Steven Crowder brings you news, entertainment and politics with the most politically incorrect show on the web. Guests, rants, sketches, your calls ... it's whatever.Watch the VIDEO version of this podcast here: http://www.louderwithcrowder.com/mugclub

Nick Fuentes Sits Down with Crowder

Louder with Crowder

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Steven Crowder's Ground Rules for Controversial Conversations: Crowder begins by explaining his approach to hosting controversial guests like Nick Fuentes. He emphasizes not mischaracterizing statements, avoiding gang-ups (hence silencing other mics during the interview), and not taking potshots after a guest appears, referencing how Tucker Carlson criticized Fuentes after their interview.

Nick Fuentes Addresses Common Accusations: Crowder opens with rapid-fire questions allowing Fuentes to deny several accusations: Fuentes states he doesn't hate all Jews, doesn't consider himself an anti-Semite, doesn't believe white people are superior to other races, doesn't want to eradicate non-whites from America, isn't a "fed," and clarifies he doesn't believe women should be raped as policy.

Fuentes' Political Evolution and Grievances with Conservative Media: Fuentes describes starting as a mainstream conservative in high school before the Trump era shifted his views. He explains how questioning conservative media's unwavering support of Israel led to his blacklisting from platforms like CPAC and conservative outlets. Fuentes claims figures like Ben Shapiro actively worked to damage his reputation when he was just 18 years old.

Diverging Views on America First Nationalism: Both Crowder and Fuentes identify as America First nationalists but differ in implementation. Fuentes expresses admiration for America's power and status as a "pan-European empire," while Crowder emphasizes America's distinctiveness from Europe, especially regarding freedom and religious liberty. Fuentes advocates for stronger state interventions in industry through tariffs, subsidies, and public works to counter China.

Discussion of Joseph Stalin Comments: Crowder plays a clip where Fuentes calls himself an "admirer" of Stalin on Tucker Carlson's show. Fuentes clarifies he finds Stalin compelling as a historical figure who transformed Russia from a backward country into a superpower, while acknowledging Stalin was "evil" and his methods were genocidal. He distances himself from Stalin's murderous approach while admiring his industrial achievements.

Fuentes' Views on America's Political System: Fuentes expresses frustration with Trump and the Republican establishment, arguing they've failed to deliver on promises regarding immigration, foreign policy, and economic nationalism. He advocates for a "more powerful executive" and suggests America might need a "Christian government" (though not a theocracy). Crowder expresses concern about potential authoritarian tendencies in Fuentes' worldview.

Controversial Views on Gun Rights: Crowder plays a clip where Fuentes questions whether society needs widespread gun ownership. Fuentes clarifies he supports the Second Amendment but feels uncomfortable with open carrying in urban environments. He argues that conservatives overly fixate on gun rights while neglecting other cultural battles, saying "if you lose everything else, the guns won't protect you either."

Context of Inflammatory Comments: Crowder plays several controversial clips from Fuentes' show, allowing him to provide context. Fuentes claims many of his inflammatory statements are meant as humor, hyperbole, or were taken out of context. Regarding a clip about executing "occult" figures, Fuentes states he no longer supports the death penalty and was speaking emotionally about "devil worshippers" in elite circles.

Populist Coalition Building: Fuentes proposes a potential populist coalition combining America First nationalists with some progressive elements on issues like opposition to foreign aid and corporate corruption. Crowder pushes back, questioning how such a coalition could work given fundamental disagreements on issues like Second Amendment rights and cultural values with the left.

Immigration as the Central Issue: Both agree immigration (both legal and illegal) is the most pressing issue facing America. Fuentes criticizes Trump for not doing enough on deportations and for policies supporting more legal immigration. Crowder acknowledges disappointments with Trump's record while arguing that progress has been made and that Fuentes' "burn it down" approach would be worse than incremental improvement.

Debate Over Political Strategy: Crowder favors working within the system through primaries and elections to achieve America First goals incrementally, while Fuentes expresses frustration with the Republican establishment and argues more radical change is needed. Fuentes advocates for young America First supporters to "climb the ladder" in political institutions to effect change from within.

Shared Cultural Concerns About Elite Corruption: Both express concern about corruption and occult influences among elites. Fuentes references his time with Kanye West (Ye) as giving him insight into the darker sides of Hollywood and high society. Crowder describes the progressive left as a "death cult" that unites around opposition to traditional American values.

Media Representation and Context: Throughout the interview, Crowder emphasizes the importance of letting Fuentes explain his views in full context, rather than through edited clips used by mainstream media. Fuentes appreciates the opportunity to clarify his positions, acknowledging some past statements were hyperbolic or have evolved over time.
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The ManTalks podcast features conversations between one of the leading men’s work facilitators and philosopher, Connor Beaton, and world class guests with expertise in mindset, life purpose, psychology, relational communication, sexual intimacy, business and spirituality. For more information about ManTalks go to: http://www.mantalks.com

The One Skill That Will Change Your Relationship With Women

ManTalks Podcast

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- Containment as the Essential Skill in Relationships: The most crucial skill many modern men have lost is containment - both self-containment and the ability to provide containment for others. This is something women deeply crave but rarely ask for directly, and it forms the foundation of healthy relationships with women.

- Understanding the Predator-Prey Dynamic: There exists a fundamental dynamic where women often feel like potential prey in the world. Most women experience hypervigilance about their safety when navigating public spaces. While only a small percentage of men are actual predators, all women know that any man could potentially be dangerous, creating an underlying tension in male-female interactions.

- The Paradox of Female Desire: Women's sexual arousal systems are often attracted to men with a "dangerous edge" (referenced through the popularity of "Fifty Shades of Grey"). This creates a paradox where women seek men who possess power and intensity but have developed the ability to contain these qualities rather than being controlled by them.

- Containment vs. Castration: True containment doesn't mean cutting yourself off from your masculine fire, intensity, or protective capacities. Many modern men have "castrated" themselves psychologically by disassociating from their power. The goal is to develop containment without losing connection to your masculine essence - becoming a protector rather than a predator.

- Emotional Containment in Relationships: One of the most valuable things a man can offer in a relationship is the ability to act as an emotional container when his partner's emotions become intense. This means being able to remain present and grounded without becoming defensive, shutting down, or retaliating when she expresses strong emotions.

- "Shade in the Desert": For women, finding a man who can provide emotional containment feels like finding shade after being in the desert. When a man can say "I can hold whatever you need to tell me" without becoming defensive or reactive, it creates a profound sense of safety and trust.

- Real-World Application of Containment: The podcast shares an example of providing containment in a potentially dangerous situation with an unwell homeless person. This demonstrates how containment operates not as aggression or threat, but as a grounded, calm presence that creates boundaries and safety for others.

- Setting Boundaries as a Form of Containment: Providing containment includes setting clear boundaries about acceptable behavior. Statements like "it's okay for you to be upset, but don't call me names" help create structure that allows emotions to be expressed without becoming destructive.

- Creating Polarity Through Containment: Developing this containment skill ultimately helps create healthy polarity in relationships. When a man can hold his ground and provide structure, it creates the tension and attraction that sustains long-term relationships.
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Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday. Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Find us on social media @polcurrency Political Currency is a Persephonica production. <a target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href="https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/12007598">Subscribe now on Patreon</a> <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.

When will Labour’s communication catastrophe end?

Political Currency

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- Rachel Reeves' Budget Communication Disaster: The Chancellor's recent budget presentation has led to significant controversy, including the resignation of OBR chair Richard Hughes following an accidental pre-release of budget documents. The government's messaging was confusing - they initially suggested public finances were worse than expected (justifying tax increases), but the OBR forecast actually showed improved finances. This contradiction led to accusations that the government misled the public about the need to break manifesto pledges on taxation.

- Budget Politics and Missed Opportunities: The hosts argue that Labour missed a golden opportunity to present a positive economic narrative. Instead of announcing "the plan is working" with better-than-expected fiscal room, they created confusion by preparing the ground for unpopular tax rises that they later claimed weren't necessary due to forecast changes. The government's handling of the situation has eroded public trust, with polling showing confidence in their economic policy is now lower than it was for both Jeremy Corbyn and Liz Truss.

- David Lammy's Controversial Jury Trial Reforms: The Justice Secretary has announced plans to remove the right to jury trials for cases likely to receive sentences under three years, affecting around 75% of current cases. This dramatic change aims to address the massive court backlog but was announced with little preparation. Critics point to Lammy's previous statements defending jury trials and his own 2017 report calling juries "a filter for prejudice."

- Justice System Reform Challenges: The hosts debate whether the jury trial changes are primarily about cost-cutting or necessary modernization of an outdated system. They agree the justice system faces multiple problems beyond just jury trials - including underfunding, collapsing court buildings, outdated practices, and long delays in digital evidence processing. The discussion highlights tension between addressing immediate backlogs and implementing comprehensive reform.

- Far-Right Gains Across Europe: In France and Germany, far-right parties (National Rally and AfD) are surging in polls, with Jordan Bardella leading French presidential polling and AfD now ahead of the governing coalition in Germany. These parties are attempting to moderate their image while maintaining populist appeal. The hosts consider implications for the UK, where Reform UK has received a record £9 million donation and continues to gain support.

- Reform UK and Nigel Farage's Role: Recent allegations about Farage's past antisemitic behavior have emerged, raising questions about his leadership's sustainability. The hosts discuss how Farage has avoided addressing these claims directly and whether, following the French example with Jordan Bardella replacing Marine Le Pen, Reform might eventually need new leadership to broaden appeal. They note the UK's electoral system, unlike proportional systems in Europe, creates different dynamics for populist parties.

- Electoral Realignments and Political Accommodations: The hosts contrast European approaches to far-right parties (where center-left and center-right often unite against them) with UK politics, where the Conservative Party might potentially align with Reform. They discuss whether these continental trends might presage similar political realignments in Britain as traditional parties struggle to maintain support against populist alternatives.
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Adventist Review is the official magazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

DRENCHED BUT DELIGHTED (December 05, 2025)

Adventist Review Podcasts

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The Abundant Waterfall of Grace: Grace is described as an abundant waterfall with no waiting lines or competition. Unlike scarce resources that need rationing, God's grace is freely available to all who seek spiritual renewal.

Fellowship of the Redeemed: The podcast highlights the inclusive community of those who have experienced God's grace. This fellowship consists of people who daily open their "parched lives" to the "washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

The Unlimited River of Life: God's grace is portrayed as an ever-flowing "river of life" that brings renewal, relife, and resurrection. This grace springs from God himself as "a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."

Extending Grace to Others: Those who truly understand God's grace naturally want to share it with others. As more people are drawn into this "healing, rehydrating stream," the waterfall of grace continues to widen.

Moving from Dry to Drenched: The podcast concludes with an invitation to move from spiritual dryness into the refreshing abundance of God's grace, encouraging listeners to "stay in grace."
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IDEO’s Creative Confidence Podcast shares candid conversations with creative leaders, changemakers, and innovators navigating today’s most pressing challenges. Through real-world stories and insights, we explore how to lead with creativity, build resilient teams, and drive innovation. Grounded in IDEO’s 40 years of expertise in design thinking and innovation, each episode offers inspiration and practical tools for audacious leaders at every stage of their careers. Hosted by Mina Seetharaman, Head of New Ventures at IDEO, the podcast brings a human-centered lens to the complexities of making more courageous futures.

Discover more at IDEOU.com.

3 Leadership Philosophies to Inspire Creative Excellence: Mike Peng

Creative Confidence Podcast

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Journey from Neuroscience to Creative Leadership: Mike Peng's path began with studying neuroscience at UC Berkeley, where he discovered cognitive science's interdisciplinary approach. After working at Johnson & Johnson in a leadership program, he joined IDEO as a design researcher, co-founded IDEO Tokyo, and eventually became IDEO's CEO in 2023. His multidisciplinary background shaped his leadership approach and creative vision.

Three Personal Leadership Philosophies: Mike shared three key philosophies that guide his leadership: 1) "Fewer, but better" - focusing on a limited number of important initiatives rather than spreading too thin; 2) "Personal monopoly" - leveraging your unique combination of skills and experiences to create value that only you can offer; 3) "Combinatorial creativity" - understanding that creativity comes from connecting diverse ideas and experiences.

The Pursuit of Creative Excellence: Rather than viewing creative excellence as a destination, Mike emphasizes it's about the ongoing pursuit. Key tenets include continuous learning, healthy friction (tension that sharpens creative thinking), constant experimentation, teaching others, self-awareness, discernment between good and great work, and maintaining humility throughout the process.

Leadership as Choreography, Not Control: Mike describes effective leadership as choreography rather than micromanagement. Leaders need to understand context, know when to apply different tools, and create conditions for teams to thrive instead of having all the answers. This approach requires balancing business needs with creative exploration, knowing when to push for productivity and when to allow deeper creative development.

Staying Inspired to Inspire Others: Mike believes leaders have a responsibility to remain personally inspired so they can inspire their teams and organizations. He finds inspiration at the edges - both in understanding global pop culture and zeitgeist as well as seeking out esoteric, specialized knowledge and experiences. This dual approach fuels his creative thinking and leadership perspective.

The Value of Diverse Perspectives: IDEO's strength comes from bringing together people with varied backgrounds and expertise. This diversity of thought enables teams to approach problems from multiple angles, challenge assumptions, and create more innovative solutions than would be possible with homogeneous teams.

Building a Support Ecosystem: Leadership isn't a solo act. Mike actively cultivates connections with mentors, colleagues, alumni, and even everyday acquaintances who provide different perspectives and inspiration. He calls this his "daily life team" - the network of people who, often unknowingly, support and enrich his thinking.

Embracing Healthy Friction: Creative excellence requires tension and friction. Mike compares it to play - without some resistance, there's no engagement or growth. Leaders should foster environments where healthy disagreement and productive tension can thrive, as this is where the best ideas emerge and get refined.

Humility as a Core Leadership Trait: Recognizing you don't have all the answers is fundamental to creative leadership. Mike emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, openness to being wrong, and acknowledging that mastery is always a work in progress.

Letting Go and Embracing Imperfection: When asked about skills he's working on, Mike mentioned "letting go" and learning that "perfection is overrated." He advises that "coloring outside the lines" often leads to more interesting outcomes and that embracing what makes you different ultimately creates more value than trying to fit in.
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Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas are three brothers with very unique backgrounds! Ben is a top lawyer and Colin Kaepernick’s business partner. Brett is a two-time Emmy award winning video editor from the world of film and television. Jordy, the fan favorite, was an award-winning advertising executive in New York. The brothers' unique approach at covering news by combining hilarious brother banter with an unapologetic support of democracy has earned them millions of supporters in America and across the globe and made them social media icons. The MeidasTouch Podcast combines brotherly love, comedy, news coverage, and deep discussions about supporting our democracy and is the go-to destination for top political leaders who view the podcast as a pivotal stop for their interviews. Join the Meiselas brothers and their loyal following — the self-described MeidasMighty — with new episodes featuring all three brothers released every Tuesday and Friday morning, and breaking news updates every single day! Catch the MeidasTouch Podcast with the brothers LIVE on video every Monday and Thursday night at 8p ET/5p PT on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel!

Trump Panics and Spirals in Morning Over Horrible News

The MeidasTouch Podcast

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- Record Job Cuts Under Trump Administration: Jobless claims have topped 1.1 million in 2025, the most since 2008 and the COVID era. Private sector data shows more than 71,000 job cuts in November alone. According to the Challenger report, this represents a 54% increase year over year, with job cuts in November rising above 70,000 only twice since 2008.

- War Crime Allegations in Venezuela: A classified briefing revealed disturbing details about a U.S. military strike on September 2 that killed survivors from a fishing boat off the coast of Venezuela. Democratic Congressman Himes, who viewed the unedited video, called it "one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," describing it as "an attack on shipwrecked sailors" who were "in clear distress without any means of locomotion."

- Economic Impact of Trump's Immigration Policies: The mass deportation policies are having unintended economic consequences. Beer brands like Modelo and Corona (owned by Constellation Brands) are seeing plunging sales, with the company's stock dropping nearly 40% this year. Latinos, who make up about half of their customer base, are reportedly avoiding public spaces out of fear. Other companies like Wingstop, Colgate-Palmolive, and PepsiCo are also experiencing sales declines in heavily Latino neighborhoods.

- Healthcare Affordability Crisis: American families are struggling with rising health insurance costs. The Boston Globe reported on families paying over $9,300 annually in premiums, with potential increases of $4,000-$5,000 more. Despite campaign promises, Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have not delivered on healthcare plans to address affordability issues. Instead, Johnson is telling Americans to "relax" and that things will improve next year.

- Controversial Transportation Policies: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy proposed slashing fuel economy standards, suggesting a return to "1970s station wagon" standards. Critics have called this "institutional regression masquerading as consumer protection" rather than a forward-looking policy that addresses modern transportation needs.

- Trump's Controversial Statements About Somali Immigrants: Trump reportedly referred to Somali people as "garbage" and "bad people" during an Oval Office meeting. The incident highlighted the silence and complicity of those around him, who responded with "frozen smiles and laughs" rather than challenging the derogatory remarks.
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Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. From screenwriting to film language to cinematography, we'll be examining the innovative ways today's best filmmakers are getting their visions out into the world.

'Zodiac Killer Project' Director Charlie Shackleton

IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

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- A Documentary About a Cancelled Documentary: Charlie Shackleton's "Zodiac Killer Project" is a film about a true crime documentary he wasn't able to make. After spending significant time developing a documentary about a Zodiac Killer suspect pursued by California Highway Patrol officer Lyndon Lafferty, the rights to the book it was based on fell through.

- The Birth of a Creative Solution: Rather than abandoning the project entirely, Shackleton found himself repeatedly describing his unrealized film to friends in pubs. These conversations evolved into the concept for "Zodiac Killer Project" - a film that conjures the sensation and feel of another film that couldn't be made.

- Minimal Visual Elements with Maximum Impact: Shackleton filmed methodical, prescriptive shots of locations in California associated with the Zodiac Killer. Using 16mm film, each shot follows the same mechanical series of camera movements: panning in, holding, zooming in, holding, and zooming out. These deliberately mundane visuals serve as the backdrop for his narration.

- A Conversational Approach to Narration: Instead of writing a script, Shackleton improvised his narration while watching the footage, speaking to his producers from a recording booth. This approach preserved the natural rhythms of conversational speech and mirrored how he had been describing the film to friends.

- Deconstructing True Crime Conventions: The film demonstrates how deeply ingrained true crime conventions have become in our collective consciousness. By explicitly referencing and explaining these conventions while stripping away their artistic elements, Shackleton reveals how effectively these formulas work on audiences even when exposed.

- The Ethics of True Crime Storytelling: Throughout the film, Shackleton grapples with the ethical questions that arise when creating true crime content, including the balance between dramatic storytelling and factual accuracy, and how filmmakers justify increasingly sensationalistic approaches to maintain audience engagement.

- Working Within Legal Constraints: The film demonstrates creative problem-solving within strict legal limitations. Unable to use the actual content from the book, Shackleton turned these constraints into creative opportunities, transforming legal obstacles into the very framework that makes the film innovative.
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Same Zach. New home. The Zach Lowe Show keeps you in the know around the Association with a variety of NBA conversations and game breakdowns. Plus guests, including his friends covering the league and some of the biggest names shaping it. Episodes weekly on Mondays and Thursdays.

Finding Potential Giannis Trades With Kirk Goldsberry. Plus, Sean Fennessey Joins for Mets Corner.

The Zach Lowe Show

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Possibilities: The Bucks' recent struggles and Giannis' reported exploration of his future has renewed trade speculation. The situation changed when it became clear Milwaukee can't compete in the East this year. Giannis is now out 2-4 weeks with a calf strain, potentially accelerating trade discussions.

Potential Eastern Conference Destinations: Atlanta emerged as a top landing spot, potentially offering Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and valuable draft picks. The Knicks remain a possibility if Giannis puts his "thumb on the scale," though their trade package is less appealing to Milwaukee. Cleveland presents an intriguing option with Evan Mobley as a potential centerpiece.

Western Conference Trade Options: The Spurs (Wembanyama + one of their young guards) and Rockets (potentially offering Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson) have the assets to make compelling offers, but face the dilemma of challenging the dominant Thunder now versus waiting for a better window later.

Thunder's Dominance Affects League Decision-Making: At 21-1, Oklahoma City hovers over all NBA trade decisions. Their improved half-court offense (3rd in NBA) and elite defense make them even better than last season. Teams considering Giannis trades must factor in whether they can challenge OKC now or should build for the future.

Chris Paul's Exit from the Clippers: Chris Paul was sent home by the Clippers after reportedly no longer being on speaking terms with coach Ty Lue. This unceremonious departure likely stems from CP3's demanding personality clashing with the organization's "leeway" culture for certain players.

Spurs' Impressive Growth: San Antonio is 7-2 in their last nine games despite missing Wembanyama and Stefan Castle. Their offense ranks 7th during this stretch, with veteran Harrison Barnes (13 PPG, 43% from 3) playing exceptionally well and young players like Dylan Harper showing promise.

Early NBA All-Star Picks: Under the new format (12 players from each conference with at least 16 American and 8 international players), both hosts made preliminary selections. The Western Conference selections were particularly difficult with stars like Jokić, Curry, Dončić, Durant, and SGA as locks.

Mets Corner: Offseason Moves: The Mets traded Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien and signed reliever Devin Williams. With Nimmo gone, the team needs outfield help, with Cody Bellinger as a potential target. The future of Pete Alonso remains uncertain, with the Red Sox as possible competition for his services.

Lindor-Soto Relationship Concerns: Reports of a "prickly relationship" between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto emerged, though there's debate about whether teammates need to be friends to succeed. Lindor previously had issues with Jeff McNeil, who is likely to be traded this offseason.

Mets' Youth Movement Possibility: David Stearns may be building toward a youth movement, emphasizing the Mets' strong farm system with prospects like Carson Benge, Jett Williams, and Brett Beatty. This approach could work well given baseball's tendency for young teams to sometimes rise quickly.

Movie Talk: There Will Be Blood Debate: In a brief movie discussion, Sean Fennesee addressed Quentin Tarantino's criticism of Paul Dano's performance in There Will Be Blood. Fennesee disagreed with Tarantino, believing Dano's performance as the "sniveling, weak" counterpoint to Daniel Day-Lewis was essential to the film's success.
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Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. 

Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam's decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind. 

Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can't afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.  

Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.

#447 — The Unraveling of American Power

Making Sense with Sam Harris

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- Trump's Unexpected Election Win: Despite Peter Zeihan's previous prediction that Trump would not win in 2024, the election saw a substantial shift toward Trump in nearly every state and demographic except Washington State. Independent voters, who typically decide elections, voted against Trump, but this wasn't enough to prevent his victory.

- Tariff Policy and De-industrialization: Zeihan criticizes Trump's flat tariffs as counterproductive for complex manufacturing. While simple products (furniture, textiles) can relocate some production steps within the tariff wall, complex manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, electronics) faces multiple tariffs as components cross borders repeatedly. This is causing high-value, skilled manufacturing to move offshore, with industrial construction spending negative since the tariffs began.

- Economic Consequences: The combination of de-industrialization and the need to rebuild American industrial capacity creates a dangerous economic scenario. Zeihan predicts either "high inflation plus productivity" or "high inflation plus goods shortages" in the coming years, with significant uncertainty due to chaotic, unpredictable policy changes that discourage business investment.

- AI and Semiconductor Dependency: While there's massive investment in AI data centers, Zeihan considers it a bubble. He notes that advanced GPU chips require a fully globalized system to manufacture, making current installations potentially valuable as globalization breaks down. He argues the focus on semiconductor fabrication facilities misses more important upstream and downstream manufacturing steps.

- Venezuela and Foreign Policy: The Trump administration has taken aggressive action against alleged drug smugglers in Venezuelan waters without sharing intelligence with Congress or establishing clear policy objectives. Zeihan points out that some actions, such as killing disarmed individuals, potentially constitute war crimes, and the administration only began discussing policy goals after military action had already begun.

- Mexican Cartels and Drug Policy: While the Biden administration made progress against the Sinaloa cartel, this created a power vacuum filled by the more violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Zeihan notes that American demand for drugs remains the core problem, and disrupting traditional drug networks has inadvertently encouraged the rise of more easily produced drugs like fentanyl.
</answer>

The Bridge reflects on the issues of the day, covering topics such as politics, public health, technology, and more.
Find out more at https://www.thepetermansbridge.com

Your Turn -- American F35 or Swedish Gripen

The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge

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Canada's Fighter Jet Dilemma: F-35 vs. Gripen: Peter Mansbridge explores the question of whether Canada should purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets or Swedish Saab Gripen jets. The F-35 is highly regarded but expensive, while the Gripen is less expensive and potentially better suited for Arctic conditions.

Emotional vs. Technical Arguments: Many listener responses were emotionally driven rather than technically focused. A majority favored the Gripen, often citing concerns about American reliability as an ally rather than purely technical aircraft capabilities.

Sovereignty Concerns: Many listeners expressed worry about depending on the U.S. for military equipment given recent tensions. While there's no "kill switch" for the F-35, concerns exist about software updates and parts that could leave Canada vulnerable to American pressure.

Economic Benefits of the Gripen: The Gripen offers significant Canadian job creation opportunities, as Sweden has proposed manufacturing the planes in Canada, potentially creating thousands of jobs and developing domestic aerospace expertise.

Arctic Capabilities: Multiple listeners noted the Gripen was specifically designed for Arctic conditions, while the F-35 has had documented cold-weather issues, including a crash in Alaska attributed to frozen hydraulics.

Hybrid Fleet Possibility: Some listeners suggested Canada could operate both aircraft types, using each for different missions - keeping some F-35s for stealth capabilities while using Gripens for Arctic patrols and routine missions.

The Random Ranter's Perspective on the Pipeline MOA: The Random Ranter offered an alternative view on the recent memorandum of understanding between Alberta and Ottawa, suggesting it's primarily an electricity deal rather than a pipeline agreement, highlighting the increasing importance of electricity generation and carbon capture technology.
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Join Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer as he tackles the hottest issues impacting education, technology, politics, public policy and your family. Jim teaches a very popular class at Stanford University as a longtime professor there. Now you'll hear candid conversations with America's most prominent figures from Silicon Valley, Washington and beyond. Listen to Which Side of History? and get insights you need today more than ever. When faced with critical moments, which side of history will you be on?

Guests will include Tom Friedman from The New York Times, podcaster and tech journalist Kara Swisher, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready, historian Niall Ferguson, Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristoff, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and best-selling author Michael Lewis.

Make sure you hit that Follow button. Leave a Rating. Write a Review. And Recommend this podcast to a friend.

Sneak Peek: Jim Steyer, host of Which Side of History?

Which Side of History?

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Call to Action Against Silence: Jim Steyer emphasizes that in the current political climate, silence is not an option. He urges universities, professors, and individuals to speak up regardless of their viewpoints.

Standing Up to Intimidation: Steyer calls for people to stand against bullies and the prevailing culture of fear and corruption that he sees as unprecedented in America today.

Defending Core Values: The host stresses the importance of addressing attacks on fundamental American values and institutions, particularly focusing on constitutional rights.

Protecting Free Speech: Steyer highlights the critical need to respect and defend freedom of speech, which he sees as being under threat.

Preserving Democracy: The host frames the current moment as a unique time that requires active defense of democratic principles and institutions.
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La finanza è un universo complesso, regolato da flussi che scorrono ovunque e da algoritmi indecifrabili. La finanza è il liquido in cui siamo immersi, senza saperlo. Questa serie racconta i meccanismi della finanza globale per entrare nel cuore del dispositivo: nella sua scatola nera.

"Black Box" è un podcast di Chora News prodotto da Chora Media e sponsorizzato da Docebo.
Scritto da Guido Brera con I Diavoli
La cura editoriale è di Francesca Milano
La sigla e il sound design sono di Luca Micheli
L’editing audio è di Emanuele Moscatelli
Il producer è Alex Peverengo
Musiche addizionali su licenza di Universal Music Publishing Ricordi Srl e di Machiavelli Music

Tutta la verità sul bitcoin

Black Box

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

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Bitcoin's Evolution Over 16 Years: Despite being relatively young at just 16 years old, Bitcoin has revolutionized the financial world. The cryptocurrency emerged as an alternative investment option that could potentially counter the devaluation of traditional currencies.

Bitcoin's Design and Decentralization: Bitcoin was designed as a decentralized financial system, contrasting with traditional centralized financial exchanges like Binance. This decentralized nature is one of the key attributes that differentiate Bitcoin from conventional financial structures.

Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy: MicroStrategy, led by Michael Saylor, has become a prominent corporate adopter of Bitcoin. The company, originally an enterprise software firm, pivoted to become heavily invested in Bitcoin, using various financial instruments like convertible bonds and equity to finance Bitcoin purchases.

"Infinite Money Glitch": Michael Saylor's strategy has been described as an "infinite money glitch" or "infinite financial leverage" to generate funds for Bitcoin acquisition, showcasing an innovative approach to corporate treasury management that has influenced other companies.

Bitcoin ETFs and Institutional Investment: The approval of Bitcoin ETFs, particularly BlackRock's offering, represents a significant milestone in Bitcoin's legitimization. This has facilitated greater institutional investment in the cryptocurrency, changing the landscape of digital asset management.

Stablecoins and Financial Systems: The podcast discusses stablecoins as an important component of the crypto ecosystem. These digital currencies, often backed by traditional assets, serve various functions including trading and potentially challenging aspects of traditional banking business models.

Regulatory Concerns: As cryptocurrencies grow in adoption, governments worldwide are increasingly concerned about regulating this space. There's particular focus on stablecoins and their potential impact on traditional financial systems and monetary policy.

Bitcoin's Role in Economic Independence: The growing adoption of cryptocurrencies is gradually enabling some countries to reduce their dependence on the American financial system, suggesting a potential shift in global financial power dynamics.

Bitcoin as an Anti-Debasement Asset: Bitcoin is positioned as a hedge against currency devaluation, with some investors viewing it as protection against inflation and monetary policy decisions that could erode the value of traditional currencies.

The Future of Digital Finance: The podcast explores how Bitcoin and other digital assets may reshape financial systems going forward, considering aspects like affordability, accessibility, and integration with traditional investment vehicles like 401(k) plans.
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The BBC’s only English language programme entirely dedicated to the war in Ukraine and its fallout, Ukrainecast is your go-to podcast which investigates the biggest issues around the conflict: Could Putin push the nuclear button? How could Donald Trump end the war in 24 hours? What is the price for peace? The podcast is hosted by Newsnight presenter Victoria Derbyshire and BBC Monitoring’s Vitaly Shevchenko. Ukrainecast covers the most important topics around the conflict and speaks to the real people who’ve lived through several years of war. It also brings you agenda-setting interviews with special guests each week such as UK foreign secretary David Cameron, former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and pre-eminent Russia expert Fiona Hill.
GET IN TOUCH: You can join our Ukrainecastonline community here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to +443301239480 Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk
You can listen to the latest episode of Ukrainecast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Alexa, Ask BBC Sounds for Ukrainecast."
If you enjoy Ukrainecast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below. The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p05299nl

Q&A: Zelensky is afraid, Russian billionaires and Europe’s strongest army

Ukrainecast

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- Diplomatic Efforts Without Major Progress: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian officials at the Kremlin, but there's been little visible progress toward peace. The talks were unusually secretive, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggesting that "the more quiet surrounds the talks, the more effective they are." Discussions likely centered around possible Ukrainian territorial concessions, US-Russia trade relations, and Ukraine's NATO aspirations.

- Unorthodox Diplomatic Process: The current diplomatic approach is highly unusual, lacking the technical expertise, note-takers, and detailed record-keeping typical in peace negotiations. The envoys have limited diplomatic experience, leading to confusion and mixed messaging. This process of "shuttling between the Oval Office and the Kremlin" contrasts sharply with traditional peace negotiations, which typically involve detailed, lengthy discussions with professional diplomats.

- Putin's True Position on NATO: Putin's stated concern about Ukraine joining NATO appears to be a pretext rather than his genuine concern. Russia already borders five NATO members (Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), and Putin previously expressed little concern when Baltic states joined NATO in 2004 or when Finland joined in 2023. His special focus on Ukraine stems from his view that Ukraine belongs in Russia's sphere of influence and should never align with the West.

- European Support Challenges: Europe faces significant challenges in potentially taking a greater leadership role in supporting Ukraine if US involvement decreases. While Europe has the economic potential to support Ukraine, it lacks unity, with different nations having different priorities. Support is already showing signs of strain, with Italy recently delaying a decree on continued military aid to Ukraine amidst growing questions about the length of the conflict and corruption concerns.

- Military Capabilities Gap: European militaries remain heavily dependent on US technology and intelligence. Across the EU, Britain and Norway, 46% of fighter jets are American-made, and 42% of missile systems are US-manufactured. European jets often rely on daily computer updates from the US. If American support were reduced, Europe would struggle to replace critical intelligence capabilities and air defense systems that Ukraine depends on.

- Daily Reality in Ukraine: Ukrainians face constant disruption from air raid sirens, especially at night. Many must choose between seeking shelter in cold stairwells or community shelters versus risking staying in their apartments for uninterrupted sleep. Power outages are frequent, with some areas having electricity for only a few hours daily. This affects heating, lighting, and elevator access in the predominantly high-rise apartment buildings in Ukrainian cities.

- Sanctions Ineffective Against Russian Elites: Despite Western sanctions, Russian billionaires are thriving. The number of Russian billionaires (146) is now higher than before the war, with their combined wealth at a historic high. Rather than turning oligarchs against Putin, sanctions have pushed many back toward him, as they realize they're unwelcome in the West. The term "oligarch" may no longer apply in Russia, as these individuals are rich but have lost political power under Putin.
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The Mises Institute, founded in 1982, is an educational institution devoted to advancing Austrian economics, freedom, and peace in the classical-liberal tradition. Our website offers many thousands of free books and thousands of hours of audio and video, along with the full run of rare journals, biographies, and bibliographies of great economists.

The Lane Train (And the Rest of College Football Madness) Has Been Fueled by Easy Money

Mises Institute

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- The Lane Kiffin Saga: Lane Kiffin's departure from the University of Mississippi to LSU for a seven-year, $91 million package exemplifies the current state of college football coaching transactions. This move was part of a wave of high-profile coaching changes including James Franklin at Penn State, Mark Stoops at Kentucky, Brian Kelly at LSU, and Billy Napier at Florida.

- Explosive Growth in Coaching Salaries: Top college football coaching salaries have increased by 400-500% since 2005. Programs are willing to pay massive amounts and buyouts (like LSU's $53 million buyout to Brian Kelly) to secure competitive advantages. This trend is driven by the desire to avoid being left behind in conference realignments and negotiations.

- The Revenue Explosion: College football revenue has grown approximately 300% since 2005, fueled primarily by increasingly lucrative television contracts from media giants like Disney, CBS, and Fox. This has driven conference realignments and created fear among programs of being left behind, as happened with Oregon State and Washington State when the PAC-10 collapsed.

- The "Nick Saban Effect": Successful football programs can dramatically increase university enrollment and tuition revenue. During Nick Saban's tenure at Alabama, enrollment grew by more than 50%, with out-of-state students (who pay higher tuition) increasing to about half the undergraduate population. This financial windfall far exceeded Saban's salary costs.

- NIL and the Changing Economics of College Sports: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have introduced a new financial dimension to college athletics. Kiffin was reportedly promised $25 million for NIL at LSU, which can be used to attract top talent. This system has effectively created a more professional environment for college athletics.

- The Gambling Factor: Relaxed sports betting laws and easy online access have brought billions of dollars into sports gambling, raising integrity concerns. "Micro-betting" on discrete moments in games creates opportunities for manipulation, with studies showing higher rates of problem gambling among those who engage in this type of betting.

- The Federal Reserve's Role: The article argues that the Federal Reserve's easy money policies have fueled the financialization that has driven astronomical revenue increases in sports programming. Low interest rates have enabled media companies to take on significant debt to secure broadcasting rights, while also enriching the donor class that supports athletic programs.
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Exploring threats to global stability from Ukraine to China to the Middle East with host Gavin Esler – former BBC News presenter, Washington correspondent and host of Newsnight – plus Ukraine-based war reporter Oz Katerji and independent conflict analyst Emma Beals. This Is Not A Drill dives deep into the dangers, corruption, conflicts, disinformation, rivalries and ruthless realpolitik that are making our world ever more dangerous.
Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon from just £3 per month to get each episode early plus bonus material and exclusive merchandise. From Podmasters, the team behind Oh God, What Now?, Paper Cuts and The Bunker.

Russia-Ukraine deal – Can anyone force Putin to change course?

This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler

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- Russia's Slow Battlefield Gains at Huge Cost: The Russian military has claimed capture of Pokrovsk, though Ukraine says they don't control all of it. Over two years, Russia has increased territory controlled from 17% to just 19% of Ukraine, still one-third less than their maximum occupation in spring 2022. These minimal gains have come at an enormous cost of 300,000-400,000 Russian casualties per year.

- Ukraine's Strategic Advantages: Ukraine is fighting defensively from prepared positions, which provides tactical advantages. If European plans to use frozen Russian assets to back a €140-150 billion loan to Ukraine materialize, it would fund Ukraine's military for 3-4 years. Ukraine's long-range attacks on Russian oil refineries are also undermining Putin's narrative that the war wouldn't affect ordinary Russians.

- Trump Administration's Contradictory Approach: Donald Trump appears more interested in securing a deal for publicity than in the details that matter to Ukraine. The administration initially endorsed a 28-point peace plan that heavily favored Russia, reportedly negotiated between Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev. This was later refined to 19-20 points after Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian officials.

- Unbalanced Negotiating Dynamics: Witkoff's early meetings with Russian officials occurred without American advisors or note-takers present, creating an unbalanced dynamic. Putin negotiates with experienced advisors like Yuri Ushakov (his foreign policy advisor for 15 years), while the American side lacks comparable Ukraine/Russia expertise. Reports suggest Witkoff may have even advised the Kremlin on how to effectively communicate with Trump.

- European Role and NATO Cohesion: European nations need greater involvement in negotiations since they'll be expected to play a major role in implementing any settlement. European NATO members have become more serious about the Russian threat, with countries like Germany significantly increasing defense spending. However, NATO still struggles with how to respond to Russian "hybrid warfare" activities that fall below the threshold of direct attack.

- Security Guarantees for Ukraine: For Ukraine to accept any territorial compromises, meaningful security guarantees are essential. Options include: (1) providing Ukraine with enough weapons to maintain a large, modern standing army; (2) NATO membership (which requires consensus among all members); or (3) a "coalition of the willing" with European ground forces stationed in Ukraine, backed by American support. Without such guarantees, Ukrainians fear Russia would simply use a ceasefire to rebuild before attacking again.

- Changing Putin's Calculus: Putin still believes he can achieve his goals on the battlefield. To change this calculation, the West needs to demonstrate that Ukraine will have sustained financial and military support while increasing economic pressure on Russia. Eventually, Putin may need to make difficult choices between military spending and domestic social expenditures, potentially making him more open to genuine negotiations.
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The iFanboy.com Comic Book Podcast is a weekly talk show all about the best new current comic book releases. Lifelong friends, Conor Kilpatrick and Josh Flanagan talk about what they loved and (sometimes) hated in the current weekly books, from publishers like Marvel, DC, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, BOOM! Studios, IDW, Aftershock, Valiant, and more. The aim is to have a fun time, some laughs, but to also really understand what makes comic books work and what doesn’t, and trying to understand the craft of this great, often under appreciated art form. Sometimes they agree, and sometimes… they don’t. With decades of experience talking about comics, interacting with comic book professionals, this is all about the love of an art form. If the names Brian Michael Bendis, Amanda Conner, Geoff Johns, Gene Luen Yang, Donny Cates, Jason Aaron, Kelly Thompson, David Marquez, Kelly Sue de Connick, Kieron Gillen, Charles Soule, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Scott Snyder, Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Esad Ribic, Rick Remender, Nick Spencer, John Ridley, Skottie Young, Chip Zdarsky, Jöelle Jones, David F. Walker, Grant Morrison, and Darwyn Cooke get you excited, then this is the place for you. This podcast is so good, you don’t even need to read comic books or graphic novels to enjoy it, but it’s a lot better if you do.

Special Edition – More Pick of the Week #1000 Emails

iFanboy - Comic Books

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- Podcast Legacy and Impact: The hosts reflect on how iFanboy has influenced comic book fandom over the past 20+ years. They believe their positive approach to discussing comics—focusing on what works rather than what doesn't—has contributed to their longevity. Many creators have told them that their coverage helped boost careers, and listeners have formed meaningful connections through the show, even meeting spouses at iFanboy events.

- Format Evolution and Technical Changes: The podcast started with basic equipment like Skype and Blue Snowball microphones before evolving to more sophisticated setups. The hosts were pioneers in comic book video content before YouTube existed, and they've maintained consistent production values while adapting to changing technology. Their commitment to schedule and consistency has been central to their success.

- Comic Book Medium's Evolution: The hosts discuss how comics' perception has changed since iFanboy began. While comics were once considered primarily a children's medium requiring legitimization, they've now become more accepted in mainstream culture. The hosts note that the "nerd is cool" culture shift has eliminated much of the stigma around comic reading, though the core readership remains primarily adult collectors.

- Creative Process and Personal Relationships: The three hosts (Josh, Conor, and Ron) maintain that their friendship and the fun they have together keeps the show going. When asked if they've ever considered quitting, they agree they "can't imagine life without" the podcast, though Josh briefly quit for 24 hours before returning. Their peak years were around 2008-2012 when they were doing it full-time.

- Changing Relationship with Comics: All three hosts acknowledge their relationship with comics has evolved over time. They now approach comics with more focus on craft and a deeper understanding of the industry, with less emotional attachment to characters. Ron, having worked inside the industry, gained perspective on the business side that changed how he views comics.

- Comic Book Creator Pantheon: When asked about their most important comic creators of the iFanboy era, they mention writers like Darwyn Cooke, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, and Geoff Johns. For artists, they cite Cooke, Frank Quitely, and note many others like Sean Phillips and Jerome Opeña. Key series include Y: The Last Man, New Frontier, and Scalped.

- Advertising and Sponsorships: The hosts explain how their advertising model has evolved from comic-specific sponsors they personally reached out to (like comic shops) to a broader range of sponsors secured through a distribution agency. They maintain certain standards about what types of sponsors they'll accept.

- On AI and Comics: When asked if they'd support using AI to create consistency in art styles across comic runs (like making Ron Lim's art match George Perez's), all three firmly say no. They believe the inconsistency and evolution of comics are part of what makes them special and authentic.

- Patreon and Community Engagement: The hosts discuss their Patreon model and how about 10-13% of patrons actively vote each week, which they consider normal for online engagement. They appreciate having a core group of dedicated listeners who participate regularly.

- Legacy Media Content: The hosts' most-viewed YouTube video is "Hitler Reacts to the DC Reboot" from 2011 with over 100,000 views. They were early pioneers in comic convention video coverage before it became ubiquitous, but have little interest in returning to that format or competing in today's social media-driven content landscape.
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Want to dominate your league and earn Fantasy Football bragging rights? Join host Adam Aizer, analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and the rest of our crew throughout the year. Start or Sit, Waiver Wire, Buy or Sell, Grade the Trade, Fantasy Cops to settle your league disputes and mailbag episodes from your emails and #AskFFT tweets. Come hang out with your buddies and talk Fantasy Football! This is the only podcast you'll need to win your league!

Start or Sit (AFC): Lamar and Mahomes, RJ Harvey, Khalil Shakir and More (12/04 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Fantasy Football Today

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• Week 14 Playoff Race Intensity: Week 14 features numerous games with playoff implications, making it an exciting and crucial week for fantasy managers. Many fantasy leagues are entering their playoffs or facing win-or-in scenarios, adding to the stakes for lineup decisions.

• Quarterback Concerns with Elite Options: Top quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are causing anxiety among fantasy managers due to recent poor performances. Jackson has scored fewer than 7.2 fantasy points in three straight games with only one touchdown pass in his last four, while Mahomes faces offensive line issues with potentially three starters missing against Houston.

• Rising Quarterbacks Worth Starting: Jacoby Brissett is a recommended start against the Rams, who have allowed four of the last six visiting quarterbacks to score 19.5+ fantasy points. Jordan Love is another strong option against Chicago, especially with uncertainty surrounding many top quarterbacks this week.

• Running Back Opportunities: Quinshon Judkins is highlighted as a strong play against Tennessee, with expectations of heavy volume (potentially 25 carries) as a 3.5-point home favorite. His increased involvement in the passing game (three catches last week) and goal line work also boosts his value.

• Tight End Position Strength: Tight end stands out as one of the deepest positions this week, with players like Brenton Strange (10+ PPR points in all four healthy starts), Tyler Warren, Harold Fannin Jr. (8.4+ PPR points in four of his last five games), and Dalton Schultz all recommended as viable starters.

• Indianapolis-Jacksonville Matchup Focus: This AFC South showdown features several start-worthy players, with Michael Pittman, Jacoby Meyers, and Alec Pierce ranked as the top receivers. Jonathan Taylor, Travis Etienne, and Brenton Strange are considered must-starts, while Trevor Lawrence could see increased passing volume compared to recent weeks.

• Weather Considerations: Cold weather is expected to impact some games, particularly the Bears-Packers matchup which could see temperatures in the single digits. This might affect offensive production, though the hosts noted that cold weather doesn't necessarily hurt passing games as much as it lowers overall scoring expectations.

• Wide Receiver Uncertainty: The wide receiver position is particularly difficult this week, with concerns about players like DK Metcalf (five straight games under 50 yards) and Troy Franklin (reduced snap count last week). Michael Wilson is a strong play if Marvin Harrison Jr. remains out, as he received 33 targets in two games without Harrison.

• Cautionary Players to Avoid: Recommended sits include Justin Herbert (dealing with injury and poor recent performance), Caleb Williams (highest percentage of off-target throws in the NFL facing a good Packers defense), Woody Marks (good volume but terrible efficiency), and David Montgomery (reduced role since Dan Campbell took over play-calling).

• Late-Season Waiver Wire Gems: Adonai Mitchell has emerged as a potential difference-maker with 25 targets in his last three games for the Jets. He has a high average route depth which gives him big-play potential while still receiving enough volume (8 targets) to provide some floor.
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The #1 podcast about the Football League (EFL) from George Elek and Ali Maxwell.
Twice nominated for the FSF Awards 'Best Podcast', since 2016 Not The Top 20 Podcast has been dedicated to providing insightful, passionate, detailed coverage of the Championship, League One and League Two, with the Monday Podcast recapping the weekend, and the Betting Show providing carefully considered picks ahead of the weekend.
NTT20 Pod's success has led to over 100 TV appearances for George and Ali, on Sky Sports and EFL on Quest, plus radio appearances on BBC Radio 5 Live. A community of EFL lovers has been established through NTT20 Squad, and the launch of NTT20.COM in 2023 provided written EFL coverage to match the podcast.

Betting Show: Yorkshire NAPs & a 92/1 acca

Not The Top 20 Podcast

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• Championship Showdowns: A significant weekend in the Championship featuring key matchups including Oxford vs. Swansea, Birmingham vs. Southampton, Sheffield United vs. Stoke, Charlton vs. Portsmouth, Bristol City vs. Millwall, and Ipswich vs. Coventry. Notably, these fixtures will be mirrored again on December 29th, meaning teams will play each other twice in a four-week period.

• Sheffield United vs. Stoke (George's NAP): George backs Sheffield United at 21/20 to beat Stoke City. Sheffield United have won their last three games and are improving under Chris Wilder with players like Tom Cannon, Callum O'Hare, and Gustavo Hama finding form. Stoke have lost three of their last four games and may be regressing from their early season form.

• Bradford to Win to Nil at Plymouth (Ali's NAP): Ali picks Bradford to win to nil at Plymouth at 4/1. Plymouth are in crisis with only four points from their last seven games and key striker Laurent Tolai suspended. Bradford have kept three clean sheets in their last four games and should have the attacking quality to break through against a vulnerable Plymouth side.

• Goals Galore in Hull vs. Middlesbrough: George recommends over 4.5 goals at 11/2 for Friday's Hull vs. Middlesbrough game. Hull have seen over 4.5 goals in six of their 19 games this season, with only Coventry scoring more goals in the Championship. Middlesbrough are now under new manager Kim Hjellberg, who favors expansive, high-risk football.

• Goalscorer Corner Selections: Ali backs Joe Gelhart to score for Hull at 13/10, highlighting his seven goals in nine games. He also recommends Aaron Connolly to score for Leyton Orient against Salford at 9/4, with a side bet on Connolly to score two or more at 16/1. George selects Brian de Kerr Smacker to score for Oxford at Swansea at 9/1.

• The Eggman Accumulator: Ali's five-fold accumulator at 93/1 includes Leyton Orient to beat Salford, Accrington to beat Mansfield, Sutton to beat Shrewsbury, Bradford to win at Plymouth, and Colchester to beat Gillingham.

• Betting Strategy Discussion: Both hosts analyze team form, injuries, and tactical approaches to identify value. There's particular focus on how managerial changes and injury crises affect team performance and betting opportunities, as seen in their analysis of Middlesbrough under new management and Mansfield's extensive injury list.

• BTTS Six-Fold: A both teams to score accumulator at 20/1 includes Hull vs. Middlesbrough, QPR vs. West Brom, Bristol City vs. Millwall, Cardiff vs. Huddersfield, Chesterfield vs. Doncaster, and Peterborough vs. Barnsley.
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David Robertson discusses faith, culture and politics from a Christian perspective

Beauty for Ashes 8 - Rising Tide

Quantum - The Wee Flea Podcast

Beauty for Ashes

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- Climate Activism and Practical Solutions: The podcast discusses recent protests at Newcastle port where activists blockaded coal ships. The host questions the effectiveness of such protests, suggesting they make little impact on climate change since coal would simply be sourced from elsewhere. He references environmentalist Bjorn Lomborg, who argues that we can adapt to climate changes like sea level rise through practical engineering solutions rather than drastic measures.

- Energy Transitions and Infrastructure Challenges: Australia faces potential blackouts as coal plants close without sufficient supporting infrastructure for renewables. The energy market operator warns the grid is not ready for the Araring coal plant closure, even with increased solar capacity. Meanwhile, China continues to prioritize energy security through coal, with over 1,200 coal power stations in the pipeline or under construction across Asia.

- AI Energy Consumption: Data centers consumed 415 terawatt hours globally in 2024 (1.5% of world electricity), which will double by 2030. In Australia, data centers already account for around 6% of electricity use. This massive energy demand may require more fossil fuels in the short term to prevent grid collapse, potentially slowing Australia's renewable transition by 5-10 years.

- Ukraine War Update: The podcast highlights Ukraine's dire situation, with its population decreasing from 52 million to 32 million. President Trump is pushing for a peace plan that may give Russia much of what it wants. The host notes that despite sanctions and war costs, Russia appears to be maintaining strength rather than weakening, with North Korea now making Russian language mandatory in schools and Sudan providing Russia with a port.

- Religious and Cultural Shifts: The host discusses what he perceives as growing Islamization in Western society, citing the BBC's coverage of St. Andrew's Day from Glasgow Central Mosque. He also mentions the appointment of a new evangelical Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr. Rick Thorp, who believes "the Lord is preparing his church for renewal revival."

- Immigration Concerns: The host shares concerns about uncontrolled immigration, citing a case from the UK where a Taliban commander's nephew was permitted to bring seven family members to the UK, none of whom speak English and all of whom will receive benefits.

- Identity and Progressive Ideology: The podcast questions modern identity politics, highlighting an Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner who, when asked to define a biological male, responded "I'm not a medical expert." The host also mocks the newly formed "Your Party" in the UK for voting to enshrine trans rights into its founding policy documents.

- Mission Trips and Cultural Engagement: In a conversation with a student named Melaleuca, the host discusses the ethics of mission trips, cautioning against approaching them from a position of superiority. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that mission experiences often benefit those going as much or more than those being served.
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Alix Steel and Paul Sweeney harness the power of Bloomberg Intelligence to analyze market news and provide in-depth company and industry research. Watch us LIVE on YouTube: <a href="http://bit.ly/3vTiACF">http://bit.ly/3vTiACF</a>.

Zuckerberg Plans to Cut Metaverse Group's Budget Up to 30%

Bloomberg Intelligence

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- Meta Cuts Metaverse Budget by 30%: Mark Zuckerberg is significantly scaling back Meta's investments in the Metaverse division, with potential budget cuts as high as 30% for 2026. This strategic pivot represents a major shift for the company that had renamed itself from Facebook to Meta to emphasize its commitment to virtual reality. Meta plans to reallocate these resources toward AI development while continuing to support products like Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which have shown strong consumer interest. Investors responded positively, with Meta's stock jumping around 4% on the news.

- Apple's AI and Design Talent Exodus: Apple is experiencing a significant departure of key personnel, particularly in its AI division. Alan Dai, a prominent interface design team lead who worked on iPhone X and Apple's operating systems, is moving to Meta—a major acquisition for Zuckerberg's company. Apple has also lost numerous AI specialists, particularly in the large language model department, including John Gian Andrea. These departures come amid speculation that Apple might partner with Google for AI capabilities rather than building everything in-house.

- Salesforce's AI Growth Amid Core Business Challenges: Salesforce reported mixed results with its core business still struggling due to tight IT budgets and slower seat growth. However, its AI products are gaining momentum with triple-digit growth, though they remain too small to offset challenges in the main business. The company's commercial remaining performance obligations (order book) shows growth of approximately 13% in constant currency, but when accounting for the Informatica acquisition, organic growth is closer to 9-10%, indicating continued pressure on the core business.

- Dick's Sporting Goods Shows Resilience in Premium Market: Dick's Sporting Goods reported strong performance in its legacy business, with growth in both ticket size and transaction volume—unusual in the current retail environment. The company caters to higher-income consumers who continue to show resilient demand for premium products. Dick's recently acquired Foot Locker and is already implementing an aggressive turnaround strategy, including offloading stale inventory and closing underperforming stores. The company is also capitalizing on major sporting events like the World Cup, which they've called "the biggest sports moment the US has ever had."

- Media Landscape Poised for Major Consolidation: The streaming industry is heading toward significant consolidation in 2026, with approximately 200 streaming networks currently operating. Netflix reportedly has the inside track to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery, which would combine two content powerhouses and potentially reshape the industry. Other potential bidders include the Ellison family and Paramount/Skydance. Warner Brothers Discovery is considered a prime asset due to its valuable content library including Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and HBO's premium programming. Live sports content is rapidly migrating to streaming platforms, signaling what one industry executive called "the official death of cable."

- Consumer Trends in Retail and Beauty: High-end retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods are seeing continued strength with premium consumers willing to pay full price for new products, while there's more pressure on the lower-income consumer segment. In the beauty space, Ulta Beauty (reporting after market close) faces similar dynamics to Dick's, with conservative outlooks but potentially strong top-line performance. Analysts are closely watching discretionary spending patterns into 2026, as demand has been soft since late 2022, with costs continuing to face upward pressure.
</answer>

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