Discover how James Braid rebranded the occult practice of mesmerism into "hypnosis" in the 1840s to make it sound scientific. We reveal how this was a deliberate attempt to strip away occult baggage while keeping the exact same dangerous techniques.

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In this segment, we delve into a groundbreaking new release from journalist and human rights advocate Joseph Bonner. Abandoned as a toddler and forced to survive by eating spiders while protecting his younger brother, Bonner experienced a reality no child should ever face. Now, he is sharing that harrowing journey in a completely new way: through a 14-chapter autobiography, The Boy Who Never Gave Up, which is accompanied by a hand-crafted soundtrack. Featuring genres ranging from soulful pop to driving rock, the music allows the audience to truly feel his evolution from the neglected streets of San Diego to his current work as President of the Global Human Rights Taskforce. Join us as we explore this immersive memoir and discuss how 100% of the project's proceeds are being used to support the Bully Avengers.

The Book. The Soundtrack. The Evolution. www.josephbonner.com/books


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This week, Duchess Magazine investigates the massive cultural shift confirmed by the numbers: for the first time in UK history, rental fashion bookings have outpaced new dress purchases during the December party season.

We dive into why the trend, dubbed "Rental Couture," is booming, driven by platforms like Hurr, which, in partnership with Selfridges, reported a 65% year-on-year increase in bookings for December 2025. Fashion psychologists call the underlying cause "variety fatigue," as consumers balance the need for a constant stream of "new" looks on social media with increased ethical consciousness and financial savvy. 

Hurr CEO Victoria Prew notes that wearing a rented piece is no longer a budget option, but a status symbol that demonstrates you are smart, sustainable, and plugged into the circular economy. Why spend £1,500 on a Vampire’s Wife gown you’ll wear once when you can rent it for £150? We explore how this powerful trend extends beyond dresses—now encompassing luxury items like Chanel handbags and even fine jewelry, as seen with luxury jeweler Garrard’s pilot lending scheme for diamond pieces for gala events.

For the Duchess reader, the stigma of "second-hand" is dead, and access is valued higher than ownership. Discover why the smartest woman in the room is the one who’s wearing a £5,000 dress she plans to return on Monday morning.

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London remains the undisputed fintech capital of Europe, and in this episode, we dive deep into the success story defining the sector. Digital banking giant Revolut recently confirmed a fresh funding round, soaring its valuation to a staggering £45 billion.This incredible milestone makes Revolut one of the most valuable financial institutions in the UK, even eclipsing the market capitalization of traditional high street stalwart NatWest Group. 

We explore how this massive funding round, led by key global players SoftBank and Tiger Global, signals strong continued foreign confidence in the UK tech sector. CEO Nik Storonsky shares his ambitious vision for using London as the launchpad to build "the world’s first truly global financial super-app". Listen in to learn how the fresh capital will fuel the company’s expansion into the mortgage market and AI-driven wealth management. 

Finally, we investigate the profound ripple effect across "Silicon Roundabout" in Shoreditch, where recruitment firms report a burgeoning war for talent. This demand has pushed salaries for AI specialists and blockchain engineers in London up by 15% in the last six months, suggesting that the government's new "Tech Visa 2.0" is paying off. For UK investors, the takeaway is clear: while traditional finance stabilizes, the smart money in 2026 is moving away from brick-and-mortar banks and sprinting into the cloud.

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Hopes of a royal reconciliation were dealt a significant blow this week as King Charles III reportedly rejected any proposal for Prince Harry to resume official duties within the monarchy, despite a recent private meeting between father and son.

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In a powerful display of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and humanitarian focus, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh embarked on a four-day visit to Japan from September 19th to 22nd, 2025, reinforcing the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and Japan. Their itinerary, rich with symbolism and substance, reflected a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation.

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