Podcasts about Western

On Wednesday's Mark Levin Show, House Democrats have filed articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. These are baseless lies against him and it's all political theater designed to create controversy and stir up the Democratic base for the November midterms. It doesn't help when we have figures like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Steve Bannon, Nick Fuentes, Candace Owens, and others who are damaging the Republican Party and conservative movement by trashing it, wanting it and Trump to fail, which could help hand Democrats the House or Senate. Later, Rep Elise Stefanik calls in to discuss her new book - Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities.  Also, the current sacrifices for the Iran war are minimal compared to past battles. This is a fight to prevent primitive terrorists from launching nuclear missiles at the country and to protect Western young people from slaughter, shooting, rape, and brutality. Despite this, gasoline prices are now lower than under Biden, while inflation has dropped significantly. Presidents can only do so much and often cause more damage than good, yet President Trump has taken many actions to help average Americans. Finally, Julie Kelly calls in and explains that Judge James Boasberg suffered another setback as the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a second writ of mandamus, definitively ending his 13-month contempt investigation against the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The story of Lili Boulanger's life is one of the most fascinating and tragic in all of musical history. A remarkably precocious talent, Boulanger learned to read sheet music before the alphabet, played the violin, piano, cello, and harp, and composed regularly from a young age. Despite her talent and commitment, Boulanger suffered from chronic illness her entire life, which severely dampened her budding career and prevented her from reaching her potential. She died at the age of just 24, likely from Crohn's disease, and left behind several spectacular pieces that unfortunately were soon relatively forgotten. Boulanger's sister, Nadia, became one of the preeminent composition teachers of the 20th century, working with luminaries such as Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, David Diamond, Philip Glass, Astor Piazzolla, and many more. But throughout the 20th century there was very little interest in Lili Boulanger's musical output. That has changed somewhat with a renewed focus on bringing the works of female composers to the stage, and this has led to an explosion of performances of a few works, specifically Boulanger's brilliant short orchestral pieces D'un Matin de Printemps and D'un Soir Triste. But there is still a dearth of performances of some of Boulanger's great choral pieces, and in particular of Psalm 130, a piece that I find to be absolutely stunning but which is almost never performed. The piece, written in memory of Lili and Nadia's father Ernest, is a lament that shows off the potential of the 22-year-old composer, writing a piece far beyond her years in its emotional maturity and technical construction. In many ways, Lili Boulanger should be thought of in the pantheon of the great musical prodigies in Western classical music. Unfortunately she should also be thought of in the pantheon of the great composers who died tragically young. Today on the show, we're going to do a brief overview of Lili Boulanger's life to orient you into her style, and then we'll go through this gorgeous piece, talking about Boulanger's influences and her creative use of those influences, and discussing whether the piece was autobiographical or not. I think you will really discover something very special with this piece, so come join us! 

Stew breaks down the news of the day, including Trump's failed “blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz. A sanctioned Chinese oil tanker sailed straight through 16 US warships like they weren't even there. The blockade collapsed instantly. America has no jurisdiction over Chinese ships or the Strait, and the whole world just saw the central banking cabal's “sanctions” are a joke. China, Iran, and the Houthis beat America again. Bishop Joseph Pfeiffer joins me to rip apart the blasphemous Trump-as-Jesus image and expose the straight-up spiritual warfare behind this Talmudic mass-murder machine steamrolling Gaza and Iran while American blood and treasure is sacrificed on the altar of Greater Israel. This April only: $3 off your first month on Locals ✝️ A reminder of the 3rd day and the power of resurrection. Join here:

In this hour of VSiN By The Books, Jensen Lewis and Marc Malusis preview round one of the NBA playoffs in the East and Western conferences. Also, they are joined by Mike Palm, VP of Operations - Circa, The D, & Golden Gate Casino to talk NBA and NHL. Get instant access to expert picks, public betting splits data, and pro betting tools when you join VSiN pro. You can take 17% off an annual subscription when you use promo code: POD26. Click Here to get started. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The shockwaves of the ongoing war in Iran are being felt far and wide. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sparked a global energy crisis, one that could be accentuated by a U.S. naval blockade. Countries as disparate as Chile, South Korea, and Zambia have been forced to take extraordinary measures to deal with shortages and surging prices. But the war's effects are not just material. Washington's decision to attack Iran is accelerating a process already underway: the receding of both the inspiration and the reality of American power. That, at least, is the view of our two guests in this episode. Matias Spektor is a professor of Politics and International Relations at Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo. Kishore Mahbubani is a distinguished fellow at the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore and a veteran Singaporean diplomat, who served as his country's ambassador to the United Nations for over a decade. In their essays for Foreign Affairs, both Spektor and Mahbubani have sought to alert readers to changes in geopolitics that may be hard to see from Western capitals. The war on Iran, in their view, is misguided in its motivations and its execution. And its consequences could be hugely damaging for the United States, offering further proof that the world may be slipping out of the United States' grasp. You can find sources, transcripts, and more episodes of The Foreign Affairs Interview at https://www.foreignaffairs.com/podcasts/foreign-affairs-interview.

America is at war for Israel as traitor Trump obeys his Jewish handlers by blockading Hormuz, stealing uranium, and clearing the path for Greater Israel and the Third Temple. Iranians refuse to surrender, the heist was a failed ground invasion with dead Americans and destroyed planes, and now Trump blasphemes as Jesus while Netanyahu runs the government—Satan must be defeated. This April only: $3 off your first month on Locals ✝️ A reminder of the 3rd day and the power of resurrection. Join here:

Tucker Carlson claims that Muslims love Jesus and are far more hospitable to Christians than say...Israel... the Pope has said that we need to be less fearful of Islam and that Lebanon stands as an excellent example of Christians and muslims living together in peace and mutual respect...but is it true? Today, we will carefully and respectfully examine the data to test these claims.SPONSOR: Lear CapitalGold and silver are at all-time highs driven by inflation, market instability, and a weaker dollar. Lear Capital helps you protect your savings by diversifying into precious metals with no upfront fees and no obligation. Get your free investor guide and see how much bonus gold or silver you qualify for—up to $20,000 with a qualified purchase.Call 800-707-4575 or visit https://www.Nick4Lear.com-----SPONSOR: American FinancingA lot of families are leaning on credit cards just to make ends meet, paying 20%+ interest on basic expenses. American Financing helps homeowners tap into their equity to pay off that high-interest debt, with mortgage rates currently in the 5s. On average, they're saving customers $800 a month—nearly $10,000 a year—with no upfront fees and no obligation to talk to a salary-based mortgage consultant. Start today and you could even delay two mortgage payments.NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-886-2026 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/MTA. Average savings based on borrowers who save over $199.99Call 866-886-2026 or visit https://www.AmericanFinancing.net/MTA-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickjfreitas3.000:00:00 – Addressing the Pope and Tucker on Islamic relations00:01:05 – Why Lebanon fails as a peaceful coexistence model00:05:05 – Comparing Christian citizenship in Qatar versus Israel00:08:16 – Fact checking Tucker on religious freedom laws in Islamic nations00:11:55 – Analyzing the reduction of Christians in Islamic countries00:17:50 – The exponential growth of Muslim populations in the West00:23:51 – Global data on the top persecuted religious groups00:26:31 – Why the progressive left supports anti Western revolutions00:33:46 – Why Sharia law is incompatible with American principles00:43:30 – How minority factions gain critical mass for victory00:58:28 – The decline of Christian influence on American identity01:07:08 – The danger of the right abandoning logical reasoning

lots of stories from the USA

Loralee Ward is a true fan of the sport and has dedicated her life to learning the ins-and-outs and studying the greats. She has advanced through the ranks from youth rodeos to WPRA and in 2025 won the WPRA Tour to give herself an opportunity at limited rodeos. We saw her get a victory lap this year at San Antonio and win the wild card round at Houston taking full advantage of those chances, and we loved hearing about her insight on getting to this point in her career! This is a great episode for everyone to listen to - from youth contestants to seasoned veterans! This week's episode is brought to you by NRS - from boots, hats, and apparel, to bits, spurs, saddles, and more - NRS has you covered! Shop all things Western in-store on online at NRSworld.com

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-13-2026.1979 WOMEN PROEST IN TEHRAN The Brewing Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Bill Roggio discusses the potential US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following failed talks in Islamabad. US demands include opening the strait, ending nuclear programs, and stopping proxy attacks against Middle Eastern neighbors.2. The Resilience of Iranian Surrogates. Bill Roggio analyzes the continued strength of Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Despite military pressure, these groups remain active, with the Houthis potentially held in reserve to threaten critical global shipping lanes.3. The Internal Struggle of the Iranian People. JANATYN SAYEH discusses the regime's brutal internal crackdown, noting over a thousand executions in 2026. The Iranian people feel abandoned by the current ceasefire, fearing the regime will survive without significant systemic change.4. Identifying Iran's Hardline Five-Man Leadership. Jonathan Schanzer outlines Iran's core leadership, including Ghalibaf and Vahidi, who possess deep ties to internal repression and international terror. These veterans represent an institutional commitment to the revolution, making significant concessions unlikely.5. Holocaust Remembrance and the Iranian Ideology. Malcolm Hoenlein reflects on Yom HaShoah and rising global anti-Semitism. He discusses how Iran's radical ideology drives its leaders to claim victory despite heavy military losses, refusing to compromise on their nuclear and proxy ambitions.6. Regional Realignments and the Houthi Threat. Malcolm Hoenlein warns the Gulf States face extreme vulnerability as Iran threatens their infrastructure. The Houthis remain a strategic reserve capable of closing the Bab al-Mandeb, while Europe continues to marginalize itself by staying on the sidelines.7. Operation Roaring Lion and Strikes on Beirut. David Daoud details the IDF's Operation Eternal Darkness, which targeted 100 Hezbollah sites in under ten minutes. The strikes hit densely populated areas of Beirut, causing massive displacement and raising questions about tactical objectives.8. Hezbollah's Inseparable Link to the Iranian Regime. David Daoud explains that Hezbollah is an essential extension of Iran's regional power, not a disposable proxy. Iran will likely fight to preserve the group, as Hezbollah's survival is critical to its revolutionary goals.9. Peru's Shift to the Right. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on Peru's election, where right-wing candidates Kiko Fujimori and Rafael Lopez Aliaga are leading. This trend suggests a continental shift away from the pink tide and toward pro-Western governments.10. Political Stagnation and Repression in Venezuela. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that the Rodriguez brothers maintain control in Venezuela by focusing on economic compliance while delaying political transitions. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado faces threats of imprisonment, hindering hopes for free elections and a democratic transition.11. Escalation and Extortion in the Straits. Edmund Fitton-Brown discusses the US Navy's mission to counter Iranian extortion and clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's big-stick strategy aims for a deal but risks a resumption of war.12. Viktor Orbán's Defeat and the European Center. Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes the ousting of Hungary's Viktor Orbán by Peter Magyar as a victory for traditional democracy. This shift removes a major obstacle to EU aid for Ukraine and disrupts Vladimir Putin's influence.13. Ukraine's Easter Standoff and Prisoner Exchanges. John Hardy reports on Russian ceasefire violations during Orthodox Easter and significant prisoner exchanges. The removal of Viktor Orbán in Hungary is expected to unblock vital EU financial loans for the Ukrainian government.14. Iraqi Militias as Iran's Strategic Reserve. Ahmed Sharari discusses how Iraqi militias are fundraising to support Iran and Hezbollah. These groups serve as a strategic reserve for the Iranian regime, demonstrating their readiness to sacrifice resources for the revolution.15. Canada's Pivot Toward China. Conrad Black analyzes Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts to strengthen trade with China amidst shifting relations with the US. While resource-rich Canada seeks new markets, political mistrust of China's undemocratic regime remains high.16. The Russian Mob and Political Kompromat. Craig Unger explores Viktor Orbán's long-standing ties to the Russian mafia and the FSB. He argues that both Orbán and Donald Trump have functioned as assets for Russian intelligence due to financial entanglements.

9. Peru's Shift to the Right. Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on Peru's election, where right-wing candidates Kiko Fujimori and Rafael Lopez Aliaga are leading. This trend suggests a continental shift away from the pink tide and toward pro-Western governments.1945 PERU

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: New details are emerging from high-stakes U.S.-Iran talks, revealing exactly where—and why—the negotiations broke down, with a major dispute over Tehran's nuclear program at the center of the collapse. The U.S. pushes forward with a blockade on Iran, but key allies push back, with Britain refusing to assist until after the war—highlighting growing divisions among Western partners. Gulf allies are running low on air defense systems after weeks of fighting and may be looking beyond the United States for weapons, signaling potential cracks in long-standing defense relationships. And in today's Back of the Brief—new details on a major Israeli operation against Hezbollah that delivered a devastating blow in just minutes, targeting leadership and critical infrastructure. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code PDB at https://Bubsnaturals.com Mars Men: For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com BRUNT Workerwear: Save 10% off + an extra $10 discount on your Starter Kit purchase today by going to https://bruntworkwear.com/PDB and using code PDB. #Bruntpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Brad Onishi unpacks the escalating clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo—from Trump's public criticism of the Pope to the now-viral AI image depicting himself as Jesus. What might seem like another headline-grabbing controversy reveals deeper tensions between political power and religious authority, especially as figures like JD Vance attempt to downplay the conflict while advancing a broader ideological vision. Going beyond the news cycle, this episode explores the concept of “civilizational populism” and how it helps explain the contradictions at play: a movement that invokes Christianity and Western civilization while sidelining actual religious institutions and leaders. By tracing the intersection of theology, nationalism, and political strategy, Onishi offers a framework for understanding why this moment matters—and what it signals about the future of religion and power in American public life. www.axismundi.us Subscribe for $3.65:⁠ ⁠https://axismundi.supercast.com/⁠⁠ Subscribe to our free newsletter:⁠ ⁠https://swaj.substack.com/⁠⁠ Order American Caesar by Brad Onishi:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://static.macmillan.com/static/essentials/american-caesar-9781250427922/⁠⁠ Donate to SWAJ: ⁠https://axismundi.supercast.com/donations/new Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Straight talk from Stew: The fake Trump “ceasefire” with Iran is dead on arrival. Iran just shut down all negotiations while Trump claims the U.S. is blockading the Strait of Hormuz — except it's not a real blockade, it's a Jewish-ordered suicide run designed to get more Americans killed and justify a full U.S. ground invasion of Iran. I've warned you since day one — this war is just the forever war for Greater Israel, and the Strait of Hormuz is primed for the greatest false flag in history with American ships sinking in flames. Jeff Berwick is here exposing how the US is blockading the blockade to crash global oil for Agenda 2030 depopulation, while unleashing weaponized ticks as the next plandemic with Pfizer's Lyme vaccine already waiting.   JP Sears just torched this clown-world Iran war that Israel keeps dragging us back into every time Trump screams “total victory.” We went deep on how Trump is compromised by the Epstein files, the Israel lobby, and why real patriots are finally noticing who actually runs this country. This April only: $3 off your first month on Locals ✝️ A reminder of the 3rd day and the power of resurrection. Join here:

Hank Hanegraaff reflects on his personal experiences in Tehran during the anniversary of the shah's overthrow, remembering repeated encounters with the warmth, kindness, and hospitality of ordinary Iranians—from fellow travelers to late-night walks through the city.He sets these experiences alongside a broader argument distinguishing individual Muslims from the religion of Islam itself, raising the question of whether Islam is inherently a religion of peace and tolerance.Hank explains that Islam is the only significant religious system in the history of the human race with a sociopolitical structure of laws that mandate violence against the infidel. This graphic global reality makes Islam a religious ideology espousing terrorism as a permanent policy rather than as a temporary expedient. Such is historical reality, from the early seventh-century Medina massacres to the 9/11 twenty-first century Manhattan massacre and beyond.In the light of Qur'anic texts and historical reality, Hank challenges prevailing Western narratives and explores the implications of migration without assimilation, cultural change, and political denial.Ultimately, Hank calls for a clear-eyed understanding of Islam's history and teachings while urging Christians to thoughtfully engage these realities as opportunities to communicate the grace and truth of Christ in a complex and rapidly changing world.(Timestamps below.)0:45  War with Iran takes Hank back to Tehran and his first encounters with Iranians2:45  Walking Tehran at night—What Hank discovered3:40  A crucial distinction: Muslims vs. Islam4:15  Is Islam more than a religion?  6:00  Is Islam truly a religion of peace and tolerance?8:00  A sobering look at Islamic history and the massacre of Christians9:15  Armenian genocide by the Ottomans and Hitler's reference to it as an example of forgotten atrocities12:30  Migration without assimilation and the future of Europe—Gadhafi's prediction16:45  The advance of the Ottoman Empire halted17:30  Terrorism, truth, and the Christian responseFor further study:  MUSLIM: What You Need to Know About the World's Fastest-Growing Religion. https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-muslim-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-fastest-growing-religion-wa0426/See also the many articles on Christianity and Islam at www.equip.org, including:Is Islam a Religion of Peace? https://www.equip.org/articles/is-islam-a-religion-of-peace/Is Allah of Islam the God of the Bible? https://www.equip.org/bible_answers/is-allah-of-islam-the-god-of-the-bible/Comparing the Central Figures of Islam and Christianity https://www.equip.org/articles/muhammad-messiah-comparing-central-figures-islam-christianity/Five Differences between Sharia and Old Testament Law https://www.equip.org/articles/five-differences-sharia-old-testament-law/Listen to Hank's podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

95 MinutesPG-13Darryl Cooper is the host of the Martyrmade podcast and the co-host of The Unraveling with Jocko Willink.Darryl joins Pete to talk about the historic Western phenomenon known as the "Jewish Question." This was Episode 1238.The Martyrmade PodcastThe Martyrmade SubstackThe Unraveling PodcastPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's Substack Pete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on Twitter

James talks to Firas Modad, a geopolitical analyst (specialising in the Middle East, conflict, and energy markets) - about the Iran–Israel war and what it reveals about a world losing its grip. How in control is Trump? What are the fundamental differences between the Western and Arab mindset? From the collapse of restraint on the global stage to the economic shockwaves hitting energy and markets, this is clearly a system under strain — where is it all heading? Modad Geopolitics ↓ ↓ ↓ Brand Zero is a small skincare and wellbeing business based in Nailsworth in the heart of Gloucestershire, with a strong eco-friendly, zero-waste, cruelty-free ethos. Brand Zero sells a range of wonderfully soothing natural skincare, haircare, toothcare and wellbeing products, mostly hand made, with no plastic packaging or harsh chemicals. All our products are 100% natural and packaged in recyclable or compostable tin, paper or glass. Discount code: JAMES10 www.brandzeronaturals.co.uk ↓ ↓ How environmentalists are killing the planet, destroying the economy and stealing your children's future. In Watermelons, an updated edition of his ground-breaking 2011 book, James tells the shocking true story of how a handful of political activists, green campaigners, voodoo scientists and psychopathic billionaires teamed up to invent a fake crisis called ‘global warming'. This updated edition includes two new chapters which, like a geo-engineered flood, pour cold water on some of the original's sunny optimism and provide new insights into the diabolical nature of the climate alarmists' sinister master plan. Purchase Watermelons by James Delingpole here: https://jamesdelingpole.co.uk/Shop/ ↓ ↓ ↓ Buy James a Coffee at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jamesdelingpole The official website of James Delingpole: https://jamesdelingpole.co.uk x

In this deeply honest and theologically rich episode, Heather Creekmore welcomes Jen Oshman—author, missionary, and mom of four daughters—to tackle a question many women silently struggle with: Is it good that I was born a woman? Together, they candidly explore how issues of body image, shame, and the cultural pressures of womanhood can lead to deep-seated doubts and frustration. Drawing from global and biblical perspectives, Jen Oshman shares insights gathered from years of cross-cultural ministry and studying God’s word. She addresses the vulnerabilities women face, both physically and socially, and how Western and global cultures shape our understanding of femininity. Jen Oshman unpacks what the Bible says about being female, highlighting the unique and powerful stories of women in Scripture that often get overlooked, and discusses why God’s design for women is not only intentional but also very good. Key Topics Covered Why the question, “Is it good that I was born a woman?” is more common than we realize The impact of shame, fear, and the lived realities of being female in our culture How body image struggles can be rooted in deeper frustrations about being a woman A biblical look at femininity—separating culture’s checklist from God’s truth The meaning of “helper” (Ezer) in Genesis and its empowering implications Why diversity among women in Scripture matters—and what we can learn from their stories Studying tough Old Testament laws (like menstruation) in context and seeing God’s heart of care for women Practical encouragement for women who wrestle with their purpose and God’s plan for their gender How to dig deeper into biblical womanhood with Jen’s new Lifeway Bible study, “Very Good” Connect with Jen here: https://www.jenoshman.com Grab a copy of Jen's new Bible study: "Very Good" on Amazon here.** Amazon affiliate link. Tiny portion of your purchase goes back to supporting this ministry. Want to go further in your body image healing journey? Discover the resources, books, and programs Compared to Who? offers to help you improve your body image here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Johnny Spoiler got invited to a big movie premiere… last minute… in the desert… with no plus one. What could possibly go wrong? Anxiety? Check. Suspicious dating-app logistics? Check. Potential “this sounds like a true crime documentary” vibes? DOUBLE check.This week, we're riding straight into chaos with Gallowwalkers—Wesley Snipes' cursed drifter epic that feels like Blade wandered into a Sergio Leone fever dream. Undead showdowns, vampire energy, samurai vibes, and one seriously haunted production story (yes, including Snipes' real-life legal drama mid-shoot). PLUS:Return of the Living Dead sequel (NOT a remake )Avatar: The Last Airbender movie leak dramaNicolas Cage back in Lords of War“4 Kids Walk Into a Bank” might be the wildest premise of 2026 Johnny breaks it all down with that signature sarcastic, film-nerd chaos:Is Gallowwalkers a hidden gem… or a cursed relic? (Hint: Binge Later, partner.) Fan shoutouts, cult movie love, and a staff pick that involves Zac Efron, Craigslist dates, and absolute wedding destruction. Johnny Spoiler verdict:“Tastes like a beach episode. Plays like a haunted spaghetti western.” Hit play, grab your V8 Energy https://amzn.to/3Q6ArQDand remember:Don't go home… you can't stay here… go watch ALF.#JohnnySpoiler #BingeWatchersPodcast #Gallowwalkers #MoviePodcast #HorrorComedy #WesleySnipes

Did analytic philosophy ruin the entire discipline?For more than a century there has been a divide in Western philosophy between two distinct approaches, often described as analytic and continental philosophy. Analytic philosophy is predominantly based in the English-speaking world taking its name from Bertrand Russell's philosophy of logical analysis that overthrew the grand Hegelian metaphysics of the 19th century. It did so in favour of a focus on logic and linguistic precision, with the assumption that science would do the serious work of uncovering the nature of reality. Continental philosophy, based primarily in France and Germany, has offered a broad range of outlooks on the nature of the human condition and the world. It has been defined by its critics simply in opposition to analytic philosophy.Few thinkers have bridged the divide to be taken seriously by both camps. Yet both traditions now have deep challenges. The original focus of analytic philosophy has become increasingly blurred while in France English speaking philosophy is now in vogue. What is the future of European thought? Are we seeing the end of the analytic and continental divide? Or is the Enlightenment tradition itself under threat and with it the influence and identity of European philosophy?Associate Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University London, Christoph Schuringa is known for his works on German philosophy and is Editor of the Hegel Bulletin. Genia Schönbaumsfeld is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southampton and the author of several books – most recently, Wittgenstein on Religious Belief. Babette Babich is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University and the editor of the journal New Nietzsche Studies. Hosted by Danielle Sands.Don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“You don't need to find your ikigai—you already have it. You just need to notice it.” — Nick Kemp What if purpose isn't something you chase—but something you already have? In this episode, Mike sits down with Nick Kemp, founder of Ikigai Tribe and author of A Year of Ikigai, to explore a more grounded, human take on purpose. Nick shares how a guy who once hated writing ended up publishing books, building a global community, and helping others reconnect with meaning—through small, everyday moments. This conversation challenges the Western obsession with “big purpose” and offers a simpler, more sustainable way to live a meaningful life. Key Takeaways: You already have purpose. Ikigai isn't a destination—it's found in everyday experiences, relationships, and roles. Western culture overcomplicates purpose. We chase the “perfect job” or passion, while overlooking meaning in ordinary moments. Curiosity can change your life. Nick's journey—from podcast to books—started with simply asking better questions. Small moments are the big moments. A cup of coffee, a conversation, or a quiet walk can carry more meaning than major achievements. Writing doesn't require perfection—just honesty. Nick went from struggling with English to writing from lived experience and the heart. Technology is pulling us away from meaning. The more distracted we become, the harder it is to notice what actually matters. Be present, not perfect. Life satisfaction comes from awareness and gratitude—not chasing an ideal version of success. Buy A Year of Ikigai: Finding Everyday Purpose Through Japanese Wisdom Amazon: https://amzn.to/4uP5m3O Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781577155485 Connect with Nick Website: https://ikigaitribe.com/ Podcast: https://ikigaitribe.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kemp-author/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. #Ikigai #WritersOfInstagram #AmWriting #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #PurposeDrivenLife #MindfulLiving #PodcastLife #UncorkingAStory #CreativeJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to thinking about the future of food, is it possible to re-imagine our individual and collective appetites around what we want it to be? Taste is subjective, sure, but it's also deeply embedded in the land, histories, politics, and sociocultural dynamics we navigate throughout our lives. And as my guest this week, Alicia Kennedy, writes, our tastes are also shaped by how we value (or don't value) ingredients and their own histories.  Alicia is a writer from Long Island. She is the author of No Meat Required: The Cultural History and Culinary Future of Plant-Based Eating, and On Eating: The Making and Unmaking of My Appetites, which is out officially as of today through Hachette. Her newsletter, From the Desk, covers food, culture, politics, and media, and she is launching Tomato Tomato, a literary journal of food writing, in 2026.  Alicia is back on the show today to speak about On Eating, exploring the process of weaving the personal and cultural histories of ingredients through her chapters, the interrogation of early appetites and their influence on her food writing, the dynamics of feminine appetites in food media, and the importance of properly considering the labour of growing and producing food as a way to unpack Western appetites. Resources:  Book: On Eating: The Making and Unmaking of My Appetites From the Desk newsletter Website Tomato Tomato magazine  Instagram: @aliciadkennedy

Talk from Bristol Transformed exposing the blood-soaked origins and imperialist agenda of Palantir Technologies. From Peter Thiel's uranium mining fortune built on Namibian workers' graves, to Alex Karp's racist hysteria about "threats to Western values", we trace how a CIA-funded surveillance firm now sits at the heart of the NHS, armed with AI kill lists tested in Gaza and vendor-locked contracts designed to be unbreakable. The Epstein connections. The Mandelson stitch-up. The Federated Data Platform with no opt out feature. This is part of selling off and privatisation of the NHS. This isn't "corruption." This is monopoly capitalism functioning exactly as intended. Watch our short film that showcased at the same talk The imperialist tech beast Palantir a short film ______________________________________________ Subscribe! Donate! Join us in building a bright future for humanity! http://www.thecommunists.org http://www.lalkar.org http://www.redyouth.org Telegram: https://t.me/thecommunists Twitter: / cpgbml Soundcloud: / proletarianradio Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/theCommunists Odysee: https://odysee.com/@proletariantv:2 Facebook: / cpgbml Online Shop: https://shop.thecommunists.org/ Education Program: Each one teach one! http://www.londonworker.org/education... Join the struggle! https://www.thecommunists.org/join/ Donate: https://www.thecommunists.org/donate/

When the exiled Ayatollah Khomeini received Western media in a small French village in 1978, he sat cross-legged in his robes and black turban under an apple tree in the garden. They described him as “on another planet,” with “eyes of steel,” and compared him to an Eastern sage or ascetic guru. French philosopher Michel Foucault, most famous for his penetrating analysis of power, knowledge (and punitive coercion) was there as well. He called the holy man “an old saint in exile” who had no personal political ambitions. Visiting Iran during the revolution, the philosopher was captivated by what he called a new form of “spiritual politics” that he saw as “advancing toward a luminous and distant point.” Foucault dismissed Iranian feminists who warned of the true dangers of an Islamic state being established once the autocratic king—the Shah—had been overthrown. Today, as the reckless and destructive American and Israeli war against the Iranian regime continues, Julian revisits the political history of Iran and the complex regional power struggles between nationalists, monarchists, communists, and Islamists that played out on the Cold War stage. He examines the connections between the controversial 1953 CIA coup d'etat and the hugely popular 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the one-party totalitarian theocracy that dominates the Iranian people to this day. How did so many within Iran and in the West, including the most influential radical philosopher of his time, misperceive Khomeini and his ruthless intentions? Show Notes Foucault: What Are The Iranian's Dreaming About Did Foucault Disregard Iranian Feminists? Dr. Taimur Rahman's Red Star Lectures The CIA Coup That Never Was Iran's Decade of Assassinations Bayandor: Iran and The CIA Foucault's Iranian Folly Foucault and the Question of Orientalism The Shah, by Abbas Milani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Philosophy on Drugs: Consciousness, Dreams, and Reality In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin speaks with Dr. Justin Smith-Ruiu about how psychedelic experiences challenge long-standing assumptions about consciousness, perception, and reality. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-351/?ref=278  Justin explains how Western philosophy has historically privileged rational, sober, and waking states of mind, often dismissing dreams and altered states as unreliable. He explores how psychedelic experiences push against these assumptions, raising deeper questions about knowledge, language, and what counts as real. The conversation also examines the tension between therapeutic and existential uses of psychedelics, and how medicalization may shape the cultural role these substances play moving forward. Justin Smith-Ruiu is a professor of history and philosophy of science at the Université Paris Cité and author of On Drugs: Psychedelics, Philosophy, and the Nature of Reality. His work explores intellectual history, consciousness, and the limits of rational thought, and he writes regularly for Harper's, WIRED, and The New York Times. Highlights: How philosophy excludes altered states Why dreams are dismissed as unreliable Psychedelics and limits of rationality Language and ineffability of experience Therapeutic vs existential frameworks Medicalization and cultural impact Philosophy beyond sober cognition Episode Links: Justin Smith-Ruiu's website Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave's Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout Disclaimer: This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization. Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes.  

As tensions escalate with Iran, a shocking question emerges: who is actually standing with the United States? While traditional Western powers hesitate, new alliances are forming in real time. Countries like United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel are stepping up—while nations like the U.K., Germany, and France appear to be backing away. Even more surprising? Many Middle Eastern countries with historical ties to Iran are staying silent—or quietly supporting action against it. Is this a global realignment? And what does it mean for America's future alliances?

Foreign policy chaos turns into a hard pivot as Donald Trump reverses course on China's role in global trade routes. What started as a shocking suggestion—letting China influence the Strait of Hormuz—quickly escalates into a high-stakes geopolitical standoff involving Iran, nuclear ambitions, and economic warfare. Now the U.S. is back to policing one of the world's most critical النفط chokepoints, but at what cost—and for how long? Meanwhile, cracks in Western alliances are showing. European hesitation, NATO weakness, and the U.K.'s military limitations raise a bigger question: Is America standing alone?

A massive geopolitical shift is underway—and it's shaking the global order. Donald Trump is taking aggressive action against Iran, aiming to eliminate its nuclear threat and reshape the balance of power across the Middle East. But here's the twist: many Middle Eastern nations appear to support the effort—while critics in the West push back hard. Even Thomas Friedman admits the strategy could succeed… but says he doesn't want Trump to benefit politically. Is this about policy—or politics?

https://m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?sid=tindogpodcast&_pgn=1&isRefine=true&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l49496 Atlantis: The Lost Empire is a 2001 American animated science fiction adventure film directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, produced by Don Hahn, and written by Tab Murphy. Produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, it stars Michael J. Fox, James Garner, Cree Summer, Don Novello, Phil Morris, Claudia Christian, Jacqueline Obradors, Florence Stanley, David Ogden Stiers, John Mahoney, Jim Varney, Corey Burton and Leonard Nimoy. Set in 1914, the film follows young linguist Milo Thatch, who gains possession of a sacred book, which he believes will guide him and a crew of mercenaries to the lost city of Atlantis. Development of the film began after production had finished on The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996). Instead of another musical, directors Trousdale and Wise, producer Hahn, and screenwriter Murphy decided to do an adventure film inspired by the works of Jules Verne. Atlantis: The Lost Empire was notable for adopting the distinctive visual style of comic book artist Mike Mignola, one of the film's production designers. The film made greater use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) than any of Disney's previous traditionally animated features and remains one of the few to have been shot in anamorphic format. Linguist Marc Okrand constructed an Atlantean language specifically for use in the film. James Newton Howard provided the film's musical score. The film was released at a time when audience interest in animated films was shifting away from traditional animation toward films with full CGI. Atlantis: The Lost Empire premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 3, 2001, and went into its general release on June 15. The film received mixed reviews from critics. Budgeted at around $90–120 million, Atlantis grossed over $186 million worldwide, $84 million of which was earned in North America; its lackluster box office response was identified as a result of being released in competition with Shrek, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Fast and the Furious and Dr. Dolittle 2. As a result of the film's box office failure, Disney cancelled a planned spin-off animated television series, Team Atlantis; an underwater Disneyland attraction; and a volcanic Magic Kingdom attraction based on it. Atlantis was nominated for several awards, including seven Annie Awards, and won Best Sound Editing at the 2002 Golden Reel Awards. The film was released on VHS and DVD on January 29, 2002, and on Blu-ray on June 11, 2013. Despite its initial reception, reception in later years became favorable and has given Atlantis a cult following[5] and reappraisal from critics as a mistreated classic, due in part to Mignola's unique artistic influence.[6][7] A direct-to-video sequel, Atlantis: Milo's Return, was released in 2003. Plot In 1914 Washington, D.C., archaeo-linguist Milo Thatch obsesses over finding the legendary lost city of Atlantis, believed to have sunk thousands of years ago. His employers ridicule his theories, but he gains an unexpected ally in eccentric millionaire Preston B. Whitmore, a friend of Milo's deceased adventurer grandfather who also sought the city. Determined to honor his old friend's quest, Whitmore recruits Milo for an expedition to Atlantis, having recently uncovered the Shepherd's Journal, an ancient Atlantean manuscript that contains directions to the lost city. Aboard the submarine Ulysses, Milo meets his teammates: Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke, Lieutenant Helga Sinclair, demolitions expert Vincenzo Santorini, geologist Gaetan "Mole" Molière, medical officer Joshua Sweet, mechanic Audrey Ramirez, radio operator Wilhelmina Packard, mess cook Jebidiah "Cookie" Farnsworth, and a platoon of mercenaries. Upon reaching a cave entrance leading to the lost city, the submarine is destroyed by a massive mechanical leviathan, killing most of the crew. Milo and the survivors escape in smaller craft, navigating through the cave to emerge among ancient ruins. Milo translates the journal, guiding the team through caves beneath a dormant volcano until they reach the worn remains of Atlantis. There, they are greeted by Princess Kidagakash "Kida" Nedakh, who, despite being around 8,500 years old, has the appearance of a young woman. She leads them to her father, King Kashekim, who orders them to leave. Learning that Milo can read their language—a skill lost to the Atlanteans over millennia—Kida asks for his help in uncovering their forgotten history and highly-advanced technology, without which the city has declined and resources have dwindled. Milo learns that Atlantis is powered by the Heart of Atlantis, a massive crystal that grants longevity and health to its citizens through the smaller crystals they carry. Rourke betrays Milo and the Atlanteans, revealing his true intention to steal the Heart for profit, despite knowing the Atlanteans will perish without it. He mortally wounds the King while seizing control and uncovers the crystal's hidden location beneath the city. Sensing the danger, the crystal merges with Kida, who is then captured by Rourke. He departs with the crystallized Kida and his mercenaries, except for Vincenzo, Molière, Sweet, Audrey, Packard, and Cookie, who refuse to take part in the Atlanteans' destruction. Before dying, the King reveals that Atlantis was devastated by a megatsunami after he attempted to weaponize the crystal's vast power. To protect the city, the crystal merged with a royal family member, Kida's mother. This created a protective dome over the city's inner district, shielding it from total destruction as Atlantis sank beneath the waves, but Kida's mother never returned. To prevent the crystal from ever merging with Kida, the King hid it, inadvertently accelerating Atlantis' decline. He warns Milo that Kida will be lost forever if she is not soon separated from the crystal and pleads with him to save her. Alongside his allies, Milo rallies the Atlanteans to reactivate their long-dormant flying machines. Together, they eliminate Rourke and his mercenaries in the volcano. Milo and the others fly the crystallized Kida back to Atlantis as the volcano erupts. Kida ascends into the air and awakens Stone Guardians, who erect a barrier that shields the city from the lava flow. With Atlantis saved, the crystal separates from Kida and remains suspended in the sky. Milo chooses to stay in Atlantis with Kida, having fallen in love with her. Before returning to the surface, Vincenzo, Molière, Sweet, Audrey, Packard, and Cookie each receive a small crystal and a share of treasure. The six reunite with Preston on the surface and agree to keep their adventure a secret to protect Atlantis. Preston opens a package from Milo containing his own crystal and a note thanking him. The newly crowned Queen Kida and Milo carve a stone effigy of her father to join those of past rulers floating beside the Heart of Atlantis, as the city stands restored to its former glory. Voice cast Production layout sketch of Milo and Kida. Milo's character design was based in part on sketches of the film's language consultant, Marc Okrand. Michael J. Fox as Milo James Thatch, a linguist and cartographer at the Smithsonian who was recruited to decipher The Shepherd's Journal while directing an expedition to Atlantis. James Garner as Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke, the leader of the band of mercenaries for the Atlantean expedition. Cree Summer as Kidagakash "Kida" Nedakh, the Princess of Atlantis and Milo's love interest. Natalie Strom provided dialogue for Kida as a young child. Summer also voiced the unnamed Queen of Atlantis, Kida's mother and Kashekim's wife who was "chosen" by the Crystal during the sinking of the city. John Mahoney as Preston B. Whitmore, an eccentric millionaire who funds the expedition to Atlantis. Lloyd Bridges was originally cast and recorded as Whitmore, but he died before completing the film. Mahoney's zest and vigor led to Whitmore's personality being reworked for the film.[8] Claudia Christian as Lieutenant Helga Katrina Sinclair, Rourke's German-born second-in-command. Don Novello as Vincenzo "Vinny" Santorini, an Italian demolitions expert. Phil Morris as Dr. Joshua Strongbear Sweet, a medic of African-American and Arapaho descent. Jacqueline Obradors as Audrey Rocio Ramirez, a Puerto Rican mechanic and the youngest member of the expedition. Corey Burton as Gaetan "Mole" Molière, a French geologist who acts like a mole. Jim Varney as Jebidiah Allardyce "Cookie" Farnsworth, a Western-style chuckwagon chef. Varney died in February 2000, before the production ended, and the film was dedicated to his memory. Steven Barr recorded supplemental dialogue for Cookie. Florence Stanley as Wilhelmina Bertha Packard: an elderly, sarcastic, chain-smoking radio operator who is also the expedition's photographer. Leonard Nimoy as Kashekim Nedakh, the King of Atlantis and Kida's father. David Ogden Stiers as Fenton Q. Harcourt, a board member of the Smithsonian Institution who dismisses Milo's belief in the existence of Atlantis. Production Development The production team visited New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns to get a sense of the underground spaces depicted in the film. The idea for Atlantis: The Lost Empire was conceived in October 1996 when Don Hahn, Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, and Tab Murphy lunched at a Mexican restaurant in Burbank, California. Having recently completed The Hunchback of Notre Dame,[9] the producer, directors and screenwriter wanted to keep the Hunchback crew together for another film with an "Adventureland" setting rather than a "Fantasyland" setting.[10] Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), they set out to make a film which would fully explore Atlantis (compared to the brief visit depicted in Verne's novel).[11] While primarily utilizing the Internet to research the mythology of Atlantis,[12] the filmmakers became interested in the clairvoyant readings of Edgar Cayce and decided to incorporate some of his ideas—notably that of a mother-crystal which provides power, healing, and longevity to the Atlanteans—into the story.[13] They also visited museums and old army installations to study the technology of the early 20th century (the film's time period), and traveled underground in New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns to view the subterranean trails which would serve as a model for the approach to Atlantis in the film.[14] The filmmakers wanted to avoid the common depiction of Atlantis as "crumbled Greek columns underwater", said Wise.[15] "From the get-go, we were committed to designing it top to bottom. Let's get the architectural style, clothing, heritage, customs, how they would sleep, and how they would speak. So we brought people on board who would help us develop those ideas."[16] Art director David Goetz stated, "We looked at Mayan architecture, styles of ancient, unusual architecture from around the world, and the directors really liked the look of Southeast Asian architecture."[17] The team later took ideas from other architectural forms, including Cambodian, Indian, and Tibetan works.[18] Hahn added, "If you take and deconstruct architecture from around the world into one architectural vocabulary, that's what our Atlantis looks like."[19] The overall design and circular layout of Atlantis were also based on the writings of Plato,[18] and his quote "in a single day and night of misfortune, the island of Atlantis disappeared into the depths of the sea"[20] was influential from the beginning of production.[9] The crew wore T-shirts which read "ATLANTIS—Fewer songs, more explosions" due to the film's plan as an action-adventure (unlike previous Disney animated features, which were musicals).[21] Language The Atlantean letter A, created by artist John Emerson. Kirk Wise noted that its design was a treasure map showing the path to the crystal, "The Heart of Atlantis". Main article: Atlantean language Marc Okrand, who developed the Klingon language for the Star Trek television and theatrical productions, was hired to devise the Atlantean language for Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Guided by the directors' initial concept for it to be a "mother-language", Okrand employed an Indo-European word stock with its own grammatical structure. He would change the words if they began to sound too much like an actual, spoken language.[16] John Emerson designed the written component, making hundreds of random sketches of individual letters from among which the directors chose the best to represent the Atlantean alphabet.[22][23] The written language was boustrophedon: designed to be read left-to-right on the first line, then right-to-left on the second, continuing in a zigzag pattern to simulate the flow of water.[24] The Atlantean [A] is a shape developed by John Emerson. It is a miniature map of the city of Atlantis (i.e., the outside of the swirl is the cave, the inside shape is the silhouette of the city, and the dot is the location of the crystal). It's a treasure map. — Kirk Wise, director[25] Writing Joss Whedon was the first writer to be involved with the film but soon left to work on other Disney projects. According to him, he "had not a shred" in the movie.[26] Tab Murphy completed the screenplay, stating that the time from initially discussing the story to producing a script that satisfied the film crew was "about three to four months".[27] The initial draft was 155 pages, much longer than a typical Disney film script (which usually runs 90 pages). When the first two acts were timed at 120 minutes, the directors cut characters and sequences and focused more on Milo. Murphy said that he created the centuries-old Shepherd's Journal because he needed a map for the characters to follow throughout their journey.[28] A revised version of the script eliminated the trials encountered by the explorers as they navigated the caves to Atlantis. This gave the film a faster pace because Atlantis is discovered earlier in the story.[29] The directors often described the Atlanteans using Egypt as an example. When Napoleon wandered into Egypt, the people had lost track of their once-great civilization. They were surrounded by artifacts of their former greatness but somehow unaware of what they meant. — Don Hahn, producer[30] The character of Milo J. Thatch was originally supposed to be a descendant of Edward Teach, otherwise known as Blackbeard the pirate. The directors later related him to an explorer so he would discover his inner talent for exploration.[31] The character of Molière was originally intended to be "professorial" but Chris Ure, a story artist, changed the concept to that of a "horrible little burrowing creature with a wacky coat and strange headgear with extending eyeballs", said Wise.[32][33] Don Hahn pointed out that the absence of songs presented a challenge for a team accustomed to animating musicals, as action scenes alone would have to carry the film. Kirk Wise said it gave the team an opportunity for more on-screen character development: "We had more screen time available to do a scene like where Milo and the explorers are camping out and learning about one another's histories. An entire sequence is devoted to having dinner and going to bed. That is not typically something we would have the luxury of doing."[16] Hahn stated that the first animated sequence completed during production was the film's prologue. The original version featured a Viking war party using The Shepherd's Journal to find Atlantis and being swiftly dispatched by the Leviathan. Near the end of production, story supervisor John Sanford told the directors that he felt this prologue did not give viewers enough emotional involvement with the Atlanteans. Despite knowing that the Viking prologue was finished and it would cost additional time and money to alter the scene, the directors agreed with Sanford. Trousdale went home and completed the storyboards later that evening after visiting a strip club where he boarded the new sequence on a napkin.[34] The opening was replaced by a sequence depicting the destruction of Atlantis, which introduced the film from the perspective of the Atlanteans and Princess Kida.[35] The Viking prologue is included as an extra feature on the DVD release.[36] Casting Kirk Wise, one of the directors, said that they chose Michael J. Fox for the role of Milo because they felt he gave his characters his own personality and made them more believable on screen. Fox said that voice acting was much easier than his past experience with live action because he did not have to worry about what he looked like in front of a camera while delivering his lines.[37] The directors mentioned that Fox was also offered a role for Titan A.E.; he allowed his son to choose which film he would work on, and he chose Atlantis.[38] Viewers have noted similarities between Milo and the film's language consultant, Marc Okrand, who developed the Atlantean language used in the film. Okrand stated that Milo's supervising animator, John Pomeroy, sketched him, claiming not to know how a linguist looked or acted.[24] Kida's supervising animator, Randy Haycock, stated that her actress, Cree Summer, was very "intimidating" when he first met her; this influenced how he wanted Kida to look and act on screen when she meets Milo.[39] Wise chose James Garner for the role of Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke because of his previous experience with action films, especially war and Western films, and said the role "fits him like a glove". When asked if he would be interested in the role, Garner replied: "I'd do it in a heartbeat."[40] Producer Don Hahn was saddened that Jim Varney, the voice of Jebidiah Allardyce "Cookie" Farnsworth, never saw the finished film before he died of lung cancer in February 2000, but mentioned that he was shown clips of his character's performance during his site sessions and said, "He loved it." Shawn Keller, supervising animator for Cookie, stated, "It was kind of a sad fact that [Varney] knew that he was not going to be able to see this film before he passed away. He did a bang-up job doing the voice work, knowing the fact that he was never gonna see his last performance." Steven Barr recorded supplemental dialogue for Cookie.[41] John Mahoney, who voiced Preston Whitmore, stated that doing voice work was "freeing" and allowed him to be "big" and "outrageous" with his character.[42] Dr. Joshua Sweet's supervising animator, Ron Husband, indicated that one of the challenges was animating Sweet in sync with Phil Morris' rapid line delivery while keeping him believable. Morris stated that this character was extreme, with "no middle ground"; he mentioned, "When he was happy, he was really happy, and when he's solemn, he's real solemn."[43] Claudia Christian described her character, Lieutenant Helga Katrina Sinclair, as "sensual" and "striking", and was relieved when she finally saw what her character looked like, joking, "I'd hate to, you know, go through all this and find out my character is a toad."[44] Jacqueline Obradors said her character, Audrey Rocio Ramirez, made her "feel like a little kid again" and she always hoped her sessions would last longer.[45] Florence Stanley felt that her character, Wilhelmina Bertha Packard, was very "cynical" and "secure": "She does her job, and when she is not busy, she does anything she wants."[46] Corey Burton mentioned that finding his performance as Gaetan "Mole" Molière was by allowing the character to "leap out" of him while making funny voices. To get into character during his recording sessions, he stated that he would "throw myself into the scene and feel like I'm in this make-believe world".[47] Kirk Wise and Russ Edmonds, supervising animator for Vincenzo "Vinny" Santorini, noted Vinny's actor Don Novello's unique ability to improvise dialogue while voicing the role. Edmonds recalled, "[Novello] would look at the sheet, and he would read the line that was written once, and he would never read it again! And we never used a written line, it was improvs, the whole movie."[48] Michael Cedeno, supervising animator for King Kashekim Nedakh, was astounded at Leonard Nimoy's voice talent in the role, stating that he had "so much rich character" in his performance. As he spoke his lines, Cedeno said the crew would sit there and watch Nimoy in astonishment.[49] Animation For comparison, the top image (panoramic view of Atlantis) is cropped to Disney's standard aspect ratio (1.66:1); the bottom image was seen in the film (2.35:1). At the peak of its production, 350 animators, artists and technicians were working on Atlantis[50] at all three Disney animation studios: Walt Disney Feature Animation (Burbank, California), Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida (Orlando), and Disney Animation France (Paris).[51] The film was one of the few Disney animated features produced and shot in 35mm anamorphic format. The directors felt that a widescreen image was crucial, as a nostalgic reference to old action-adventure films presented in the CinemaScope format (2.35:1), noting Raiders of the Lost Ark as an inspiration.[52] Because switching to the format would require animation desks and equipment designed for widescreen to be purchased, Disney executives were at first reluctant about the idea.[16] The production team found a simple solution by drawing within a smaller frame on the same paper and equipment used for standard aspect ratio (1.66:1) Disney-animated films.[52] Layout supervisor Ed Ghertner wrote a guide to the widescreen format for use by the layout artists and mentioned that one advantage of widescreen was that he could keep characters in scenes longer because of additional space to walk within the frame.[53] Wise drew further inspiration for the format from filmmakers David Lean and Akira Kurosawa.[16] The film's visual style was strongly based upon that of Mike Mignola, the comic book artist behind Hellboy. Mignola was one of four production designers (along with Matt Codd, Jim Martin, and Ricardo Delgado) hired by the Disney studio for the film. Accordingly, he provided style guides, preliminary character, and background designs, and story ideas.[54] "Mignola's graphic, the angular style was a key influence on the 'look' of the characters," stated Wise.[55] Mignola was surprised when first contacted by the studio to work on Atlantis.[56] His artistic influence on the film would later contribute to a cult following.[57] I remember watching a rough cut of the film and these characters have these big, square, weird hands. I said to the guy next to me, "Those are cool hands." And he says to me, "Yeah, they're your hands. We had a whole meeting about how to do your hands." It was so weird I couldn't wrap my brain around it. — Mike Mignola[56] The final pull-out shot of the movie, immediately before the end-title card, was described by the directors as the most difficult shot in the history of Disney animation. They said that the pull-out attempt on their prior film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, "struggled" and "lacked depth"; however, after making advances in the process of multiplaning, they tried the technique again in Atlantis. The shot begins with one 16-inch (40.6 cm) piece of paper showing a close-up of Milo and Kida. As the camera pulls away from them to reveal the newly restored Atlantis, it reaches the equivalent of an 18,000-inch (46,000 cm) piece of paper composed of many individual pieces of paper (24 inches [61 cm] or smaller). Each piece was carefully drawn and combined with animated vehicles simultaneously flying across the scene to make the viewer see a complete, integrated image.[58] Scale model of Ulysses submarine by Greg Aronowitz, used by digital animators as reference during production.[59] At the time of its release, Atlantis: The Lost Empire was notable for using more computer-generated imagery (CGI) than any other Disney traditionally animated feature. To increase productivity, the directors had the digital artists work with the traditional animators throughout the production. Several important scenes required heavy use of digital animation: the Leviathan, the Ulysses submarine and sub-pods, the Heart of Atlantis, and the Stone Giants.[60] During production, after Matt Codd and Jim Martin designed the Ulysses on paper, Greg Aronowitz was hired to build a scale model of the submarine, to be used as a reference for drawing the 3D Ulysses.[59] The final film included 362 digital-effects shots, and computer programs were used to seamlessly join the 2D and 3D artwork.[61] One scene that took advantage of this was the "sub-drop" scene, where the 3D Ulysses was dropped from its docking bay into the water. As the camera floated toward it, a 2D Milo was drawn to appear inside, tracking the camera. The crew noted that it was challenging to keep the audience from noticing the difference between the 2D and 3D drawings when they were merged.[62] The digital production also gave the directors a unique "virtual camera" for complicated shots within the film. With the ability to operate in the z-plane, this camera moved through a digital wire-frame set; the background and details were later hand-drawn over the wireframes. This was used in the opening flight scene through Atlantis and the submarine chase through the undersea cavern with the Leviathan in pursuit.[63] Music and sound Since the film would not feature any songs, the directors hired James Newton Howard to compose the score after they heard his music on Dinosaur. Approaching it as a live-action film, Howard decided to have different musical themes for the cultures of the surface world and Atlantis. In the case of Atlantis, Howard chose an Indonesian orchestral sound incorporating chimes, bells, and gongs. The directors told Howard that the film would have a number of key scenes without dialogue; the score would need to convey emotionally what the viewer was seeing on screen.[64] Gary Rydstrom and his team at Skywalker Sound were hired for the film's sound production.[65] Like Howard, Rydstrom employed different sounds for the two cultures. Focusing on the machine and mechanical sounds of the early industrial era for the explorers, he felt that the Atlanteans should have a "more organic" sound utilizing ceramics and pottery. The sound made by the Atlantean flying-fish vehicles posed a particular challenge. Rydstrom revealed that he was sitting at the side of a highway recording one day when a semi-truck drove by at high speed. When the recording was sped up on his computer, he felt it sounded very organic, and decided to use it in the film. Rydstrom created the harmonic chiming of the Heart of Atlantis by rubbing his finger along the edge of a champagne flute, the sound of sub-pods moving through the water with a water pick, while a ceramic pot from a garden store was used for the sounds of the movement of the Giant stone guardians.[66] Release Atlantis: The Lost Empire had its world premiere at Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 3, 2001[67] and a limited release in New York City and Los Angeles on June 8; a wider release followed on June 15.[4][61] At the premiere, Destination: Atlantis was on display, featuring behind-the-scenes props from the film and information on the legend of Atlantis with video games, displays, laser tag, and other attractions. The Aquarium of the Pacific also loaned a variety of fish for display within the attraction.[68] Promotion Atlantis was among Disney's first major attempts to utilize internet marketing. The film was promoted through Kellogg's, which created a website with mini-games and a movie-based video game give-away for UPC labels from specially marked packages of Atlantis breakfast cereal.[50] The film was one of Disney's first marketing attempts through mobile network operators, and allowed users to download games based on the film.[69] McDonald's (which had an exclusive licensing agreement on all Disney releases) promoted the film with Happy Meal toys, food packaging and in-store decor. The McDonald's advertising campaign involved television, radio, and print advertisements beginning on the film's release date.[70] Frito-Lay offered free admission tickets for the film on specially marked snack packages.[71] Home media Atlantis: The Lost Empire was released on VHS and DVD on January 29, 2002.[72] During the first month of its home release, the film led in VHS sales and was third in VHS and DVD sales combined.[73] Sales and rentals of the VHS and DVD combined would eventually accumulate $157 million in revenue by mid-2003.[74] Both a single-disc DVD edition and a two-disc collector's edition (with bonus features) were released. The single-disc DVD gave the viewer the option of viewing the film either in its original theatrical 2.39:1 aspect ratio or a modified 1.33:1 ratio (utilizing pan and scan). Bonus features available on the DVD version included audio and visual commentary from the film team, a virtual tour of the CGI models, an Atlantean-language tutorial, an encyclopedia on the myth of Atlantis, and the deleted Viking prologue scene.[72] The two-disc collector's edition DVD contained all the single-disc features and a disc with supplemental material detailing all aspects of the film's production. The collector's-edition film could only be viewed in its original theatrical ratio, and also featured an optional DTS 5.1 track. Both DVD versions, however, contained a Dolby Digital 5.1 track and were THX certified.[72][75] Disney digitally remastered and released Atlantis on Blu-ray on June 11, 2013, bundled with its sequel Atlantis: Milo's Return.[76] Reception Box office Before the film's release, reporters speculated that it would have a difficult run due to competition from Shrek and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Regarding the market's shift from traditional animation and competition with CG-animated films, Kirk Wise said, "Any traditional animator, including myself, can't help but feel a twinge. I think it always comes down to story and character, and one form won't replace the other. Just like photography didn't replace painting. But maybe I'm blind to it."[61] Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly noted that CGI films (such as Shrek) were more likely to attract the teenage demographic typically not interested in animation, and called Atlantis a "marketing and creative gamble".[77] With a budget of $100 million,[3] the film opened at #2 on its debut weekend, behind Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, earning $20.3 million in 3,011 theaters.[78] During its second weekend, it would drop into fourth place behind the latter film, Dr. Dolittle 2 and The Fast and the Furious, making $13.2 million.[79] The film's international release began September 20 in Australia and other markets followed suit.[80] During its 25-week theatrical run, Atlantis: The Lost Empire grossed over $186 million worldwide ($84 million from the United States and Canada).[4] Responding to its disappointing box-office performance, Thomas Schumacher, then-president of Walt Disney Feature Animation, said, "It seemed like a good idea at the time to not do a sweet fairy tale, but we missed."[81] Critical response Atlantis: The Lost Empire received mixed reviews from critics,[82][83][84] many of whom criticized its story.[85] The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 48% of 144 professional critics have given Atlantis: The Lost Empire a positive review; the average rating is 5.5/10. The site's consensus is: "Atlantis provides a fast-paced spectacle, but stints on such things as character development and a coherent plot".[86] Metacritic assigned the film a weighted average score of 52 out of 100 based on 29 reviews from critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[87] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.[88] While critics had mixed reactions to the film in general, some praised it for its visuals, action-adventure elements, and attempt to appeal to an older audience. Roger Ebert gave Atlantis three-and-a-half stars out of four. He praised the animation's "clean bright visual look" and the "classic energy of the comic book style", crediting this to the work of Mike Mignola. Ebert gave particular praise to the story and the final battle scene and wrote, "The story of Atlantis is rousing in an old pulp science fiction sort of way, but the climactic scene transcends the rest, and stands by itself as one of the great animated action sequences."[89] In The New York Times, Elvis Mitchell gave high praise to the film, calling it "a monumental treat", and stated, "Atlantis is also one of the most eye-catching Disney cartoons since Uncle Walt institutionalized the four-fingered glove."[90] Internet film critic James Berardinelli wrote a positive review of the film, giving it three out of four stars. He wrote, "On the whole, Atlantis offers 90 minutes of solid entertainment, once again proving that while Disney may be clueless when it comes to producing good live-action movies, they are exactly the opposite when it comes to their animated division."[91] Wesley Morris of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote positively of the film's approach for an older audience: "But just beneath the surface, Atlantis brims with adult possibility."[92] Other critics felt that the film was mediocre in regards to its story and characters, and that it failed to deliver as a non-musical to Disney's traditional audience. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly gave the film a C+ rating, writing that the film had "gee-whiz formulaic character" and was "the essence of craft without dream".[93] Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times said the storyline and characterizations were "old-fashioned" and the film had the retrograde look of a Saturday-morning cartoon, but these deficiencies were offset by its "brisk action" and frantic pace.[94] Todd McCarthy of Variety wrote, "Disney pushes into all-talking, no-singing, no-dancing and, in the end, no-fun animated territory."[95] Stephanie Zacharek of Salon wrote of Disney's attempt to make the film for an adult audience, "The big problem with Disney's latest animated feature, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, is that it doesn't seem geared to kids at all: It's so adult that it's massively boring."[96] Rita Kempley of The Washington Post panned the film, calling it a "new-fashioned but old-fangled hash" and wrote, "Ironically Disney had hoped to update its image with this mildly diverting adventure, yet the picture hasn't really broken away from the tried-and-true format spoofed in the far superior Shrek."[97] In 2015, Katharine Trendacosta at io9 reviewed the film and called it a "Beautiful Gem of a Movie That Deserved Better Than It Got" and said that the film deserves more love than it ended up getting.[6] Lindsay Teal considers "Atlantis" to be "a lost Disney classic". Describing the film as highly entertaining, she praises the writing and characterisation – in particular, Sweet, Helga and Kida.[7] In particular, much praise has been given to the character of Kida.[98] Summer has regarded the character of Kida as one of her favourite roles and even considers the character among the official Disney Princess line-up. Themes and interpretations Several critics and scholars have noted that Atlantis plays strongly on themes of anti-capitalism and anti-imperialism. M. Keith Booker, academic and author of studies about the implicit messages conveyed by media, views the character of Rourke as being motivated by "capitalist greed" when he pursues "his own financial gain" in spite of the knowledge that "his theft [of the crystal] will lead to the destruction of [Atlantis]".[99] Religion journalist Mark Pinsky, in his exploration of moral and spiritual themes in popular Disney films, says that "it is impossible to read the movie ... any other way" than as "a devastating, unrelenting attack on capitalism and American imperialism".[100] Max Messier of FilmCritic.com observes, "Disney even manages to lambast the capitalist lifestyle of the adventurers intent on uncovering the lost city. Damn the imperialists!"[101] According to Booker, the film also "delivers a rather segregationist moral" by concluding with the discovery of the Atlanteans kept secret from other surface-dwellers in order to maintain a separation between the two highly divergent cultures.[102] Others saw Atlantis as an interesting look at utopian philosophy of the sort found in classic works of science fiction by H. G. Wells and Jules Verne.[103] Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water controversy When the film was released, some viewers noticed that Atlantis: The Lost Empire was similar to the 1990-91 anime Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, particularly in its character design, setting, and story.[104] The similarities, as noted by viewers in both Japan and America, were strong enough for its production company Gainax to be called to sue for plagiarism. According to Gainax member Yasuhiro Takeda, they only refrained from doing so because the decision belonged to parent companies NHK and Toho.[105] Another Gainax worker, Hiroyuki Yamaga, was quoted in an interview in 2000 as saying: "We actually tried to get NHK to pick a fight with Disney, but even the National Television Network of Japan didn't dare to mess with Disney and their lawyers. [...] We actually did say that but we wouldn't actually take them to court. We would be so terrified about what they would do to them in return that we wouldn't dare."[105] Although Disney never responded formally to those claims, co-director Kirk Wise posted on a Disney animation newsgroup in May 2001, "Never heard of Nadia till it was mentioned in this [newsgroup]. Long after we'd finished production, I might add." He claimed both Atlantis and Nadia were inspired, in part, by the 1870 Jules Verne novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas.[106] However, speaking about the clarification, Lee Zion from Anime News Network wrote, "There are too many similarities not connected with 20,000 Leagues for the whole thing to be coincidence."[107] As such, the whole affair ultimately entered popular culture as a convincing case of plagiarism.[108][109][110] In 2018, Reuben Baron from Comic Book Resources added to Zion's comment stating, "Verne didn't specifically imagine magic crystal-based technology, something featured in both the Disney movie and the too similar anime. The Verne inspiration also doesn't explain the designs being suspiciously similar to Nadia's."[110] Critics also saw parallels with the 1986 film Laputa: Castle in the Sky from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli (which also featured magic crystals, and Atlantis directors Trousdale and Wise both acknowledged Miyazaki's works as a major influence on their own work)[104] and with the 1994 film Stargate as Milo's characteristics were said to resemble those of Daniel Jackson, the protagonist of Stargate and its spinoff television series Stargate SG-1 — which coincidentally launched its own spinoff, titled Stargate Atlantis; the plot of the 1994 film is also paralleled involving a group visiting an unknown world, a fictional language made for the other world's people, the main protagonist having apparent knowledge of the people's culture, falling in love with one of the female locals and electing to stay behind when the others return home.[111] Accolades Award Category Name Result 29th Annie Awards[112] Individual Achievement in Directing Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise Nominated Individual Achievement in Storyboarding Chris Ure Nominated Individual Achievement in Production Design David Goetz Nominated Individual Achievement in Effects Animation Marlon West Nominated Individual Achievement in Voice Acting – Female Florence Stanley Nominated Individual Achievement in Voice Acting – Male Leonard Nimoy Nominated Individual Achievement for Music Score James Newton Howard Nominated 2002 DVD Exclusive Awards[113] Original Retrospective Documentary Michael Pellerin Nominated 2002 Golden Reel Award[114] Best Sound Editing – Animated Feature Film Gary Rydstrom, Michael Silvers, Mary Helen Leasman, John K. Carr, Shannon Mills, Ken Fischer, David C. Hughes, and Susan Sanford Won Online Film Critics Society Awards 2001[115] Best Animated Feature Nominated 2002 Political Film Society[116] Democracy Nominated Human Rights Nominated Peace Nominated World Soundtrack Awards[117] Best Original Song for Film Diane Warren and James Newton Howard Nominated Young Artist Awards[118] Best Feature Family Film – Drama Walt Disney Feature Animation Nominated Related works Main article: Atlantis (franchise) Atlantis: The Lost Empire was meant to inspire an animated television series entitled Team Atlantis, which would have presented the further adventures of its characters. The series would have been akin to an animated steampunk version of The X-Files and feature a crossover with Gargoyles. However, because of the film's underperformance at the box office, the series was not produced.[119] On May 20, 2003, Disney released a direct-to-video sequel titled Atlantis: Milo's Return, consisting of three episodes planned for the aborted series.[120] Disneyland planned to revive its Submarine Voyage ride with an Atlantis: The Lost Empire theme with elements from the movie. These plans were canceled and the attraction was re-opened in 2007 as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, its theme based on the 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo, which was far more successful commercially and critically.[121] In addition, after the Submarine Voyage's Magic Kingdom counterpart, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, closed down in 1994, four years before Disneyland's, there were proposals of a new attraction that would take its place, with one of them a volcano attraction inspired by that film's Vulcania location, being approved for the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland area. Around 1999, during development of Atlantis: The Lost Empire, it was decided that it would be themed to the movie, with it taking place in 1916, two years after the film's events. The ride would have focused on Preston Whitmore, a character from the film, seeking to make Atlantis existence public and offer expeditions to visitors in newly developed vehicles. However, due to mishaps, the vehicles would be forced to make a detour through the lava-filled caverns of the volcano. The attraction would have used a unique hybrid ride system, in which it would start as a standard coaster before the trains hook up to a suspended track midway through to fly through the caverns. The attraction would have been accessed by a new canyon path in between Pirates of the Caribbean and a re-routed Jungle Cruise that would have led to a Whitmore Enterprises base camp at the edge of the Walt Disney World Railroad path, with the mountain itself being built outside the berm. However, like the previous Submarine Voyage retheme, the ride was cancelled due to the film's disappointment in the box office.[122]

The New Intellectual Book Study met in 2022 and 2023 to discuss For the New Intellectual, by Ayn Rand. This week our reading was pages 88–101. About the Book Study: Today's society is degenerating into a cult of despair. Not even churches are immune. In For the New Intellectual, Ayn Rand gave a brilliant overview of the status of Western culture, what brought us here, and how to bring a second Renaissance. The book is a good first or second read for someone wanting to understand Ayn Rand's Objectivism. Rand offered the book as a collection of the essential ideas in her philosophy “for those who wish to acquire an integrated view of existence.” Rand's goal was to advocate against mysticism, altruism, and collectivism, and for their opposites: reason, individualism, and capitalism. This book study was designed for Christians interested in understanding Rand's work and finding out where her insights can be valuable specifically to Christians. Project Outline: Ayn Rand's “For the New Intellectual” Week 01 – pg 10–23 Week 02 – pg 24–37 Week 03 – pg 37–57 Ayn Rand's Character Speeches Week 01 – Short Speeches, pg 60–76 Week 02 – Roark's Courtroom Speech, pg 77–86 Week 03 – Earlier Atlas Shrugged Speeches, pg 88–101 Week 04 – Later Atlas Shrugged Speeches, pg 101–116 Galt's Speech Weeks 01 – 05 Listen to the podcast in the player below, or view the video here. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: List of Dates and Readings Why Christians Should Reconsider Ayn Rand About Us (For the New Christian Intellectual) Ayn Rand and Christianity? Christianity + Western Civilization The Plunder of the Egyptians Americanism Book Study Objectivism Book Study Become a Patron As a $1/mo. Podcast Insider, get an invite to our monthly Patron Hangout. As a $10/mo. Philosophy Club Member, get an invite to attend occasional podcast recording sessions via webinar and submit questions either live or beforehand + get access to our exclusive training on getting started as a writer. Video Version Click here to find our replays on YouTube. About the Podcast For the New Christian Intellectual is a free show created for Christian thinkers and communicators. We focus on classical (and overlooked) Christian principles such as reason, rational self-interest, individualism, and individual rights. Subscribe to the show through Apple Podcasts to automatically get every episode. How to Help The best way to help more people find out about the show is to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, download several episodes, and leave us a review. Click here to subscribe. Listen to the Podcast The post FTNCI 099: Earlier Atlas Shrugged Speeches first appeared on For the New Christian Intellectual.

The AgNet News Hour spotlighted two major Central Valley events—the upcoming Clovis Rodeo and the continued growth of World Ag Expo—showcasing the strong connection between agriculture, community, and industry innovation. The show first featured Clovis Rodeo board member Ronnie Dunbar, who shared details about the 112th annual event set for April 22–26. The rodeo continues to be one of the premier Western events in California, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and top competitors from across the country. “We'll have close to 700 cowboys here,” Dunbar said. “We try to bring the best animals to bring the best athletes.” The event spans multiple days and includes everything from professional rodeo competitions to concerts and family-friendly activities. Dunbar emphasized that preparation is a year-round effort, with planning beginning shortly after each year's rodeo concludes. “It's a year-round process,” he said. “Come January, we're all in.” Beyond entertainment, the rodeo plays a major role in supporting the local economy and community. With an estimated $30 million economic impact, the event benefits local businesses, nonprofits, and tourism throughout the region. “We give back almost $4 million to the community,” Dunbar said. The conversation also highlighted the importance of maintaining traditions like rodeo while continuing to attract new audiences. From longtime attendees to first-time visitors, the goal is to create an engaging and memorable experience. “If you've never been… you'll come back again after you go,” Dunbar said. The episode also featured Megan Lausten, Assistant General Manager of the International Agri-Center, who discussed the success and future of World Ag Expo—one of the largest agricultural trade shows in the world. Lausten noted that the 2026 event brought together more than 1,200 exhibitors, nearly 100,000 attendees, and participants from over 80 countries, reflecting the global importance of agriculture and ag technology. “We have about 25 full-time staff that works on the show year-round,” Lausten said. Planning for the event is an extensive process, with large equipment and exhibits arriving weeks in advance. Lausten explained that preparation begins months ahead of the show to ensure a smooth and successful experience for both exhibitors and attendees. “We start seeing movement on our grounds a couple weeks prior to the show,” she said. In addition to World Ag Expo, the International Agri-Center hosts events year-round, including educational programs, equipment shows, and community activities designed to connect people with agriculture. Looking ahead, Lausten shared that 2027 will mark the 60th anniversary of World Ag Expo, with plans already underway to make the milestone event even more impactful. “We're looking forward to 2027… it's really something to celebrate,” she said. Together, both interviews highlighted the vital role events like the Clovis Rodeo and World Ag Expo play in strengthening agriculture's connection to communities while showcasing innovation and tradition side by side. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

This week on the podcast, your two favorite comedians discuss… —Guinness & AI—U.S. Steel00:00 Introductions04:18 Guinness & AI12:24 Lebanon16:27 Eric Swalwell28:16 U.S. Steel30:13 N. Korean Job Interviews34:21 Christian Minister39:40 Phillips 66Guinness & AISome people are using AI to write code, others are using it to create autonomous cars.One hero in Ireland, used AI to lower the price of Guinness. Hero.LebanonOh, Israel… The instant a ceasefire was called between the powers that be and Iran, Israel bombed Lebanon.I mean…Ya couldn't just sit idle by for a day? Eric SwalwellOh, to be a drunken douchebag…Welp, he dropped out of the Governors race after we recorded.Now how long before he completely excuses himself from the public eye? U.S. SteelOh, Donald…You talk a mean game, but it's all lies.Donald Trump is building his big, beautiful ballroom… using foreign steel.Take that, America! N. Korean Job InterviewsThis is nothing short of hilarious…North Korean hackers try and gain access to Western data by posing as employees, and then cheating the system.Well, there's one way to interview them, and it's hilarious.Christian MinisterWhat? Another Christian got arrested for diddling kids?SHOCKING.Phillips 66The oil company donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to get Trump elected, and now they're going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars because of it.Ha!Idiots on Parade: we mock the news, so you don't have to.Tune in and get your giggle on.Find Jake at @jakeveveraFind nathan at nathantimmel.comShow your support by picking up a T-Shirt: https://nathan-timmel.dashery.com/

This week on the podcast, your two favorite comedians discuss… —Guinness & AI—U.S. Steel00:00 Introductions04:18 Guinness & AI12:24 Lebanon16:27 Eric Swalwell28:16 U.S. Steel30:13 N. Korean Job Interviews34:21 Christian Minister39:40 Phillips 66Guinness & AISome people are using AI to write code, others are using it to create autonomous cars.One hero in Ireland, used AI to lower the price of Guinness. Hero.LebanonOh, Israel… The instant a ceasefire was called between the powers that be and Iran, Israel bombed Lebanon.I mean…Ya couldn't just sit idle by for a day? Eric SwalwellOh, to be a drunken douchebag…Welp, he dropped out of the Governors race after we recorded.Now how long before he completely excuses himself from the public eye? U.S. SteelOh, Donald…You talk a mean game, but it's all lies.Donald Trump is building his big, beautiful ballroom… using foreign steel.Take that, America! N. Korean Job InterviewsThis is nothing short of hilarious…North Korean hackers try and gain access to Western data by posing as employees, and then cheating the system.Well, there's one way to interview them, and it's hilarious.Christian MinisterWhat? Another Christian got arrested for diddling kids?SHOCKING.Phillips 66The oil company donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to get Trump elected, and now they're going to lose hundreds of millions of dollars because of it.Ha!Idiots on Parade: we mock the news, so you don't have to.Tune in and get your giggle on.Find Jake at @jakeveveraFind nathan at nathantimmel.comShow your support by picking up a T-Shirt: https://nathan-timmel.dashery.com/

The overtly intimate relationship between tech industry leaders and politicians is on frequent display in newspapers and on screens today. In an international context, this builds on a long history of corporate involvement in shaping favorable policy. In his latest research, André Dao, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Melbourne, traces the long history of IBM and its predecessor the Tabulator Machine Company, as actors on the international stage, especially with respect to countries in the Global South. Using multiple collections held in the Hagley Library, Dao reveals a potential revolution amongst Third World countries vying to control multinational corporations and to foster their own computer industries, that was met and reversed by a counter revolution led by major Western firms and their institutional allies. In support of his work, Dr. Dao received finding from the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library. For more information and more Hagley History Hangouts visit hagley.org. To make a donation underwriting this program and others like it please visit our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/underwriting-donation-tickets-1470779985529?aff=oddtdtcreator

The provided sources detail a series of interviews with historian Serhii Plokhy regarding the deep-seated origins and escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War. He argues that Vladimir Putin operates as a dictator driven by 19th-century imperial ideologies, viewing Ukrainians and Russians as a single people to justify his aggression. The discussion highlights how the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent conflict in the Donbas were met with a Western policy of appeasement similar to that of the 1930s. This lack of a forceful initial response, combined with NATO's military unreadiness and the failure of the Minsk agreements, allegedly emboldened the Kremlin to pursue a full-scale invasion in 2022. However, the sources note that Putin severely miscalculated by assuming Ukraine remained as divided as it was in 2014, failing to realize that his previous actions had actually unified the Ukrainian nation. Ultimately, the text explores how intelligence failures, historical delusions, and shifting political landscapes transformed a regional struggle into a global catastrophe.1855 CRIMEA

In this episode, Brad Onishi is joined by world-renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Bart Ehrman to explore the origins of the Western moral conscience through his latest book, Love Thy Stranger. The conversation challenges the common assumption that altruism is a "natural" human impulse, revealing instead how the ancient Greco-Roman world operated on a logic of social dominance and power. Ehrman traces the evolution of ethics from the specific tribal obligations found in Leviticus to the radical, apocalyptic vision of Jesus, who demanded care for the "stranger" as a universal requirement. By examining how this revolutionary Jewish framework was later institutionalized by the early church and the Roman Empire, they uncover why modern Westerners—regardless of their personal faith—still view charity and humanitarianism as a moral imperative. The discussion also dives into the practical friction between Jesus' universalism and Paul's communal ethics, providing a fascinating historical roadmap of how Christian morality became the baseline for Western civilization. From the communal sharing models in the book of Acts to modern-day secular institutions like Doctors Without Borders, Ehrman argues that our contemporary "moral software" is deeply rooted in 1st-century radicalism. To ground these lofty concepts, Ehrman shares a poignant personal reflection on the community response to Hurricane Helene near his home in Asheville, NC, illustrating how these ancient ethical seeds continue to bear fruit in times of modern catastrophe. Subscribe for $3.65: ⁠https://axismundi.supercast.com/⁠ Subscribe to our free newsletter: ⁠https://swaj.substack.com/⁠ Order American Caesar by Brad Onishi: ⁠https://static.macmillan.com/static/essentials/american-caesar-9781250427922/⁠ Donate to SWAJ: https://axismundi.supercast.com/donations/new Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsCristina Website: https://www.cristinafarella.com/ The School of Astrological Arcana: https://www.cristinafarella.com/school-of-astrological-arcana-spring-26-1 Divination for Dummies Pre-Order: https://a.co/d/06zw0kr0 Substack: https://eighthhouseastrology.substack.com/On Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the 2026 Southeastern Masonic Symposium is happening in person at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., Asheville, NC)I'll be there in person, so, come down and meet me and the rest of the crew.John Michael Greer — prolific occult and esoteric historian with 70+ books, including Circles of Power and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult; an initiate across Hermetic, Masonic, and Druidic lineages, and former Grand Archdruid (AODA).Collin Conkwright (American Esoteric) — creator behind American Esoteric, focused on ancient philosophy & comparative religion and serious work around universalism and the Western tradition; also publicly listed as a Master Mason and writer.Ike Baker — independent scholar & esoteric instructor, a practicing ceremonialist and initiatic Mason (Blue Lodge + York Rite), also connected with Martinism and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; host of the ARCANVM podcast; author of A Formless Fire and Aetheric Magic.Thom Carter — a Brother out of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 118 (Asheville, NC) and part of the presenting lineup for the symposium.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-asheville-masonic-symposium-tickets-1980822909645?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsOn Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the 2026 Southeastern Masonic Symposium is happening in person at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., Asheville, NC)I'll be there in person, so, come down and meet me and the rest of the crew.John Michael Greer — prolific occult and esoteric historian with 70+ books, including Circles of Power and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult; an initiate across Hermetic, Masonic, and Druidic lineages, and former Grand Archdruid (AODA).Collin Conkwright (American Esoteric) — creator behind American Esoteric, focused on ancient philosophy & comparative religion and serious work around universalism and the Western tradition; also publicly listed as a Master Mason and writer.Ike Baker — independent scholar & esoteric instructor, a practicing ceremonialist and initiatic Mason (Blue Lodge + York Rite), also connected with Martinism and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; host of the ARCANVM podcast; author of A Formless Fire and Aetheric Magic.Thom Carter — a Brother out of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 118 (Asheville, NC) and part of the presenting lineup for the symposium.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-asheville-masonic-symposium-tickets-1980822909645?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

The final installment of our Panama series. Ken tells Charley about his western Panama adventure. How did Ken manage to miss all the brushfinches yet find all the quail-doves?! How was his climb up Panama's highest mountain? Please check out the website of our sponsor Tropical Birding: https://www.tropicalbirding.com/If you wish to support this podcast, please visit our Patreon page: https://patreon.com/naturallyadventurous?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link ​Support the Podcast While You Travel​Planning a trip? If you book your hotels, flights, or rentals through the following links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's an easy way to help us keep the show running!

The approach by the English political parties of the time to the young Boer Republics was confused, and even contradictory. William Gladstone, a liberal, had succeeded in ousting the Tory's under Benjamin Disraeli in his famous Midlothian Campaign of 1879 and 1880. In 1880 Gladstone formed his second ministry and almost immediately, the promises he'd made about foreswearing foreign wars were broken. There is a direct link between what was going on in South Africa and in Ireland. These two territories, so far apart geographically, featured as joint threats in the English mind of the time. The most direct link is Gladstone himself. He had criticized the annexation of the Transvaal during his Midlothian Campaign, but once in power, he hesitated to reverse British policy, fearing a domino effect where weakness in Pretoria would lead to revolution in Dublin. By 1880, the Irish Nationalists began to see the Boers not just as fellow farmers, but as fellow victims of British coercion. This Irish link flourished throughout the 19th and part of the 20th Century with Irish Nationalists fighting both for the Boers during the Second Anglo-Boer War. The shift in Irish nationalist alignment was driven by a move from anti-imperial solidarity to human rights internationalism. Initially, the Irish supported the Boers as fellow "peasant-republicans" fighting the British Empire, but as the 20th century progressed, the Irish Republican movement increasingly identified with the ANC, viewing the struggle against Apartheid as a mirror to their own fight against institutionalized discrimination in Northern Ireland. By the height of the Cold War, the Irish Republican Army's Marxist-leaning leadership saw the Afrikaner government as a pro-Western, colonialist proxy, leading them to provide tactical advice and training to Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) to help dismantle the very state they had once ideologically championed. But at first, they were close allies in both spirit and in their political expression. The South African crisis which led to the first Boer War of 1880 and 1881, occurred because the British government claimed to be the paramount authority and trustee of South Africa, and the Boers rejected this claim. Earlier, in 1878, Paul Kruger and Piet Joubert had sailed to London with a petition signed by over 6,500 Boers demanding the reversal of the Transvaal annexation. Sir Michael Hicks Beach had just taken over as Colonial Secretary from the more diplomatic and polite Lord Carnarvon. Hicks-Beach was nicknamed Black Michael, referring to his famously long, dark beard, his tall, thin, imposing frame, and his legendary dark temper. He was known for being abrasive, combative, and having very little patience for those who didn't respect British authority. To the English, it seemed that South Africa was on the verge of becoming another Ireland, the inveterate hostility of whose people might only be held down at tremendous cost by main force. Gladstone and his cabinet grappled with one main question. In both territories, Transvaal and Ireland, should a nationalist reaction be met with coercion, or concession?

Under Western Eyes: Vulnerable Minorities and the Russian State in New Cold War Cultures (Academic Studies Press, 2025) examines the New Cold War between Anglophone Western and Russian media, focusing on its coverage of LGBTIQ+ topics and representations of Russian femininity, masculinity, racial and gender diversity, and disability. It interrogates how the Anglophone media constructs images of vulnerable bodies and groups in Russia, juxtaposing them with the vengeful state and the powerful figure of Putin. These media discourses delineate and unify liberal values as American and Western and contrast them with "backward" Russian values. Paradoxically, in its endeavor to accentuate American dominance and its role in global affairs, various news outlets and entertainment media amplify homophobic, heteronormative, and racist narratives stemming from Russian sources and lend support to Putin's self-portrayal as a formidable opponent to the West. While the West expresses outrage at Putin's criminalization of LGBTIQ+ activity, it draws on homophobic language to mock his shirtless horse-riding and “bromance” with Trump; the West condemns Russia's oppression of women, yet peddles the Orientalist idea of the "Slavic Femme"―that is, the hypersexualized trickster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The Emmaus Road courtesy of The Missional Network (April 15, 2020)Welcome, friends, as we continue the Easter season. I have meticulously checked my sources for this week, but if I'm off again — you'll let me know!RCL ReadingsActs 2:14a, 36-41The First Lesson — Peter's Pentecost ProclamationSummaryPicking up from Peter's Pentecost address — which has already happened at this point in the text, but not yet in our observance of the season — this passage reaches its climax: Peter declares that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Messiah. The crowd, cut to the heart, asks what they should do. Peter calls them to repent and be baptized in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, promising that the gift is for them, their children, and all who are far away. About three thousand respond and are baptized that day.Key Ideas for Preaching 11. The scandal of the cross transformed: Peter boldly declares that the one whom ‘you crucified' God has made Lord. The resurrection is not a recovery from defeat but the vindication of Jesus. Preach the audacity of Easter proclamation in the face of complicity and failure.2. Conversion begins with being ‘cut to the heart.' The question ‘What should we do?' is the right response to genuine conviction. Preachers can explore what it means to be moved before being moved to act.3. Baptism as both boundary-crossing and gift-receiving: the promise extends to those ‘far away.' This phrase resonates with Gentile inclusion (including us!) and has ongoing implications for who belongs in the community of faith.4. The communal shape of salvation: three thousand are added. Repentance in Acts is never merely private; it is the beginning of participation in a new community.Significant Cautions⚠ The phrase ‘you crucified him' has been historically weaponized as anti-Jewish polemic. Preachers must be careful to contextualize this as Peter speaking to a Jewish crowd about a shared moment of failure — not as a timeless indictment of Jewish people. Scapegoating must be actively resisted.⚠ Avoid presenting ‘repent and be baptized' as a simple transactional formula. The broader narrative of Acts shows that response to the gospel is a lifelong reorientation, not a one-time transaction.⚠ The ‘three thousand' figure can tempt triumphalism. Balance the celebration of growth with the call to depth of discipleship that follows in Acts 2:42-47.Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19The Psalm — A Song of Deliverance and VowsSummaryThis psalm of thanksgiving opens with a declaration of love for God rooted in personal experience: the psalmist called out in distress and God heard. Death, Sheol, and anguish had surrounded the speaker, but God delivered. The appointed portion then jumps to verses 12-19, where the psalmist asks what can be offered in return, and answers: lifting the cup of salvation, calling on the Lord's name, and fulfilling vows before the assembly. The Lord is praised for holding precious the death of his faithful ones.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The psalm models an honest spirituality that begins not in abstract doctrine but in lived distress. Preachers can invite congregations to name their own ‘cords of death' as the starting point for genuine praise.2. The rhetorical question — ‘What shall I return to the Lord?' — is a profound invitation to examine gratitude. Rather than a transactional mindset, the psalmist's answer centers on public, communal acknowledgment.3. ‘The cup of salvation' offers natural connections to Eucharistic theology and to the Easter season. This is a rich image to develop in preaching or liturgy.4. Verse 15 — that the death of God's faithful ones is ‘precious' — is surprising and worth exploring. It resists cheap comfort and affirms that God takes suffering and mortality with the utmost seriousness.Significant Cautions⚠ The phrase ‘precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones' can be misread as glorifying martyrdom or suffering for its own sake. Careful exegesis shows it means the opposite: God does not take the loss of beloved ones lightly.⚠ The psalm's confident, first-person voice can feel alienating to worshippers in the middle of suffering who cannot yet say ‘the Lord has dealt bountifully with me.' Acknowledge that some are still in the distress described in verse 3.⚠ Avoid truncating the psalm's communal dimension. The vows are made ‘in the presence of all his people' — the act of testimony is public, not merely private.1 Peter 1:17-23The Epistle — Ransomed to LoveSummaryThe epistle calls its audience — communities living in exile and social marginalization — to live in reverent fear during their time of exile, grounded in the knowledge of what has ransomed them. They were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, the unblemished lamb, foreknown before the foundation of the world and revealed in the last times for their sake. This knowledge should lead to sincere, unhypocritical love for one another, because they have been born anew through the living and enduring word of God.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The language of exile and sojourning is powerful for contemporary congregations who feel like cultural minorities or displaced persons. ‘Exile' is both a literal reality for some and a metaphor for the church's relationship to the surrounding culture.2. The contrast between ‘perishable' and ‘imperishable' runs through this passage and the wider letter. Preachers can explore what it means to be founded on something that neither corrodes nor fades.3. The image of Christ as the unblemished lamb connects Passover, Isaiah 53, and Easter. This Paschal resonance is especially powerful in the Easter season.4. The passage ends with a call to genuine (literally ‘non-hypocritical') love. The indicative — you have been ransomed — grounds the imperative — now love one another. This is a clean example of grace preceding ethical demand.Significant Cautions⚠ The language of ‘reverent fear' needs careful handling. It should not be used to cultivate anxiety or an image of God as threatening. The context makes clear it is the fear that reorients priorities, not the fear that paralyzes.⚠ The sacrificial language of ‘precious blood' can be heard through frameworks of penal substitution in ways that distort the text. The emphasis here is on the costliness and preciousness of redemption, not on appeasing an angry God.⚠ The phrase ‘futile ways inherited from your ancestors' could be used to disparage Jewish tradition or the religious heritage of non-Western communities. Preachers should contextualize this as a reference to specific pagan practices of the letter's Gentile audience, not a broad dismissal of religious inheritance.Luke 24:13-35The Gospel — The Road to EmmausSummaryOn the afternoon of the resurrection, two disciples walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing the catastrophic events of the past days. A stranger joins them, and they are unable to recognize him. They explain their shattered hopes: they had trusted Jesus would redeem Israel, but he was crucified, and reports of an empty tomb have only confused them further. The stranger — Jesus — calls them foolish and slow of heart, then interprets for them all that Moses and the prophets said concerning himself. When they arrive, they urge the stranger to stay; at the table, he takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. At that moment, their eyes are opened, and he vanishes. They return to Jerusalem to report that their hearts were burning as he opened the scriptures, and that they recognized him in the breaking of the bread.Key Ideas for Preaching1. This story is a paradigm of Christian formation: scripture interpreted, community gathered, bread broken, and witness sent. It traces the basic shape of Sunday worship itself.2. The disciples' grief and confusion at the outset is a realistic portrait of faith struggling with loss. Preachers can honor the congregation's own ‘we had hoped' moments as legitimate stages in the life of faith, not failures.3. Recognition in the breaking of the bread: Jesus becomes known not through argument or vision but through a domestic, eucharistic gesture. This is a rich opportunity to explore how Christ is encountered in ordinary acts.4. The burning heart: the disciples report that something was happening in them during the Scripture interpretation, even before they recognized Jesus. Preachers can reflect on the ways God is already present and at work that remain unrealized.5. The movement from dejection to witness is rapid. They immediately return to Jerusalem. The encounter with the risen Christ is not an end in itself but sends people back into community.Significant Cautions⚠ Jesus' rebuke — ‘foolish and slow of heart' — can be preached dismissively toward people who struggle with faith. Preach it with tenderness; these are grieving disciples, not obstinate opponents.⚠ The eucharistic interpretation of the bread-breaking, while theologically rich, should be handled with ecumenical sensitivity. In contexts where the Lord's Supper is not celebrated weekly, avoid implying that the only valid meeting place with Christ is formal Communion.⚠ This text has been used in supersessionist ways, suggesting that Jewish reading of the scriptures is incomplete or ‘blind.' Resist this. Jesus opens the scriptures from within Jewish tradition, not against it. The text is about revelatory interpretation, not invalidation.⚠ The disappearance of Jesus can prompt speculative preaching about the nature of resurrection bodies. Stay close to Luke's focus: the point is not how he vanished but that his presence was real and is now internalized by the disciples.Thematic ConnectionsThe four readings share a deep coherence. Acts and the Psalms both describe a movement from distress or confusion toward praise and testimony — paralleling the Emmaus disciples who return to Jerusalem to proclaim what they have seen. First Peter grounds ethical life in the costliness of redemption, just as the Emmaus story grounds recognition in the physical, eucharistic act of bread-breaking. All four texts resist easy triumphalism: faith is depicted as tested, hearts are slow and confused before they burn, and the call to love is placed within the context of exile and sojourning.Preachers may choose to anchor the week's message (“drive the train” in Delmer's parlance) in the Emmaus narrative while drawing on Acts for the pattern of proclamation, the Psalm for the vocabulary of deliverance and gratitude, and First Peter for the ethical implications of Easter faith.Narrative Lectionary TextsThe ReadingActs 9:1–19aThe Primary Text — Paul's ConversionSummarySaul is on his way to Damascus, armed with official letters and a mission: find followers of Jesus, arrest them, and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. He is not a passive bystander to the persecution of the early church — he is running it. Then, on the road, a blinding light stops him cold, and a voice asks, ‘Saul, why are you persecuting me?' Saul asks who is speaking. The answer: Jesus, the one Saul has been hunting. Saul is left blind, led by the hand into the city, and does not eat or drink for three days.Meanwhile, God speaks to a disciple in Damascus named Ananias and tells him to find Saul and restore his sight. Ananias pushes back — he knows exactly who Saul is and what he has been doing. God tells him to go anyway: Saul has been chosen to carry the name of Jesus to nations, kings, and the people of Israel, and he will suffer for it. Ananias goes. He calls Saul ‘brother,' lays hands on him, and Saul's sight is restored. He gets up, is baptized, and eats. The man who came to Damascus to destroy the church is now inside it.Key Ideas for Preaching1. Saul is stopped in the middle of doing something he was fully convinced was right. This is worth sitting with. He was not lazy or indifferent — he was zealous, organized, and certain. The road to Damascus is a story about what happens when certainty meets the living God. Preachers can ask: What would it look like for us to be stopped on our own road?2. The risen Jesus identifies himself with those Saul has been persecuting: ‘Why are you persecuting me?' This is one of the most striking lines in Acts. What is done to Christ's people is done to Christ. This has implications for how the church talks about suffering, solidarity, and who Jesus stands with.3. Ananias is the quiet hero of this story. He receives a frightening assignment and says so honestly — then goes anyway. He is asked to trust that God is already at work in the most dangerous person he knows. This is a powerful text for preaching on obedience, fear, and what it means to be sent to someone you would rather avoid.4. The first word Ananias speaks to Saul is ‘brother.' Before Saul had done anything to earn it, before any proof of change, Ananias named his family. That word is doing a lot of work. Preachers might linger here when talking about welcome, reconciliation, or what it costs to extend trust.5. Saul's conversion involves three days of blindness — a clear echo of the three days of the tomb. He enters Damascus unable to see or eat, and comes out restored and fed. The baptismal pattern here is not subtle. This text can open up rich reflection on what dying and rising actually look like in a human life.Significant Cautions⚠ It is easy to preach this story as a dramatic turnaround and leave it at that — the bad guy became the good guy. But the text is more unsettling than that. God chose Saul before Saul chose God, and the community that was supposed to benefit had every reason not to trust him. Do not smooth over the strangeness of how this conversion unfolds.⚠ Saul's pre-conversion zeal came from deep religious conviction. Be careful not to use this text to suggest that sincere religious belief is inherently dangerous, or to paint Judaism as the villain. Saul was acting in accordance with what he understood faithfulness to require. The story is about transformation, not about condemning the tradition he came from.⚠ This passage mentions that Saul will suffer greatly for the name of Jesus. Resist the temptation to rush past this. Suffering is named as part of Saul's calling from the beginning, not as a surprise or setback. A sermon that only celebrates the dramatic conversion without accounting for what it cost him will miss something important.⚠ Dramatic conversion stories can leave people in the congregation feeling like their own quieter, slower journey of faith does not measure up. It is worth explicitly noting that most people do not get knocked off a horse—and that is fine. The point of the story is not the method but the mercy.Matthew 6:24The Supplemental Text — Serving Two MastersSummaryThis single verse from the Sermon on the Mount states a simple but demanding truth: no one can serve two masters. You will end up devoted to one and dismissive of the other. Jesus applies this directly to the choice between God and money, but the logic extends further — the verse is about the impossibility of divided ultimate loyalty.Key Ideas for Preaching1. Paired with Acts 9, this verse sharpens what Saul's conversion actually meant. He had been a man of single-minded devotion — but devoted to the wrong thing. After Damascus, that same intensity is redirected. The supplemental text invites reflection on what we are actually devoted to, and whether it is possible to hold two ultimate allegiances at once.2. The word translated ‘devoted' or ‘loyal' in this verse carries the sense of deep attachment — not just preference. This is not a text about disliking something slightly. It is about what holds the center of a person's life. That is worth naming plainly for a congregation.Significant Cautions⚠ Matthew 6:24 specifically names money, and preachers sometimes skip over that in favor of a more general application. Do not avoid the economic edge of the verse. Jesus said what he said. That does not mean a sermon has to be only about money, but the specific example should be acknowledged.⚠ This verse can come across as all-or-nothing in a way that discourages honest struggle. Most people in the congregation are not certain what they serve — they are trying to figure it out. Preach the verse as an invitation to clarity, not a verdict on those who are still sorting through competing loyalties.Thematic ConnectionsBoth texts this week circle around the same question: what does it look like when something — or someone — has the full weight of your loyalty? Saul had given everything to a cause, only to be stopped. Ananias had every reason to protect himself, and was sent anyway. The supplemental verse from Matthew names the underlying issue plainly: you cannot split your ultimate devotion. These texts together make a strong case for examining what is actually at the center of a life, and what it looks like when that center shifts.Preachers will likely want to build the sermon around the Acts passage, using the Matthew verse either as an opening lens or a closing challenge. The story of Ananias offers a second angle that is easy to overlook — a sermon focused entirely on his call and courage could be just as powerful as one centered on Saul's dramatic turnaround. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

Under Western Eyes: Vulnerable Minorities and the Russian State in New Cold War Cultures (Academic Studies Press, 2025) examines the New Cold War between Anglophone Western and Russian media, focusing on its coverage of LGBTIQ+ topics and representations of Russian femininity, masculinity, racial and gender diversity, and disability. It interrogates how the Anglophone media constructs images of vulnerable bodies and groups in Russia, juxtaposing them with the vengeful state and the powerful figure of Putin. These media discourses delineate and unify liberal values as American and Western and contrast them with "backward" Russian values. Paradoxically, in its endeavor to accentuate American dominance and its role in global affairs, various news outlets and entertainment media amplify homophobic, heteronormative, and racist narratives stemming from Russian sources and lend support to Putin's self-portrayal as a formidable opponent to the West. While the West expresses outrage at Putin's criminalization of LGBTIQ+ activity, it draws on homophobic language to mock his shirtless horse-riding and “bromance” with Trump; the West condemns Russia's oppression of women, yet peddles the Orientalist idea of the "Slavic Femme"―that is, the hypersexualized trickster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/russian-studies

The Hodgetwins Podcast sat down with me for a no-holds-barred takedown of everything the MAGA movement was supposed to fight — and how it's been completely hijacked from within. America is being sold out in real time on the Hodgetwins Podcast with Stew Peters, and if we don't wake up to who's really pulling the strings, there won't be a country left to save.   This April only: $3 off your first month on Locals ✝️ A reminder of the 3rd day and the power of resurrection. Join here:

For two decades, investigative journalist Ethan Gutmann has been researching how the Chinese Communist Party secretly harvests the organs of prisoners of conscience and kills them in the process.He authored the groundbreaking 2014 work “The Slaughter” and, more recently, “The Xinjiang Procedure.”In his latest book, he gathers evidence of how the regime—which has long targeted Falun Gong practitioners for their organs—is now exploiting captive Uyghurs for this same macabre industry.Gutmann traveled to Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey to interview dozens of Uyghurs and Kazaks who had managed to escape after being imprisoned in camps in Xinjiang, China, also known as East Turkestan. Many spoke to him at great personal risk to themselves and their loved ones.What they revealed to him was nothing short of horrific.A central witness named “Samal” described working in one of four medical labs located several stories below the concentration camp. One of the clinics—the one she worked in—was used for intestinal removal.“The other three clinics were there to remove organs. You couldn't see them, but occasionally the door would open. You‘d see somebody handling a kidney, a liver, and so forth. Every day that she worked there … there'd be eight or nine bodies. Sometimes it was as many as 20,” Gutmann said.During his research, Gutmann realized a disturbing pattern. Many of those who disappeared in the middle of the night from the camps were typically 28 or 29 years old.He believes the CCP has made this age demographic its primary target for forced organ harvesting.“You are at the peak of your health. At that point, your organs have stopped growing,” Gutmann says.In this episode, he breaks down the devastating evidence he's uncovered—and the failure of Western institutions to address these crimes.The spread of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology—which keeps organs oxygenated and viable for many hours—has made the CCP's organ trade even more lucrative than before.“Suddenly,” he told me, “you can pull a lot more organs off a single person and get them to distribute them around. And so the profit margin goes way up on a single human being from $100,000 up to almost a million dollars, if they were selling to foreigners.”Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsOn Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the 2026 Southeastern Masonic Symposium is happening in person at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., Asheville, NC)I'll be there in person, so, come down and meet me and the rest of the crew.John Michael Greer — prolific occult and esoteric historian with 70+ books, including Circles of Power and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult; an initiate across Hermetic, Masonic, and Druidic lineages, and former Grand Archdruid (AODA).Collin Conkwright (American Esoteric) — creator behind American Esoteric, focused on ancient philosophy & comparative religion and serious work around universalism and the Western tradition; also publicly listed as a Master Mason and writer.Ike Baker — independent scholar & esoteric instructor, a practicing ceremonialist and initiatic Mason (Blue Lodge + York Rite), also connected with Martinism and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; host of the ARCANVM podcast; author of A Formless Fire and Aetheric Magic.Thom Carter — a Brother out of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 118 (Asheville, NC) and part of the presenting lineup for the symposium.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-asheville-masonic-symposium-tickets-1980822909645?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsOn Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the 2026 Southeastern Masonic Symposium is happening in person at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., Asheville, NC)I'll be there in person, so, come down and meet me and the rest of the crew.John Michael Greer — prolific occult and esoteric historian with 70+ books, including Circles of Power and the award-winning New Encyclopedia of the Occult; an initiate across Hermetic, Masonic, and Druidic lineages, and former Grand Archdruid (AODA).Collin Conkwright (American Esoteric) — creator behind American Esoteric, focused on ancient philosophy & comparative religion and serious work around universalism and the Western tradition; also publicly listed as a Master Mason and writer.Ike Baker — independent scholar & esoteric instructor, a practicing ceremonialist and initiatic Mason (Blue Lodge + York Rite), also connected with Martinism and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn; host of the ARCANVM podcast; author of A Formless Fire and Aetheric Magic.Thom Carter — a Brother out of Mt. Hermon Lodge No. 118 (Asheville, NC) and part of the presenting lineup for the symposium.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-asheville-masonic-symposium-tickets-1980822909645?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Stew exposes the raw truth: Israel blew up the US-Iran ceasefire before the ink was dry because they still have kids to slaughter and land to steal in Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond. Trump bragged about a 10-point Iranian peace plan, then immediately backpedaled like the puppet he is once Netanyahu snapped his fingers.   Ohio gubernatorial candidate Casey Putsch joins Stew to tear apart higher education consolidation scams, data centers bulldozing Ohio farmland for corporate profits, NRA leadership selling out gun rights, and why real America First puts Ohio workers and families first—not imported political parasites and out-of-state elites. Peymon Mottahedeh from Freedom Law School drops the bomb: There is NO constitutional law requiring Americans to file or pay federal income taxes. It's a 100+ year voluntary shakedown that's funding Israel's wars, war crimes, and Greater Israel agenda while turning Americans into tax slaves and Amalek.   This April only: $3 off your first month on Locals ✝️ A reminder of the 3rd day and the power of resurrection. Join here:

Contemporary Christianity often ignores or understates the realities and existence of spiritual warfare and spiritual beings. The naturalistic Western world views these things as superstitious. How can Christians talk about the existence and work of demons without being sensationalized? The Thinking Fellows discuss demons in plain and simple terms, encouraging fellow believers to do the same. Yes, demons are real, but Christians do not need to be afraid because we already possess victory over them. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman  

Brandon Brinkman from Garmin joins Rich and the crew for a conversation on building a life around the things that matter. They get into late-onset hunting, CrossFit, Western hunt lessons, Garmin tech, and why small wins are what keep people coming back for more.Brandon shares how ideas from Atomic Habits shaped the way he trains, hunts, and works. Instead of chasing one finish line, he talks about building systems you can actually sustain and stepping into the identity of the person you want to become. The conversation also dives into public land train wrecks, learning through failure, stacking fitness year-round, and how the right tools can make a real difference when you're deep in the backcountry. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.