Best Israel Rodriguez Podcasts (2024)

1
139. When the Wax is Poetic: Candles That Smell like Steamed Rice and Queer Love (w/ The New Savant's Ingrid Nilsen and Erica Anderson) 1:09:20

1h ago1:09:20

1:09:20

The New Savant Co-Founders Ingrid Nilsen and Erica Anderson join me in the Perfume Room this week! The New Savant is a queer, women-owned, candle brand with handmade, small-batch candles, inspired by unique personal stories, and scented by top industry perfumers. Erica (a Fortune’s 40 Under 40) was Twitter News employee number one, and Ingrid (a St…

1
Inside the NFL Harrison Butker Furor, Pro-Lifer Headed to Prison, and Another Mass Baptism Stuns 20:29

2h ago20:29

20:29

NFL star Harrison Butker is under fire, pro-life activist Lauren Handy is headed to prison, and another mass baptism is shocking and inspiring. That and more on today's "Higher Ground." Billy Hallowell foes behind the headlines with CBN’s Tre Goins Phillips and the Washington Times’ Valerie Richardson. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Follow Billy o…

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138. THE Quintessential American Fragrances (w/ Fragrance Historian & Taxonomist Michael Edwards!) 1:01:33

6h ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Today’s episode is a masterclass! Fragrance legend, author, historian, taxonomist and Perfume Room fan-favorite Michael Edwards is back (!!), this time to chat about his newest book, “American Legends: The Evolution of American Fragrances.” What makes a perfume *American* in style and who are the quintessential American perfumes? What makes them le…

1
Mass Baptisms Take Over America, Shocking Baptist Numbers, and LGBTQ Methodist Chaos Continues 17:49

21m ago17:49

17:49

Baptisms are taking over America, with yet another massive effort set to make history. Meanwhile, the state of denominational Christianity continues to be in an intriguing place. The United Methodist Church made some major changes on the LGBTQ front — and the Southern Baptist Convention lost hundreds of thousands of members (but is seeking a baptis…

1
137. Continuing A Fragrance Family Legacy (w/ Juliette Has A Gun Founder Romano Ricci) 52:16

2h ago52:16

52:16

Romano Ricci—Juliette Has a Gun Founder, great-grandson of Nina Ricci, and Co-Founder of Nose Paris—joins me in the Perfume Room this week! We discuss everything from rebelling against the fam biz, reimagining it, what gender in fragrance means to him, the idea behind Nose Paris, and why fragrance pyramids are a thing of the past. Plus, I live-smel…

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Hollywood Actor's Bible Bash, Kanye West's Latest Saga, and Shocking Reveal About Campus Chaos: 3 Big Stories of the Week 23:22

13d ago23:22

23:22

Hollywood actor's Bible bashing, a tragic turn in the Kanye West saga, and the truth about campus agitators. That and more on today’s Higher Ground. I’m Billy Hallowell and we’re going behind the headlines today with CBN’s Tre Goins Phillips and the Washington Times’ Valerie Richardson. THIS WEEK'S STORIES: Nearly Half of Anti-Israel ‘Student’ Prot…

1
Remembering Mandisa: Singer Shares Journey of Pain, Doubt and Finding God's Love Amid Chaos 13:57

16d ago13:57

13:57

As we remember the life and legacy of Mandisa, Billy revisits a 2022 interview with her during which she shared her struggles, revealed her triumphs, and discussed finding God in the fog of life's chaos. Hear what Mandisa had to say. Here is a special edition of "Higher Ground." FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Follow Billy on Twitter - Follow Billy…

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136. Perfume Room LIVE (w/ Givaudan VP Perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux!) 1:02:29

6d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

*canon episode alert* Back in March, I sat down with legendary Givaudan VP Perfumer (and incredible storyteller!), Rodrigo-Flores Roux, to record a very special live-audience episode. This week, enjoy a condensed version of that conversation! Rodrigo shares his earliest scent memories and wins (the latter will shock (& delight) you), where he sourc…

1
Antisemitism Raging, Chaos on College Campuses and Sounding the Alarm Over Taylor Swift: Behind the Biggest Headlines 24:36

9d ago24:36

24:36

Why is antisemitism raging, what's happening on American college campuses — and why is an evangelist sounding the alarm over pop icon Taylor Swift's new lyrics and album? On today's "Higher Ground," Raj Nair from TBN and Jesse Jackson from Church Leaders join Billy Hallowell to break it all down, exploring what's really happening at U.S. universiti…

1
135. Stop Limiting Your Own Perfume Exploration (w/ LuckyScent's Steve Gontarski and Dana Buchanan!) 1:16:44

13d ago1:16:44

1:16:44

LuckyScent’s Steven Gontarski and Dana Buchanan are in the Perfume Room today talking hidden gems of LuckyScent, how to intuit what a client actually wants (versus what they say they want), and a retail phenomenon they refer to as 'perfume trigger words.' We of course also discuss their personal wardrobes/collections including their desert island s…

1
Bill Maher Stuns, Mark Driscoll Ignites Sword Swallower Controversy, and 25th Anniversary of Columbine 34:54

16d ago34:54

34:54

The 25th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, chaos over Pastor Mark Driscoll and a sword swallower, and Bill Maher's shocking comments about abortion. We're breaking these stories and much more down on today's Higher Ground with Billy Hallowell. We're joined by Jesse Jackson from Church Leaders and Valerie Richardson from The Washington Times to…

1
Actor Gary Sinise's Faith, Terror in Israel, and Death Threats Amid Absolute 'Woke' Madness: Journalists Explore Biggest Stories of the Week 27:44

1M ago27:44

27:44

Actor Gary Sinise's faith and the loss of his son, Mac, terror in Israel — and death threats against Skillet frontman Jon Cooper. The Washington Times' Cheryl Chumley and Jesse Jackson from ChurchLeaders join Billy Hallowell to take you behind some of the week's most important and fascinating headlines. THIS WEEK'S STORIES: Actor Gary Sinise Reflec…

1
134. From Marketer to Perfumer: Making the Perfumery Career Shift (w/ Givaudan Perfumer Christine Hassan) 37:10

27d ago37:10

37:10

Givaudan Perfumer Christine Hassan is in the Perfume Room today! We discuss her unconventional and holistic path towards becoming a perfumer, perfumery across cultures, her own special scent rituals, and a benzaldehyde spill in her high school chemistry class that changed EVERYTHING. FRAGS MENTIONED: Zoologist Rabbit, Oriza L. Legrand Chypre Mousse…

1
Bibles Burned Outside Church, OnlyFans Model Turns to Jesus, and Revival Breaking Out AGAIN 21:41

30d ago21:41

21:41

Hundreds of Bibles burned outside of a church, an OnlyFans star turns to Jesus, and revival breaks out on yet another college campus. Welcome to Higher Ground. On today’s media roundtable, Billy Hallowell is joined by The Washington Times' Mark Kellner and Jesse Jackson of Church Leaders to discuss these stories — and more. Read the stories on toda…

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133. Esxence 2024 Recap: Everything You Need to Know (& Smell!) (w/ Valerie March AKA @thenichesampler) 56:14

1M ago56:14

56:14

Esxence is an annual Milan-based niche fragrance convention that boasts the title of world's largest perfumery trade show! Content Creator Valerie March, AKA @thenichesampler — a longtime friend of the pod AND 3rd year attendee of Esxence — is in the Perfume Room this week recapping her recent experience and sharing everything from perfumes [from E…

1
Easter Drama at Elevation, Fiery Pronoun Battle and Gold Star Family's Shock Biden Claims 25:06

1M ago25:06

25:06

An Easter drama over Elevation Church, a foster family's pronoun fight, and a Gold Star family's shocking experience with President Joe Biden. On today's Higher Ground, CBN News' Tre Goins Phillips and Washington Times' Valerie Richardson join me to go behind the headlines into the minds of reporters and TV hosts covering some of the biggest faith …

1
Jackie Hill Perry on Gay Weddings, an Antisemitism Debate, and Dan Bongino's Supernatural Experience (Plus: Sam Rodriguez Joins the Show) 40:01

2M ago40:01

40:01

Should Christians attend gay weddings? And how do we make sense of Martin Luther and antisemitism? Plus, radio host Dan Bongino’s supernatural experience. Welcome to Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell. This is the first week of our exciting new format, in which we’re bringing together some of the best journalists, TV hosts, and writers who cover fa…

1
132. Spring '24 Fragrances: A Bird's Eye View (w/ Fat Mascara Co-Hosts Jenn Sullivan and Jess Matlin!) 52:49

2M ago52:49

52:49

IT'S OFFICIALLY FRAGRANCE WEEK! To celebrate, longtime friends of the pod—Jenn Sullivan and Jess Matlin, Fat Mascara Co-Hosts—are in the Perfume Room today sharing the fragrances that are exciting and intriguing them most for Spring 2024! FRAGS MENTIONED: Xinú Ummo, Parfums de Marly: Perseus, Delina; Riddle Oil, The Body Shop White Musk, Phlur Apri…

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What is ‘Progressive Christianity’ and Why Is It Dangerous? 15:02

2M ago15:02

15:02

Author and speaker Jason Jimenez tackles what he believes is one of the biggest threats to Christianity today: The hijacking of the church and dismantling of the gospels by a progressive movement to “save Jesus from the church.” Mr. Jimenez’s book, “Hijacking Jesus: How Progressive Christians are Remaking Him and Taking Over His Church,” examines t…

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131. The Untold Story of the Titanic Perfume (w/ Givaudan Head Of Product Safety Sciences Neil Owen) 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

In 2001, 62 vials of perfume were recovered from the Titanic shipwreck. Neil Owen, Head of Product Safety Sciences at Givaudan, was one of the lucky few specialists (alongside esteemed perfumers Christopher Sheldrake and Mark Evans as well as a botanist) tasked with analyzing exactly what the contents of those vials were. To whom did these vials be…

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Everything You've Been Told About 'Christian Nationalism' Is a Lie: Why the Mass Panic Must Be Called Out For Exactly What It Is 13:39

2M ago13:39

13:39

"Christian nationalism" is everywhere these days...but is it really? The term, which has a plethora of definitions, sparks emotion and chaos, but is there something else going on under the surface — something far more sinister? Fears over a purported “Christian nationalist” takeover are almost ever-present these days, but the real menace is far mor…

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130. What Makes a Perfume a Smash Hit? (w/ Chromeo's Dave 1!) 1:08:17

2M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Dave 1 is the guitarist and lead vocalist of the Grammy-nominated, Electro-Funk duo Chromeo, and he’s also a fraghead. This week he’s in the Perfume Room talking about everything from the the F-Boy scent of Paris you never saw coming, gems from his personal collection, perfumes you'll never catch him wearing, the evolution of his own taste, smells …

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Could Shocking Shifts in Atheism and Secularism Pave the Way to a Christian Revival? 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

Author and speaker Justin Brierley has spent years moderating conversations between Christians and atheists and his new book, “The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God,” highlights shocking changes in the atheistic way of thinking. He says he’s seen a reassessment “in the value of Christianity” in atheist circles that could set the stage for a Chris…

1
129. The Britney Spears Ep You've Been Waiting For (w/ @basenote_bitch Elizabeth Renstrom) 1:23:20

2M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

What's the actual best Britney fragrance? Who's the most underrated flanker of them all? Liz Renstrom (@basenote_bitch) is in the Perfume Room today and we're traveling deep into the multiverse that is: BRITNEY SPEARS FRAGRANCES to tackle all the hard questions. We've procured 12 of her 36 creations (including 6 Fantasy flankers, 3 Prerogative flan…

1
Is Surgically Transitioning Kids a Diabolical Evil? Journalist Sounds Alarm, Shares Shocking New Developments 15:21

3M ago15:21

15:21

Christian Post reporter Brandon Showalter has been on a mission to expose gender ideology, blowing the top off some of the most shocking stories of what he says is clear medical malfeasance. Listen to him reveal some stunning details and the surprising ways he believes the conversation could be turning in the right direction. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL…

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128. Following Her Nose All the Way To The Dream Job (w/ Perfumer Margaux Le Paih Guerin) 1:01:10

3M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Margaux Le Paih Geurin is a perfumer at boutique perfume house, Flair Paris. A team of just four perfumers with infinite niche perfume launches to their name, Flair is easily one of the best houses of our time, and Margaux is one to watch. In just a few years in the industry, Margaux has already seen several of her creations hit shelves, including …

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Was the 'He Gets Us' Super Bowl Ad an Abomination or an Inspiration? Co-Creator Responds to Toughest Critiques 19:31

3M ago19:31

19:31

The "He Gets Us" Super Bowl ad ignited a fury in Christian circles. Was it a helpful evangelistic tool — or a watered-down attempt at sharing the Christian Gospel? Jason Vanderground, co-creator of the "He Gets Us" campaign, sits down with Billy Hallowell to respond to some of the toughest critiques of the campaign, and to share the reason he belie…

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127. What Makes a Fragrance Sensual? (w/ Master Perfumer Honorine Blanc) 57:40

3M ago57:40

57:40

We're celebrating Valentine's Day with Master Perfumer Honorine Blanc, a perfumer especially renowned for her sensual and addictive fragrances. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, modern perfumery has two eras: B.H. and A.H. (that is, before Honorine and After), because Honorine quite literally invented a texture in perfume that before her, didn't ex…

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What Really Sparked the Asbury Revival? The True Story Behind the Historic 'Outpouring' That Transfixed the World 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

When college students at Asbury University held a 24/7 prayer and worship service last year, photos and stories almost immediately went viral. Tens of thousands of people flooded to the small town of Wilmore, Kentucky, to witness firsthand what has been called a"revival" by some and an "outpouring" by others. The powerful event, teamed with many ot…

1
126. Perfumes That Smell Like Myanmar (w/ Gabar Co-Founder Phway Su Aye) 52:18

3M ago52:18

52:18

A Third Culture Kid as she refers to herself, Phway Su Aye, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Gabar, has called many countries home. This week, she's in Perfume Room to talk about the one whose unforgettable aromas inspired her fragrance brand. Phway shares stories, rituals, and personal memories from her early childhood in Myanmar; she tells of …

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Should Christians Cancel Alistair Begg Over His LGBTQ Wedding Response? (PLUS: Is Christian Nationalism Really Raging?) 43:52

3M ago43:52

43:52

Should Christians cancel Alistair Begg over his LGBTQ wedding response? That's the question Billy Hallowell and Shane Idleman, pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship, tackle in this episode of "Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell," with the two diving headfirst into the controversial debate. PLUS: Is Christian nationalism as big of an issue as many…

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125. In Defense of the Celebrity Fragrance (w/ Flower Shop Perfume Co's Isaac Lekach and Lillian Shalom) 1:05:53

3M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Flower Shop Perfume Co’s Isaac Lekach and Lillian Shalom (also real-life husband and wife!) are in the Perfume Room today! We discuss: growing up in the industry (Isaac’s dad is former CEO of Parlux); celebrity perfume secrets; why the best perfumes are always a little bit controversial; the viral sensation that is Melanie Martinez’s Portals collec…

1
How China's Communist Party Terrorizes Christians (Plus: Finnish Politician's Persecution Nightmare) 26:45

4M ago26:45

26:45

How does China terrorize Christians? ChinaAid President and founder Bob Fu recently sat down with Higher Ground to expose some of the extreme steps the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is taking to “erase Christianity from China,” including crippling fines and imprisonment. Plus, Finnish politician Paivi Rasanen’s “1984”-esque nightmare continues to u…

1
124. The $4000/oz Everlasting Gobstopper Perfume (w/ Régime des Fleurs Creator Alia Raza) 59:43

4M ago59:43

59:43

Régime Des Fleurs Founder/Perfumer Alia Raza is in the Perfume Room today. We discuss everything from those absolutely perfect rococo bottles, to what it's like collaborating with THE Dominique Ropion, and you *know* I live-smell Nymphaea Caerulea—a perfume that at $990 for 8ML, earns the title of World's Most Expensive. SOTD: Fueguia Yakeñ & Chris…

1
Can Christians Really Vote For Trump? Pastor Tackles Biggest Objections to Former President, Delivers Candid Assessment of Good vs. Evil 26:07

4M ago26:07

26:07

Shane Idleman, founder and lead pastor of Westside Chrisitan Fellowship in Southern California, delivers a candid assessment when asked whether Christians can vote for former president Donald Trump. From morals to values — and the U.S. Supreme Court — he tackles some of the biggest issues and objections to the ex-commander-in-chief. Hear this power…

1
123. 2023 Favorites & 2024 Predictions ~ A New Year's Solo ~ 44:59

4M ago44:59

44:59

NEW YEAR, NEW SOLO. SAME PERFUME ROOM. 2023: favorite launches, most-worn fragrances, and most exciting discoveries 2024: INs and OUTs, trend predictions, and *manifestations* for the year ahead! FRAGS MENTIONED: Versatile Paris Rital Date, Masque Milano Basilica, Dior Hypnotic Poison, Kerosene Unknown Pleasures, Versatile Paris: Dimanche Flemme, C…

1
Talking Politics and Religion (Without Killing Each Other): Surviving 2024 Chaos and Corey Nathan's Journey to Faith 32:36

4M ago32:36

32:36

Entrepreneur, businessman, and podcast host Corey Nathan joins the show to discuss his journey from Judaism to Christianity and how he's learned to navigate chaotic differences in political and religious persuasions. Host of the podcast "Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other," Nathan brings a unique perspective to the conversation.…

1
'Superman' Actor Dean Can Gets Candid on God, Politics (Plus: Pastor's Bold Prayer Move Inspires) 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

Is America slated for major revival in 2024? Jesse Bradley, pastor at Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, reflects on the past year of spiritual moments, shares tips for how people can get closer to God — and reveals why it's essential to be part of a church community. Mr. Bradley also explores a powerful prayer project that's transformin…

1
Christian Persecution Rages Globally: Blasphemy Horror in Bangladesh (Plus: Pressing Updates on Nagorno-Karabakh) 20:49

5M ago20:49

20:49

There's a disturbing blasphemy case unfolding in Bangladesh as persecution rages across the globe. Plus, a pressing update on Nagorno-Karabakh) after Armenian Christians were forced out. Joel Veldkamp, head of international communications for Christian Solidarity International, joins Billy Hallowell to share the disturbing stories and explain why i…

1
'The Wonder Years' Star Danica McKellar Reveals Journey to Jesus, Powerful Reflections on the Bible 14:01

5M ago14:01

14:01

Danica McKellar is a fixture on Great American Family and has had a long career in Hollywood after her breakout role in "The Wonder Years," which ran from 1988 until 1993. Today, she's starring in positive, uplifting movies, authoring books, and sharing her newfound faith. Ms. McKellar joins Higher Ground today to discuss her powerful journey to Ch…

1
'We Live in Prophetic Times': The History of Hanukkah and End Times Bible Prophecy With TV Host Erick Stakelbeck 13:04

5M ago13:04

13:04

TV host Erick Stakelbeck believes we're truly living in "prophetic times," reflecting on the chaos in Israel and the Middle East. From discussing end-times theology to explaining the significance and history of Hanukkah, Stakelbeck, who has a new special about Hanukkah on TBN, joins Billy Hallowell for a truly thought-provoking discussion. "The mir…

1
122. The 2023 Perfume Room Holiday Gift Guide! (w/ a very special surprise guest!!) 36:24

5M ago36:24

36:24

'Tis the season for my holiday gift guide! I share all the fragrance gifts I’m coveting including stocking stuffers, candles, other scented goodies, and answer a few gift-help requests! Plus, A VERY SPECIAL GUEST make a very VERY SURPRISE appearance ;) ;) ;) SHOP MY HOLIDAY PACK: ⁠https://rb.gy/7arvgd⁠ Tune in to IG Live || Thurs 12/14 at 1P EST/10…

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Is God Taking Over Hollywood? Daddy Yankee Embraces Jesus (PLUS: Franklin Graham Responds to Hamas Horror, Progressive Reaction) 21:25

5M ago21:25

21:25

Is God taking Hollywood by storm? More and more celebrities are embracing Jesus, quitting the industry, and spreading the Christian faith. What's unfolding — and why does it matter? Plus, evangelist Franklin Graham drops by to discuss Hamas' horrific attack, his recent trip to Israel, and what he believes is truly unfolding right now. FOLLOW BILLY …

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121. This Smells Like War and Dirty Dollars (w/ Toskovat Creator David-Lev Jipa-Slivinschi) 57:02

5M ago57:02

57:02

Toskovat Founder and Perfume-Maker David-Lev Jipa-Slivinschi is in the Perfume Room today. With fragrance pyramids comprised of accords like credit card, dirty dollar, priest's clothes, blood, and plastic bag, Toskovat fragrances beg the question: are all perfumes meant to be worn? FRAGS MENTIONED: Diptyque Benjoin Boheme, Serge Lutens Santal Majas…

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How Candace Cameron Bure Found Jesus: Actress Shares Incredible Journey to Hollywood, Why Faith Is Central to Her Life 31:52

6M ago31:52

31:52

It's no secret Candace Cameron Bure, star of "Full House," "Fuller House," and a slew of Christmas movies is an outspoken Christian. She joins this week's "Higher Ground" to share her path to faith — and Hollywood. FOLLOW BILLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA: - Follow Billy on Twitter - Follow Billy on Instagram - Follow Billy on Facebook…

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120. Wear This Perfume For Good Luck (w/ Marissa Zappas & Ruby McCollister) 54:55

6M ago54:55

54:55

Longtime friends and tastemakers Marissa Zappas + Ruby McCollister are in the Perfume Room today discussing their latest collaboration: a fragrance called Tragedy. Marissa, the perfumer behind all the Internet’s cult-fav perfumes, & Ruby, an actress and comedian you may know from Search Party, High Maintenance and Curb Your Enthusiasm, have joined …

1
119. From Bass to Base Notes (w/ DJ + Fragrance Entrepreneur Zernell Gillie) 55:48

6M ago55:48

55:48

Internationally-known DJ, Entrepreneur, and now Fragrance Founder Zernell Gillie is in the Perfume Room! As a lifelong fragrance collector, in 2022, Zernell decided to combine his two greatest passions to launch an eponymous fragrance line. With extraits at a whopping 50% concentration, and fragrances all inspired by different genres of music, it's…

1
Hamas Hostage's Mother Shares Family's Unimaginable Pain, Recounts Horrific Oct. 7 Terror Attack 21:15

6M ago21:15

21:15

The mother of a Hamas hostage is speaking out about her family's pain, what unfolded on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, and what she's been feeling and experiencing. Doris Liber has spoken with politicians and the public since her son, 26-year-old Guy Illouzm was taken hostage. She and her family have no idea about his whereabouts or health stat…

1
Hollywood Stars Deliver Stunning Messages on Faith, Hope, Forgiveness: Roma Downey, Rob Schneider 25:31

6M ago25:31

25:31

Two Hollywood stars are the voice of reason this week: Roma Downey and Rob Schneider. Schneider offers a powerful message of forgiveness and Downey joins "Higher Ground" to talk about her new book, the importance of protecting kids from the chaos in our world, and how she navigated life's struggles through faith. Listen to the "Touched By an Angel"…

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118. Jurassic Park, but for Perfume (w/ Future Society Founder Jasmina Aganovic) 54:01

6M ago54:01

54:01

You know naturals; you know synthetics; but do you know *bio-engineered materials?* Through her biotech fragrance brand, Future Society, Jasmina Aganovic (Founder & CEO) is resurrecting extinct smells through DNA sequencing, and introducing this novel 3rd category of fragrance materials into the conversation. FRAGS MENTIONED: MAISON d’ETTO: Rotano,…

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