Fascinating People Fascinating Places

Science and religion are often pitted against each other with many people believing faith is incompatible with science. But is it? Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink PhD, Senior Research Scholar at Reasons To Believe believes the opposite. Jeff — whose publications include Who is Afraid of The Multiverse? —argues that scientific discoveries as well as theoretical notions like a meta verse actually offer evidence to back up his Christian faith. In this episode, we discuss the interface of God and Science. Guest: Jeff Zweerink Music and Sound Effects: Pixabay Resources: Reasons.org

CUNY Law Professor Rebecca Bratspies found herself sitting in heavy traffic on the Major Deegan Expressway — a notoriously busy thoroughfare in NYC. She began to wonder who exactly this Major Deegan was? A war hero? Some notable military figure? Surely, there must be a story of some note attached to the man after whom this major roadway is named? Her subsequent research resulted in a book titled Naming Gotham in which she explores the figures behind the names of infrastructure projects and the methodology of naming them. Guest: Prof. Rebecca Bratspies NAMING GOTHAM Music and sound effects: Pixabay Season 4 is wrapping up so there won't be any episodes in December. But Season 5 will be launched in January 2024, where we will talk to the man who found Saddam Hussein, and the lawyer who defended 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. We also travel to the other end of the world -- Antarctica -- to speak with New Zealand government researchers protecting historic sites on the continent. Plus, astronaut Jim Wetherbee is back, as is popular guest Prof. Margaret Schwartz will be back to discuss Lady Diana.

Al-Shabaab emerged as a force after the Ethiopian incursion into Somalia in support of the UN-recognized government in 2006. The militant, Salafist group later formalized a relationship with Al-Qaeda and has been described as the most active and dangerous Al-Qaeda affiliate in the world. In 2024, African Union troops are set to leave Somalia and turn control over to the national government. But will this be a repeat of the Afghanistan situation or can Somalia -- as their government claims -- eradicate Al-Shabaab by the end of the year? In this episode, I speak with US State Department veteran Professor Tricia Bacon, author of Terror in Transition: Leadership and Succession in Terrorist Organizations, about the present situation in Somalia, its origins, and prospects for the future. Music: Pixabay

Michelle Manu, holds a unique distinction: she is the first female fully qualified Lua martial artist in 200 years. But in the past, female warriors were an integral part of Hawaiian society, so what happened? Charismatic Michelle's resume reads like that of a superhero. A 26-year legal career after studying at Harvard Business School, earning a Master's degree in Metaphysical Science, whilst working as a professional actress, martial artist, and dancer. She is an advocate for women, a self-defense trainer, an advocate for Hawaiian culture, and a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (O’ahu Chapter). In this episode, we discuss the recent tragic events in Hawaii, the impact of racism and colonialism on the islands, plus the self-inflicted wounds caused by the former royal rulers. A candid assessment of the 50th state. Its past, present, and her hopes for the future. Michelle Manu Official Website: www.michellemanu.com Music: Pixabay

The Sound of Freedom — a film produced on a minimal budget and snubbed by major studios stunned Hollywood in 2023 by outperforming blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible. The film has been praised by millions for tackling an important albeit disturbing topic that often garners little attention. But the movie — based on the real-life rescue of children from sex traffickers — has been subject to controversy. I recently interviewed the executive producer — Utah-based real estate magnate Paul Hutchinson — who went uncover to tackle human trafficking and whose own actions are weaved into the narrative of the film. Guest: Paul Hutchinson LiberateChildren.org Music: Pixabay Similar Themed Episodes: The Business of Sex Modern Day Slavery in Mauritania

On 3 September 1939, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies addressed the nation. Australia’s involvement in the war was inevitable just as it had been a generation earlier when The King of England called upon the empire to fight the Germans and their allies. But unlike WWI where fighting was concentrated in Europe and Asia Minor, Australians spent much of WW2 fighting closer to home in the Pacific and East Asia. It was here that the Japanese invaded territories such as Burma, and Indochina which were ruled by Britain and France respectively. Despite the defeat of the Japanese, the Age of Empires was all but over. Two and a half decades later, when Menzies – again in the role of Prime Minister – saw the Aussies go to war, it was about protecting Vietnam, a sovereign nation that a generation earlier had been part of the colony known as French Indochina. The map had changed and the threat facing Australia and its allies had changed from fascists to the spread of communism. In this episode, I speak with award-winning author, and historian Dr. Ian Hodges, of the Australian Department of Affairs about the Australian experience in Vietnam. Guest: Dr. Ian Hodges Ian's book "He Belonged to Wagga: The Great War, the AIF and Returned Soldiers in an Australian County Town," won the 2023 NSW Community and Regional History prize. Ian has previously been a guest on this show in the episodes listed below: The King and I? First Came Narai Wagga Wagga: First World War Stories Gallipoli: For King and Empire Gallipoli: The Forging of the Anzacs Topic Related Episodes: The Cambodian Killing Fields Robin Bartlett: Vietnam Combat Sound & Music: Pixabay

Like so many young men in the late 60s and 70s, Robin Bartlett -- fresh out of college found himself in Vietnam. Despite coming from a family with a military pedigree he had other plans for his life. But, when duty called he answered and found himself thrust into a leadership position among youthful men. His book, Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History, is a candid account of his own experiences in the conflict. In this episode, I speak with Robin about the harrowing incidents he endured. The tragedies he was faced with. The manner in which young men like him were often harshly treated upon their return home. And, despite the circumstances of his story, there is even time for some light-hearted recollections. You can hear his whole story on his website: RobinBartlettauthor.com From there you can also get an autographed copy of his evocative book with free shipping. Music and sound effects: Pixabay In the next episode, I speak with award-winning author Dr Ian Hodges of the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs about the oft-overlooked experience of the Aussies in Vietnam.

Piers Gaveston has cast a long shadow over 700 years of British history. He wasn't quite a 'nobody' but among the well-stacked ranks of medieval nobles, he was close to the last rung of the ladder. Rising from obscurity in France, for a time he was arguably the most powerful man in England. Even seeming to hold sway over King Edward II who many believe was his lover. Crude, vengeful, and thrice exiled, despite dying years before him, he is seen as partly culpable for the later murder of the King. Within the last decade, his name was invoked in a political scandal that almost saw the removal of the British Prime Minister. But who exactly was Gaveston? How and why was he so important? And, can believe everything that has been written about him?

The West African nation of Mali has been in the media recently for all the wrong reasons. An ongoing Jihadist insurgency, created political insecurity which led to a military coup and more recently the cutting of ties with the former colonial power France, as the de facto government rely on the support of the controversial Russian mercenary operation the Wagner Group – better known for atrocities committed in Ukraine, and the ill feted march on Moscow – but whose methods have also much bloodshed throughout Africa. But with accusations and counter-accusations of colonialism, exploitation, and human rights groups being bounced around between the French and the Wagner group, What’s often overlooked in the West is that was once home to the wealthiest ruler in history: Mansa Musa, as well as three of the greatest powers in African history, the Mali, Songhai, and Hamdulahi empires. In addition to the threat posed to civilians by the current conflict, the carefully preserved texts detailing this extraordinary history – typically maintained in tiny ancient libraries around the country are also at threat of looting or the threat of becoming collateral damage in the violent carnage. Scholars such as Naples native Professor Mauor Nobili continue to uncover facts about the political and Islamic history of this part of the world. And his work, in recent years has extended from just studying the raw facts to re-examining the famous historical chronicles – artifacts which have become historic relics in their own rights. Guest Speaker: Prof. Mauro Nobili Music: Pixabay

Zach Pincince has become a viral sensation as a hypnotist, motivational speaker, and voice actor. He has appeared on TedX and collaborated with the legendary Tony Robbins among others. But what is hypnotism and how does it work? In this episode, we get candid insights from Zach Pincince into the entertainment side of hypnotism as well as its practical benefits. To learn more about Zach follow these links: Zach Pincince Official Wesbite https://www.zachpincince.com/ Zach Pincince Youtube

The parents of Rose Kuhn as well as her older brother miraculously survived the killing fields of Cambodia and started a new life in America. But joy turned to despair when Rose's father was murdered by a teen gang member -- also a refugee from Cambodia. In this remarkable and deeply moving interview, Rose discusses her family's experiences in Cambodia. Her life in the US, and how she came to embrace forgiveness and lobbied the state of California to free her father's killer. Music: Pixabay

In 1975, 9-year-old Sarah Pol-Lim saw her family's life descend into horror when the Communist Party of Kampuchea -- better known as the Khmer Rouge ( ខ្មែរក្រហម) seized power in Cambodia. Initially backed by the North Vietnamese government, the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot sought to reset the country to year zero. Replacing all elements of colonialism, capitalism, culture, and the class divided by society with an agrarian utopia. The wealthy, the middle class, the educated, the religious, and ethnic minorities were among the segments of society they resolved to erase. The end result was a genocide that killed as many as 25 percent of the population. Even as a young child Sarah Pol-Lim was in the firing line because she and her parents were educated. In this episode, I speak with Sarah about her harrowing experiences during four years spent in work camps under the Khmer Rouge. The fate of her family, her eventual escape to America, and her views on lessons to be learned from this horrific event in modern history.

On 2 May 1973, the Chilean national football team took on Peru in a crucial world cup qualifier at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago. The victory coupled with success in a subsequent playoff meant that only the Soviet Union stood between Chile and a place at the world cup finals. That game, against a nation whose government had friendly ties with Chilean President Allende would take place in November at the same venue. But Chileans would come to remember 1973 for more important reasons than football. Powerful figures had been plotting against the democratically elected Allende for two years, both at home and in Washington DC at the White House. The Chilean football team did qualify for the world cup but only because their opponents from the USSR forfeited the match in protest at the CIA-backed military coup that saw President Allende killed, and thousands imprisoned, tortured, or killed in the very stadium that was due to hold the match. In this episode, I speak with Professor Kristin Sorensen an expert on global studies whose specialties include Chile about the notorious regime of General Augusto Pinochet and the devastating and lasting impact it has had on the lives of ordinary Chileans. Audio: Nixon tapes public domain Chile v Peru 1972 world cup qualifying Music: Pixabay

In parts of Nevada, you can openly stroll into a publicly advertised brothel and legally engage in sexual activities with a willing provider. But venture a few miles away and the same activity could land you and the provider in jail. In this episode, I speak with two women who consciously chose to become sex workers. One where it is legal, one where it is not. Olivia LaRue a self-described courtesan and madam, operates her trade in Nevada. Rose, lives and works in Kansas City, Missouri where police stings are common as local authorities try to stamp out the illegal trade. Why did these women walk away from careers in other fields and become involved in a business that is largely illegal and remains controversial? How does it impact their personal lives? How do they mitigate dangers that include legal problems and violence? Regardless of your views on the trade, their candid disclosures are truly eye-opening.

This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners. In this episode, I speak with Kiki Smith — not her real name. But she is a stay at home mom and a married woman who makes a quite lucrative living posting as KS Wifey on websites including Only Fans, many vids and even her own domain: kswifey.com. What led her into this industry? How does it affect her relationship with her husband? What are the pitfalls and perks? A candid discussion about a growing yet controversial segment of the sex industry. Guest: Kiki Smith KS Wifey on Onlyfans KS Wifey Official website

Author Michael Ruskin’s powerful new book “The Vow: A Love Story and The Holocaust,” tells the heart-breaking yet inspirational story of his own family’s experiences during the Holocaust. His Parents David and Dora Ruskin lived in Lithuania at the outbreak of World War II. Initially, the area fell under Soviet control as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. However, Hitler soon broke that agreement and sent Nazi storm troopers into Lithuania. Like countless other Jews living in Europe, the Ruskins were forced into ghettos before eventually being deported to concentration camps. In this episode I talk to Michael about his book and his parents vow, that they were remarkably able to honor after the ravages of World War II and the Holocaust. The book features rare archive footage including letters of his parents, family photos, and rare archival pictures and information from both Israel and the US. You can purchase a copy of Michael’s book through his official website: TheVowaLoveStory.com Music: Ken Bakodesh Haziticha, A Jewish Hasidic Niggun, sung by the Li-Ron choir, Israel. Public Domain. BBC recording from April 20, 1945, of Jewish survivors of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp five days after their liberation. Public Domain

Coming on 11 August, I speak with Professor Kristin Sorenson of Bentley University and an expert on Chile about the American involvement in over throwing a democratically elected government in Chile and replacing it with a fascist dictatorship that killed, tortured and tormented tens of thousands.

During World War II, a new medium gave people on the homefront the kind of insight into the frontlines they had lacked during World War I: Radio. This relatively new technology enabled political figures such as Winston Churchill to warn of the dangers on Nazism even before the war. But radiowaves are not confined by national boundaries and the British were not the only ones to see the usefulness of this technology during war time. In 1939, listeners in the UK began hearing seemingly British yet unwelcome messages over the radio. In this episode I explore, Lord Haw Haw and the Nazi’s radio propaganda machine. Related episodes: The Göring Brothers: Albert and Hermann The Hindenburg Disaster East Germany This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate, but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site; and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia Music: Pixabay Sound: Public domain speeches from Winston Churchill, King Edward VIII and William Joyce AKA Lord Haw Haw Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs gab ein neues Medium den Menschen an der Heimatfront den Einblick in die Frontlinien, der ihnen während des Ersten Weltkriegs gefehlt hatte: das Radio. Diese relativ neue Technologie ermöglichte es Politikern wie Winston Churchill, bereits vor dem Krieg vor den Gefahren des Nationalsozialismus zu warnen. Aber Radiowellen sind nicht an nationale Grenzen gebunden und die Briten waren nicht die Einzigen, die den Nutzen dieser Technologie während des Krieges erkannten. Im Jahr 1939 begannen Hörer im Vereinigten Königreich, scheinbar britische, aber unwillkommene Botschaften über das Radio zu hören.

In 1981, American journalist David Ost attended an extraordinary meeting in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz. Just decades earlier, it had been a majority German city, in the German empire and had a German name: Bromberg. Two world wars, the Holocaust, mass movement of people and two border realignments had seen it end up behind the proverbial iron curtain in 1945. The meeting was organized by a group named Solidarity which became the first legally sanctioned trade union in the Warsaw pact. It was a remarkable concession by a communist regime whose authority was based on the fact the country was controlled by the workers, to acknowledge there was even a need for such a group. This minor freedom had been hard fought but it was short lived. Within months, Solidarity had been banned and the whole of Poland was subjected to martial law. In this episode I talk to David Ost, Hobart and William Smith professor of politics about Solidarity and Poland’s arduous journey from communism to today. David Ost Professor of Politics at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1986 B.A., SUNY Stony Brook, 1976. David Ost: The Defeat of Solidarity: Anger and Politics in Postcommunist Europe If you enjoyed this episode you will also enjoy the following episodes: Romania 1989 East Germany Putin’s False Flag: The 1999 Moscow Apartment Bombings This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate, but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site; and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia Music: Pixabay

Featuring Ellen Evert Hopman, Lucya Starza and Dr. Giovanni Caputo In more ancient parts of the world our ancestors developed methods for (as they believed) viewing the past, the future and contacting beings or entities be they living or deceased from other realms. This was serious business. The way a priest interpreted a reflection could be the difference of life and death if you were a potential foe of an emperor. More recently, the Christian church and individuals such as the self-appointed Witchfinder General Mathew Hopkins accused practitioners of these rituals of heresy or diabolism. A charge that could lead to burning at the stake. But one academic, Italian Doctor of Psychology Giovanni Caputo decided to put one aspect of scrying – specifically mirror gazing – to the test. If you have even the most basic grasp of physics you might think it extraordinary to suggest you could look into a mirror and in place of your own reflection you might see a loved one, an animal or a complete stranger. But Dr. Caputo put this exact premise to the test. I interviewed him for this podcast and his findings may well surprise you. In this episode I explore the science of scrying and talk to Druid Priestess and author Ellen Evert Hopman author of A Legacy of Druids and member of www.tribeoftheoak.org and Lucya Starza of The College of Psychic Studies and author of a Bad Witch’s Blog. about the practice. Related Episodes: The Druids This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate, but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site; and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia Music: Pixabay