My analysis of the speech heard round the world. There were many admirable parts, but I was also left with big questions while also finding some aspects worthy of critique and deeper consideration.

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My reflections on the everyday heroic actions by the courageous citizens of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Here is a link to the video I mention in the show.

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I always learn a great deal from guests, but I must say this conversation particularly floored me as it revealed a central aspect of Russia—Ukraine relations, both at present and historically, that I knew basically zero about. Prof. Greta Uehling is a highly accomplished scholar and practitioner focusing on Ukraine and Crimea in particular.

We discuss her recent important contribution to our understanding of these complex and deeply historical aspects of the conflict, Decolonizing Ukraine: The Indigenous People of Crimea and Pathways to Freedom. This is a can’t miss conversation that opens a window into the history and experiences of the indigenous Tatar people of Crimea and how their story helps us better understand the present ongoing war.

Thanks as always for listening and supporting the show.

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A follow up to my very early takes yesterday. I feel that though it may seem pat, or ‘too easy’, the oil angle I have been pushing was unambiguously verified by Trump’s absolutely wild press conference. Here I try to make some sense or simply meditate on the senselessness of this whole wretched, ongoing escapade.

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There is still quite a bit to learn here, but I wanted to offer my initial reaction and analysis to the US invasion of Venezuela.

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I am joined by Ira Allen, professor of rhetoric and politics at Northern Arizona University and Chris Tharp, a South Korea-based travel writer and novelist to take a look back at the first quarter of this here 21st century. No doubt there is quite a bit to bemoan, but we also find quite a few things to take joy in.

Who was the ‘worst’ person of the quarter century? The best? What movies and music moved us? What books stood out? You can find all this out in our free flowing review of these last 25 years.

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In this episode I talk about how life transformed nearly overnight as bear sightings, and more gravely, bear attacks skyrocketed in the urban areas of Akita prefecture. To be clear, though bears are a well established part of life here, this is taking place at a scale even lifelong residents are at a loss to understand. That, and some discussion of the latest market drawdown and some implications.

Here is a link to The Guardian piece I mention in the show. And the (open access) book I mentioned at the end of the show can be found here.

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Very excited for the opportunity to discuss the new edited volume Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change with its co-editor, Prof. Ann Ishimaru, the Killinger Endowed Chair and Professor of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy at the University of Washington. In collaboration with co-editor, Dr. Decoteau Irby of the University of Illinois Chicago, Prof. Ishimaru worked for years to bring together a host of voices and perspectives, including both researchers and practitioners, working to bring new ideas and practices to this critical aspect of society.

There is so much to take away and consider by listening to Prof. Ishimaru insights and experiences across a range of important aspects tied to the continuing struggle for justice in education.

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The price of gold is way, way up at historic levels and save for those who bought into it some time back (but maybe even for them ultimately), it is a very troubling signal of a looming global financial calamity. Below is the chart (Gold prices USD/oz. since 1973) I discuss in the episode.

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Hopped on the mic to record some thoughts and analysis of the strange meeting Defense (War) Secretary Pete Hegseth called. As always, I try to take a step back in think about some of the wider context. TLDL: probably not good.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theinterestingtimes.substack.com