This was such a captivating conversation! I was so excited to welcome back Gregory Dizzia, co-founder of the Cosmos University, for our third deep dive into the mysteries that bridge ancient wisdom and modern science. From the moment we started, it was clear we were on the trail of uncovering things that truly challenge our understanding of history and the "magic" that once permeated it.

Greg shared the incredible origin story of Cosmos University, born from his lifelong fascination with alternative archaeology and the vast gap between conventional scientific understanding and profound spiritual or folkloric claims. We explored how seemingly "magical" properties of materials, like those attributed to precious stones or even common garlic, might have a verifiable scientific basis. For example, Greg broke down the mythical power of Solomon's Ring (5:00), explaining how its combination of silver, brass, and emerald could, in fact, leverage bioenergy, potential differences, and piezoelectric properties to "mess with the ether." It made me realize: **what we call "magic" today might simply be science we haven't yet understood or explained in modern terms** (38:31). We also discussed how ancient civilizations likely knew this, but chose to explain it in poetic rather than scientific terms.

But the conversation truly took a mind-bending turn when we delved into our deep dive on the Book of Enoch. Greg revealed connections that left me speechless. He uncovered a prophecy within the book describing a 10,000-year period until "guilt is consummated." When aligning this ancient text with scientific flood dates, the timeline incredibly points to a momentous event like Christ's crucifixion (51:00) a discovery that sent shivers down my spine.

Even more astounding was our discussion on the "Shepherd's Vision" (1:13:48). Enoch foresees 35 "good" leaders, followed by a 36th whose flock becomes corrupted. Greg's meticulous research revealed an uncanny parallel with the succession of Catholic Popes: 35 early Popes canonized as saints, followed by Pope Liberius, the 36th, whose tumultuous reign and the subsequent rise of Pope Damasus (often associated with the Council of Laodicea, which established strict new rules and a fixed canon of biblical texts around 1:20:00) profoundly reshaped Christianity. It made me wonder: **could these ancient texts contain truths so monumental that they remain hidden or dismissed even today, perhaps even within the secretive archives of the Vatican?** (1:27:13).

We also touched on critical contemporary issues, from the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancements like AI-driven dream manipulation to the overwhelming "spam of information" in our digital age. Greg compellingly argued that perhaps we're not "reinventing the wheel," but rather rediscovering truths once widely known, now obscured by time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the hidden layers of history, the science behind the mystical, and the urgent need for open-mindedness in understanding our past. Greg's insights are not just thought-provoking; they're truly paradigm-shifting. I guarantee you'll want to re-evaluate everything you thought you knew!

Welcome to a truly extraordinary episode where I sit down with Max, a man whose life story defies conventional paths and radiates an infectious curiosity. From the moment we started, I was captivated by his candidness, beginning with the fascinating reason behind changing his birth name to "Max" upon arriving in America (0:07) – a decision rooted in practicality and a touch of old Hollywood cool.

Max's journey began in a small German town, but his heart beat to an American rhythm, fueled by a deep love for blues, bluegrass, and the gritty allure of 40s noir literature (3:06). His early fascination wasn't just a hobby; it was a compass, guiding him to major in American literature and, ultimately, to New York City in 1989 as a journalist (16:04). His account of those initial months, living next to Katherine Hepburn and defying expectations to stay in the US, felt like something out of a movie. I loved hearing about his unique journalistic assignments, including riding Route 66 four times, which led to a bestselling book and an award-winning CD-ROM (20:49)!

One of my biggest takeaways was Max's belief that America liberates the spirit, fostering an environment where "audacity is encouraged" (43:10) and failure is seen as a stepping stone. This contrasts sharply with the stifling mindset he observed in Europe, a point I deeply resonated with as someone who believes in "fail culture" not just as a concept but as a lived experience. We also delved into his surprising cultural shocks, particularly around social interactions (31:36), and his deep appreciation for American diner culture (36:40), which he fondly calls "the democratic restaurant of the new world."

But Max's story doesn't stop there. Disillusioned with journalism after a major scandal (58:00), he completely reinvented himself, first as a children's apparel entrepreneur, then as a winemaker. A personal decision to stop drinking alcohol led to his most recent, incredibly innovative project: Glass Rose, a line of sparkling non-alcoholic beverages made from unfermented grapes (1:30:15). It’s a testament to his boundless creativity and willingness to embrace new challenges, even at 66 years old. His definition of "home" as an "emotion" (1:42:25) beautifully encapsulates his entire journey.

Join me for an inspiring conversation that explores chasing dreams, embracing change, and finding home not in a place, but within yourself.

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Wells Jones, a man whose life story is nothing short of an epic adventure. Wells, along with his partner Miles Spencer, embarked on an audacious journey in 2006, retracing T.E. Lawrence's path through the Middle East. What truly captivated me wasn't just the destination, but the sheer, mind-boggling preparation that went into it.

Imagine spending eight months preparing for a trip through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria – not as soldiers, but as civilians, in the volatile post-9/11 era. Wells shares how they had to draft wills, secure international kidnap and ransom insurance, and even undergo specialized conflict and risk assessment training (04:05), led by a former SAS major who once guarded Princes Harry and William. It's truly a testament to their commitment!

Their adventure was a fascinating blend of historical exploration and cutting-edge (for 2006!) technology. I was absolutely amazed to hear about their Motorola Razr phones, a satellite phone that doubled as a weapon (07:39), and their Panasonic Toughbook – which I promptly Googled – powered by a roll-out solar panel. And get this: they even had a Broadband Global Access Network (BGAN) terminal for *satellite internet in the desert* (13:34)! This wasn't just a trip; it was a self-contained, high-tech expedition into the unknown.

Beyond the gear, Wells shares deeply personal encounters: the chaotic border crossings at gunpoint (20:57), the surprising welcome from Saudi citizens, including Prince Khalid bin Faisal himself, who apologized for 9/11 (26:44). But the most profoundly moving moment for me was hearing about their driver, Mahmoud, a Palestinian whose visceral hatred for Israel was palpable during a tense checkpoint encounter (36:35), and the raw, tearful confession of a Saudi friend whose own village produced 9/11 terrorists (1:11:03). These stories aren't just history; they're heart-wrenching human experiences.

Wells and Miles later penned the incredible book, *A Line in the Sand*, which, as I discovered, masterfully blends historical accuracy with captivating fiction, including a time-travel device to revisit pivotal moments. My key takeaway from Wells's wisdom is his emphasis on "graciousness" as a universal language (49:56) and his message to the next generation: trust yourself, fully engage with where you are, cultivate curiosity, and *take action*.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that understanding comes from truly listening and immersing yourself in different cultures, not just from headlines. Dive in and prepare to be inspired!