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What does it take to build sustainable hearing care infrastructure in underserved regions of the world? In this inspiring interview, Andrew Bellavia is joined by Richard Brown, Chairman and President of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and Alfred Mwamba, Executive Director of the Starkey Hearing Institute in Zambia, to explore the foundation's evolution from mission-based outreach to a scalable, community-empowered model of hearing healthcare.Brown and Mwamba detail how the Starkey Hearing Institute is training local healthcare workers to become hearing care providers, especially in regions where audiologists are scarce or non-existent. They share the foundation's efforts to ensure long-term care, improve professional recognition, and work in partnership with local governments and universities to expand services across Africa and beyond. Their conversation highlights the importance of dignity, respect, and community-rooted solutions in tackling global hearing loss.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/
Episode's Agenda: • New Contracts for Orlando Pride, Haley McCutcheon, Grace Chanda, Ally Lemos, Viviana Villacorta, and Zara Chavoshi• International Pride, USWNT, Zambia, Brazil, England, Canada, USA U23s. #NWSL #orlandopride #woso
In 13 years of guiding safaris, Michael Laubscher had never witnessed anything like this. Deep in Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park, a small female leopard found herself face-to-face with one of Africa's most intelligent species - a lone baboon stranded high in a towering winter thorn tree. What followed was an hour-long battle of wits, strategy, and raw survival instinct that defied everything Michael thought he knew about predator behavior. This is the story of the hunt that stopped time, where nature rewrote the rulebook before his very eyes.Visit our website here: https://wild-eye.com/
Welcome to Episode 109 of The Journey Is The Reward! We are generally much less offended than our email inbox suggests! This week are thrilled to welcome back the cartographic genius himself, Eric the Mapmaker.But before we dive into Eric's latest adventures, we had to address a burning question from the email account – emphatically named Imreallyoffended@yahoo.com.Then, Listener Mike hit us up with a real puzzler about gifting flight crews, because apparently, Reddit has decided that kindness gets you fired. Who knew?! And speaking of flight decks, Listener Lu drops a fantastic question about single pilot operations and whether we really need two humans up front at all times. We've got thoughts, and we're not afraid to share them.Our main event today is a truly special chat with Eric The Mapmaker. He embarked on a domestic airline odyssey, hitting up a bunch of different cities, and proving that sometimes, the best laid travel plans are the ones you throw out the window halfway through. And as always, our ears are blessed by the utterly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.Want to experience that magic in person? Join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Seriously, it's going to be incredible. Reach out to him at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details. Let's make some memories and genuinely enjoy the Journey, because, well, it really is the Reward!
Zambia Globalheart Celebration Service - Ps Gerard Keehan 29/06/2025
Zu Fuß durchs wilde Afrika – mit Remote AfricaIn dieser Folge nehmen wir euch mit nach Sambia – ins abgelegene Luangwa-Tal, wo Safari noch echt, wild und leise ist.Gemeinsam mit Remote Africa sprechen wir über das, was sie besonders macht: Walking Safaris. Keine Jeeps, kein Lärm – nur du, dein Guide und die Tierwelt auf Augenhöhe.Was erwartet dich?
Wiki hii ulimwengu umeshuhudia matukio mengi ya ajabu na hatari sana kwa usalama wa nchi mbali mbali, kwanza nchini Kenya watu 16 waliuawa katika maandamano ya kuadhimisha mwaka mmoja wa mauaji ya vijana Gen Z, Rwanda na DRC zatia saini mkataba wa amani kumaliza vita vya mashariki mwa Jamhuri ya kidemokrasia ya Congo, siasa za Chad, Zambia na pia mashambulizi kati ya Israeli na Iran, pamoja na mkutano wa jumuia ya NATO..na mengine mengi
Global medical missions bring unique challenges and powerful rewards—something Dr. Spencer Hiller and Dr. Kenneth Peters know firsthand. In this episode of BackTable Urology, they join host Dr. Jose Silva to reflect on their work in global health, focusing on their surgical missions to Zambia to treat complex urologic conditions, including vesicovaginal fistula, and a variety of general urologic cases. --- SYNPOSIS The discussion covers the origins and evolution of their missions, the preparation required for high-volume surgical trips, and the clinical impact on both patients and participating healthcare providers. Dr. Peters and Dr. Hiller detail the logistical and financial hurdles involved, the emphasis on sustainable care models, and their strategies for fundraising. They also emphasize the value of cultural immersion and the long-term goal of establishing educational and medical infrastructure within the communities they serve. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 01:23 - The Mission to Africa: How It All Began02:32 - Challenges and Logistics of Medical Missions06:02 - Resident Involvement and Impact09:10 - Preparation and Experiences in Africa11:38 - Overcoming Obstacles: Supplies and Customs19:18 - Types of Procedures and Medical Work in Africa21:45 - Upgrading Equipment and Training Local Staff28:28 - Daily Operations and Patient Management31:00 - Post-Trip Activities and Community Engagement34:26 - Funding and Sustainability Efforts40:31 - Personal Reflections and Future Plans
Taxă pe gândire. Când bursa devine vis și cartea - lux (SpotMedia) - Statul închide robinetul de mercenari: Guvernul vrea să oprească migrarea cadrelor din Poliție și Armată către armate private, sub pedeapsa închisorii (PressOne) - Ar trebui ca România să ofere avioane F16 Ucrainei? Expert: „Summitul NATO stimulează statele europene să doneze Kievului vechituri” (Adevărul) Guvernul se pregătește să taie sporurile pentru bugetari de la 1 iulie. Ce ia din sporuri va da la consumatorii vulnerabili de energie (HotNews) Guvernul caută soluții pentru a face economii la buget începând chiar cu 1 iulie, fiind luată în calcul inclusiv reducerea sau eliminarea unor sporuri acordate bugetarilor, au declarat, pentru HotNews, surse guvernamentale. Graba noului Executiv este dată de urgența adoptării unor măsuri de protejare, de la 1 iulie, a consumatorilor vulnerabili de energie, pentru care sunt necesare sume mari de la bugetul statului. Cele două proiecte de OUG anunțate de HotNews.ro au ajuns spre avizare la Consiliul Economic și Social (CES). Deși este doar consultativ, avizul CES este obligatoriu înainte de adoptarea oricărui act normativ. 12,4 miliarde de lei s-au dat pe sporuri anul trecut. România are peste 3,7 milioane de consumatori vulnerabili. Mecanismul de sprijin pentru consumatorii vulnerabili, după ridicarea plafonării prețurilor la energie de la 1 iulie 2025, prevede un sprijin lunar în valoare de 50 de lei pentru o perioadă de 9 luni, de la 1 iulie 2025 până la 31 martie 2026. Sunt 2 categorii de beneficiari: persoană singură cu un venit net lunar de maxim 1940 lei familii cu un venit net lunar/membru de maxim 1784 de lei. Taxă pe gândire. Când bursa devine vis și cartea - lux (SpotMedia) Analfabetismul funcțional se apropie de 50%, iar ministrul-psiholog al Educaţiei a decis că bursele sunt prea scumpe. Nu sunt prea scumpe pensiile speciale. De ele nu te poţi atinge că… CCR. Nu sunt prea scumpe subvențiile de zeci de milioane de euro pentru partide. Aici sunt banii de propagandă, cum să-i tai? Nu sunt prea scumpe salariile uriașe din autorităţile şi companiile de stat (unele falimentare), unde se premiază incompetența și pilele. Acum câteva luni acelaşi ministru spunea pe bună dreptate că analfabetismul funcțional e chestiune de securitate naţională. Au trecut alegerile, ne-a lovit brusc conştiinţa bugetului şi deodată nu mai e nicio problemă. Ba chiar se mai poate tăia niţel din banii pentru şcoală. Aşa că acum ministrul David le spune cinic elevilor şi studenților să accepte mai puțini bani pentru burse. De ce? Pentru că, „în situații de criză, lucrurile sunt complicate. Și să vrei, n-ai de unde”. Şi asta în condițiile în care România oricum cheltuie printre cei mai puțini bani din UE pe educație, raportat la PIB. Ne aflăm la același nivel cu Tanzania, după state precum Zambia, Anguilla, Palau, Benin și Panama. România e țara în care educația moare cu zile și e ucisă de cei care ar trebui s-o salveze, scrie Bogdana Boga, redactor șef SpotMedia. Statul închide robinetul de mercenari: Guvernul vrea să oprească migrarea cadrelor din Poliție și Armată către armate private, sub pedeapsa închisorii (PressOne) Ministerul Afacerilor Interne a depus pentru dezbatere publică un proiect de ordonanță de urgență prin care se dorește corectarea portițelor legislative care au permis angajaților din sistemul național de apărare, ordine publică și securitate națională să furnizeze cadre pentru armata privată a lui Horațiu Potra. Corecția se va aplica mai multor legi care reglementează statutul angajaților din sistemul de securitate și urmărește interzicerea în mod expres a prestării de munci pentru companii militare private, chiar și după trecerea în rezervă și sub amenințarea pedepsei cu închisoarea de la 2-7 ani. Hemoragia de personal de specialitate antrenat pentru condiții de luptă pe banii statului român, către compania militară privată deținută de mercenarul Horațiu Potra a ridicat grave probleme de securitate în ultimii ani. PressOne a arătat în mai multe articole că Armata Română, Poliția, Jandarmeria și alte instituții de forță din zona de ordine publică și securitate au furnizat începând cu 2022 sute de combatanți în compania lui Potra care au luptat în Republica Democrată Congo. Ar trebui ca România să ofere avioane F16 Ucrainei? Expert: „Summitul NATO stimulează statele europene să doneze Kievului vechituri” (Adevărul) La summitul NATO de la Haga s-a stabilit că în procentul de 5% din PIB pentru apărare vor intra și ajutoarele militare pentru Ucraina. Ce va însemna acest lucru pentru dotarea ucrainenilor și ce ar putea România să doneze/să achiziționeze a explicat experta în securitate europeană Iulia Joja. „Dacă e să analizăm cinic, acest articol presupune că statele europene care încă nu s-au debarasat de toate vechiturile să le doneze Ucrainei și să adauge la bugetul militar valoarea aproximativă a acelor echipamente”, explică Joja. Experta analizează și în ce măsură pentru România este o oportunitate de a „scăpa”, de avioanele F 16 pe care le deține și de a achiziționa mult mai performantele F-35. Pe larg în ziarul Adevărul.
GoviEx Uranium Inc (TSX-V:GXU, OTCQB:GVXXF) CEO Daniel Major talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company's latest exploration efforts at the Muntanga uranium project in Zambia. Major outlined the start of the 2025 field season, highlighting a strategic pivot from resource-focused drilling to broader exploration aimed at boosting the project's economics. "We felt it was a great opportunity to go back and start exploring on our properties," he said, noting that previous efforts had concentrated primarily on resource definition. He explained the team's focus on several zones, including Muntanga East, Dibbwi, and Kariba Valley. The latter has emerged as a compelling target, with early drill holes covering only 3% of the licensed area and indicating significant potential. “There's a lot of potential here on this project,” Major said, underscoring the excitement around the area's geological similarities to known mineralised zones. The company is considering how new discoveries might increase tonnage throughput, extend mine life beyond the current 12 years, and bring economies of scale. "We're currently working on de-bottlenecking the project... both OpEx and CapEx could come down," Major noted. GoviEx is also leveraging its early presence in Zambia by pegging additional exploration licenses across the country, seeking similar mineralisation signatures beyond Muntanga. For more updates and interviews like this, visit Proactive's YouTube channel. Don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content. #GoviExUranium #MuntangaProject #UraniumExploration #ZambiaMining #UraniumInvesting #JuniorMining #EnergyMetals #MiningNews #CleanEnergy #NuclearFuel
Tommy welcomes AC Arendale, the youngest guest ever on the podcast, to share her incredible testimony of joy in service. A rising sophomore at Baylor University, she discusses her unique approach to life characterized by her commitment to service, particularly in special needs ministry and international missions. AC shares her journey from volunteering at her church's sensory room designed to help those with special needs to participating in several mission trips to Niger and Zambia. She talks about the challenges and rewards of these experiences, and how they have shaped her faith and perspective. They also delve into the generational differences and the impacts of social media on the current generation. Throughout the conversation, the theme of finding joy through serving and discerning God's calling is emphasized.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org
On a sunny day in Choma, Zambia, Cornwell Hademu shares a traditional drink—and a powerful idea. In this season finale of Nature Answers, we meet Kelvin Siafweba and the team from Happy Planet, a cooperative of people recovering from addiction who are turning agricultural waste into sustainable charcoal and soil-enhancing biochar.But this episode is about more than just climate solutions. It's about second chances.Learn how biochar—an ancient soil amendment with roots in the Amazon—is helping Zambian farmers restore their land and helping people recovering from substance use reclaim their lives. Together with Cornwell, this group is proving that nature-based solutions can support climate resilience, community health, and economic opportunity—all at once.This episode is hosted by Ivy Prosper, produced by Sarah St-Pierre and edited by Tara Sprickerhoff More about Nature Answers: Rural Stories from a Changing Planet at farmradio.org/natureanswersThis is a Farm Radio International podcast produced thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.
The High Court in Pretoria has granted an interdict halting the burial of Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu. The Zambian government had approached the court, seeking to stop the burial which was scheduled to take place yesterday in South Africa. The government argues that disputes over Lungu's final resting place need to be resolved before any burial can take place. Elvis Presslin spoke to Advocate Simba Chitando, a human rights lawyer, to analyze this interdict
As graduation season and summer vacation get underway in June and July, students are embarking on trips to domestic and overseas destinations with their peers, boosting the vibrancy of the tourism market, industry players found.随着毕业季和暑假的到来,学生们在六月和七月纷纷与同伴踏上前往国内外目的地的旅程,业内人士发现,这提振了旅游市场的活力。Theme parks, museums, cultural venues, internet-famous scenic spots, trendy business districts, as well as concerts, music festivals and other activities are all popular choices for students, and they have been increasingly pursuing personalized, flexible and new experiences.主题公园、博物馆、文化场馆、网红景点、时尚商业区,以及演唱会、音乐节等活动都是学生们的热门选择,他们也越来越追求个性化、灵活且新颖的体验。In June, the average airfare and hotel prices domestically are nearly 40 percent lower than those in July and August. For some high-school graduates and college students, their peak travel period starts after the National College Entrance Examination on June 10 and lasts until around July 10, said Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency.北京在线旅游机构去哪儿网表示,6 月国内机票和酒店均价较 7、8 月低近四成。对一些高中毕业生和大学生来说,他们的旅行高峰期从 6 月 10 日高考结束后开始,持续到 7 月 10 日左右。"Young consumers have become the main force in the cultural tourism market, boosting demand for more personalized and quality travel experiences. And more tourists are willing to explore domestic small towns and seek out some emotional satisfaction during their trips," said Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy.中国旅游研究院院长戴斌表示:“年轻消费者已成为文旅市场的主力,推动了对更个性化、高质量旅游体验的需求。更多游客愿意探索国内小镇,并在旅途中寻求情感满足。”For graduation travel, being together is the most important factor for students. For young travelers aged between 22 and 25, their hotel booking volumes in June jumped 22 percent year-on-year. Among these, hotel bookings for multiple guests accounted for over 70 percent of the total, Qunar found.去哪儿网发现,对于毕业旅行,“同伴同行” 是学生们最重要的因素。22 至 25 岁的年轻旅行者 6 月酒店预订量同比增长 22%,其中多人入住的酒店预订占比超过 70%。In terms of hotel bookings, the top five most popular domestic destinations for graduation travel in June are Beijing; Shanghai; Nanjing, Jiangsu province; Guangzhou, Guangdong province; and Chengdu, Sichuan province. Hotel bookings in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region grew the fastest, Qunar found.去哪儿网发现,从酒店预订来看,6 月毕业旅行最热门的国内五大目的地是北京、上海、江苏南京、广东广州和四川成都。其中,新疆维吾尔自治区的酒店预订量增长最快。Meanwhile, since the beginning of this year, there has been a significant increase in tourist demand for niche and in-depth travel products, said Tuniu Corp, a Suzhou, Jiangsu-based online travel agency.与此同时,江苏苏州在线旅游机构途牛旅游网称,今年以来,游客对小众深度旅游产品的需求显著增加。"Going for traditional cultural elements, trips that can help avoid summer heat and seaside leisure trips are among sought-after choices for visitors who take journeys in summer," said Qi Chunguang, vice-president of Tuniu.途牛副总裁齐春光表示:“追求传统文化元素、避暑旅行和海滨休闲旅行是夏季游客的热门选择。”In addition, booking volumes of outbound travel orders by graduates and college students have surged this summer, thanks to multiple countries' favorable visa policies offered to Chinese visitors.此外,由于多个国家对中国游客推出了优惠签证政策,今年夏天毕业生和大学生的出境游订单量激增。"This summer, some niche and emerging overseas destinations have received increasing attention from Chinese tourists," Qi said.齐春光称:“今年夏天,一些小众和新兴的海外目的地越来越受到中国游客的关注。”In particular, bookings of travel packages to Belgium, Luxembourg, Zambia and Greece have more than doubled year-on-year. And the bookings of travel packages to destinations such as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan have jumped significantly, Tuniu found.途牛发现,特别是比利时、卢森堡、赞比亚和希腊的跟团游预订量同比增长超过一倍,格鲁吉亚、亚美尼亚和阿塞拜疆等目的地的跟团游预订量也显著跃升。For hotel bookings, some top overseas destinations include Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, and the popularity of the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative has been growing the fastest. Chinese visitor bookings for travel products to Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Georgia and Egypt have soared by more than tenfold over last year, Qunar found.去哪儿网发现,从酒店预订来看,日本、韩国、泰国、马来西亚和印度尼西亚等是热门海外目的地,“一带一路” 相关国家和地区的受欢迎程度增长最快。中国游客预订前往卢森堡、哈萨克斯坦、黑山、格鲁吉亚和埃及的旅游产品数量较去年激增十倍以上。In another development, the peak season for the domestic air travel market is approaching, and carriers have ramped up efforts to launch new flights or boost frequency on existing routes bound for popular tourist destinations.另一方面,国内航空旅行市场的旺季即将到来,航空公司已加大力度开通新航班或增加飞往热门旅游目的地的现有航线频次。Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines plans to boost the frequency of flights connecting Beijing Daxing International Airport with Baishan Changbaishan Airport, Jilin province; and Altay Xuedu Airport, Xinjiang.总部位于广州的中国南方航空计划增加北京大兴国际机场至吉林长白山机场、新疆阿勒泰雪都机场的航班频次。The carrier said it will operate wide-body aircraft on popular routes such as those connecting Urumqi, Xinjiang with Guangzhou and Shenzhen of Guangdong province; Beijing; Shanghai; and Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, and the number of wide-body aircraft used is likely to reach a new high.该航空公司表示,将在新疆乌鲁木齐至广东广州、深圳,北京、上海、浙江杭州等热门航线上运营宽体机,宽体机使用数量可能达到新高。For international flights, it plans to launch new flights connecting Guangzhou with Almaty, Kazakhstan on Wednesday, and new routes connecting Guangzhou with Uzbekistan's capital Tashkent on June 30, as well as a new service linking Harbin, Heilongjiang province with Vladivostok, Russia on July 1.国际航班方面,其计划于周三开通广州至哈萨克斯坦阿拉木图的新航班,6 月 30 日开通广州至乌兹别克斯坦首都塔什干的新航线,7 月 1 日开通黑龙江哈尔滨至俄罗斯符拉迪沃斯托克的新航线。重点词汇graduation travel /ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃn ˈtrævəl/ 毕业旅行personalized experience /ˈpɜːrsənəlaɪzd ɪkˈspɪriəns/ 个性化体验outbound travel /ˌaʊtˈbaʊnd ˈtrævəl/ 出境旅游Belt and Road Initiative /belt ənd rəʊd ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ “一带一路” 倡议
Just hours before the expected burial of former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu. The Attorney General of Zambia Mulilo D. Kabesha SC has headed to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria seeking an order to halt the burial of the late former President. Lungu died in Johannesburg, South Africa. His family, however, stopped his repatriation to Zambia after learning that his body would be received by the current President Hakainde Hichelima, against former President Lungu's wishes. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporters, Canny Maphanga and Chriselda Lewis
Richard Fearless is a true lifer. The DJ, producer and Death In Vegas founder sits down with Paul to reflect on 30 years of musical evolution that has taken him from the hugely influential Heavenly Social to Mercury Prize nominations, a top ten hit about a serial killer sung by Iggy Pop to his current creative renaissance, working free from industry bullshit and producing his best work in years,Growing up in remote Zambia with music-loving parents, Fearless recalls connecting with music at an early age. His path would lead through the emerging London techno scene of the late '80s and '90s, where he cut his teeth as a resident DJ alongside contemporaries like Andrew Weatherall and The Chemical Brothers before launching Death in Vegas. The conversation reveals a pivotal moment when commercial success led to a crossroads rather than continued mainstream pursuit.What emerges is the portrait of an artist who deliberately stepped away from major labels, management, and industry expectations to craft a more authentic sonic identity. His riverside studio "The Metal Box" becomes central to this narrative – an analog sanctuary where tape machines, field recordings, and environmental sounds combine to create the stripped-back, trance-inducing techno of his current work. "I make my best music when I'm digging deep within myself," he explains.Perhaps most compelling is Fearless's admission that he feels more proud of his recent, independent work than the commercial hits that brought him fame. His collaborative ventures with friend of Lost and Sound Daniel Avery and new dub-inspired night "Holy" demonstrate an artist still pushing boundaries rather than retreating into nostalgia. "I feel as excited about DJing as I was when I was 20," he confesses, signaling that artistic liberation has reinvigorated his passion.Death Mask by Death In Vegas is out now. Listen on BandcampFollow Death In Vegas on Instagram: @deathinvegasmusicIf you enjoy Lost and Sound, I've got a little favour to ask: please subscribe, leave a rating, and write a quick review on your favourite podcast platform. It really helps others find the show. You can do that here on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen.Huge thanks to Lost and Sound's sponsor, Audio-Technica – makers of vcry fine engineered audio gear. Check them out here: Audio-TechnicaWant to go deeper? Grab a copy of my book Coming To Berlin, a journey through the city's creative underground, via Velocity Press.And if you're curious about Cold War-era subversion, check out my BBC documentary The Man Who Smuggled Punk Rock Across The Berlin Wall on the BBC World Service.You can also follow me on Instagram at @paulhanford for behind-the-scenes bits, guest updates, and whatever else is bubbling up
Rais wa Zambia Hakainde Hichilema ameendelea kusisitiza kufanya mazishi ya kitaifa kwa mtagulizi wake Edgar Lungu Licha ya mzozo uliopo baina yake na familia juu ya utekelezwaji ya matakwa ya marehemu ya kukataa kufanyiwa mazishi ya kitaifa.Tunakuuliza maoni yako kuhusu mzozo huo.
Rais wa Zambia Hakainde Hichilema ameendelea kusisitiza kufanya mazishi ya kitaifa kwa mtagulizi wake Edgar Lungu Licha ya mzozo uliopo baina yake na familia juu ya utekelezwaji ya matakwa ya marehemu ya kukataa kufanyiwa mazishi ya kitaifa.Tunakuuliza maoni yako kuhusu mzozo huo.
Matt Petit, Mission Success Lead at Vannevar Labs and former U.S. diplomat, joins Mike Shanley to accelerating national security with new technology. The conversation focuses startups and innovation in national security to deliver faster and more efficient results. Resources: GovDiscovery AI Federal Capture Support: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/ BIOGRAPHY: Matt Petit is a Mission Success Lead at Vannevar Labs and former U.S. diplomat. Prior to joining Vannevar, Matt spent nearly 17 years with the U.S. Foreign Service. During that time, he served in India, Zambia, and Armenia (covering Iran). While on assignments in in Washington, Matt managed foreign policy on Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, and global counterterrorism. From April 2022 to July 2023, Matt was the Director for the Sahel at the White House National Security Council. Matt speaks Persian, Spanish, and some Tamil, German, and French. He lives in the DC area with his wife and daughter. LEARN MORE: Thank you for tuning into this episode of the Global Strategy Podcast with Mike Shanley. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Government by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and GovDiscovery AI. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn.
In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss some recent developments in Nigeria's Fintech space, ongoing corruption trials involving a British-Malawian citizen, and the downgrading of Afreximbank's credit rating by Fitch.Time stamps:01:00 Fintech developments13:18 Malawi corruption trial20:19 Afreximbank's credit rating32:50 What in the Worldhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/
Andrew Mueller explains how the rivalry between the late and former president, Edgar Lungu, and the current president, Hakainde Hichilema, is going well beyond the grave. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we head to Zambia to talk with Doug Badcock of Green Lid Enterprises. Doug shares his journey from managing a diverse crop and livestock farm to developing a passion for grazing and livestock management. Situated just miles from the Congo border, Doug discusses the realities of ranching in Zambia's unique environment—from tropical grasses and fires to high-density grazing and breeding Boran and Angoni cattle. His openness about trial, error, and continual improvement makes this a valuable conversation for graziers everywhere.Topics Covered:Transitioning from conventional to regenerative grazingGrazing livestock near the Congo borderUsing electric fencing in remote areasManaging forage through fire and seasonal rainfallAdjusting calving and breeding seasonsAdapting cattle breed selection to local conditionsHigh-density grazing: when it works and when it hurtsForage management with bananas and corn stalksDifferences between Boran, Sussex, Angoni, and other African breedsUsing line breeding and natural selection in herd developmentDoug Badcock brings a unique perspective to the Grazing Grass Podcast from his farm in Zambia. His willingness to share both successes and challenges—from learning to manage tropical forage to selecting the right breeds for his environment—makes this episode a global look at regenerative grazing principles. Whether you farm in Oklahoma or Africa, you'll find inspiration and insight in Doug's honest storytelling and deep curiosity for continual improvement.Resources Mentioned:Green Lid Enterprises Facebook & YouTube: https://youtube.com/@green_lid_enterprises?si=elTGbGeGCylwOuSNhttps://www.facebook.com/share/192BW7WRNN/https://www.instagram.com/green_lid_enterprises?igsh=b2V5OHAwMmk0eG1oJohan Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and VeldCalvin Birioti's YouTube video featuring Doug's farm Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters
Zambia's former president, Edgar Lungu, reportedly left instructions that his political rival and current president Hakainde Hichilema "should not come anywhere near his body". Edgar Lungu died on the 5th of June and ever since, his family and the Zambian government have been locked in a tussle over his funeral. However, following days of negotiations, arrangements for his burial have now been finalised. This isn't the first time Zambia has experienced burial disputes for deceased former heads of state, including for its independence president, Kenneth Kaunda. Is there no legislation to guide these eventualities? Lawyer John Sangwa provides the answers.Also, why there is a petition to ban pit bull dogs in Zimbabwe? And, as one the art world's leading figures, Cameroonian artist, Koyo Kouoh is buried, we explore the legacy she leaves behind.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard
Nadine Dorries is one of the most recognisable Conservative politicians from the past two decades. Elected as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire in 2005, she notably clashed with David Cameron and George Osborne (who she called ‘two arrogant posh boys') and lost the whip in 2012 when she took part in the reality show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. Loyal to Boris Johnson, she served in his government and rose to be Culture Secretary. She stood down in 2023 and went on to write about politics in the bestselling books The Plot and Downfall.On the podcast, Nadine tells the Spectator's executive editor Lara Prendergast about her memories of tinned burgers and Sunday lunches as a child, working long shifts as a nurse in Warrington and what it was like spending a year in Zambia. She also explains the ‘relentless' but ‘collegiate' atmosphere of Parliament and how she once saw a mouse at the Commons' salad bar. Nadine explains what it is like to have recently used the weight-loss jab Mounjaro and why, in her family, she is still the ‘queen of the Sunday roast'.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nadine Dorries is one of the most recognisable Conservative politicians from the past two decades. Elected as the MP for Mid Bedfordshire in 2005, she notably clashed with David Cameron and George Osborne (who she called ‘two arrogant posh boys') and lost the whip in 2012 when she took part in the reality show I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. Loyal to Boris Johnson, she served in his government and rose to be Culture Secretary. She stood down in 2023 and went on to write about politics in the bestselling books The Plot and Downfall. On the podcast, Nadine tells the Spectator's executive editor Lara Prendergast about her memories of tinned burgers and Sunday lunches as a child, working long shifts as a nurse in Warrington and what it was like spending a year in Zambia. She also explains the ‘relentless' but ‘collegiate' atmosphere of Parliament and how she once saw a mouse at the Commons' salad bar. Nadine explains what it is like to have recently used the weight-loss jab Mounjaro and why, in her family, she is still the ‘queen of the Sunday roast'. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
How does a wealthy animal welfare organisation, funded by well-meaning donors from Europe and North America, end up relocating hundreds of elephants to an area where some of the world's poorest people live? What happens when two people are killed within 24 hours of the first four elephants arriving, yet the organisation presses on with moving another 259 elephants in just 30 days? Why are over 12,500 people now living in terror whilst those responsible show nothing but arrogance when approached for help?This episode examines a conservation crisis unfolding in Malawi and Zambia, where the International Fund for Animal Welfare's elephant translocation project has gone catastrophically wrong. Journalist Jens Ulrik Høgh returns from his recent trip to the region, where he documented the devastating impact on local communities who had never seen elephants before 2022. Twelve people have been killed, thousands have lost their crops and livelihoods, and children can no longer safely walk to school. Meanwhile, the elephants themselves are being killed in retaliation, making this a disaster for both wildlife and people.The conversation explores uncomfortable questions about conservation imperialism, the business models of large NGOs, and the stark inequality between wealthy Western donors and the African communities bearing the consequences. Jens reveals how a project that cost less than $2 million has destroyed lives whilst the organisation continues to raise over $100 million annually. This isn't just about elephants - it's about power, money, and the ongoing legacy of colonial attitudes in modern conservation. The episode serves as a crucial reminder that conservation projects are doomed to fail without local acceptance, often with tragic consequences for all involved.Further reading:In Rural Malawi, a Western NGO Imported Elephants. Chaos Ensued.Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science NewsletterSupport the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/booksMerch: tommysoutdoors.com/shopFollow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a full national statutory inquiry into child sexual abuse perpetrated by gangs after previously dismissing calls for a public inquiry. This comes after he said he has read every single word of an independent report into child exploitation by Baroness Louise Casey and would accept her recommendation for a full investigation. Nuala McGovern discusses what's been announced with BBC Special Correspondent Judith Moritz and Maggie Oliver, who resigned from Greater Manchester Police in 2012 to publicly speak out against what she recognised as gross failures to safeguard victims of the scandal in Rochdale. She has recently had meetings with Baroness Casey and has taken a group of survivors to share their experiences with her.The BBC and the Arts and Humanities Research Board have selected six academics to be this year's New Generation Thinkers on Radio 4 and Historical Criminologist Stephanie Brown will be joining Woman's Hour. She talks to Nuala about her research into crime, punishment and policing and how society views women criminals.Lily Allen recently admitted that she ranks her friends in a recent edition of the BBC podcast Miss Me? The singer joked: 'I create lists of people who I like in order of how much I like them… I send that list to my assistant and ask her to schedule the time for me to have FaceTimes with them.' But joking apart, is it simply human nature to make a distinction between close friends and acquaintances, and everyone in between? Columnist for the iPaper Rebecca Reid and cultural historian Tiffany Watt-Smith join Nuala to discuss.BBC journalist Sanchia Berg and fertility lawyer Beverley Addison joins Nuala to discuss the recent cases of older couples becoming parents via surrogacy.Iris Mwanza started out as a corporate lawyer in both her native Zambia and then in the US. She's also been Deputy Director in the Gender Equality Division of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. But she's gone back to her roots for her debut novel, The Lions' Den. Set in Zambia in the early 1990s, it follows Grace Zulu, a rookie lawyer, whose first pro bono case is to help the 17-year-old Willbess Mulenga. It's been alleged that Willbess, who prefers the name Bessy, had sex with another man and he's been arrested for offences ‘against nature.' Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce
Welcome to Episode 108 of The Journey Is The Reward! This week, we're navigating some significant changes at United, shooting the Breeze with Micah, and as always, hearing from our incredible listeners.First up, Listener Melissa is asking for a much-anticipated health update from Micah – and yes, she might have playfully accused Brian of being a pain in Micah's butt! Plus, Micah continues to unpack the ever-popular packing segment with some invaluable additional advice.Listener Lu returns with another intriguing question about spotting famous people on planes. Then, buckle up as Brian gives us the lowdown on several recent changes at United Airlines. We'll cover the good (think exciting new global destinations), and the not-so-good (specifically, how frequent flyer miles for upgrades have shifted, and updates to Club and Lounge access). Brian also shares the exciting news that Starlink will be installed on United's entire fleet by the end of 2026!After sorting through the United updates, Micah shares the experiences of his friends who recently flew on Breeze Airways. They encountered some issues, and we discuss how Breeze handled the situation – good on resolution, but with room for improvement in communication.As always, our journey is serenaded by the soul-stirring sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their "Welcome" and "Goodbye" songs, recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.Ready to experience this musical magic in person and create your own unforgettable memories? Join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Reach out to him at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details. Let's make some memories and truly enjoy the Journey as it is the Reward!
Today, we highlight Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Glorious Lord in the Church around the world. Thank you all for listening. We are looking at the earthly conversations Jesus had, as recorded in the gospels, to see if we are able to glean anything useful for our prayer lives. Our latest segment comes from John chapter 2 and the wedding party at Cana. We find not only is He the God of the impossible, but He can accomplish multiple things through one prayer.The prayer of Mary, "They have no wine." Began a miracle, at least 180 gallons of good wine. Although the miracle was a "quiet one," it accomplished all Mary had prayed, but it set the beginning of the evangelist team God would use to turn the world upside down. "This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:11Our So What?When we cast our prayers to the heart of our God, we scarce know how those prayers may be used in the plan of the Almighty. Therefore, we heed then the exhortations of E.M. Bounds and the apostle Paul:"Nothing is well done without prayer for the simple reason that it leaves God out of the account." " Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31Brethren, let's pray for one another. "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'CheyneeDonation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 InstagramSeason 007Episode 048
Episode 4 | Conservation Across Africa – A Series with African ParksIn this episode, we're joined by Maggie Hirschauer, Shoebill Program Manager at African Parks, to explore one of the most fascinating and elusive birds in Africa — the Shoebill.Found in the remote Bangweulu Wetlands of Zambia, the Shoebill is known for its prehistoric appearance, massive bill, and mysterious behavior.We dive into:• The Shoebill's unique biology and behavior• Why it's one of the most vulnerable birds in Africa• African Parks' groundbreaking captive rearing program• The critical role of local communities in conservationDiscover what it takes to protect one of Africa's most iconic — and endangered — birds.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WBlidHaoxjk?si=VXbVsjUNgCqWVksD________________________________________Watch the Previous Episodes:Episode 1: A $1B Conservation Commitment | https://youtu.be/kLPMX0LT6e4?si=SYzyAxaSpHvpId63Episode 2: Rewilding 2,000 Southern White Rhinos | https://youtu.be/EMt7qTEawfg?si=gr-QOOLanjyeg5veEpisode 3: The Largest Land Mammal Migration on Earth | https://youtu.be/f_UvXzZkt_8?si=CRH49KtMv5jGkvWW________________________________________Website: https://thegreenhourpodcast.com/African Parks: https://www.africanparks.org/
Sid Mofya, capital architect & band leader, has built a career helping founders, investors, and business leaders bridge capital and opportunity. For years, he led the Draper Venture Network, a 2.5-billion-dollar global alliance of VC firms with over 650 tech companies. Now, he runs MOTIF Africa, a boutique consultancy expanding the capital stack for African enterprises in sustainable resources, agriculture, and renewable energy. A self-taught musician and producer, he created The Flight Risks, a virtual band exploring sound and culture. They launched their EP in Sept 2024. Sid is the co-founder of the Capital and Culture Conference, a pioneering conference in his home country of Zambia that connects global capital with Africa's creative and entrepreneurial energy.Learn more about Sid at www.sidmofya.com and hear The Flight Risks EP at https://weareflightrisks.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-the-flight-risks-ep. ~Are you a high achiever, a leader, or an Ampersand looking for a sounding board? Jessica helps executives, leaders, and founders like you gain clarity and lead bravely. As your trusted advisor and growth partner, she works with you to make the invisible visible and develop an action plan to fulfill your goals. For nearly two decades, Jessica led marketing teams, launched products, and grew businesses at places like Apple, the San Francisco Opera, Smule, and Magoosh. As an Ampersand in many facets, she knows personally what it's like to hold many roles simultaneously, to sit on the executive team, and to find fulfillment. With a BA in Music and a BS in Product Design from Stanford, coupled with an MBA from UC Berkeley and coach training from the Center for Executive Coaching, her unique mix of analytical & creative allows her to bring both depth and breadth of perspective into the coaching process.As a coach, Jessica works to champion you – the full, multifaceted you – so you can thrive.Visit jessicawan.com or BOOK AN INTRO CALL: https://calendly.com/jessicawancoaching/intro-call-coachingCreditsProduced and Hosted by Jessica WanCo-produced, edited, sound design, and original music by Carlos SchmittWant to support this show in a small way? Rate and review it, or buy me a coffee: coff.ee/jessicawan
My guest today is Ruth Macallan, who I also chatted with in episode 54. Ruth is originally from the UK but she and her family live for most of the year in Zambia where her husband runs an NGO. Today, amongst other things, we talk about boredom and how to help our children navigate those tricky moments, and we talk about the huge value in just slowing down and enjoying the present moment. And, Ruth tells us about their unschooling life in Zambia. I hope you enjoy the conversation.Connect with Ruth on InstagramYou can find my blog, workshops and courses at:www.esther-jones.comOr, connect with me onInstagram: @_esther.jonesFacebook:@theunschoolspace
Recorded live at SXSW, this episode features Clint Phillips, the healthcare entrepreneur who broke a Guinness World Record and is now revolutionizing medicine with AI technology. Clint shares his journey from South African rugby player to treating billionaires in Aspen, and how his daughter's stroke led him to create solutions that could make healthcare "practically free" worldwide.Discover how Dr. Gabby, an AI doctor, can analyze your health through a 30-second facial scan and provide personalized medical advice 24/7. Learn why Americans take 22 times more drugs than the rest of the world and how technology could change everything.[Chapters]00:00 Introduction and SXSW01:32 Breaking the Guinness World Record for pushing a car05:11 Sports background and rugby foundation07:11 South African entrepreneurial mindset10:01 Meeting world-class entrepreneurs in Aspen10:29 First business venture and FBI investigation15:00 Building a dream clinic treating billionaires18:33 The healthcare crisis in America19:59 Personal tragedy: daughter's stroke21:21 Creating Second MD to connect patients with specialists23:57 Demonstrating the AI health scanning technology28:09 How the facial scan works and what it reveals30:00 Dr. Gabby: The world's smartest preventive AI doctor32:36 Global impact potential and African expansion34:09 Fighting the $5 trillion healthcare industry36:02 How AI could help doctors be doctors again39:01 Biggest challenges: lobby groups and regulation42:42 Mission work in Zambia: schools, clinics, and Miracle Dam46:13 How mission trips transformed his marriage50:54 App download and free access code
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore one of the most powerful stories in football history: Zambia's remarkable triumph at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.Jonathan, who covered the 2012 tournament on the ground, shares firsthand reflections of what he calls the most emotional press box moment he's ever experienced. Nineteen years after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of their national squad, Zambia rose from the ashes to claim continental glory. This episode retraces their journey - from the tragedy off the coast of Gabon in 1993, the rebuilding efforts led by legendary captain Kalusha Bwalya, right through to their unforgettable victory on penalties in the very same country that witnessed their darkest hour.00:00 The Final Match: A Battle Beyond the Pitch00:15 Introduction to an Inspiring and Tragic Football Story00:36 Zambia's Uplifting Victory After Tragedy02:26 The 1993 Plane Crash: A National Tragedy04:37 Zambia's Football Rise in the Late 80s08:15 The Aftermath of the Crash and the Struggle for Resources18:42 Rebuilding the Team: The Role of Kaia and New Coaches24:01 The 2012 African Cup of Nations Journey25:06 The Quarterfinals and Beyond27:01 Gabon vs. Mali: A Penalty Heartbreak27:30 Unexpected Journey to Bata31:12 Ghana's Complacency and Zambia's Rise38:38 The Emotional Beach Ceremony40:27 The Dramatic Final Against Ivory Coast51:10 Zambia's Historic Victory52:16 Reflecting on the Significance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the SoilCraft Regen Agronomy Podcast! In this powerful episode, Denver Black sits down with Craig Harding at Riverside Farm in Zambia to unpack what it really means to “learn how to farm again.”After years of intensive input-based systems, Craig finds himself in a whole new world—where fungicides are gone, synthetic nitrogen is slashed, worms are working overtime, and fields are literally growing inches of new topsoil.What caused this radical shift? A regenerative system rooted in biology, humility, and alignment with the Creator's design.
Rais wa zamani wa Zambia, Edgar Lungu amefariki akiwa na umri wa miaka 68.
Send us a textWhat happens when you trade modern conveniences for a bicycle and a bucket in rural Zambia? For Marcus Frick, a resilience coach and former leader at the Mayo Clinic, his 27-month Peace Corps experience profoundly transformed his understanding of what truly constitutes a problem worth worrying about.Drawing from experiences like biking for hours with a fever to get antibiotics or doing laundry by hand while villagers watched and commented, Marcus developed a perspective that now helps busy professionals recalibrate their relationship with stress. His simple but powerful framework—asking "Is anyone's life in danger?" and "Will we figure this out?"—cuts through the noise of perceived problems that dominate our digital workdays.As a health coach at the Mayo Clinic, Marcus has observed that many people achieve health goals but struggle to maintain them because they rely on unsustainable methods. The solution isn't more willpower but rather establishing a compelling vision (like one client's desire to be "the fun, cool grandma") and implementing habits that work within real-life constraints. This approach aligns with his newsletter 66.1, named for the average age at which Americans develop chronic disease, which explores evidence-based approaches to extending not just lifespan but also healthy years of life.For building confidence, Marcus emphasizes that action precedes feeling—"competence precedes confidence." Rather than trying to feel confident first, start with small, consistent actions that build skill. His own "daily minimum" of 100 push-ups and 100 air squats ensures forward momentum even on the busiest days. By applying the 80/20 principle, which focuses on the few high-leverage activities that yield the most results, professionals can simplify their approach while maximizing their impact.Ready to transform your relationship with stress, energy, and self-belief? Marcus offers one simple invitation: "Just run the experiment. Whatever you're wondering about trying, go try it and learn—don't hold back."Link to 66.1 - https://66point1.beehiiv.com/Have you purchased the copy of Inspire Someone Today, yet - Give it a go geni.us/istbook Available on all podcast platforms, including, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify
Sew Powerful a volunteer driven organization founded by Jason & Cinnamon Miles. They are a learning organization, driven by their faith, frugal in their practices, and they are focussed on combatting extreme poverty. They provide training and tools to create jobs which produce purposeful products including purses, school uniforms, reusable hygiene pads, soap and farm fresh food. What's their mission? To promote and enable the academic success of children throughout Zambia, while providing the dignity of work for adults. And today we will find out how you can participate by making a purse for a child in need.The Sew Powerful Website: https://www.sewpowerful.org/Want to travel with Brandy? A FEW SPOTS LEFT ON THIS TRIP! PLUS one lucky traveller will win an Oliso Tula Pink M3Pro Project Iron. 2025 FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Birmingham!!! This 14-day tour of Wales and England takes in the rich textile history and breathtaking cultural landmarks. Tour England & Wales ending at the Festival of Quilts. Call the team at Opuent Quilt Journeys at 1-877-235-3767 or go to https://opulentquiltjourneys.com/destinations/britain/item/birmingham-festival-of-quilts-tour-with-brandyQuilter on Fire Website - https://quilteronfire.com/OLISO IRONS - Host of the Quilter on Fire Podcast Lounge each year at QuiltCon!BUY YOUR OWN OLISO MINI PROJECT IRON RIGHT HERESquare One Textile Art WorkshopLink to Brandy's email listKristy's Quilt Picture BookQuilter on Fire PatternsFree Quilter on Fire Holiday Table Runner VIDEOSupport the showThank you for listening to the Quilter on Fire Podcast.
Join us as we dive into the stellar performances of Orlando Pride's international stars during their recent call-ups! We're breaking down how Kerry Abello and Emily Sams held it down for the USA, Barbra Banda's goal-scoring heroics in Zambia's big win, and the Brazilian flair of Marta and Angelina in their latest matches. From clutch defensive plays to game-changing goals, this livestream celebrates the Pride's global impact! Don't miss the highlights, analysis, and fan reactions! #OrlandoPride #NWSL #InternationalDuty #WomensSoccer #PrideInParis
On Episode 107 of The Journey Is The Reward, we once again get to talk with Momma Coleman, thanks to the limo services provided by Chef Kathy. Sure, it doesn't sound right at this point but it will make sense as you listen to the episode. But before we get to the main event, Listener Matt has a follow-on question to my packing skills.Listener Lu wants to know about the $100 hamburger, as it relates to flight. Although calling it a $300 hamburger is probably more accurate these days.Then it's time for the main segment, Brian's trip to NJ to surprise Momma Coleman on her 90th birthday and Mother's Day.Yes, Momma Coleman had done a reverse commute from living in Florida and returned to her birth state to be closer to her oldest son. Brian decided he couldn't stay away and had to help her unpack.Chef Kathy was there to help… and provide an incredible 90th Birthday carrot cake.We then get to learn all about Brian's 9 hour delay getting back home to Los Angeles. However, as far as delays go, this one worked out OK for our intrepid traveler.As always, we're serenaded by the soul-stirring sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia and are pure magic. Experience this musical magic in person and join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Reach out to him at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details. Let's make some memories and enjoy the Journey as it is the Reward!
In Zambia, efforts to clean up a massive acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine have been met with skepticism, despite government assurances. Officials claim restitution is underway and rehabilitation plans are in place, but activists question the fairness of compensation and lack of independent assessments. Meantime, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, tensions are growing between major players in the cobalt and copper sectors. A public dispute between joint venture partners Ivanhoe and Zijin over mine damage revealed deep fractures, while an export ban on cobalt, aimed at stabilizing prices, has pitted Glencore against Chinese firm CMOC. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @obertbore | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth
What happens when humanitarian aid gets pulled, but the needs don't stop? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beth Stuebing, a missionary surgeon in Malawi with the Christian Health Service Corps. She shares what it's like on the front lines of healthcare when funding disappears—and why faith-based organizations working on the ground can't do it alone. You'll hear stories of courage and sacrifice, including one from a local surgeon, Dr. Mumba, who literally gave his own blood to save a patient. We also discuss how local churches are stepping up, the power of partnerships, and why global health needs more attention from governments and Christian communities alike. Beth also shares her journey from growing up in Zambia to mentoring young doctors in Malawi. It's a conversation about hope, grit, and what it means to show up when it counts. Explore More of Beth's Writing: Jesus fed the 5,000, but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID: Jesus fed the 5,000, but the people of God can't fill the chasm left by USAID Why the World Needs Africa to Be Healthy: Why the World Needs Africa to Be Healthy | Think Global Health USAID aid freeze triggers health care crisis in Africa: USAID aid freeze triggers health care crisis in Africa Beth's Missions Sending Organization: Beth Stuebing & Ben Adams - Christian Health Service Corps Beth and Ben's Ministry Facebook Page About Dr. Stuebing – Dr. Beth Stuebing is a missionary surgeon with Christian Health Service Corps and lives in Lilongwe, Malawi, with her husband and three children. She graduated from Wheaton College in 2000. Before moving to Malawi, Beth spent 9 years as a trauma surgeon and ICU doctor in Washington. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter: @drjamieaten | @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chelsea has come armed with a MEGA hack for getting cheap business class flights for long haul flights. She also has a secret for James that he's desperate to find out regarding their next trip, but it's a surprise so she makes him leave so we can get all the juicy details! They also tackle a postbag full of listener postcards regarding child travel hacks and a holiday nightmare in Zambia.Have a holiday hack of your own or a travel nightmare you need to get off your chest? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at hello@passportsplease.com or if you're the really adventurous type you can even send as an actual postcard! You can find all the info you need at www.passportspleasepod.comDownload the SAILY app AND use our code PASSPORTS at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lesley Logan sits down with public speaking coach Aletta Rochat—president-elect of Toastmasters International—to explore how communication shapes confidence, leadership, and executive presence. If you've ever held back your voice or downplayed your strengths, this is your reminder to reclaim your space, speak with purpose, and lead with clarity. Whether you're leading a team or learning to own your story, this conversation will change the way you show up and speak up. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co.And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:Why your “yes” should come from alignment—not fear.How to use your voice with clarity and intention.The power of naming and owning your superpower.What executive presence really is—and how to build it.Why Toastmasters helps far beyond public speaking.Episode References/Links:Aletta Rochat Website - https://www.alettarochat.comAletta Rochat Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alettarochatAletta Rochat Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aletta.rochatAletta Rochat Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alettarochatToastmasters - https://toastmasters.org"I Belong" Playbook - https://beitpod.com/belongingMastering the Art of Exercising Authority - https://beitpod.com/exercisingauthorityThe Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - https://a.co/d/9CwCcIpGuest Bio:Aletta Rochat is a certified World Class Speaking Coach, professional speaker, and president-elect of Toastmasters International. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, she has coached clients in over 21 countries and is the first woman from Africa elected to lead Toastmasters in its 100-year history. Aletta helps leaders and professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and executive presence—whether they're stepping into boardrooms, big stages, or everyday conversations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a diploma in marketing management from the University of South Africa. Aletta is also the author of two books on public speaking and the creator of the “I Belong” playbook, a self-reflection tool designed to help individuals reclaim their sense of belonging. Through one-on-one coaching and group programs, Aletta empowers people to lead not by being the loudest voice in the room—but by being the most intentional. 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And once you get over that and saying, my superpower is, and this is how it can help you, you become someone who contributes to problem solving on a personal level, in your job, in your community.Lesley Logan 0:27 Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.Lesley Logan 1:05 All right, Be It babe, this is for you. If you have ever downplayed an idea or thought about doing something on a whim, maybe you've downplayed yourself. Today's guest went from like being a stay at home mom to kind of following this urge to go to a Toastmasters to then being, correct me if I'm wrong, Aletta, but like, the head of Toastmasters for the world, 150 countries and like that. So I am really excited because we talk about public speaking, but we also talk really about how to belong, and I think it's an important message that every single one of you needs to hear. And hopefully, we inspire you to check in with yourself, and maybe, and maybe think about the words that you want to communicate in this world, and how you can get them out there and not be super scared about it, because we all actually are so blessed and so lucky to have special gifts and superpowers. And Aletta Rachat, our guest here today, really helps you kind of be proud of that and own that. And so here she is. Lesley Logan 2:12 All right, Be It babe, we're about to have a very fabulous, wonderful conversation, and I think you're also just going to love to listen to our guest, because she's got one of those accents you just want to all the time. Aletta Rochat, thank you so much for being here. Will you tell everyone who you are and what you rock at?Aletta Rochat 2:26 Thank you, Lesley, wonderful to be with you. My name is Aletta Rochat. I'm speaking to you all the way from beautiful Cape Town South Africa. And my passion is helping people be more successful through the way they communicate. And the first person from Africa, never mind the first woman from Africa, who will soon be the international president of Toastmasters International, which I'm so excited for, and only the 10th woman in 100 years of the organization's history. So we are really helping, hopefully inspiring many other women to follow in my footsteps. I've coached and trained in 21 different countries, and I currently spend a lot of my time coaching clients to build executive presence, which is rooted in the way we communicate with each other and what we think about who we are and what we have to offer the world. And the author of two books on public speaking, so you can see, I'm just in the communication game. I love it. Lesley Logan 3:27 Okay, so first of all, congratulations. That is amazing, the accomplishments, and it's a little shocking in the length of time that you'll be the 10th but I, but I love that. I think it's important. I was really drawn to you because so many people are afraid of public speaking. So many people have a desire to share a story. Now, more than ever, I meet people who want to talk about the things that they do. They want to help people. They want to take their story and give it out there. But they could write the book. They could put the posts, but once they have to actually, like, put their face to words in front of people, and now public speaking isn't even just being on stage it's even just like putting stuff out on social media, people have a hard time communicating because they get so scared. Aletta Rochat 4:09 Yeah, they do. And it's, you know, people are scared for different reasons. Sometimes it's you've had a bad experience when you were at school and somebody laughed when you spoke up. Sometimes it's a comfort zone thing. So you find speaking to your friends, but should you be in a meeting at work and speaking to senior management? Suddenly your brain evaporates and you just can't get out. And it's not that the thoughts aren't within you. You've got the ideas, you've got the talent, you've got the commitment, but somehow articulating that in front of people can be very difficult. The thing that I've noticed in myself and other people, when you get anxious, your brain is thinking, oh my gosh, what am I going to say? And you're trying to formulate those words. At the same time, you're watching yourself make a fool of yourself. So the anxiety just explodes and it becomes almost impossible to be you. And ultimately, if you and I were sitting across the table having a cup of coffee together, you'd easily be able to tell me what your ideas were and why they're important. But, somehow, some context freak people out and then they just shut down. And then we don't see the real them. We don't see the value that they can offer.Lesley Logan 5:24 Yeah, well, thank you for, like, kind of normalizing it, because it's a common thing that people are going through. So, can we go back how did you get started in even helping people speak and communicate? Because that's not something, when you're a child, I wonder, like, is that something you dreamed of doing? Well, how did you get into this?Aletta Rochat 5:42 It was a survival skill. I had a very nomadic childhood. My dad was in mining, and from a very young age, we moved around a lot. So I was born in South Africa, we moved a couple of times there. By the time I was five years old, we moved to Zambia, and then we moved to Canada, and then we moved to Tasmania, and then we moved back to South Africa. So I can have I've got such a clear memory of being about eight years old, going to my next new school on my third continent, and standing in front of this classroom of people I didn't know, and innately knowing that the way I spoke to them would determine whether or not I had friends at break time. And of course, very importantly, if you're eight years old, whether or not you get an invitation to a birthday party. And I remember holding my mom's hand, you know, before she said goodbye and saying to myself, Aletta, you've done this before, you can do it again. And at that young age, I figured out a few basics. When you're new in an environment, you listen before you speak, because you've got to find out what's important to that group. And once you know what's important to them, then you can slot in on the conversation. That type of thing. So I had many opportunities to practice that as a child, I was always a kid with a funny accent, the one who started not at the beginning of the year, but midterm. And that happened again and again. And as an adult, with my husband's job, we moved and stayed in America, in Pittsburgh for a while. We lived in London. So, I got to repeat those practices many times. And then when I started coaching, I suddenly thought, where did I learn this? And it all went back to my childhood. So it was just very important to me to fit in, like for all of us, whether it's a new job or a new team or, you know, you're dating someone and they've got friends and family you want to fit in with, these skills are applicable in all those situations.Lesley Logan 7:40 Yeah, thank you for saying that because I also think people could hear, like, you're Toastmasters or not, because I could get coached for these things. But really, we all need these skill sets, even in family dynamics, especially now in family dynamics, not everyone agrees. How incredible, as a child that you're like you learn to observe and also to clearly state who you are and what you like, so that you could be accepted in. That's a superpower that you have. They were traveling and everything. But how did you get into Toastmasters and public speaking? Did your job have you doing presentations or did you decide, because you're a coach, you wanted to go out and talk? What was the impetus to make you want to go out and speak more?Aletta Rochat 8:20 So Lesley, I'm one of these strange people that actually has always enjoyed public speaking. I know I'm not the normal. But it never, it never freaked me out. So I've always enjoyed it, and I did it as part of my job, before I started raising kids, and then I got to the point I had three beautiful children and love being a stay-at-home mom, but I was wanting something for me, and when I went to my first Toastmasters meeting, it wasn't to become a better speaker. I joke that I was running away from my kids. I just wanted me time. And when I got there, I want to, I'm a lifelong learner. And immediately, I was so impressed with the people who were, you know, speaking that evening, and I knew I could learn, so I just followed the desire to learn. And of course, I loved communicating in any event. And I just there was a path I could never have foreseen that I would become the leader of this global organization at the time. But I just kept on saying yes to the next opportunity. They started asking me to do PR for the club, and I said yes. While I was doing that, someone called, and I said, well, come along to our meeting and see what it's like. And then she said, I'm phoning for my boss. He's too busy. Can't you help him? So I just said, oh, yes, I can. And that became my first client. And so it was an unintended consequence of joining Toastmasters was stepping into this role of coaching other people, and subsequent to that, I've got coaching certifications, and it's really my happy place training and leading and coaching is, feeds my soul, so I really enjoy it, and that means it doesn't feel like work.Lesley Logan 9:56 Yeah, you are seeking out things and then you would say yes to things. And I wonder, you know, some of the people who listen get themselves into places because they say yes too much. How did you make sure that when you were saying yes to things, that it actually was enhancing what you were doing and not compounding or stressing or causing you to not be able to do the things that you love? Is there something that you, you measured each yes with? Was it like a gut feeling? How did you do that? Because I'm wondering how we can take your like saying yes to these amazing things, to people who might be saying yes to not amazing things.Aletta Rochat 10:33 I think the reason you've got to, you've got to understand why you're saying yes. So if you're saying yes to get validation or you're saying yes to feel accepted, or you're saying yes because you're afraid of saying no, those could all lead you down very strange paths. So you've got to say yes to something that means something to you. You know, I've always been a volunteer. I love volunteering, but I remember when my kids, my son, was involved in scouting, and they wanted me to take on a role of quarter master, which was looking after all the scouting equipment. I just knew I had to say no because it didn't feed my soul, you know, I couldn't imagine anything. You know, I know they're talented people who do that job, but it wasn't me. So you've got to be true to yourself when you say yes, and it's got to bring you joy at some level, but it's not yes out of a sense of duty, and then you've got resentment for it. It's got to be something where you say yes because you want to give and you also want to learn. So to me, that, it's both sides of the coin. You can't just say yes to give and you're not learning or getting anything back. There's got to be value in it for you. And we've all got busy lives, and we've got to fit this into whatever else you've got going, your job, your family, looking after you as a person, your emotional and physical well being. So sometimes we get it right, sometimes we get it wrong, but I've always been one of these ones. I joke that I suffer from the Helium Hand Syndrome. So when people say, do you need anything? The hand magically goes up and, to your point, I've said yes to too many things in the past and then been burnt out. So I've learned to sit on my hand every now and again and make sure that I don't just it's not a reflex reaction. It's a considered action where I can add value and where it adds value to me.Lesley Logan 12:20 I love that you broke down all of that. And why are you saying I think that that is so important, you guys, I think you can all just take that clip apart. Everyone could just put it as a little card. Am I saying yes because I'm afraid of saying no. Am I saying yes because it's like, I'm like, you know, until it becomes an innate muscle, you know? I think that's really helpful because it is true. I know I had someone to send me a thing, and of course, I wanted to say yes to it. The yes was, like, a no brainer. The reason I said no is because the timing that just didn't work. There was no way I could do it. And so there's that part, that old version of me who's like, oh my God, if you say no to this, they're never going to ask again. And it's like, that is actually a story. If they are never going to ask me again, because I said no one time, I probably don't want to actually be with that kind of demanding space. But typically, I said, Oh my God, I'm so thrilled you asked me. I'm, I would love to do this. The date is wrong. I could do the weekends before, I could do the weekends after. I can't do that weekend. So you know, if the date changes, please consider me again. And they respond, of course, like that would be, thank you so much for letting us know. So it's like, you know, it's not, sometimes we, like I, could I have moved my other things to say yes? Not really. So I think it's really important for us to kind of understand why we're saying yes and what fears are coming up if we are struggling with it, you know, just paying attention to that stuff. What are some of the things that you, tools or sayings that you have that help you show up for all the things you want to do. Is there, like, a saying that you have, or something that someone taught you that helps you because you have so much confidence, and I imagine there was some of that you were born with, but like, what keeps you going in that way?Aletta Rochat 14:01 When I was running for election to a position, I've spent a lot of time speaking to past leaders and trying to glean information from them, and I'd chat to them and get their ideas and share my ideas, and at the end of every call, I would always say to them, what's the one thing in your opinion that I should remember as I go on this journey? And there was one of my colleagues who was senior to me in the organization, and he said words I've never forgotten, and he said to me, Aletta, remember that you belong. And that, to me, was so profound, because if I believe I belong, I'm likely to be more relaxed, more spontaneous, I'm more likely to share my ideas, and if I believe I belong, then I would probably be thinking at a different level. If I'm aiming for a senior position. And I thought, well, if I was in the C-suite, what would be important to me if I belonged, if I already had that position? How would I approach this? And that, to me, became quite a powerful mindset shift to check whether I'm waiting for someone else to tell me I belong, or whether I'm taking ownership and reclaiming my sense of belonging. And when I realized that I show up differently when I think I belong, and I thought, well, why don't I grant myself permission? Why does it have to be delegated to the world to give me a tick and say, yes, you can go the next step? So it's a powerful concept that's meant a lot to me personally, and when I've shared it with clients, it somehow resonates with people. If you belong, how would you show up? How would you speak up? Why would you share your ideas, or why wouldn't you share your ideas if you belong? So for me, it's almost like a fundamental building block of confidence and executive presence is this concept of belonging, but we can't give it to ourselves, and that was a game changer. Lesley Logan 15:55 Aletta, I'm obsessed with this because that is Be It Till You See It. If I belong, I show up differently. If I believe I belong here, if I believe I belong in the role I'm applying for, if I do that, your energy is different, how you answer the questions, you're not waiting for validation. I'm obsessed with this whole thing. So is this a mantra that you have people say? Is this something you repeat to yourself? Is it on Post-It notes like, how do you how did you incorporate it. How did you remind yourself?Aletta Rochat 16:22 It was so powerful to me that it suddenly became part of everything I did. If I belong. Because as soon as I felt as if I didn't belong, the clue was, that's when I'm not so sure of myself, and I start doubting myself. Where I start saying, well, you know, why am I here? So and so is better than me. Any of those negative voices that camp in your head. As soon as they became prominent, then I'd start to say to myself, but no, calm down. Take a step back. You belong. And if I can get into that calm state and say, actually, I do belong, then it's like a whole, my body calms down, my anxiety goes down, and then I can have clarity of thought, because it's not the anxiety tripping me up. So to me, it was just such a powerful saying that it I just embraced it and didn't let go of it. And now I've woven it into the coaching tools I have. I've created the I Belong playbook to get people to start thinking which areas of their life do they have a sense of belonging, and which is there a lack of a sense of belonging, and can we fix that by spending some time and saying, actually, if I did belong, what would I do? And a lot of that is linked in with self-acceptance, because if you belong, you're not wanting. You are enough if you feel you belong. And that's such a empowering thing. And it also just allows you to relax and be you, as opposed to trying to be something that you wish you would be, or you think someone else needs you to be. So it gives you permission just to just make it so much easier. Lesley Logan 17:56 Yeah, oh, my God, it there is an easy button. It's that mantra. But I, I, you hit something, you hit like on self-acceptance. And I think that is difficult. I think we have a lot of perfectionists who listen, a lot of over achievers, a lot of women. They're so amazingly powerful. They're awesome. They handle everything. They're handling their parents, health that's going on. They're handling their work, they're handling their kid's stuff. And yet I feel like sometimes they're where, like you can have the I belong in some areas, I feel like there is a lack of feeling they belong in the areas that they want to be going towards. And it's easy for them to use all this other stuff as an excuse, as a distraction to maybe not exploring the I belong, but also, like self-acceptance on that thing that they're desiring. Do you find that, like, have you worked with people in your coaching practice who, like, they can, they have some amazing areas where they belong, and then they're just not accepting themselves in the area that actually is where they desire to grow?Aletta Rochat 19:00 Exactly. One of the starting points for any coaching conversation I have with clients is trying to identify their superpowers. We all have them. But somehow society has conditioned us to say, oh, it's nothing. I can do this. It's nothing. It's, then we trivialize it, and once I start asking questions like, one of the clues to your superpowers is, what do other people ask you for help with so now you're really good at doing Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables and all this. And people come to you because you can do it in a heartbeat and they take three hours. You think it's nothing, because it's innate to you, but it's a gift you've been given. But where I find the disconnect is we know, maybe at a deep level, we're good at something, but we're almost scared to admit it or to articulate that to someone else, and therefore we hold back articulating our value and how we can help solve problems. And how we can move projects forward, because we somehow have this incredible anxiety around saying what we're good at, and once you get over that and saying, my superpower is, and this is how it can help you, you become someone who contributes to problem solving on a personal level, in your job, in your community, but if you aren't willing to share your God given talent, we don't know how wonderful you are, and you get overlooked. So that sense of belonging often is related to this trivialization of what we're good at, and if we can get over that, so much opens up. Lesley Logan 20:37 Yeah, yeah. I think it takes time. It always takes an outsider to help you with that. It's kind of hard to do, you know, like, there's some things you become aware of on your own, and some people a light bulb can turn on, and there's like, a lot like, I remember I did The Artist's Way once, and I was answering one of the questions, and I had an aha moment that I never had, ever thought about. And I was like, oh, no wonder I never cook. Like, when I was eight years old, my grandfather told me, like, are you fucking idiot? Why would you do this with the bread? And I did not realize that, oh, at a young age, I just kind of learned, you know, even though I was following a recipe, you know. So sometimes things can be done with an, with an, a book or, or a hearing something, and then other times, if you are hearing it and you know it, and you're struggling with it, you need support of someone to kind of guide you. How long have you been coaching and what drew you to supporting others?Aletta Rochat 21:29 I've been coaching probably for about 15 years now, and what drew me towards it? It's I get such a kick out of seeing other people blossom. It, to me that's, the best reward ever is when I share something, someone takes action on that, and they sent me a letter it worked. And to see clients growing in confidence, in whichever way is important to them. You know, it doesn't matter whether they're IT professionals or entrepreneurs or whatever, but to see them grow is just so powerful. So that feeds my soul, and it's something that I just as I say, it doesn't feel like work to me. I feel it's my purpose in life. That's my God-given talent is helping other people be more successful. So, for me, it's just natural to do it, and I enjoy doing it. And you know, I do it one-on-one. I do it in group coaching programs. I do it often with no reward whatsoever, just because I love it and it feeds my soul. So it makes sense. Lesley Logan 22:30 I think that's so fun about a lot of things we get to do on this world now. And so many of us have a superpower, and then we can make it be the thing that we do. And it doesn't have to feel like work. It can feel like part of any wonderful day that we're given to do. I have some questions, because I know some of our listeners have probably heard Toastmasters, but probably thought it was like the thing that their parents did in the 90s. Is that something that everyone should be doing, is it something only people who wanna publicly speak do? What drew you to it? I mean, obviously you run it, so obviously you're obsessed. But I would just like to know, because I remember when I was a young adult hearing about Toastmasters, but not necessarily something that, I've been told I should do it, and I just never did it. So I would love I'm curious now I'm asking you.Aletta Rochat 23:15 Toastmasters, for those who aren't aware of it, is an organization that teaches people public speaking and leadership skills, and we do that in clubs. So clubs usually about 20 people, some of them are bigger, some of them are smaller. And you come to club meetings and you choose your own speech topics. There's a curriculum that you can personalize. We call them pathways, and you decide which one you want to go to. And your first project, for instance, is called your icebreaker, where you simply introduce yourself to the club. We give you a few criteria. We tell you how long to speak for. So we time everything to try and train people not to go on and on or speak too short. And the beautiful thing about Toastmasters is two things, you're guaranteed an audience which often is hard to find, and you're guaranteed applause, and then, which is something very precious. And then in that audience, somebody will be given the task of giving you feedback. And if you were speaking, let's say, Lesley, we love that you did this, this, and this. Next time, challenge yourself. Here's my suggestion to improve that. So it's an incredibly positive, supportive environment. Everybody is there for the same reason. So it's an incredibly safe space. If you want to make mistakes, that's the place to make it. But that if you participate, within three months, you see such a tangible increase in confidence, which you take back to your family, your community, your career. So my advice is go to toastmasters.org and there's a Find a Club feature, and look for clubs in your area that meet at a day or a venue that suits you or a time, and go and visit a few clubs. They've each got their own personality. And don't be put off if they look different to you. They're older or younger than you. Just go and give it a go. You actually will be amazed. And one of the best things about it is you meet people that are different to you, people from different backgrounds, different experience sets, so your life, just by hearing their stories, is enriched. But it's a lot of fun. But you know, it's the best way to do it is just go attend a meeting and see what you think. Lesley Logan 25:23 What a fun hobby. I think that could be, even if you're not wanting to, I love that you brought up like you bring the confidence to the other parts of your life. We hear a lot of people, they struggle to make friends as an adult, because it's so much harder, like especially when you have kids, if you move to a new city, good luck making new relationships, new friends. It can be really difficult. But I sound, it sounds like Toastmasters would bring multiple facets of people to the same place, and so you can connect with other people. I mean, guaranteed applause. Who doesn't want that? But also, like. Aletta Rochat 25:53 In 150 countries all over the world, so, it's very hard to find a country that there isn't a Toastmasters club. So it's probably closer and easier than you imagine.Lesley Logan 26:02 I'm gonna look it up after just to see, because I've lived in the city four and a half years, but I find I have a great group of connections. But also I'm like, well, how would I meet more friends if I wanted to add more friends? Because, you know, it becomes, the city can come really small, if you like, stay in your group and you just have that network. So I think that it could be really cool. And also not that you have to want to go and be a public speaker, but also if you want to present in your office. You know.Aletta Rochat 26:26 In your office, at a wedding, at a friend's birthday, at a funeral. You know, there's so many opportunities we get to, especially these special occasions, speaking, where your speech is a gift that only you can give and you really want to do it well, you know, whether it's a friend or someone who's retiring or someone getting married, what a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone. And if you have a bit of practice, and you can even practice those speeches at Toastmasters and get feedback before the event, so that when the day comes, you can shine.Lesley Logan 26:59 Ah, that's so cool. That would have been very helpful when I had to speak at a funeral a few years back. Aletta Rochat 27:05 It's just so hard to do. It's not easy.Lesley Logan 27:06 So hard, you're so, you're so emotional, you're trying to, like, share your love, but you're also feeling your emotions. But I mean, you know, even though it's my company that I'm running, sometimes I have to present an idea. We talked about, at the beginning of this, it's like getting, in one-on-one, I could, like, totally share the idea, but then you got to present the idea to people who are the marketing department for it. They're the payroll department going, can we afford this? They're the ops department who has all these questions. And sometimes you're like, okay, now my idea doesn't, I don't have as much confidence in it. I feel a little muddy around it. I'm actually nervous, because now I have to translate it to all of you and get you excited, because I want to do it. It's hard. Aletta Rochat 27:45 Yeah, it's not easy, but with a bit of practice, you'll be amazed at how much easier it will get and how quickly you can achieve that.Lesley Logan 27:52 This is, I love this a lot. So what are you most excited about right now? We're in the new year when we're recording this. Is there something that you're super excited to do this year that you haven't been doing before, or is it more of the same?Aletta Rochat 27:59 I think it is growing what I've already done. I've got a beautiful group coaching program, and I want to invite more people into that, where I mentor them for a 12-month period on executive presence, and that group has just achieved so much that that is very exciting. I've also planning to publish a book on executive presence, putting all the tools that I've created and publishing that. Don't ask me for a publication date, because I don't know yet. I'm still trying to get it done, but it's a dream that excites me. Lesley Logan 28:37 Oh, around here, we love reading books, so you'll just have to let us know if there's a waitlist thing or something. Executive presence, is that something we all have inside us innately, or is that something that we have to cultivate?Aletta Rochat 28:49 I think people probably have an ability for it. Whether they nurture that ability is a different question. I remember when I was at school, the headmistress of my school, describing in a reference she wrote for me, she said a letter has a quiet authority, and in those days, maybe that was what executive presence was. So you don't have to be the loudest voice in the room. You don't have to be the best brain in the room, but if you have executive presence when you speak, people will listen because you're adding value, and you will speak in a way that contributes to the group and contributes to the bigger picture. So I believe everybody needs it and can cultivate it and can benefit from and it covers so many things. It covers the confidence, the self-belief, the sense of belonging, the way you articulate your message. So whether you're having to say no to someone, or whether you're giving feedback, or whether you're inspiring a team, if you've got executive presence, it's easier. So it's something that I think all of us should develop as a muscle, because the benefits are multifaceted, and it's not out of reach of anybody. We just have to become self aware, and then learn a few tips and tricks, and then have, build our awareness of others, because that's also part and parcel. You can't just be an island with your executive presence and nobody around you. You've got to learn to get the best out of people and give the best to people so that we all benefit.Lesley Logan 30:16 Beautiful. I think that what you're doing is really cool. You have such a calm, like this headmistress said, like this calm leadership about you, there's just something, and I think that's so nice. Sometimes people have so much fluttering energy. And there's something about you that everything that you say feels possible and doable, even, even if I've heard it before, but the way you say it, it's easy, like the I belong, and how that that can change the way we feel, and how all that can work. Lesley Logan 30:44 I wonder, before we take a brief break, what are the ways that you prioritize yourself because you are so passionate helping people and it doesn't feel like work, how do you make sure that you are prioritizing you in your day?Aletta Rochat 30:58 Got quite a good sense of when I'm not feeling at my best, and when that anxiety comes up when I'm just kind of not feeling me, my remedy is to go into nature, either go walk the garden, or take a dog for a walk or to have a run. Exercise and outdoors really helps me. My husband is very good. He'll just say, you know, what's going on? You know when, if it's Toastmasters related, he'll say, you joined to have fun. If you're not having fun, change something. So I'm also very aware of my energy levels. So, you know, I try and surround myself with people who lift my energy, and hopefully I do the same for them. So I've learned over the years to say no to things that aren't good for me, but I think it's just, it's almost like that barometer you've always just got to check how you're feeling today and if you're feeling off, why? I was trying to track it back, when did it change and what was it? And sometimes it's anxiety. You're worried about something, and then suddenly your energy changes, and then you become contracted inside, and then you can't be at your best. So how do you remedy that? Is it going back inside and reminding yourself that you belong? Is it taking a walk? Is it phoning a friend? It's just being aware of when you can recalibrate to get back into the position that you can be creative and spontaneous and add value, but knowing what it feels like when it's right and knowing what it feels like when it's wrong is a key to looking after yourself.Lesley Logan 32:29 I love that. I think that that's important to give ourselves time to do that, you know, I think that's really key. And it takes, it takes a muscle, it takes practice. I'll let everyone take a brief break and then find out how people can find you, follow you, work with you, and your Be It Action Items. Lesley Logan 32:44 All right, Aletta, you mentioned you have a I Belong playbook. I would like to know more, because I feel like that is the be it till you see it playbook right there and you've made it. So we may as well make sure people have it.Aletta Rochat 32:58 Well, I created it in the process of trying to challenge myself to identify which parts of my life I belong and which I don't feel I belong and why, and to kind of have a playbook where I can say, okay, that's the area I want to pick up on. So it's very simple. It's just prompts for you to follow. But the idea is that you do an inventory of your belongingness, of I can put it that way, I've never expressed it quite like that, and then that'll help you take the next step and inform yourself and just create that awareness that you can take further to get that sense of belonging and to cultivate it, nurture it. Because it's not a once and done deal. It's a practice, yeah, but it's a very powerful practice. So if people would like to download that they go to, I'm going to give you lots of letters here, H-T-T-P-S, you know the story, coaching.executivepresenceformula.com/belonging.Lesley Logan 33:55 We will put that in the show notes, guys. We will put that in the blogs. It's easy to click. Yes, that is wonderful. And do you hang out on any of the socials that people can find you, follow you on?Aletta Rochat 34:07 The best one to find me on is LinkedIn. And if you just Google my name or search my name on LinkedIn and send me a message, I'd love to have a conversation with you, and it's just, yeah, finding out, when I have a conversation with you, how I could be of service and, you know, whether we're a good match. And a conversation is the easiest way to determine that and then to see what's next.Lesley Logan 34:31 Love that. I love that. Thank you for that. Okay, you've actually given us so many great things. But for the people who may skip to the end, or they get to hit this point, and they are like, okay, but what, what should I do next? The bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps people can take to be it till they see it, what do you have for us?Aletta Rochat 34:48 The first thing I have is to own your sense of belonging, reclaim it if you've lost it. Second thing is you be the one to grant yourself permission to belong. It's within your power. You've got agency. It's a choice you have. And the third one is then start playing with it, start thinking, start speaking, start acting as if you belong, and watch the difference that results once you have that mindset. So it's reclaiming our sense of belonging. And that'll unleash so many possibilities for you, and it's something it's a gift you give yourself. Lesley Logan 35:26 Yes, yes. Oh my gosh, I love this so much. I think it's a great reminder and a wonderful tool. And so also, thank you for your playbook, because I do think the inventory of belongingness is, is key. People who listen to this, obviously, y'all want to know more about yourself, and I think what a great place to evaluate and have some aha moments. So, Aletta, thank you so much for being here and sharing your gifts with us and your positivity and your tools. You are wonderful. and you're doing great work. Lesley Logan 35:56 Y'all, make sure you share this with a friend. Share this with someone who needs to hear it. Make sure you hit up Aletta on LinkedIn and let her know your favorite takeaways and until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 36:05 That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 36:49 It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 36:54 It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 36:59 Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 37:06 Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 37:09 Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Send us a textIn today's deeply inspiring episode of the Strong By Design podcast, Coach Chris Wilson introduces his friend and ministry leader, John Chalkias, founder of Seeds of Hope Children's Ministry™. John prerecorded a very special message directly from Zambia.What began in 1996 as a single home for children with HIV/AIDS in Thailand has grown into a world-changing mission — one that's saving and transforming lives in Zambia today. A 72-acre self-sustaining refuge for African children.Through the Buseko Children's Home and Grace Academy, John and his team are doing something no one else in the world is doing:Providing love, family, medical care, and education to children affected by HIV/AIDS in a Christ-centered boarding school environment.This is powerful testimony from John about faith in action, the value of every child, and the kind of healing that happens when someone is told, “You matter. You are not forgotten.”John is the true definition of a Kingdom man. He is doing God's good work half a world away and changing the lives of children forever. Thank you John for all that you do, we love you! Time Stamps00:00 – Welcome to the Strong By Design podcast! 00:35 – Meet today's special guest, John Chalkias 03:42 – John on transforming lives at Grace Academy, Zambia 06:30 – What they were able to develop at Grace Academy 07:43 – John highlights unique skills and strengths seen in the kids 10:00 – Why forgiveness is so important for these kids 18:45 – Learn how bonds at Grace Academy last beyond graduation 21:05 – John shares updates on international project expansion 24:09 – How can people support John's mission, get involved, and learn more 25:55 – Please share, and leave ratings & reviews for the SBD podcast! We need your help!If you haven't yet left a Rating or Review for the Strong By Design Podcast we would be honored if you would.Leave a Rating or Review on iTunes Resources:Seeds of Hope Children's Ministry Connect with John:Instagram Connect with Chris:InstagramSupport the showConnect w/ CriticalBench: Youtube Facebook Instagram CriticalBench.com StrongByDesignPodcast.com