and Megadeth and where he oversaw music videos from Nickelback, Theory Of A Deadman, Killswitch Engage, Jerry Cantrell and Slipknot. Rath helped guide the label through multiple changes in ownership and management, after which he oversaw the signings of Platinum selling acts Young The Giant and Vance Joy for Atlantic and Elektra Records. As the head of the A&R department at Roadrunner, Rath most recently signed and A&R'd Grammy nominated acts Turnstile and Code Orange, along with White Reaper and Motionless In White who both recently scored #1 Alternative and Active Rock radio hits. In 2022, Dave Rath formed a partnership and new venture with Cees Wessels, the original founder of Roadrunner Records, to launch the rock label Blue Grape Music. The Blue Grape name comes from the influential hardcore/metal merch company formerly owned by Wessels. The new label recently signed pioneering metal outfit Code Orange, along with the Bay area post-punk band Spiritual Cramp, and New Jersey's buzzing hardcore band GEL with releases scheduled for 2023. Blue Grape Music has offices in both New York City and Amsterdam and is presently distributed by The Orchard. Prior to being at Roadrunner Records, Rath, a graduate of Villanova University, was the Director of The Philadelphia Music Conference and drummer for the Columbia Records band Heavens Edge. Jay Jay & David discuss their journeys into the record business, the ins & outs of A&R and the current state of the record label industry. David gets into how working in A&R keeps his ear to what's happening in the music world, & why he finds this to be very important. Don't miss this insightful conversation, only on The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond the Music! Edited & Produced by Matthew Mallinger

Is presidential power out of control, or are we witnessing a necessary correction to decades of bureaucratic overreach? When Trump fired Wilcox from the NLRB, it sparked a constitutional showdown about who really controls the executive branch - and the implications could reshape American governance. Studio Sponsor: Cardio Miracle - "Unlock the secret to a healthier heart, increased energy levels, and transform your cardiovascular fitness like never before.": https://www.briannicholsshow.com/heart Ryan Silverstein, JD candidate at Villanova University, breaks down the explosive battle between President Trump and the administrative state. This isn't just about one firing - it's about whether unelected bureaucrats can create policy without accountability to voters. As Silverstein explains, independent agencies have operated with unprecedented autonomy for decades, making rules that affect millions of Americans without direct oversight. The conversation dives deep into constitutional principles, exploring how the "unitary executive theory" challenges a century of precedent established since Humphrey's Executor in 1935. With the conservative Supreme Court already chipping away at administrative power through recent cases like Loper Bright and SEC v. Jarkesy, this confrontation could be the tipping point that fundamentally restructures government. Brian and Ryan examine the troubling delegation of congressional authority to unelected experts - a trend dramatically accelerated during COVID when "trust the science" became a mandate rather than guidance. The discussion highlights how both parties have abdicated their responsibilities, preferring to pass accountability to faceless bureaucracies rather than face voters with difficult policy choices. The stakes couldn't be higher: will this case return policy-making to elected officials, or will the administrative state continue growing unchecked? As Silverstein concludes, the founders envisioned citizens actively involved in governance, not passively accepting expert rule. This episode offers a master class in constitutional principles and a wake-up call about the future of American democracy. ❤️ Order Cardio Miracle (https://www.briannicholsshow.com/heart) with code TBNS at checkout for 15% off and take a step towards better heart health and overall well-being!

In this episode of Grit, Grace, and Glitz, host Erika celebrates Women in Construction Week, sharing her personal journey as a civil engineer in a male-dominated industry. Erika reflects on her 22-year career, starting as a fresh graduate from Villanova University, stepping onto her first job site with uncertainty but determination.Erika emphasizes the importance of allyship, mentorship, and lifting others in the industry. She highlights the challenges women face in construction, where only 10% of workers are women, and just 4% are in field roles - and she also highlights the support she's received from male mentors and colleagues.Using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a metaphor, she breaks down key leadership lessons:Boots → Grounding oneself in awareness and challenging biases.Vest → Investing in talent and supporting others.Safety Glasses → Strengthening teams through clarity and psychological safety.Hard Hat → Bringing energy and leadership to every space.Erika's message is one of empowerment, resilience, and breaking barriers. She encourages listeners—whether in construction or any industry—to “lace up their boots, put on their hard hat, and rise.” Erika truly believes that with continued efforts, the percentage of women in construction will grow, and diversity in leadership will strengthen industries. The future is bright!

Gavin Zilvasi is the founder and chairman of the Tia Maria Foundation. He's also a freshman in college at Villanova University. Gavin talks about his early challenges with speech, the impact of bullying, and the mental resilience he developed. The Tia Maria Foundation supports students in Elizabeth, New Jersey and is awarding its first scholarship at the foundation's upcoming gala on February 28, which you can learn about here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Washington Post columnist Jason Willick joins us to break down the media's latest constitutional crisis panic, the legal battles surrounding Trump's executive actions, and the escalating judicial fights over executive power. We also dive into the ongoing war in Ukraine, the shifting European response, and whether Trump's push for negotiations will gain traction. Later, Henry Olsen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center analyzes Trump's latest polling shifts, the economic challenges he faces, whether DOGE can realistically cut $1 trillion in administrative action, and the growing pressure on Europe to take responsibility for its own defense. Plus, it's the debut of the Kiley Corner jingle! Tune in for the jingle and Kiley's breakdown of two chilling true crime cases: an Indiana high school student who tipped off the FBI about a would-be school shooter and a tragic murder-suicide in Wyoming where a mother took the lives of her four daughters. Don't miss this episode—stream now!www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.voteAbout our guests:Jason Willick writes a regular Washington Post column on legal issues, political ideas and foreign affairs. Before coming to The Post in 2022, he was an editorial writer and assistant editorial features editor for the Wall Street Journal, and before that a staff writer and associate editor at the American Interest. Follow him on X @jawillick. -Henry Olsen is political analyst and opinion columnist. Host, Beyond the Polls podcast. Author of The Working-Class Republican. Henry Olsen's work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Telegraph, The Guardian, and a host of other publications. He is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and has served as a top executive with the American Enterprise Institute, the Manhattan Institute, and the Commonwealth Foundation. Henry also teaches at Catholic University and Hillsdale College, and has taught at Arizona State University and Villanova University. Follow him on X @henryolsenEPPC. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

In his first month back in office, Donald Trump has made cruelty toward migrants and refugees central to his agenda, while J. D. Vance has used his flawed understanding of Catholic social teaching to justify the administration's plans for mass deportation.  Their actions and remarks have alarmed many in the Church. On this episode, three guests tell us how and why. Massimo Faggioli, Commonweal contributor and Villanova University professor addresses the challenges for Catholicism in the second Trump era.  Kerry Robinson, the head of Catholic Charities USA, explains the vital work of her organization and who will be most harmed by the freezes in federal funding.  And Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago speaks about why “the protection and advocacy for the dignity of migrants” is the Church's new “preeminent urgency.” For further reading:  Massimo Faggioli on what American regime change means for the Church Griffin Oleynick on Francis's rebuke of J. D. Vance's ethno-nationalism Terence Sweeney on how the bishops may respond to Trump

Keith discusses the impact of baby boomers on the housing market, noting that contrary to popular belief, many boomers are choosing to age in place. He also addresses the negative effects of gambling, particularly sports gambling, on young men, including financial ruin and increased bankruptcies. 54% of baby boomers state that they will never sell their homes.  People aged 55+ own more than half of U.S. homes. The overall population growth in the US has grown at its fastest rate since 2001, reaching over 340 million. Millennials and Gen Z, the largest generations, are driving future housing demand.  Resources: GRE Free Investment Coaching:GREmarketplace.com/Coach Show Notes: GetRichEducation.com/541 For access to properties or free help with a GRE Investment Coach, start here: GREmarketplace.com Get mortgage loans for investment property: RidgeLendingGroup.com or call 855-74-RIDGE  or e-mail: info@RidgeLendingGroup.com Invest with Freedom Family Investments.  You get paid first: Text FAMILY to 66866 Will you please leave a review for the show? I'd be grateful. Search “how to leave an Apple Podcasts review”  For advertising inquiries, visit: GetRichEducation.com/ad Best Financial Education: GetRichEducation.com Get our wealth-building newsletter free— text ‘GRE' to 66866 Our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/GetRichEducation Follow us on Instagram: @getricheducation Complete episode transcript:   Automatically Transcribed With Otter.ai    Keith Weinhold  0:01   Welcome to GRE. I'm your host, Keith Weinhold. All the baby boomers are about to sell off their homes and downsize, unleashing a glut of supply onto the market, and housing prices crash. Is there cogency to that theory or not? I give you a definitive answer, the Trump bump, then later, a pernicious vice is destroying more people's lives today, especially young men and almost no one is talking about this. It's leading to lower credit scores, more bankruptcies and even more suicides today on get rich education   since 2014 the powerful get rich education podcast has created more passive income for people than nearly any other show in the world. This show teaches you how to earn strong returns from passive real estate investing in the best markets without losing your time being a flipper or landlord. Show Host Keith Weinhold writes for both Forbes and Rich Dad advisors and delivers a new show every week since 2014 there's been millions of listener downloads of 188 world nations. He has a list show guests and key top selling personal finance author Robert Kiyosaki, get rich education can be heard on every podcast platform, plus it has its own dedicated Apple and Android listener phone apps build wealth on the go with the get rich education podcast. Sign up now for the get rich education podcast or visit get rich education.com.   Corey Coates  1:25   You're listening to the show that has created more financial freedom than nearly any show in the world. This is get rich education.   Keith Weinhold  1:41   Welcome to GRE from Hyannis, Massachusetts to Hiram, Utah and across 188 nations worldwide. I'm Keith Weinhold, and you are inside get rich education episode 541 just another slack jawed and snaggletoothed podcaster here now a popular, I suppose, media narrative that's been out there for a long time is this premise that US housing prices are going to crash hard because all the aging baby boomers are going to sell their homes, and Boomers are the biggest generation in all of American history. This is just going to magnify the price collapse. It means far more home sellers than buyers. So soon enough, sellers will have to keep cutting prices. Everyone's going to undercut everybody to compete with all of these for sale homes. So as a result, everybody's property values are going to collapse today. Let's look at how bad it will get. Should you get ahead of this and sell it all now and then? I'll even tell you when this popular narrative will supposedly happen with boomers selling en masse, or won't it happen at all. That's what we're looking at, the term silver tsunami. You've probably heard that thrown around in the real estate world. It actually refers to pent up housing stock that older homeowners will eventually choose to sell, which would have that effect of flooding the market with all this new inventory. All right. Now let's define what we're talking about here. Baby Boomers are the generation born just after World War Two, between 1946 and 64 that makes them between the ages of 61 and 79 this year. Okay, so basically, these people are in their 60s and 70s. That's their age. My parents are baby boomers. President Trump is at the upper age limit for a boomer, but they're not all as old as you think. I mean the youngest baby boomers include Michelle Obama, Sandra Bullock and Rob Lowe. So not all boomers are like super old, but see, it is a big generation of over 76 million people. So whatever they do really moves the economy. And maybe you've heard it been said, My gosh, what if we have more dyers than buyers? But now a more nascent trend is that you hear about more and more boomers and people older than boomers not selling their home instead wanting to age in place. And that just means they want to stay in their home and not go to a nursing home or assisted living. And that was recently quantified in a survey that Housing Wire reported on it found that 54% of baby boomers say that they'll never sell their homes, some of them passing homes along as inheritance and see often that's because their home is paid off and assisted living care costs are through. To the roof, more than half of boomers don't have any mortgage at all. All right, so we've established that boomers aren't as old as most people think, and then a lot of them aren't planning to sell. But still, let's look for trouble here, because boomers are a huge group, and some portion of them are going to sell is they age, even if a lot of them say that they won't. How about the almost half of boomers with a mortgage? You know what? Here's the thing, if they downsized, like older people have traditionally done. I mean, my grandparents downsized long ago. But do you know what would happen if boomers downsized? Today? For most, their monthly mortgage payment would actually go up if they downsized. That's because of today's higher mortgage rates and home prices. And see, that's a financial reality that keeps them in place. They're never going to downsize. All right, so a lot of boomers are just not going to sell. But still, this wave of selling boomers crashing the housing market, this has been a popular narrative for, I don't know, maybe more than a decade. Now there's been a lot of smoke, so then where is the fire. That's another way to think about this. So there's got to be more to this. And there is, in fact, people age 55 plus, own more than half of the homes in the US. Did you know that? All right? Well, if we pull back from boomers, and let's just take a look at all homeowners of every age, people are staying in their homes longer, whether they're age 30 or 50 or 80, Americans now stay in the same home about 12 years. That is twice as long as 2005 Well, what that means is that homes don't come onto the market and people cannot buy what's not for sale. And then, of course, you've got the well documented interest rate lock in effect. That's a contributor here to people of all ages with 4% mortgages, they are reluctant to sell. And now what we're talking about here are demographics. Remember that quote, demography is destiny, the three word quote from 1800s era French philosopher Auguste Comte, and that's because it's completely predictable. If you're 32 years old today, in 10 years, you'll be 42 totally predictable. All right, if demographics could possibly crash housing crisis, let's step back and see what's going on with overall US, population growth. You know what? It just grew at its fastest rate since 2001 about a full 1% growth last year, yeah, we broke the 340 million population mark for the first time ever. And now, what about the portion that our immigrants, and what if a substantial amount of them get deported? I mean, after Trump settled into the White House for his second term, deportations began almost immediately. Is there enough population growth to buy from the boomers that do sell their homes? Well, if mortgage rates come down into the low fives, then maybe more boomers will sell and bring some more resale inventory onto the market. See, you need a good chunk, though, of buyers to come in from somewhere in order to support future housing prices. Well, where are those buyers going to be? Well, some people still don't realize that the largest generation in American history is, in fact, not baby boomers, it's millennials. They became the biggest group more than five years ago. In fact, Statista tells us that Gen Z isn't far behind them either. Yeah, Gen Z is almost as big as millennials as a group coming right behind them. And of course, this varies a little bit. Demographers parse the generations somewhat differently, but here's what the rise of the biggest generation means, millennials. They're aged 29 to 44 now, and there are over 70 million of them, and then almost as big the next group right behind them, Gen Z. They're ages 13 to 28 they alone number about 70 million themselves, even if you just completely leave the surge in immigration out of the picture and all the additional housing demand that immigration brings. So we're mainly just looking at the domestic side alone here. So. What's happened is that there were 4 million plus births per year from 1990 to 2010 providing a tailwind for housing demand through 2035, 2045, or later. Yeah, we had more births during many of those years than we did in the peak of the baby boom, which was 1957 like I've mentioned on the show before, the average age of a first time homebuyer is now a record high of 38 years old, per the NAR it's really taken a long time for some people to stop playing the video games and moving out of their parents basement. Okay, well, the peak birth year for the US was 2007 I just told you it was elevated between 1990 and 2010 but 2007 was that peak, alright? So take that peak and add 38 years to it, and you know what? The first time homebuyer demand is just going to continue to build, build, build, and not even reach its peak. Then until 2045 or so, the peak birth year 2007 plus 38 years, that is where the crush of future demand is coming from because that person born in 2007 on average, they're not even going to buy their first home until well into the 2040s   In fact, the number of Americans turning 35 every single year is High, and it just keeps increasing. It's over 4 million now, already up 25% since 2011 and this number of Americans turning 35 is going to keep rising for another decade or two. In fact, this year, it's going to approach 5 million Americans turning 35 new record territory coming. And I keep bringing this up because 35 is a key age, because by that time, almost everyone has moved out of their parents home, and so that's the time where people either need to rent or own themselves, pushing up both rents and prices, and that's why this wave of demand and pent up demand is just gonna keep coming. And by the way, those stats that I gave you there, they're all sourced from the US Census Bureau. I mean, this is exactly where the housing demand just keeps coming from. It's a big factor about why prices keep going up. The demand just keeps piling on, even though affordability worsened, the demand just keeps coming. And it's just going to keep on coming well in to the 2040s now it could very well ebb substantially by, say, the middle of the 2050s but we'll see, and that is still three decades away. And remember, all of this doesn't even include the additional population growth from immigration and how many non deportees that is going to add to the housing demand on top of this, and then, if that's not enough, there is even more future housing demand expected to come from the declining number of occupants per household. Yes, the reduced household size that Stokes housing demand. I touched on this with you a little before on a prior show. But let me go deeper as we continue to corrode this more dyers than buyers. Theory, as we break this down, people have smaller families today. I think everybody knows that back in 1960 there were 3.3 occupants per household. Today, it's just two and a half. And to give you a simple example of how this itself keeps stoking the housing demand, just say that there's a village of 100 people with three occupants per household, they would need 33 and 1/3 homes over time, when that drops to two occupants per household, that's the direction we're going now that same village needs 50 homes just in order to accommodate the shift in household structure. Well, 50 homes is 50% more than 33 and a third, well, that means 50% more homes are needed, and that's even in a scenario where the population stays the same. Yet it's not staying the same, it's rising, and the population is really rising fast for that key household form. Population age range of 35 to 38 years old. Fewer Americans are living together. I expect the housing market to continue shifting toward smaller household counts. One person households will keep rising. I expect that to be one of the most impactful housing trends of this entire 21st century, and it's also really helping fuel a loneliness epidemic, which is another subject unto itself. Well, the three main drivers of this rise in single person households is that first people are delaying those major life events compared to previous generations. They're attending school longer. They're marrying later. They're buying homes later. They're having children later. And as these events are postponed, the time some young adults spend living alone or without children increases. They're playing video games longer as well. The second driver of these single person households is falling. Birth rates when people have children, many are having fewer than previous generations, reducing the average household size. That's pretty obvious. And then third the population composition is getting older. And older, people tend to live with fewer people. If life expectancy rises, this component of the trend would only intensify. Yes, the whole Brian Johnson thing, he is the health influencer that says we now have alive, the first generation that's going to live forever due to advances in longevity in technology. I mean, my gosh, if he is right, what would that do to housing demand? I mean, and it would also push up our average age even more. Gosh, yet, at the same time that all this demand keeps pushing up. America already has a well publicized overall housing shortage of several million housing units. You already know that story well, construction has picked up a little, but not enough to keep up with demand. In fact, American housing supply is still about 30% below pre pandemic levels. So suffice to say, let me give you a satisfying definitive answer here, when are selling boomers going to crash housing prices? It is highly unlikely that that can even happen at all. In fact, you see fewer stories about this than you used to. More people have come to realize that it is just not happening. And looking at us demographics over the next few cycles, a lot more people will need homes demand continuing to exceed supply. This is why home prices should just keep rising from here. In fact, I have been an active single family rental property investor here myself, single family is where perhaps the greatest shortage is and the greatest demand is at the same time I am owning something that people are definitely going to need more of. Remember, demography is destiny, and they're going to pay more and more for it. When mortgage rates fall, it's probably going to bring in even more buying activity, and now all of this continued upward, long term, future price momentum for housing, of course, that all existed before Donald John Trump step into the White House to start his second term last month. I think the Trump factor, or Trump bump, you know what often gets somewhat exaggerated for what it can do to the economy and housing prices, right? I mean, I've talked to you before, it's about the decisions that you make more so than decisions that a politician makes, but Trump is doing some things on a pretty seismic level these nascent immigrant deportations, that obviously can increase the cost of labor you're exporting away your low cost labor with immigrant deportations. I mean, that is inflation tariffs, though some tariffs have been negotiated away for the time being, that's more inflation. So deportations mean wage increases. That's more inflation. Increased wages mean increased rents. Trump talks lower taxes. Lower taxes can then mean higher rent payments. Proposals to eliminate. Made taxes on tips over time and Social Security, that means that Americans and retirees are gonna have more disposable income. More income means higher rent collections, fewer delinquencies, and potentially rising home prices as affordability improves. That's a lot of the good news. It's not all rosy news. You better look out for high tax states salt adjustments that state and local income tax and a deduction cap could harm their property values. We're talking about places like California, New York and New Jersey, the 2017 Trump tax cuts and Jobs Act that gave real estate investors some really juicy benefits, like 20% pass through deduction for LLCs and bonus depreciation on rental properties and lower corporate tax rates too. Combined this stuff, it all keeps more money in your pocket and allows for bigger deals with better cash flow.    We're talking about Trump bump factors on the real estate market here, other proposals on the table, other things like tax breaks for domestic production that could boost us construction, leading to more badly needed housing supply that could lower building costs and investment opportunities in niche in growth markets. Remember opportunity zones, and then what about targeting wealthy investors? We'll see what happens, but Trump's plan removes tax breaks for hedge funds and billionaire sports owners. But could real estate investors get hurt a little on that side too? Maybe look for changes to the 1031 or depreciation strategies. But you know, the 1031 exchange has been around for over 100 years. I would be surprised if it went away completely, and yes, though they have been postponed, if 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada do go into place and the countries retaliate, as they've been shown to do, it would add point seven 6% to US inflation and subtract 410 of a percent from US GDP growth. Aren't those two projections Interesting? Yeah, those estimates were compiled by the Yale budget lab. So adding about three quarters of a percentage point to the overall inflation rate with these tariffs. I mean everything we're talking about the price of your housing or your car tires or your tomatoes and romaine lettuce. I mean, that effect could take money out of people's pockets. Yes, we know that Trump wants to bring down interest rates, but I don't know how he's going to do that. I mean, as you know, more inflation correlates with higher rates, not lower ones. See, you just can't get it all. You just can't have it all. And of course, mortgage rates are not historically high. They've simply been normalized after years of being artificially low. Rates are normal. So normalized is really a term that I like to use. So really, to help summarize what I've shared with you here in the first half of the show, a housing price crash induced by a boomer sell off is not a thing. In fact, almost Oppositely, demographics in this pent up demand should raise up future home prices, and to a lesser extent, a Trump bump can as well. Yes, gosh, Trump just has an insatiable fascination for tariffs. It is truly amazing, and it has more stick to itiveness than say, Mark Zuckerberg, recent fascination with masculine energy and gold chains, that's for sure.   Hey, before we get into the pernicious vice that's destroying more people's lives today, especially young men and almost no one is talking about this, it's leading to lower credit scores, more bankruptcies and even more suicides. First, I've got some cool things to tell you. About two weeks ago here on the show event, host Robert Helms of the real estate guys and I invited you to join us on the terrific Investor Summit at sea, that cruise on the Caribbean. Besides the two of us, there are a number of other great faculty members. Robert Kiyosaki recently announced that he's going to be joining us on the faculty as well. So you'll get to meet and learn from Robert Kiyosaki, and if you happen to be a new listener, he is the top selling personal finance author of all time the. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, author, and he's been our guest here on the GRE podcast four times. Now, I hope to meet you, the listener, in person on the summit at sea in the Caribbean this June, starting out of Miami. Gosh, what an outstanding time that is. It's not a low cost event, however, the minimum cabin in interior cabin is $5,900 and they are more expensive from there if you get nicer accommodations. But all the details are there on GRE podcast episode 539 two weeks ago. I really hope you'll join us and then I can meet you in person.   Earlier this month, Trump established a US sovereign wealth fund, and when he did, I congratulated our frequent contributor here, macro economist Richard Duncan, because Richard championed the establishment of that fund for years. He presented to Congress about it, and Richard was the first ever GRE guest with us back here in 2014 on the Panama coffee farm investing that we've discussed here on the show, Villanova University reached out to them, and they're now collaborating together. It's something I find kind of cool, as a Pennsylvania native and one of my tightest best friends is also a Villanova alum, as for future episodes coming up on the show. Here, imagine if you had a property loan, yet you didn't have to make any payments, and if you did make payments on your loan, then every penny of that payment goes to principal, not to interest. Wouldn't that be incredible? Well, such a thing does exist, and it's not new or experimental or avant garde. People just don't know about this vehicle. We're going to discuss that right here on next week's show, along with some other vital mortgage topics. There are three ways to connect with our education at GRE you're listening to one of them right now, our flagship podcast. Also check out our get rich education YouTube channel, because that is different content than this show. That's the second way, and that show is also on other video first, platforms like get rich education on rumble, and finally, you'll have it all, all three when you get our weekly Don't quit your Daydream newsletter if you don't already get it free now, while it's on your mind, simply text GRE 266, 86, more. Next. I'm Keith Weinhold. You're listening to get rich education.    Hey, you can get your mortgage loans at the same place where I get mine, at Ridge lending group NMLS 420056, they provided our listeners with more loans than any provider in the entire nation because they specialize in income properties, they help you build a long term plan for growing your real estate empire with leverage. You can start your pre qualification and chat with President Caeli Ridge personally. Start Now while it's on your mind at Ridge lendinggroup.com that's Ridge lendinggroup.com    Oh geez, the initial average bank account pays less than 1% on your savings, so your bank is getting rich off of you. You've got to earn way more, or else you're losing your hard earned cash to inflation. Let the liquidity fund help you put your money to work with minimum risk, your cash generates up to a 10% return and compounds year in and year out. Instead of earning less than 1% in your bank account, the minimum investment is just 25k you keep getting paid until you decide you want your money back. Their decade plus track record proves they've always paid their investors 100% in full and on time. And you know how I'd know, because I'm an investor in this myself, earn 10% like me and GRE listeners are. Text family to 66866, to learn about freedom. Family investments, liquidity fund on your journey to financial freedom through passive income. Text family to 66866.   Robert Kiyosaki  29:31   this is our rich dad Poor Dad. Author Robert Kiyosaki, listen to get rich education with Keith Weinhold and Don't Quit Your Daydream.   Keith Weinhold  29:50   Welcome back to get rich Education. I'm your host. Keith Weinhold, every once in a while, there's an investing adjacent activity that becomes. Is pronounced or become such a trend that it just can't be ignored, and you need to know about it. I recently presented on how gambling is financially derailing so many people today, especially young men and sports gambling and what makes California and Texas special here, the two most populous states, by the way, you'll see, once they legalize this, it's gonna get worse. There are two states where it's not legal yet now investing in gambling. They are two distinctly different activities. Investing is different from gambling. When you invest, you're purchasing a stake in an asset that has value in an effort to generate profit. But gambling doesn't involve taking ownership of anything of value. Instead, betters are predicting the outcome of an event gambling. It's really not a side hustle. I mean, people are constantly losing their families and businesses over this. This will be all new material here on the show as usual, except for a short snippet that includes super CPA Tom Wheelwright. This is about 10 minutes in length. Shout out to the media team here at GRE on the production side. And then after this, I have more to tell you about real estate.    Speaker 1  31:30   America is in the midst of an historic surge in legalized gambling.   Keith Weinhold  31:37   This is the worst thing that people are now doing with their time and money today, it's not losing it to inflation, it's not playing video games. It's being a slack jawed gambling degenerate. We are in the midst of an historic surge in legalized gambling, and the devastation on gamblers, especially young men is a lot worse than you think. I've also got a giant ominous warning for you that seasoned gamblers don't even know about when I bring in my CPA for just a minute here today on the seriously punishing tax implications that should scare anybody out of gambling.    Hi, I'm Keith Weinhold, get rich education, founder, Forbes real estate council member, best selling, author, and long time real estate investor. Almost 60% of 18 to 24 year olds have placed at least one sports bet now that's per the NCAA, and that has surged so fast. I mean, just less than a decade ago, major pro sports leagues shunned gambling, disassociating with it because it was illegal in most places. The big turning point was 2018 that's when the Supreme Court ended a decades long ban on commercialized sports betting. 38 states and DC have now legalized it most with minimum age requirements set at 21 and the two biggest platforms are DraftKings and fam duel. They've got about 70% of the market. But look, you can do this if you're under 21 on platforms like prize picks and flip they offer betting like experiences. They operate under fantasy sports or sweepstakes, and having these apps on your phone that just brings the gambling right to you. It keeps it in your face and addictive. Now it's like you're sitting in a casino when you're on your living room so far, or in your bed or even in the bathroom, there is no escape. Two thirds of Americans live in a state where they can access it on their phones. And look how young some of these gamblers are, what they have to say. And then who's showing up in these gamblers Anonymous meetings   Speaker 1  33:56   today's world is the 16, 1718, year olds, 1921, year olds that get addicted years ago, before, unlike casinos, if we had a person coming in and they're 24 years old, it was rare. All right, now the norm, the real norm, it's kids coming in at 17 years old. That's the norm.    Keith Weinhold  34:16   Well, one big reason why it's such a problem is, look, you can't hide it, so that therefore others can't tell if you're gambling, because you're not, you know, shooting it into your veins, or you're not acting drunk, or you're not smoking anything. See, you can gamble without exhibiting a physical change, so therefore others don't know that you need help. And it is all over the place. I mean, gambling ads air on TV over 60,000 times a year. Celebrities endorse gambling. I mean, some teams put gambling ads right on the field. Brick and mortar sports books are even built inside some stadiums now, Caesars and bet MGM. There are two other big platforms that you might see out there, but I mean, in their commercials, yeah, they can put that one 800 gambler help number on screen and tell you things like, gamble within your limits. But look, here's the thing these platforms, they're not going to cut you off if you continue to lose and they profit. In fact, if you win disproportionately big time after time, and these platforms can kind of tell that you're too smart. You know what they do, like a casino that identifies a card shark in Vegas, they're either gonna curtail your activity or just totally cut you off, alright? So then, by definition, if you have an account in good standing at FanDuel or DraftKings, and you bet a lot, and they keep letting you play well, then you have just signaled to the entire world that you don't know what you're doing, and you are going to lose big, or you already have. I mean, that is baked into the cake. That's how the system works. So therefore these companies are basically mining America to find anyone stupid enough to keep placing these sports bets. Companies are profiting from this, and then states are too. I mean, they've collected billions in tax revenue and FanDuel and DraftKings, see, they're publicly traded companies, so this means that they have shareholders, and those shareholders, they want to see profit and growth. I recently asked decorated CPA and mega popular tax author Tom Wheelwright about tax rates on gambling for just a quick three minutes here. I mean, you won't believe how punishing This is.    Can you tell us about sports gambling taxes and how it's treated   Tom Wheelwright  36:43   yeah. So remember, all income is taxable. So that includes gambling winnings. They are taxable. In fact, you'll get a 1099 just like you would if you rendered services, you know, you'd get a 1099 right? Or you have interest income, you get 1099 you get 1099 from gambling. What you actually have to show is that you actually have gambling losses. So you have to track those gambling losses to show the IRS that you've got gambling losses. But your gambling losses can never be more than your gambling winnings. In other words, you don't you never get to generate a tax loss on gambling. So that means is, is that if you win $10,000 during the year, and you can prove that you lost $8,000 during the year, you're gonna be taxed on $2,000 but if you can't prove the 8000 you're gonna be taxed on 10,000 Yeah,   Keith Weinhold  37:39   so you the gambler have the burden of tracking this, and I guess tracking your losses. I'm not a gambler. How would one track their losses?   Tom Wheelwright  37:47   Oh, I would keep a detailed ledger. Personally, I'd probably have a separate bank account just for gambling. Gosh, that's the way I would do it. I'm not a gambler either. So by the way, it's also a good way to budget your gambling so they, you know, get in trouble, right? So just set up a separate bank account, put whatever money you say, I'm comfortable with this money, I'm going to gamble with this money, put in that bank account, and then you have a ledger that shows the money that went in and the money you lost, the money you won, and don't do anything but gambling in that bank account.   Keith Weinhold  38:18   Hey, that separate account's a great way to hide it from your spouse, not that I'm suggesting.   Tom Wheelwright  38:25   Well, interesting. You went there.   Keith Weinhold  38:29   I'm not a gambler at all. Can't even believe I was thinking that far ahead. What are the gambling tax rates like? They're ordinary   Tom Wheelwright  38:35   income tax rates. So gambling winnings are just ordinary income they're they're the same as your wages. They don't have social security taxes their income, just like any other kind of income, nothing special, okay?   Keith Weinhold  38:47   And this all applies to whether it's sports gambling or general gambling, like lotteries and sweepstakes.    Tom Wheelwright  38:53   Just remember, all incomes taxable unless the government says it isn't all income, okay? And then there's some types of income that are taxed at special rates, like capital gains, but gambling has no special rate, so it's just your ordinary income rates.   Keith Weinhold  39:09   Gosh, to me, it seems like it's, it's hard to break even with gambling over time, and then when you take the tax adjusted earnings that you get from it, you know, over the long term, you know, I just don't think Harris and Bally's Casino is really incentivized to inform gamblers on how punitive this can be with ordinary income tax rates applied to gambling winnings.   Tom Wheelwright  39:30   No, but they will send you your 1090, 9g I guarantee that.   Keith Weinhold  39:34    So can you imagine tracking all that and then paying all that in tax, and this is even if you're on the winning side and then keeping a separate bank account as well. And note that Tom and I were talking federal. There. It gets even worse. Some state laws are punishing, like New York, which has a 51% tax rate on mobile sports wagering bank. Up 28% since states have legalized this and credit scores have dropped now, California and Texas are the two big states, and they still haven't legalized sports gambling. They're the two big ones, and when they do, that's when you'll see more bankruptcy and more people, especially young men in financial ruin. I mean gamblers, Anonymous meetings are filled with people hooked on betting and on stock options trading too, and you know, Worse still, among addiction disorders, gambling has a comparatively high suicide attempt rate. And you know, understand that, while both involve risk, investing in gambling are two different things. When you invest, you're purchasing a stake in an asset that has value in an effort to generate profit. But gambling doesn't involve taking ownership of anything with value. Instead, betters are predicting the outcome of an event. Now, I gambled as a teen on sports, and back then, it was just a friend and I, we would each lay a $20 bill on top of the television at the start of like a Mets versus Phillies baseball game, and then it sure made the game more interesting to watch. There wasn't any sort of app to make it easy, suck me in and make it a recurrent practice. I haven't gambled since. Now that you're aware of the gravity of the problem, the best thing you can do for yourself is to delete those apps off your phone. Because look, I mean every gambler that had their lies flipped over and turned catastrophic at one time, they told themselves, you know, I'm doing this, but it's under control. I mean, everybody once said that the best thing you can do is delete FanDuel DraftKings and any other apps like that off of your phone right now and vow to never do it again. I hope you like that. You know, it's sort of interesting and introspective to me that I would produce a piece of media like this because I am a sports fan. I watched more of the NFL this past season than I have in a while. You know, I'm in a phase of my life, or I'm a pretty productive person, doing research and interviewing guests and producing GRE media. But you know, I justified watching more sports lately because there's room for an entertainment bucket in everyone's life. That's how I feel. And you know, I don't really watch movies. Most movies I watch feel like a waste of my time when I'm done after two hours, because I'm usually disappointed in it. If I ever watch movies, I gotta watch movies on the plane, because even if it was lousy, I got somewhere in the process. So in any case, now, if gambling is controlled, well, then it might be debatable about whether or not it's a vice, like, say you go to Vegas and have your $250 spending limit or whatever.    But just remember, every gambling degenerate once told themselves and everybody that they know that they've got it under control, but yeah, often they didn't around here, we champion owning real estate directly yourself, that is something that is in your control. So we're not talking about REITs, Real Estate Investment Trusts. That's just a publicly owned company and a group of them. It's not real estate tokenization. That means owning digital fractional shares of a property or a real estate investment. I mean direct whole ownership also means it's not a syndication now that might be worth doing, though, that means that you're pooling other investors money. It's not direct whole investing. If you are investing in someone else's syndication, meaning that you're a limited partner and direct real estate investing, it means not being a flipper or a wholesaler. Again, those things might be worth doing, but they're really time consuming, and they're not tax advantaged either. But when you own rental real estate directly yourself, you don't even need to be a landlord. If you choose not to you, then will not be that point of contact for your tenants when others manage it. And yes, because of the five ways that you're paid, you can make the case that real estate has hegemony over other assets, and for the demographic reasons and the inflationary reasons, like the ones that I told you about earlier today, real estate appears poised to continue as the. Hegemon. In fact, recently, so many global hedge funds have dumped every stock that they have, except for the real estate stocks. I shared that article with you in our newsletter recently. That's largely a tariff response. Let me tell you about real properties on GRE marketplace right now that are ripe for owning directly. I mean direct ownership. That's also the easiest to understand. You are paid rent by a tenant that lives there, often through your property manager, and unlike the out of control sports gambler, this is very much in your control. A brand new build single family rental in Columbiana, Alabama, that's just south of Birmingham. Rent is $1,925 the price is $269,900 over 1600 square feet, four, bed, two bath. Now with the new build, expect low maintenance costs. Is currently vacant, get an interest rate of six and three quarters percent with a 25% down payment on this new build, single family rental in Alabama. Then another sample here. This is interesting. The rent on this old build Davenport Iowa duplex is $1,900 which is about the same rent as the Alabama single family rental I just described. But yet the price for this Davenport duplex is just $183,000 Davenport is part of America's Quad Cities with a combined population of about half a million with both duplex sides. It's a combined square footage of almost 2700 square feet, five, bed, two, bath. They're on Brown Street in Davenport, and now, as favorable as those $1,900 combined duplex rents are, since this property is vintage, in fact, it's over 100 years old, you better check closely on the renovations that were made to the property and have plenty set aside for any maintenance and repairs as well, with a 25% down payment, expect an interest rate of just six and one quarter percent. And there are more financing details there. And of course, rates are always changing. The last one I'll mention is this new build, another duplex, this one in Inverness, Florida. This is really interesting too. And now, what do you think when you think of Florida, real estate? Does climate change come to mind? For some people, it does. For some it doesn't, maybe even rising sea levels over the long term. Well, Inverness, Florida is 15 to 20 miles inland, and it's 50 feet above sea level. How about high insurance rates? Does that come to mind with Florida? Well, they're not so high on new build properties, since they're built to today's stringent hurricane standards. Is Florida temporarily over built, even though the nation, in aggregate is under built? Yes, some Florida markets are overbuilt, and that's how you could potentially snag a deal and get this with 25% down, you can get an interest rate as low as four and three quarter percent, yes, and that's showing with zero buyer paid discount points, the combined rent from both sides of this new build Inverness duplex is estimated at $2,830 of course, often you need to estimate a rent range or make an estimate on the projected rent for new builds, because often they're not occupied yet, since they were just built, sales price of just a touch under 420k on the Inverness duplex, and as just one of the five ways you're paid the cash on cash return is projected at 5% yes, your return goes up into the positive cash flow zone when your mortgage rate is as low as four and three quarters percent. I mean, that is really attractive. It also comes with a year of free property management. So there you go, a new build single family rental in Alabama, an old duplex in Davenport, Iowa, and a new build duplex with just killer incentives in Inverness, Florida, and that's just the sampling of real estate pays five ways type of properties. We either help you get started or continue on your path to financial freedom and help you do that. With our completely free investment coaching, we work with you to help you with these properties or others like them or none at all, if it's not in your best interest to invest now at GRE marketplace.com All you need to do to get started from GRE marketplace.com is click on the coaching area and you can get on the calendar for a free strategy session until next week, I'm your host, Keith Weinhold, don't quit your Daydream.   Speaker 2  50:35   Nothing on this show should be considered specific personal or professional advice. Please consult an appropriate tax, legal, real estate, financial or business professional for individualized advice. Opinions of guests are their own. Information is not guaranteed. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. The host is operating on behalf of get rich Education LLC, exclusively, Chris,   Keith Weinhold  51:03   The preceding program was brought to you by your home for wealth, building, getricheducation.com  

As the West continues to malign China in an attempt to give life to imperialism. Professor Rockhill details how his recent visit went.    Dr. Gabriel Rockhill is the Founding Director of the Critical Theory Workshop / Atelier de Théorie Critique, Professor of Philosophy and Global Interdisciplinary Studies at Villanova University, and the author or editor of ten books, as well as numerous scholarly and general public articles. He is also the Associate Director of Cultural Studies at Villanova University, Research Associate at the Laboratoire d'anthropologie politique – LAP (EHESS, Paris), one of the editors-in-chief of the World Marxist Review, and co-editor of the book series AIM–Anti-Imperialist Marxism.   Twitter @GabrielRockhill @CTayJ @MomodouTaal

This week on Sinica, I chat with economic historian Andrew B. Liu of Villanova University about how to understand Trump's thinking on China and tariffs. Andy wrote about this in an excellent piece on N+1 called "Back to the 80s? Trump, Xi Jinping, and Tariffs." Check it out and then listen to the show!3:59 – How the U.S.'s current trade anxieties echo those of the ‘80s9:34 – How Cold War geopolitics shaped U.S.-Japan trade relations18:23 – The lessons China learned from Japan's experience and how it has shaped its recent economic strategy 21:03 – What Xi Jinping's vision for the Chinese economy actually looks like 34:26 – Why China is favoring a more Ford-like model of industrial structure41:28 – Michael Pettis's ideas from Trade Wars Are Class Wars and points of critique 52:44 – The Trump administration's use of tariffsPaying It Forward: Viola Zhou's reporting on Rest of World (especially her piece on Foxconn in India) and Dong Yige Recommendations:Andrew: Hetty Lui McKinnon's Substack for vegan modern Cantonese recipes Kaiser: The Substack of the Carter Center's U.S.-China Perception Monitor; and the essay “The new frontline: The US-China battle for control of global networks” on the Transnational Institute websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More than two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations sued the Trump administration Tuesday over its decision to let immigration agents make arrests at places of worship. Also Tuesday, Pope Francis issued a stinging rebuke of President Donald Trump's mass deportation plan in a letter to U.S. Catholic Bishops. And he had some seemingly pointed words for Vice President J.D. Vance, who in recent weeks has used his Catholic faith to justify the White House's immigration crackdown. Terence Sweeney, an assistant teaching professor at Villanova University, breaks down the holes in the Trump administration's interpretation of Christianity and Catholicism. Later in the show, Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics and trade policy at the Cato Institute, explains why Trump's threats to a trade loophole could blow up your online shopping habits.And in headlines: Trump and Elon Musk defended the Department of Government Efficiency's draconian cost-cutting actions during a joint press conference, DOGE said it cut $900 million in Department of Education contracts, and a federal judge blocked the administration's order to cut billions in funding for medical research.Show Notes:Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8Support victims of the fire – votesaveamerica.com/reliefWhat A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

This wide-ranging, round-robin format episode begins with celebrating the end of “Dry January” (which we, um, didn’t much observe), mockery of Bernie Sanders’ obsession with “onesies,” a brief account of a Steve roadtrip to Villanova University, and a declaration of war against the Commentary podcast. (It’s serious: it involves McRibs.) After we clear away this […]

This wide-ranging, round-robin format episode begins with celebrating the end of "Dry January" (which we, um, didn't much observe), mockery of Bernie Sanders' obsession with "onesies," a brief account of a Steve roadtrip to Villanova University, and a declaration of war against the Commentary podcast. (It's serious: it involves McRibs.) After we clear away this opening frivolity, we get down to serious business. Lucretia is in high dudgeon about the Catholic bishops behaving just the way they did in the 1980s—like lapdogs for the left—which generated reflections on theology, federal grant restrictions, J.D. Vance's dialectical skill, and some reasons for optimism for the future of both the Catholic Church and the world as a whole.John casts his spotlight on what we saw in the contentious confirmation hearings for Kash Patel, RFK, Jr, and Tulsi Gabbard. There was rare agreement and sharp disagreement (our usual mode) about aspects of these appointments. Exit bumper music from our pal, the historian Steve Tootle, who doubles as the singer/songwriter for Cosigner; "No Hour Is Mine" sounds a bit like what professors think after class.