Podcasts about Wellington

Power gets loud when it's insecure. Strategy becomes theater. And ideology sneaks in wearing policy jargon. The White House's newest U.S. National Security Strategy claims realism while quietly demanding dominance, preaching restraint while laying groundwork for escalation. Civilizational panic collides with imperial muscle, producing a document that wants everything, everywhere, all at once. Van Jackson, Professor of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, sits down with Jacob Shapiro to chat about how culture war thinking seeps into grand strategy, why “prioritization” turns into mission creep, and what this blueprint signals for allies, adversaries, and a world already stretched thin. If this is restraint, buckle up :)--Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:40 Understanding National Security Strategy02:23 Critique of the Current Administration's Strategy07:22 Historical Context and Comparisons13:14 Primitive Accumulation and Geopolitics16:47 Latin American Policy and Imperialism25:33 Military Strategy and Global Implications29:47 China as a Pacing Threat30:47 Misconceptions in Military Strategy31:52 Potential Conflicts in Latin America34:23 US Military Intervention in Mexico35:38 Challenges of Addressing Drug Cartels41:56 Hegemonic Decline and National Security48:24 Global Reactions to US Strategy53:58 Brazil's Role in Latin America56:53 Concluding Thoughts--Referenced in the Show:Van Jackson - https://people.wgtn.ac.nz/van.jacksonNational Security Strategy 2025 - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdfNSS (2002) - https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/nsc/nss/2002/NSC-68 (1950) - https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/NSC68--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com --Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today's volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Wellington is playing host to the stars of Tinseltown, with the third Avatar movie Fire and Ash having its Australasian premiere there tonight. 

Happy Wednesday!   This week on Finding Something Real, we are joined with one of our favorite guest, Xandra Grieme. We are also joined with three of our co-host, Ana, Christie and Sarah.    In this episode, we talk about the tension of faith and science, and how they go more hand in hand than you think. Xandra opens up about hard parts of her story and brings light to difficult topics - suffering and free will. And why that keeps a lot of people from fully believing in Jesus. How could a good God allow suffering, abuse, and evil? That's one of the hardest questions, and one we won't know the complete answer to on this side of eternity.    But you can trust this - He's a God of Compassion. His heart was never for any of these things to happen. He became flesh and came down to be in the suffering with you. That's how much He loves you.   Rest in that truth today.   About Xandra: Xandra Grieme received a BS from Colorado State University and later studied at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Xandra continued her studies at Victoria University of Wellington where she completed a master's degree in Conservation Biology. Her scientific research includes work in parasitology, flow cytometry, and ecological restoration. Xandra is passionate about educating youth on our role as stewards of the natural world.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!  - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace   Dealing with Grief and Church Hurt with Jason Schmidt   How to Love People in Truth and Love with Drew Berryessa   The Difference Jesus Makes - Frankie's Story   Season 8 - First Episode       Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

Tom talks about opponents joining forces to oppose road changes and a new planned tunnel, a new world class music festival for the capital, Wellington City Council wins more votes on the water regional services and the 8 year old lobbying the council for speed bumps.

Wellington's maritime police are no longer responding 24/7 to help boaties in trouble or to respond to crimes on the water. Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports.

Ousted Te Pati Maori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been awarded a temporary court order to reinstate her into Te Pati Maori. Her case was heard by Justice Paul Radich in the High Court at Wellington on Thursday morning. She spoke with Mihi Forbes about her future plans.

Taken as a group, blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in New Zealand - affecting around one in twenty people during their lifetime. But some patients are forced to seek help overseas because a treatment that could save them isn't available here. The Wellington based Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is working to change that. Winner of this year's Breakthrough Project category in the KiwiNet Awards, Malaghan is currently conducting phase two of its CAR-T cell therapy clinical trials. The therapy essentially uses the body's own immune system to target and kill cancer cells. Professor Robert Weinkove is the Clinical Director and he speaks to Mihi about the next major step in their push to make it a standard part of cancer care in New Zealand.

On this episode of Not For Radio... Andrew Tuck, CEO of Homegrown Events, joins us to chat through next year's festival. We cover off the logistics around organizing 55 bands, moving the event from Wellington to Waikato and a bunch of wild stories that come with running such a large event. 02:30 - Wrong number at the bank07:30 - Andrew Tuck 40:50 - PS5 memories48:00 - 'Marital aid' stuck in the rectum Hit us up and get all our links: https://linktr.ee/notforradioBecome Sniper Elite: https://bit.ly/4oIPzzY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conviértete en un seguidor de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/el-mananero-radio--3086101/support.

A kindergarten operator says it will cost hundreds of thousands dollars to decontaminate several Wellington sites that have tested positive for asbestos in the wake of the kid's-coloured sand recall. Whanau Manaaki has tested 13 kindergartens around the motu that had been using the coloured sand that could be laced with asbestos. Three in Wellington have come back positive and need significant cleanup work. Whanau Manaaki CEO, Amanda Coulston spoke to Lisa Owen.

Investigators have identified a defect that led to an Airbus A320 aircraft engine suddenly shutting off en route from Wellington to Sydney a year ago. Chief Investigator of Accidents Louise Cook spoke to Corin Dann.

The caretaker of the campground hit by a tornado in Manawatu yesterday says they're lucky no one was more seriously injured, or killed; Investigators have identified a defect that led to an Airbus A320 aircraft engine suddenly shutting off en route from Wellington to Sydney a year ago; As peace talks with Russia stall once again, New Zealand is committing $15 million to help arm Ukraine's soldiers; After years of anticipation, IKEA is about to open its doors to the New Zealand public; New data out today shows almost a third of kiwi workers often dread going to work, rising to 40% among Gen Z workers. Paragraph locked by Dan Lake

There's a view that Government funding for major events is a smart investment. The first round of events in its $70 million package has been unveiled, including the first ever concert at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha next May. Other events include Linkin Park in Auckland and the Ultra Music Festival in Wellington. Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill told Mike Hosking this funding is designed to make existing events bigger. For example, he says, the Readers and Writers Festival in Auckland is a fantastic event, but could they use the funding to make it more international? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you try and get through the festive period without putting on any weight?Plus, beef Wellington crisps and Christmas dinner ready meals.Send us a voicenote: 07468 286104 If you'd like to join our Diet Club, mark your weight loss with our exclusive certificates, get Extra Portions of this podcast and win CASH PRIZES go to patreon.com/noshameinagain or find us on the Patreon app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A leading world expert in lead poisoning says there's still more work to be done on reducing exposure. The latest New Zealand data shows total lead absorption notification rates increased for both adults and children in 2024 compared to 2023. David Jacobs is the chief scientist at the US National Centre for Healthy Housing. He says despite paint no longer being in paint and petrol, concerns remain about potential exposure particularly in children. He's been in New Zealand at the International Conference on Urban Health in Wellington

Too expensive, too disruptive and too focused on cars. Those are some of the criticisms leveled against plans to build second Mt Victoria and Terrace tunnels in Wellington, which were heard at a public rally last night. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

this weeks guests from across the ditch in NZ is Wayne Christie , attending the church in the capital city, Wellington pastored by former guest Rev Judea Keefe !! the brother shares his story and journey of transformation and redemption and shows that Jesus can change anybody!! hope you listen and enjoy!!

The Tall Blacks fell to a narrow loss to Australia in the second and final match last night in Wellington, with the Boomers guard Davo Hickey hitting a buzzer beater to seal a 79-77 win.

The Government has announced the details on its plan for rates caps - councils will be capped at 4%.They will not be able to raise their rates by more than 4%, and the plan will start being implemented in a couple of years' time, sort of mid 27, and then will be fully in place by mid 2029.There will be exemptions to the rate cap. The high growth councils will be exempt from the cap. Councils that experience a natural disaster, something like bad weather, a quake, whatever, they will be exempt. Councils that need to catch up on infrastructure underinvestment, which I thought would have been most councils, they will be exempt.They will have to apply. The exempt will not be automatic. They will have to apply for an exemption, but those are the grounds they can apply on, which I think sounds like potentially a lot of councils who will be able to get around the 4% cap.Now, on the politics of it, it is incredibly smart to announce this - it is incredibly popular. One poll found that about 75% of people want to see this happen, and I really want this to work.I really want this to force councils to sharpen their pencils and start cutting out the nice to haves like the disco toilets and the bus stops with the gardens spouting from the top. And I want them to be able to be going through their staff list and maybe discover like Wellington has in the last week, about 330 people who probably don't need to be paid for by the ratepayer.And this will definitely, I think, do that. It will force a bit of discipline.But what does worry me is that this isn't dealing with the actual problem that we've got in local government, which is that we have a bunch of numpties sitting around the council tables making bad financial decisions.After this, we will still have numpties sitting around the council table, and those numpties will still make bad financial decisions.And if there's one thing that we've learned from recent experience with Wellington City Council, it's that when numpties cut spending, They cut spending on important things like pipes and for some weird reason they keep on spending on the dumb stuff like disco toilets, and I worry that that will happen around the country and we will simply end up with another crisis like we're having at the moment of deferred maintenance.Having said that, It is obviously a much better situation if the numpties have less money to waste rather than more money to waste.So on balance, the rates cap is probably an improvement on the status quo, isn't it?Even if only for the certainty it gives the rest of us that our rates bill next year will not force us out of our homes.In that respect, this has got to be good news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the festive season approaches one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas - the community Christmas tree - is going up in towns and cities around the country. Our reporters in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch have been out in their local communities asking residents whether they believe it's money well spent.

The Black Caps are looking ahead to the next test series. A three-test series is coming up against The West Indies before Christmas, starting on Tuesday in Christchurch, and then test matches at the Basin Reserve in Wellington and Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui before Christmas. Black Caps coach Rob Walter told Jason Pine that he's hopeful heading into the series, stating that, 'you're building on the positivity and the confidence from one format to the next.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Piper hosts Plaidcast in Person in front of a live audience at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut with Michael Britt-León, Berry Porter and Steven Bluman. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Michael Britt-León is the owner of Windsor Stables in Alpharetta, GA. Michael has earned countless International, National and Zone championships. Michael spent his junior career under the guidance of the top professionals on the west coast who had him showing extensively in hunters, jumpers and equitation. He eventually worked at “The Oaks Farm” for Joan Irvine Smith developing quality young horses into nationally ranked Hunters and Jumpers. Michael was eventually recruited to ride privately for a family and it was there that he ran their facility and campaigned their horses nationally, solidifying his place on the professional circuit.Guest: Berry Porter is the head trainer at Brookside Pine Farms in Conroe, TX. Berry has developed many riders from the beginner level to the collegiate ranks to succeeding at the top levels of equestrian competition. Recognizing this is a sport that constantly evolves, Berry trains with some of the most respected and successful professionals in the industry, applying his skills as he personally competes at prominent venues across the country. Berry's students have successfully competed at the FEI North American Young Riders competition, National Junior Hunter Finals, in International Hunter Derbies, at Medal Finals, and in Grand Prix.Guest: Steven Bluman is an Israeli show jumping rider, trainer, and entrepreneur based between Wellington, FL and North Salem, NY. A cornerstone of Bluman Equestrian, he oversees the development of junior and amateur riders while managing a competitive string of horses at the FEI level. Known for his meticulous approach to flatwork, horsemanship, and team structure, Steven's coaching style blends high-performance goals with patient education. He also founded the Equo app, a platform designed to simplify horse transportation across North America.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Purina, Great American Insurance Group and Windstar Cruises  Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person live event!

Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies, King's College London and No More Napoleons: How Britain Managed Europe from Waterloo to World War One,  joins the show to discuss how the British Empire maintained the balance in Europe between the fall of Napoleon to the summer of 1914. ▪️ Times 02:59 Studying the Problem of War 06:20 British Perspectives of the European Coast 11:33 The French Likelihood of Invading Britain  21:40 The Scheldt River Estuary  30:33 Marlborough, Wellington, and Eisenhower  36:48 The 19th Century and the Rise of Steampower 47:35 Divided attention and British Mistakes of 1914 54:40 The Failure of British Strategic Off-Shore Balancing Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack

Gavin Rutherford has performed in over fifty Circa shows as an actor, director, and Circa council member and joins Emile Donovan.

Timestamp: (10:19) In the US, an average of 450 children are murdered by their parents each year, with mothers more likely to kill infants and fathers more likely to kill older children. North Carolina man Wellington Dickens called 911 in October 2025.  He confessed to killing four of his children over the period of a few months.  He also told authorities that another child of his had previously passed and police are searching for the remains of that baby. In November 2025, New Zealand man Dean Field allegedly killed his three young children August, Hugo and Goldie before setting their home on fire.  Dean perished along with the children. Ohio man Ryan Eagon and his wife Raven had a tumultuous relationship.  Raven believed that Ryan was away for work and she enlisted the help of a previous partner, Dustin Willey, to help her move her two children and their belongings out of the home.  Ryan ambushed the family, killing Dustin and the two young boys, before taking his own life. Read our blog for these tragic cases - https://truecrimesocietyblog.com/2025/11/24/deadly-dads-november-2025/ If you are in an abusive relationship, we have helpful resources on our Instagram highlight section - Instagram.com/truecrimesociety Join us on Patreon for weekly, exclusive content - Patreon.com/truecrimesociety This episode is sponsored by: Mood - Head to mood.com, find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code [TCS] when you check out to save 20% on your first order.

Time now to solve some of the world's problems. Dave Armstrong is with Jesse from our Wellington studio and this week he's turning his attention to some of the issues plaguing the capital.

From next month, Wellington police will begin saliva testing drivers for four drugs - THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine. CEO and founder of Cannabis Clinic Dr. Waseem Alzaher spoke to Corin Dann.

Wellington's mayor says it's more likely the region's councils will merge following reforms announced by the government this week. Ellen O'Dwyer reports.

Major banks have already dropped their advertised home loan rates after the cut to the official cash rate; From next month, Wellington police will begin saliva testing drivers for four drugs - THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine; Eden Park is forecasting a profit of just $145,000 next year, because of a lack of concerts and events; Mysterious disappearance of 65 bus stop seats in Auckland; Husband, father and ocean lover is how New Zealand's TikTok creator of the year describes himself on social media. Louis Davis has been crowned by the public as Aotearoa's best creator of 2025, at the Australia and New Zealand TikTok Awards last night.

Hour 1 of https://RushToReason.com kicks off with Andy Peth—joined by Luke Cashman and Tanner Coleman—for a fast, funny, and fiery hour that swings from Thanksgiving chaos to political shockwaves. Amid jokes about Vietnamese feasts, airport gravy smuggling, and hunting Thanksgiving dinner “bare-handed,” the trio dives headfirst into the escalating crisis in Chicago. What happens when a mayor calls law enforcement a “sickness” even after a woman is brutally attacked on a train? And what does it mean when a leader claims he's committed first to people who “look like” him? The hour then pivots to Marjorie Taylor Greene's sudden decision to leave Congress early. Is her claim about the “Epstein files” the truth—or a convenient cover? Andy breaks down the real timeline, the political rift with Donald Trump, and the surprising financial incentives baked into congressional retirement. A caller, Jim from Wellington, joins in to expose how congressional benefits work—raising deeper questions about insider trading, wealth-building, and who really profits in Washington. Packed with humor, sharp analysis, and provocative questions, Hour 1 sets the tone: nothing is off-limits, and everything is on the table. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason kicks off at full speed as Andy Pate teams up with Tanner Cole and NFL analyst Richard Rush for a rapid-fire Thanksgiving football extravaganza. Which teams will rise, and which will collapse under the weight of their own chaos? Will the Lions finally own Thanksgiving? Are the Chiefs unstoppable—or is Dallas ready to shock them? Can Joe Burrow ignite the Bengals, and are the Eagles crumbling from the inside out? Every matchup becomes a debate, every prediction swings with humor, and every punchline lands harder than a blindside blitz. But the hour isn't done. After the final pick is made, Jerzee Joe jumps in with sharp political commentary, exposing New York's fantasy-world promises of “free buses,” rent freezes, and wealth redistribution. What happens when leaders promise equality of outcomes instead of opportunity? And why does reality only show up after the election? Packed with jokes, bold takes, and thought-provoking questions, Hour 2 delivers nonstop energy—from the gridiron to government truths you won't hear anywhere else. HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason erupts with political fire as Andy Peth welcomes guest Eli Bremer—a former Olympian, Air Force veteran, and one of Colorado's most controversial conservative voices. What begins as a critique of forced “unity” inside the Colorado GOP quickly transforms into a blistering exposé of power plays, purity tests, and the factions tearing the party apart. Why are certain insiders demanding unity only when they're the ones in charge? Who benefits when criticism is labeled “disunity,” and who gets silenced in the process? Andy and Eli dismantle the myth of “unity for unity's sake,” arguing that genuine teamwork requires shared purpose—not blind obedience. From fake Liberty Scorecards to performative purity, from sabotaged legislation to the Freedom Caucus blocking the repeal of Obamacare, Hour 3 pulls no punches. Is “voting your principles” noble—or is it a mathematical dead end that hands victory to the Left? And how many elections have been lost because conservatives chose symbolic purity over practical wins? Hour 3 is a fast-moving, high-stakes discussion about strategy, loyalty, results—and what the conservative movement must confront if it wants to win again.

Hour 1 of https://RushToReason.com kicks off with Andy Peth—joined by Luke Cashman and Tanner Coleman—for a fast, funny, and fiery hour that swings from Thanksgiving chaos to political shockwaves. Amid jokes about Vietnamese feasts, airport gravy smuggling, and hunting Thanksgiving dinner “bare-handed,” the trio dives headfirst into the escalating crisis in Chicago. What happens when a mayor calls law enforcement a “sickness” even after a woman is brutally attacked on a train? And what does it mean when a leader claims he's committed first to people who “look like” him? The hour then pivots to Marjorie Taylor Greene's sudden decision to leave Congress early. Is her claim about the “Epstein files” the truth—or a convenient cover? Andy breaks down the real timeline, the political rift with Donald Trump, and the surprising financial incentives baked into congressional retirement. A caller, Jim from Wellington, joins in to expose how congressional benefits work—raising deeper questions about insider trading, wealth-building, and who really profits in Washington. Packed with humor, sharp analysis, and provocative questions, Hour 1 sets the tone: nothing is off-limits, and everything is on the table. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason kicks off at full speed as Andy Pate teams up with Tanner Cole and NFL analyst Richard Rush for a rapid-fire Thanksgiving football extravaganza. Which teams will rise, and which will collapse under the weight of their own chaos? Will the Lions finally own Thanksgiving? Are the Chiefs unstoppable—or is Dallas ready to shock them? Can Joe Burrow ignite the Bengals, and are the Eagles crumbling from the inside out? Every matchup becomes a debate, every prediction swings with humor, and every punchline lands harder than a blindside blitz. But the hour isn't done. After the final pick is made, Jerzee Joe jumps in with sharp political commentary, exposing New York's fantasy-world promises of “free buses,” rent freezes, and wealth redistribution. What happens when leaders promise equality of outcomes instead of opportunity? And why does reality only show up after the election? Packed with jokes, bold takes, and thought-provoking questions, Hour 2 delivers nonstop energy—from the gridiron to government truths you won't hear anywhere else. HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason erupts with political fire as Andy Peth welcomes guest Eli Bremer—a former Olympian, Air Force veteran, and one of Colorado's most controversial conservative voices. What begins as a critique of forced “unity” inside the Colorado GOP quickly transforms into a blistering exposé of power plays, purity tests, and the factions tearing the party apart. Why are certain insiders demanding unity only when they're the ones in charge? Who benefits when criticism is labeled “disunity,” and who gets silenced in the process? Andy and Eli dismantle the myth of “unity for unity's sake,” arguing that genuine teamwork requires shared purpose—not blind obedience. From fake Liberty Scorecards to performative purity, from sabotaged legislation to the Freedom Caucus blocking the repeal of Obamacare, Hour 3 pulls no punches. Is “voting your principles” noble—or is it a mathematical dead end that hands victory to the Left? And how many elections have been lost because conservatives chose symbolic purity over practical wins? Hour 3 is a fast-moving, high-stakes discussion about strategy, loyalty, results—and what the conservative movement must confront if it wants to win again.

Hour 1 of https://RushToReason.com kicks off with Andy Peth—joined by Luke Cashman and Tanner Coleman—for a fast, funny, and fiery hour that swings from Thanksgiving chaos to political shockwaves. Amid jokes about Vietnamese feasts, airport gravy smuggling, and hunting Thanksgiving dinner “bare-handed,” the trio dives headfirst into the escalating crisis in Chicago. What happens when a mayor calls law enforcement a “sickness” even after a woman is brutally attacked on a train? And what does it mean when a leader claims he's committed first to people who “look like” him? The hour then pivots to Marjorie Taylor Greene's sudden decision to leave Congress early. Is her claim about the “Epstein files” the truth—or a convenient cover? Andy breaks down the real timeline, the political rift with Donald Trump, and the surprising financial incentives baked into congressional retirement. A caller, Jim from Wellington, joins in to expose how congressional benefits work—raising deeper questions about insider trading, wealth-building, and who really profits in Washington. Packed with humor, sharp analysis, and provocative questions, Hour 1 sets the tone: nothing is off-limits, and everything is on the table. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason kicks off at full speed as Andy Pate teams up with Tanner Cole and NFL analyst Richard Rush for a rapid-fire Thanksgiving football extravaganza. Which teams will rise, and which will collapse under the weight of their own chaos? Will the Lions finally own Thanksgiving? Are the Chiefs unstoppable—or is Dallas ready to shock them? Can Joe Burrow ignite the Bengals, and are the Eagles crumbling from the inside out? Every matchup becomes a debate, every prediction swings with humor, and every punchline lands harder than a blindside blitz. But the hour isn't done. After the final pick is made, Jerzee Joe jumps in with sharp political commentary, exposing New York's fantasy-world promises of “free buses,” rent freezes, and wealth redistribution. What happens when leaders promise equality of outcomes instead of opportunity? And why does reality only show up after the election? Packed with jokes, bold takes, and thought-provoking questions, Hour 2 delivers nonstop energy—from the gridiron to government truths you won't hear anywhere else. HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason erupts with political fire as Andy Peth welcomes guest Eli Bremer—a former Olympian, Air Force veteran, and one of Colorado's most controversial conservative voices. What begins as a critique of forced “unity” inside the Colorado GOP quickly transforms into a blistering exposé of power plays, purity tests, and the factions tearing the party apart. Why are certain insiders demanding unity only when they're the ones in charge? Who benefits when criticism is labeled “disunity,” and who gets silenced in the process? Andy and Eli dismantle the myth of “unity for unity's sake,” arguing that genuine teamwork requires shared purpose—not blind obedience. From fake Liberty Scorecards to performative purity, from sabotaged legislation to the Freedom Caucus blocking the repeal of Obamacare, Hour 3 pulls no punches. Is “voting your principles” noble—or is it a mathematical dead end that hands victory to the Left? And how many elections have been lost because conservatives chose symbolic purity over practical wins? Hour 3 is a fast-moving, high-stakes discussion about strategy, loyalty, results—and what the conservative movement must confront if it wants to win again.

Leaky-home experts fear a proposed overhaul of the Building Act could leave unlucky home owners - apartment owners in particular - in financial ruin. Under the new regime, liabilities are only assigned to the party responsible, and for many new buildings, a warranty will be required. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the concerns further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least one Wellington mayor says it's time district councils combined into one. The Government's proposing replacing regional councillors with boards of district mayors. They'll have two years from establishment, to put up a regional plan for future local Governments. Porirua mayor Anita Baker says the Wellington region should grab this opportunity. She explained Hutt City and Porirua residents have already said yes to amalgamation, and Wellington city mayor Andrew Little doesn't seem opposed either. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with grand prix show jumper and owner of Bexley Farm, James Fairclough II.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: James Fairclough II is a Grand Prix show jumper and the owner of Bexley Farm, based in Bedford, New York, and Wellington, Florida. He comes from a deeply rooted equestrian family: his grandfather, Dr. Rost, was an FEI veterinarian, course designer, and show manager; his grandmother, Joan Chambers, was a national rodeo queen at Madison Square Garden and a respected hunter/jumper trainer; his father, James Fairclough, and grandfather, John Fairclough, were accomplished four-in-hand drivers; and his mother, Robin Rost Brown, is a Grand Prix rider, trainer, and judge. James built his professional foundation riding for Frank Chapot, Anne Kursinski, Candice King, Jane Clark, and Stal Hendrix. After winning the Cacchione Cup in college and competing professionally in Europe, he returned home to establish Bexley Farm, a high-performance training and sales program specializing in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Read the Latest Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Windstar Cruises, and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person live event!

"Without hats there is no civilization" according to French fashion designer Christian Dior. But as people tighten their belts it seems headwear is suffering with a renowned Wellington milliner, Hills Hats fighting to stay open. The 150 year old business, one of Aotearoa's oldest manufacturers, is relying on crowd funding to help cover the cost of relocating to a more compact factory, and to keep going in the face of rising costs. Hills Hats chief executive Simon Smuts-Kennedy spoke to Lisa Owen.

A Wellington social housing agency has hiked its tenants' rent at double the rate the housing ministry initially agreed to, citing "financial pressures". Reporter Lauren Crimp spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand artist Fred Graham is recognised as a pioneer in the contemporary Maori art movement. Now two exhibitions at Pataka Art and Museum in Wellington will pay tribute to his work, after his death this year at the age of 96. His son Brett Graham is a prominent artist in his own right and chats to Jesse about his father's legacy.

Interesting people make interesting music. Warren Ellis is in a class of his own. He's a composer, multi-instrumentalist and longtime creative partner of gothic rock poet laureate Nick Cave. For more than 40 years Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds have challenged us with narrative-driven music that touches on love, death, and religion. Ellis is also the co-founder of Ellis Park, a sanctuary for wounded animals in Sumatra. He saves the animals, and he says, they saved him. The spirit of transformation runs through the band's latest album, Wild God. Ellis will be back in New Zealand with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds for the first time since 2017 with The Wild God Tour as part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts. They'll be performing two shows in Wellington at the TSB Arena February 5th and 6th.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says regional councils add layers of confusion, as he looks to scrap them. Consultation's open on the proposal which would see the councils abolished and replaced with boards made up of local Mayors. Boards would be required to put plans in place around re-organising services and infrastructure, which will be checked over and ticked off for financial sustainability. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there's enormous levels of complexity which people don't understand. He says in Wellington for example, the regional council runs the buses, but the city councils decide the road closures and where the bus stops are. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where do Pacific and western MEL approaches naturally align, and where do they clash?  Margaret Eastgate, Seraseini Vulavou and ‘Aulola ‘Ake discuss how MEL practice may honour Pacific ideas and ways of knowing in how we design, implement, and evaluate programs – including the concepts of tā (time) and vā (relational space).  This podcast was made possible through SPC's Funding with Intent initiative, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.    Please provide us feedback here: https://forms.office.com/r/yHK0eDhrex     Guests:  Margaret Eastgate, consultant - Pacific Magaret has worked in the development space for over 30 years. She is a Pacific MEL Influencer who has: co-authored the Pacific MEL Capacity Strengthening Rebbilib “For the Pacific, By the Pacific, With the Pacific” which situates MEL; co-curated & co-convened the Inaugural Pacific MEL Convening; and was a Member of the MEL Technical Experts Group that endorsed the Pacific MEL Diploma programme.  Seraseini Vulavou, Performance Quality and Learning (MERLA) Manager for Balance of Power - Fiji Seraseini works in the space of legitimizing the leadership of women – politically, culturally and socially – at a regional level, particularly across Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.  She has been a MEL practitioner for more than 10 years having worked in 9 Pacific island countries in the health sector (International Planned Parenthood Federation), as well as UN entities (UN Women, World Food Program and UNICEF) and Oxfam. ‘Aulola ‘Ake, Programme Officer at SPC – Tonga  ‘Aulola is part of a team that supports Pacific Women Lead at SPC's portfolio of grants, providing technical advice, assistance and capacity building, planning, monitoring and reporting at country and regional level. Prior to SPC, she worked for the Australian High Commission Nuku'alofa as Senior Program Manager managing Australia's bilateral investments in governance, gender equality and infrastructure. Her background is international affairs and development holding both a BA and MA in International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington, NZ, and Monash University, Australia. Links: Pacific MEL Rebbilib: https://www.spc.int/updates/blog/2020/08/pacific-mel-rebbilib-report-on-mel-capacity-available-for-download  Pacific MEL Diploma: https://www.spc.int/DigitalLibrary/SPC/Collection/Pacific_MEL  Reflections on tā and vā  by Ōkusitino Māhina: https://i-m-m.org/onewebmedia/IMM_PDFs/2021_imm_archiv/_archiv_sprache/210406_Ta_VA_Moana_by_Mahina_01.pdf  https://www.vamoana.org/news/talanoa-hufanga-he-ako-moe-lotu-dr-okusitino-mahina  Tongan sociospatial relations by Tevita Ka'ili: https://kealakai.byuh.edu/tevita-kaili-presents-new-book-on-tongan-sociospatial-relations  Decolonisation & Locally Led Development (including practical ideas for action): https://acfid.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ACFID-Decolonisation-and-Locally-Led-Development-Discussion-Paper.pdf  How can aid be decolonized and localized in the Pacific? by Theresa Meki and Jope Tarai: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dpr.12732  Kakala Research Framework: (PDF) Kakala Research Framework  Kakala_Research.pdf  Kakala Research Framework | SpringerLink  

Ian Williamson is dean of The UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Prior to joining the Merage School, he served as pro vice-chancellor and dean of commerce at the Wellington School of Business and Government at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Ian has also served as a faculty member in business schools in Australia, Switzerland, and Indonesia. Ian is a globally recognized expert in the area of human resource management and his research has been published in leading academic journals and covered by leading media outlets across the world. Ian received his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor's degree in business from Miami University. In this episode we discuss the following: Ian sees himself as a steward, making decisions for the person who comes after him, recognizing that he's caring for something that existed long before him and will continue long after him. What a powerful example of long-term thinking Ian encountered with the Māori leaders, who asked, "How will this decision affect our great-grandchildren?'” Not all leadership looks the same, and it's perfectly fine for some leaders to focus on the short term. But the key is being intentional about what our role demands and what kind of leader we want to be.

Piper hosts Plaidcast in Person in front of a live audience at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with Danielle and Jimmy Torano. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Jimmy Torano operates JET Show Stable based in Wellington, Florida and Mohrsville, Pennsylvania with his wife Danielle. Jimmy frequently visits Europe, and is one of the nation's top importers of up and coming young show jumpers, equitation and hunter prospects. Jimmy is a Big “R” judge who has judged many major classes including the 2006 Pessoa USEF Medal Finals, 2007 USET Talent Search Finals, 2008 Pony Medal Finals and the 2008 ASPCA Maclay Finals.  Guest: Danielle Torano is the most winning rider in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Amateur-Owner Jumper Series, winning the Eastern Conference title in 2001, finishing second in 2002, and then gaining the championship again in back to back years in 2004 and 2005. In 2008, Danielle was a member of the winning $75,000 FEI Nation's Cup team in Wellington, Florida aboard Marlo. Danielle went on to represent the United States in the 2008 World Cup Finals in Goteborg, Sweden and the 2009 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas on Vancouver D'Auvray. Danielle is now a trainer at JET Show Stable.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Purina, Great American Insurance Group and Windstar Cruises  Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person live event!

Stefán Einar Stefánsson og Þórður Gunnarsson fara yfir það helsta frá Hátíðarkvöldi Þjóðmála. Einnig er rætt um stýrivaxtalækkun Seðlabankans og kólnun hagkerfisins, slök viðbrögð ríkisstjórnarinnar við tollum Evrópusambandsins, uppstillta mynd af forsætisráðherra tala í símann, nýtt slagorð Viðreisnar, nýja könnun sem sýnir Miðflokkinn stærri en Sjálfstæðisflokkinn, hátt setta ríkisstarfsmenn sem klúðra málum en fá bara nýtt starf á sömu launum, möguleg kaup Símans á fjölmiðlahluta Sýnar, og sitthvað fleira.

Wellington delays the NZ$5 million real estate carve-out until 2026; experts split on whether it's “mostly noise.”View the full article here.Subscribe to the IMI Daily newsletter here. 

Wellington City Council has hit pause on its Golden Mile central city revamp after learning of another budget blowout. Wellington mayor Andrew Little spoke to Corin Dann.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!Power rarely moves quietly, and our tour through the English Reformation proves it. We start with a young, athletic Henry VIII whose dynastic panic collided with fragile Tudor legitimacy and recent civil war. From Wolsey's velvet control to Cromwell's hard-edged dissolution of the monasteries, the story isn't a popular uprising against Rome—it's a top-down refit of a living church under the pressure of succession, money, and law.Zooming out, Europe hums with end-times energy: printing stokes polemics, the sack of Rome shatters illusions, and theological debates double as statecraft. We revisit Mary I without the propaganda haze—her measured governance, her duty to crush rebellion, and the way her reign got rewritten by enemies. Then Elizabeth I tightens the bolts: supremacy oaths, recusancy fines, and an intelligence apparatus that turns conscience into evidence. The result is a church that keeps the silhouette of altars while changing the crown above them.Underground Catholicism adapts with nerve and nuance. Jesuit missions like Edmund Campion's draw hard lines, house chapels encode the Mass into Byrd's music, and priest holes become the country's hidden cathedrals. We unpack the Gunpowder Plot as either interception or invention and track how it cements “Catholic equals treason” in the English mind. From Laudian “beauty of holiness” to the civil war backlash, from Jacobite hopes to the Quebec Act and Wellington's push for emancipation, we follow the long arc that shaped modern Britain—and its American echo in how nations sacralize power. Subscribe, share this episode with a history-loving friend, and tell us: which Tudor moment most changed your view of the Reformation?Support the showTake advantage of great Catholic red wines by heading over to https://recusantcellars.com/ and using code "BASED" for 10% off at checkout!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Rail Minister Winston Peters said the budget for the new Cook Strait ferry project is less than half the cost of the previous Government's ill-fated mega ferry plan, even though the new ferries cost a bit more.The total project cost will be under 2 billion dollars. In making the big announcement in Wellington, he lost no opportunity to stick the boot into the iReX plan, which was scuppered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis in 2023.

Lauren Ellis is a terrific drummer and composer from halfway around the world in Wellington, New Zealand, now living in Los Angeles. She's worked with Peter Erskine, at USC's Music School. She plays with groups as diverse as the LA Philharmonic and with Seth Macfarlane. She writes commissioned works for jazz ensembles in the US and in New Zealand. And in 2022 she received an award in New Zealand equivalent to our Grammy for the best jazz composition.My featured song is “Cannonball” from my 1996 album Prisoners Of Love. Spotify link.—-----------------------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH LAUREN:www.laurenellismusic.com—----------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST SINGLE:“MI CACHIMBER” is Robert's latest single. It's Robert's tribute to his father who played the trumpet and loved Latin music.. Featuring world class guest artists Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhornCLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST ALBUM:“WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's latest compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com  

(00:00-38:57) Oooh, I must be hittin' a growth spurt. Thursday Throwdown. Welcome back, Bob. Like a fortress. Fight Tiger (basketball). We're like five presidents just sittin' around. The Irish guy comes through, make a note. This planet's not gonna be around much longer. Doug, do you want Steve in Wildwood or Dan Janson? Let's hear from Steve first. Rene Knott got hit by a bus. No room at Algonquin. Doug, you think Wellington's hot? Bracketology in November. Half my sons. Tufts for seniors. The Polar Express and Rumpleminze Santa. Even bums get presents. Timestamps.(39:05-52:18) Showtune Thursday. Mizzou's National Championship path. Audio of Florida interim coach Billy Gonzales being asked if Lane Kiffin would be a good fit at Florida. Good non-answer. Why'd you send the money, Lix? Shoutout the listener who sent Jackson tickets for the Mizzou game. There's a shrub on the dais. Who has blonde shrubs? Infidelity by the wayside.(52:28-1:11:42) Great to be reunited with Robert Thomas. Robert's assessment of the Blues' slow start. What does the team need to do to get back to their winning ways? Monty's playlist. Missing Jake Neighbours. Getting over the Game 7 loss to the Jets last year. The Tkachuk boys starting a podcast. Big life changes off the ice.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.