Best The French Compass Podcasts (2025)

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654a Best of Bulgaria; Traveling with Disabilities; Chasing the Sun 52:00

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1 minute ago52:00

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Two tour guides from Sofia explain why Bulgaria is one of Europe's most underrated travel destinations (hint: it has a long, fascinating history — and bargain prices). Author Francine Falk-Allen shares know-how and insights for traveling with a physical disability. And author Richard Cohen describes the varied ways human cultures have long celebrat…

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410: What True Compassion Is and How to Employ It By Default, part Cinq/Five of "What Lies at the Heart of Living Simply Luxuriously" 52:36

5d ago52:36

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"Just as we are wired to be in connection with each other, we are wired with an impulse to help, with an instinct for compassion." —Deb Dana, author of Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory Empathy in action. While to empathize with another is a good step, a step that acknowledges our shared humanity, it is when we ar…

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#92 Kathy Callahan & Helen St. Pierre - Old Dog, New Dog - Supporting Your Aging Friend and Welcoming a New One 2:34:20

7d ago2:34:20

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Howdy Bookshelvers It's been a long time coming but we’re back for a full on book review show (insert fanfare here). Nat and Steve delve into the expertly written and wonderfully cathartic the book "Old Dog, New Dog" by Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre. The book looks at the joys, challenges and intricacies of our older and younger dogs and goes…

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805 Italy Side-Trip Towns; Overnight; Enjoying Mexico City 52:00

7d ago52:00

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Who's afraid of the dark? Adventurer Dan Richards shines a gentle light on what goes on in our world after sunset. Then an Italy tour guide looks beyond the crowds of Florence, Venice, and Rome to share her favorite side trips that are worth the diversion. And a Mexico City guide clues us in on the multicultural neighborhoods and cosmopolitan vibe …

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804 Favorite Hot Springs in Europe; Walk Around the World 52:00

7d ago52:00

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A photojournalist lets us in on her favorite European hot springs to visit, from Iceland to Turkey and points in between. And a man who spent seven years traversing the globe on foot — with his faithful pup alongside him — describes how his adventure helped him learn to embrace the now. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including ep…

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409: How to Make Living Itself An Art, Part Deux (Who is TSLL Written For?) 59:12

20d ago59:12

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To look up the definition of art through an academic lens is to discover there is no one agreed upon definition of art, and to my eye that is what makes it all the more beautiful to cultivate in the way we live each of our lives if we are to heed the above quote's encouragement of action. Earlier this week, a new series began here on TSLL that will…

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#91: Guide Dogs DOGx Special with Elena Cavazza & Mandy Pike 1:23:02

22d ago1:23:02

1:23:02

Hey, Hey, Hey Bookshelvers! This week we have another DOGx Special for you. We also have been graced with the presence of, the one and only, Jason Light as this topic is very close to his heart. Every year we have a charity slot at DOGx and this year we’ve managed to get the wonderful Guide Dogs to do a presentation and demo for us. With that in mi…

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803 Ohio's Ancient Trails; Safeguarding Heritage Sites; How to Land a Plane 52:00

19d ago52:00

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Learn about the Ancient Ohio Trail and its cluster of mysterious geometric earthworks left behind by pre-Columbian mound-builder cultures. Then get an inside look at the World Monuments Fund's biennial selection of endangered archaeological and cultural sites, whose preservation is vital to our heritage. And what goes up, must come down: Pilot Mark…

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718a Pastas You Should Know; In Sardinia; Gelato 52:00

17d ago52:00

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Italian food expert Fred Plotkin describes some of the unusual varieties of pasta that you can find in Italy — and the reason behind their different shapes. Historian Jeff Biggers explores the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where sites dating back to the Bronze Age are found across the island. And tour guides from Tuscany and Sicily bring us the…

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#90 Lili Chin - Dogs Of The World: An Illustrated Compendium 1:16:49

1M ago1:16:49

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Ahoy There Bookshevers! We hope this episode finds you well and sat next to fluffy companion. Get yourselves ready for an absolute treat, Bookshelvers! We’re thrilled to welcome back the incredible author and illustrator, Lili Chin, for a deep dive into her latest masterpiece, "Dogs of the World." It's been a whopping 5 years since we last got to c…

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802 Ladies of the Louvre; The Roma; American Expats 52:00

24d ago52:00

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Author Elaine Sciolino gives us the history behind the famous women — both artists and subjects — to visit in Paris' grand repository. Then a Romani author shares what it was like growing up in her culture as we trace the lineage and influence of the vibrant Romani people. And the well-traveled Paul Theroux provides aspiring expats a realistic asse…

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408: How 3-Years of French Language Classes Elevated My Experience While Visiting France 50:47

1M ago50:47

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The journey of learning anything new, putting in the hours, the practice, and progressing in a controlled environment eventually must make its way into the real-world to ensure any confidence we have gained is sound. Over the past three years, as many TSLL riders and listeners of the podcast know, I enrolled in French language classes (12 in total)…

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801 Museum Matters with Mary Beard; Fascinating Museums; Soul of South Korea 52:00

1M ago52:00

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Beloved English classics scholar Dame Mary Beard offers wisdom on how to tackle the vast collection of the British Museum, and ponders the ethics and responsibility of retaining the cultural antiquities of other lands. Then a cartoonist shares his love of museums and how they transform us by illustrating memorable moments at his favorites across No…

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407: The Joys of Living Alone —By Choice or Circumstance 1:00:04

2M ago1:00:04

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“'I think that’s just how life panned out. I had children and it was difficult to have a relationship with a man who was not the father. And I started thinking, OK, I’ll take care of the children and then when they’re grown up, I’ll be available for a partner. But then I found, I have to say, the great serenity of being single.'” She pauses, as if …

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#89 Cat the Vet (Dr. Cat Henstridge) - Regulation, Reality, Trust & the Truth: DOGx Speaker Special 1:27:38

2M ago1:27:38

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Welcome back, Bookshelvers! In this weeks episode we welcome back the incredible Cat the Vet (Dr. Cat Henstridge) for her second appearance and another DOGx Speaker Special! Get ready for a deep dive, recorded (humorously!) from under a blanket in her new vet practice – a testament to her dedication to great sound! Cat, a prominent veterinary surge…

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800 British Pub Grub; Travel on $75 a Day; Holland 52:00

2M ago52:00

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Spotted Dick, Eton Mess, Ploughman's Lunch: Two British guides decode the best of England's pub food and explain how far it's come since the days of soggy chips and limp sausages. Then a travel blogger shares tips for exploring the world without breaking the bank. And a pair of Dutch guides illuminate the differences between the fairy-tale province…

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799 Irish Oddities; Viking Sights; Cycling the Silk Road 52:00

2M ago52:00

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Meet an Irishman who scours the Emerald Isle to report on oddities and lesser-known facets of his country's culture. Then learn about the lasting impact of the Viking era in Norway and where to observe it on your next visit. And hear what it's like to bicycle 10,000 miles along the old Silk Road, from Turkey to Tibet. For more information on Travel…

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#88 Ryan Cartlidge - The Messy, Beautiful Journey of Learners 2:07:58

2M ago2:07:58

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Ahoy Bookshelvers! This week, Steve is proper chuffed (that's British for really, really happy) to chat with the one and only Ryan Cartlidge from The Animal Training Academy! Having been an avid listener to the ATA podcast for many years, this is a "pinch me" moment for Steve and if you don't know Ryan, get ready for a big dose of honesty, humility…

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670a Weekend in Brussels; The Temporary European; My Town 52:00

2M ago52:00

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A Brussels-based tour guide offers his recommendations for making the most of a weekend in the Belgian capital. Then one of Rick's co-authors joins us to explore what it means to become a "temporary local" when traveling, and how it can help you actually relax on your next vacation. And listeners share ideas for enjoying areas they know well, as lo…

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798 France, North vs. South; Streets of Paris; Loire Valley Chateâu Country 52:00

2M ago52:00

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A trio of Rick's tour guides banter about the nuances of northern and southern France, from climate and demeanor to food and fashion. Then author Susan Cahill describes how wandering the streets of Paris brings to life the stories of the city's artists, writers, and historical figures. And an expert offers recommendations for enjoying the elegant c…

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Musk's AI chatbot Grok is 'spewing anti-Semitic garbage on X' 5:16

3M ago5:16

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PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 9: Papers report on the blazing wildfires in Syria, Spain and France. Over in Russia, where independent media are discussing the "alleged suicie" of a high-profile politician, who was found dead hours after being fired. Also, Elon Musk's Grok chatbot praises Hitler and shares hateful comments on X after its latest upd…

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Storied Haiti hotel that inspired Graham Greene's 'The Comedians' burns to the ground 6:56

3M ago6:56

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PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, July 8: The British papers offer hope – and a warning – as French President Emmanuel Macron begins the first French state visit to the UK in over 15 years, where he will discuss the thorny issue of migrants crossing the Channel. A storied hotel in Haiti which inspired literature and celebrities burns to the ground. Plus: som…

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#87 Jenifer Zeligs Ph.D. - The Art of Communication & Compassion in Animal Training - DOGx Speaker Special 1:25:24

3M ago1:25:24

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Welcome back, Bookshelvers! We've got an absolute treat for your ears today, a conversation that really gets to the heart of what ethical animal training is all about. Today, we're incredibly honoured to chat (for a second time) with Jenifer Zeligs, a true luminary in the animal training world. Jenifer and Steve dive into some fascinating nuances o…

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'Stories of courage and compassion': Remembering London's 7/7 bombings 7:32

3M ago7:32

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PRESS REVIEW – Monday, July 7: The British papers are remembering the 7/7 attacks in London. Also, the European Parliament is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have another public disagreement. Next, two original sports events take place in France. Finally, a chihuahua saves the day…

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797 Kayaking Manhattan; The Wild Mississippi; Happy Travels 52:00

2M ago52:00

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Journalist Eliot Stein takes us along on the unique adventure of kayaking the perimeter of Manhattan Island and observes some of the pockets of nature that persist within New York's concrete jungle. Then a midwestern author shares his lifelong passion for the Mississippi River and delves into the recreational, ecological, and spiritual facets of Am…

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'You'll never walk alone': Football world mourns Diogo Jota 6:58

3M ago6:58

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PRESS REVIEW – Friday, July 4: We look at reactions to US President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill", which he will sign today. Also: Russia recognises the Taliban as Afghanistan's government, becoming the first country to do so. Tributes in the football world pour in for Diogo Jota, a star of Liverpool FC who has died in a car crash alongside …

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France arrests teen for plotting attacks on women in landmark 'incel' case 6:16

3M ago6:16

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PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, July 3: We look at reactions to the verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs's trial and what it means for the #MeToo movement. Also: for the first time, France arrests a man on terrorism charges relating to the incel movement. Plus: the Dalai Lama defies pressure from China and says he will appoint a successor the traditional way as …

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Is 'AC guilt' justified? French papers divided over use of air conditioning amid heatwave 6:03

3M ago6:03

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PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 2: Russia is ramping up AI disinformation abroad, but also at home, where it's using bots to justify high utility rate hikes. In the US, President Donald Trump is reigniting fears of a global trade war amid tensions with Japan. Also in Japan, "proxy quitter" companies help workers avoid an awkward conversation with th…

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Sinaloa cartel's new alliance with rival could transform global drug trade 7:26

3M ago7:26

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PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, July 1: The French left-wing papers rejoice after a controversial public broadcasting bill is rejected by parliament. The New York Times looks at how the Sinaloa cartel is making new alliances with enemies, which could reshape the global drug trade. Also: a photo report documents horrific sexual violence inflicted on Tigray …

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Hundreds of neighbours give one last Christmas to little girl with terminal cancer 8:18

3M ago8:18

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PRESS REVIEW – Monday, June 30: The heatwave across Europe is making international headlines, with Spain and Portugal recording record temperatures. Next, settler violence is escalating amid what Haaretz calls a "West Bank pogrom". Also, The Washington Post tells the bittersweet story of a seven-year-old girl's last midsummer Christmas. Finally, we…

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796 Oh Canada! 52:00

2M ago52:00

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Two prominent Canadian authors share their perspective on today's strained political relationship between the US and its northern neighbor. They reflect on their country's geography, diversity, strength, and identity, and consider the history and attitudes that make Canada distinct from the US. And of course, they talk a bit of hockey. For more inf…

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US signals 'powerful shift' in vaccine policy as RFK Jr moves to change guidance 7:02

3M ago7:02

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PRESS REVIEW – Friday, June 27: Donald Trump's health secretary and vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr moves to rescind recommendations for the flu vaccine over a longstanding anti-vaxxer belief that it causes autism. The US will also pull funding for a global alliance that provides free jabs to impoverished populations. Meanwhile: Libération loo…

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What lessons can be learned from Mamdani's win in NYC Democratic mayoral primary? 7:23

3M ago7:23

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PRESS REVIEW - Thursday, June 26: There are lots of scathing reactions in the press after the NATO summit in The Hague which saw members commit to spending 5 percent of GDP on defence. As one paper notes: Donald Trump whistles, Europe dances. Also: young, far-left upstart Zohran Mamdani wins the NYC Democratic primary and could be the youngest New …

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An 'abomination' and a 'death trap': Papers denounce Israel's food aid system in Gaza 5:27

3M ago5:27

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PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, June 25: International papers criticise Israel's "genocidal" food distribution system in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Russia is planning to train Chinese troops, according to an exclusive report. Next, Bulgarian papers worry about a black leopard that's roaming free. Finally, inflatable crocodiles threaten the wedding of bil…

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Global media reports Israel-Iran ceasefire with caution, speculation 6:04

3M ago6:04

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PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, June 24: We bring you all the latest reactions after US President Donald Trump announces a ceasefire between Iran and Israel after 12 days of war. We also look at what the Iranian threat represents for Trump personally and how all these developments play into the crucial NATO summit that kicks off this Tuesday. A lot of unce…

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#86 Danny Nelis-Rouse - Tug-E-Nuff: Building Better Bonds & Businesses With Play 1:29:51

3M ago1:29:51

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Alright, fellow dog fanatics, prepare for an episode of Barks from the Bookshelf that's got more bounces than a super-excited Border Collie! Steve and Corrin are back from their beach break (and likely still shaking sand out of their ears) to dive into a seriously fun chat with the brilliant Danny Nelis-Rouse from Tug-E-Nuff! Ever wondered how a pa…

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A 'reckless' act or a 'courageous' decision? Papers divided over US strikes on Iran 6:53

3M ago6:53

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PRESS REVIEW – Monday, June 23: First, we look at global front pages reacting to US President Donald Trump's intervention in Iran. Next, papers are divided over the US bombing of Iran – it's an "illegal" act for some, but an opportunity for peace for others. Meanwhile, the Iranian press condemn Trump's move, saying the US "will pay". Finally, we lo…

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795 Liverpool; Finding Ancient Roman Art; Home Base Hiking in Europe 52:00

3M ago52:00

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Find out what makes Liverpool worth at least a day's visit even for those with no interest in Fab Four lore, then hear from renowned classicist Mary Beard about some of the best places outside Italy to see remnants of the ancient Roman empire. And learn why one expert recommends finding a good home base to unlace your boots on a multi-day European …

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Point of no return: Global carbon budget to be exhausted by 2028 6:46

3M ago6:46

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PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, June 19: We take a look at reactions from the press as US President Donald Trump continues to dither on whether the US will intervene in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Also, a study warns that the global carbon budget could be exhausted within three years, after which point climate change will be irreversible. Finall…

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'Simply apocalyptic' and 'too risky': Papers react to Gaza aid distribution deaths 7:03

3M ago7:03

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PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, June 18: Papers describe scenes of "humiliation and death" in Gaza as Palestinians seek aid distribution. We also look at Kosovo, where the trial over the massacre in Pristina 26 years ago has finally started. Plus, Brazil's new "bill of devastation" supported by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stands in stark contrast…

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406: How The Essence of French Cooking Elevates the Everyday and is Simple to Learn (even if you don't like cooking!) 37:23

3M ago37:23

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"Food need not be extravagant, complicated, or mysterious to be good. Quite the contrary." —Patricia Wells in her Introduction to Robert Olney's Simple French Food cookbook Whether you love cooking, loathe cooking or fall anywhere in between, we all need to eat. And if we eat well - a marriage of nutritive and delicious - we give ourself a very goo…

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Iran: Is Trump's 'appetite for war' influenced by his 'America First' supporters? 6:23

3M ago6:23

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PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, June 17: We start with a look at the global headlines discussing the Israel-Iran war. Next, we turn to analysis pieces discussing Trump's motives for (non)intervention in Iran. Meanwhile, the Trump family has a new venture: a golden smartphone "built in the US". Finally, a 135-year-old tortoise reaches a new personal milesto…

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Auckland 'forklift drivers' lose 10-0 to Bayern in FIFA 'football farce' 6:32

3M ago6:32

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PRESS REVIEW – Monday, June 16: The conflict between Iran and Israel features on many front pages and is widely debated in the inside pages. Also, the controversial FIFA Club World Cup continues to make headlines, but perhaps not for the right reasons. Next, MI6 appoints a female head for the first time in 116 years. Finally, German soldiers get a …

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447b Hungarian Hot Springs; Peru's Boiling River; Padova & the Veneto 52:00

3M ago52:00

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Hear how people of all ages enjoy a day at the baths in Budapest, where doctors commonly prescribe a relaxing day at the spa. Then learn about a sacred geothermal river located deep in Amazonian Peru: It's huge, deadly hot, and might contain clues to the origins of life on Earth. And get advice for enjoying the splendor of Padua, located just half …

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World's papers react to unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iran 5:27

3M ago5:27

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PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, June 13: Iranian state media say Tehran will punish the "Zionist regime" after massive Israeli strikes on nuclear sites and military commanders in Iran. Meanwhile, the Israeli press say Tel Aviv struck because a "point of no return" was reached over Iran's nuclear programme. We also look at reactions from the international …

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'Genius' duo behind French multimillion-euro furniture scam found guilty 6:29

3M ago6:29

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PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, June 12: In Syria, women are now obliged to wear fully-covering burkinis to the beach. Also, there's "simmering discontent" about Syria's Committee for Civil Peace. A new post-Brexit deal is agreed between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar. In France, a duo that faked 18th-century furniture is found guilty of forgery. Finally…

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Accused of 'terrorism' at 15 years old: The tragic story of Rhianan Rudd 6:36

3M ago6:36

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PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, June 11: Austrian papers mourn the victims of the nation's worst post-war mass shooting. France is also in shock following the death of a teaching assistant who was stabbed by a 14-year-old pupil. Meanwhile, the Financial Times has a long read on the story of the youngest person charged with terrorism in the UK. Next, the …

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(How) Do the LA protests compare to the 1992 riots? 6:33

3M ago6:33

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PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, June 10: We look at reactions after protests in Los Angeles, where Donald Trump has sent in the National Guard. A video goes viral of an Australian reporter being shot with a rubber bullet in the middle of a live broadcast. Also, what comparisons can be made to the 1992 LA riots? Plus, here in France, the hit Netflix series …

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#85: Jamie & Gemma Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs: Great Laughs, Good Sniffs & Game-Changing Training 1:35:51

3M ago1:35:51

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Alrighty then Bookshelvers, settle in with your favourite beverage (and maybe a tasty morsel, or two, for your furry co-listener) because this episode is a HOOT! We’re still wiping away tears of laughter reminiscing with our amazing guests, the legendary Jamie and Gemma Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs. We spend a bit of time reminiscing on the hilarious…

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Have the 'deportation wars' begun? Papers react to LA protests 7:03

4M ago7:03

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PRESS REVIEW – Monday, June 9: Protests in Los Angeles against US President Donald Trump's immigration policies continue to make the front pages. Also, Russian mercenary group Wagner announces it will be leaving Mali after "completing" its mission. Next, the United Nations Ocean Conference opens in Nice in a bid to address the alarming state of our…