Best National Design Academy Podcasts (2025)

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#212: The Independent Hotel Advantage | Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show Miami 14:41

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11h ago14:41

14:41

In this episode, David and Steve sit down in person with global traveler and hospitality expert Scott Eddy at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami. Scott shares why he believes independent hotels have a major edge over big brands, the growing importance of wellness and quiet luxury, and why storytelling and showcasing the destination and people are …

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Jonn Elledge, "A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders: Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps" (Experiment, 2024) 56:57

14h ago56:57

56:57

In this eye-opening investigation into the most remarkable points on the map, a single boundary might, upon closer inspection, reveal eons of history—from epic tales of conquest, treaties, and alliances to intimate, all-too-human stories of love, greed, and folly. Sometimes rooted in physical geography, sometimes entirely arbitrary, none of the lin…

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#211: How Hotels Can Be an Authentic Part of Local Communities | Trent Freeman of Valencia Hotel Group 26:50

2d ago26:50

26:50

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Trent Freeman, Vice President of Operations at Valencia Hotel Group. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality and leadership roles at Four Seasons, Omni, and Peabody Hotels & Resorts, Trent brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating authentic guest experiences. He…

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THE ART OF CONSCIOUS AGING WITH WAYNE LEHRER; Self Care Month Hacks: Walking, Sleepmaxing & Grandparenting; Centenarian Breakfast Secrets; How Drugs Are Increasing Deaths from Falls for Seniors; How Solo ...

3d ago

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In this September episode, host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talks with Wayne Lehrer, author of the new book, “The Art of Conscious Aging for National Healthy Aging Month. For CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri dives into the secrets of living longer such as eating the breakfast foods that those who reach age 100 love for National Centenarian D…

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I Have Avenged America: Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Haiti’s Fight for Freedom 56:17

8d ago56:17

56:17

“My name has become a horror to all those who want slavery,” declared Jean‑Jacques Dessalines as he announced the independence of Haiti, the most radical nation‑state during the Age of Revolution and the first country ever to permanently outlaw slavery. Enslaved for the first thirty years of his life, Dessalines (c. 1758–1806) joined the revolution…

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#210: A Deep Dive into Meetings & Events | with Steven Kinsley 46:17

10d ago46:17

46:17

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran, sit down for a fast-paced and insightful conversation with Steven Kinsley, President of Kinsley Meetings. From his beginnings as a Ski Bum in Vail to leading a nationally recognized meetings and events company, Steve shares stories, lessons, and perspectives shaped by decades in hospitality and…

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#209: Leading the Food & Beverage at Hotel Polaris | with Chef Ken Butler 7:30

14d ago7:30

7:30

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Ken Butler, Executive Chef at Hotel Polaris, to explore the art of hospitality, the evolution of food and beverage trends, and the behind-the-scenes dedication that makes guest experiences unforgettable. From rooftop sushi to locally sourced Colorado flavors, Chef Ken shares his insights on how culinary innova…

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#208: How Hotel Polaris Creates a Great Guest Experience | with Nick Nations 8:49

15d ago8:49

8:49

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Nations, Director of Rooms at Hotel Polaris, to explore how genuine care, communication, and technology combine to create unforgettable guest experiences. Nick shares his philosophy on hospitality, why personality and compassion matter more than processes, and how his team leverages both tech and heart-first s…

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Designing and Facilitating Workshops with Intentionality 47:49

14d ago47:49

47:49

Designing and Facilitating Workshops with Intentionality offers practical guidance, tools, and resources to assist practitioners in creating effective, engaging workshops for adult learners. Drawing from three key learning frameworks and the author’s considerable expertise in facilitating workshops across both educational and corporate settings, th…

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#207: How Hotel Polaris Creates a Perfect "Bleisure" Experience | with Kevin Barosso 6:45

15d ago6:45

6:45

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Barosso, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Polaris, to explore how the property is redefining the balance between business and leisure travel in Colorado Springs. From versatile dining and meeting spaces to unique leisure amenities, Kevin shares how the hotel is creating experiences that attract both p…

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#206: Behind Hotel Polaris at the United States Air Force Academy | with GM Curtis Bova 10:11

16d ago10:11

10:11

In this episode, we sit down with Curtis Bova, General Manager of Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, located right outside the U.S. Air Force Academy. Curtis shares the inspiring journey behind the hotel’s creation, its deep-rooted connection to the Academy, and how it has become a true neighbor within the local community. From its mid-century mode…

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Jumping Through Hoops: Performing Gender in the 19th Century Circus 34:42

17d ago34:42

34:42

Jumping Through Hoops: Performing Gender in the 19th Century Circus, by Betsy Golden Kellem, reveals the hidden history of early female circus performers: boundary-breaking women like Lavinia Warren, known as the Queen of Beauty; to Millie-Christine McKoy, the Two-Headed Nightingale; to Patty Astley, the mother of the modern circus. These astoundin…

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#205: SOHO House Goes Private, STR Outperfroms Hotels in Q2, US Traveler Trends | Hospitality Hot Topics with Mandy Murry 13:07

22d ago13:07

13:07

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality Hot Topics with Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by hospitality strategist Mandy Murry to break down the biggest trends and stories shaping the industry in August 2025. From evolving travel trends and the rise of AI trip planning to Soho House going private, Booking.com launching a credit…

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Who Needs College Anymore: Imagining A Future Where Degrees Don’t Matter 51:42

22d ago51:42

51:42

In this optimistic yet practical assessment of how postsecondary education can evolve to meet the needs of next-generation learners, Kathleen deLaski reimagines what higher education might offer and whom it should serve. In the wake of declining enrollment and declining confidence in the value of a college degree, she urges a mindset shift regardin…

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Bones Tell Stories: The Reach of Forensic Anthropology 28:02

22d ago28:02

28:02

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tania Delabarde, leading forensic anthropologist at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Paris, where she has been instrumental since 2013 in the identification of unidentified bodies and coordination of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols. Dr. Delabarde’s career spans some of the world’…

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#204: How Trailborn is Bringing Design-forward Hotels to Outdoor Destinations | with Michael Weiss 26:50

24d ago26:50

26:50

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Michael Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn, a brand redefining outdoor hospitality. Michael shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to Airbnb and Compass, to ultimately launching Trailborn—boutique, design-forward hotels in outdoor destinations like national parks, wine countr…

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GOLDEN GIRLS 2.0 INTERVIEW WITH SAVENIA FALQUIST OF HOMESHARE; Taylor Swift’s Caregiving News, Caregiver Grief Awareness & Help, Friendships & Health, Relaxation Day Tips, Parkinson’s and Golf, the Beach ...

27d ago

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Our August episode has host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talking with Savenia Falquist of HomeShare Oregon about a roommate finding service for older adults. Looking to support older adults who are living at home and help them with avoiding loneliness while also boosting their financial resilience, this is what we call “Golden Girls 2.0.” Sa…

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#203: How Cashless Tipping Can Improve Employee Morale & Retention in Hospitality | with Elle Rustique 27:00

29d ago27:00

27:00

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Elle Rustique, Founder and CEO of TipBrightly—a FinTech company revolutionizing tipping through easy, cashless, app-free technology. Inspired by her mother, a hotel housekeeper, Elle turned a personal story into a mission to create more equity, gratitude, and recognition for frontline ho…

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Tackling the Everyday: Race and Nation in Big-Time College Football 58:04

29d ago58:04

58:04

Big-time college football promises prestige, drama, media attention, and money. Yet most athletes in this unpaid, amateur system encounter a different reality, facing dangerous injuries, few pro-career opportunities, a free but devalued college education, and future financial instability. In one of the first ethnographies about Black college footba…

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#202: Creating a Positive Impact on the Planet & People in Hospitality | with Jon Buerge 42:10

1M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jon Buerge, President of Urban Villages, to explore how sustainable development is reshaping hospitality. From his upbringing in Aspen and a deep-rooted love of nature to leading innovative, carbon-positive hotel projects like Populus, Jon shares how design, community, and environm…

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#201: Simplifying Hotel Operations | with Eoin Heavey 31:18

1M ago31:18

31:18

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eoin Heavey, CEO and founder of Maitre, a modern operating system built specifically for independent hotels. With a unique background spanning both technology and hospitality, Eoin shares his journey—from growing up in Dublin and playing competitive tennis at UC Berkeley to working…

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Citizenship Stripping: You Are Not American 54:36

1M ago54:36

54:36

Over the last two centuries, the US government has revoked citizenship to cast out its unwanted, suppress dissent, and deny civil rights to all considered “un-American”—whether due to their race, ethnicity, marriage partner, or beliefs. Drawing on the narratives of those who have struggled to be treated as full members of “We the People,” law profe…

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#200: Turning a Love for Hotels into a Career in Hospitality | with Stacy Warner 25:34

1M ago25:34

25:34

This week’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Stacy Warner, Executive Vice President at Eat.Drink.Sleep., the boutique hospitality group known for concept-driven hotels, restaurants, and bars that blend standout design with unforgettable guest experiences. Stacy shares her journey from a small town in Massachusetts to shaping so…

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#199: Inside Viceroy's Development & Growth Strategy | with Mark Keiser 38:26

1M ago38:26

38:26

In today’s episode, David and Steve talk with Mark Keiser, President of Development at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, about his journey from a suburban upbringing and a year abroad in France to leading the brand’s global growth. Mark shares early career lessons—including taking on a GM role with zero hotel experience—the evolution of luxury lifestyle ho…

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Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life 56:38

1M ago56:38

56:38

In an overloaded, superficial, technological world, in which almost everything and everybody is judged by its usefulness, where can we turn for escape, lasting pleasure, contemplation, or connection to others? While many forms of leisure meet these needs, Zena Hitz writes, few experiences are so fulfilling as the inner life, whether that of a bookw…

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#198: Micro-cations, Adventure Travel, Luxury Sleep Experiences & More | Hospitality Hot Topics 23:22

1M ago23:22

23:22

In this Hospitality Hot Topics edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Ryan Rivett, President & CEO of My Place Hotels, to unpack July’s biggest hospitality trends. From the TSA finally ditching the shoe-removal rule, to the rise of micro-cations and adventure travel, to the luxury sleep experience movemen…

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Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers are Changing the World 57:38

1M ago57:38

57:38

We all have the power to change the world through the products we buy. This simple premise has driven the growth of the conscious consumer movement for decades. Indeed, what started with a handful of niche sustainability brands has exploded into the mainstream with labels like Organic, Non-GMO, and Fair Trade Certified now adorning products in majo…

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#197: Staypineapple's Growth Strategy & Using Technology to Personalize the Guest Experience | with Michael Hirschler 14:10

2M ago14:10

14:10

On today’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Michael Hirschler, Chief Growth Officer at Staypineapple, live from Staypineapple Chicago. Michael shares how the brand is redefining boutique hospitality through a combination of 'friend-style' service, a bold brand identity, and guest-focused innovation. They dive deep into Staypine…

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Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives 51:08

2M ago51:08

51:08

Teacher By Teacher traces the journey of the tenth U.S. Secretary of Education and is a deeply personal love letter to all the teachers in our lives. The story of John B. King Jr.’s inspiring path to President Obama’s Cabinet begins the day that his mother died. He insisted on going to school that day, knowing he would find comfort in his classroom…

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#196: Staypineapple's Food & Beverage and Chicago's Food Scene | with David Fingerman 10:09

2M ago10:09

10:09

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chef David Fingerman, Corporate Executive Chef at Staypineapple, live from The Atwood in Chicago. From delightful afternoon treats to Chicago’s gritty, authentic food and dive bar culture, Chef David shares what makes Staypineapple’s F&B program pop, and why hospitality is more personal …

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#195: The Naked Experience & Surprise and Delight at Staypineapple | with Beth Anne King 14:55

2M ago14:55

14:55

What happens when playful luxury meets bold hospitality? In this insight-packed episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Beth Anne King, Regional Director of Operations Staypineapple, to explore the playful luxury and deeply personalized service that define the brand. From high-end bedding that encourages you to sleep naked to su…

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Cat and Mouse: How Toxicologists Chase Ever-Evolving Designer Drugs 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

Send us a text In this compelling episode, Dr. Kayla Ellefsen—Deputy Chief Toxicologist at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in Austin, Texas, United States-offers a rare look into the science of forensic toxicology and its critical role in death investigations. She dismantles Hollywood myths about quick test results and flashy labs, reve…

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Rehearsals for Dying 1:00:11

2M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Deena stepped out of the shower and opened her towel in the steam. “Does my breast look weird?” These words irrevocably change the lives of writer Ariel Gore and her wife. As they descend into a world of doctors and tests, medications and insurance, sickness and treatments and hope and pain and more, they discover just how little they truly knew—de…

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#194: The Evolution of Revenue Management in Hospitality | with Daniel McGarry 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

Today's episode, we sit down with Daniel McGarry, the Regional Director of Revenue Management of Stonebridge, and an HSMAI Rising Leader. From mowing lawns in Lancaster to managing revenue strategy across historic Marriott tribute properties, Daniel shares his unique journey through hospitality — and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive …

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#193: Why the Valencia Group Doesn't Follow Trends | with John Keeling 4:37

2M ago4:37

4:37

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development. You'll learn about: The story be…

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Religion in the Lands That Became America 1:08:08

2M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Until now, the standard narrative of American religious history has begun with English settlers in Jamestown or Plymouth and remained predominantly Protestant and Atlantic. Driven by his strong sense of the historical and moral shortcomings of the usual story, Thomas A. Tweed offers a very different narrative in this ambitious new history. He begin…

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NATIONAL DAY OF JOY WITH SAUDIA GAJADHAR – COMFORT KEEPERS; Sandwich Generation Month latest news & lifestyle changes, International Self-Care Day July 24, Rucking is the New Walking, Joy vs. Happiness ...

2M ago

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Our July episode has host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talking with Saudia Gajadhar, Chief Happiness Officer at Comfort Keepers about this year’s National Day of Joy survey among older adults and family caregivers and Comfort Keepers’ role in the new PBS documentary, “Caregiving.” In CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri shares the latest stats to…

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#192: How ONDA is Building a New Model for Experiential Stays | with Bill Graf 6:06

2M ago6:06

6:06

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler. Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the …

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The Entrepreneurial Scholar: A New Mindset for Success in Academia and Beyond 59:52

2M ago59:52

59:52

In the increasingly competitive world of academia, simply mastering your discipline is no longer enough to guarantee career success or personal fulfillment. The Entrepreneurial Scholar: A New Mindset for Success in Academia and Beyond (Princeton UP, 2025) challenges scholars at all stages—from doctoral students to tenured professors—to break free f…

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#17. Unearthing Connections: Teaching With Truth Across Curriculum 8:11

2M ago8:11

8:11

In this episode of Learning by Design, Krishna Cart introduces a new professional development course designed for K-12 educators, focusing on integrating archaeology into teaching. The course, titled 'Unearthing Connections,' emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore biblical texts through…

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#191: AHLA's New Focus on Independent Hotels | with Travis Mckie 4:46

2M ago4:46

4:46

Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent h…

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#190: How Sage Hospitality Thinks About New Investments | with Dean Stambules 5:30

2M ago5:30

5:30

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago. Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investm…

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#189: Hotel Acquisition in Colorado & Starting ILC | with Jeremy Wells & Stephen Chan 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

In this episode, hosts welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado. Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels…

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Overcoming ABD Pitfalls: Tips for Getting Unstuck 53:13

2M ago53:13

53:13

The ABD [All But Dissertation] phase can either feel liberating—no more coursework or comps!—or like the floor has dropped out. The scaffolding that prepared you for being a graduate assistant, passing comps or conducting your research gives way to a new, wide open space where you are just supposed to write. While some people will flourish in this …

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#188: What Makes ILC Events Special | with Meg Gutowski 3:38

2M ago3:38

3:38

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality. She opens up about what m…

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#187: We're Halfway Through 2025: Looking Back & Looking Forward 15:22

2M ago15:22

15:22

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025. From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares t…

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#186: Classic Luxury & Charm with Modern Amenities at The Warwick Melrose | with Michael Cole 5:34

3M ago5:34

5:34

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel …

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Decolonizing Ukraine: The Indigenous People of Crimea and Pathways to Freedom 51:19

3M ago51:19

51:19

Decolonizing Ukraine, by Dr. Greta Lynn Uehling, illuminates the untold stories of Russia's occupation of Crimea from 2014 to the present, revealing the traumas of colonization, foreign occupation, and population displacement. Drawing upon extensive fieldwork in Ukraine, including over 90 personal interviews, Dr. Uehling brings her readers into the…

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#185: Making Everyday a Holiday at The Landmark Prime Rib | with Chef Patrick McElroy 5:43

3M ago5:43

5:43

In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his r…

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AARP CAREGIVER ANSWER BOOK AUTHORS BARRY JACOBS & JULIA MAYER; Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Month Blood Tests, Popcorn Brain; Sunshine Cures for Alz and MS; Employer Wellness Month, Sound Bathing & Gardening ...

3M ago

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For our June episode host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talks with the authors of the new “AARP Caregiver Answer Book” – Barry Jacobs and Julia Mayer. They share some of the insights from the book including the difference in caring for a spouse versus an older parent, how and why families need to have the caregiving conversation, how to adopt…