Podcasts about Rome

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Enda; an Irishman, who became a monk and went on pilgrimage to Rome, where he was ordained; he returned to Ireland, built churches at Drogheda, and then secured from his brother-in-law King Oengus of Munster the island of Aran, where he built the monastery of Killeaney, from which ten other foundations on the island developed; with St. Finnian of Clonard, Enda is considered the founder of monasticism in Ireland Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/21/26 Gospel: John 7:40-53

John Luke and Zach respond to sharp criticism, pushing back on a mindset that shuts down honest questions instead of engaging them. Al walks through the historical events that set the stage for Christianity's explosion onto the world scene, including Nero's brutal persecution of Jesus' followers. Meanwhile, Christian digs into the cultural significance of the gymnasium and how it revealed the tension between Greek and Jewish ways of life. Today's conversation is about Lessons 3 of Ancient Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale Professor of History Kenneth Calvert. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about Ancient Christianity: Christ entered the world during the reign of Caesar Augustus. The tensions between Christianity and the Roman Empire shaped the daily practice of the Christian faith and led many Romans to distrust and persecute the early Christians. But Christianity also benefitted from the Roman world. And when Rome collapsed in the West, Christianity provided the hope for preserving civilization. In this free, eleven-lecture course, Professor Kenneth Calvert will explore: How the Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures all contributed to preparing the world to hear the Gospel. Why many Romans distrusted and persecuted the early Christians. The inspiring stories of Christ, His apostles, and faithful ones throughout the first four centuries of Christianity. The arguments of key early Christian apologists—Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin, Athanasius, and more—who defended and defined the Christian faith amidst the animosity of the Roman world. The conversion of Constantine and how he brought stability to Rome, and how the rivalry between his sons almost returned Rome to paganism. How Augustine's writings helped preserve the message of Christianity during the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. You will discover the uncertainties, trials, and triumphs of the earliest Christians as they confronted controversies within the faith and persecutions from outside it. Join us today to discover the improbable and miraculous story of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 00:00 John Luke & Respond to “Heretic” Accusations 05:45 Why Faith Should Welcome Hard Questions 11:20 Ancient History Points to Jesus 17:10 Greek Culture Invades the Jewish World 23:05 Israel's Repeated Failure Before Jesus 29:10 How Empires Prepared the World for Christ 36:40 Rome, Nero, & the Brutal Persecution of Christians 44:30 Why the Kingdom of God Outlasted Every Empire — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Dr David Veevers and comedian and quizzer Paul Sinha to learn all about the global history of spices and the spice trade. Nowadays, we take spices for granted, and our kitchen cabinets are full of ginger and cinnamon, cumin and coriander, pepper and nutmeg. But despite their contemporary status as a staple of diets around the world, the majority of spices are native only to Asia (barring notable exceptions like chilli peppers). In this episode, we tell the story of how spices went global, from the very earliest days of the spice trade within Asia, through the empires of Alexander the Great and Rome as spices made their way into Europe, and into the colonial period, as the Dutch and British East India Companies vied to monopolise this lucrative trade. Along the way, we focus on five of the most commonly traded spices – pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and chilli – asking how their use changed across time, and as they were traded from place to place. From pharaohs possibly being embalmed with cinnamon, to medieval kings demanding rent in peppercorns, and nutmeg as a cure for plague, we look at the varied uses to which people all over the world have put these precious and expensive commodities.If you're a fan of food fads of the past, histories of globalisation and cultural exchange, and surprising ancient beliefs, you'll love our episode on the History of Spices. If you want to learn more about the history of commodities, listen to our episodes on the history of chocolate or coffee. And for more on global trade, check out our episode on the Columbian Exchange. You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Emma Mitchell and Adam Simcox Written by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

This week we're sharing a special episode from Lost Roman Heroes, recently named a “must-listen history podcast” by Amazon Music and named one of the "Best Ancient History Podcasts" in Find that Pod! Hosted by Matteo and Matthew Storm, a father-son duo, Lost Roman Heroes brings to life the forgotten figures who helped shape ancient Rome—rebels, generals, philosophers, and outcasts. Each episode blends narrative, analysis, and just enough humor to make these stories feel vivid, human, and surprisingly relevant. Like today's episode – where we're sharing one of their favorite lost Roman characters – Belisarius. Part 1 of a multipart series, we'll hear why this guy is a one-named mystery, worshipped in the ancient world, but forgotten today. When you meet Belisarius in this episode, he is not yet the legend he becomes. He's simply a Thracian boy that makes his way to Constantinople, enters Justinian's bodyguard and in a heartbeat is a 28 year old Magister Militum Per Orientem, leading an invasion fleet to Carthage, to punish the Vandals for their mortal insult to Roman honor.   For more episodes like this, and to hear the rest of the series on Belisarius, make sure to follow Lost Roman Heroes, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And tell them we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the tetrarch system still taking shape, Diocletian and his Caesar Galerius come under growing pressure in the East, facing rebellion from Egypt and invasion from the Persian King Naresh. A series of hard campaigns, careful political choices and eventual victory will determine whether this new imperial order can truly secure Rome's frontiers. Support Emperors of Rome on Patreon: patreon.com/romepodcast This month's bonus episode on Patreon is with Rhiannon Evans, looking at panegyrics.. Episode CCLIII (253) Part V of Diocletian Guest: Professor Caillan Davenport (Centre for Classical Studies, Australian National University)

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Photina; according to Greek legend, the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well; she took to preaching the Gospel, received imprisonment, and was finally martyred at Carthage; another tradition states that Photina was put to death in Rome after converting the daughter of Emperor Nero and one hundred of her servants; she supposedly died in Rome with her sons Joseph and Victor, along with several other Christians Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/20/26 Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Misha Glenny and guests discuss the short life and lasting works of Keats (1795-1821), who in one year wrote some of the most loved poems in English. Among these are Ode to a Nightingale, Ode on a Grecian Urn and Ode on Melancholy. That most productive year began in autumn 1818, when Keats had been stung by some reviews labelling him an uncouth Cockney who should go back to his former work as an apothecary, work he had left for poetry only two years before with the encouragement of enthusiastic friends. Just over two years later, Keats was dead in Rome from tuberculosis, before his work found fame, though some who knew him, including Shelley, believed his true killer was the critics.WithFiona Stafford Professor of English Language and Literature and Tutorial Fellow at Somerville College, University of OxfordNicholas Roe Wardlaw Professor of English Literature at the University of St AndrewsAndMeiko O'Halloran, Senior Lecturer in Romantic Literature at Newcastle UniversityProducer: Simon TillotsonReading list:John Barnard, John Keats (Cambridge University Press, 1987)Katie Garner and Nicholas Roe (eds), John Keats and Romantic Scotland (Oxford University Press, 2022)Ian Jack, Keats and the Mirror of Art (Oxford University Press, 1967) John Keats (ed. John Barnard), John Keats: Selected Writings (Oxford University Press, 2020)John Keats (ed. John Barnard), John Keats: Oxford 21st-Century Authors (University Press, 2017)John Keats (ed. John Barnard), Selected Poems (Penguin, 2007)John Keats (ed. John Barnard), The Complete Poems (Penguin, 2nd edition, 1977)John Keats (ed. Jeffrey N. Cox), Keats's Poetry and Prose: A Norton Critical Edition (W. W. Norton & Company, 2008)Carol Kyros Walker, Walking North with Keats (Edinburgh University Press, 2021)Richard Marggraf Turley (ed.), Keats's Places (Palgrave Macmillan, 2018)Lucasta Miller, Keats: A Brief Life in Nine Poems and One Epitaph (Jonathan Cape, 2021) Michael O'Neill (ed.), John Keats in Context (Cambridge University Press, 2017)Christopher Ricks, Keats and Embarrassment (Oxford University Press, 1974) Nicholas Roe, John Keats: A New Life (Yale University Press, 2012) Helen Vendler, The Odes of Keats (Belknap Press, 2004)Susan J. Wolfson, Reading John Keats (Cambridge University Press, 2015)Susan J. Wolfson (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Keats (Cambridge University Press, 2001)In Our Time is a BBC Studios ProductionSpanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Misha Glenny and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.

What if Julius Caesar had survived the Ides of March? This episode explores his last known plans — vast eastern campaigns, sweeping reforms, and his visions for Rome's future. Could he have rivalled Alexander the Great, crowned himself king, or reshaped the Republic forever? Discover history's greatest “what if.”MOREThe Rise of Julius CaesarListen on AppleListen on SpotifyCleopatraListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Tim Arstall. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic SoundsThe Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History Hit to watch the new documentary RISE OF CAESAR; and see Adrian Goldsworthy, Dr. Simon Elliott, and Dr. Hannah Cornwell, Tristan Hughes, peel back the layers of the man, the myth, and the massive political ego that transformed the Western world forever.As well as hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we celebrated Moon's Birthday!We kick things off with jazz hands (because obviously that's how serious radio begins), before diving into the slow-motion meltdown that is Rizz being left home alone for a week. Talking to dogs, narrating his own life, and possibly unraveling mentally? Yeah, we're keeping an eye on that.Then Lern casually drops that she went to a roller rink… alone… in a giant coat… just to hang out. Which opens the floodgates for one of the most relatable discussions ever: the “king of the roller rink” — that one guy who peaked gliding backwards under neon lights and never emotionally recovered. Naturally, this leads to a completely serious business pitch to buy and reinvent a roller rink, which financial advisors everywhere would absolutely hate.From there, things take a turn into “why is this even legal?” territory as we break down cousin marriage laws across the U.S. — including the deeply unsettling realization that some states are way more relaxed about it than you'd hope. And because we're nothing if not educational, we somehow connect that to King Tut, inbreeding, and what ancient people might think of our modern faces. (Spoiler: they'd probably hate us.)Then comes the story that flips the whole episode: a woman who wrote a children's book about coping with grief… after allegedly causing her husband's death. It's part true crime, part “are we seriously talking about this right now,” and fully the kind of content you only get from a funny podcast that thrives in the gray area between hilarious and horrifying.We wrap things up with a viral Frontier Airlines controversy that proves once again: the internet reacts first, facts come later. Add in some airport anxiety, retail apocalypse talk, and why you can't flirt anywhere anymore, and you've got a perfectly chaotic ride.If you drive an electric vehicle, can you park in a charging spot without actually charging… or does that instantly make you public enemy number one? The gang breaks it down like only a funny podcast can—half logic, half roasting, zero resolution.Then things take a turn into the existential (as they always do). If an alien landed on Earth and asked, “What should I watch?”—what do you show them? The answers range from wholesome (Mr. Rogers) to wildly questionable (Always Sunny, ALF, and yes… COPS). It becomes less about TV and more about what we're accidentally admitting about humanity. Spoiler: it's not great.From there, we dive into the unexpected comeback of vinyl records hitting BILLION-dollar sales (thanks, Taylor Swift, we guess), and whether physical media is actually back or just a hipster fever dream. There's also a discussion about why supporting artists now basically means buying anything that isn't music.And of course, it wouldn't be a funny podcast without “Crap on Celebrities,” where we cover everything from Lollapalooza headlines to Oscars ratings drama, Bob Barker's bizarre backstage rules, and Shia LaBeouf doing whatever Shia LaBeouf does… this time in Rome, without pants.We wrap things up with some iconic (and questionable) female covers of classic songs—some absolute bangers, and some that sound like they were recorded during a fever dream.Moon's birthday is coming up, so naturally The Rizzuto Show decided to celebrate early… and by “celebrate,” we mean hand him Confederate money, a deeply personal coin collection tribute, and a card that somehow manages to be both heartfelt and wildly inappropriate at the same time. It's the kind of thoughtful chaos you only get from a group of grown adults who absolutely should know better.From there, things spiral exactly how you'd expect on a comedy podcast. The crew dives into a round of “3 & 5,” where listeners attempt to name three things in five seconds—and somehow, that simple concept completely unravels. We're talking missed layups, confident wrong answers, arguments with the hosts, and at least one moment where it feels like reality itself glitches. If you've ever yelled at your radio during a game, congratulations—you're about to feel seen.As the game continues, we get debates over pizza toppings, confusion about movies currently in theaters (spoiler: nobody knows), and a surprisingly passionate breakdown of fruits with pits. It's the perfect storm of quick thinking, slow thinking, and absolutely no thinking at all. This comedy podcast thrives in that sweet spot between “we've got this” and “we absolutely do not.”Then, because the show refuses to stay in one lane, we pivot into a discussion about National Sloppy Joe Day, the mysterious “Yip Yip” sandwich, and whether certain regional foods should even exist. Throw in some hockey talk, steakhouse flexing, and a full-on debate about cream spinach, and you've got a comedy podcast episode that somehow covers everything and nothing at the same time.Follow The Rizzuto Show → linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → 1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.Floridians can still marry their cousins after lawmakers fail to pass statewide banWoman claims she was kicked off flight for being deaf — but Frontier tells a different storyService Tenants Dominate Retail Leasing MarketVinyl Sales Hit $1 Billion In U.S. Revenue Last YearSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a birthday, it's a debate, it's a full-blown identity crisis for humanity—all packed into one beautifully chaotic episode of your favorite funny podcast.We kick things off with a very important modern dilemma: if you drive an electric vehicle, can you park in a charging spot without actually charging… or does that instantly make you public enemy number one? The gang breaks it down like only a funny podcast can—half logic, half roasting, zero resolution.Then things take a turn into the existential (as they always do). If an alien landed on Earth and asked, “What should I watch?”—what do you show them? The answers range from wholesome (Mr. Rogers) to wildly questionable (Always Sunny, ALF, and yes… COPS). It becomes less about TV and more about what we're accidentally admitting about humanity. Spoiler: it's not great.From there, we dive into the unexpected comeback of vinyl records hitting BILLION-dollar sales (thanks, Taylor Swift, we guess), and whether physical media is actually back or just a hipster fever dream. There's also a discussion about why supporting artists now basically means buying anything that isn't music.And of course, it wouldn't be a funny podcast without “Crap on Celebrities,” where we cover everything from Lollapalooza headlines to Oscars ratings drama, Bob Barker's bizarre backstage rules, and Shia LaBeouf doing whatever Shia LaBeouf does… this time in Rome, without pants.We wrap things up with some iconic (and questionable) female covers of classic songs—some absolute bangers, and some that sound like they were recorded during a fever dream.It's weird. It's sarcastic. It's somehow educational. And it's exactly what you expect from The Rizzuto Show.Follow The Rizzuto Show → linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → 1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 289 - An Unfading Mercy Do you ever feel stuck confessing the same sins over and over again? Continuing their reflection on the Prodigal Son, the friars explore a powerful truth: God's mercy isn't a one-time moment, it's something we encounter again and again. Like a path worn into the ground, the Father continually goes out to meet His children, never tiring, never holding back. In this episode, they reflect on what it means that God's mercy is "new every morning", and how His love doesn't diminish, no matter how many times we return. For those who struggle with discouragement, shame, or the feeling of "starting over," this is a reminder that the Father's embrace is always full, always real, and always waiting. Join us as we rediscover a mercy that never fades and a Father who never stops coming to meet us. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi:  https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page

Today's Headlines: The Iran war claimed a notable casualty on the home front: Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned and posted his letter on Twitter, writing that Iran posed no imminent threat and the war was started due to pressure from Israel's lobby. He's no hero — Kent is a MAGA loyalist with his own troubling associations — but when someone who could defend virtually everything else this administration has done draws a line here, that says something about how broadly unpopular this war has become. Meanwhile, Israel killed two of Iran's most senior remaining officials overnight, including the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, while continuing wide-scale strikes in Iran and southern Lebanon. Trump spent St. Patrick's Day in the Oval Office with Ireland's prime minister, alternating between insisting the U.S. doesn't need NATO's help and complaining it was "very unfair" that no one offered to send minesweepers. Cuba is now on the radar — Trump mused about "taking Cuba in some form" while his administration cut off the island's oil supply, triggering a nationwide blackout. He said he can do "anything he wants" with Cuba. Elsewhere in the circus: Trump appointed Erika Kirk — of Summer House — to the U.S. Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors, a formal congressional oversight body. In other news, Peter Thiel is in Rome giving private lectures warning about the Antichrist, and the Vatican is…not pleased. A former Kansas City pastor was suspended after it emerged she managed Epstein's private island in 2018-2019 and listed different employment on her resume. AG Pam Bondi was formally subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify about her handling of the Epstein files, with an appearance ordered for April 14th. And finally, the SEC is floating a proposal to cut public company earnings reports from quarterly to twice a year — still TBD, but worth watching and preliminary Illinois primary results.  Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Top counterterrorism official Joe Kent resigns over Trump's Iran war NYT: Trump Appointee Pressed Analyst to Redo Intelligence on Venezuelan Gang The Independent: Trump rants US doesn't need any help in Iran war and ‘never did' AP News: Iran launches barrage of missiles after Israel kills 2 of its top officials CNN: Trump muses over ‘taking Cuba' as island's power grid collapses after weeks of US oil blockade Military: Erika Kirk And The Air Force Academy Board: What The Appointment Reveals About The Panel CNN: Peter Thiel's secret lectures on Antichrist in Rome spark debate FOX 4: Former KC-area pastor suspended after church learns she managed Epstein's private island AP News: Attorney General Pam Bondi subpoenaed to answer questions from Congress about the Epstein files WSJ: SEC Prepares Proposal to Eliminate Quarterly Reporting Requirement NBC: Illinois Senate Primary Election 2026 Live Results Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special bonus episode was SUCH fun to create. We hope you laugh along with us as we answer some ridiculous and interesting questions. This is just a sneak peek of a much longer bonus episode that drops today, available exclusively to our generous Patreon supporters.  Want to hear the whole episode and many many more like it? Become part of the Bittersweet Life community by supporting just on Patreon! For as little as $5 per month—less than the price of a coffee in some places—you will have access to multiple bonus episodes every single month.  You'll hear conversations that would never take place on the main show, you'll be part of our new chat community, you'll have access to Patreon-only content in addition to bonus episodes, you'll be invited to join us for live meet-ups, and you'll get to enjoy ad-free listening! But most importantly, you'll be doing your part to help keep this show alive—an independent podcast with no corporate support. (You'll also help keep it virtually ad-free!) Check out our Patreon page for all the details, and consider joining us at the $5 level or above. We are eternally grateful! ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: Our third annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure is in the books! If you'd like to join us in 2026, and be part of an intimate group of listeners on a magical and unforgettable journey to Rome, discovering the city with us as your guides, find out more here. AD-FREE LISTENING: After well over 10 years on the air with little-to-no advertising, in 2026 we have finally made the difficult decision that this completely independent and self-funded show is no longer sustainable without it. HOWEVER! If you join us on Patreon, for as little as $3 per month, you will have access to all new episodes completely ad-free! ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. GET TWO BONUS EPISODES PER MONTH: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life at the $5 per month level or above, and you will have access to two all-new (and sometimes wacky) bonus episodes every single month. As well as ad-free listening, occasional live meet-ups, and access to our chat community. Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

This episode of the Deeper Podcast examines Eric Weinstein's "Escape Room" hypothesis through the lens of Galatians 5:1-12, asking if our scientific strivings represent a path to freedom or a new "yoke of slavery." We track the 2026 milestones of Artemis II and the 91km Future Circular Collider alongside the 85-second Doomsday Clock, weighing whether these projects offer liberation or merely a more sophisticated confinement. Finally, we address Peter Thiel's recent warnings in Rome about AI and "Antichrist" technocracies, challenging listeners to discern the difference between a mechanical "exit" from Earth and the true spiritual liberty that refuses to be burdened again by the stagnation of a fallen world.

We've done series on 2 weeks on a continent, 2 more weeks on a continent, and now, we're discussing how to spend 2 weeks on a continent based on the 5 senses (taste, smell, touch, sound, and feel). And this week is 2 weeks in Europe! We're discussing eating around Paris and Rome, sipping wine in Piedmont, admiring waterfalls and mountains in Lauterbrunnen, and more! Where would you spend 2 weeks in Europe to satisfy the 5 senses? *Thank you to Walks Tours for sponsoring an ad in this episode! Check out the best tours in Europe with Walks Tours: https://www.takewalks.com/ Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): Paris Links: -Closing Time at the Louvre: Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful:  https://fas.st/t/hNrZEZXC -Pastry & Chocolate Tour: https://fas.st/t/1tS2p932 -Le Marais Food Tour: https://fas.st/t/nCxXhtWb -Catacombs Tour: https://fas.st/t/EnH2mjn3 -Notre Dame Tour: https://fas.st/t/VYuQj469 -Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie tickets: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/5e2pabnut6 -Musée de l'Orangerie Tickets: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/nRwxLpGRvC -Musée d'Orsay Tickets: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/AZ4Kv0GL4k -3 Days in Paris Guide: https://francevoyager.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/ -Where to Stay in Paris Based On Your Travel Style: https://francevoyager.com/where-to-stay-in-paris/ -Where to Stay in Paris For the First Time: https://francevoyager.com/where-to-stay-in-paris-for-the-first-time/ -Best Eiffel Tower View Hotels: https://francevoyager.com/best-hotels-in-paris-with-eiffel-tower-views/ -Kat's Favorite Hotels: https://francevoyager.com/my-favorite-hotels-in-paris-best-areas-to-stay/ -Kat's Favorite Restaurants: https://francevoyager.com/best-restaurants-in-paris/   Rome Links: -Gladiator's Gate Roman Colosseum Tour: https://fas.st/t/9QELb8ku -Trastevere at Sunset Food & Wine Tour: https://fas.st/t/RNtDfBXp -Pizza Making Class: https://fas.st/t/PwWHP29G -Pasta Making Class: https://fas.st/t/ksCS46vk -Hotel Residenza San Calisto: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/CG846ndCMh -Most Romantic Things to Do in Rome: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/most-romantic-things-to-do-in-rome/   Vatican Tours: -Pristine Sistine Vatican Tour: https://fas.st/t/Hsibz9nU -VIP Key Master Tour: Open the Sistine Chapel: https://fas.st/t/KG5HVeaY   Venice Links: -Exclusive Alone in St. Mark's Basilica: https://fas.st/t/JwbT1Zx8 -VIP Boat Tour: https://fas.st/t/FJVpZeCY -Doge's Palace Evening Tour: https://fas.st/t/sEsJqv8x -Hotel Al Mascaron Ridente: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/IRp1zeZN6c -Hotel Arlecchino: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/xxiOw4O307   Bologna Links:  -Casa Bertagni: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/2jNr7At6u0 -2 Days in Bologna Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/2-days-in-bologna-itinerary/   Alba Links: -Casa Agnese: https://booking.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/LNF0Y_uKJ3 -Alba Wine Tours: https://www.albawinetours.com/ -2 Days in Piedmont Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/piedmont-italy-itinerary-in-2-days/   -Unique 7-Day Italy Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/7-days-in-italy-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary/   Need help planning your trip to France? Check out my trip consulting page: https://francevoyager.com/france-travel-consulting-custom-itineraries/    Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/francevoyager/    Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2

Jordan Harbinger Show: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Protests, missiles, and a regime on the ropes — Iran is at a turning point. Ryan McBeth explains the forces driving one of the world's most complex crises.Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1297On This Episode of Out of the Loop:Iran is an ancient civilization stretching back 5,000 years — but most Americans only know the post-1979 version, which is like judging Rome entirely by the fall of its empire and missing the aqueducts, art, and architecture that came before.The 1953 CIA-backed coup that toppled Iran's democratically elected government planted the seeds for the 1979 Islamic Revolution — a theocratic regime that crushed dissent, built a proxy empire through Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and turned the IRGC into its enforcer.Iran's proxy strategy is devastatingly cheap and effective — rather than build a navy, they fund groups like the Houthis to launch missiles based on Iranian targeting intel, giving Tehran plausible deniability while disrupting global shipping and oil markets.AI-generated war footage and disinformation are rapidly becoming a frontline weapon — fake videos of captured soldiers and fabricated attacks spread faster than fact-checkers can respond, and producing convincing deepfakes now costs as little as $12 per video.Despite decades of repression, Iranian citizens continue to protest and push for change — and experts suggest that if the regime falls, Iran's strong collective national identity makes a Libya-style collapse unlikely, offering real hope for a democratic future.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you'd like to stay on top of what's happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan's Substack!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Bombas: Go to bombas.com/jordan to get 20% off your first orderGusto: Three months of free payroll: gusto.com/jordanSimpliSafe Home Security: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanThe President's Daily Brief: Listen here or wherever you find fine podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We speak with Xavier Padovani, partner and director of Experimental, on the reopening of the company’s ECC cocktail bar in London’s Chinatown and its upcoming property in Rome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barcelona is famous for its modern life, stunning architecture, and Mediterranean energy, but its story began more than two thousand years ago.In this episode of Spanish Loops, we travel back to the origins of the city when the Romans founded Barcino, a small but strategic colony on the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Long before Barcelona became a global destination, this Roman settlement grew under the shadow of Tarraco, the powerful capital of Roman Hispania.But the story of the region begins even earlier. Greek traders, Iberian tribes, and Mediterranean merchants were already shaping the culture and economy of this coastline before Rome arrived.Together we explore how the Romans designed the city, why they chose this location, and how their influence transformed the area forever. From the ancient Roman streets beneath today's Gothic Quarter to the hidden remains of temples, walls, and aqueducts, the foundations of Barcelona are still visible today.Join us on Spanish Loops as we uncover the ancient origins of Barcelona and the Roman legacy that still defines the city more than two millennia later.Because every great city has a beginning.And Barcelona began with Rome.

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-16-261902 ROME1. Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani (SEG 1): Haqqani discusses global resistance to President Trump's Strait of Hormuz mission and the economic impact of Iran's strategy. Roggio analyzes the administration's goal of regime change and notes they underestimated Iranian resilience. (2)2. Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio (SEG 2): Haqqani notes European and Arab reluctance to join the U.S. coalition due to past diplomatic friction. Roggio discusses the lack of a viable Iranian resistance and the failure of air-only military strategies. (3)3. David Daoud (SEG 3): Daoud analyzes the IDF's difficulty in permanently eliminating Hezbollah and its shift toward creating a security buffer zone. He argues that regime change in Iran would weaken but not destroy the group. (4)4. David Daoud (SEG 4): Daoud reports on Hezbollah's continued use of drone swarms and short-range rockets to harass Israel. He notes that while their command structure is degraded, IRGC officers are filling leadership gaps in Beirut. (5)5. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 5): Hoenlein details the chaos surrounding Iranian succession, including reports that Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded. He describes regional economic devastation from the Strait of Hormuz closure and the use of destructive cluster munitions. (6)6. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 6): Hoenlein reports on IDF operations in Lebanon, noting Hezbollah defections and command-and-control breakdowns. He critiques European nations for "waffling" and refusing to provide escort vessels for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. (7)7. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 7): Fitton-Brown explains the international "digging in of heels" against Trump's Hormuz mission, with allies fearing Iranian retaliation. He notes that the U.S. failed to foresee Iran's predictable move to shut the waterway. (8)8. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 8): Fitton-Brown discusses the global economy being held hostage by Iran and potential strategies like seizing Kharg Island. He analyzes Houthi restraint and the potential for a dangerous "fourth front" in Yemen. (9)9. John Hardy (SEG 9): Hardie details how the Iran war benefits Russia through increased oil revenue and the depletion of Western munitions needed by Kyiv. He reports that the U.S.-led peace process in Ukraine is fizzling. (10)10. Joe Truzman (SEG 10): Truzman describes the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" as a front for Iran-backed militias launching information warfare. He discusses Houthi readiness to join the conflict and Iranian proxies attacking Jewish institutions across Europe. (11)11. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 11): Araújo discusses the Iran war's economic ripple effects in Latin America, including rising gas prices. He reports on potential democratic transitions in Cuba and Venezuela as Russian and Chinese regional influence diminishes. (12)12. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 12): Araújo reports on the deteriorating health of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro and political suppression in Brazil. He highlights a diplomatic rift caused by visa denials for a U.S. special envoy. (13)13. Ahmed Sharawi (SEG 13): Sharawi tracks Iranian drone and missile strikes against the UAE and Saudi Arabia intended to pressure Washington. He notes Iran's strategy of attacking NATO sites in Turkey to create regional chaos. (14)14. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 14): Scarlatoiu explains Romania's decision to host U.S. military equipment despite threats from Tehran. He emphasizes that Romania views the Iran and Ukraine conflicts as existential threats to its own national security. (15)15. Rick Fischer (SEG 15): Fischer provides evidence of direct Chinese assistance to Iran's drone and missile programs, including guidance systems and satellite surveillance. He notes that these attacks would be impossible without Beijing's support. (16)16. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 16): Scarlatoiu analyzes the public appearance of Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and speculation regarding her being groomed for succession. He discusses the ruthless political environment within the Kim family dynasty. (17)

1168. This week, we look at the word "leprechaun" and its surprisingly wild origin story involving shoemaking, ancient Rome, and wolf-men. Then we look at the word "equinox": its Chaucer connection, the newer word "equilux," and why the first point of Aries is actually in Pisces now (and headed for Aquarius).

“How do we respond to the claim Jesus was just a wise teacher?” This question opens a discussion on the true nature of Christ, while also addressing concerns from new converts about finding a parish in communion with Rome, the historical use of priestly vestments, and the implications of Jesus’ words in John 20:17 regarding the hypostatic union. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:45 – How do we respond to the Claim Jesus was Just a Wise Teacher? 10:56 – I'm new to the faith, getting baptized soon, and I'm going back into the Army. I've seen a lot of heretical things in parishes. As I move to a new station, how do I navigate making sure I'm in a parish and diocese that is in communion with Rome? 18:56 – When did Catholic priests start using vestments? 22:07 – I am dogsitting for a family member who is out of town, and they have tarot cards in the house. What should I do with them? 30:49 – In John 20:17 Jesus calls God “my God and your God.” Is Jesus worshipping the Father because of the hypostatic union? Would that have also been the case before the Incarnation? Does the Holy Spirit worship the Father? 36:49 – If Jesus would be born today, would he still have died for our sins, considering how bad things are? 43:58 – When Moses wrote the creation story, what were his sources — where did he get it from? 48:40 – I am in OCIA. I am feeling spiritual attacks and temptation to backslide. Are these attacks to be expected as I enter the final weeks before entering the Church? 50:57 – What are good books to read or something to listen to learn about the faith? I watch you guys and Joe Heschmeyer. I want to dive into some more source material, like the stuff you guys draw from. 53:20 – Why is Joseph not mentioned much in the Bible?

RESURREPSTEIN - 03.16.2026 - #923 BestPodcastintheMetaverse.com Canary Cry News Talk #923 - 03.11.2026 - Recorded Live to 1s and 0s Deconstructing World Events from a Biblical Worldview Declaring Jesus as Lord amidst the Fifth Generation War! CageRattlerCoffee.com SD/TC email Ike for discount https://CanaryCry.Support   Send address and shirt size updates to canarycrysupplydrop@gmail.com Join the Canary Cry Roundtable This Episode was Produced By:   Executive Producers Richard D*** Michael B**** Sir LX Protocol Baron of the Berrean Protocol*** Sir Darrin Knight of the Hungry Panda*** Jeanette R***   Producers of TREASURE (CanaryCry.Support) Cynthia M, Rebecca T, Monica, Happy Anniversary, Cage Rattler Coffee   Producers of TIME Timestampers: Jade Bouncerson, Morgan E Clankoniphius Links: JAM   WW3 6:38 US intel says New Supreme Leader is Gay (NYP)   PALANTIR 20:04 Peter Theil to give Antichrist Lecture near Vatican (AP) Image: Gonz post about this story (X)   TRUMP/UFO 44:52 Mysterious 'Trump' airships in 100 yo sketchbooks sparks 'time traveler' theories (DailyMail) → Trump's UFO release could include videos, photos of non-human craft (NY Post) Clip: Trump calls Iran "Paper Tiger" days after CCNT episode "cardboard tigers"    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS 1:32:35 SIR IKE SUPPLY DROP GIVEAWAY!  Cage Rattler Coffee   TUCKER CARLSON/5GW 1:44:41 Tucker CIA 1 Axios Reporter Claims Whitehouse denies Tucker Claims Israel demands tuckers arrest infowars rundown → Laura Loomer Post 1 threat to Tucker, Post 2 report threats , Post 3 expand take Cuba and expand Guantanamo for Tucker, Loomer was suspended in college for starting ISIS fan club   PSYOPS 2:32:37 EPSTEIN DIDN'T KILL HIMSELF Verified 'Jeffrey Epstein' TikTok Account Amasses 1.2 Million Followers in Hours and Only Follows Trump and Netanyahu (International Business Times) → Economic times also has it → Epstein driving in South Florida   5GW/PSYOPS 2:38:59 After Grok labels video as 'deepfake', cafe releases photos of 'alive' Netanyahu (Hindustan Times) → Polymarket bet, Bebe out as Israel PM by March 31, new wallet placed $145k bet    These should be illegal! (x) THESE SHOULD BE ILLEGAL (x) These should also be illegal (x) These should be illegal (x)   PRODUCERS 3:01:22 END 3:18:44

Israel claims to have killed more senior members of Iran's leadership; we ask what the death of security chief Ali Larijani could mean for the war. Also in the programme: in the Afghan capital Kabul, dozens of people have been killed in an airstrike on a drug treatment centre, which the Taliban government has blamed on Pakistan; why is one of the world's most influential tech billionaires in Rome lecturing about the Antichrist? And we hear about the endearing qualities of a newly discovered subatomic particle.(IMAGE: Ali Larijani, former chairman of the parliament of Iran, attends a press conference after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon November 15, 2024 / CREDIT: Reuters / Thaier Al-Sudani / File Photo)

We welcome back canon lawyer Fr. Gerald Murray to examine the canonical and ecclesial dimensions of the ongoing tensions between the Society of Saint Pius X and the Vatican. How should this disagreement be understood in light of Church law and authority, and what principles are at stake in evaluating its possible resolution? Why does the recent synodal document addressing the role of women in the Church raise further theological and canonical questions regarding the nature of sacred tradition? Father finishes with Timely Thoughts. Show Notes COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE GENERAL HOUSE Bishop Schneider suggests Vatican excommunication of SSPX would not be valid Rome and St Pius X: the stages of an agreement that was always rejected When Fellay looked to Rome and feared schism For Lefebvrians, every Mass except their own is dubious On women's participation in the life and leadership of the Church What Happened to "Just War" Theory? | Prayerful Posse Sen. Cruz's Post on Catholic Role in GOP Gets Backlash Why Ireland Needs Saint Patrick Now More Than Ever iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

He was born of pious and noble parents in Rome in the time of the Emperor Honorius. His parents, Euphemianus and Agalais, set a high standard of godly living: his father, though wealthy, sat down to dine only once a day, at sunset. By his parents' arrangement Alexis was married at a young age. However, without ever living with his new wife, he fled to Edessa in Mesopotamia, where he lived in asceticism for eighteen years, presenting himself as a beggar in order to avoid the praise of men. When, despite his efforts, he began to be known as a holy man, he fled the city and took ship for Laodicea. By divine providence, the ship was blown off course and forced to land in Rome. Taking this as a sign, Alexis, still disguised as a beggar, returned to his parents' house, where he sat at the gates, unrecognized by any of his family. His father, not knowing who he was, allowed him to live in a hut in his courtyard. There Alexis spent another seventeen years, living only on bread and water. He died clutching a piece of paper on which he had revealed his true identity. At the time of his death, the pope of Rome heard a voice saying "Look for the Man of God," and revealing where he should look. It is said that the Emperor Honorius, the Pope and a large retinue came to the house, where they found Alexis dead in his tiny hut, his face shining like the sun. His parents and wife were at first overcome with grief to learn that their son and husband had been secretly living near them, but they were comforted when they saw that his body healed the sick and exuded a fragrant myrrh. Thus they knew that God had glorified him. His head is preserved at the Church of St Laurus on the Peloponnese.

Episode 108 I loved having my friend Carrie De Fransico back on the podcast today! Carrie is my real-life friend and has been a home school mentor to me in navigating home schooling teens, and especially in navigating home schooling kids with dyslexia. You can listen to her first interview with me right here. We talked about homeschooling kids with dyslexia. Carrie is a voice of peace and joy and overflows with practical wisdom about home schooling. I am grateful I know her and so glad to help you know her too! In today's episode we started (and maybe spent a bit too much time talking about ) with talking about Carrie's shoe choices, but we did finally get back on track to talk about her brand new book, A Home Education Handbook: Nine Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home Based Learning. This book is such a fantastic resource for anyone home schooling because it really narrows in on what matters most. I told Carrie this book is really instructions for more than home schooling kids. It is a guide for a beautiful, intentional life. I hope you'll listen and enjoy it as much as I did. *Don't forget you can get more info about my upcoming Women's Walking Retreat in the Cotswold's right here. This retreat is perfect for any women who is looking for an opportunity to rest, celebrate, reflect, heal, or simply spend a week chasing beauty, adventure, and friendship. Spots are filling up so make sure you get info and reach out soon if you are interested. *And if a family trip is what you're looking for right now, then consider joining me and my family in Italy this Christmas! We'll be hosting a trip to Rome and surrounding areas the week after Christmas with Select Tours International. The trip will be all planned out for you so you can absolutely rest and focus on time with your family! But we have also built in plenty of time to explore and adventure on your own. It's the best of both worlds and we can't wait to spend a week with you learning history, appreciating art, eating the most delicious food and creating lasting connection through adventure! Find out all the details here!  Resources from this episode: Find Carrie's book here Find Carrie's website here Find Carrie's podcast here Find Carrie on Instagram here Find Greta's newest book here The Greta Eskridge Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelor's of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Show Resources Philip Kruse's story: https://philipkru.se/my-search-for-a-living-liver-donor   In Today's Show: What is a homily supposed to contain? Do Eastern Catholics pray the rosary? Is stock trading sinful for Catholics to participate in? If Jesus is the only way to Heaven, does that mean all non-Christians won't make it? What is the Eastern Rite's stance on lending money? Can a Mass for the Dead help those in purgatory or Hell? Is it wrong to collect interest and receive more money than you put in? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Sometimes the most remarkable pieces of history are hidden inside everyday places. One such place is the Antica Farmacia Reale, located in the historic center of Rome near the Spanish Steps. What makes this pharmacy extraordinary is not simply its age, although it is certainly old. What makes it truly remarkable is that it is still operating today as a fully functioning pharmacy. The Antica Farmacia Reale can document its history back to 1672, which is already extraordinary for a commercial establishment that is still operating today. What makes this claim especially compelling is that Giulio possesses a series of original documents tracing the pharmacy's ownership from that time forward. These records show the pharmacy passing from one owner to another across centuries, creating a rare and continuous historical record. Giulio has spent years studying these documents and researching the pharmacy's past, and although he continues to search for earlier records, the documentation he already possesses clearly demonstrates the longevity of this remarkable establishment.

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Fr. Patrick Biscoe, OP, discuss gluttony and lust in Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 23-27.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.Check out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES for the great books.Check out the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers.Check out Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, at Godsplaining Podcast.In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dominican friar Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, currently serving in Rome as the Order's General Promoter for Social Communication. The conversation opens with Fr. Patrick explaining Dominican life, the charism of preaching rooted in study and contemplation, the historical significance of Santa Sabina, and the Order's ongoing vitality—especially through institutions like the Angelicum. The bulk of the episode then offers a close, theologically rich reading of the Purgatorio.The hosts explore how Dante structures these sins as forms of excessive or misdirected love, placing them high on the mountain because they are less grave than pride, envy, or wrath, yet still require deep purification. Key themes include the contrapasso of emaciated souls on the gluttony terrace, the “OMO DEI” face motif symbolizing refashioning in God's image, the role of intercessory prayer (especially Nella's for Forese Donati), the two instructive trees, medieval embryology and hylomorphism (how airy shades appear gaunt), and the wall of flame on the lust terrace.They highlight Dante's nuanced treatment of lust—treating both heterosexual excess (Pasiphaë/bestiality) and sodomy as incontinence—while emphasizing the praise of chaste marriage and the enduring good of ordered eros. The episode closes powerfully with Virgil's farewell in Canto 27, crowning Dante “lord of himself” once his will is aligned with the good, symbolizing true Christian freedom.Throughout, the discussion weaves literary analysis with practical spiritual application—especially apt for Lent—showing Purgatorio as a map for self-mastery, image perfection, and liberation from disordered desire. Fr. Patrick and Dcn. Garlick underscore Beatrice as an icon of divine beauty and grace, whose memory motivates Dante through the flames rather than being purged away. The episode ends with an invitation to reread the text, follow the Dominicans' work, and prepare for the Earthly Paradise cantos in the next installment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio07:37 The Role of Communication in the Dominican Order13:24 Contrapasso and the Nature of Sin18:19 The Importance of Free Will in Purgatory24:03 The Interconnectedness of Souls29:49 Family Dynamics in the Afterlife35:59 Exploring Purgatory's Dynamics39:49 Consequences of Disordered Love43:43 Desires and Reason in Purgatory48:39 Understanding Gluttony and Vigilance52:13 Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger57:07 Gradations of the Soul58:53 The Relationship Between Body and Soul01:02:02 The Finality of Body and Soul Reunion01:06:51 The Transition to Lust in Purgatory01:08:02 Contrasting Spirits on the Mountain01:08:30 Marian and Pagan Examples of Purity01:09:25 The Nature of Purification in Purgatory01:10:55 The Healing Power of Praise01:11:41 Understanding Sexuality and Love01:12:53 Dante's Quasi-Liturgical Procession01:14:02 The Psychology of Lust in Purgatory01:16:03 The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences01:17:48 The Unnaturalness of Lust01:19:33 The Direction of Souls in Purgatory01:20:55 The Role of Intercessory Prayer01:21:48 Dante's Final Challenge01:23:11 The Role of Beatrice in Dante's Journey01:25:38 Purification Through Love01:27:55 The Symbolism of Eyes and Intellect01:30:37 Virgil's Final Guidance to Dante01:34:13 The Aim of Lent and Self-MasteryFollowing us on X, Facebook, and More!

This week on the Tapped In Podcast, Nick McDaniel and Jacked Jameson return with another episode covering the biggest stories across pro wrestling, sports, and pop culture.A major championship change shook the Georgia wrestling scene when Joe Black captured the SHW Championship at Premier All Star Wrestling, setting up a rematch with Alexander Lev later this month.But that wasn't the only story grabbing attention…The unexpected news that Bullpen Pro Wrestling may be shutting down has people across the independent scene asking what happens next — and whether another promotion could step in to absorb the talent.Nick and Jameson also dive into several big discussion topics including:• The buzz around Brady Pierce as the new 1FW Champion• The surprising crowd reactions for Elijah Drago• Whether Jacked Jameson is becoming one of the most unlikely fan favorites in Georgia wrestling• Rosario Grillo representing 1FW during AEW Revolution weekendThen the guys preview the massive 1FW “Rumble in Rome” event, which features an absolutely loaded lineup including stars like Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Billy Gunn, Austin Gunn, Brock Anderson, Andrade, Orange Cassidy, and more.And the debut of Tapped Out Life Advice segment, where Nick and Jameson try to help listeners navigate some real-life situations.If you enjoy pro wrestling talk, sports debates, pop culture discussion, and the personalities of the independent wrestling scene, this is the podcast for you.▶ Watch now: tappedoutpod.comQuestion for fans:Which match are you most excited to see on the 1FW Rome card?#ProWrestling #IndyWrestling #GeorgiaWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #TappedInPodcast #1FW #PremierAllStar #JeffJarrett #JayLethal #AEW #IndependentWrestling

Au XIVe siècle, la papauté quitte Rome pour s'installer à Avignon dans un contexte de fortes tensions politiques entre la France et l'Italie. De 1309 à 1377, sept papes y installent successivement la curie, avant le retour de la papauté à Rome et le déclenchement du Grand Schisme d'Occident. Découvrez cette parenthèse de l'histoire de l'Eglise, où la foi côtoie la diplomatie et où le pouvoir spirituel affiche un visage très politique. Crédits : Lorànt Deutsch, Bruno Calvès.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Today, we sat down with Trey Ford from Bugcrowd to talk about ethical hacking. One of the most memorable phrases from ancient Rome is Quis custodiet custodes? (Who Watches the Watchman?). This ancient admonition has direct application to federal cybersecurity. We know federal agencies spend millions of dollars to protect data. How does one ensure the contracted companies are doing their jobs? Traditionally, an organization would use penetration testers, contractors, or basic scanning methods. However, today's attack surfaces are expanding, and malicious actors are innovating so rapidly that we are being forced to consider more creative options. In other words, an annual penetration test against an AI-inspired attack is too focused to be effective. The innovation Bugcrowd brings to the table is a community of researchers who can attack a system from many perspectives. During the discussion, you will learn about federal vulnerability disclosure programs, how to overcome talent shortages, and how Bugcrown vets its research community. Trey Ford also touches on the FedRAMP journey, AI integration, and the evolving cybersecurity landscape, stressing the need for human creativity and dynamic responses to threats. Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com

Banned In Sparta”- Collaborative Album with Classical Greek Poets and Modern Folk Singers Helmed by Robin BatteauRobin Batteau's “Banned in Sparta” is a collaborative album of songs based on poems by Classical Greek poets and recorded by a number of friends Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, Livingston and Kate Taylor, Matt Nakoa, Robin Lane, 2-time Tony winning actor James Naughton and his gifted children Keira and Greg, plus Carolyn Hester.  Robin was inspired by an Ancient Greek History class he took when he returned to Harvard during the Pandemic to finish a degree he started in the 1960s. Robin earned the World Record of taking a 50-year break (between 1970 to 2021) to return to Harvard and finish his degree in 2022.   “Banned In Sparta” focuses almost entirely on poets from Ancient Greece between 700 and 400 BC.  One poet, Gaius Valerius Catullus (84 – 54 BC), as smitten with the ghost of Sappho as Robin or Alcaeus, is from Rome during Julius Caesar's reign, for whom Eric Andersen performs “Cross (of Gold),” an ode to interlaced and conflicted feelings, “Odi et Amo"— I hate and I love.The title “Banned in Sparta” finds its name from Archilochus, the Bob Dylan of the 7th century B.C., a warrior-poet so irreverent he was “Banned in Sparta.”  James Naughton sings the song “Archilochus Re-Deemed (I Am a Servant of the Lord God of War).” Kate Taylor performs “Telesilla's On the Wall,” from the female poet Telesilla, who led her fellow women warriors to victory against those same renowned Spartans. “The Greek Lyric poets performed live, and were the stars of their day,” says Robin. “They were singer/songwriters, they played the lyre (hence "Lyric") and danced around the stage like Tom Paxton and Taylor Swift.”Robin, who studied Ancient Greece and Integrative Biology at Harvard, found that most of what was left of the poems were fragments and myth, “So I mosaic-ed songs to reflect their expressions and intentions— who they were, and are to me.”         A range of female poets contributed to the lyrical history of Greece including Corrina, whose “In Her Loving Arms” is sung by Carolyn Hester, and Praxilla's “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World,” a hymn to Adonis, sung by Keira Naughton.  Sappho's writing inspires “Terra Cotta Heart,” sung by Robin Lane.  Livingston Taylor sings “My Sappho, Sweetly Smiling” from the smitten neighbor and rival Alcaeus. The fun and frolicking “Shake your Hair (You Thracian Filly),” sung by Tom Paxton. Pianist and folk singer Matt Nakoa offers a Bruce Hornsby-like treatment for Simonides of Ceos's “Theatre of Memory (Man of Gold).”    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

At the dawn of the twentieth century, a writer emerged who learned his craft not in a classroom, but in battlefields, bullrings, and bars. To some, Ernest Hemingway was the greatest writer of his generation. A Nobel laureate whose sparse, muscular prose changed literature forever. But to others, he was a swaggering egotist, a man addicted to danger and performance, obsessed with his own legend. His own life fuelled his work, just as his work in turn fed his own myth. But behind the mask he forged through his writing lay a man haunted by fear, violence, and the tyranny of bravery.   But why, more than sixty years after his death, does Hemingway remain a symbol of masculinity and modernism? Who were the people whose lives were swept up in the hurricane of his own? And how did the same passions that made Hemingway great also destroy him in the end? This is a Short History Of Ernest Hemingway. A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins. With thanks to Paul Hendrickson, author, journalist, professor, and the writer of Hemingway's Boat: Everything He Loved in Life, and Lost. Written by Sean Coleman | Produced by Kate Simants | Production Assistant: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Katrina Hughes | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design by Oliver Sanders | Assembly edit by Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cody Reynolds-Shaw Get every episode of Short History Of… a week early with Noiser+. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions ⁠A Short History of Ancient Rome⁠ - the debut book from the Noiser Network is out now! Discover the epic rise and fall of Rome like never before. Pick up your copy now at your local bookstore or visit ⁠⁠noiser.com/books⁠⁠ to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 468 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with renowned economic historian and author Barry Eichengreen about the history of international currencies and the prospects for the US dollar's continued preeminence, drawing on his new book Money Beyond Borders: Global Currencies from Croesus to Crypto. The first hour traces the long arc of international currency history, from the invention of coinage in ancient Lydia through the monetary innovations of Athens, Rome, and the Byzantine Empire, to Renaissance Florence, where a city-state with no navy and no silver mines managed to make its currency the dominant medium of exchange in Europe. The hour closes with a discussion about the Dutch Republic's revolutionary contributions to modern money and finance, and the Spanish silver dollar—the first truly global currency, which circulated from the New World to China and remained legal tender in the United States until the eve of the Civil War. The second hour examines Britain's emergence as the world's first modern financial superpower, whose decline opened the door to the internationalization of the US dollar, and the role that figures like Paul Warburg, the Federal Reserve, two World Wars, and the Bretton Woods Agreement each played in establishing dollar dominance—further cemented by the breakdown of Bretton Woods and the era of floating fiat currencies. They then turn to the present, examining what Eichengreen sees as the two most serious threats to the dollar's continued preeminence: the erosion of the rule of law and separation of powers inside the United States, and the fraying of the alliance relationships that underpin global confidence in dollar-denominated assets. They close with a discussion about whether stablecoins could extend the dollar's network effects, why the Euro and the Chinese renminbi fall short as credible alternatives, and what a world without a reliable global reserve currency could mean for international trade, finance, and geopolitical stability. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Join our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 03/09/2026

In the fourth century B.C., Plato famously posited a philosopher-king as the ideal ruler for his imagined Republic. Five hundred years later, the Roman Empire was led by Marcus Aurelius, the man often viewed as the best example of this Platonic ideal. In this episode, Jacke talks to William O. Stephens about his book Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King, which guides readers through the fascinating life, writings, and legacy of Rome's great emperor philosopher. The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Help support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/literature⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we spoke about the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact. In the summer of 1939, the Nomonhan Incident escalated into a major clash along the Halha River, where Soviet-Mongolian forces under Georgy Zhukov decisively defeated Japan's Kwantung Army. Zhukov's offensive, launched on August 20, involved intense artillery, bombers, and encirclement tactics, annihilating the Japanese 23rd Division and exposing weaknesses in Japanese mechanized warfare. The defeat, coinciding with the Hitler-Stalin Nonaggression Pact, forced Japan to negotiate a ceasefire on September 15-16, redrawing borders and deterring further northern expansion. Stalin navigated negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany to avoid a two-front war, ultimately signing the German-Soviet pact on August 23, which secured Soviet neutrality in Europe while addressing eastern threats. Post-Nomonhan, Soviet-Japanese relations warmed rapidly: fishing disputes were resolved, ambassadors exchanged, and the Chinese Eastern Railway sale finalized. By 1941, a neutrality pact was concluded, allowing Japan to pivot southward toward China and Southeast Asia.   #193 The Chiang-Wang Divide Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. After that lengthy mini series covering the battle of Khalkin Gol, we need to venture back into the second sino-japanese war, however like many other colossal events….well a lot was going on simultaneously. I wanted to take an episode to talk about the beginning of something known as the Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China, or much shorter, the Wang Jingwei Regime. It's been quite some time since we spoke about this character and he is a large part of the second sino-japanese war.    After the fall of Tianjin and Beiping, the government offices in Nanjing entered their annual summer recess. All of GMD's senior leadership, from Chiang Kai-shek down to Wang Jingwei, gathered on Mount Lu, a picturesque resort in northern Jiangxi, south of the Yangtze, famed for cliffs, clouds, and summer villas. Although Chiang had visited Mount Lu every summer, this was the first occasion that nearly the entire central government assembled there. Analysts suspected the gathering was a deliberate move to relocate government functions inland in the event of total war. Dozens of the nation's leading intellectuals were invited to Mount Lu to discuss strategies for countering Japan's ambitions. The forum was scheduled to begin on July 15 and to last twenty-seven days in three phases. The bridge incident caught them off guard. Unlike Manchuria, Beiping had long been the nation's capital, and the shock added urgency to the proceedings. When the forum, chaired by Wang, finally opened on July 16, speculation ran as to whether this signaled another regional conflict or the onset of full-scale war. The media pressed for a resolute stance of resistance from the government. To dispel the mounting confusion and perhaps his own indecision, Chiang delivered a solemn speech on July 17, declaring that if the incident could not be resolved peacefully, China would face the "crucial juncture" of national survival and would consider military action; if war began, every Chinese person, from every corner of the country and from every walk of life, would have to sacrifice all to defend the nation.   Chiang's Mount Lu Speech was now commonly regarded as the moment when China publicly proclaimed its firm commitment to resistance. Contemporary observers, however, did not take Chiang's stance at face value. Tao Xisheng, a Peking University law professor who had been invited, recalled that after the speech, people gathered in Hu Shi's room to discuss whether a peace option remained. Chiang left the mountain on July 20, leaving Wang to chair the conference. The discussions continued upon their return to Nanjing, where a National Defense Conference was organized in mid-August. It was also Tao's first encounter with Wang Jingwei. A "peace faction," largely composed of civil officials and intellectuals, began to take shape around Wang, favoring diplomatic solutions over costly and potentially ineffective military action.   During this period, both Chiang and Wang publicly called for resistance, while both harbored hopes for a peaceful solution. Yet their emphases differed. On July 29, Wang Jingwei delivered a radio address from Nanjing titled "The Critical Juncture," echoing Chiang's slogan. He likewise asserted that after repeated concessions and retreats, the critical juncture had come for China to rise against Japan. It would be a harsh form of resistance, since a weak nation had no alternative but to sacrifice every citizen's life and scorch every inch of land. Yet toward the end, Wang's speech took on an ironic turn. He stated, "The so-called resistance demands sacrificing the whole land and the whole nation to resist the invader. If there is no weakness in the world, then there is also no strength. Once we have completed the sacrifice, we also realize the purpose of resistance. We hail 'the critical juncture'! We hail 'sacrifice'!" The sentiment sounded almost satirical, revealing his doubt about the meaning of total sacrifice.   The hope for containment was crushed by Japan's ongoing advances. On November 12, Shanghai fell. Chiang's gamble produced about 187,200 Chinese casualties, including roughly 30,000 officers trained to German standards. Japanese casualties were estimated at a third to a half of the Chinese losses, still making it their deadliest single battle to date. The battered Japanese Imperial Army and Navy, long convinced of their invincibility, were consumed by vengeful bloodlust. The army swept from Shanghai toward Nanjing, leaving a trail of murder, rape, arson, and plunder across China's heartland.   With the fall of Nanjing looming, the central government announced on November 20 that it would relocate to Chongqing, a city upriver on the Yangtze protected by sheer cliffs. Plans for Chongqing as a reserve capital had already begun in 1935, with Hankou as the midway station. To preserve elite troops for the future while saving face, Nanjing was entrusted to General Tang Shengzhi and his roughly one hundred thousand largely inexperienced soldiers. Nanjing fell on December 13. Despite this victory, Japan's hopes of ending the China Incident within three months were dashed. The carnage produced by the war, especially the Rape of Nanjing, left a profound moral stain on humanity. A mass exodus from the coastal provinces toward the hinterland began. People fled by boats, trains, buses, rickshaws, and wheelbarrows. Universities, factories, and ordinary households were moved halfway across China, step by step. The nation resolved to persevere, even in distant mountains and deserts if necessary. In Sichuan alone, government relief agencies officially registered about 9.2 million refugees during the war years.   Chiang Kai-shek, after paying respects at Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum, flew to Mount Lu with Song Meiling. The so-called Second Couple chose a more modest path: like most refugees, the Wang family traveled upriver along the Yangtze. On November 21, they left Nanjing, abandoning a recently renovated suburban home and thirty years of collected books. Coincidentally, the ship carrying Wang Jingwei from Nanjing to Wuhan was SS Yongsui, the former SS Zhongshan that had escorted Sun Yat-sen to safety and witnessed Wang's ascent and subsequent downfall from power. Ironically renamed "Yong-sui," the ship's new title meant "peace," while the compound term suijing denoted a policy of appeasement. This symbolism—Wang being carried away from Nanjing by a ship named "Eternal Peace"—foreshadowed his eventual return to the city as a champion of a "peace movement."   After the Mount Lu Forum, Hu Shi and Tao Xisheng could not return to Beiping, now under Japanese occupation. They joined the government in Nanjing. Beginning in mid-August, Japanese bombers began attacking Nanjing. Air power—an unprecedented weapon of mass destruction—humbled and awed a Chinese public largely unfamiliar with airborne warfare. By striking a target that did not serve its immediate interests, Japan demonstrated its world-class military might and employed psychological warfare against the Chinese government and people. Because Zhou Fohai's villa at Xiliuwan had a fortified cellar suitable as an air-raid shelter, a group of like-minded intellectuals and civil servants sought refuge there. They preferred a peaceful approach to the conflict, subscribing to the idea of trading space for time—building China's industrial and military capabilities before confronting Japan. Tao Xisheng and Mei Siping, old allies of Zhou Fohai, lived in his house. Another frequent guest was Luo Junqiang, an ex-communist. The former CCP leader Chen Duxiu, recently released from prison, joined their gatherings a few times. Gao Zongwu hosted another meeting site. Hu Shi, as a guest himself, jokingly called this circle the "Low-Key Club" (Didiao julebu), a label that underscored their pragmatic defiance of the government's high-flown rhetoric urging all-out resistance. Many members of this group would later become central figures in a conspiracy known as the "peace movement," with Wang Jingwei as its leader and emblem.   As Gerald Bunker noted, the peace scheme did not originate with Wang but with certain associates of Chiang, elements in Japanese military intelligence, and members of liberal-minded Japanese political circles who were linked to Konoe. Zhou Fohai belonged to the Chiang-loyalist CC faction, named for Chen Guofu and Chen Lifu. Zhou believed that resistance under current conditions was suicidal. He sought to influence Chiang through people around him, including Wang Jingwei, whom he found impressionable and began visiting at Wang's salon. Gao Zongwu, head of the Foreign Ministry's Asian Department, felt sidelined by Chiang's uncompromising stance. They shared the sense that Chiang might be willing to talk but feared the price, perhaps his own leadership. They were dismayed by the lack of a long-range war plan beyond capitulation. Their view was that China's battlefield losses would worsen the terms of any settlement, and that the war's outcome seemed to benefit Soviet Russia and undermine the GMD more than China itself. The rapid collapses of Shanghai and then Nanjing vindicated their pessimism. Chiang's autocratic decision-making only deepened their dissatisfaction. They feared China was again at risk of foreign conquest from which it might not recover.   Wang Jingwei became the focal point for these disaffected individuals, drawn by his pacifist leanings, intellectual temperament, and preference for consensus-building. After the government relocated to Hankou, he lent guidance to the Literature and Art Research Society (Yiwen yanjiu hui), a propagandist body led by Zhou Fohai and Tao Xisheng. Its purpose was to steer public opinion on issues like the war of resistance and anticommunism, and to advocate a stance that the government must preserve both peace and war as options. Many believed it to be Wang's private organization; in truth, Chiang supported its activities. For much of 1938, Chiang's belligerent anti-Japanese rhetoric and Wang's conciliatory push were two sides of the GMD's broader strategy.   Among the society's regional branches, the Hong Kong chapter flourished under Mei Siping and Lin Baisheng. In addition to editing South China Daily News, Lin established Azure Books and the International Compilation and Translation Society (Guoji bianyishe) as primary propaganda organs. Ironically, Mei Siping had himself been a radical during the 1919 student protests, when he helped set fire to the deputy foreign minister's house in protest of perceived capitulation to Japan.   Wang Jingwei also actively engaged in international efforts to broker peace between Japan and China, including Trautmann's mediation by the German ambassador. Since the outbreak of war, various Western powers had contemplated serving as mediators, but none succeeded. Nazi Germany, aligned with Japan in an anti-Soviet partnership, emerged as China's most likely ally because it did not want Japan to squander its strength in China or compel China to seek Soviet help. Conversely, Japan's interest lay in prolonging the war or achieving a swift settlement. Ambassador Trautmann met with Wang Jingwei multiple times from October 31 to early November 1937 to confirm China's preference for peace before negotiating with Japan. The proposal Trautmann carried to Chiang Kai-shek on November 5 proposed terms including autonomy for Inner Mongolia, a larger demilitarized zone in North China, an expanded cease-fire around Shanghai, a halt to anti-Japanese movements, an anti-communist alliance, reduced tariffs on Japanese goods, and protection of foreign interests in China. Although Japan did not specify territorial gains, these terms deviated significantly from Chiang's demand to restore pre–Marco Polo Bridge status. After Shanghai fell, Chiang's rigidity softened.   On December 5, at Hankou, the National Defense Conference agreed to begin peace negotiations based on Trautmann's terms, a decision Chiang approved. But it was too late: Nanjing fell on December 13, and a provisional Beiping government led by Wang Kemin was established, signaling Japan's growing support for regional separatism. On December 24, Japan issued an ultimatum for a harsher deal to be accepted by January 10. In response, Chiang resigned as chairman of the Executive Yuan on January 1, 1938, and was succeeded by his brother-in-law Kong Xiangxi. Chiang declared that death in defeat was preferable to death in disgrace and refused to yield under coercion. The Konoe Cabinet announced on January 16 that Japan would not negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek. Trautmann's mediation had failed.   After Konoe's announcement, mediation became even more precarious, as it placed the already deadly, no-win situation between the two nations in deeper jeopardy. Secret contacts between the two governments persisted through multiple channels—sometimes at the direction of their own leaders, other times at the initiative of a cadre of officials and quasi-official figures of dubious legitimacy. Many of these covert efforts were steered by Chiang himself. In late 1937, Wang Jingwei even sent Chen Gongbo to Rome to explore the possibility of Italian mediation between China and Japan. After meetings with Mussolini and Foreign Minister Ciano, Chen concluded that Italy had no genuine goodwill toward China and favored Japan. His conversations with other Western leaders (Belgium, France, Britain, and the United States) proved equally fruitless. In diaries, Zhou Fohai and Chen Kewen recorded a pervasive mood of pessimism among Hankou and Chongqing's national government factions. Although direct champions of negotiating with Japan were few, many voices insisted that China was on the brink of collapse while secretly hoping peace talks would begin soon. Gao Zongwu's mission emerged from this tense atmosphere.   With Konoe's cabinet refusing to negotiate with Chiang Kai-shek, many regarded Wang as the best candidate to carry forward a diplomatic solution. Yet Wang remained convinced of his loyalty to Chiang and to Chiang's policy. The Italian ambassador visited Wuhan to offer mediation between Wang and the Japanese government, an invitation Wang declined. Tang Shaoyi's daughter traveled to Wuhan to convey Tokyo's negotiation intent, but was similarly turned away. Even Chen Bijun, then in Hong Kong, urged Wang to join her and start peace negotiations; he again declined. Tao Xisheng remembered a quiet night when Wang confided in him: "This time I will cooperate with Mr. Chiang until the very end, regardless of how the war unfolds." His stance did not change when Gao Zongwu reported that the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff Office wanted him to head the peace talks.   Gao Zongwu's bid was brokered by Dong Daoning, head of the Japan Affairs Section in the Foreign Ministry. Shortly after Konoe's statement, Dong traveled to Shanghai to meet Nishi Yoshiaki, representative of Mantetsu, and Matsumoto Shigeharu, a Dōmei News Agency journalist. Nishi and Matsumoto then introduced Dong to Kagesa Sadaaki, head of the Strategy and Tactics Department in the General Staff Office. Kagesa introduced Dong to Deputy Director Tada Hayao and colleagues Ishiwara Kanji and Imai Takeo, who agreed that a peaceful resolution to the China crisis aligned with Japan's interests. It would be inaccurate to paint these figures as pacifists: Ishiwara, who helped build Manchukuo, also recognized that further incursions into China could jeopardize Japan's hard-won gains. They proposed a temporary resignation by Chiang to spare Konoe from having to retract his refusal to negotiate, thereby allowing Wang to lead the talks. In short, the scheme aimed to save face for Konoe.   Dong returned to Hong Kong and delivered the proposal to Gao Zongwu, who had been stationed there since February under Chiang's orders to oversee intelligence and liaison with Japan. Luo Junqiang, Gao's contact, testified that Gao was paid monthly from Chiang's secret military fund. Gao went back to Hankou twice, on April 2 and May 30. On the second trip, he personally conveyed Japan's terms to Chiang. Gao later admitted that Chiang never gave him explicit instructions, but rather cultivated an impression of tacit approval. At no point did Gao view the deal as Chiang's betrayal. As long as Chiang retained control of the military, Wang's leadership could only be nominal and temporary. Unbeknownst to Wang, Gao's personal ties to Chiang remained hidden from him; he learned of them only through Zhou Fohai. Startled, he handed the information to Chiang Kai-shek and told Tao Xisheng: "I cannot broker peace with Japan alone. I will not deceive Mr. Chiang." Given Tao's later departure from Wang's circle to rejoin Chiang, Tao's recollection could be trusted.   Two months later, Wang left Chongqing to pursue a peace settlement. A key factor may have been persistent lobbying by Zhou, Gao, Mei, Tao, and especially his wife Chen Bijun. Luo Junqiang recalled that Kong Xiangxi objected that Gao acted without him, prompting Chiang to order Gao to halt his covert efforts, an order Gao ignored. Gao and Mei Siping continued to press for a deal. Gao even spent three weeks in Japan in July, holding extensive talks with Kagesa Sadaaki and Imai Takeo. Their discussions produced the first substantive articulation of the Wang peace movement as a Sino-Japanese plot to end the "China incident." On November 26, Mei flew from Hong Kong to Chongqing with a draft of Japan's terms and Konoe's planned announcement. The proposal stated that the Japanese army would withdraw completely within two years once peace was reached, but it demanded that China formally recognize Manchukuo. Wang was to leave Chongqing for Kunming by December 5, then proceed to Hanoi. Upon Japan receiving news of his arrival in Hanoi, the telegram would reveal the peace terms. This pivotal moment threw Wang into intense inner turmoil. Zhou Fohai visited Wang daily, and Wang delayed decisively each time, much to Zhou's frustration. Ultimately, it seemed that Chen Bijun rendered the final judgment on Wang's behalf. As in earlier episodes, Wang found himself trapped by an idealized image of himself held by family, followers, and loyalists, seen by them as a larger-than-life figure who must undertake a mission too grand to fail.   Yet Wang's stance was not purely involuntary. As Imai Takeo noted, he fundamentally disagreed with Chiang's strategy of resistance. The so-called scorched-earth approach caused immense suffering. Three episodes stood out: the 1938 Yellow River flood, ordered by Chiang to impede Japan's advance, which destroyed dikes and displaced millions, yielding devastating agricultural and humanitarian consequences; the subsequent epidemics and famine that followed, producing about two million refugees and up to nine hundred thousand deaths, while failing to stop the Japanese advance toward Wuhan (which fell in October); and the Changsha fire, ignited in the early hours of November 13, which killed nearly thirty thousand people and devastated most of the city. These events sharpened Wang's doubts about Chiang's defense strategy, especially its reckless execution and cruelty. By late November, Wang began to openly challenge Chiang's approach, delivering a series of speeches advocating his own war-weariness and preference for limiting resistance to preserve national strength for future counterstrikes. He argued that guerrilla warfare burdened the people and wasted national resources that could be saved for a later, more effective defense. He urged soldiers to exercise judgment and listen to their consciences, and he attributed much of the civilian suffering to the Communists; nonetheless, with General von Falkenhausen, Chiang's German adviser, now urging a shift toward smaller-unit mobile warfare, Wang's critique of Chiang's strategy took on a more pointed, risksome tone. If resistance equaled total sacrifice, Wang was not prepared to endorse it. As Margherita Zanasi noted, Wang Jingwei and Chen Gongbo had long shared a vision of a self-consciously anti-imperial "national economy", the belief that China's economy had not yet achieved genuine nation-power and that compromising with the foe might be necessary to save the national economy.   Wang and Zhou also worried that continuing resistance would strengthen the Communists and that genuine international aid would not arrive, at least not soon. After Nazi Germany occupied Czechoslovakia, Wang briefly hoped for the formation of an antifascist democratic alliance. Yet the Munich Agreement disappointed him. Viewing Western democracies as culturally imperialist, he doubted they would jeopardize their relations with Japan, another imperial power, on China's behalf. This view was reinforced by Zhou Fohai and other China specialists who had recently joined Wang's circle; they argued that China would fall unless the international situation shifted dramatically. Their forecast would prove accurate only after Pearl Harbor.   In the end, Wang longed for decisive action. He had been sidelined since the government's move to Wuhan. At the GMD Provisional National Congress in Hankou (March 29–April 1), the party resolved to restore Chiang Kai-shek to near-total control by reasserting the authoritarian zongcai system. The Congress also established the People's Political Council as a nominal nod to democracy, but it remained largely consultative. Wang was elected deputy director and chairman of the council, yet he clearly resented the position. Jiang Tingfu described Wang's Hankou mood as "somewhat resentful," recognizing the role as largely ceremonial. More optimistic observers attributed his dismay to the return of dictatorship, and he likely felt increasingly useless. Since the Mukden Incident, Wang had prioritized party unity and been content to play a secondary role to Chiang, but inaction did not fit his sense of historical purpose. It was Zhou Fohai who urged Wang to risk his reputation for a greater cause, presenting a calculated nudge to someone susceptible to idealism. A longing to find meaning through action may have finally pushed him toward a fateful decision. As Chen Bijun bluntly told Long Yun, her husband "was merely an empty shell in Chongqing and could contribute nothing to the country; thus he wanted to change his surroundings."   Wang considered staying abroad as a serious option amid the Hanoi uncertainty. Gao Zongwu had previously told Japanese negotiators that if Konoe's stance did not satisfy Wang, he might head to France. Chongqing echoed this possibility. On December 29, Ambassador Guo Taiqi, acting on Chiang's orders, telegraphed Wang suggesting he go to Europe "to take a break." It would have offered a graceful exit. Kagesa recommended Hanoi as Wang Jingwei's midway station because, as a French colony, it offered a relatively safe environment. Only the French were armed there, and several members of the extended Wang family had grown up in France, enabling them to communicate with the colonial authorities.   After Wang departed for Hanoi, Long Yun hesitated for weeks. On December 20, he telegraphed Chiang, saying Wang had paused in Kunming on the way to Hanoi to seek medical treatment. Knowing this was untrue, Chiang replied on December 27 with a stern warning about Japan's unreliability, a message that appeared to have persuaded Long. A day later, Long urged leniency for Wang. Following Wang's publication of the "yan telegram," public anger likely pushed Long toward a final decision. On January 6, he informed Chiang of a letter from Wang delivered by Chen Changzu, and he noted that the Wangs were considering the French option, but recommended allowing Wang to return to Chongqing to show leniency and to enable surveillance.   Chiang replied two days later that Wang would be better off going to Europe. The extended Wang family resided in two Western-style mansions at 25 and 27 Rue Riz Marché, surrounded by high walls. On February 15, Chongqing's envoy Gu Zhengding brought their passports to Hanoi. Accounts differed on what happened next. One version had Wang offering to travel abroad if Chongqing accepted his proposal to start peace talks; if Chongqing remained indecisive, he would return to voice his dissent. Another version claimed Gu's primary task was to bring Wang back to Chongqing, which Wang declined, preferring France.   Although the French option was gaining favor, the Wang circle continued to explore other avenues. In early 1939, secret contacts with the Japanese government persisted, though not always in a coordinated way. Chiang's intelligence advised that the Wang group was forming networks in Shanghai and especially Hong Kong, with Gao Zongwu playing a central role. On February 1, Gao returned from Hong Kong and stayed for five days, finding Wang in a despondent mood. Wang asked Gao to pass along a few letters to Japanese leaders urging the creation of a unified Chinese government to earn the Chinese people's understanding and trust. Wang believed his actions would serve the best interests of both China and Japan. On March 18, the Japanese consulate in Hong Kong informed Gao that funding for the Wang group would come from China's customs revenues that Japan had seized.   Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-shek sensed a shift in the war's direction. On February 10, Japan seized Hainan, China's southernmost major island. The next day, Chiang held a press conference describing the development as "the Mukden Incident of the Pacific." He warned that Japan's ambitions could threaten British and French colonial interests and U.S. maritime supremacy. Gao Zongwu read the speech and concluded that Chiang's outlook had brightened.   For three months, the Wang circle met frequently to weigh options. The prominent writer and scholar Zhou Zuoren, who had already accepted a collaborationist post as head of the Beiping library, warned Tao Xisheng, saying "Don't do it," signaling his misgivings about collaborating with Japan based on his reading of Japanese politics. As Zhou observed, many young Japanese militarists did not even respect General Ugaki, let alone a foreign leader.   Then the assassination of Zeng Zhongming, Wang's secretary and protégé, abruptly altered the meaning of Wang's mission. The Wang group was deeply unsettled by Zeng Zhongming's assassination. The event came as a shock. On March 20, Gu Zhengding's second Hanoi visit concluded. Allegedly Gu delivered passports and funds for a European excursion. On a bright spring day, the entire Wang family enjoyed a lighthearted outing to Three Peaches Beach, only to be halted by a French officer who warned they were being followed. During their afternoon rest, a man posing as a painter, sent by the landlord to measure rooms for payment, appeared at the door and was turned away when he insisted on entering every room. More than twenty people in the household, none were armed.   Since January, Hanoi had been a hive of BIS activity. The ringleader was Chen Gongshu, a veteran operative under spymaster Dai Li, though Chen's recollections clashed with those of other witnesses, leaving the exact sequence unclear. Chen claimed their role was intelligence and surveillance until March 19, when an unsigned telegram from Dai Li ordered, "Severest punishment to the traitor Wang Jingwei, immediately!" The mission supposedly shifted. The Wang family was followed the next day but evaded capture in traffic, prompting a raid on the house. Reports varied: some said Wang resided on the second floor of No. 27; others suggested he lived in No. 25, with No. 27 used for day guests. The force entered the courtyard, forced open the door to Wang's room, and a getaway car waited outside. Chen, in the car, heard gunshots: initial shots toward a downstairs figure, then three shots through a bedroom door hacked open with an axe, aimed at a figure beneath the bed, believed to be Wang Jingwei. The team drove off after four to five minutes. Vietnamese police soon detained three killers who lingered in the courtyard and even listened in on a hospital call. Chen didn't realize the target had been misidentified until the next afternoon. Some BIS records suggested Wang and Zeng Zhongming had swapped bedrooms that night, a detail Chen doubted. Chen did not mention a painter's earlier visit.   There were competing accounts of the event with their numerous inconsistencies that fueled conspiracy theories. Jin Xiongbai outlined three possibilities: (1) the killers killed the "wrong person" as a warning to Wang Jingwei; (2) they killed Zeng to provoke Wang toward collaboration; or (3) the episode was always part of a broader Chiang-Wang collaboration plan.   In any case, Dai Li showed unusual leniency toward Chen Gongshu, who was never punished and later led the Shanghai station. After Dai Li's agent Li Shiqun was captured in 1941, Li not only spared Chen's life but recruited him on a double-agent basis for the remainder of the war, with Chen retiring to Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek never discussed the case publicly or in his diary, and his silence was perhaps the strongest indication that he ordered the killing.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Wang Jingwei, once a key figure in China's resistance against Japan, grew disillusioned with Chiang Kai-shek's scorched-earth tactics during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Amid devastating events like the Yellow River flood and Changsha fire, which caused immense civilian suffering, Wang joined a peace faction advocating negotiation. Secret talks with Japanese officials led to his defection in 1938. He fled Chongqing to Hanoi, where an assassination attempt, likely ordered by Chiang, killed his secretary Zeng Zhongming instead.   

Rome did not collapse because barbarians stormed the gates.It collapsed because the men strong enough to defend it no longer believed the center was worth saving.By 260 AD, the Roman Empire was already hollow.The money was broken.The borders were failing.The emperors were cycling through civil wars faster than the system could absorb them.And then a frontier general made the decision that revealed the truth.Postumus didn't march on Rome to seize the whole empire.He did something more dangerous.He walked away.He took Gaul, Britain, and Hispania and built a rival Roman state — the Gallic Empire — with its own army, its own senate, and better money than Rome itself.This is the Roman Pattern:Empires rarely die from one final blow.They die when the strongest people inside the system decide the center is no longer legitimate.In this episode:• Why the Crisis of the Third Century shattered Roman authority • How currency debasement destroyed trust in the empire • Why the Rhine frontier stopped believing in Rome • How Postumus built the Gallic Empire • Why strong leaders can accelerate collapse instead of stopping it • How Aurelian reunited the empire — but never restored what Rome had been History doesn't repeat.But it does rhyme.Subscribe for more episodes on Rome's collapse signals and the patterns repeating right now.CHAPTERS:00:00 Rome Didn't Die From the Outside00:25 The Empire Was Already Hollow00:51 The General Who Walked Away01:40 The Body, Not the Mythology02:28 235 AD: The Murder That Starts the Spiral03:23 The First Fault Line: Power04:20 When Succession Becomes Violence04:51 The Second Fault Line: Money05:42 How Rome Destroyed Its Own Currency07:02 Why the Edges Felt It First08:24 The Third Fault Line: Borders09:19 Why Gaul Stopped Believing in Rome10:42 Enter Postumus12:14 260 AD: The Illusion Dies13:35 Why Rome Couldn't Even Save Its Emperor14:27 The Trigger in Cologne16:02 Rome Breaks Into Three17:00 The Gallic Empire Works Better18:30 Postumus and Better Money19:35 Why Breakaway States Claim Legitimacy20:56 Palmyra and Zenobia22:11 How Empires Fragment23:03 Why Even the Alternative Still Fails25:31 Aurelian Reunites the Empire28:47 What the Gallic Empire Really Proved31:04 The Meaning of Rome Changes31:33 Where the Pattern Appears Today33:15 When the Center Can Be Replaced

What happens when you suddenly develop a passion for playing the piano, and your upstairs neighbors can't stand to hear you playing and take every opportunity to tell you so... but meanwhile their kids are rollerskating over your head at midnight? A not-so-friendly neighbor war ignites. Tiffany is in the middle of just one such war, and she regales Katy with all the bitter details on this week's new episode. ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: Our third annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure is in the books! If you'd like to join us in 2026, and be part of an intimate group of listeners on a magical and unforgettable journey to Rome, discovering the city with us as your guides, find out more here. AD-FREE LISTENING: After well over 10 years on the air with little-to-no advertising, in 2026 we have finally made the difficult decision that this completely independent and self-funded show is no longer sustainable without it. HOWEVER! If you join us on Patreon, for as little as $3 per month, you will have access to all new episodes completely ad-free! ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. GET TWO BONUS EPISODES PER MONTH: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life at the $5 per month level or above, and you will have access to two all-new (and sometimes wacky) bonus episodes every single month. As well as ad-free listening, occasional live meet-ups, and access to our chat community. Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

This week on SUNDAY WIRE returns with host Patrick Henningsen as we chronicle the imperial train wreck of Trump's America – putting into historical context the fall of latter day Rome, and how Israel has drained the United States of its power and influence on the world stage by leading Trump on a leash into a disastrous war. Also, we raise the alarm about Trump and Hegseth's intimidation of the press and potential arrest of Tucker Carlson as a political target by a regime in Washington that's now imploding in public view. Later in the Overdrive segment, we're joined by teammates Bryan "Hesher" McClain and Adam "Ruckus" Clark, for deeper comment and analysis on this week's geopolitical development. All this and more on this week's edition of the SUNDAY WIRE. Watch this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn8IHqd8WFM  This month's featured music artists: The Real Anthem Band, Joseph Arthur, Peyoti for President, Peter Conway & Red Rumble, and Phil Zimmerman SUPPORT OUR MEDIA OUTLET HERE (https://21w.co/support)

"You're not allowed to say that." Those four words changed everything for Joshua David "JoDavi" Washington, Director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI) and world-touring recording artist. Sharing what he thought were just "fun experiences" about Israel with college friends, Josh watched conversations shut down cold: "It went from 'I disagree with you' to 'you're not allowed to say that.' And that would rub me the wrong way,” he explains, “what do you mean I can't say that?"Now he's built an entire ecosystem of artists who've found a space to share unpopular opinions expressed through music. Josh argues that free speech "protects speech that's not popular," and that artists' jobs are "to hold a mirror to society.” Unfortunately, much of today's creative class seems to just practice mass virtue signaling —the opposite of icons like James Brown, who "had the integrity to stand on their convictions."Josh's recent album Zion tackles everything from the Masada defenders' last battle against Rome to abortion's impact on the Black community—controversial topics that will get pushback when he posts about them online, but that audiences love in song form.Music, he explains, "can't be translated to a tweet"—it's a richer medium, one that reaches people differently. Josh's advice for artists afraid to speak up? "There are a lot more of us who are like-minded than you would think. We just think we're so small in number, and I don't think we are."Learn more about Josh's work with IBSI at: https://ibsi.org/

At the beginning of the common era, the two major imperial powers of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East were Rome and Parthia. In this  (open access) book The Arsacids of Rome: Misunderstanding in Roman-Parthian Relations (U California Press, 2025), Jake Nabel analyzes Roman-Parthian interstate politics by focusing on a group of princes from the Arsacid family—the ruling dynasty of Parthia—who were sent to live at the Roman court. Although Roman authors called these figures “hostages” and scholars have studied them as such, Nabel draws on Iranian and Armenian sources to argue that the Parthians would have seen them as the emperor's foster-children. These divergent perspectives allowed each empire to perceive itself as superior to the other, since the two sides interpreted the exchange of royal children through conflicting cultural frameworks. Moving beyond the paradigm of great powers in conflict, The Arsacids of Rome advances a new vision of interstate relations with misunderstanding at its center. New Books in Late Antiquity is Presented by Ancient Jew Review. Jake Nabel is the Tombros Early Career Professor of Classical Studies and Assistant Professor of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Pennsylvania State University. Michael Motia teaches Classics and Religious Studies at UMass Boston 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

In concluding his letter to the Romans, Paul gives a series of greetings to those in the churches in Rome. This letter is more than just information. But it is sharing the way of Jesus WITH one another.

Protests, missiles, and a regime on the ropes — Iran is at a turning point. Ryan McBeth explains the forces driving one of the world's most complex crises.Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1297On This Episode of Out of the Loop:Iran is an ancient civilization stretching back 5,000 years — but most Americans only know the post-1979 version, which is like judging Rome entirely by the fall of its empire and missing the aqueducts, art, and architecture that came before.The 1953 CIA-backed coup that toppled Iran's democratically elected government planted the seeds for the 1979 Islamic Revolution — a theocratic regime that crushed dissent, built a proxy empire through Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and turned the IRGC into its enforcer.Iran's proxy strategy is devastatingly cheap and effective — rather than build a navy, they fund groups like the Houthis to launch missiles based on Iranian targeting intel, giving Tehran plausible deniability while disrupting global shipping and oil markets.AI-generated war footage and disinformation are rapidly becoming a frontline weapon — fake videos of captured soldiers and fabricated attacks spread faster than fact-checkers can respond, and producing convincing deepfakes now costs as little as $12 per video.Despite decades of repression, Iranian citizens continue to protest and push for change — and experts suggest that if the regime falls, Iran's strong collective national identity makes a Libya-style collapse unlikely, offering real hope for a democratic future.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you'd like to stay on top of what's happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan's Substack!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Bombas: Go to bombas.com/jordan to get 20% off your first orderGusto: Three months of free payroll: gusto.com/jordanSimpliSafe Home Security: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanThe President's Daily Brief: Listen here or wherever you find fine podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1. The Founding Mothers and Augustan Propaganda(1)Guest author Emma Southon notes that historians like Livy wrote during the reign of Augustus to reshape early Roman history to justify the return to monarchy. These writers aimed to portray Rome as the most virtuous and god-beloved nation. A primary narrative involves the Sabine women, who were kidnapped to populate the new city. Led by Hersilia, these women eventually intervened in a battle, acting as the "glue" that turned a war between enemies into a family conflict. Southon contrasts the virtuous Hersilia with Tarpeia, a "bad" woman who betrayed Rome for luxury. (2)

3. Wicked Queens and the Sacrifice of Vestals (5)Southon discusses Tullia, the "wicked" opposite of Lucretia, who murdered her family to seize power and defiled her father's body. Her ambition served as a warning that monarchy breeds tyranny. The focus then shifts to the Vestal Virgins, such as Oppia, who were tasked with maintaining Rome's eternal flame. If bad omens occurred, a Vestal might be accused of unchastity and buried alive as a human sacrifice to appease the gods. Often, there was no evidence of wrongdoing beyond "unchaste" behavior like telling jokes or wearing nice dresses. (6)

6. Queens of Britain: Cooperation and Resistance (11)Southon compares two female leaders in Roman Britain: Cartimandua and Boudica. Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes, chose to collaborate with Rome, maintaining power for decades by bringing Roman luxuries like wine and spices to her people. Conversely, Boudicaled a violent but short-lived rebellionagainst Roman tyranny. While the historian Tacitus portrayed Boudica as a stoic figure of honor who died by her own hand, modern British schools often view her as a symbol of national resistanceto continental rule and Britishexceptionalism. (12)

The root of the global war and the end of this age is biblical. What we are seeing in the Zionist movement is that that Esau/Edom is who is currently posing/pretending to be Jacob so as to steal the “birthright” back. That's who is leading the modern Israeli nation state. They think Edom is Rome. The “birthright” is the right to bring forth the true sons of God and few if anyone presently has a sufficiently clear sense of who God is to do that very well. Seeing God for who He truly is— is as critical as it come and it doesn't appear many have that understanding. #BardsFM #Birthrights #EsauAndJacob Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS BardsFM CAP, Celebrating 50 Million Downloads: https://ambitiousfaith.net Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMF Solutions to keep your home safe: https://www.emfsol.com/?aff=bards Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com No Knot Today Natural Skin Products: NoKnotToday.com Health, Nutrition and Detox Consulting: HealthIsLocal.com Destination Real Food Book on Amazon: click here Images In Bloom Soaps and Things: ImagesInBloom.com Angeline Design: AngelineDesign.com DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

John Luke celebrates the arrival of his twin daughters, instantly becoming a father of five and giving the guys plenty to talk about when it comes to the miracle and chaos of childbirth. John Luke, Christian, Zach, and Al swap stories about witnessing labor for the first time and reflect on how the arrival of new life can feel both overwhelming and deeply spiritual. That leads into a bigger discussion about why Christianity makes such a bold claim: that the Creator of the universe chose to enter the world the same way every human does, through birth. The guys connect that moment to how the humble birth of Jesus reshaped human history and still anchors the story we're all living in today. In this episode: John 1, verses 1–4; John 1, verse 14; Genesis 1, verse 1; Genesis 3, verse 15; Acts 17, verses 22–31 Today's conversation is about Lesson 1 of Ancient Christianity taught by visiting Hillsdale Professor of History Kenneth Calvert. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/. More about Ancient Christianity: Christ entered the world during the reign of Caesar Augustus. The tensions between Christianity and the Roman Empire shaped the daily practice of the Christian faith and led many Romans to distrust and persecute the early Christians. But Christianity also benefitted from the Roman world. And when Rome collapsed in the West, Christianity provided the hope for preserving civilization. In this free, eleven-lecture course, Professor Kenneth Calvert will explore: How the Jewish, Greek, and Roman cultures all contributed to preparing the world to hear the Gospel. Why many Romans distrusted and persecuted the early Christians. The inspiring stories of Christ, His apostles, and faithful ones throughout the first four centuries of Christianity. The arguments of key early Christian apologists—Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin, Athanasius, and more—who defended and defined the Christian faith amidst the animosity of the Roman world. The conversion of Constantine and how he brought stability to Rome, and how the rivalry between his sons almost returned Rome to paganism. How Augustine's writings helped preserve the message of Christianity during the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. You will discover the uncertainties, trials, and triumphs of the earliest Christians as they confronted controversies within the faith and persecutions from outside it. Join us today to discover the improbable and miraculous story of Christianity. Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 00:00 The Most Prolific Man at the Table 03:00 The Wild & Spiritual Reality of Childbirth 07:20 Why Christianity Includes God Becoming a Baby 12:00 Jesus Connects a Distant & Personal God 18:00 Greek Philosophy & the Search for the Creator 25:30 Paul Challenges the Philosophers in Athens 33:30 Why Christianity Spread Across the Roman Empire 41:30 Caesar Augustus vs. Jesus: The Real “Son of God” — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices