David reflects on a range of recent events, both global and personal, with his signature blend of analysis and anecdote.

David dives straight into the escalating Iran-Israel war, discussing its complexities, Iran's potential nuclear program, and his hopes for regime change in Iran from within the people, paving the way for democracy and tourism in ancient Persia.

He then shifts focus to the concerning incidents involving Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including a recent tragic crash and another technical issue, which sparks a broader critique of corporate culture.

On a lighter, more personal note, David recounts his recent experience at his daughter's dance and gymnastics showcase – an unexpectedly long affair! This leads to a relatable tale of modern fatherhood and his passion for Gaelic football, including an update on County Armagh's fortunes in the All-Ireland Championship.

Finally, David shares a very recent and personal story about spending Father's Day in the Emergency Department with his daughter after a head injury. He describes watching Disney films like Aladdin and Snow White in the waiting room, turning a stressful situation into a unique bonding experience.

This episode of Ponderland offers David's unique perspective on geopolitical tensions, corporate ethics, the joys and challenges of parenthood, and the unexpected moments that shape our lives.

Connect with Ponderland:

• Visit David's Substack for more insights & writing: The Ponderings | David Kelly | Substack
• Follow David on X (Twitter): @PonderlandLife
• Join the conversation on Instagram: @PonderlandLife
• Catch the visual ponderings on TikTok: @ponderlandlife
• email: david@ponderland.life

Support Ponderland:

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Copyright: © 2025 Ponderland. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Ponderland, Episode 54! Recorded on June 4th, 2025, this episode opens with Jane's Addiction's "Sympathy for the Devil," a choice David explains as he delves into what he considers the most intolerable situation in the world: the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

David lays bare the grim realities: the dire lack of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, the reported killings of Palestinians at aid points, and the concerning White House criticism of the BBC's reporting integrity. He strongly recommends listening to recent episodes of The Free State podcast (featuring Doctor McMonagle, who describes Gaza as "worse than hell") and The News Agents podcast for harrowing firsthand accounts of the famine and medical crisis. David condemns the blockade and the alleged tactics, highlighting disproportionate casualties, particularly among children, and calls out the lack of credible justification for the suffering.

The conversation then takes a profound philosophical turn, connecting the atrocities in Gaza to the concept of evil. David ponders whether a devil or a source of evil could take human form and orchestrate such events, observing it all unfold. This leads to a chilling discussion about Jimmy Savile, the disgraced UK entertainer, and his chilling philosophy of accumulating "good credits" to manipulate his way into heaven despite his horrific abuses—a "loophole" reminiscent of the film Dogma. David suggests a dark parallel, questioning if Savile's actions were an "in-your-face" challenge to higher powers, mirroring a similar calculated cruelty seen in Gaza.

Finally, David shares a truly disturbing anecdote about Israeli drones reportedly luring Palestinians with crying baby sounds to target them. The episode closes with a brief personal update, acknowledging the stark contrast of his own life compared to the horrors he discusses, as he heads off to a football match.

This is a raw, intense, and deeply personal episode of Ponderland, urging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the nature of evil in our world.

Connect with Ponderland:

• Visit David's Substack for more insights & writing: The Ponderings | David Kelly | Substack
• Follow David on X (Twitter): @PonderlandLife
• Join the conversation on Instagram: @PonderlandLife
• Catch the visual ponderings on TikTok: @ponderlandlife
• email: david@ponderland.life

Support Ponderland:

• Subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more curious minds.
• Share this episode with a friend who loves to ponder!

Copyright: © 2025 Ponderland. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Ponderland, Episode 53! Recorded on May 28th, 2025, David dedicates this entire episode to a fascinating deep dive into Council Bluffs, Iowa. Inspired by a listener from this very city, David embarks on a journey to uncover its rich history and unique character.

Before delving into Council Bluffs, David gives a quick update on the English Premier League – including a lament about Manchester United's worst-ever finish and a brief, condemning mention of a disturbing incident at Liverpool's title celebrations. He also reiterates his stance on the ongoing Gaza situation, advocating for a two-state solution.

The main focus, however, is Council Bluffs. Drawing from research (including insights from Google Gemini!), David reveals:

• Its pivotal role as the "Gateway to the West" and a terminus for the Transcontinental Railroad.
• Key historical milestones, from Lewis and Clark's council with Native Americans to its days as Kanesville and its connection to Mormon settlers.
• Notable figures who called Council Bluffs home, including Amelia Jenks Bloomer (the suffragist who popularized bloomers!) and Dr. Lee DeForest, known as the "Father of Radio" – a direct precursor to podcasting!
• A captivating exploration of Council Bluffs folklore and unique stories, such as the mysterious Black Angel statue, the eerie Squirrel Cage Jail (reportedly haunted!), the city's beloved black squirrels, and the unexplained Big Lake Park Fireball incident of 1977.

This episode is a testament to the unexpected history and intrigue hidden in plain sight. Tune into Ponderland Ep 53 for a captivating journey through the past and present of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Connect with Ponderland:

• Visit David's Substack for more insights & writing: The Ponderings | David Kelly | Substack
• Follow David on X (Twitter): @PonderlandLife
• Join the conversation on Instagram: @PonderlandLife
• Catch the visual ponderings on TikTok: @ponderlandlife
• email: david@ponderland.life

Support Ponderland:

• Subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us reach more curious minds.
• Share this episode with a friend who loves to ponder!

Copyright: © 2025 Ponderland. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.