Ghosts in the Mountains explores the eerie, unexplained, and deeply mysterious stories hiding within the misty peaks of Western North Carolina and beyond. From haunted hotels and spectral legends to cryptid sightings and lost treasures, hosts Caleb Hanks and Austin Burgess take you deep into the folklore, history, and firsthand encounters that shape the region’s paranormal landscape.

Each episode uncovers chilling tales, eyewitness accounts, and historical mysteries, blending investigative storytelling with a cozy, fireside feel. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, Ghosts in the Mountains is your guide to the supernatural side of Appalachia.

Subscribe now, and let’s journey into the unknown together.

GITM - Ep #45 - The Thanksgiving Ghost of Marsh Bridge

Ghosts In The Mountains

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The Legend of the Thanksgiving Ghost at Marsh Bridge: The episode explores a haunting that supposedly occurs annually near Geneva, New York. In 1902, train engineers reported seeing a white figure frantically waving its arms near Marsh Bridge, followed by piercing screams. Local railroad workers told them about a deadly accident years earlier when a train plunged off the bridge, killing crew members. This became known as "The Thanksgiving Ghost" since it reportedly appears around Thanksgiving each year.

The Historical Truth Behind the Legend: While the 1902 sighting was documented in newspapers like the Salt Lake Telegram, researcher Jennifer Jones from Dead History discovered no accident records matching the exact Thanksgiving timeline. However, she found a March 29, 1873 incident where a train plunged into Marsh Creek when floodwaters destroyed bridge supports. Engineer Ignatius Bute was found dead in the cab, while fireman Augustus Sipple's body was recovered miles downstream days later.

Evolution Into a Cautionary Tale: The hosts theorize that this ghost story evolved into a cautionary tale specifically for railroad workers. The connection to Thanksgiving might be because it's a busy travel season when workers need to stay especially vigilant. The ghost potentially serves as a warning about the dangers of drowsiness (from tryptophan in holiday meals) or the hazards of operating trains during holiday shifts.

Liminal Spaces and Paranormal Activity: Austin notes that railroads and bridges are considered liminal spaces - transitional areas between places - which might explain why they're common settings for paranormal activity. This connects to their earlier discussions about ghosts potentially existing in in-between spaces or dimensions.

The Bellhurst Castle Connection: The hosts discuss another haunting in Geneva - the Bellhurst Castle, which reportedly features a "lady in white" named Isabella who died with her lover in collapsed tunnels. While this story contains many classic ghost story tropes, it demonstrates how the Geneva area has multiple paranormal legends.

Upcoming Ghost Investigation at Lake Lure Inn: The hosts share their excitement about their upcoming first equipment-aided paranormal investigation at Lake Lure Inn, where they've reserved rooms 217 and 218 - the very rooms where a jealous lover allegedly murdered his wife. They'll be using various ghost hunting equipment including EMF meters, a FLIR thermal camera, and "cat balls" (motion-sensitive light-up toys used for ghost detection).

Ghosts as Echoes of the Past: The hosts reference their previous episode on "What Are Ghosts?" and a comment suggesting ghosts might be "echoes of another time" rather than interactive entities - essentially windows into the past where figures don't acknowledge the living because they're from a different time.
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Best-selling author and documentarian Dinesh D'Souza provides enlightened conversations about politics, history, philosophy, literature, and much more.
You can also <a href="https://salemnewschannel.com/host/dinesh-dsouza/">watch Dinesh D’Souza on Salem News Channel</a>

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The Dinesh D'Souza Podcast

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- Trump Administration Targets Muslim Brotherhood Chapters: The Trump administration has decided to designate "certain chapters" of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations - a significant move as the Muslim Brotherhood is arguably the most powerful radical Islamic organization globally. Unlike groups like ISIS or Al-Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood operates as a decentralized network dating back to the 1920s, seeking to revive "original Islam" through both infiltrating Western societies and challenging pro-Western regimes in Muslim countries. The selective designation appears to target specific chapters based on their terrorist activities while acknowledging that not all branches engage in terrorism.

- Qatar's Controversial Role: Critics note that Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Qatar and Turkey appear excluded from the terrorist designation, potentially due to Qatar's significant influence in the United States, including its financial investments in universities and media. Qatar plays a complex role as both a supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood and a middleman in international negotiations, such as securing the release of Israeli hostages.

- New York Times Portrays Identity Thief as Victim: D'Souza criticizes a New York Times article titled "Two Men, One Identity. They Both Paid the Price," which portrays both an identity theft victim and the illegal immigrant who stole his identity as victims. D'Souza argues this represents a moral inversion, treating a criminal perpetrator as a victim simply because he's an illegal immigrant, when in reality there's only one genuine victim - the person whose identity was stolen.

- The Gender Conflict on Social Media: A discussion with author Dr. Carrie Gress examines the growing conflict between men and women on social media, where increasingly women are feminists and men are anti-feminists. Gress suggests men are finally finding their voice after years of not pushing back against feminist narratives, while women have been indoctrinated with feminist ideology and lack models of "authentic femininity."

- The Origins of Feminist Ideology: Gress argues that feminism was problematic from its inception, not just in its later waves. Early feminists like Mary Wollstonecraft were influenced by Unitarianism and rejected the idea of having "any man as a mediator between you and God" - even Jesus. These theological and philosophical foundations of first-wave feminism laid the groundwork for the more radical second-wave feminism.

- The Anthropic Principle and Fine-Tuned Universe: D'Souza discusses the anthropic principle or "fine-tuned universe" theory from physics, which observes that if the universe's fundamental constants were adjusted even slightly, life could not exist. This creates a "huge embarrassment" for atheistic scientists as it implies a "fine tuner" or creator. Some scientists attempt to counter this by proposing multiple universes, despite having no empirical evidence for universes beyond our own.

- Modern Physics and the Possibility of Heaven: D'Souza suggests that modern physics, rather than contradicting religious beliefs about an afterlife, may actually support them. The concept of multiple universes with different laws of physics makes the idea of heaven more understandable as a realm with its own principles. This undermines materialist objections to life after death and shows how modern science can be "an unexpected ally" to religious believers.
</answer>

From UFOs to psychic powers and government cover-ups, history is riddled with unexplained events. You can turn back now or learn the Stuff They Don't Want You To Know ... an audio podcast from iHeartRadio.

The National Debt Conspiracy

Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

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Understanding National Debt: National debt is the total amount of money a government owes to its creditors, primarily the public and sometimes to itself. This differs from a deficit, which occurs when government spending exceeds income in a given period. The US currently owes about $38 trillion, with approximately 20% of that debt owed to itself through intergovernmental arrangements.

The Rules Change at Different Levels: Debt works differently for average citizens versus high net worth individuals and nation states. While individuals can face severe consequences for defaulting on debt, nations that control their own currency have significantly more flexibility. Countries that issue debt in their own currency, like the US, technically never have to default unless they choose to.

The US Dollar as Reserve Currency: Since World War II, the US dollar has served as the global reserve currency, giving the United States significant financial advantages. This status allows the US to borrow more easily, as other nations and institutions view US debt as a safe investment. However, some experts believe this privileged position may be weakening.

The Politicization of Debt: National debt frequently becomes a political weapon. When one party is in power, the opposition typically criticizes spending and debt increases. Politicians often selectively focus on certain types of spending (entitlements versus military, for example) based on their political agenda rather than addressing overall fiscal responsibility.

The Federal Reserve's Role: The Federal Reserve serves as an independent institution designed to keep the economy stable by setting interest rates and implementing monetary policy. However, concerns exist about potential political pressure on the Fed, which could lead to policies that benefit short-term political goals at the expense of long-term economic stability.

Debt-to-GDP Ratio and Economic Health: Economists focus less on absolute debt and more on the ratio of debt to GDP. The theory is that as long as the economy grows at a rate higher than the interest on the debt, the government can effectively manage its obligations. However, the US debt-to-GDP ratio is currently at 118.8%, meaning the country is spending significantly more than it produces.

Potential Consequences of High Debt: The national debt could lead to higher interest rates, inflation, reduced economic growth, and diminished global influence. Some experts like Richard Haass of the Council on Foreign Relations have called the $38 trillion debt a "national security crisis." JP Morgan recently suggested that America's path out of debt might involve pushing up inflation and eroding Federal Reserve independence.

Conspiracy Theories Around Debt Resolution: Some conspiracy theories suggest governments might attempt to wipe out debt through unconventional means. For example, a senior advisor to Vladimir Putin claimed the US is planning to rewrite global trade rules and shift debt into stable coins, potentially devaluing the dollar to start from scratch.

Global Implications: Because the US economy is so integral to the global financial system, an American debt crisis would automatically trigger worldwide economic problems. Few countries, if any, are truly prepared for the potential fallout of a US debt crisis.

The Interest Burden: The US pays nearly a trillion dollars annually in interest alone on the national debt. This represents a significant portion of government spending that could otherwise be directed toward public services, infrastructure, or other national priorities.

The Question of Sustainability: The core question isn't how to eliminate debt entirely, but rather how much debt can accumulate before triggering a financial crisis. Despite periodic concerns about debt levels throughout American history, the system has continued to function, raising questions about how sustainable current practices truly are.
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Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon.

Kim is in a class all her own. Her widely successful radio show is heard on over 500 stations in the United States and internationally in 175 different countries. Kim has millions of fans who love her down-to-earth, deeply relatable, and easy-to-understand way of talking about consumer tech.

Every episode is loaded with the scoop about the latest gadgets, online security, social media trends, and digital privacy. Kim makes it all entertaining and fun. With a mix of important news, practical advice, and compelling conversations, you can make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the tech world. 

In the Kim Komando Daily Tech Update Podcast, every episode is loaded with ways to better your tech life. New Kim Komando Daily Tech Update Podcast episodes drop every day, Monday through Sunday.

If you want Kim’s daily longer podcasts, search for Kim Komando Today in your favorite podcast player. 

To learn more about Kim, the things she mentions, or submit a topic or question, drop by www.Komando.com

Save family recipes forever

Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

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- Digitize Family Recipes for Posterity: Kim Komando shares how to preserve family recipes that have been handed down for generations. Start by taking photos of recipes with your phone and saving them to an album called "Family Cookbook" for easy access when you need them.

- Free Apps for Recipe Collection: Use the Notes app on iPhone or Google Keep on Android to organize your digital recipe collection. These free apps are effective tools for managing collections of family recipes.

- Create Physical Cookbooks from Digital Collections: Turn your digitized recipes into hardcover books using services like Blurb, Mixbook, or Shutterfly. Include photos of the dishes and add notes next to each recipe, making it a great holiday gift option.

- Computer Recommendations for Video Editing: A caller seeking advice for creating instructional videos receives recommendations for a laptop with a powerful GPU and CPU, at least 32GB of RAM, a fast SSD, ample storage, and a 4K display.

- Free Video Editing Software Options: The hosts recommend Cap Cut as a free video editing software that offers features comparable to expensive editing software from a decade ago. They also suggest OBS for video capture, which includes templates for different social media platforms.

- Personal Connection Through Shared Interests: The conversation takes a lighter turn as the hosts and caller bond over golf, sharing stories about hole-in-ones and eagles, demonstrating how technology experts can connect with their audience through common interests outside of tech.
</answer>

The latest headlines and analysis from Britain’s most trusted newspaper - now delivered to you three times a day. Follow the podcast to never miss an episode.<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Evening briefing Wednesday 26th November

Times news briefing

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UK Budget 2024 Tax Increases: Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has announced that income tax thresholds will remain frozen for an additional three years. This decision means one in four workers will pay the higher 40% or 45% tax rate by 2030. The Chancellor has acknowledged this will affect working people, stating she is "asking everyone to make a contribution."

Additional Tax Measures: The budget introduces several other tax changes, including capping tax-free salary sacrifice pension contributions at £2,000 per month, reducing tax-free cash ISAs by £8,000, and removing some property tax exemptions. There will also be higher taxes on online gambling and a new council tax surcharge on homes worth over £2 million.

Welfare Spending Increase: Government welfare spending is projected to increase by £9 billion by the end of the decade, partly due to the Chancellor's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap in April. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the budget as "hiking taxes to pay for welfare."

Economic Outlook: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has downgraded growth forecasts for every year after 2024 and predicts that national debt will rise as a proportion of GDP by the end of the decade. Critics note the budget offers little concrete support for economic growth.

Unprecedented Budget Leak: In an unusual error, most of the budget details were revealed 30 minutes before the official announcement when the OBR published its assessment early. The OBR chair, Richard Hughes, has apologized and initiated an investigation into the mistake.
</answer>

The Business of Fashion has gained a global following as an essential daily resource for fashion creatives, executives and entrepreneurs in over 200 countries. It is frequently described as “indispensable,” “required reading” and “an addiction.”<hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Is This the Year Discount Mania Finally Ends?

The Business of Fashion Podcast

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• Consumer Sentiment vs. Spending Reality: While consumer sentiment about the economy is at its lowest in years, spending patterns remain surprisingly robust. This disconnect exists because spending has been primarily driven by the wealthier segment of consumers who have been insulated by a strong stock market and appreciated real estate values. Meanwhile, the bottom 80% of consumers are feeling the effects of slower wage growth and inflation.

• The Evolution of Black Friday Strategy: Brands are moving away from blanket discounts toward more strategic approaches. The most successful retailers are introducing newness specifically for the holiday season, prioritizing hero products, and creating a sense of urgency through curated offerings. Simply offering deep discounts across the board is no longer effective in today's retail environment.

• Value Over Discounting: What consumers truly want is value—getting good products at good prices, not necessarily the cheapest options. Retailers are becoming more sophisticated with their pricing strategies, using AI to optimally price products and protect profit margins while meeting consumer expectations. The traditional sale mentality appears to be waning as both retailers and consumers seek more sustainable approaches.

• Luxury Department Store Disruption: Financial challenges at major luxury retailers like Saks Global, SSENSE, and Luisa Via Roma have created opportunities for competitors on stronger financial footing to capture market share. These competitors are intensifying clienteling efforts, courting ultra-wealthy customers (the top 0.1%), poaching top sales associates with valuable customer relationships, and hosting lavish events to attract high-spending clients.

• Brand-Retailer Relationships: The relationship between retailers and brands remains strained, with late payments being a persistent issue. When retailers pay their brand partners promptly, it creates a positive ripple effect: brands can pay factories faster, deliver new products more quickly, and ultimately provide fresher inventory to consumers. Retailers that cultivate positive vendor relationships gain competitive advantages through better product selection.

• AI's Emerging Role in Shopping: While AI-powered shopping apps haven't fully disrupted the retail landscape yet, consumers are increasingly using tools like ChatGPT to create shopping lists and find deals. ChatGPT has even launched direct checkout capabilities through partnerships with Shopify, Walmart, and Target. Brands that are already part of the cultural zeitgeist with positive reviews and discussions online are more likely to appear in AI-generated shopping recommendations.

• The Future of Discounting: This holiday season might mark the beginning of the end for discount mania. Some brands are intentionally limiting discounts to create a sense of urgency and specialness around Black Friday offers, potentially retraining customer expectations for future seasons. However, with economic pressures continuing to affect many consumers, there will still be significant demand for meaningful discounts from cash-strapped shoppers.
</answer>

Think is a daily, topic-driven interview and call-in program hosted by Krys Boyd covering a wide variety of topics ranging from history, politics, current events, science, technology and emerging trends to food and wine, travel, adventure, and entertainment.

How philanthropy makes America possible

KERA's Think

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National Parks as America's Best Investment: The National Park Foundation, established in 1967, serves as the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Jeff Reinbold explains that every dollar invested in national parks increases GDP by $10, with parks generating about $55 billion in economic impact annually. The Foundation focuses on funding initiatives that federal appropriations can't fully cover, helping parks to implement projects faster and to a higher quality level.

Private Support for Public Treasures: The National Park Foundation raises money to bridge the gap between federal funding and park needs. Currently, they're in the middle of a $250 million capital campaign for park facilities. This philanthropy enables the parks to accelerate employee housing development, increase youth access to parks, and maintain historic sites for future generations.

Open Access Higher Education: The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) is unique as an R1 research university that maintains an open access mission. President Heather Wilson explains that 96% of students are minorities, half are first-generation college students, and 35% come from families making less than $20,000 annually. Despite these challenges, UTEP maintains low tuition costs and student debt levels.

Affordability Through Strategic Support: UTEP has kept education accessible by maintaining low base tuition, maximizing scholarship packaging, and leveraging state funding. For students receiving scholarships (78% of the student body), the average out-of-pocket tuition cost is about $1,100 per year after financial aid, compared to the initial cost of $9,600.

Improving Graduation Rates: UTEP has significantly increased graduation rates by implementing comprehensive, holistic advising for all students. With support from the Lumina Foundation, the university analyzed risk factors affecting student persistence and implemented a system where no advisor has more than 350 students. Over 20 years, this approach has increased six-year graduation rates by approximately one percentage point annually.

Philanthropy as Economic Multiplier: Economist Ray Perryman explains that philanthropic investment creates substantial returns for communities. His research shows that $1 invested in hunger initiatives brings $33 in social returns, $1 in education yields $59 in returns, and investments in addressing child abuse produce $61 in returns. These investments improve education outcomes, lifetime earning potential, and overall community health.

The American Generosity Challenge: While philanthropy has deep roots in American identity, Perryman notes concerning trends: younger generations are contributing less than previous generations did at the same age, and wealth disparities are reflected in giving patterns with wealthy donors contributing proportionally more than middle and lower-income groups. This "generosity crisis" presents challenges for maintaining community support systems.

Philanthropy's Role Amid Government Reductions: With federal funding being reduced, nonprofit organizations face increased pressure. On average, nonprofits receive about 29% of their funding from government and 50% from philanthropy. While philanthropy cannot fully replace government funding, it offers advantages in flexibility, efficiency, and targeted impact. Philanthropic organizations can be nimble, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and address community needs with greater heart and precision.
</answer>

ESPN Fantasy Football experts Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay and Stephania Bell provide daily strategy, previews, injury reports, and debates around news and notes of the day.

Week 13 PREVIEW: Who Are The BEST Players To Fill Out Your Lineup? | Fantasy Focus 🏈

Fantasy Focus Football

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- Saints Running Back Situation Without Alvin Kamara: If Alvin Kamara misses time, rookie Devin Neal appears to be the lead option after playing 58 of 66 snaps when Kamara exited their last game. Neal had 10 carries and 8 targets, making him the most attractive fantasy option, though he'll likely remain outside the top 20 running backs. Taysom Hill will remain involved, potentially vulturing goal-line work, and the Saints have struggled with only 3 rushing touchdowns all season.

- Returning Running Backs: Several key running backs could return in Week 13, including Bucky Irving, Omarian Hampton, and Trey Benson. The hosts recommend caution with all three, as they'll likely face limitations in their first games back. Hampton is viewed as the best option of the three due to a favorable matchup against the Raiders, but all are flex considerations at best given the uncertainty of their workloads.

- Concerns About Jonathan Taylor: Despite being a top-5 running back in the rankings, Jonathan Taylor has shown some concerning signs with under 9 fantasy points in two of his last three games. While the Texans represent a better matchup than last week, they've been surprisingly effective against top running backs this season. Taylor remains an RB1 but has moved down slightly in the rankings.

- Wide Receiver Uncertainty: Emeka Egbuka has struggled lately, scoring fewer than 10 fantasy points in five of his last six games despite seeing 10+ targets per game since Week 7. The hosts debate whether he remains a WR2 or has fallen to flex status. Justin Jefferson has also underperformed with fewer than 11.5 fantasy points in three straight games, making him a questionable start despite his talent.

- Broncos Players Against Commanders: The hosts recommend starting multiple Broncos against Washington's struggling defense. Bo Nix is a lineup lock despite recent inconsistency, while both Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin are viable options. RJ Harvey should be the lead back with Jaleel McLaughlin likely in a complementary role, making Harvey a solid RB2 option.

- Cardinals Wide Receivers: Michael Wilson has exploded with 33 targets over the last two games with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Even if Marvin Harrison Jr. returns, both receivers are viable flex options against Tampa Bay. Brissett has been averaging 43.5 passing attempts over his last six games, which provides enough volume to support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.

- Quarterback Dilemma: The hosts debated whether to start Jacoby Brissett or a returning Joe Burrow. Brissett has been a top-12 QB for six straight weeks with at least 18.7 points in each game, while Burrow faces a tough Ravens defense in his first game back from injury. A YouTube poll showed viewers almost evenly split (51% Brissett, 49% Burrow).

- Chargers Pass Catchers: The Chargers' receiving corps has been inconsistent, with Ladd McConkey emerging as the most reliable option. Quentin Johnston has disappeared in recent weeks, while Keenan Allen has seen limited snaps when the team has a lead. Ronde Gadsden remains the steadiest option with at least 5 targets in each of the last four games, making him a fringe TE1.

- Vikings Offensive Struggles: With J.J. McCarthy struggling and potentially out (with Max Brosmer possibly stepping in), the entire Vikings offense is concerning. Justin Jefferson has been held under 11.5 fantasy points in three straight games despite a career-high target share. T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison are considered bench options due to the poor quarterback play.

- Running Back Committees: Both Jalen Warren/Kenny Gainwell (Steelers) and RJ Harvey/Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos) represent running back committees with fantasy relevance. Warren has a safe floor with at least 8 points in every game, while Gainwell has been more productive in the passing game. Harvey is expected to lead the Broncos backfield in a favorable matchup against Washington.
</answer>

Inspirational conversations with extraordinary people. 

Hosted by entrepreneur and personal development expert, Nate Haber, this podcast explores strategies and philosophies that help people elevate their lives mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.

Including high profile guests like Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet, JD Vance, Daniel Cormier, Tito Ortiz, Stipe Miocic, Devin McCourty, Beanie Wells, Jordan Harbinger, Mathew Knowles, Justin McClure, Sherrie Campbell, Siena Bella, Roy Dean, Nathan Orchard, Stuart Cooper, Bernie Moreno… and more.

Now Accepting Clients for Longevity Coaching

The Optimal Life

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- Podcast Anniversary Gratitude: Approaching its eight year anniversary in December with nearly 500 episodes, The Optimal Life Podcast host Nate Haber expresses deep gratitude to listeners worldwide who have supported the show and shared how it has inspired them.

- Personal Growth Journey: Haber reflects on his own transformation through hosting the podcast, noting that conversations with diverse guests have significantly contributed to his personal development and self-improvement journey.

- New Coaching Opportunity: Haber announces he's opening up longevity and anti-aging coaching services for a limited number of men who want to revitalize their lives, drawing on his personal experience with biohacking techniques.

- Holistic Approach to Optimization: The coaching will focus on a comprehensive approach addressing mind, body, and soul, emphasizing that true optimization requires attention to all three areas rather than just focusing on one aspect.

- Testosterone and Men's Health Focus: Haber specifically highlights addressing declining testosterone levels in men over 40, which are often compromised by stress, poor diet, and lifestyle factors, as one component of his coaching approach.

- Coaching Structure: The program will initially open for just a few slots before closing for several months, with interested men invited to email Haber directly for an introductory call to determine if the coaching is a good fit.
</answer>

<h4>AI Inside explores the complexities of artificial intelligence and its impact on the world at large. Hosted by tech podcaster&nbsp;Jason Howell&nbsp;and media expert&nbsp;Jeff Jarvis, AI Inside takes a thoughtful look at the promise and challenges of AI while inviting some of the industry's most notable players and thinkers to engage in thoughtful dialogue about AI, neither overhyping its potential nor dismissing public concerns about its development. With a deep interest in AI's impacts on art and culture, Jason uses his rich experience in technology and creativity to understand its capabilities better. Jeff is a respected voice on technology's influence on media and society, thanks to his popular blog BuzzMachine and books like "Public Parts" and "The Gutenberg Parenthesis." Together, Jason and Jeff aim to advance public understanding of this world-changing technology at an important inflection point.</h4> <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Behind the Scenes of Nano Banana Pro

AI Inside

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Google's Nano Banana Pro Launch and Evolution: Google released Nano Banana Pro, a significant update to their image generation tool powered by Gemini 3. The new version offers major improvements in text rendering, infographic creation, and character consistency. Google claims the "cherry pick rate" for quality text in images has improved from 20% to 80%. Jason visited Google's campus and met with the team leaders, noting that despite their major releases, they remain focused on continuous improvement rather than celebration.

Gemini 3 and Google's AI Leadership: With back-to-back launches of Gemini 3 and Nano Banana Pro, Google has positioned itself as a leader in the AI space. The company is integrating these capabilities across products, with features like improved image generation now appearing in tools such as NotebookLM. These advancements represent Google's coordinated approach to implementing AI throughout its product ecosystem.

AI Bubble Concerns and Nvidia's Position: Despite media narratives about an AI bubble, Nvidia's strong earnings helped calm market fears. Google's new TPU chip deal with Meta was seen as creating healthy competition in the AI chip market. While Nvidia maintains they're "a generation ahead," Google's entrance into renting out TPUs signals a broadening supply of AI computing resources that could ease infrastructure bottlenecks.

Music Industry Adaptation to AI: Warner Music Group has settled its copyright litigation with AI music generator Suno, creating a partnership similar to its recent deal with Udio. The settlement indicates how established industry players are finding ways to work with AI music generation tools rather than shutting them down. Reports suggest Suno had previously spent only $2,000 on training data while generating 7 million songs daily, highlighting the scale and economic disruption these tools represent.

Genesis Mission and Government AI Data Access: The Trump administration launched the Genesis Mission, an initiative to centralize US government scientific data and make it accessible to academic and business researchers. Jeff praised the move, arguing that government data should be openly available since it has been paid for by taxpayers, though Jason noted the irony given efforts to defund research across the country.

AI Safety and Child Protection Measures: Character AI, a platform for creating AI chatbots, has banned users under 18 following incidents involving younger users who took their lives after communicating with chatbots. The hosts debated whether this approach might harm teens who found emotional support through these AI companions, with Jeff arguing the decision stems from moral panic rather than good research.

OpenAI's Hardware Ambitions: Sam Altman and Jony Ive appeared together to discuss OpenAI's first hardware product, expected to launch within two years. The device is described as "simple, beautiful and playful," likely screen-free and about the size of a smartphone. The hosts questioned what would make users choose this over their smartphones and what unique functionality it might offer.

Anthropic's Opus 4.5 and Technical Advancements: Anthropic released Opus 4.5, focusing on improved coding performance and significantly longer context windows. The model uses background summarization to maintain coherence in extended conversations and claims improved resistance to prompt injection attacks, though not complete immunity.

Google's Smart Features and Privacy Concerns: Reports from Malwarebytes claimed Google's Smart Reply and Smart Compose features in Gmail were being used to train AI models. Google clarified these features have existed for some time and don't contribute to AI training, addressing concerns about privacy and data usage.

Yann LeCun's Next Chapter: Meta's Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun is officially leaving to start his own venture focused on world models, with plans to partner with Meta once established. This confirms rumors discussed in previous episodes and suggests a collaborative relationship will continue between LeCun and his former employer.
</answer>

Motley Fool Money is a daily podcast for stock investors. 
Weekday episodes offer a long-term perspective on business news with The Motley Fool's investment analysts. Weekend shows are a mix of investing classes and longer-form interviews.
The show is hosted by Dylan Lewis, Ricky Mulvey, and Mary Long.

What’s a Waymo Anyway?

Motley Fool Money

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- Waymo's Lead in Autonomous Driving: Waymo has established a significant lead in autonomous vehicle technology by offering fully driverless rides without safety drivers in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Their methodical deployment strategy has given them an advantage over competitors like Tesla, whose autonomous service in Austin still requires human safety drivers.

- Technology Approaches: LIDAR vs. Vision-Only: Waymo uses a comprehensive sensor suite including LIDAR, radar, and cameras, allowing effective operation in various conditions despite higher vehicle costs. Tesla, on the other hand, relies on a vision-only approach with eight cameras and neural networks. Waymo's technology has proven more effective, as they meticulously map operational cities to millimeter precision.

- The Race Is Not Over: While Waymo has a lead, it may not be insurmountable. Less than 1% of the US population has taken a driverless taxi ride, indicating the market is still in the early adopter phase. Companies like Tesla, Uber, and Amazon's Zoox still have time to catch up before reaching the early majority adoption phase.

- Competing Approaches to Market Entry: Waymo focused on solving the safety and technology questions first, with cost reduction to follow. Tesla took the opposite approach, targeting lower costs first but struggling to achieve the necessary safety for removing human drivers. The autonomous taxi market is projected to grow from $1 billion in 2022 to over $100 billion by 2031, making cost-effective scaling crucial.

- Expanding Footprint: Waymo is rapidly expanding into new markets, including Detroit, San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, New Orleans, and Minneapolis—notable because it's moving into northern cities with challenging weather conditions. Their timeline from initial mapping to commercial operation is compressing, indicating accelerating deployment capabilities.

- Diverse Industry Players: Beyond Waymo and Tesla, other notable companies in the autonomous driving space include: Aurora Innovation (focused on long-haul trucking), Mobileye (advanced driver assistance systems), Nvidia (providing processing power for AVs), Baidu (leading robo-taxi service in China), Mercedes-Benz (first with certified level three autonomy), and Amazon's Zoox. Each company offers different ways to invest in the autonomous future.

- Future of Ride-sharing: Companies like Uber and Lyft will likely remain as third-party aggregators in the autonomous vehicle future. Rather than individuals owning autonomous vehicles for ride-sharing, the model may shift toward fleet operators who own multiple vehicles with infrastructure for charging and maintenance. Waymo is testing different operational models—in some cities competing directly with Uber/Lyft through their own app, while in others partnering with Uber to provide services through their platform.
</answer>

Tech News Briefing is your guide to what people in tech are talking about. Every weekday, we’ll bring you breaking tech news and scoops from the pros at the Wall Street Journal, insight into new innovations and policy debates, tips from our personal tech team, and exclusive interviews with movers and shakers in the industry. Hosted by Zoe Thomas

TNB Tech Minute: TelevisaUnivision Returns to YouTube TV

WSJ Tech News Briefing

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- YouTube TV and TelevisaUnivision Reach Agreement: After a weeks-long carriage dispute that resulted in Univision's channels going dark on YouTube TV in September, the two companies have signed a multi-year deal. During negotiations, YouTube TV had proposed moving TelevisaUnivision to a more expensive specialty tier, which the broadcaster called a "Hispanic tax," while YouTube TV argued viewership data didn't support keeping the service in its basic package.

- Foxconn Expands Wisconsin Investment: The Taiwanese electronics manufacturer has secured approval from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to invest an additional $569 million in Wisconsin to build AI infrastructure. This investment aims to meet growing AI server demand from U.S. customers and strengthen domestic supply chains. Foxconn reports it has already spent over $2 billion in Wisconsin and created approximately 1,500 production jobs.

- Dell Reports Strong AI Growth: Dell raised its full-year guidance and forecast that AI server shipments would more than double. The computer and software maker saw its shares rise over 6% following the announcement.

- HP Announces Workforce Reduction: The computer and printer manufacturer plans to cut up to 10% of its workforce as it increases investment in AI. HP's annual adjusted earnings per share guidance missed expectations, causing its stock to fall more than 1%.

- Other Tech Stocks in Motion: Autodesk, the digital design software maker, raised its annual outlook with shares rising nearly 3%, while human resources software company Workday also increased its annual forecast but experienced an 8% drop in share price.
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The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Karol Markowicz Show: Dave Barry on Humor, Life Lessons, and Finding Joy in Florida

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

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Florida as a Humor Writer's Paradise: Dave Barry moved from Pennsylvania to Miami in 1986 during the "cocaine cowboy era," initially planning to stay temporarily while writing for the Miami Herald. Despite early reservations, he fell in love with Florida's diversity and unpredictability, noting that "Key West is not anything like Miami, which is not anything like Fort Lauderdale..." He considers Florida ideal for humor writers because "there's a lot of material. It just keeps happening down here."

The Accidental Humor Career Path: Despite always enjoying writing and loving humor (citing influences like Robert Benchley, PG Wodehouse, and MAD Magazine), Barry never planned on becoming a humor writer because he "saw no career path that way." He started in newspapers and gradually incorporated humor until, in his 30s, he could make a living from it, benefiting from an era when syndicated columns were popular.

The Decline of Humor in Serious Writing: Barry observes that today's serious publications feature less humor than they once did, attributing this to cultural polarization ("you're on one team or the other team") and writers' fear of "not looking cool." He notes that humor writing is uniquely vulnerable because "anybody has the right to go, 'that's not funny.'"

Public Speaking Philosophy: Barry advises speakers to simply "don't do what everyone else is doing" and "don't be the most boring human being on the face of the earth." He has a "lifelong crusade" against speakers who use the tired "we can do better than that" response to audience greetings, and recommends keeping talks under 40 minutes since "nobody ever says at the end of a speech, 'I wish that had gone on longer.'"

Life Lessons at 78: At 78 years old (which surprised the host), Barry's main life philosophy is "it's going to be okay." He reflects that throughout his lifetime there have always been existential threats—from nuclear war to communism to climate change—yet "the thing that you're worrying about so much never happens." His one genuine concern is the federal government's inability to control spending.

Advice for Improving Life: Barry offers two key pieces of advice: first, "don't confuse anything you see on the Internet ever with real life" and focus instead on family and real connections; second, more controversially, "you don't need to refrigerate ketchup or mustard"—pointing to restaurant practices as evidence.
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Dustin, Bobby, and Sam talk all things Houston Cougars sports, with a smattering of Big 12/general college sports talk and bad puns.

11.18: Players Era Learning & Senior Day Heartbreak

The Scott & Holman Pawdcast

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- Thanksgiving Food Preferences: Bobby argues cranberry sauce is unnecessary at Thanksgiving and Sam thinks mac and cheese feels out of place. They both agree that having excellent sides is more important than having a perfectly cooked turkey.

- Men's Basketball Performance at Players Era Tournament: The Cougars went 1-1 in Vegas (later clarified as 1-2 from last year), with a win against Syracuse but losing to Tennessee. The hosts note Milos Uzan and Emmanuel Sharp bounced back in the Syracuse game, while Kingston Flemings had a strong performance against Tennessee. However, both games highlighted offensive struggles, particularly during extended scoring droughts.

- Interior Struggles for the Cougars: JoJo Tugler is having significant offensive struggles, shooting just 6 of 21 against power conference opponents this season. The hosts express concern about his confidence and finishing ability near the basket, which they see as a limiting factor for the team's ceiling.

- Elite Recruiting Success: Houston secured commitments from two elite prospects for 2026: Arafan Diane, a consensus top-25 five-star center described as a "throwback big man," and Ikenna Alozie, a top-45 combo guard. Both chose Houston over traditional blue-blood programs.

- TCU Football Heartbreaker: The Cougars lost a close Senior Day game 17-14 to TCU, with kicker Ethan Sanchez missing two crucial field goals despite being reliable all season. The hosts debate whether the defense performed well (as Sam argues) or whether turnovers masked deficiencies (Bobby's view).

- Offensive Struggles Against TCU: The offense failed to capitalize on defensive stops, with questionable play-calling in key moments like a fourth-and-goal fade pass instead of running. Connor Wigman had an inaccurate day throwing, and the run game statistics (230 yards) were inflated by a few big plays.

- Game Day Experience Analysis: Bobby, who attended the TCU game, critiques the gameday experience at TDECU Stadium, noting the lack of a centralized tailgating area, poor in-stadium energy, and especially the PA announcer who he considers "atrocious" and in need of replacement.

- Houston's Home Field Disadvantage: Sam points out that Houston's poor home record (27-24 since 2017) contributes to attendance problems. The team hasn't won a Senior Day game since 2021, making it harder to attract casual fans.

- Baylor Preview with Bryce Cherry: The Waco Tribune-Herald sports editor discusses Baylor's tumultuous season, including AD Mack Rhodes' departure and Coach Dave Aranda keeping his job. He describes a team with a high-powered offense (28th in SP+) but terrible defense (111th), playing for bowl eligibility.

- Final Regular Season Picks: Bobby and Sam make their weekly picks for Houston vs. Baylor and other games, with Sam taking the Cougars +2.5 while expressing surprise that Baylor is favored despite their recent struggles.

- Women's Basketball Progress: The Cougars went 2-0 in their recent games, showing promising defensive identity under Coach Matthew Mitchell. The hosts compare them to Willie Fritz's first football team - struggling offensively but markedly improved defensively and better coached overall.
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POST Wrestling&#39;s John Pollock &amp; Wai Ting review WWE Raw, AEW Dynamite and discuss the latest in pro wrestling news with their network of contributors. http://www.postwrestling.com

Big Data + Panel Wreaks Havoc on WWE & AEW | Pollock & Thurston

POST Wrestling

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• Big Data + Panel Methodology Negatively Impacts Wrestling Ratings: Brandon Thurston's research reveals significant discrepancies between the old Nielsen panel-only methodology and the new Big Data + Panel system. Wrestling programs are experiencing substantial viewership declines under the new system, particularly in key demographics - Dynamite down 20% in 18-49, Smackdown down 20%, and NXT down 27%, while sports programming generally benefits from the new methodology.

• Duration Theory and CW's Strong Response: A leading theory suggests wrestling shows are negatively affected because they're not categorized as sports despite their lengthy two-hour format. Evidence supporting this includes a one-hour Collision episode that performed better under the new methodology than longer episodes. CW issued an unusually strong statement calling Nielsen's methodology "fundamentally flawed" and expressing "deep frustration" with the rollout process.

• WWE Shareholder Lawsuit Updates: The ongoing lawsuit alleges Vince McMahon predetermined WWE's sale to Endeavor to ensure he remained with the company despite sexual misconduct allegations. McMahon's phone was recently returned by federal authorities after being seized for 2.5 years, with 6,500 documents provided to plaintiffs. Depositions for key figures including McMahon, Nick Khan, and Endeavor executives are scheduled, with a potential trial in June 2024.

• AJ Lee and Stephanie McMahon Discuss Equal Pay: The two reflected on their 2015 Twitter exchange where AJ called out WWE for gender pay disparity. While Stephanie claimed she didn't have "direct control" over pay issues, she credited AJ for helping spark the "women's evolution" in WWE by standing up publicly. However, their discussion remained surface-level without addressing specific progress on equal compensation.

• Tony Khan Reflects on AEW's Position: Khan stated that he felt "embattled" a year ago but now feels "180 degrees" different about AEW's position. He noted that Dynamite has gained share on TNT in each of the first three quarters, and revealed that AEW pay-per-views must meet a minimum length requirement of 3 hours and 45 minutes per their contracts.

• Survivor Series Set for Record Attendance: WWE's upcoming Survivor Series at Petco Park in San Diego has 34,540 tickets distributed, making it the largest Survivor Series in history. This will be the third event under the ESPN banner, though there are indications from Burke Magnus that ESPN may not be entirely satisfied with the early performance of WWE content on their platform.

• Netflix Ratings for John Cena's Final RAW: John Cena's final RAW appearance generated 3.1 million views and 5.8 million hours viewed, ranking sixth globally on Netflix and appearing in the top 10 in 19 different countries. This represents one of the strongest viewership numbers for RAW since moving to the streaming platform.

• Other Wrestling Business News: Bushiroad announced they've sold 40,000 tickets for Wrestle Kingdom 20, with plans to create "emergency seating" to expand capacity. AEW withdrew its "Shockwave" trademark application after a dispute with the NWA, with Tony Khan stating he had discussions with Billy Corgan to resolve the issue.
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A weekly podcast that goes beyond the headlines to bring you analysis from Israel Policy Forum experts and distinguished guests.&nbsp;

Tenuous Ceasefires and the Story Behind the Hostages Families Forum

Israel Policy Pod

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• Lebanon Ceasefire Status: The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is described as a "legal fiction" rather than an actual ceasefire. Israel continues conducting strikes against Hezbollah, including the recent high-profile assassination of Hezbollah's chief of staff in Beirut. While the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are supposed to disarm Hezbollah per the ceasefire agreement, they lack both capability and willingness to fully confront Hezbollah, which has threatened civil war if forcibly disarmed.

• Israel's Military Approach vs. Political Solutions: Israel is increasingly relying on military solutions rather than giving time for political processes to work in Lebanon. While Israel has demonstrated impressive military capabilities, disarming Hezbollah ultimately requires a political process, not just military action. So far, Hezbollah has largely not responded to Israeli strikes, but this restraint may not last indefinitely.

• Gaza Ceasefire Challenges: The Gaza ceasefire is similarly precarious but likely more stable than the Lebanon situation due to direct US involvement and Hamas's limited capabilities to break it. However, the transition to "phase two" of the ceasefire deal is stalled, with no progress on establishing the International Stabilization Force (ISF) or the technocratic committee meant to govern Gaza.

• Palestinian Authority's Role: Without involving the Palestinian Authority in Gaza's future governance, the situation will remain stuck. The absence of this element from current plans is a key obstacle to moving forward with implementation of the next stages of the ceasefire agreement.

• Saudi-US Relations and Israel: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recent visit to the White House resulted in significant benefits for Saudi Arabia—including promises of F-35 jets and major non-NATO ally status—without requiring normalization with Israel. This represents a shift where "all roads no longer lead through Jerusalem to get to Washington," suggesting that normalization with Saudi Arabia is not imminent despite Israeli government claims.

• Hostages and Missing Families Forum: Matan Sivek co-founded the DC chapter of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum after October 7, 2023. The organization worked to ensure the hostages weren't forgotten by building grassroots support, engaging with media, and educating government officials. Their strategy was to work with everyone across the political spectrum, focusing on humanizing the hostages and keeping them in the public consciousness.

• Working with US Administrations: The Forum worked with both the Biden and Trump administrations using the same inclusive strategy. Sivek noted key differences in their approaches: Biden's team focused primarily on American hostages as leverage, while Trump's administration was more results-oriented and open to unconventional ideas. The eventual hostage release deal was structured under Biden but implemented with Trump's involvement.

• Rescue vs. Negotiation Debate: A significant challenge was pushing back against those advocating for military rescue operations, which the Forum considered too dangerous for both hostages and soldiers. The Forum had to educate officials that negotiated deals were safer than rescue attempts, especially after tragic incidents where hostages were killed during rescue operations.

• Moving Forward: With most living hostages now released, Sivek has joined iSRaid, Israel's largest humanitarian organization, to work on rehabilitating former hostages and their families through a platform called "255" (for the 255 hostages held in Gaza). This initiative will provide ongoing support services including psychological help, support groups, and retreats for hostage families.
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Tune in every week to Gorilla Position, the biggest and best WWE fancast in the UK! If you love the Sports Entertainment juggernaut, you will love GP; a show made for fans, by fans! Join us for news, views, event recaps, behind-the-scenes gossip, competitions, plus interviews with all the biggest Superstars in WWE! It’s an unmissable slice of WWE that takes you closer to the action than ever before!

Survivor Series preview!🩸

Gorilla Position

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The Preview for WWE Survivor Series: War Games: This weekend's Survivor Series pay-per-view event will be held at Petco Park in San Diego, California with War Games matches as the main attraction. The stadium setup will feature double rings and double cages, with an expected attendance of 45,000-50,000 fans.

John Cena vs. Dominik Mysterio for the IC Championship: The panel discussed the controversial segment on Raw featuring "Mini Cena" (a little person dressed as John Cena) being attacked by Dominik. They agreed this was an outdated creative approach that didn't suit Dominik's character, which has been effectively built up as one of WWE's best heels. The hosts predict Dominik will win the championship in his hometown.

The Last Time Is Now Tournament: The tournament to determine John Cena's final opponent continues with Gunther defeating Carmelo Hayes in an excellent match. Unfortunately, Penta was injured during his match against Solo Sikoa, changing planned tournament trajectories. The hosts theorize Gunther is likely to win the tournament and face Cena in his retirement match.

The Men's War Games Match: CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jimmy and Jey Uso, and Roman Reigns will face The Vision (Drew McIntyre, Brock Lesnar, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul). The hosts praised Cody Rhodes' passionate promo on Smackdown where he claimed War Games was his "birthright" (referencing his father Dusty Rhodes creating the match concept). They also discussed Brock Lesnar falling during his entrance on Raw and how it could potentially lead to a storyline with Bron Breakker.

The Women's War Games Match: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and AJ Lee will face Nia Jax, Lash Legend, The Kabuki Warriors, and Becky Lynch. The hosts noted that while the build hasn't been particularly strong, they expect the match quality to be good, with particular focus on AJ Lee's return to in-ring action and Lash Legend's relative inexperience.

Roman Reigns' Future Championship Prospects: The hosts debated whether Roman should win another world championship after his historic 1,316-day reign. Some argued he doesn't need a title to remain relevant, while others suggested a potential program with CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship would elevate that title's prestige.

Drew McIntyre's Championship Struggles: The panel noted that Drew McIntyre has lost 17 of his 18 world championship matches, with his sole victory (at WrestleMania) resulting in a reign that lasted only minutes. They agreed Drew desperately needs a meaningful victory and championship run.

Stephanie Vipers vs. Nikki Bella: The hosts criticized the poor creative direction for this Women's World Championship match, noting minimal television time was dedicated to building the story. They suggested Stephanie might not make it to WrestleMania as champion if creative doesn't improve.

The State of Women's Wrestling on WWE Programming: Max pointed out there were no women's matches on either Raw or Smackdown this week, only segments building toward War Games. He expressed concern about the ceiling for women's wrestlers when they move from NXT (where women are prominently featured) to the main roster.

The Best Wrestling Managers of All Time: Responding to a listener question, the hosts named Paul Heyman and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as the greatest male managers in wrestling history, while Sherri Martel, Miss Elizabeth, and China were highlighted among the top female managers/valets.

Potential Smackdown Format Change: The hosts discussed rumors that Smackdown might return to a three-hour format in 2026, expressing concern that this would make the show feel bloated and difficult to write effectively.

Producer Ben's Departure: The hosts announced that Producer Ben will be leaving the show at the end of the year, with plans for a proper send-off during episode 400 next week. Producer Annabelle will continue with the show.
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Amanpour is CNN International's flagship global affairs interview program hosted by Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour.

Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

Amanpour

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- Trump Peace Negotiations Under Scrutiny: A leaked transcript published by Bloomberg reveals conversations between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin's negotiator Yuri Ushakov, in which Witkoff appears to coach the Russian side on how to influence Trump. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba describes the 28-point Trump peace plan as "a list of Russian ultimatums blended with American ideas on how to make these ultimatums look better."

- European Response to Peace Negotiations: European leaders have gathered to revise the Trump peace plan to a more reasonable framework. President Macron stated that "Europe is steadfast" and there is "a chance to make real progress toward a good peace." However, Kuleba argues that being merely "steadfast" is insufficient - Europe must act faster on weapons production, seizing Russian frozen assets, and accelerating Ukraine's EU accession process.

- Ukraine's Difficult Position: Kuleba warns that if the current situation continues until November 2026, "Ukraine is going to lose more territories, more people, our economy will be devastated even more." He states that while Ukraine's military is solid enough to prevent a complete collapse of the front line, they're not strong enough to stop Russian advancement.

- Broadway's Modern Oedipus: Mark Strong and Lesley Manville star in a contemporary adaptation of Sophocles' 2,500-year-old tragedy on Broadway. Director Robert Icke has reimagined Oedipus as a political thriller, with Oedipus as a candidate about to win a landslide election. The play uses real-time staging with a clock counting down to create tension, despite audiences knowing the classic story.

- Theatrical Authenticity: Strong and Manville discuss maintaining the "spell" of live theater, with Manville expressing frustration about audience members taking photos during curtain calls. Both actors consider this theatrical production among their most meaningful work, with Strong noting that "there's nothing quite like a live audience and feeling the vibration."

- Kenny Chesney's Musical Journey: Country music star Kenny Chesney discusses his memoir "Heart, Life, Music" and his recent induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Chesney describes how his curiosity about the world beyond his small Tennessee town shaped his artistic development, and how seeing George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Conway Twitty in concert as a young person changed his life.

- Musical Influences and Authenticity: Chesney explains how his music reflects a diverse range of influences including bluegrass, Van Halen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, and Bob Marley. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in songwriting, noting that "we're all pretty much suckers for the truth" when it comes to music.
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Walter Russell Mead, a historian, pundit, and popular author, is encyclopedic about politics, culture, and history. On What Really Matters, Mead and Tablet deputy editor Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what news matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now.

Check out Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column at https://www.tabletmag.com/columns/via-meadia.

Trump’s Ukraine Ultimatum That Wasn’t

What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead

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The MAGA Movement's AI Rift: A significant divide has emerged within Trump's coalition between tech entrepreneurs and MAGA populists over artificial intelligence. Tech money helped elect Trump, but many Republican officials fear AI's rapid growth threatens jobs, children's safety, and economic security. Walter Russell Mead notes this tension was inevitable as America needs to keep up with China technologically while addressing the massive disruption AI will cause to employment and society.

Managing the AI Revolution: Like the automobile a century ago, AI will require extensive regulation even though we'll inevitably get much of it wrong initially. The technology will eliminate many jobs (from coding to truck driving) and could cut 60-90% of middle management positions in government and corporate bureaucracies. Mead suggests innovative approaches like compensating people for their data and medical information to ensure average citizens benefit from the information economy.

Trump-Xi Communication: A recent phone call between Xi Jinping and Trump generated conflicting reports about who initiated it. The conversation reportedly centered on Taiwan (Xi's focus) and Ukraine (Trump's focus). Mead is skeptical of the diplomatic significance, noting Xi is likely not in a position to invade Taiwan soon after purging military leadership, making any hypothetical discussions about U.S. responses largely moot.

The Growing Fertility Gap: Recent data shows approximately 75% of liberal women aged 18-35 are childless compared to 40% of conservative women - a significant widening from a 5% difference in 2010. Mead suggests there may be advantages to having children earlier in life, noting that with longer lifespans, women who have children in their early twenties can still pursue 40-year careers, entering the workforce in their late 20s or early 30s.

Trump's Ukraine Peace Plan: The administration's 28-point plan for Ukraine quickly transformed from an ultimatum to merely a guideline. The plan initially tilted toward Russia to entice their participation but faced backlash from Ukraine, Europe, and even some Republicans, forcing modifications that likely made it unacceptable to Russia. The real target appears to be Europe, not Russia or Ukraine, with Trump sending a message that Europeans must step up if they want to prevent a pro-Russian peace settlement.

Europe's Geopolitical Haplessness: Europe remains politically fragmented and strategically ineffective, with populist movements gaining ground in Britain, France, and Germany. Putin continues his war partly because it exposes European weakness and deepens the rift between the U.S. and Europe. Meanwhile, China appears to have given up on trying to split Europeans from America, instead focusing on economic policies that threaten European industry.

Thanksgiving Wisdom: Mead advises clear communication about basic expectations (like what time "dinner" actually means) and avoiding political arguments at the Thanksgiving table. He recommends focusing on gratitude for life, food, and family rather than taking the bait when controversial topics arise.
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With What Bitcoin Did, host Peter McCormack talks to experts in the world of Bitcoin, economics and politics. From developers to investors, journalists to authors, you will learn about everything in the world of Bitcoin.

PMQs #002 - Labour's Budget: Another Tax Raid on Working People

What Bitcoin Did with Peter McCormack

The Peter McCormack Show

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• Budget Day Expectations: Peter expresses concern about the most anticipated budget in his lifetime, fearing potential tax increases that could harm businesses and the economy. He and his son Connor are recording a podcast to analyze Rachel Reeves' budget presentation.

• Critique of Labour's First Budget: Peter criticizes Labour's previous budget that raised National Insurance, increased capital gains tax rates, imposed VAT on private schools, and added inheritance tax on farms. He argues these decisions had negative consequences, particularly for those on the margins of affording private education.

• Hidden Business Taxes: Peter argues that "business taxes" are ultimately paid by consumers through higher prices. He references Ronald Reagan's explanation that taxes on businesses are simply hidden sales taxes that are passed on to customers, making Labour's claim of not raising taxes on working people misleading.

• Inflationary Environment: Peter explains that inflation makes the rich richer and the poor poorer because wealthy people own assets that inflate in value, while those without assets simply face higher costs. He criticizes Labour's borrowing of £180 billion (about £370 million per day) since coming to power.

• Labour's Budget Challenges: Peter outlines Labour's conflicting goals of increasing public service investment, driving economic growth, reducing inflation, managing cost of living, and cutting debt simultaneously. He believes these objectives are contradictory and impossible to achieve together.

• Budget Reaction and Analysis: After watching the budget presentation, Peter expresses deep concerns about Rachel Reeves' projections, particularly regarding borrowing reduction. He's skeptical of the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts and believes growth targets are unrealistic.

• Authoritarian Concerns: Peter raises alarm about what he sees as authoritarian tendencies in the Labour government, pointing to the £1.8 billion allocation for digital IDs, potential restrictions on jury trials, and limitations on free speech. He views these as signs of increasing state control.

• Political Strategy Analysis: Peter believes Labour is deliberately appealing to non-working segments of society (pensioners, welfare recipients, and young people not yet in work) while punishing the middle class who work, save, and run businesses. He sees this as an electoral strategy to maintain their base.

• Lack of Growth Measures: Peter criticizes the budget for not including meaningful measures to stimulate economic growth. He argues that while some individual items might be positive, the overall direction discourages investment and entrepreneurship.

• Conclusion on Budget Impact: Peter predicts continued economic decline under this government, with a continued squeeze on the middle class, more welfare dependency, lower growth, and higher inflation. He believes neither Rachel Reeves nor Keir Starmer will survive politically until the next election.
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