Newt's World

Newt talks with Tom Sullam, co-founder of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, about a unique photography contest that captures humorous moments of animals in their natural habitats. The awards aim to promote wildlife conservation and sustainable living through humor, encouraging empathy and engagement with biodiversity preservation. Tom shares his journey from corporate work to wildlife photography, sparked by a move to Tanzania, and highlights the importance of small steps in conservation efforts. The CWPA contest is free to enter, invites photographers worldwide to submit their funny wildlife images, with categories for different types of animals and a special focus on youth participation. The awards have gained global attention, with exhibitions showcasing the images and supporting conservation charities. Tom emphasizes the accessibility of wildlife photography, encouraging patience and creativity, and notes the role of humor in fostering a positive connection with nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Ryan McDermott about his new book, "Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet," which chronicles his journey from leading an infantry platoon during the 2003 Iraq invasion to navigating the 2008 financial crisis and dealing with personal challenges like PTSD. McDermott, a U.S. Army veteran and current senior director of National Security Policy at the Aerospace Industries Association, shares his motivations for writing the book, including catharsis and raising awareness about veterans' struggles. He reflects on his experiences at West Point, the emotional toll of combat, and the transition to civilian life, including his time at Lehman Brothers during its collapse. McDermott emphasizes the importance of family and introspection, hoping his story will resonate with others facing similar challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Dr. Eric Topol about his new book, "Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity." They discuss the revolution in human longevity driven by medical breakthroughs, highlighting the importance of addressing chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration earlier in life. Dr. Topol emphasizes a broader definition of a healthy lifestyle, incorporating factors such as pollution, loneliness, and social connection. He advocates for personalized nutrition over a one-size-fits-all approach and warns against the dangers of ultra-processed foods, which contribute to inflammation and age-related diseases. Their conversation also addresses the role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare from a reactive system to one focused on prevention, utilizing AI to assess individual risks and promote healthy aging. Dr. Topol discusses the significance of deep sleep, nature exposure, and social interactions in maintaining mental and physical health. Their discussion concludes with a call to action for a healthcare revolution, prioritizing prevention and lifestyle changes to extend health span and reduce healthcare costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, D.C., about President Trump’s four-day, three-nation visit to the Middle East this week. President Trump's visit marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, focusing on economic engagement and regional security. During his trip, Trump announced multi-billion dollar deals with Gulf nations, including a major order for Boeing jets from Qatar, signaling a strong U.S. commitment to the region. The President’s visit also included lifting sanctions on Syria and meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Trump administration's renewed diplomacy with Iran aims to forge a more comprehensive and lasting nuclear agreement, amidst ongoing regional tensions. Berman highlights Trump's transformational approach, prioritizing economic opportunities and strategic partnerships over traditional nation-building efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Jessica Jackson, a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and CEO of REFORM Alliance. They discuss REFORM’s mission to transform the criminal justice system, particularly probation and parole, to reduce incarceration rates and improve reentry into society. Jessica shares her personal journey, which began with her former husband's incarceration, and highlights the systemic failures she witnessed. REFORM Alliance, founded with the support of high-profile figures like Meek Mill, Jay-Z, and Robert Kraft, aims to implement common-sense solutions that enhance public safety and support individuals transitioning from supervision to productive lives. They discuss the success of the First Step Act, which significantly reduced recidivism rates, and the upcoming Safer Supervision Act, designed to modernize federal supervision practices. Jessica introduces the "You Belong" initiative, encouraging community integration for those on supervision, and emphasizes the importance of Second Chance Month in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Italian journalist and bestselling author, Aldo Cazzullo, about his new book, “The Neverending Empire: The Infinite Impact of Ancient Rome.” They discuss the enduring influence of the Roman Empire on modern Western civilization and the United States. Cazzullo argues that the Roman Empire's legacy is evident in American democracy, architecture, and cultural symbols, asserting that the empire never truly fell but continues to live on. He highlights the parallels between Rome and the United States, such as the use of the eagle as a symbol and the strategic approach to turning defeated enemies into allies. They discuss the resilience and integration strategies of ancient Rome, the impact of Julius Caesar and Augustus, and the conversion of Rome to Christianity. Cazzullo emphasizes the importance of Rome's dream of universal peace and governance, suggesting that the United States is uniquely positioned to fulfill this vision today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the potential crises between China and Taiwan with Dr. Weifeng Zhong, a senior advisor at the America First Policy Institute and an affiliate scholar at the Mercatus Center. Dr. Zhong leads the open-source Policy Change Index project, which uses AI and machine learning to analyze propaganda texts and predict government actions. Their conversation explores the Chinese Communist Party's attitude towards Taiwan, the role of propaganda in shaping public sentiment, and the implications of China's domestic challenges on its foreign policy. Dr. Zhong highlights the importance of monitoring changes in propaganda to understand Beijing's intentions and discusses the potential impact of economic weakness on China's approach to Taiwan. They also discuss the use of AI in analyzing North Korean propaganda and the broader implications of Chinese technology in global surveillance. Dr. Zhong's insights provide a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical dynamics in the Taiwan Strait and the role of AI in predicting potential conflicts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Roberts, President of The Heritage Foundation and author of "Dawn's Early Light," dives into President Trump's significant first 100 days in office. They discuss achievements in border security and economic growth, while challenging traditional views with an emphasis on merit over diversity quotas. Roberts analyzes the potential for a Trump-driven economic boom and the urgent need for Congress to act on tax cuts. Their conversation highlights the broader implications of Trump's presidency on American politics and the revitalization of the conservative movement.

Newt’s guest is Vincent Vernuccio, president and co-founder of the Institute for the American Worker. They discuss the significant labor policy developments and legislative efforts aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors. Their conversation covers the introduction of the Start Applying Labor Transparency (SALT) Act, which seeks to amend the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 to ensure greater transparency in financial transactions between unions and labor consultants. Vernuccio also explains the implications of President Trump's executive action, Schedule F, which aims to make certain federal employees at-will to enhance accountability. They also discuss the challenges posed by public sector unions and the potential impact of Senator Josh Hawley's Faster Labor Contracts Act, which could impose arbitration on private sector union negotiations. Vernuccio emphasizes the need for modernizing union models to align with today's workforce demands for flexibility and merit-based advancement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Anthony Esposito, founder and CEO of Island Capital Investments, about the current stock market volatility, the Federal Reserve's role, and the impact of tariffs. Esposito shares insights from his technical analysis model, predicting a bear market and emphasizing the need for structural economic changes. He critiques past and present Federal Reserve policies, highlighting the importance of focusing on price stability. Their conversation also covers the broader implications of tariffs and trade deficits, suggesting that the U.S. is poised for significant economic growth due to substantial onshoring and investment. Esposito underscores the importance of objective market analysis and shares his investment strategy, which currently leans towards short positions until market conditions stabilize.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.