You may wonder, what is the Pagan Preacher? It is a compendium of teachings and philosophies derived from a diverse spiritual journey spanning many years. My name is Richard Ravenbrook. I am a man, a life coach, and a spiritual guide. Throughout my quest for truth, the spirit has guided me along various paths. My roles have included church ministry, street ministry, and publishing, among others. I have shared this journey with Christian companions as well as pagan allies. I have received ord ...
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China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world’s future.
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Join Wendy and Joshua as they travel around to attend church...so you don't have to. Enjoy their experience with various religious sects. After all, religious people have the best sects!
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Peace Tribe Rising is all about empowering the peacemakers and people who are committed to living together in peace. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be viewed as a battle between two tribes with competing religious, national, and historical narratives and identities. We are empowering a new, shared identity: the Peace Tribe. Together, we are unfolding a future of reconciliation, peace and human rights for all the people of the holy land. We come from a wide range of backgrounds: Israeli ...
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Religion is everywhere. Whether we like it or not, it has shaped our past, our present and will continue to shape our future. However, it is a topic that has received scant attention, with the attention that it does receive generally coming in the form of stereotypes or controversy. In this podcast, we are taking a new look at religion to understand what it is, how it influences us and what does it mean to believe. We talk to religious practitioners, spiritual seekers, theologians, philosoph ...
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Our mental health systems are broken. The work of getting well can make us feel worse than we did when we started. PlayGrounding is about finding the courage to seek the help we need and the hope to keep going when it feels like nothing is working and no one is listening.
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The CCP Attacks Online Freedom, Tim Walz and the History of US China Hands, and BRI Protests?
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The CCP’s is looking at a new big-brother-esque tech policy that aims to assign a Cyber-ID for Chinese citizens online. Miles Yu details why this is more of the same totalitarian behavior meant to monitor speech, control dissidents and limit online freedom. Second, amidst Kamala Harris’s selection of Tim Walz as her running mate, Miles talks about …
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Returning to Community Roots: Balancing Ancestral Wisdom with Modern Technology
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Can we truly return to the "old ways" of community and neighborliness in our fast-paced, tech-driven world? Join us on this heartfelt episode of Pagan Preacher as we explore the critical balance between maintaining our roots and embracing modern advancements. We discuss the collective effort needed to address pressing environmental issues, emphasiz…
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The CCP Plays Politics with Paris Olympics, Attempts Peace in the Middle East, and Raises Retirement Ages
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With the Paris Olympics in full swing, Miles Yu analyzes how the Chinese Communist Party approaches international sports and plays politics with one of the greatest venues for displaying soft power. Miles then talks about China hosting Palestinian leaders in Beijing in a failed attempt to form a Palestinian unity government. He ends by explaining t…
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Japan and Europe Coordinate Air Forces, China Explores the Arctic, and Xi's Online Authoritarianism
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Miles analyzes another round of joint exercises involving Japan, but this time with Germany, France and Spain to conduct air drills with its Air Self Defense Force. Miles details why Japan has become such a coveted global partner, and why European countries are taking increased notice of the China threat. Next we explore China’s activity in the arc…
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Japan and Taiwan Joint Maritime Exercise, Vietnam Party Leader Passes, and Robotaxi's Cause Viral Frustration
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Last week Japan and Taiwan coordinated coast guards in a joint maritime exercise, the first of it's kind in over 50 years. Expert Miles Yu explains what the Chinese Communist Party's reaction was and what it could mean for regional alliances. Next, Miles details the unique regional importance of Vietnam in light of the death of Vietnamese Communist…
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Breaking Political Barriers: Embracing Diverse Beliefs
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What if the key to a harmonious society lies in the delicate balance between politics and spirituality? Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we explore the intricate intersections of these two realms in America today. We'll pull back the curtain on the historical struggles for equality, justice, and fairness, and scrutinize the current poli…
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Insider Interview | Deterring China with Red Lines Backed by Capability and Resolve (feat. John Lee)
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Deterring the aggressive ambitions of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party will require more than just setting red lines. Hudson Senior Fellow, John Lee, joins host Miles Yu to explain why it will require an international coalition with both the capability and resolve to effectively counter the CCP with strategies that both deny and impose co…
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Rising Xenophobia in China, The Third Plenum, and Toxic Contamination of Cooking Oils
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After yet another stabbing attack hit headlines, which saw a Chinese man attack a Japanese woman and her son, Miles Yu explains why the Chinese Communist Party and its state-fueled propaganda machine are at fault for rising xenophobia in China. The episode goes on to explain what to expect from the CCP's Third Plenum, and finishes covering an inves…
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Discovering the Divine Within Beyond Organized Religion
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What if true religious freedom isn't as free as we think? Join us on this episode of the Pagan Preacher as we question the necessity of imposing religious beliefs on others and challenge the societal norms that push people to conform. We scrutinize the concept of religious freedom in the United States, arguing that true freedom appears to be a luxu…
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A NATO for the Indo-Pacific, Chinese Maritime Aggression, and Miles in Taipei
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With the NATO Summit happening in Washington D.C. this week, Miles details why multilateral engagement in Asia through NATO expansion, or the establishment of a NATO-like alliance, would be such an effective bulwark against the Chinese Communist Party. Secondly, we cover some of China's latest acts of maritime aggression against Taiwan and the Phil…
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More Military Purges, Xi’ Plan for “Peaceful Coexistence,” and China’s Repression of Religious Freedom
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Miles Yu reacts to Xi Jinping's latest purging of a plethora of military leaders including China's defense minister, and Xi's speech commemorating 70 years of the Chinese Communist Party's “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State released its annual report on International Religious Freedom and detailed the…
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Embracing the Spiritual Path: Questioning the Nameless God in Modern Christianity
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Why does the God worshiped in American Christian churches often remain unnamed, and what does this ambiguity mean for our personal faith and understanding? In today’s episode, we boldly question the conventions of organized religion and the concept of a "God with no name." We contrast Christianity's use of the generic term "God" with the specific n…
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Insider Interview: China Is a Dangerous Outlier in Global Energy Arena (feat. Tom Duesterberg)
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China is a destructive outlier in the global energy arena. Fifty-five percent of its power still comes from coal, and 17% comes from hydroelectric dams that generate as much geostrategic conflict as they do power. On the other hand, they are attempting to lead the world in electric vehicles and nuclear power. So how does the Chinese Communist Party…
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CCP Lawfare Against Taiwan, Xi Demands Military Loyalty, and the Pyongyang Summit
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The Chinese Communist Party publicly threatened to use the death penalty against separatists who support and advocate for an independent Taiwan, Xi Jinping emphasized loyalty at a People's Liberation Army meeting to ensure that "the party controls the gun," and Vladimir Putin and Kim Jun Un signed a defense pact in Pyonyang to keep Xi on his toes i…
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Our Vision for Inclusive Religious Liberty
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Why is one religion given preferential treatment in our public schools, and what does it mean for a multi-religious society? This episode tackles the urgent issue of religious liberties with a sharp focus on Louisiana's recent mandate to display the Ten Commandments in public schools. We argue that education should remain secular, ensuring that all…
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Americans Attacked in China, India’s Regional Importance, and European Tariffs on Chinese EVs
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Miles Yu assesses the state of US-Chinese relations after a group of American travelers to China were targeted in a stabbing attack during their visit. He then highlights India's increased importance as a geo-strategic counter to Xi Jinping's regional bullying in the the Indo-Pacific, as well as Europe's attempt at curbing Chinese EV market manipul…
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Rediscovering Inner Peace: Transcending Traditional Religion for a Holistic Spiritual Journey
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Is modern-day corporate Christianity more chaotic than enlightening? This episode challenges conventional religious wisdom and advocates for a spiritual journey that transcends institutional confines. We speak about the chaos within countless denominations and doctrines, emphasizing the need for a spirituality that originates from the spirit itself…
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The Gaokao Phenomenon, and the CCP's Domestic and Global Market Manipulation
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Miles Yu explains the devious cultural significance of the Gaokao, which is China’s two-day college entrance exam. He then explores why everyday homeowners in China are getting crushed by 20–50 percent increases on their utilities. Lastly, he peels back the curtain on how the Chinese Communist Party uses aggressive subsidies to infiltrate and under…
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Journey to Spiritual Awakening Beyond Traditional Doctrine
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What if everything you thought you knew about divine guidance was wrong? This episode promises to transform your understanding of spirituality as we challenge conventional religious doctrines and explore the profound teachings of Yeshua (Jesus). We dive into the intricate process of deconstructing the mainstream religious indoctrinations many of us…
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The Legacy of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, Taiwanese Sovereignty, and the Shangri-La Dialogues
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Miles Yu and the team commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989 by recapping what led to that fateful day, the fallout that ensued in China and around the globe for communist movements, and why its legacy still matters today. They then covered how the U.S. righted the diplomatic wrong surrounding U.N. Resolution 2758…
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Taiwanese President Lai Ching Te's Inauguration
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss his recent trip to Taiwan, the historic inauguration of Lai Ching Te of Taiwan, the People's Republic of China's subsequent military exercises, and recent protests over parliamentary reforms.By Hudson Institute
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Bridging Divides with Empathy: The Transformative Power of Spirituality and Inner Peace
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Amid a world fragmented by conflicting beliefs and ideologies, have we lost sight of the unifying potential of spirituality? Join us as we explore this delicate interplay, tackling the age-old conundrum of faith's power to both heal and divide. Our latest episode is a sanctuary for those looking to understand how empathy and spiritual connection ca…
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The Putin-Xi Summit and Its Implications for the Region
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the recent summit between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in China. They analyze the two nations’ joint statement, the implications of their developing relationship, and the significance of Putin’s choice to visit the northeastern city of Harbin. Finally, they briefly preview the Presidential inauguration in Taiw…
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Xi’s Plan to Divide the EU, and the CCP’s International E-commerce Scam
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss Xi Jinping’s recent trip to France, Serbia, and Hungary, what the People’s Republic of China hoped to gain by engaging these specific countries, and how successful their European Union diplomacy has been. They then discuss a massive e-commerce scam network operating in China, which was recently uncovered in a r…
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Navigating the Path Toward Peace by Honoring Humanity's Sacred Bond
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Can our understanding of spirituality transform the chaotic landscape of global events? This episode takes you on a profound journey, exploring the intersection of faith, politics, and our shared humanity. We delve into the spiritual implications behind the UN's acceptance of Palestine, the impact of President Joe Biden's decision to halt a weapons…
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Student Protests and the CCP, The Trump China Policy, and Apple Caves
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss comparisons drawn on Chinese social media between protesters on American campuses and the Red Guard of the Cultural Revolution. They then discuss recent concerns over how US-China relations might change if Donald Trump is elected for a second term, before turning to Apple's recent decision to remove certain app…
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Recapping Blinken Visit, The Russia-China Axis, and Controversial EVs
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to China, and the differences between the way in which China and the United States approach diplomacy. They then turn to the influence of Russia and the Soviet Union on Chinese politics, and how their histories shape Russia-China relations today. Finally, they di…
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Upholding Principles in the Face of Oppression and Misinformation
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Are you weary of the shadows that shroud our society's most pressing issues? Step into the light with me, Richard Ravenbrook, as we confront the specters of tyranny and conflict that linger over us. The echoes of student protests bring forth a reminder of our turbulent history, yet they also herald today's unique call to action. From the mislabeled…
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CCP's "Buy New Products" Campaign, Sports Cheating, and Credit Rating Drops
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the Chines Communist Party's "Buy New Products" campaign, an attempt to subsidize consumer spending in the face of a sluggish economy. They then turn to controversy surrounding the Beijing half marathon, in which African competitors allowed Chinese national record holder He Jei to prevail in the last moments, a…
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中国中心主任余茂春分析为什么"台湾关系法"远比被中共曲解的"三个公报"重要, 以及台湾关系法45周年之际的重新评估与展望, 决定中共武力攻台的四大因素和美台军事合作的必要和需改进之处. [English] Title: Reassessing the Taiwan Relations Act 45 years later and the 4 factors impacting China's decision to invade Taiwan Description: In this episode for Chinese-speaking listeners, China Center's director Miles Yu explains why the Taiwan Relation…
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Taiwan Relations Act, Us-Japan Cooperation, and US Strategy Toward China
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the forthy-fifth anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. They then turn to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s state visit to Washington, and the resulting developments in the relationships among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Finally, they discuss why the Biden administration’s attempts at reconcil…
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Aspiring for a Future Where Compassion Triumphs Over Conflict
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What happens when the world's sacred scriptures, advocating love and peace, are drowned out by the cacophony of hate tearing through religious communities? That's the conundrum we tackle alongside Richard Ravenbrook, as we address the glaring contrast between the spiritual ideals of unity and the destructive reality of conflict, particularly in reg…
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How can religions coexist if each claim the truth? - Interreligious dialogue with Fr Michael Barnes SJ
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A question that I’ve always thought about: if each religion claims that what it teaches is true and that the way to salvation is through its teaching, then aren’t ideas of conversion and even forced conversion morally justified? Is it possible to religiously justify a group such as ISIS who may say they are trying to convert people to their religio…
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BONUS Episode: The Taiwan Relations Act at 45
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The landmark Taiwan Relations Act, signed into law 45 year ago today, has become the most pivotal guideline for the complex U.S.-Taiwan and U.S.-China relations. It's a cornerstone and foundational document that demonstrates America's institutional resilience and balanced approach to diplomacy. In this in-depth conversation with Shane Leary, Dr. Mi…
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Taiwan Earthquake and Japan-Philippines Security Pact
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the recent earthquake in Taiwan of 7.4 magnitude, the largest quake the Island nation has suffered since 1999. They then discuss security developments in the South China Sea, most notably that Japan is in talks to sign a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with the Philippines in an effort to deter Chinese aggres…
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Embracing the Eclipse of Change: Fostering Respect and Unity in Our Spiritual Journey
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As the shadow of the recent solar eclipse crossed our skies, so too can we cross into a new epoch of understanding and respect. I'm Richard Ravenbrook, your host from the Ravensbrook Sanctuary, and in our latest Pagan Preacher Podcast episode, we unravel the cosmic cue for transformation. The celestial dance of sun and moon is more than a spectacle…
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XI Meets with Western Business Leaders, Boao Forum, and CCP Hacking
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss Xi Jinping's recent meeting with western business leaders and academics, the first high-profile meeting of this nature since his meeting with American executives in San Francisco in November of 2023. They then discuss the decreasing relevance of the annual Boao forum, and China's recent cyber espionage and hack…
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Fostering a Global Spirit of Love, Peace, and Fairness
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As the world's cries for transformative change echo ever louder, I find myself weighed down by a solemn sense of urgency. From my seat at the Ravensbrook Sanctuary, I grapple with the unsettling reality of our societal and political landscapes, yearning for an awakening to our true spiritual callings. This episode is a deep dive into the essence of…
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Article 23 Cracks Down in Hong Kong, Foreign Investment Drops, "The Three Body Problem" Controversy
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Phil Hegseth steps in to join Miles Yu to discuss Article 23's passing in Hong Kong and its implications for human rights and freedoms in the city, the continued decline of foreign direct investment in China despite charm efforts from the Chinese Communist Party, and the rise and controversy of Netflix's adaptation of "Three Body Problem."…
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US TikTok Battle, India Border Tension, Russia Commemorates Battle with China
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the pending legislation to ban TikTok, and the broader picture of Chinese Communist Party influence on American domestic politics. They then turn to a recent flare-up in tensions between India and China, caused by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, and discuss the root cause of China’s antagonism…
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CCP Foreign Minister's Failed Challenges to the US, Ukraine Mediation, New Laws of Repression
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss Wang Yi’s “Four Challenges” to the United States during a recent press conference, China’s attempted role as mediator in the ongoing Ukraine war, and the wave of national security laws in China that emerged out of the annual Two Sessions.By Hudson Institute
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Sowing Seeds of Serenity in the Garden of Simplicity and Spirituality
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As the Pagan Preacher, I've often contemplated the essence of joy, and I've come to realize that it's intertwined with the art of contentment. Nestled in our new abode in Frankfurt, Indiana, I muse about the notion that genuine happiness may not be a grand pursuit but rather found in the simplicity and warmth of a life filled with family, community…
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Chinese Crossings at US Border Spike, Two Sessions, and Electric Vehicle Probes
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the surge in Chinese nationals entering the United States illegally, what's driving this phenomenon, and how policymakers ought to respond. They then turn to the upcoming "two sessions" in which the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the National People’s Congress will convene, and what make…
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Private Hacking Exposed, Quemoy Islands Drowning, G20 Fallout
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss a massive document leak from Chinese cybersecurity firm I-Soon, which sheds light on the CCP's global surveillance and hacking regime and destroys the illusion of safety around Chinese private sector companies. They then turn to a little-covered spat between the Taiwan Coast Guard and a Chinese fishing vessel w…
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In 250AD a young man named Paul walked out into the Egyptian desert in fear of his own life and was never to return. He did not find safety or comfort but rather communion with God. 100 years later, Anthony the Great, a man who had taken Paul's way of life and turned it into a burgeoning communal approach to spiritual living, met the elderly hermit…
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在最新一期的中文"月底回顾及听众信箱"播客中,哈德逊研究所中国中心主任余茂春分析基辛格博士的童年生活,成就和影响,以及2024年历史性的台湾选举,中国的一个中国原则和美国的一个中国政策之间的根本区别。 [English] Title: The life of Dr. Henry Kissinger; Taiwan's historic elections; and One-China Principle vs. One-China Policy Description: In the latest Chinese language review episode of the key issues discussed in Hudson Institute's weekly China Ins…
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Wang Yi in Munich, Democracy Index Rankings, and Forced Labor Backlash
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's statements during the 2024 Munich Security Conference, and the broader landscape of European Union–China relations. They then turn to the 2023 Democracy Index, which ranks China #148 globally and Taiwan #1 in Asia. Lastly, they discuss the thousands of German automobiles impou…
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Messi's Controversial Visit in Hong Kong, Ukraine Update, and Russia-China Relations
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu to discuss the controversy that erupted in Hong Kong and Mainland China when Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi missed a game due to injury, and the claims of CIA coordination from CCP officials that followed. They then discuss waning support for Ukraine, and how this fits into the broader adversarial relationship be…
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'The UK's favourite Priest' - Knowing you're loved with Rev Chris Lee
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He has been called the hot priest, the ‘UK's favourite priest’, is a youtube sensation, and an instagram influencer. Rev Chris Lee has amassed a following on social media of over 170,000 people with his account RevChris7 and has become famous for his 60 second sermons where he distils Christian teachings into instagram friendly messages. Beyond thi…
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Miles in Taiwan, Religious Persecution in Xinjiang and Beyond, and the Chinese Stock Market Crash
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Shane Leary joins Miles Yu, who recently visited Taiwan with a delegation from Hudson Institute, to discuss the trip. They then cover recent laws that violate the religious freedom of people in Xinjiang, and how this fits into the broader picture of persecution in China. Finally, they turn to the recent stock market crash in China, which was the gr…
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