City Letter Carriers News and Education Podcast.
…
continue reading
Ever wondered how automation will change the world? Maybe you puzzle over what India could do to ease traffic congestion, or how China's aircraft carriers will transform Indian Ocean geopolitics? All Things Policy, a daily podcast brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, brings you all the answers. Every weekday, our researchers break down complex economic and geopolitical ideas through the lens of current events. For everyone from the busy executive to the curious student, All Things ...
…
continue reading
The Slow Flowers Podcast is the award-winning, long-running show known as the “Voice of the Slow Flowers Movement.” Airing weekly for more than 9 years, we focus on the business of flower farming and floral design through the Slow Flowers sustainability ethos. Listen to a new episode each Wednesday, available for free download here at slowflowerspodcast.com or on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
…
continue reading
The Valley Labor Report; episode with APWU President Mark Dimondstein: CLICK HERE Working Class History: The Stonewall riots and Pride Pride at Work WGCU News Coverage: Federal workers protest at Senator Rick Scott's office SEIU: End ICE Raids and Military Escalation Against Protestors Petition…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 717: The future of Plant Masters, with legacy growers Leon and Carol Carrier, and their son Lee, next generation flower farmer now leading the family business
46:34
46:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:34https://youtu.be/vw5w4ZwBuZU?si=YZLcTE7pJ5P5-zVPThe Carrier family has been growing cut flowers and plants for more than 40 years, raising their three children with a love for flowers, and keeping the business in the family as it transitions into the hands of the next generation. Plant Masters, the specialty cut flower farm owned by Leon and Carol …
…
continue reading

1
Indus Water Treaty: Rethinking Climate and Resource Diplomacy
26:18
26:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:18In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Ambika Vishwanath, Director at the Kubernein Initiative, to revisit the Indus Water Treaty, long regarded as a rare success in India-Pakistan cooperation. As tensions persist and climate change reshapes regional water dynamics, they explore whether the treaty can endure, what its …
…
continue reading

1
Sikkim at 50: Democracy, Identity, and Integration
33:16
33:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:16In this episode of All Things Policy, Wini Fred Gurung is in conversation with Professor Mahendra P Lama to discuss the remarkable journey of Sikkim from a Himalayan monarchy to becoming India's 22nd state in 1975. Marking 50 years since that pivotal transition, they discuss internal push for democracy, regional strategic shifts, and Sikkim’s evolv…
…
continue reading
In this episode of All Things Policy, Anwesha Sen and Anisree Suresh examine Pakistan's economic history with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and deconstruct why it never sparked a reform moment. They also unpack Pakistan’s political economy - its policies, weaknesses and potential. They also unpack Pakistan's political economy, exploring the…
…
continue reading

1
India's Cyber Defences and Operation Sindoor
34:48
34:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:48In today’s episode of All Things Policy, Adya Madhavan speaks with Karthik Bappanad and Lokendra Sharma about India’s cyber defence capabilities. Karthik and Lokendra situate Operation Sindoor within the wider landscape of cyber defences. They look at successful models such as RBI’s ReBIT, and areas that require further capacity building. Lokendra …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 720: Killing Frost Farm’s Jamie Rogers on solo flower farming in western Montana
1:09:25
1:09:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:25https://youtu.be/9-oJEifK-u0?si=gW8_eyURbbSIEufOGrowing specialty cut flowers for retail floral shops is a very specific niche and today’s guest, Jamie Rogers of Killing Frost Farm in Helena, Montana, has a lot to share on this topic! Jamie co-founded the business with Carly Jenkins in 2014, the “killing frost” name a tongue-in-cheek reference to e…
…
continue reading
In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy is in conversation with Adya Madhavan on her paper, "Revisiting Arms Control Paradigms in the Age of LAWS." They tackle the global debate over 'killer robots,' exploring the ethical and accountability dilemmas that arise when machines make lethal decisions. Adya breaks down why countries are s…
…
continue reading

1
Strengthening the Rule of Law: Role of the Finance Commission
43:32
43:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:32In this episode of All Things Policy, Kripa Koshy (Programme Manager, Takshashila Institution) speaks to Surya Prakash (Programme Director and Fellow, DAKSH) and Rohith (Data Analyst, DAKSH) about the role of the Finance Commission in strengthening judicial reform. They discuss the budgeting process and the allocation of funds to the judiciary, and…
…
continue reading

1
For India's Tech Future: Scientific Investments We Can't Ignore
33:48
33:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:48In an era prioritising rapid technological output, this episode explores a crucial counterbalance: the need for deep investment in fundamental science. There is a symbiotic relationship between science and technology, which brings with it societal values and thinking. Join Shambhavi Naik and Ashwin Prasad as they discuss why a robust scientific fou…
…
continue reading
In this episode of All Things Policy, Manoj Kewalramani and Astha Rastogi unpack the shifting dynamics of media consumption — from the rise of emotional content and algorithmic curation to the erosion of trust in traditional news. Together, they explore what it means to engage meaningfully with media in an age of noise, distraction, and disinformat…
…
continue reading

1
Rethinking India's Nuclear Liability Regime
44:56
44:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:56After a lull of many years, there’s so much happening in India’s nuclear energy sector this year. On 1 Feb 2025, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first full budget of Modi 3.0, she made a major policy announcement related to nuclear energy: the intention to amend the liability law, also referred to as CLNDA in short. But what …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 719: Weddings from the Garden, with urban farmer-florist Eleanor Blackford of Bloomwood Floral
https://youtu.be/BxZ3HiTn0UM?si=BtYeIDuXg2qjrW0nVisit an urban cutting garden with me today – and meet long-time Slow Flowers member Eleanor Blackford, a wedding florist whose studio produces designs using only what she grows on her 6,000-square-foot city lot in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. You’ll learn more about what Eleanor grows, inspire…
…
continue reading
Questions and Answers on Federal Employees Retirement System(FERS) This episode only covers FERS BASIC BENEFIT PLAN. The next episode will cover: SOCIAL SECURITY, THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN, and GENERAL RETIREMENT INFORMATION. PDF Edition Where can I call if I have questions/problems concerning my retirement benefits? The NALC Retirement Office operates…
…
continue reading
Urban floods in cities like Bangalore are becoming more frequent and disruptive. In this episode of All Things Policy, Avinash Shet and Dr Y. Nithiyanandam, a professor and the head of the Geospatial Program at the Takshashila Institution, explore how geospatial technologies—maps, sensors, and AI—can aid in planning, mitigation, and sustainable flo…
…
continue reading

1
How can India Engineer the Next-Gen Fighter?
39:35
39:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:35India's defence ecosystem needs a refined approach to fighting the next generation of battle, and that needs a vision for developing next-gen jet engines. In this episode of All Things Policy, Avinash Shet and Anushka Saxena discuss India's fighter jet engine ecosystem and the challenges facing the LCA Tejas and Kaveri engine programmes. Avinash al…
…
continue reading

1
What the Repeal of the AI Diffusion Framework Means for India and the World
44:46
44:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:46The AI diffusion framework was repealed by the Trump administration shortly before it was to come into force on 15 May 2025. In this episode of All Things Policy Rijesh Panicker, Ashwin Prasad and Bharath Reddy unpack what this means for India and the world. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep…
…
continue reading

1
China's Vision for National Security, Codified
32:11
32:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:11In this episode of All Things Policy, Manoj Kewalramani and Anushka Saxena discuss the codification of China's security view and policy in its latest White Paper on National Security in the New Era. They analyse the key takeaways of the paper, including China's red lines, approach to the Asian regional order, and tensions with the West. The PGP is …
…
continue reading

1
Beyond the Gated Walls: Bengaluru’s Samaj, Sarkar & Bazar
48:23
48:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:23Every painted wall, pothole & traffic in Bengaluru has a story to tell. In this episode of All Things Policy, Pravar Choudhary of Bengawalks and I, Sowmya Prabhakar, COO of Takshashila Institution, take a stroll exploring the dynamics of the markets, society & government. From gated communities to badly designed footpaths, from heritage buildings t…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 718: The Flower Farmers, with co-authors Robin Avni and Debra Prinzing; plus a bonus interview with Daniel Sparler, the book’s horticulture editor
1:00:12
1:00:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:12https://youtu.be/BdnRayT0M2A?si=PQVfp6yMUSJD7n42The Flower Farmers has been in the works for two years, as my co-author and the book’s creative director Robin Avni and I have poured our storytelling passion into the narratives and imagery that portray 29 North American growers. The book was released on May 6th by Abrams, and we’ve been in major cel…
…
continue reading
We have much to be heartened about India’s air power capabilities in the recent India-Pak military escalations. However, this is not a time for complacency, and many challenges lie ahead. In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy sits down with Aditya Ramanathan, Research Fellow with the Takshashila Institution, to unpack and understa…
…
continue reading

1
Post-Sindoor: India’s Path to Defence Innovation
40:05
40:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:05In this episode of All Things Policy, Prof. Y. Nithiyanandam speaks with Cmde (Dr) Arun Pratap Golaya about the significance of Operation Sindoor and what it reveals about India’s indigenous defence ecosystem. They reflect on the opportunities it presents, the structural challenges startups face, and the need to bridge the gap between research, inn…
…
continue reading

1
Assessing the Chinese perspective on the recent India-Pakistan escalations
46:12
46:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:12How have Chinese analysts and citizen commentators responded to the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and the subsequent military escalations between India and Pakistan? Given that China is an interested party, a regional power, Pakistan's ally and a threat actor for India, understanding Chinese discourse on these events is …
…
continue reading

1
David J Grosskopf Jr.(NALC Branch 3 President)
1:11:40
1:11:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:40We sit down with David J Grosskopf Jr and talk about collective action. Please share this with all federal workers .By Next Generation Carriers
…
continue reading
In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane and Shobhankita Reddy unpack Operation Sindoor and examine how India’s response to cross-border terrorism by Pakistan-based outfits has shifted from restraint to assertive retaliation, marked by deep strikes, drone warfare, and public red lines. They discuss the strategic risks of this new po…
…
continue reading
In this episode of All Things Policy, Vanshika Saraf is joined by Dr. Garima Mohan, Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific Program, to unravel the dynamics of India–EU ties at a time of deep geopolitical churn. They explore the state of the long-delayed India–EU FTA, Europe’s recalibration amid the Ukraine war and shifting transat…
…
continue reading

1
The Significance of India's Coastline Delineation
28:49
28:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:49India recently reported a major increase in its coastline. From 7516 Km in 1970, the length now stands at 11098 Km. The accurate measurement is essential for various aspects, including maritime security and credibility in maritime disputes. In this episode of All Things Policy, Swathi Kalyani, Research Analyst with the Geospatial Programme at the T…
…
continue reading
India and the UK concluded an FTA after close to 3.5 years of negotiations. In this episode of All Things Policy, Suman Joshi talks to Shikha Tomar and Anisree Suresh to understand what it means for both countries. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects …
…
continue reading

1
Sky Sentinels: New Frontiers of Drone Warfare
54:18
54:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:18Join Colonel Vikrant Shinde and Arindam Goswami in this episode of All Things Policy, where we dive into one of the most transformative developments in modern warfare and aviation: the rise of unmanned aerial systems. Vikrant, a Research Fellow at Takshashila, is working on a research paper on this very subject, which will be out very soon. From th…
…
continue reading
John Murphy on a useless, meaningless rant. Enjoy! Contact Your Senators. Select your State, then it’ll show you your Senators with their office phone number; www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm Contact your House Representatives. Select your State, then it’ll show you your House Rep with their office phone number; https://www.house.gov/r…
…
continue reading

1
Wells Fargo Wants to Privatize USPS
1:48:15
1:48:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:48:15Resources: https://www.savethepostoffice.com/wells-fargo-offers-framework-for-postal-privatization https://truthout.org/articles/wells-fargo-wants-to-privatize-usps-we-should-dismantle-the-mega-bank-instead https://jacobin.com/2025/03/wells-fargo-usps-privatization-trump https://inthesetimes.com/article/wells-fargo-post-office-usps-trump-musk-doge-…
…
continue reading

1
When AI Gets Too Smart: Pull the Plug (Or Sabotage First)?
47:41
47:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:41In this episode of All Things Policy, Rijesh Panicker, Bharath Reddy, and Ashwin Prasad discuss the strategic future of humanity with AI, based on the Superintelligence strategy paper. What will the future with AI look like? When might AI achieve critically dangerous capabilities? If one country's AI project threatens global stability, should rival…
…
continue reading

1
India's Overcrowded and Overburdened Prison System
42:39
42:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:39This episode will take a closer look at India’s mechanism to release prisoners, particularly in light of the reality of prison overcrowding and the significant number of people in jail awaiting completion of their trials. According to a Supreme Court estimate, India has over 5.7 lakh prisoners confined in various jails across the country, of which …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 716: More than a side hustle, flower farming and floral design with Marly Surena-Llorens of Fenimore & Rutland
47:03
47:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:03https://youtu.be/uGRgC8rjB_U?si=ucehNezGBXce9kuXMarly Surena-Llorens was born and raised in the U.S., but her Haitian mother’s stories of tropical gardens filled with palms, crotons, and bougainvillea plants inspired her lifelong love of flowers. Yet, Marly says some of her most vivid floral impressions came from the BBC programs of her youth, when…
…
continue reading

1
Pretty Art, Ugly Footprint: Building Sustainable AI
25:03
25:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:03In today's episode of "All Things Policy," Adya Madhavan and Anwesha Sen delve into the escalating energy demands of Artificial Intelligence. They discuss how the rapid growth of AI, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, comes with a significant and often overlooked environmental cost due to the immense electricity consumption of data centers. The con…
…
continue reading
Why is it a task to get research and books funded and published? From acquiring agents, preparing manuscripts, approaching publishers and finally marketing the written word. In this episode of All Things Policy, Leah Govias and Kavitha Rao, the writer and journalist and the author of 'Spies, Lies and Allies: The Extraordinary Lives of Chatto and Ro…
…
continue reading
Donald Trump's second term as the United States president started on January 20, 2025. India-US trade relations have been in a phase of heightened negotiations and readjustments ever since. In this episode of All Things Policy, Anupam Manur and Sarthak Pradhan talk about various trade-related developments that have dominated the news cycle and disc…
…
continue reading

1
Operation Sindoor: Rethinking India’s Military Doctrine Against Pakistan
31:17
31:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:17In this episode of All Things Policy, Aishwaria Sonavane speaks with Dr. Happymon Jacob about Operation Sindoor and its implications for India’s evolving military doctrine against Pakistan. They unpack how the Pahalgam attack has catalysed a strategic shift in India’s response to terrorism, the blurring of conventional and subconventional warfare, …
…
continue reading
Current NALC Vice President James Henry is running for the President position of the NALC in 2026. Learn more: www.ConcernedLetterCarriers.comBy Next Generation Carriers
…
continue reading
In this episode of All Things Policy, Astha Rastogi, Programme Manager for Defence and Foreign Affairs, in conversation with Yamini J Kumar, who is the Assistant Programme Manager for Law Enforcement & Policing Fellowship, talks about the evolution of mediation, its challenges in India and suggested policies that could be implemented. From a court-…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 715: From Farmers’ Market to Elevated Retail, with Abby Matson of Diddle and Zen and Julie Rémy of Fleuris Orchard and Blooms
1:03:14
1:03:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:14https://youtu.be/P3SoClolo0g?si=_2euyh84isd_Ina4It's a Red-Letter Week here at Slow Flowers, as my longtime collaborator, Robin Avni, and I celebrate the May 6th publication of The Flower Farmers, our beautiful and informative new book featuring 29 growers across North America. You’ve heard a bit from some of the experts profiled in The Flower Farm…
…
continue reading
Your phone needs the right time, but so do robotic vacuum cleaners, drones, and countless other autonomous machines. So, who tells them all? Listen as Avinash Shet and Ashwin Prasad discuss the fascinating technology of timing satellites and their crucial, often invisible, role in synchronising our modern world. The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week h…
…
continue reading

1
Fiscally Federal or Flailing? The Case of China's Local Government Finances
39:30
39:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:30With the ensuing trade and tariff war between China and the US, external economic hostility is mounting onto Beijing's ongoing economic woes. The major stakeholders responsible for powering China through this tumultuous economic period are China's local governments. In this episode of 'All Things Policy', Amit Kumar discusses with Anushka Saxena ho…
…
continue reading

1
India’s Science & Tech Journey: Past Lessons, Future Directions
47:16
47:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:16In this episode of All Things Policy, Avinash Shet is joined by Aakash Kumar to trace the evolution of India’s science and technology ecosystem. The episode explores how India’s scientific foundations were laid post-independence under Nehru’s vision of state-led development, discusses the enduring legacy of colonialism, and assesses today’s challen…
…
continue reading