What is the price of power?
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Welcome Chummers to the Drekstorm. Join us as we tell the tale of a Shadowrun team (Possibly with Tails) full of misfits and freaks who have been further "enhanced" by the lovely scientist over at the Draco Foundation. Follow along as we tell-tale the draconic secrets hidden in the eye of the Drekstorm.
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Ever wondered what it takes to thrive in the entrepreneurial world? Each week, I unpack AI use cases, company deep dives, founder stories, book and research takeaways, new laws and bills, and the personal challenges I wrestle with as I explore this path. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a dreamer, or just curious about leveling up, join me for a raw look at what it means to grow, adapt, and succeed.
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The Micah Hanks Program is a weekly podcast that covers science and the mysteries of our universe. Taking a critically-minded approach to the study of our world, each week Micah presents commentary and discussions with guests on subjects that include mysteries of physics and astronomy, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), UFOs, myths and folklore, archaeology and ancient mysteries, artificial intelligence, futurism, cryptozoology, science fiction, and entertainment. Each week ...
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The Shrapnel Podcast is a Northern Ireland-based show created and hosted by Sam McIlwaine, Gareth Mulvenna and Graeme Hanna. It focuses on exploring the region’s complex past, particularly the legacy of the Troubles and its societal impacts. The podcast features in-depth conversations and interviews with voices often overlooked by mainstream media. Guests include historians, activists, former political prisoners, and community advocates, offering diverse perspectives on Northern Ireland’s hi ...
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Operation Deception: The Pentagon's UFO Disinfo Campaign | MHP 06.11.25.
57:43
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57:43Throughout the Cold War, the Pentagon secretly produced fake images, documents, and other materials related to alleged UFO programs, which were leaked through covert placement in public areas, dissemination through the UFO community, and even shown during fake briefings provided to members of the U.S. military. Today, the full extent of the secreti…
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The Hard Thing About Hard Things: If You’re Gonna Eat Sh*t, Don’t Nibble
50:47
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50:47Keywords Ben Horowitz, leadership, entrepreneurship, wartime CEO, peacetime CEO, hard decisions, company culture, management, startups, business strategy Summary In this episode of the VentureStep podcast, Dalton Anderson discusses Ben Horowitz's book, 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things.' The conversation explores the challenges of leadership, the d…
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The Tic Tac Report: BAASS Document Leaks and AAWSAP Secrets | MHP 06.02.25.
59:58
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59:58Between 2008 and 2010, a secretive program within the Defense Intelligence Agency investigated several high-profile UAP incidents, exploring their national defense implications and the possibility of whether new technologies could be derived from their study. Known as the Advanced Aerospace Weapons Systems Application Program (AAWSAP), the program …
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Veo 3’s Visual Uprising: AI’s Video Magic and the Shift Back to Text
39:15
39:15
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39:15Keywords AI, VO3, content creation, storytelling, media, authenticity, social media, technology, entrepreneurship, trends Summary In this episode of the VentureStep podcast, host Dalton Anderson discusses the advancements in AI technology, particularly focusing on the VO3 model developed by Google. He explores the rapid evolution from VO2 to VO3, h…
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The Mystery Spheres: A Case History of Spherical UAP Curiosities | MHP 05.27.25.
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59:35A mysterious metallic sphere allegedly discovered near Buga, Columbia, has recently made headlines, after viral videos appeared online which claim to show the object in flight prior crashing into the ground. While some mainstream outlets have picked up the story, what are the actual details about this purported "mystery sphere"? This week on The Mi…
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Scaling Venture Step: Guest Goals, Production Glow-Up, and Paul Graham Vibes
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45:48Keywords podcast, entrepreneurship, scaling, production value, New York, Paul Graham, essays, guest requests, feedback, milestones Summary In this episode of the VentureStep podcast, host Dalton Anderson reflects on the journey of the podcast, celebrating milestones such as reaching over a thousand downloads and nearly 40,000 views on YouTube. He d…
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UFOs and Intelligence: FBI Briefings, Japan's 'AARO', and DoD UAP Videos | MHP 05.20.25.
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59:51Recently on Capitol Hill, lawmakers were provided a classified briefing on UAP by the FBI, and now several U.S. Representatives are saying the Bureau needs to be more involved in the Pentagon's investigations into anomalous phenomena. We take a look at what members of Congress have had to say about the FBI's briefing, and where things may go from h…
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Isaac GR00T N1: The First Open Humanoid Robot Foundation Model
47:08
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47:08Keywords Robotics, AI, NVIDIA, Open Source, Automation, Technology, Innovation, Industry Trends, Future of Work, Robotics Applications Summary In this episode, Dalton Anderson explores the latest advancements in robotics and AI, focusing on NVIDIA's innovations, the importance of open-source models, and real-world applications of robotics. He discu…
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Immaculate Confusion: Truth, Lies, & UAP Media Controversies | MHP 05.12.25.
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59:29In recent days, a bombshell NewsNation’s special, "Hunting UFOs: The Desert Sky Mystery," hosted by Ross Coulthart, told the story of Border Patrol agent Bob Thompson and his claims of anomalous aerial sightings along the U.S.-Mexico border. However, while the program presented the story as being "the first time" Thompson had come forward, that's n…
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TAKE IT DOWN Act: Fighting Digital Abuse Against Non-consensual Imaging
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50:48Keywords Deep Fakes, Take It Down Act, Non-Consensual Imaging, AI Technology, Social Media, Legislation, Revenge Porn, Digital Privacy, Advocacy, High-Profile Cases Summary In this episode, Dalton Anderson discusses the alarming rise of deep fakes and the implications of the newly passed Take It Down Act. He explores the technology behind deep fake…
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Eyes in the Skies: Spy Balloons, AARO, and UAPs on Capitol Hill | MHP 05.05.25.
1:02:15
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1:02:15In 2023, a massive Chinese spy balloon drifted through U.S. airspace before being shot down off the South Carolina coast. Since that time, much has been learned about the notorious incident, which prompted some to consider whether a majority of the unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) observed by military personnel could be similar, relatively si…
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The B&W Prospective: Finding a Colorful World Through Tech and Color Minimalism
34:19
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34:19Keywords technology, smartphone, black and white, digital detox, Lite Phone 3, screen time, notifications, productivity, mental health, minimalism Takeaways Reevaluating your relationship with technology can lead to better focus. The Lite Phone 3 promotes a simplified phone experience. Turning off notifications can reduce distractions significantly…
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Echoes of the Ancients: Denisovans, Genetic Ghosts, and Relicts from the Past | MHP 04.29.25.
1:00:05
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1:00:05Recent advances in genetics and paleoanthropology are revealing a complex world where multiple hominin species coexisted, interbred, and left behind their DNA in modern populations. Fossils like the Denisovan jawbone Penghu-1 found in Taiwan and enigmatic remains from Red Deer Cave suggest that some archaic humans may have survived into the Holocen…
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Google Cloud Next 25: Building and Managing AI Agents A2A Protocol
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37:38Keywords Google Cloud Next, Agent to Agent Protocol, AI technology, Anthropic, Vertex AI, customer service automation, agent communication, AI advancements, technology integration, hyperscalers Summary In this episode of the Midget Step Podcast, host Dalton Anderson discusses the key takeaways from the Google Cloud Next 2025 conference, focusing on…
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The UFO Conspiracy: Aliens, Bias, and the Myth of the UFO Expert | MHP 04.22.25.
59:41
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59:41This week, the potential discovery of signs of biosignatures in the atmosphere of a distant planet has aliens on the minds of many scholars. Meanwhile, a recently published study, “Exploring expert figures in alien-related UFO conspiracy theories” investigates how “expert figures”—including scientists, self-proclaimed researchers, and UFO witnesses…
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SUS Learnings: Reframing My Perspective With Six Hypotheses
44:59
44:59
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44:59Keywords insurance, climate change, homeowners, deductibles, parametric insurance, reinsurance, catastrophic events, market trends, insurance challenges, insurance solutions Summary In this episode of the Venture Step Podcast, Dalton Anderson discusses the growing challenges in the insurance industry, particularly in catastrophic-prone areas. He pr…
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Return of the Tic Tacs: The USS Jackson UAP Incident | MHP 04.15.25
59:53
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59:53In 2004, an incident involving an unidentified aerospace vehicle encountered by personnel serving aboard the USS Nimitz carrier strike group off the Baja California coast gave rise to one of the most widely-discussed UAP incidents in modern history. Now, new information has come to light about a similar 2023 incident, reported by personnel aboard t…
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The Imperfect Echo: AI Voice Cloning and Its Current Limits
44:47
44:47
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44:47Keywords AI, podcasting, OpenAI, image generation, authenticity, technology, social media, verification, entrepreneurship, trends Summary In this episode of the Venture Step podcast, host Dalton Anderson explores the rapid evolution of AI technology, particularly in the realm of podcasting and content creation. He discusses the implications of AI-g…
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Resurrection: Genetic 'De-Extinction' and Life Not as We Know It | MHP 04.08.25.
59:52
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59:52In what is likely to be one of the major science stories of the year, Texas-based Colossal Biosciences has brought the dire wolf—or at least something very close to this ice age canine—back from extinction, with the help of genetic engineering. The remarkable achievement has been met with awe, praise, and also controversy, as experts debate the exa…
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Callousing the Mind: Unpacking David Goggins' "Can't Hurt Me"
44:31
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44:31Keywords David Goggins, mental resilience, overcoming limits, accountability mirror, cookie jar, 40% rule, ultramarathon, personal growth, discipline, entrepreneurship Summary In this episode of the Vichess Step Podcast, Dalton Anderson discusses David Goggins' book 'You Can't Hurt Me,' exploring themes of overcoming mental limits, resilience, and …
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The Anomaly Files: The U.S. Government's Pursuit of the Unexplained | MHP 03.31.25.
59:05
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59:05For many decades, agencies within the United States government have collected information on a range of different unexplained phenomena. From military encounters involving UFOs, to possible evidence of ancient mysteries collected during reconnaissance missions by spy planes, several examples of the U.S. government's "anomaly files" have been made p…
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Google Keeps Shipping: Canvas, Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental
26:47
26:47
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26:47Keywords Google AI, image generation, Canvas, entrepreneurship, technology trends, AI tools, marketing, product design, storytelling, digital content Summary In this episode of the Venture Step podcast, Dalton Anderson discusses recent advancements in Google AI, particularly focusing on native image generation and the new Canvas feature for documen…
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The JFK Files: The CIA and the Birth of the Deep State | MHP 03.25.25.
59:49
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59:49On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, became the victim of an assassin's bullet during a motorcade visit through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. Although the Warren Commission later concluded Kennedy's assassination had been the work of one man, Lee Harvey Oswald, questions have remained about what other inf…
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Graham Walker - Ties That Bind? Scotland, Northern Ireland, Britishness and Unionism
1:09:34
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1:09:34In this conversation, Gareth and Graeme chat to Prof. Graham Walker who discusses his early influences and interest in Ulster politics, particularly in relation to the Troubles. He reflects on the literature that shaped his understanding of the conflict, emphasising the lack of representation of the Unionist perspective. The discussion also explore…
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Non-Human Intelligence: A Strategy for Research | MHP 03.18.25
1:00:34
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1:00:34It is one of the greatest questions humankind has ever faced: are we alone in the cosmos? If alien life on other worlds exists, are there intelligent forms that may be capable of communication? Or is it even possible that some form of non-human intelligence might already be present closer to Earth than we realize? This week on The Micah Hanks Progr…
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Keywords entrepreneurship, New York City, Washington D.C., startup, wellness, networking, reinsurance, personal growth, experiences, business Summary In this episode of the Venture Step Podcast, Dalton Anderson shares his experiences and insights from his recent travels to New York City and Washington D.C. He discusses the importance of identifying…
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Shrapnel - Fragments St Patrick's Day Special with Iain Turner of Balaclava Street
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44:16In this episode recorded in-person on the Shankill on 15 March 2025 the lads hosted a special Fragments off-shot of the normal Shrapnel pod. They chat to researcher Iain Turner who was in Belfast to deliver a lecture about the complex history of the UVF in East Belfast, exploring the motivations behind joining paramilitary organisations, the contra…
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The Dark Age of Science: Avi Loeb and the Search for Alien Life | MHP 03.11.25.
1:00:15
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1:00:15Are we entering a "Dark Age of Science?" Recent controversies involving phenomena in our universe that include the ongoing debate over dark matter and dark energy, as well as the existence of what some astronomers call "dark comets", have led to controversy about our perspectives on the cosmos... but to what end? Further, are recent cultural and so…
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You're Not Special, But Your Impact Can Be: Valkyrie Holmes and Faura AI
41:48
41:48
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41:48Keywords Valkyrie Holmes, Faura AI, entrepreneurship, wildfire management, climate change, insurance, startup, resilience, data science, property risk, insuretech Summary In this episode, Dalton Anderson interviews Valkyrie Holmes, a young entrepreneur focused on wildfire management and climate resilience. Valkyrie discusses her journey from workin…
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Germany: Post-Election Analysis from Our Man in Hamburg
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57:24In this special episode of the Shrapnel Podcast, hosts Sam McIlwaine Graeme Hanna engage with Timo, a German political enthusiast, to discuss the current state of German politics in the wake of the recent election, focusing on the rise of the AFD party and its implications for society. They explore the complexities of coalition-building, the influe…
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The Colorado Drone Mystery: The 'Obscurum' Files | MHP 03.03.25.
1:01:39
1:01:39
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1:01:39In late 2019, residents of Colorado and Nebraska were perplexed by a sudden wave of mystery drone sightings that, to date, remain unexplained. The bizarre incidents led to widespread concern among locals in many rural midwestern communities, which bore an undeniable similarity to recent sightings of mystery drones in the skies over New Jersey that …
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Keywords entrepreneurship, parametric insurance, startup school, blockchain, smart contracts, insurance technology, event cancellation, supply chain disruption, insurance innovation, Y Combinator Summary In this episode, Dalton Anderson discusses his insights from the Startup School by Y Combinator, focusing on parametric insurance and its potentia…
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Martin Doyle - Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Homeplace
1:06:49
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1:06:49In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to Martin Doyle, the books editor of the Irish Times and author of 'Dirty Linen: The Troubles in My Homeplace.' The conversation delves into the personal and communal impacts of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, exploring themes of grief, memory, and the importance of storytelling. Doyle shares his unique polypho…
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Jordan Dunbar - Blood on the Dancefloor: The Murder of Darren Bradshaw and LGBTQIA+ Histories of the Troubles
52:39
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52:39In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to BBC presenter and documentary maker Jordan Dunbar about his BBC Sounds documentary 'Blood on the Dancefloor' which examined the life and legacy of Darren Bradshaw, a gay RUC officer who was murdered in a Belfast bar in 1997. The discussion explores the complexities of Darren's story, the history of the LGBTQ+ …
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Billy Hutchinson - Loyalist and Socialist?
1:05:26
1:05:26
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1:05:26In this episode Sam and Gareth chat with Billy Hutchinson, former UVF prisoner and former leader of the Progressive Unionist Party. The discussion covers a range of topics including the implications of Brexit on Northern Ireland, the need for unity within unionist parties, the challenges facing unionism today, and the intersection of social issues …
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Jacques Vallée: In Pursuit of Forbidden Science | MHP 02.25.25.
1:05:18
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1:05:18Few have worked longer and with more passion toward understanding the unexplained than astronomer, computer scientist, and internet pioneer Jacques Vallée, who for most of his life has pursued the "forbidden science" of unidentified aerial phenomena. A scientist, researcher, and author of an impressive number of non-fiction and fiction offerings, V…
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John Barry - Human Rights Are Not Orange or Green
1:00:41
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1:00:41In this episode of the Gareth and Sam chat to Professor John Barry (Queen's University Belfast) to explore the complexities of loyalism in Northern Ireland. The conversation delves into the definitions of loyalism, the class dynamics within the community, and the cultural cringe experienced by loyalists. Barry emphasises the need for education and …
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Beano Niblock - The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary: Writing About the Life of David Ervine
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57:58In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to Beano Niblock, an ex-loyalist prisoner, poet, and playwright. They discuss Beano's journey in writing his new play, 'The Man Who Swallowed A Dictionary,' and reflect on his past experiences, including his friendship with late PUP leader David Ervine and the impact of political events on their lives. The conver…
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Danielle Roberts - Feminism & Unionism: A Personal Perspective
42:12
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42:12In this episode Gareth and Sam pay tribute to the late Baroness May Blood and discuss the importance of women's voices in politics, particularly from the Protestant, Unionist, and Loyalist communities. They are joined by Danielle Roberts, who shares her insights on the barriers women face in political participation, the intersection of feminism and…
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Paul Donnelly - DC Tours: Exploring Belfast's Bloody Past
53:18
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53:18In this episode Gareth and Sam chat with Paul Donnelly, the lead tour guide at DC Tours, about the origins and evolution of the History of Terror tour in Belfast. Paul shares insights into the challenges faced in conflict tourism, including opposition from local authorities and the media, and discusses the importance of navigating sensitive spaces …
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"If they go to Dublin..." - Shrapnel Live with the Echo Chamber in Ballymun
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41:14In this live episode with our friends at the Echo Chamber pod, co-host Sam travelled down to Ballymun in Dublin to engage in conversation with Martin McMahon (co-host of Echo Chamber) about the complexities of loyalism and unionism in Northern Ireland. They explore cultural identities, the impact of the Good Friday Agreement, and the ongoing challe…
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In this episode of the Gareth and Sam discuss the rapidly changing political landscape in Northern Ireland, focusing on the upcoming potential elections and the implications for various political parties. They explore community sentiments, particularly within the loyalist community, and the importance of political representation. The conversation e…
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The Rise of Grok: Rapid AI Development and the Future of Thinking
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47:20Keywords AI, entrepreneurship, Grok, XAI, app development, technology trends, automation, machine learning, software development, innovation Summary In this episode of the VentureStep podcast, Dalton Anderson explores the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for app development. He discusses the capabilities of Grok, an AI tool developed b…
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Lauren Kerr - Breaking Barriers: LGBTQ+ Representation in Unionist Politics
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45:56
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45:56In this episode of the Shrapnel Podcast, Sam chats with Lauren Kerr, a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (in 2022) and the first openly gay candidate for East Belfast. The conversation explores themes of identity, the intersection of unionism and loyalism, LGBTQ+ representation in politics, the challenges faced by women in political spaces, and t…
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Leona O'Neill - Breaking: Trauma in the Newsroom
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1:01:55In this episode Sam and Gareth engage in a profound conversation with journalist Leona O'Neill about her new co-edited book, Breaking Trauma in the Newsroom. The discussion delves into the mental health challenges faced by journalists, particularly those covering traumatic events. Leona shares personal stories and insights from her experiences and …
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Olwen Purdue - Unveiling the Past: The Power of Public History
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37:04In this enlightening conversation, Professor Olwen Purdue (Queen's University Belfast) discusses the significance of public history and the importance of amplifying the voices of ordinary people in Northern Ireland. The dialogue explores the complexities of historical narratives, the role of oral history in understanding everyday life, and the chal…
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E.S. Haggan - Stray Bullets: Policing the Troubles and CPTSD
1:05:18
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1:05:18In this episode Gareth and Sam chat to E.S. Haggan (pseudonym), a former RUC officer who shares his experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Haggan discusses his early career, the complexities of policing in a divided community, and the challenges he faced from both sides of the sectarian divide. He also delves into the mental health st…
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Robert Gibson - Information Retrieval: Bloody Friday and the Struggle for Truth
1:01:54
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1:01:54In this episode Gareth and Sam are joined by Robert Gibson. Robert discuss the tragic events of Bloody Friday, July 21, 1972, which resulted in the death of his father Jackie, a bus driver, and the impact of this day on his family. The conversation delves into Robert's memories of his father, the day of the tragedy, the aftermath of loss, and refle…
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This is the one which started it all! The Shrapnel Podcast aims to explore the complexities of loyalism and unionism in Northern Ireland, providing a platform for voices often unheard in mainstream media. The hosts, Gareth Mulvenna and Sam McIlwaine, discuss their motivations for starting the podcast, the importance of addressing trauma, and the ne…
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Sarah Creighton - Austerity, Housing and Class: A Unionist Perspective
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48:50In this episode, Sam and Gareth chat with political commentator Sarah Creighton, discussing the pressing issues surrounding the cost of living crisis in the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland. They explore the impact of austerity measures, the pandemic's exacerbation of housing issues, and the growing desperation among the populace due to rising …
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