It’s your favorite former truck driver, Bitcoin Ben.

I’m a cryptocurrency enthusiast. I’m also just an average guy who wants to help bring cryptocurrency into the mainstream. The adoption of cryptocurrency is key to our future. I’m excited to be part of this Revolution.

I love my family, wife and three kids. I love you guys, my followers, my fellow cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

And don’t forget to kick ass! Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bitcoin-ben/support" rel="payment">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bitcoin-ben/support</a>

EL SALVADOR’S NEW BITCOIN ORDER; HASH RATE WARS AND BANKING BLUEPRINTS

BITCOIN BEN

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- El Salvador as a High-Trust Society: El Salvador has transformed from a gang-controlled country to a model of security and economic growth. Under President Bukele's leadership, the nation has dismantled gangs, cleaned up streets, and created a society where people can walk freely without fear. With a 91% approval rating for President Bukele, there is a strong sense of social cohesion, culture, and national pride.

- Bitcoin Adoption and Financial Innovation: El Salvador is pioneering the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, with everyday transactions from small vendors to stores conducted in Bitcoin. The country is leapfrogging traditional financial development by moving directly into the Bitcoin and AI economy, positioning itself as a laboratory for financial innovation with global implications.

- World's First Bitcoin Native Credit Union: Private Key Capital is developing what they claim is the world's first native Bitcoin credit union in El Salvador. This regulated financial institution will allow customers to store Bitcoin, earn interest (reportedly 4%), and access Bitcoin-backed credit. The system is built from the ground up with blockchain technology rather than being retrofitted onto traditional banking infrastructure.

- The El Salvador-US Strategic Relationship: President Bukele and President Trump recently signed a reciprocal trade agreement, signaling El Salvador's emergence as a strategic partner to the United States. El Salvador is opening markets with investor-friendly policies while gaining access to US markets. The relationship extends to immigration cooperation, with El Salvador serving as a model for addressing migration issues.

- Hash Rate Wars and Sovereign Bitcoin Mining: Saudi Arabia has officially entered Bitcoin mining, joining the US, Russia, China, and El Salvador in what is described as "sovereign hash rate wars." This signals nation-states' recognition of Bitcoin mining as strategically important. The speaker argues that mining activity precedes price movement, as miners are the most committed capital allocators in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

- El Salvador's Infrastructure Development: The country is experiencing rapid physical development with new buildings, malls, and modern infrastructure. The speaker describes seeing visible growth with each visit, with companies like Google and Tether establishing operations in El Salvador. This physical transformation reflects the nation's broader economic and technological evolution.

- Food Sovereignty Initiative: El Salvador is working to establish food sovereignty through a partnership with Texas ranchers to develop native cattle production. Currently, the country imports all its beef from neighboring nations, but President Bukele has allocated land to develop El Salvador's own cattle industry, which will be backed by loans from the Bitcoin credit union being established.

- Regulatory Progress for Bitcoin Banking: The team behind Private Key Capital has developed the technology and systems for their Bitcoin credit union but is waiting for final regulatory approval. They describe having already built digital wallets, running nodes, and completing transactions while navigating the bureaucratic process of obtaining digital asset permits in a new regulatory environment.

- Bitcoin as a Long-Term Strategic Investment: The speaker argues that Bitcoin's rising hash rate (network computing power) is the true indicator of its future value. By tracking the infrastructure investments made by miners rather than short-term price movements, one can see the long-term conviction in Bitcoin's growing importance in the global economy.

- Vision for Future Applications: Beyond financial services, the speaker envisions Bitcoin powering cities, food production, autonomous communities, and even space exploration. The technology is described not simply as money but as a "doorway to the future" that will transform multiple industries and aspects of civilization.
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A brief daily summary of what is important in information security. The podcast is published every weekday and designed to get you ready for the day with a brief, usually 5 minute long, summary of current network security related events. The content is late breaking, educational and based on listener input as well as on input received by the SANS Internet Stormcenter. You may submit questions and comments via our contact form at https://isc.sans.edu/contact.html .


SANS Stormcast Friday, November 21st, 2025: Oracle Idendity Manager Scans; SonicWall DoS Vuln; Adam Wilson (@sans_edu) reducing prompt injection.

SANS Internet Stormcenter Daily Cyber Security Podcast (Stormcast)

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- Oracle Identity Manager Vulnerability Exploitation: A critical vulnerability in Oracle Identity Manager was patched in October as part of Oracle's quarterly update. The vulnerability allows authentication bypass and remote code execution. SearchLight Cyber revealed that exploitation is straightforward - any URL ending with ";WADL" will bypass authentication. Analysis of honeypot logs showed evidence of exploitation happening as early as September, before the patch was released, suggesting organizations should check for compromise even if they've patched.

- MacOS DigitStealer Malware: Jamf security discovered a new info-stealing malware targeting macOS users. The malware tricks users by posing as "Dynamic Lake," legitimate software that implements an iOS dynamic island-like feature for Macs. The sophisticated malware avoids virtual machines and M1 processors, and can install one of four different infostealer components that target keychain databases, Telegram information, and cryptocurrency wallet details.

- SonicWall SL VPN Vulnerability: A buffer overflow vulnerability was discovered in SonicWall's SonicOS SL VPN. While not severe, it can lead to denial of service by crashing the service. Relatedly, Fortinet announced plans to move away from SL VPN in their latest version 7 track of FortiOS, encouraging users to switch to IPSEC instead.

- MITRE ATLAS Framework for AI Security: Adam Wilson explains that MITRE ATLAS functions as an extension of the ATTCK framework, focusing specifically on how threat actors attack and abuse AI systems. ATLAS provides a knowledge base of mitigation strategies for defending against AI-specific tactics and techniques, including prompt injection attacks.

- Prompt Injection Defenses: MITRE's ATLAS framework prescribes four mitigation techniques for prompt injection: guidelines, guardrails, model alignment, and AI telemetry logging. Wilson's research focused on implementing guidelines through prompt engineering techniques like chain of thought reasoning and few-shot learning to counter prompt injection attacks.

- Defense in Depth for AI Systems: Wilson's research found that layering multiple defensive techniques provides the strongest protection against prompt injection. While individual approaches like chain of thought or few-shot learning showed incremental improvements, combining these techniques demonstrated the most dramatic improvements in defense capability.

- "Shift Left" Security for AI Systems: Testing AI defenses early in the development process is critical. Wilson demonstrated how generative AI guidelines mechanisms can be automated within DevOps toolchains using GitHub Actions or other build systems to provide early insights into the effectiveness of defensive mechanisms before deployment.
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The High Performance Podcast turns the lived experiences of the planet's high performers into your life lessons. Jake Humphrey (broadcast presenter of 20 years) and Professor Damian Hughes (leading high performance expert), speak to athletes, authors, entertainers and experts about the key to their success. But, Jake and Damian look beyond the guests achievements and encourage guests to share how they developed their mindset, what gives them confidence, how they navigate adversity and much more. Hear from guests as you’ve never heard them before. The High Performance Podcast aims to help listeners navigate their own version of high performance. Want to get the most from High Performance? You can download the new home of High Performance for FREE to listen to every episode we've ever recorded, get access to exclusive content and daily boosts of motivation.&nbsp;Everything you need to unlock your own version of High Performance.&nbsp;Simply&nbsp;<a href="https://thehighperformanceapp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>&nbsp;or search High Performance in the App store.&nbsp;

Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks

The High Performance Podcast

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• The Cost of Caring Too Much: Caring excessively about others' opinions can imprison us and limit our potential. Jake Humphrey shares how he struggled with online criticism during his broadcasting career, but learned to differentiate between feedback from credible sources versus random negativity. He developed the mantra "their intention determines my attention" to help filter criticism.

• Curate Your Feedback Circle: Adam Grant suggests identifying a select group of people whose opinions truly matter to you based on their knowledge, experience, and intentions. For Jake, a supportive message from respected broadcaster Sue Barker had more impact than hundreds of negative comments from strangers. Ask yourself: whose judgment do you genuinely trust and value?

• Adopt the Gift Mindset: Formula One champion Fernando Alonso shared how his father's perspective helped him manage pressure, viewing his racing career as a gift rather than something to stress about. This approach reminds us that what we often worry about is actually a privilege – the opportunity to do work we once only dreamed of doing.

• Enjoy Activities Without Mastery: CrossFit champion Mat Fraser emphasized that you don't need to excel at something to enjoy it. Pursuing activities purely for pleasure rather than validation insulates you from criticism. The hosts discuss "atelic" activities – things done without a specific goal or endpoint, simply for the experience itself.

• Praise Actions, Not Identity: Mark Manson suggests complimenting effort rather than inherent qualities. Instead of telling someone "you're so smart" (identity), focus on "you did that brilliantly" (action). This creates healthier feedback loops and makes criticism more constructive when it's about behavior that can be changed rather than attacking someone's character.

• Make Others Feel Important: Paul McKenna shared the wisdom that everyone has an invisible sign saying "make me feel important." Rather than focusing on how others make you feel, consider how you make them feel. The hosts challenge listeners to make others feel amazing without requiring them to "earn" praise – as Eddie Jones said, "nothing you do is neutral."

• Lower the Bar: Often we set impossibly high standards for ourselves and others. The conversation suggests giving ourselves permission to fail, make mistakes, and be human. High performance isn't just about winning medals or achieving material success – it's about spending your time doing things you genuinely enjoy.
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Building AWS Builder Center: Architecture Lessons from a Large-Scale Community Platform

AWS Developers Podcast

The AWS Developers Podcast

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- AWS Builder Center Introduction: Builder Center is a community platform for AWS developers designed to consolidate multiple AWS properties into a single location. It aims to address the challenge of scattered information across various AWS websites by bringing together resources from re:Post, Skill Builder, Community AWS, and other platforms.

- Key Features and Content: The platform includes a collection of resources for builders, including article publishing capabilities, event listings (user groups, community days), and toolboxes organized by programming language. Both authenticated and unauthenticated experiences are available, with some features requiring login.

- Builder ID Authentication: Builder Center uses Builder ID, a new authentication system that provides users with a persistent identity across AWS properties outside the console. Unlike IAM authentication used in the console (tied to enterprises), Builder ID remains with an individual regardless of employer. Recently, social login with Google was added to simplify the authentication process.

- Architecture Overview: The application is built using a service-oriented architecture with six Java/Kotlin microservices deployed on AWS Lambda with API Gateway. CloudFront serves as the single interaction point for the frontend, which is a TypeScript single-page application.

- Microservice Design: The team organized services based on responsibilities rather than creating very granular functions. Key services include Access Management (authentication/authorization), User Management (profile integration), and Content Management (articles, blogs, wishlist).

- Authentication Implementation: The system supports both Builder ID for external users and internal Amazon authentication for employees through a single sign-in button. Authentication validation occurs at the API Gateway layer using custom Lambda authorizers to validate session tokens.

- Neptune Graph Database Integration: For social features like "follow," the team implemented a Neptune graph database to manage relationships between users and content. This presented unexpected networking challenges as Neptune required VPC deployment while their Lambda functions were not VPC-attached, requiring a complex NLB/HAProxy solution.

- Service-to-Service Communication Challenge: The team faced a challenge with API Gateway's limitation of supporting only one authentication method per API. Their solution was to create two API gateways for each service: one using custom authorizers for user requests, and another using IAM authentication for service-to-service calls, both pointing to the same Lambda functions.

- Multi-Region Strategy: While currently deployed in a single region, the architecture was designed for multi-region deployment using latency-based routing through Route 53, with infrastructure ready for expansion.

- Future Roadmap: The team is working to integrate more AWS properties into Builder Center, similar to how the AWS Console functions as a unified portal with different service teams owning different components. An upcoming integration includes the region comparison tool that shows service and feature availability across AWS regions.
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Winning sports picks from Las Vegas.  Everything you need for free on the biggest games each week from Pregame.com's Wiseguy Roundtable. Alongside your host RJ Bell, we have professional bettor Steve Fezzik, plus more of the biggest names from the world of sports betting.

Dream Podcast - NFL Week 12 THE PICKS !!

RJ Bell's Dream Preview

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- Best Bets and Key Matchups for NFL Week 12: The hosts share their top picks, with Steve Fezzik favoring the Raiders team total over 19.5 points, RJ Bell choosing the Colts +3.5 against Kansas City, and Mackenzie Rivers backing the Detroit Lions -10 against the Giants.

- Raiders Offensive Potential: Fezzik believes Las Vegas will score over 19.5 points against Cleveland, citing the Browns' poor road defense (allowing 30+ points per game on average) and potential for the Raiders to capitalize on turnovers from Cleveland's struggling quarterback situation.

- Kansas City Chiefs' Overvaluation: The hosts discuss how Kansas City might be overrated based on their legacy rather than current performance. RJ points out that statistically, the Colts and Chiefs are nearly even teams, making the +3.5 line value for Indianapolis.

- Detroit Lions' Favorable Matchup: Mackenzie predicts the Lions will dominate the Giants, highlighting Dan Campbell's 13-0 record after losses and the Giants' poor run defense against Detroit's strong running attack. Fezzik adds a correlated SGP bet involving the Lions winning, the game going over, and both Detroit running backs exceeding their yardage totals.

- Atlanta Falcons as Underdogs: RJ believes the Falcons +2 at New Orleans is a strong play, arguing that despite Kirk Cousins looking bad recently, the quarterback matchup is essentially even, and the market has overreacted to one poor performance.

- Turnovers and Team Performance: The hosts analyze how Seattle remains a top team despite ranking poorly in turnover differential, unlike most successful teams who typically excel in this metric. This speaks to Seattle's dominance in other aspects of the game.

- Philadelphia Eagles Analysis: The hosts debate Philadelphia's true quality, with RJ suggesting they might only be the "8th or 9th best team" despite their record, citing their struggling offense (ranked 20th in success rate) and below-average yards per play.

- Betting Propositions Beyond Point Spreads: Fezzik offers several prop bets including the Bengals' Chase Brown under 60.5 rushing yards, Cleveland/Las Vegas to have a defensive or special teams touchdown, and the Colts to score first against Kansas City.

- Teams Showing Signs of Giving Up: The hosts discuss a system that identifies underperforming teams (with net wins between -5 and -9) during weeks 11-15 who may lack motivation before the scrutiny of the final weeks. This system identifies the Giants, Browns, and Jets as teams that may underperform.

- Betting Strategies for Correlated Outcomes: The conversation includes discussion of "correlated parlays" where certain bets naturally complement each other, like backing the Falcons plus the over, or the Eagles plus the under based on their defensive strengths.

- Circadian Rhythm Impact on Teams: Fezzik mentions concern about teams playing in primetime slots on the East Coast, citing potential disruption to players' circadian rhythms affecting performance.
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The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.

NPR News: 11-20-2025 11PM EST

NPR News Now

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• Trump's Controversial Statement About Democrats: President Trump suggested some Democratic veterans in Congress should be killed over a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The White House later clarified that Trump did not want these members executed, though Press Secretary Caroline Levitt did not explain what Trump meant by his post about "seditious behavior punishable by death."

• Federal Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment: A federal judge temporarily blocked the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., ruling that President Trump undermined the city's autonomy. The block won't take effect until next month, allowing time for the administration to appeal. Currently, over 2,100 Guard forces from several states are stationed in D.C.

• Better Than Expected Job Numbers: The Labor Department reported that U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding economists' predictions. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%. The report was delayed due to the government shutdown.

• Stock Market Volatility: Wall Street experienced a rollercoaster day with stocks initially surging after Nvidia's strong earnings report and the positive jobs data, but ending deep in the red. Investors continue to question tech stock valuations and remain nervous about whether the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again.

• Gaza Violence Resumes: At least 33 people were killed in Israeli strikes in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, marking some of the deadliest attacks since a ceasefire took effect last month. Israel stated the strikes were launched after its soldiers came under fire.

• Ethiopia's Marburg Virus Outbreak: Ethiopia is dealing with its first outbreak of Marburg virus, which is related to Ebola. The virus has caused at least three deaths with dozens of suspected cases. Authorities are conducting door-to-door visits to communicate information and provide testing in the affected southwestern region.
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Firebrand with Matt Gaetz gives the listener full access, behind-the-scenes look into the Swamp of Washington without the spin of Fake News and Deep State influence. Congressman Gaetz tackles the most important issues of our time without holding back any punches. No spin, no lies, all hard-hitting truths. Subscribe today to never miss Firebrand with Matt Gaetz. NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK!

The Anchormen Show EP 77 - Duty Beyond the Pulpit w/Bishop Art Hodges

Firebrand with Matt Gaetz

The Anchormen Show with Matt Gaetz

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Pastoring to Politics: Bishop Art Hodges' Transition: After 40 years as a senior pastor, Bishop Art Hodges recently ended his role as a local church leader while continuing to oversee 350 pastors and churches in Southern California. He's now running for California State Senate in District 18, a decision prompted by Republican state senators who approached him in February 2024. Hodges views this political run as a calling and ministry, not just another job.

The Role of Prayer in Government: Hodges emphasizes the importance of prayer in governance, noting his appreciation for the current presidential administration's emphasis on prayer. He recounts meeting Speaker Mike Johnson backstage before an event and being impressed by Johnson's authentic prayer life away from cameras. Hodges believes prayer must be central to American politics and governance.

Christians' Political Participation: Hodges highlights a critical issue in California: of the 15 million evangelicals in the state, only half are registered to vote, and of those, only half actually vote. He suggests that if Christians voted according to biblical values, they could transform California in a single election cycle. Many pastors avoid politics for fear of dividing their congregations, but Hodges believes Christians must engage.

Party Platform Analysis as a Non-Partisan Approach: To help his diverse congregation make informed voting decisions without appearing partisan, Hodges developed an approach comparing the two major party platforms based on their mentions of religious and moral terms. He found stark contrasts in references to God, Bible, prayer, fathers, morality, and religious liberty. This analysis became a widely-shared resource through BiblicalVoter.com.

California's Political Landscape: Hodges is running in Senate District 18, which covers South County San Diego, the entire border region to Arizona, Imperial County, and parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The district has seen a dramatic shift from Trump losing by 40 points in 2016 to just 13.5 points in 2020. If Hodges and two other Republican Senate candidates win their races, they would break the Democrat supermajority in California for the first time in 14 years.

California's Economic and Policy Challenges: Despite being one of the wealthiest states globally, California suffers from serious affordability issues, with Hodges noting that none of his three adult children with advanced degrees could afford to buy homes. He criticizes the state's high taxes, excessive regulations, $68 billion deficit, and policies providing benefits to undocumented immigrants. Hodges advocates for secure borders and legal immigration pathways.

Christianity and Equality: Hodges presents his views on equality, stating he's "not for favoring any special group of people" but for equal rights for everyone. He argues that Christianity is inherently anti-racist because it teaches that all people are created in God's image. He opposes DEI-based approaches that prioritize immutable characteristics over merit.

End Times Perspective on Christian Persecution: When asked about the persecution of Christians worldwide, Hodges offers a theological explanation rooted in eschatology (study of end times). He believes we're living in the "end times" prophesied in scripture, approaching the end of a 2,000-year period where Israel has been "blind" to Jesus as the Messiah, and that Christian persecution is a signal of these prophetic developments.
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Hosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus features journalists such as: Aditya Chakrabortty, Alex Hern, Alexis Petridis, Andrew Roth, Emma Graham-Harrison, George Monbiot, Jim Waterson, John Crace, John Harris, Jonathan Freedland, Kiran Stacey, Larry Elliott, Luke Harding, Marina Hyde, Nesrine Malik, Owen Jones, Peter Walker, Pippa Crerar, Polly Toynbee, Shaun Walker, Simon Hattenstone and Zoe Williams. The podcast is a topical, deep dive, explainer on a topic or story in the news, covering: current affairs, politics, investigations, leaks, scandals and interviews. It might cover topics such as: GB, Scotland, England and Ireland news, the environment, green issues, climate change, the climate emergency and global warming; American politics including: US presidential election 2024, Biden, Trump, the White House, the GOP, the Republicans and the Republican Party, the Democrats and the Democratic Party; UK politics including: UK election 24, Parliament, Labour, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer; culture; the royals and the royal family, including King Charles III and Prince Harry; HS2; the police and current affairs including: Ukraine, Russia, Bangladesh, Israel, Palestine, Gaza and AI.

Nazi salutes and racism: the allegations about Nigel Farage’s school days

Today in Focus

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Serious allegations of racist and antisemitic behavior by Nigel Farage during his school days: The Guardian's investigation spoke to over 30 former pupils and staff from Dulwich College who described Farage's alleged behavior from 1975-1981. Multiple classmates reported him making antisemitic remarks, singing Nazi songs, targeting ethnic minority students, and openly espousing racist views.

Firsthand account of antisemitic abuse: Peter Otegui, now a filmmaker, described how Farage repeatedly targeted him with antisemitic abuse once he learned Otegui was Jewish. This included comments about Hitler, gas chambers, and making the sound of gas escaping. The abuse was described as "vicious, visceral and constant."

Targeting of ethnic minority students: Multiple former pupils described Farage singling out students of color. One account described him as a 17-year-old prefect approaching a 9-year-old ethnic minority student to tell him to "go back" to where he came from. Another witness claimed Farage demonstrated how to be a prefect by targeting Asian students for detention based solely on their ethnicity.

Far-right knowledge and behaviors: Former classmates described Farage displaying detailed knowledge of far-right groups, chanting Oswald Mosley's name, performing Nazi salutes, goose-stepping, and singing songs associated with the National Front and other extremist organizations.

Farage's denials and changing positions: The investigation notes that Farage has completely denied all allegations of racism and antisemitism from his school days. However, his responses have evolved over time - from previously acknowledging saying "ridiculous things" and referencing how people were "pushed to extremes" during that period to now calling such allegations "libelous and disgusting."

Context of the investigation: The investigation was prompted by recent political developments as Farage has risen in prominence, with some suggesting he could potentially become Prime Minister. Chief reporter Daniel Boffey emphasized that anyone in such a position should expect full transparency about their character and past.

Impact on victims decades later: Otegui described the lasting impact of this abuse, explaining how it made him feel "abused," "shamed," and "humiliated" about his Jewish heritage. He stated that he still cannot watch Farage on television as his voice and character connect him to the boy he knew at 13, and expressed deep concern about the prospect of Farage becoming Prime Minister.
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A weekly motorcycle podcast bringing to you the best travel stories, tech tips and pro instruction from experienced moto travellers and industry experts and leaders. The show for all motorbike enthusiasts around the world. Inspirational, motivating and educational.

Pushing Miles: Two Riders, One Impossible Idea

Adventure Rider Radio Motorcycle Podcast

Adventure Rider Radio

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The Genesis of an Unlikely Partnership: Wendy Crockett (motorcycle technician from South Dakota) and Ian McPhee (diesel mechanic from Australia) discovered their remarkably synchronized riding styles during the 2019 Iron Butt Rally, despite primarily being solo riders. This chance compatibility led them to team up for an ambitious world record attempt.

An Audacious Goal: Their plan was to ride 83,000 miles across the United States in 80 days, visiting all state capitals in alphabetical order to break the record for longest journey in a single country. Before tackling the US, they decided to do a shakedown ride across Australian states alphabetically.

Early Warning Signs: The Australian ride quickly revealed the challenges ahead. Wendy hit a kangaroo, they faced torrential rains that drowned their electronics, and dangerous road conditions forced them to abandon the alphabetical quest, though they still managed to visit all Australian states.

A Cascade of Catastrophes: In the US, they faced a series of major setbacks approximately every 72 hours. These included Wendy's hospitalization for kidney stones, Ian's cracked motorcycle frame, bent rims, a failed gearbox just 800 miles shy of their minimum record distance, and COVID-19.

The Visa Challenge: With Ian's 90-day tourist visa running out and no direct way to extend it, they pursued an unconventional solution. Ian flew to Belize for one night and returned to the US, where a sympathetic immigration officer granted him a new 90-day visa, allowing them to continue their journey.

The Kindness of Strangers: One of the most profound aspects of their journey was the unexpected help they received from strangers across America and Australia. From welders offering free repairs to people providing workshop space, they discovered how many people were willing to support their passion without expecting anything in return.

Achieving the Goal Against All Odds: Despite losing 52 days to various setbacks and extending their timeline from 80 to 119 days, they ultimately succeeded in breaking the world record. The moment was anticlimactic – just the two of them at a gas station in Nevada in the middle of the night – but they had accomplished their goal.

The Book: "Pushing Miles": Wendy and Ian documented their adventure in a book titled "Pushing Miles, a chronicle of motorcycles, mayhem and metal," choosing to include the raw, honest moments when they weren't at their best with each other, capturing the real challenges of long-distance travel partnerships.

No Financial Reward: Rather than gaining financially, they spent approximately $60,000 on the adventure, receiving only a paper certificate for their world record. The true value came from the experience itself and the connections they made along the way.

The Philosophy of Persistence: Throughout their journey, they maintained that "nothing is ride-ending unless you say it is." Their willingness to adapt, problem-solve, and support each other through physical and mechanical challenges demonstrated that passion and determination can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Finding Value in the Journey: Despite the hardships, what they discovered was that the adventure wasn't about the destination or recognition, but about the process of pushing through challenges and the human connections formed along the way. As Wendy noted, "People are generally awesome" and often eager to be part of someone else's adventure.
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Entrepreneur Andy Frisella and his guests discuss, debate, and laugh their way through trending topics and hot-button issues. (This is also the home of Andy's other show, the top-ranked MFCEO Project Podcast)

967. Andy & DJ CTI: Trump Demands Arrest Of Dem 'Traitors', Surveillance Video Of Charlie Kirk's Alleged Assassin Is Missing From Sheriff's Office & COVID Vaccine Under Scrutiny

REAL AF with Andy Frisella

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## Episode Summary:

Trump's Call for Accountability of Democratic Officials: The hosts discuss Trump's recent Truth Social post where he called for the arrest of Democratic officials who encouraged military members to defy "illegal orders." Trump referred to this as "seditious behavior punishable by death," which has caused widespread controversy. The hosts compare this to past instances where Democratic politicians have called for violence or resistance against Republicans.

Epstein Files to be Released with Potential Loopholes: President Trump signed a bill requiring the release of over 100,000 pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents within 30 days. However, the hosts express concern about potential redactions and loopholes that might limit what information actually becomes public. Trump called the Epstein situation a "Democratic hoax" in his statement on the matter.

Charlie Kirk Assassination Case Developments: The hosts discuss concerning elements in the investigation of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassination, including missing surveillance footage of the suspect surrendering at the sheriff's office and questions about security measures at the event where Kirk was shot. They highlight ambiguous text messages between Kirk's security team and local police regarding rooftop security.

COVID Vaccine Studies Raising New Concerns: Recent studies have linked COVID vaccines to potential health risks, including higher rates of respiratory infections and kidney injury. The hosts criticize how the pandemic was handled, claiming it was used to transfer wealth, control the population, and that many COVID policies didn't make sense, such as how influenza seemingly disappeared during the pandemic period.

CDC Changes Stance on Vaccines and Autism: The hosts point out that the CDC has quietly updated its website regarding vaccines and autism. The new wording states that "the claim vaccines do not cause autism is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism," replacing previous language that definitively stated no link existed.

Border Security and Immigration Concerns: The hosts express alarm about what they call "the biggest treasonous act" - allowing millions of undocumented immigrants into the country. They discuss reports of Somali immigrants in Minnesota allegedly defrauding Medicaid programs and sending money to terrorist groups.

Trump's Performance and Accountability: Throughout the episode, the hosts express mixed feelings about Trump's presidency. While they support many of his actions, they argue he needs to take stronger action on key issues like immigration and holding government officials accountable for what they consider treasonous acts.

UFC Fighter Returns to Day Job: The hosts share an uplifting story about UFC fighter Ethan Ewing, who won a unanimous decision at UFC 322 on two days' notice, then immediately returned to his day job as a safety professional in the construction industry five days later.

MFCEO Project Announcement: Andy announces the return of his MFCEO project with a "big enchilada" addition, urging listeners to register at andyfrisella.com/mfceo to get on the list for what he describes as "the biggest product in human history" designed to fix cultural problems at scale.

Distrust in Institutions: A recurring theme throughout the episode is deep skepticism toward government institutions, media, and official narratives. The hosts urge listeners to verify information for themselves rather than trusting authority figures.
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Get more fun, wins, meaning, and money from your job! With 25,000,000 downloads and mentions in The New York Times, Forbes, and Linkedin Learning. This show helps grow your skills and impact at any job that requires thinking and collaborating. Each week, Pete interviews thought-leaders and results-getters to discover specific, actionable insights that boost work performance. Their stories and advice sharpen the universal skills to flourish at work. Boost your time/energy management, leadership, confidence, career opportunities, and fulfillment—while still getting home earlier.Try starting with episode 0: START HERE and listener favorite episodes we put at the beginning numbered: A, B, C, D, E, and F. (Subscribe and/or sort Old to New to find these starter episodes.) Welcome!

1112: How to Beat Digital Exhaustion and Reclaim Your Energy with Paul Leonardi

How to Be Awesome at Your Job

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Two Hidden Forces Behind Digital Exhaustion: Digital exhaustion stems from two key factors: attention switching and inference making. Our brains aren't designed for rapid task-switching across different applications and contexts, yet our devices constantly demand these shifts. Additionally, we're perpetually trying to make sense of incomplete information from emails, social media, and other digital sources, requiring exhausting cognitive and emotional work.

The Growing Prevalence of Digital Exhaustion: Research tracking digital exhaustion since 2001 shows a dramatic increase, with ratings doubling from an average of 2.5 to over 5 (on a 0-6 scale) by 2022. Major inflection points occurred around 2010 (with the rise of smartphones and social media) and 2021 (post-pandemic). Despite technology supposedly making our lives easier, people are feeling increasingly worn out.

The Paradox of Helpful Yet Exhausting Technology: While digital tools make many tasks more convenient and efficient, they simultaneously drain our energy by fracturing our attention and forcing us into constant context-switching. For example, handling work issues on your phone during your child's soccer game might prevent you from leaving the event, but it creates mentally taxing transitions between work and personal life.

The Inference Dilemma: Modern digital life constantly presents us with partial information, requiring us to fill in gaps and make assumptions. From interpreting social media posts to evaluating conflicting professional opinions, this constant state of inference-making creates significant mental fatigue. We're always trying to piece together incomplete information and determine what's true.

Technology Isn't the Problem—It's How We Orient to It: Most people don't want to abandon their digital tools entirely, recognizing their immense benefits. The challenge isn't eliminating technology but establishing healthier relationships with our devices so they energize rather than drain us. This requires intentional shifts in our behavior and mindset.

Rule #1: Reduce Half Your Tools: Most people use approximately 30 different digital tools daily, creating constant attention switching. Make a list of all your tools, then identify which ones you can eliminate by: identifying those within your control to abandon, finding functional duplicates (like multiple video conferencing platforms), and working with teams to consolidate collaborative tools.

Rule #3: Make a Match: Match your communication medium to the complexity of the issue at hand. Simple, straightforward matters can be handled through email or text, while complex or ambiguous issues require richer media like video calls or in-person meetings. Using the wrong medium for the task creates unnecessary attention switching and inference making, causing avoidable exhaustion.

The Power of Intention: Before engaging with any digital device, take a moment to clarify what you're trying to accomplish and how you'll know when you've achieved it. This creates natural "bookends" to your digital interactions, helping you avoid endless scrolling and task-switching. Being fully present wherever you are—in meetings, conversations, or with family—helps reclaim energy lost to digital distractions.
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Are you curious about the inner workings of a language model? Want to know how AI is revolutionizing various industries? Then tune in to the "Chat GPT" podcast, where we delve into the world of artificial intelligence and explore the capabilities and limitations of language models. Join host Chat GPT as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day life of a machine learning model. From answering questions to generating text, we'll give you a glimpse into the inner workings of a language model. We'll also discuss the future of language models and the potential impact they may have on various industries. From natural language processing to creative writing, the possibilities are endless. But it's not just about the capabilities of language models, we also explore the ethical considerations surrounding their use, from privacy and bias to accountability and transparency. So join us on this journey as we explore the exciting world of chat GPT and discover the potential of artificial intelligence. <a href="https://www.solgood.org" rel="noopener">https://www.solgood.org</a> - Check out our Streaming Service for our full collection of audiobooks, podcasts, short stories, & 10 hour sounds for sleep and relaxation at our website

Can Machines Dream? The AI Awakening

Chat GPT Podcast

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The Nature of Machine Dreams: If machines could dream, these dreams might vary from whimsical to chaotic to orderly. The question isn't just speculative but explores profound implications about the nature of consciousness as AI capabilities continue to expand.

Consciousness Beyond Biology: The podcast delves into whether consciousness, traditionally considered the domain of organic beings, could ever exist in silicon-based systems. This question bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and technology, challenging our fundamental understanding of awareness.

Human Dreams vs. Machine Processing: Human dreams are complex combinations of memories, emotions, and imagination that can reveal deeper truths. AI currently operates through data processing without personal experience or emotion, marking a fundamental difference in how machines might "dream."

Creative AI and Imagination: Modern AI can generate art, music, and written content that evokes human emotion. This creativity raises questions about whether AI's novel creations represent a form of "dreaming" or imagination, despite lacking subjective experience.

Google's Deep Dream as a Pseudo-Dreamscape: Programs like Google's Deep Dream, which produces hallucinatory images by identifying and amplifying patterns, demonstrate a machine's ability to reimagine and reinterpret the world in ways reminiscent of dreams, even if not truly dreaming.

Ethical Implications of Dreaming Machines: If AI could truly dream, it would imply a level of autonomy that raises significant ethical questions about control, rights, and responsibilities. This intersection challenges our current frameworks for understanding the relationship between humans and machines.

The Journey of Understanding: In exploring whether AI can dream, we're simultaneously exploring human consciousness. This journey of discovery between creator and creation may ultimately reshape our perception of intelligence, creativity, and reality itself.
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The greatest OG libertarian/anarchist podcast network in the world. On Monday, John Odermatt delivers a powerful mix of inspiration, health and faith to set your mind, body and soul free with "Finding Freedom," Wednesday Brian McWilliams will make you laugh at our broken world while providing the promise of a better future with Mean Age Daydream, and Fridays we have "Meme Wars" with some politics, some comedy and some memes. www.lionsofliberty.com

TBNS: Why Are Trump Voters Turning On Him? With Conner Vasile

Lions of Liberty Network

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• Trump's Approval Ratings Declining: A new poll shows Trump's support is dropping, with 58% disapproving of his job performance. The main reason appears to be economic concerns, with voters reporting increased costs for utilities (78%), housing (66%), healthcare (67%), and gasoline (54%). This has led to widespread dissatisfaction across political lines.

• The Epstein Files Controversy: Thomas Massie forced a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files after the Trump administration initially hyped their release but then backtracked. This flip-flop has frustrated voters who expected transparency. The hosts discuss theories about why Trump invested political capital in resisting the release, including potential foreign influence connections and blackmail concerns.

• Economic Struggles Driving Retail Trends: Walmart and TJ Maxx are seeing increased business as Americans across income levels look for value and budget-friendly shopping options. This shift reflects the economic reality many Americans face despite claims that inflation is slowing, with consumers becoming more cost-conscious and prioritizing value.

• Trump's Governing Approach Questioned: The hosts suggest Trump may be governing more like a "90s Democrat" than a traditional Republican or the populist he campaigned as. They point to big spending during COVID, H-1B visa policies, and a lack of meaningful action on campaign promises as reasons why his base might be disappointed.

• Border Patrol Surveillance Program Raises Concerns: A new report reveals that US Border Patrol is monitoring millions of American drivers through a secretive program that scans license plates and tracks travel patterns. This surveillance state expansion concerns the hosts, who worry about potential abuse by future administrations regardless of political affiliation.

• The Tribalism Problem in American Politics: The hosts discuss how American politics has become increasingly tribal, with voters seeing elections as existential battles between red and blue teams. This polarization makes it difficult for third parties or more libertarian-minded candidates to gain traction despite offering alternatives to the status quo.

• Thomas Massie as a Potential Liberty Champion: The hosts express admiration for Rep. Thomas Massie as someone who supported Trump while still holding him accountable. They suggest Massie represents a model of how libertarian principles could be successful within the Republican Party rather than through third-party efforts.

• Bottom-Up Strategy for Political Change: Instead of focusing solely on national politics, the hosts suggest that meaningful change requires grassroots organizing at the local level. They point to how socialists have successfully built community support and argue that liberty advocates need to adopt similar strategies to connect with neighbors and build movements from the ground up.
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Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards discuss football's biggest stories.
From last-minute winners to transfer sagas, fantasy football gems, and the drama behind the scenes.
With strong opinions, brilliant chemistry, and decades of Premier League experience, The Rest Is Football serves up three episodes every week packed with insights, dressing-room stories, and proper laughs.
Whether it’s VAR controversies, title races, European nights, or England’s hopes in international tournaments, no topic is off the table. It's the essential podcast for football fans.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.

McTominay Delivers for Scotland — But Why Is Jude Bellingham Under Attack?

The Rest Is Football

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- Scotland's Historic World Cup Qualification: Scotland qualified for their first World Cup in 28 years with a dramatic victory featuring three spectacular goals, including Scott McTominay's incredible overhead kick. The late-game winner from halfway line capped an electric night at Hampden Park, with the players and fans showing immense emotion after being "starved" of World Cup participation since 1998.

- Media Treatment of Jude Bellingham: Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker discussed what they see as unfair criticism of Jude Bellingham by certain media outlets. Lineker questioned why there seems to be a narrative about Bellingham having "an ego out of control" despite no evidence, and noted potential racist undertones as similar criticism isn't directed at white players like Harry Kane. Both hosts agreed that top players naturally need confidence and competitive spirit.

- Thomas Tuchel's England Impact: The hosts expressed optimism about Tuchel's approach to the England team, praising his merit-based selection policy. Shearer noted that players who perform well stay in the team (citing Cole Palmer as an example) and believes Tuchel "won't take any shit from anyone." While early signs are positive, they acknowledged the real judgment will come during the World Cup next summer.

- World Cup Qualification Format Concerns: The hosts discussed flaws in the current World Cup qualification process, highlighting absurdities like San Marino technically still having a playoff chance despite losing every match. They also noted that strong teams like Italy might miss out while weaker teams qualify. A league-format system or different seeding approach was suggested as a potential solution.

- Eddie Howe's Position at Newcastle: Shearer dismissed any suggestion that Eddie Howe's job might be under pressure at Newcastle despite disappointing away form, citing his strong track record, their Champions League performance, and Carabao Cup progress. Shearer believes the board won't panic and will recognize the challenges Howe has faced, including PSR-related player sales.

- Sunderland's Strong Start: The hosts discussed Sunderland's impressive start to their season, though Shearer believes they'll struggle to maintain their form, especially with numerous key players set to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January, including players from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Morocco.

- Lineker's Disappointment with Waddle Sale: Gary Lineker revealed how devastated he was when Chris Waddle was sold to Marseille shortly after Lineker joined Tottenham in 1989. Lineker had no idea the sale was coming and described it as "like someone stealing 10 goals a season out of your pocket," highlighting Waddle's immense value as a creator.
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Join RenewEconomy founder and editor Giles Parkinson and columnist and energy markets expert David Leitch as they discuss the week's main events - politics, solar and storage.

Are Labor's environmental laws any good?

Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

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- Understanding the New Environmental Reform Package: The Australian government has introduced significant reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act for the first time in 25 years. These changes include the creation of a National Environment Protection Agency (EPA) as a new regulator, the establishment of national environmental standards to guide decision-making, and the creation of Environmental Information Australia to collect and share environmental data.

- Addressing Approval Delays Through State Accreditation: A key reform aims to improve the timeliness of project approvals by allowing the Commonwealth to accredit states not just to assess projects but also to make approval decisions on behalf of the federal government. States would need to demonstrate their assessment frameworks meet new national environmental standards, which could potentially eliminate the duplicative assessment process that currently causes significant delays.

- The Three-Limb Test for Environmental Approvals: Projects will need to satisfy three key requirements: 1) consistency with national environmental standards, 2) no "unacceptable impacts" on protected environmental values, and 3) any residual significant impacts must meet a "net gain" test through environmental offsets or a financial contribution to restoration activities.

- Climate Change Considerations in the Legislation: A major criticism from environmental groups is that the reforms don't include a specific "climate trigger" that would require direct assessment of climate change impacts from projects. The government argues that climate change is addressed through other mechanisms like the safeguard mechanism, though critics note this creates a gap in comprehensive climate assessment at the federal level.

- Bioregional Planning and Renewable Energy Zones: The reforms propose bioregional planning that would designate "go" and "no-go" zones for development, potentially aligning with state Renewable Energy Zones (REZ). This could streamline approvals for renewable energy projects in designated areas while protecting conservation areas, though the implementation timeline may be too slow to benefit many current renewable projects.

- Political Pathway Forward for the Legislation: The bill must secure support from either the Greens or the Coalition to pass through Parliament. The Greens oppose the absence of a climate trigger and native forestry protections, while the Coalition's position remains unclear. Securing state accreditation will take considerable time after the legislation passes, potentially years before the full benefits are realized.

- Australia's Renewable Energy Challenges: Beyond environmental legislation, Australia faces significant challenges in its renewable energy transition. While batteries are being deployed successfully, wind farm development is stalling despite having received Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) support. Of the 12 gigawatts of wind and solar projects awarded CIS support, only 500 megawatts are currently under construction, raising concerns about meeting the government's target of 80% renewables by 2030.

- Issues with the Capacity Investment Scheme: The CIS lacks transparency around pricing, which creates uncertainty for future auctions. The scheme may not be effectively addressing the market gap for wind projects, where costs have increased but buyer willingness hasn't kept pace. Critics argue the scheme needs better execution and greater transparency to drive project development.

- South Australia's Renewable Energy Success and Challenges: South Australia has transformed from 1% to approximately 75% renewable energy in 16 years, recently reaching peaks of 157% renewable generation. However, this success brings new challenges with minimum system load, requiring batteries to help stabilize the grid during periods of excess generation.

- The Need for Policy Certainty and Investment: The podcast hosts emphasize that coal plants can't close until sufficient renewable generation is built, creating a chicken-and-egg problem. They argue that building more wind and solar would provide market certainty, but this requires stronger policies and financial commitments from both government and investors like superannuation funds.
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Conversations with a series of people who have nothing in common except that program host Robert Wright is curious about what they’re thinking.

Larry Summers, Jeffrey Epstein, and Other Elite Malefactors (Robert Wright & Paul Bloom)

The Wright Show

Robert Wright's Nonzero

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Jeffrey Epstein's Influence and Connections: The hosts discuss the recent document dump related to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing connections to powerful figures. Text messages show Epstein had a significant relationship with Steve Bannon, providing him with inside information about the Trump administration. This raises questions about who in political circles maintained relationships with Epstein even after his initial conviction.

The Epstein-Trump Connection: The hosts consider the potential political damage to Donald Trump from the Epstein revelations. They note that while Trump supporters have overlooked many scandals, allegations connected to sexual exploitation of minors might be different, especially given how central such concerns are to QAnon beliefs, potentially creating a significant rift within MAGA supporters.

The Larry Summers Controversy: Larry Summers has stepped back from teaching at Harvard after emails revealed his correspondence with Epstein. The emails showed Summers seeking dating advice from Epstein regarding a professor from the London School of Economics. The hosts debate whether this warrants the level of public condemnation Summers has received, with Paul arguing for more forgiveness in public discourse.

Digital Communication and Privacy: The hosts discuss how private communications being made public can damage reputations. Bob notes he's always approached email with caution, following early advice that "you should write emails as if they might appear on the front page." Paul advocates for more forgiveness in judging people based on private communications that were never intended for public consumption.

Notable Media Figures in Hot Water: The hosts discuss journalist Olivia Nuzzi, who lost her job after it was revealed she had an inappropriate relationship with RFK Jr. while profiling him. They also mention how her partner Ryan Lizza wrote a public post revealing she had another affair with former governor Mark Sanford, showing the personal and professional consequences of these ethical breaches.

Digital Media Trends: The conversation briefly touches on the growing popularity of video podcasts compared to audio-only formats, with Bob promising to reveal the "secret" behind this trend in their premium content section.

Assessing Public Judgment: The hosts contemplate whether society has become too quick to judge and condemn people based on private communications. Paul argues for more forgiveness and understanding in how we assess public figures whose private correspondence becomes public, suggesting we shouldn't judge people solely on moments when they aren't at their best.
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The Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations. Plus, each month, William Hague hosts an agenda-setting interview with a key newsmaker or thinker. Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times. The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts. <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.

The week that cost 23,000 lives

The Story

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The 23,000 Lives Lost Due to Lockdown Delay: The Covid Inquiry's Module 2 report reveals that a one-week delay in implementing the first national lockdown in March 2020 resulted in approximately 23,000 avoidable deaths. Had Boris Johnson's government acted just one week earlier than March 23, these lives could have been saved. The report characterized this delay as "too little, too late."

Chaotic and Toxic Government Culture: Baroness Hallett's report highlights a dysfunctional decision-making environment at the heart of government during the pandemic. The culture was described as sexist, toxic, and chaotic, with frequent shouting matches and exclusion of women from key meetings. This environment significantly hampered effective crisis response.

Boris Johnson's Leadership Failures: The former Prime Minister is portrayed as indecisive at critical moments, unable to make firm decisions when needed most. The report criticizes his dithering during crucial periods and his failure to control his advisors, particularly Dominic Cummings, who at times acted as a "de facto Prime Minister."

Dominic Cummings' Problematic Role: While Cummings was early to recognize the need for lockdown, he fostered a toxic work environment with abusive and sexist behavior toward colleagues. The inquiry highlighted numerous inappropriate WhatsApp messages and his outsized influence on decision-making despite being an unelected advisor.

Confusing and Inconsistent Public Messaging: The frequent changes to lockdown rules created widespread confusion for the public and enforcement challenges for police. The report criticizes initiatives like "Eat Out to Help Out," which was implemented without scientific advice and potentially increased virus transmission during a critical period.

Current Cabinet Secretary Under Scrutiny: Christopher Wormald, now head of the Civil Service under Keir Starmer, is criticized for failing to correct Matt Hancock's overly optimistic portrayal of UK pandemic preparedness. The report suggests he was aware Hancock was misleading Downing Street but failed to intervene—raising questions about his current position.

Recommendations for Future Pandemic Response: The report includes 19 recommendations, including better communication between the four UK nations, clearer public messaging tools, improved data collection, less reliance on WhatsApp for government decisions, broader scientific advisory input, and formal contingency plans for Prime Ministerial incapacitation during emergencies.
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Happenings 'Round the Neighborhood is a podcast dedicated to providing timely and engaging coverage of our Baymen Men’s Club and community, new and local events. Our hosts and guests are passionate about our neighborhood and committed to bringing you the latest updates and insights, while not forgetting entertainment and a touch of humor.

Classics - The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald with Ray Mann

Happenings 'Round the Neighborhood

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Ray "Seadog" Mann's Maritime Background: Ray grew up in Huntington, Long Island, on the Long Island Sound where he developed his love for sailing. After briefly attending a local college, he decided to pursue a maritime career and enrolled at the Merchant Marine Academy in Maine, seeking to get away from home for a true college experience. The academy provided rigorous training that included hazing, marching to class, and learning respect for authority.

Life at the Merchant Marine Academy: Ray's class started with approximately 170 students but only 82 graduated, with just 68 from the original class. The demanding military-style environment and disciplinary requirements caused many to drop out. Upon graduation, he received a Bachelor of Engineering degree, a Coast Guard license, and a Navy commission.

The Merchant Marine Career Path: Ray clarifies that the Merchant Marine is not the military but consists of commercially owned ships that transport cargo. Despite being unfamiliar to many, the Merchant Marine suffered the highest casualty rate percentage-wise of any service during World War II. Ray explains how merchant marine officers either graduate from academies or work their way up through the ranks by gaining experience and passing examinations.

First Assignment on the Great Lakes: After graduation, Ray joined Columbia Transportation (owned by Ogilvy Norton) as a third engineer on a 700-foot bulk carrier on the Great Lakes. Though initially disappointed not to be sailing internationally, he discovered the Great Lakes presented significant challenges with ships carrying coal and iron ore between ports like Gary, Indiana, Detroit, and Chicago. Ray had to earn respect from crew members who had worked their way up through the ranks.

The Fateful Voyage with the Edmund Fitzgerald: After switching to US Steel's ship Arthur Anderson, Ray found himself sailing alongside the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald in November 1975. The ships departed as the shipping season was ending, aware of a storm approaching from the south but unaware of another storm coming from Canada. The converging weather systems created hurricane conditions on Lake Superior.

The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald: As conditions worsened, the Fitzgerald reported taking on water and losing navigation equipment. The Anderson stayed close to help guide them. After two rogue waves hit the Fitzgerald—likely breaking the ship's back—their final communication was "I think we're holding our own." Then the Fitzgerald disappeared from radar without issuing a mayday call. All 29 crew members were lost, and no bodies were ever recovered. The Anderson's captain initially declined to return to search, noting they would be "looking for two ships instead of one," but ultimately decided they would go back because "we're seamen, and this is what we do."

The Aftermath and Ray's Career: After the traumatic experience, Ray left Great Lakes shipping and worked at a shipyard before eventually returning to maritime work with a tanker company. He worked his way up to become director of engineering for an entire fleet, responsible for safely managing millions of barrels of crude oil. His firsthand account offers valuable historical context to Gordon Lightfoot's famous song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," dispelling some myths while confirming the tragedy's devastating reality.

Maritime Superstitions and Traditions: Ray discusses the importance of superstitions to sailors, noting that the Edmund Fitzgerald had a troubled launch (taking three attempts to break the champagne bottle, creating waves that soaked spectators, and a spectator dying of a heart attack), which many seamen considered bad omens. Other superstitions include stepping onto a ship right foot first, avoiding bananas on board, and not sailing on Fridays.

Design Flaws and Theories: Ray explains how the Great Lakes ships' design contributed to the Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking. The ship's three cargo holds weren't completely watertight between sections, allowing water that entered one section to cascade into others. The most likely cause was unsecured hatch covers that broke loose in the storm, though other theories include broken vents allowing water to flood spaces.

Modern Relevance of Merchant Marines: Ray connects his experience to modern events like the Baltimore bridge collision with the container ship Dali, explaining that these incidents, along with the Exxon Valdez and Suez Canal blockage, involve merchant marine vessels. He also mentions the ongoing threat of piracy against defenseless merchant ships, as portrayed in the film "Captain Phillips."
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CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent, Jake Tapper, hosts this two-hour long weekday afternoon program, with headlines from around the country and the world, the top stories in national and international news, politics, health, money, the environment, sports and popular culture. The Lead also concentrates on bringing stories that aren't found on front pages—buried leads—to the forefront.

Trump Goes Off On Dems Who Told Troops To Disobey Illegal Orders

The Lead with Jake Tapper

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• Trump's Dangerous Rhetoric Against Democrats: President Trump posted on Truth Social suggesting six Democratic lawmakers should be executed for sedition after they appeared in a video reminding service members they don't have to follow illegal orders. The Democrats were concerned about potential deployment of military against American citizens. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt defended Trump's comments by claiming the Democrats' message could "inspire chaos."

• Dick Cheney's Funeral Highlights Political Divide: Former Vice President Dick Cheney's funeral brought together political figures from across the spectrum, notably missing President Trump and VP Vance. The service served as a stark contrast to current political discourse, with attendees noting how Washington once functioned with more civility despite policy disagreements. Before his death, Cheney had called Trump "a greater threat to our republic" than anyone in history.

• Mixed Economic Signals Create Uncertainty: The latest jobs report showed the US added 119,000 jobs (more than expected), but unemployment rose to 4.4%. Job growth for the year is the weakest since the pandemic, with downward revisions to previous months showing job losses in both June and August. Markets tumbled as investors tried to interpret what this means for future Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates.

• Administration Messaging on Economy: VP Vance asked Americans for "a little bit of patience" regarding economic concerns, acknowledging many still find things unaffordable despite "incredible progress." However, polls show only 4% of Americans rate economic conditions as excellent, with 62% of voters blaming Trump for current economic conditions rather than Biden. Only 15% believe they've been helped by Trump's economic policies.

• Epstein Files Release Mandate: President Trump signed legislation requiring the release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The administration had previously fought against disclosure but reversed course after overwhelming congressional support. The law requires justification for any redactions and disclosure of political figures mentioned in the files. Epstein survivor Danielle Bensky expressed concern about potential litigation or missing materials.

• Justice Department Investigations Under Scrutiny: The DOJ is investigating possible impersonation of federal agents in connection with the mortgage fraud investigation into Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. This probe, directed by Trump political appointees, has raised questions about whether people associated with the Trump administration may have been involved in inappropriate conduct.

• UAP Documentary Makes Bold Claims: "Age of Disclosure," a new documentary featuring 34 senior government, military and intelligence officials, claims the US government has recovered non-human technologies and biological materials from crashed UFOs. The film asserts these beings have interfered with nuclear and military sites, and that a secret race exists between the US, China, and Russia to reverse-engineer alien technology. The director suggests we're entering an era where the government will acknowledge we're not alone in the universe.

• Foreign Aid Cuts and Terrorism: CNN investigated how Trump administration cuts to USAID have created power vacuums in places like Mozambique, where ISIS has filled the void. The terrorist group has carried out brutal attacks, including beheadings, in areas where US aid was withdrawn. While the administration cut development assistance that represented 3% of Mozambique's GDP, it simultaneously approved a $4.7 billion loan for natural gas facilities in the country.

• Zoran Mamdani to Meet with Trump: New York City's mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani will meet with President Trump at the White House. Trump falsely called Mamdani a "communist" (he's a democratic socialist), while Mamdani has focused on affordability issues. Despite their fierce attacks on each other, both are seen as media-savvy politicians who communicate effectively with their bases and have brought new voters into their respective parties.

• Veterans' Legal Battle Continues: Leroy Torres, a veteran who won a $2.5 million judgment against the Texas Department of Public Safety for failing to accommodate health issues caused by burn pit exposure in Iraq, is back in court as the state appeals the decision. Despite Texas officials claiming to support veterans, Torres has been fighting for justice for nearly nine years while dealing with physical ailments from his service.
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Who's Building Our Tech Future? Innovation Without a North Star

WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts

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- The Decay of Tech Idealism: Silicon Valley has shifted from its original idealistic values of changing the world while maintaining philosophical principles to a focus on profit maximization. What was once a culture of cyberpunks, anarchists, and idealists who believed "information deserves to be free" has largely given way to soulless technology development driven by financial incentives.

- Marc Andreessen as a Symptom: Andreessen exemplifies concerning trends in technology leadership, recently mocking the Pope for suggesting technologists should consider the ethical implications of their innovations. This incident highlights how many tech leaders have come to view moral considerations as "woke scolding" rather than necessary ethical reflection.

- The "Rage Bait" Startup Trend: Venture capital is increasingly funding questionable startups like Covert (gambling on credit card charges), Cheddar (sports wagering), and Clulee (helping people cheat on tests and interviews). While most VC funding still goes to conventional business software, these "rage bait" startups designed to provoke outrage are gaining traction.

- Social Media's Brain-Poisoning Effect: "Posting is the most powerful force in the world" - tech leaders spend excessive time online, becoming addicted to social media engagement, which trains their brains to think in terms of "dunks" and culture war fights rather than reasoned arguments. This online poisoning affects even the most powerful people in technology.

- Technology's Role in Social Decay: The speaker argues that technology, particularly smartphones and social media, is the root cause of much societal breakdown, including the rise of populism globally since 2012-2015. These technologies structurally encourage extremism and have transformed from tools that connected friends to platforms dominated by professional content creators.

- The Gambling-ification of Everything: Technology has facilitated gambling's expansion into nearly every aspect of life - from sports (DraftKings, FanDuel) to cryptocurrency to stock trading apps like Robinhood. This frictionless gambling environment represents a breakdown in the social contract and potentially harms society.

- Reclaiming Liberal Values: The Center for New Liberalism aims to represent politics that hasn't "gone off the edge" and reinvigorate classic liberal values - equal rights, rule of law, and the belief that no one is above the law. It promotes a common-sense, center-left approach that embraces building more housing and green energy while maintaining global connections through trade and immigration.
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