Best Shunya Podcasts (2026)

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#469 Maas' THE BRINKS JOB (1978, dir. William Friedkin) 59:50

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2M ago59:50

59:50

EPISODE #469 Nice. Today we talk about the best of the worst William Friedkin movies, 1978's THE BRINKS JOB. Or is it the worst of the best? That sounds worse, but I'm not sure it is. Anyways, there's a lot of guys in this movie. If you want look at or to see a guy, of some sort, there's worse movies to go with. Anyways, we love Hurricane Billy. We…

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#468 Goethe's PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974, dir. Brian Di Palma) 1:04:28

2M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

EPISODE #468 We wrap up Spooktagon 2025 with Brian di Palma's weird, minor masterpiece, PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974) (not to be confused with the Kiss made-for-TV-movie, PHANTOM OF THE PARK, which has nothing to do with anything). It's a good movie. It's a good episode. It's got everything: The devil, rock operas, pills, and Looney Toons BS. It's…

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#467 Stoker's NOSFERATU (1979, dir. Werner Herzog) 1:11:49

3M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

EPISODE #467 Cruz and James return to Germany (and to vampires) with the 1979 remake/reimagining NOSFERATU! It's a good one! It's a great one, even! And no audio errors this time! It stars Klaus Kinski, Bruno Ganz, and Isabelle Adjani! We also talk about HBO's TASK (2025), the Kazakh films STEPPENWOLF (2024) and MONGOL (2007), and THE OTHERS (2001)…

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#466 Crowley's THE CRAFT (1996, dir. Andrew Fleming) 1:16:41

3M ago1:16:41

1:16:41

EPISODE #465 Welcome to the Spooktagon? We still doing this? Alright. THE SPOOKTAGON! BOO! On today's episode we talk the witchy horror flick THE CRAFT (1996). We also talk about the season finale of HBO's PEACEMAKER, Season 2, James Whale's FRANKENSTEIN (1934), and GUNDAM: WAR IN THE POCKET. Cruz, meanwhile, just talks abouts his back problems. Ta…

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#465 Steinback's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (1981, dir. Jack Clayton) 56:35

3M ago56:35

56:35

EPISODE #465 Today we enter into the SPOOKTAGON, the very real and very important series we do every year, in which we pretend that we don't do horror movies all the time. Anyways, today we tackle the long-lost Disney flick SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (1981). We also talk about HBO's TASK (2025) and PEACEMAKER, Season 2 (2025), SUPER SONS (2025…

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#464 Wolfe's PUNISHMENT PARK (1971, dir. Peter Watkins) 1:22:00

4M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

EPISODE #464 On today's episode we talk about the pseudo-documentary/alternate history thriller/discursive essay/grad-student lecture PUNISHMENT PARK (1971). It's a rough, weird movie that really feels like a prompt to get us to talk about our favorite dirtbag president, Richard Milhouse Nixon. We also talk about James Gunn's SUPERMAN (2025), Akira…

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116: How Nuclear Can Power the AI Revolution Sustainably 23:51

4M ago23:51

23:51

Artificial Intelligence is fueling a surge in global electricity demand — with data centers emerging as one of the fastest-growing energy consumers. But can our current systems keep up sustainably? In this final episode of the Mission Shunya nuclear energy series, I speak with Ruan Steyn, a nuclear energy expert, about the role nuclear power could …

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#463 Kojima's THE SNOW WOMAN (1968, dir. Tokuzo Tanaka) 1:20:29

4M ago1:20:29

1:20:29

EPISODE #463 For this, our four-hundreth-third episode, we tackle the 1968 supernatural tale, THE SNOW WOMAN, directed by Tokuzo Tanaka. It's a good one. Quick, short, and to the point-- unlike us! We also talk about LA STRADA (1954), SUMO DO, SUMO DON'T (1991), MATEWAN (19878), Mishima's PATRIOTISM (1968), Spike Lee's HIGHEST 2 LOWEST (2025), Marv…

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115: Plasma confinement & the future of fusion ft. Katarina Bendtz, Novatron Fusion 32:57

4M ago32:57

32:57

Nuclear fusion is often described as the holy grail of clean energy — but why has it remained so elusive, and what makes plasma confinement such a critical challenge? In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast, we speak with Dr. Katarina Bendtz, a computational physicist at Novatron Fusion Group, a Swedish startup developing a radically differen…

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#462 Charrière's FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION (1972, dir. Shunya Ito) 1:03:40

4M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

EPISODE #462 We are kinda of back, just in time for the holidays. We talk about the (in)famous Japanese "pinky violence" film, FEMALE PRISONER #701: SCORPION (1972), directed by Shunya Ito. This is the first entry in the "Sasori" series, which is fantastic if you're into the idea of 1970's Japanese women-in-prison films. We also talk about CRUMB (1…

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#461 Carver's STAND BY ME (1986, dir. Rob Reiner) 1:12:43

5M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

EPISODE #461-- We dive back into the world of Stephen King with the stone-cold summer classic STAND BY ME (1986, dir. Rob Reiner). All the stars are here. You got the Joker's younger brother. You got the slightly less tragic Corey. You got Wesley Crusher, everyone's least favorite Star Trek character. You got the Sliders guy. Nothing but heroes in …

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114: Engineering Nuclear Safety: Risk, Reliability, and the Role of PRA 37:18

5M ago37:18

37:18

What does it take to build trust in nuclear energy? Behind every advanced reactor design, every regulatory approval, and every safety system lies a complex web of risk analysis — and that’s where Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) comes in. In this episode, we sit down with Jenifer Avellaneda Díaz, a PRA & Risk Analysis Engineer, to explore the fo…

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#460 Beckett's HANA-BI (1998) 42:59

5M ago42:59

42:59

EPISODE #460-- We continue to valiantly plow through our backlog with the indie yakuza/heist/hangout film, HANA-BI (1998), written, directed, and staring Takeshi Kitano (AKA Beat Takeshi). It's a short one. Give it a listen! TIME STAMPS: 3:20-- First mention of TAKESHI'S CASTLE 5:55-- We talk about PRINCESS MONONOKE (1998) and its score. 23:00-- Le…

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113: Renaissance of Fusion: Francesco Volpe on Reinventing Nuclear Energy 42:47

5M ago42:47

42:47

In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast, we enter the world of nuclear fusion startups — where physics meets entrepreneurial grit. Joining me is Francesco Volpe, founder and CEO of Renaissance Fusion, a European company working to build the first commercial stellarator fusion reactor. Unlike the massive, government-led projects like ITER, Ren…

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#459 Bradbury's THE RUNNING MAN (1987) 1:04:25

6M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

EPISODE #459-- Overcoming the grad school blues, we finally have a new (old) episode for you. This week we tackle the classic/hoary Schwarzenegger sci-fi thriller, THE RUNNING MAN (1987, dir. Paul Michael Glaser). We also talk about a lot of other stuff. Star Wars and the like. You know how it is. TIME STAMPS: 1:15-- We talk about "clankers" as a c…

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#458 Fleming's MR. ARKADIN (1954) 1:23:25

6M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

EPISODE #458-- Today we talk about the (rightfully) maligned, but still intersting international thriller, MR. ARKADIAN (1954) AKA CONFIDENTIAL REPORT from none other than Orson Wells. TIME STAMPS: 1:10: We mention THE PHOENECIAN SCHEME (2025). 6:05: We talk about Hiroo Onoda. 9:05: James talks about the Jackie Gleason film GIGOT (1963) for some re…

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112: Inside the World Nuclear Association: Global Perspectives on Nuclear’s Role in the Energy Transition ft. Dr Sama Bilbao y León 37:58

6M ago37:58

37:58

In this episode of the Mission Shunya podcast’s nuclear energy series, we step into the global arena with Dr. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) — the body that represents the worldwide nuclear industry. From COP28’s commitment to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 to regional differences in policy, deployment,…

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#457 Welles' MIRACLE MILE (1988) 59:35

7M ago59:35

59:35

EPISODE #457-- After another delay, we are back. This time we're talking about the LA-based pot-boiler/paranoia thriller, MIRACLE MILE (1988), directed by Steve de Jarnatt, staring Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham, and Brian Thompson (you know, the guy with the face from The Terminator). We also talk about Orson Welles' THE TRIAL (1962), Danny Boyl…

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#456 Fujimoto's MECHANICAL VIOLATOR HAKAIDER (1995) 1:06:03

7M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

EPISODE #456-- We're back! Not that we ever left. Today we talk about the Japanese suit move MECHANICAL VIOLATOR HAKAIDER from 1995. We also talk about Adult Swim's THE VENTURE BROS (2004 - 2022), the sequel 28 DAYS LATER (2002), and Apple TV's THE MURDERBOT CHRONICLES (2025). And some other stuff, probably. OTHER LINKS: Join the cause at Patreon.c…

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#455 Morrison's TANK GIRL (1995) 1:39:49

7M ago1:39:49

1:39:49

EPISODE #455-- Alexis Simpson returns to talk to us about the feminist/kinda-problematic cult classic TANK GIRL (1995) directed by Rachel Talalay. It's a good one. Both the movie and the show. Worth your time. We also talk general nonsense about the 90's, the failures of third-wave feminism, and how racist and weird some of the alt-rock scene used …

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#454 Grass' DOWNFALL (2004) 1:13:59

8M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

EPISODE #454-- We do some post-Andor manifesting by taking on the end-of-WWII drama DOWNFALL (2004). It's not just a meme, it's actually a pretty solid movie about Hitler blowing his brains out (and other things). TIME STAMPS: 3:49: We talk about the magic of Bruno Ganz (RIP) 5:05: We lament the current state of streaming 8:35: STAR WARS MENTIONED …

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#453 Steakley's FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996) 1:16:30

8M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

EPISODE #453-- We get back into the QT-verse with the Robert Rodriguez-directed gorefest FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996). It's not very good and we talk about why. You should probably go see SINNERS (2025) instead or even TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT (1995). Not VAMPIRES (1998), though. TIME STAMPS: 10:00: We talk about the difference betwen THE T…

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111: The Case for Nuclear: Myths, Facts, and Its Role in a Zero-Carbon Future ft. Richard Ollington, Radiant Energy Group 46:56

8M ago46:56

46:56

Nuclear energy has long stood at the intersection of promise and controversy. From concerns over safety and public perception to its evolving place in global clean energy strategies, the conversation around nuclear is rarely straightforward. In this episode, Girish Shivakumar sits down with Richard Orlington of Radiant Energy Group — a veteran ener…

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#452 Lem's ANDOR, Season 2 (2025) 1:40:11

8M ago1:40:11

1:40:11

EPISODE #452-- Lo and behold, we're talking about Star Wars again. Even stranger, though, we're talking about good Star Wars. That's right. We're rapping about season two of ANDOR (2025), from Tony Gilroy, et al. It's a good one. It's a long one. TIME STAMPS (approximately): 4:30: We talk about the production of the show, as well as SOLO: A STAR WA…

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#451 Dick's PROSPECT (2018) 1:05:03

8M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

EPISODE 451-- To commemorate both good Star Wars and Pedro Pascal's rapid ascent to stardom, we decided to take on the 2018 indie sci-fi film, PROSPECT from Zeke Earl and Chris Caldwell. It's not a great movie, but it's a fun one to think about. TIME STAMPS (approximately): 19:30-- We talk briefly about WARFARE (2025). 22:00-- Raymond Chandler ment…

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110: Nuclear Energy 101: Science, Safety & Its Role in a Net-Zero Future ft. Dr. Paul Cosgrove, Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre 49:51

8M ago49:51

49:51

What exactly is nuclear energy? How do nuclear power plants work? And are the concerns about safety still valid today? In this foundational episode of the Mission Shunya nuclear series, host Girish Shivakumar sits down with Dr Paul Cosgrove, nuclear energy researcher from the University of Cambridge to unpack the basics. From the science of nuclear…

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#450 Heinlein's STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE (1977) 1:24:02

8M ago1:24:02

1:24:02

EPISODE #450-- Just in time to miss May the 4th, but just in time for George Lucas' birthday (happy birthday, George!), we've got STAR WARS from 1977. It's a good one, this flick. You should check it out. We also chat about WARFARE (2025), STALKER (1979), ANDOR (2025), and THE GREATEST NIGHT OF POP (2024). Also, RIP the Pope, I guess. Join the caus…

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#449 MacDonald's WILLOW (1988) 1:05:49

9M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

EPISODE #449-- We're almost there! To whet your appetite for the big 4-5-0 and to commemorate the life of leading man and weird-energy-haver, Val Kilmer, we're talking Ron Howard's WILLOW from 1988. It's not a good movie! I think it's a pretty good episode, though. You all know Willow. You know what's up. We also rap quizotically about Sidney Lumet…

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109: Why Nuclear? Why Now? Setting the Stage for a New Energy Conversation 7:15

9M ago7:15

7:15

In this solo kickoff to a brand new series, host Girish Shivakumar takes listeners on a personal journey — from joining the renewable energy movement post-Fukushima to now exploring the evolving role of nuclear energy in our net-zero future. Why is nuclear suddenly back on the agenda for governments and tech giants? What has changed between 2011 an…

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#448 Flaubert's SMOKE (1995) 1:02:18

9M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

EPISODE #448-- We return to the wild world of 1990's indie cinema with the sit-around-and-chat-based movie SMOKE (1995), staring Harvey Kietel, Forest Whitaker, and, like, ten other 1990's guys. It's a real who's-who of That Guys. We also chat about the documentary SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D'ETAT (2024), David Lean's LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962), DEN OF T…

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#447 L'Amour's DEAD MAN (1995) 1:11:48

9M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

EPISODE #447-- After much hooting and hollering, we are back on the podcastin' trail with Jim Jarmusch's seminal DEAD MAN (1995) starign Gary Farmer, Robert Mitchum, and that guy from Pirates of the Caribbean. You know the one. The one with the texts. Anyways, fun movie. An important movie. We also ramble about the Oscar-winning documentary NO OTHE…

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#446 Otomo's CONFLAGRATION (1958) 1:28:38

9M ago1:28:38

1:28:38

EPISODE #446-- We return from Spring Break and mark the end of Black History Month with a journey back into our BS. That's right, we're talking a Yukio Mishima adaptation from the Golden Age of Japanese Cinema. Today we're rapping about Kon Ichikawa's CONFLAGRATION (1958), a beautiful look into post-War masculinity, obsession, disability, and relig…

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#445 LaValle's GANJA & HESS (1973) 1:15:13

10M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

EPISODE #445-- Once more into the breech for Black History Month. Today Cruz and James attempt to understand the impressionistic, indie cult horror classic, GANJA & HESS from 1973. We also mourn the passing of Gene Hackman, talking about THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971), as well as Kon Ichikawa's THE BURMESE HARP (Cruz has been on an Ichikawa kick-- we…

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#444 Bolan's THE EQUALIZER (2014) 1:21:25

10M ago1:21:25

1:21:25

EPISODE #444-- We're talking Black History Month. We're talking Dad Cinema. That means only one thing: We're talking Mr. Denzel Washington, America's dad. Today that also means we're talking Anton Fuqua's THE EQUALIZER from 2014. It's a good one. Solid movie. Fun episode. We also talk the latest season of REACHER on Amazon, the Coen Bros' TRUE GRIT…

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108: ESG & Finance in a Changing Political Climate ft. Gabriel Thoumi,CFA 35:40

10M ago35:40

35:40

In this insightful episode of Mission Shunya, host Girish Shivakumar welcomes Gabriel Thoumi, CEO of Responsible Alpha, to discuss the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in today’s financial landscape. As the political climate shifts globally, Gabriel shares expert insights into how investors and financial ins…

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#443 Butler's THE WATERMELON WOMAN (1996) 1:11:44

10M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

EPISODE #443-- We continue our celebration of black cinema with the 1996 indie darling, THE WATERMELON WOMAN written, directed, and staring Cheryl Dunye. It's on the Criterion Channel and Collection, so what's your excuse for avoiding this one? Do you hate cinema? We also talk about Oscar nominated pictures WICKED: PART I (2024) and FLOW (2024) (wh…

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107: Net-Zero transition & challenges in building retro-fit ft.The Crown Estate 35:43

10M ago35:43

35:43

What do you do if you're one of the largest asset owners in your region, yet still have a commitment to a net-zero transition? While building retrofits present significant challenges, the effort is undeniably worthwhile. In this episode, Kyle Gray, the lead at The Crown Estate, shares insights into their journey toward net-zero and the hurdles they…

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The ROI of Emotional Regulation 4:00

11M ago4:00

4:00

Leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution—it’s about how well you regulate your emotions under pressure.In this episode of Awareness Within, Dr. Sadhna Upadhya shares a powerful moment from a meeting with a CEO who believed profits come before well-being—until a simple breathing exercise left him speechless. We explore: Why emotional regul…

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#442 Mosely's SET IT OFF (1996) 1:21:44

11M ago1:21:44

1:21:44

EPISODE #442-- We finally get around to celebrating Black History Month with the formative SET IT OFF from 1996. Directed by F. Gary Gray and staring Vivica A. Fox, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinket, and the mean doctor from Scrubs, SET IT OFF tells the story about four black women in LA pushed to their limit, who decide to start robbing banks. It's prett…

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#441 Albert Camus' DHEEPAN (2015) 1:11:04

11M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

EPISODE #441 Just in time for awards season, we look back at everyone's favorite French director Jacques Audiard and his previous work about Tamil refugees in Paris. We also talk Severance, Johann Sacre Bleu, Treasure Island and Gate of Hell. Join the cause at Patreon.com/Quality. Follow the us on on Bluesky at kislingconnection and cruzflores, on …

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Are you really Stressed? Or just Saying So? 4:19

11M ago4:19

4:19

Are you actually stressed, or are you convincing your body that you are? In this episode of Awareness Within with Dr. Sadhna Upadhya, we explore how the words we use shape our nervous system and stress response. Backed by neuroscience, we uncover why your brain reacts the same way to imagined and real threats—and how shifting your language can brea…

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106: Zero-carbon bio-cement and bio-concrete ft. Prometheus Materials 19:22

11M ago19:22

19:22

Building materials are key components in assessing the net carbon impact of construction sector and in recent times there are a bunch of early stage companies that are claiming to have an USP with their product or technology. Loren Burnett, President, CEO and Co-founder, Prometheus Materials joins Girish Shivakumar for a conversation to share their…

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#440 Gorky's RED HEAT (1988) 1:24:16

11M ago1:24:16

1:24:16

EPISODE #440-- We return to Schwarzenegger Land with this very particular moment in US-USSR relations known as Red Heat (1988). It's also a return to Walter Hill though he doesn't show off nearly as much. We also talk Thief (again), the latest Wallace and Gromit, Sweethearts, The Hidden Fortress, Never Cry Wolf, and Basquiat. Join the cause at Patr…

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Embracing Self-Validation & Forgiveness 2:32

11M ago2:32

2:32

In this episode, Dr. Sadhna Upadhya explores the importance of self-validation and the value we place on our emotions. She discusses how the dismissal of our feelings and whether intentional or not can lead to emotional turmoil and self-doubt. Drawing from her own recent experience, Dr. Sadhna reflects on the power of addressing our emotions, speak…

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#439 Top Ten of 2024 1:26:40

11M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

EPISODE #439-- Sorry. It's been a weird 2024. It's been a weirder 2025. I won't apologize. Anyways, here's our Top 10 films of 2024. There's some pretty crazy overlap here! Check it out. Get excited. Almost none of our stuff is nominated for Oscars, which is a pretty fun side effect of being completely out of the loop when it comes to cinema! Join …

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The Power of Stillness 5:22

11M ago5:22

5:22

In this episode, Dr. Sadhna Upadhya takes you on a journey into the art of stillness—how she went from struggling with it to embracing its power. She shares her personal insights on the importance of presence and drops three simple yet game-changing tips to help you weave stillness into your daily life—without needing hours of meditation. If you’ve…

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105: Decarbonisation in Construction: What are the key drivers and enablers? 27:13

11M ago27:13

27:13

"Did you know that the construction industry/the built environment is responsible for nearly 30-40% of global carbon emissions? Yes, that is exactly the topic we are going to discuss in this series, ‘Building Green: Decarbonizing Construction’. On this episode Tercia Jansen Van Vuuren a global expert and a practitioner of sustainable practices in t…

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"The Return: Rekindling Conversations" 0:35

12M ago0:35

0:35

Dr Sadhna Upadhya comes back after a long hiatus reintroducing Awareness Within with Dr Sadhna Upadhya and the continuation of sharing her insights into mindful living along with kindred spirits who she has met along the journey! Stay tuned for new episodes coming up.By Dr Sadhna Upadhya

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#438 Mallory's FLESH + BLOOD (1986) 1:13:39

12M ago1:13:39

1:13:39

EPISODE #438-- After a long holiday hiatus we are back to talk about the romantic dark fantasy FLESH + BLOOD (1986) from Paul Verhoven, staring Rutger Hauer and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Is it a great movie? No. Is it good? Kinda. What's important, though, is that we are very funny and talented and have a good time making a meal of a very messy movie. …

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104: Breaking Ground: ESG and the Path to Net-Zero Construction 29:37

1y ago29:37

29:37

"Did you know that the construction industry/the built environment is responsible for nearly 30-40% of global carbon emissions? Yes, that is exactly the topic we are going to discuss in this series, ‘Building Green: Decarbonizing Construction’. Jack Wardale, Director at Terra Instinct joins us for the inaugural episode on this series to build on fr…