BEEF with Bridget Todd

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Adrián Duston-Muñoz chats with retired Air Force General Pete Worden about the rough road of innovation, the importance of never compromising your principles, and the search of intelligent life beyond our world. Dr. S. “Pete” Worden, (Brig Gen, USAF, Ret, PhD) is Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation and Executive Director of the foundation’s ‘Breakthrough Initiatives’. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Michigan and a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Arizona. After several US Air Force positions and a research professorship in astronomy at the University of Arizona, Dr. Worden was Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center until retiring on March 31, 2015. From 2017 to the present, Brigadier General Worden is an Advisor to the Luxembourg Space Agency and was appointed as a Knight-Commander of the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 2018 for his space services. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Max Wolfson interviews cultural historian Evan Lovett about the beautiful diversity of Los Angeles, the problems inherent in its growth into metropolis, and price of greatness. Evan Lovett is a former staff writer for the LA Times and the creator of the show “LA In A Minute,” dedicated to presenting the history and culture of Los Angeles' neighborhoods, infrastructure, culture, and cuisine. He’s also the host of the podcast In A Minute with Evan Lovett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Adrián Duston-Muñoz interviews his father, physicist Dr. Dwight Duston, about the internal politicals of government agencies, the future of space exploration and innovation's desperate need for rulebreakers. Dr. Dwight Duston has pursued a diversified 35-year professional career as a research scientist, technology manager, university professor, inventor and entrepreneur. He has managerial and technical expertise in a wide range of technologies in multiple industries, including defense, aerospace, bio-medical lasers, medical imaging, displays and ophthalmics.He started as a research scientist at the US Naval Research Laboratory in the area of plasma physics, radiation, laser fusion and nuclear weapons simulation, and has more than 25 technical publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Advancing to technology management mid-career, Dr. Duston is former director of the Technology Division for the U.S. Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (now, the US Missile Defense Agency), popularly known as the “Star Wars” program. At the Pentagon, he managed research and development programs in structural and electronic materials, optics, lasers, particle beams, high-speed processing, imaging sensors, power, and propulsion. His office launched over 15 space missions during his tenure, including Clementine, the first space probe to discover ice on the moon. While at SDIO, he also managed the Congressionally-mandated Free Electron Laser Medical Program, the Small Business Innovation Research program, and SDI’s Technology Transfer Office. He has served on advisory panels to several other agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (digital mammography), NASA, DARPA and the Departments of Energy and Commerce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Futuristic technology and feuding federal agencies.  This week on Beef, NASA and the U.S Defense Department’s Ballistic Missile Defense Organization fight over the future of space exploration. Check out General Pete Worden's Breakthrough Initiatives Hosted by ⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠ Written by Adrián Duston-Muñoz Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Dr. Richard Abels travels back the late Medieval period with European religious history scholar Dr. Cecilia Gaposchkin to discuss the structure of the Catholic Church at the time, the legitmacy of power, and egos so big they change the world. Dr. Cecilia Gaposchkin received her Ph.D. from Berkeley in 2001. She works on late medieval cultural history, and has published on the crusades, on the Capetians (the kings of France between 987 and 1328), on kingship, and on liturgy. Her most recent book is Vexilla Regis: Liturgy and Relics at the Sainte Chapelle in the Thirteenth Century  (CNRS: 2022).  She is also the author of Invisible Weapons: Liturgy and the Making of Crusade Ideology  (Cornell UP, 2017), The Making of Saint Louis (IX) of France: Kingship, Sanctity and Crusade in the Later Middle Ages (Cornell UP, 2008), Blessed Louis, The Most Glorious of Kings: Texts relating to the Cult of Saint Louis of France (Notre Dame: 2012; translations done with Phyllis Katz), and, with Sean Field and Larry Field, The Sanctity of Louis IX: Early Lives of Saint Louis by Geoffrey of Beaulieu and William of Chartres (Cornell UP: 2014), and The Deeds of Philip Augustus : An English Translation of Rigord's "Gesta Phillipi Augusti" (Cornell UP: 2022). She is now working on a study of liturgy and ceremony in thirteenth-century Paris, and another on the long history of the Cross Invincible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Max Wolfson dives in the deep end with water expert Dr. Brent Haddad to explore the exploitation of our natural resources, Southern California's shifting relationship to its drinking water, and the possible innovations in resource management that the future may hold. Dr. Brent Haddad has over 20 years of experience in the field of water and wastewater. In addition to leading the Center, he is Associate Dean of Engineering for Technology Management and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, teaching courses on environmental policy and economics and fresh water policy. Professor Haddad holds an M.B.A. in Business & Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Energy and Resources. Professor Haddad’s research focuses on fresh water policy and management, including urban water management strategies, utility-stakeholder communications, and long-range planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Max Wolfson talks with former professional basketball player turned color commentator Len Elmore about the history of the sport, the changes to it over time, and the what it takes to have an impact long after your career has come to an end. Len Elmore was a center and power forward in the NBA and ABA from 1974 to 1984, playing for such teams as the Indiana Pacers, Kansas City Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks. In 2002, he was honored as one of the 50 greatest players in ACC history. And since retiring from the league, he's provided color commentary for CBS, Fox Sports and ESPN.  He also is a member of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, and teaches at Columbia University's Master of Science Program in Sports Management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, showrunner Pete Musto chats with psychology professor Richard Wiseman about the nature of belief, the mechanics of deception, and the staying power of alternative religious views. Richard Wiseman is a professor of psychology with a PhD from the University of Edinburgh who has written numerous books on the subject. As a young man he performed as street magician for several years, and has written several books on that subject, including Magic Your Mind Happy, Hocus Pocus: Science, Magic & Mystery, and David Copperfield’s History of Magic, which he co-authored. Professor Wiseman also has a particular interest in debunking paranormal phenomena, as he is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the author of Paranormality: Why We See What Isn’t There. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shakespeare’s tragedy about an unwelcome outsider who uses his genius to destroy his enemies before they destroy him. Translated into modern English verse by Migdalia Cruz and set in San Francisco at the height of the Latin Punk movement, directed by Lisa Rothe with original music composition and Sound Design by David Molina and Lindsay Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 28, 1192 the newly elected king of Jerusalem Conrad of Montferrat was assassinated in the streets of the city of Tyre by two Assassins, the name by which the Crusaders knew the Nizari Isma'ili Shi'a sect in Syria.  The killers had acted in obedience to the leader of the Assassins, the Old Man of the Mountain Rashid al-Din Sinan.  That much is known.  On whose behalf the Old Man of the Mountain acted, however, was and remains an open question. Was it Guy of Lusignan, who had ruled the Kingdom of Jerusalem as consort of Princess Sibylla until her death and was the man that Conrad defeated in the disputed election?  Or was it Guy's main supporter for the throne, Richard the Lionheart of England?  Or perhaps it was Saladin to create confusion and dissension among the leaders of the Third Crusade? Or maybe it was Rashid al-Din Sinan himself to avenge Conrad's actions against the sect of Assassins?  In this episode Richard and Ellen discuss the murder of Conrad of Montferrat, the Assassins as revealed in history and videogames, and the turbulent politics that nearly destroyed the Kingdom of Jerusalem and threatened to fragment the Third Crusade. Please join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solid face slaps and the separation of Church and State. This week on Beef, the infamous Pope Boniface VIII and France’s King Philip the Fair face off for ultimate power in this world and the hereafter. Follow Dr. Cecilia Gaposchkin's research here! Hosted by ⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠ Written by Dr. Richard Abels Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Adrián Duston-Muñoz interviews science & technology journalist Jesse Hicks about the early days of chemistry, modern ideas of intellectual property, and the morality behind the things we put in our bodies. Jesse Hicks is a long-time writer and editor who typically focuses on science, healthy, technology, and politics, having published in Vice, Men's Health, Harper's, Politico, The New Republic, and other venues, both online and print. He served as one of the first features editors following the launch of The Verge, and I edited The Kernel after it became the "Sunday magazine" (a showcase for long-form feature writing about internet culture) of The Daily Dot. He's reviewed comics, movies, and books for PopMatters, covered the Guantanamo Bay 9/11 trial from Fort Meade for Vice, reported on the Chelsea Manning trial for The Verge, and written features on outsider technology artist Mark Pauline and on Terry Davis, the schizophrenic computer programmer who built an operating system to talk to god. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dietary alternatives and dubious morals. This week on Beef, chemistry pioneers Ira Remsen and Constantin Fahlberg turn a lab accident into a supposedly safer sugar substitute. Check out Jesse Hicks' writing on his website! Hosted by ⁠Bridget Todd⁠ Written by Adrián Duston-Muñoz Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, writer Max Wolfson chops it up with comedian Talib Babb about NBA conspiracies, the importance of basketball's pioneers, and the never-ending GOAT conversation. Talib Babb is a Brooklyn-based stand-up comedian, actor, producer and writer for ESPN Creative Works, who's also written for The New Yorker and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Basketball innovators and bosom buddies turned enemies. This week on Beef, early NBA superstars Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain bring the ruckus on and off court, changing rules, breaking records and challenging the culture. Learn more about Len Emore's fascinating career from the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. Follow Talib Babb's comedy and writing on Instagram. Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠⁠⁠ Written by Max Wolfson Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, we want to introduce you to recent guest Alex Keledjian's podcast How I Got Greenlit. Season 4 of show launches on YouTube on Thursday, August 21! Alex Keledjian Alex Keledjian is the creator of Project Greenlight, a documentary television series where executive producers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck gave first-time filmmakers a chance to direct their first feature film.   In 2018, Alex wrote and directed the film High Voltage starring David Arquette and Luke Wilson. MAX launched the latest season of the Emmy-nominated TV series Project Greenlight from executive producer Issa Rae and Miramax Television in July 2023. How I Got Greenlit ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠Podlink⁠ Credits Alex Keledjian, Host Sam Levin, Co-Host & Editor Pete Musto, Producer Jeremiah Tittle, Producer Experience more of How I Got Greenlit via ncpodcasts.com For guest inquiries, sponsorships, and all other magnificent concerns, please reach How I Got Greenlit via howIgotgreenlit@gmail.com For inquiries and more information on Next Chapter Podcasts info@ncpodcasts.com New episodes go live every Thursday. Please subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Viking ancestors and various forms of preserved fish. This week on Beef, the Nordic nations of Denmark and Sweden share a  centuries-long love-hate relationship involving meatballs, soccer, and a swimming moose. Check out our Danish listener Janni's beautiful artwork on her website! Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠⁠⁠ Written by Rebecka Green Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Furious Germans and filmmaking fanaticism. This week on Beef, iconic director Werner Herzog and his unhinged leading man Klaus Kinski go toe-to-toe over the course of five films, creating breathtaking art along the way. Listen to Alex Keledjian's insightful and informative movie-making podcast ⁠How I Got Greenlit⁠ and watch his film ⁠High Voltage⁠. Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠⁠ Written by Max Wolfson Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our latest piece of bonus content, showrunner Pete Musto sits down with celebrated stage illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer to discuss performance magic versus charlatanism, the nature of deceit and the power of Harry Houdini's presence. The London Telegraph called Jim Steinmeyer “Broadway’s greatest stage illusionist,” and he’s served as a magic consultant for such legendary acts as Siegfried and Roy, Lance Burton, Orson Welles, Harry Blackstone, The Pendragons, Simon Drake, Ricky Jay, and David Copperfield, for whom he designed the famous “Vanishing Statue of Liberty” illusion in 1983. He’s written numerous books about magic and magicians, including “Hiding the Elephant,” “The Glorious Deception,” “The Last Greatest Magician in the World,” and “The Secret History of Magic.” He gives frequent talks and has appeared in documentaries and numerous television shows on the history and techniques of magic.  And from 2018 to 2020, Jim served as President of the Academy of Magical Arts, the club at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and served on the Board of Directors for seven years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paranormal forces and petty grudges. This week on Beef, history’s most famous magician Harry Houdini turns grief into fuel for getting even with the dubious 19th and early 20th century Spiritualist movement, in the conclusion to his obsessive crusade. Learn more about Jim Steinmeyer's incredible career and one-of-kind design work ⁠at his website⁠. And order a copy of Prof. Richard Wiseman's book ⁠Paranormality: Why We See What Isn't There ⁠ Hosted by ⁠⁠Bridget Todd⁠⁠ Written by Nicole Walkow-Benedi Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by James "Sam" Levine Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Find out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at ⁠⁠nextchapterpodcasts.com⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices