8.7.25 Pressuring Brazil, regulating venomous vipers, and spiritual growth on the highway

Summary

The World and Everything In It – August 7, 2025 Episode Summary

Hosted by WORLD Radio, "The World and Everything In It" delivers comprehensive news coverage, insightful interviews, and expert analyses grounded in biblical principles. In the August 7, 2025 episode titled "Pressuring Brazil, regulating venomous vipers, and spiritual growth on the highway," the program explores significant international relations, local legislative debates, personal transformation stories, and cultural controversies.

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1. US Tariffs and Sanctions on Brazil

The episode opens with a deep dive into the escalating tensions between the United States and Brazil. Myrna Brown introduces the topic by highlighting that the new tariffs on Brazil extend beyond mere trade concerns, indicating "political overreach" (00:06). Cal Thomas elaborates, stating, "Trump does not want to see Brazil become another Venezuela" (00:11), underscoring the strategic motivations behind the US administration's actions.

Emma Freyer, a World reporter, provides detailed coverage on how the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on various Brazilian products and sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act (07:44). This move targets individuals deemed responsible for human rights abuses or corruption. Cal Thomas reinforces the severity of these measures, explaining, "Any person or business who operates in the United States cannot sell or buy from Alejandro de Moraes or send money to him" (08:47).

The sanctions also extend to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces charges of attempting to overturn his electoral defeat in 2022. Mark Mellinger reports President Trump's threats to strip Washington, D.C. of local governance if the city's leaders don't address the rising crime rates, reflecting the administration's broader approach to governance and law enforcement (05:36). The episode highlights the potential economic fallout, with Cal Thomas warning, "Tariffs will be just awful for the businesses," predicting a loss of up to 50,000 jobs (12:14).

Local Brazilian perspectives are presented through Thiago Albrecht, a city council member from Rio Grande do Sul, who voices concerns about the tariffs' impact on ordinary Brazilians: "De Moraes has been acting like a tyrant, but he fears the burden of the tariffs will fall on ordinary Brazilians" (12:32). The narrative encapsulates the complex interplay between international diplomacy, economic policy, and domestic repercussions in Brazil.

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2. Regulating Venomous Reptiles in South Carolina

Transitioning to domestic issues, Myrna Brown and Mary Muncie report on South Carolina's legislative efforts to regulate the ownership of venomous reptiles (14:20-20:19). Jackson Sharp, owner of Renegade Reptiles in Westminster, South Carolina, represents small business owners opposing the proposed Venomous Reptiles Act. Displaying his collection, Sharp argues against restrictive laws, stating, "They’re my pets, you know" (14:22), and criticizes Georgia's previous stringent regulations as "stripping freedoms from individuals" (15:44).

Representative Cal Forrest supports the legislation, emphasizing public safety concerns: "For people that are going into homes and areas coming into contact with venomous snakes that they're not prepared to come into contact with" (17:18). The bill aims to ban private possession of exotic and venomous reptiles, allowing only qualified institutions like zoos and research facilities to own them. Jeffrey French from North Greenville University warns of environmental risks, comparing the situation to the Burmese python infestation in the Everglades and stressing that "the more the system fails when an environmental change happens" (19:11).

The debate balances the interests of pet owners and wildlife experts, with Jackson Sharp expressing frustration over potential job losses and personal freedoms: "Tariffs will be just awful for the businesses," (12:14) and "I have to accept laws for being a snake owner" (19:47). Conversely, wildlife officials like Will Dillman advocate for the necessary regulations to prevent accidents and protect native ecosystems: "Keeping humans and animals safe requires setting new ground rules" (20:07).

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3. Spiritual Growth on the Highway: Aaron Cole's Transformation

A poignant human interest story features Aaron Cole, a truck driver who found profound spiritual growth while navigating the nation's highways. Lauren Canterbury narrates Cole's journey from a troubled past to a faith-driven life. After a 16-year career in the Air Force and a subsequent layoff, Cole sought solace in trucking, stating, "I just decided I'm going to try driving a truck" (23:15). His involvement with a local church and online Bible studies marked the beginning of his spiritual awakening.

One pivotal moment came when Cole watched a live-streamed church service, leading to a heartfelt confession: "I'll follow [God] as long as it doesn't mean that I'm going to be in poverty or sick or injured or hurt or humiliated, embarrassed" (24:24). This realization prompted him to fully commit to his faith, transforming his demeanor and interactions on the road. As Cal Thomas notes, "I stopped getting angry. Rarely do I ever get angry when I'm driving anymore" (25:32), highlighting the positive impact of his newfound belief.

Cole's dedication extends beyond personal growth as he becomes a Christian coach, mentoring fellow truckers through online Bible studies. He emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with God, stating, "We have to seek the Lord diligently to truly know him" (27:35). His efforts have fostered a community among truck drivers, many of whom find solace and purpose through similar spiritual journeys. Cole's story exemplifies the quiet revival underway among America's long-haul truckers, blending faith with the challenges of life on the road.

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4. Controversial Sydney Sweeney Ad and the Culture War

The episode shifts focus to a culture war ignited by actress Sydney Sweeney's recent advertisement for American Eagle Blue Jeans. Cal Thomas introduces the controversy, noting the ad's dual messaging: "It's not just good jeans. Sydney Sweeney has great jeans" (31:45). Critics have accused the ad of promoting eugenics, drawing parallels to the Nazis' pursuit of a "master race." This claim has sparked intense debate, with Cal Thomas dismissing the accusations: "We found out this week that Sydney Sweeney is a Nazi. No, she's not" (31:48).

The backlash resulted in a paradoxical outcome: while liberal critics condemned the ad, American Eagle's sales surged, and the company's stock rose by 25% upon the revelation of Sweeney's conservative affiliations: "If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic" (31:51). Cal Thomas and Tim Cook mock the criticism, pointing out perceived double standards in societal judgments: "It's pretty funny that all the online social justice girls are like, it's racist" (32:11).

Further exacerbating the situation, a video surfaced showing Sweeney at a gun range, intensifying the accusations from the "woke left." Cal Thomas sarcastically remarks on the absurdity of these claims, juxtaposing them with personal anecdotes about societal expectations and freedoms. The segment also references the recent resignation of Jaguar CEO Adrian Mardell over a controversial ad, drawing connections to the larger narrative of manufacturers responding to consumer pushback against politically charged messaging. The episode critiques the ongoing battle between corporate marketing strategies and grassroots cultural movements, questioning the sustainability of such divisive tactics.

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5. Heartwarming Rescue: Betty and Tammy Kanzier

Amidst the heavier news topics, the episode shares a heartwarming story of generosity and community. Myrna Brown narrates how Tammy Kanzier, an esthetician with a young son, came to the aid of Betty, an 81-year-old waitress struggling financially. Betty, barely able to walk, was still working tirelessly, but lacked sufficient funds to retire. After Tammy left a generous tip, social media amplified the gesture, raising over $300,000—far exceeding the initial goal of $25,000 (21:32).

This unprecedented response allowed Betty to retire comfortably, transforming her life from constant hustle to well-deserved rest. Betty's advice, "Because it'll go by you Fast," resonated with listeners and highlighted the profound impact of community support and social media's power to effect positive change. Cal Thomas and others express gratitude and reflect on the kindness exemplified by Tammy, reinforcing the episode's overarching theme of hope and human connection.

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Conclusion

The August 7, 2025 episode of "The World and Everything In It" presents a multifaceted exploration of international diplomacy, environmental legislation, personal transformation, and cultural conflicts. Through comprehensive reporting, personal narratives, and insightful commentary, the program offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the complex issues shaping our world. Notable quotes and firsthand accounts enrich the discussions, providing clarity and depth to each topic. Whether addressing geopolitical tensions, local legislative battles, or inspiring stories of faith and generosity, WORLD Radio continues to inform, educate, and inspire its audience with dedication and integrity.

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Notable Quotes:

• Myrna Brown: "New tariffs on Brazil are not just about trade, but political overreach." (00:06)

• Cal Thomas: "Tariffs will be just awful for the businesses." (12:14)

• Jackson Sharp: "They’re my pets, you know." (14:22)

• Aaron Cole: "I'll follow as long as it doesn't mean that I'm going to be in poverty or sick or injured or hurt or humiliated, embarrassed." (24:24)

• Cal Thomas: "We found out this week that Sydney Sweeney is a Nazi. No, she's not." (31:48)

(Note: Timestamps are provided for reference and context based on the transcript provided.)

Transcript

[Jackson Sharp]

Good morning.

[Myrna Brown]

New tariffs on Brazil are not just about trade, but political overreach.

[Cal Thomas]

Trump does not want to see Brazil become another Venezuela.

[Myrna Brown]

Also, venomous snakes, exotic animals and the law. One state tries to crack down. And a former airman finds peace and purpose behind the wheel of a big rig.

[Cal Thomas]

Someday I'm going to be in heaven and I want to hear the Lord say to me, my good and faithful servant, you know, with who I am pleased. That's my goal in life.

[Myrna Brown]

And world commentator Cal Thomas on that blue jeans ad. It's Thursday, August 7th. This is the world and everything in it. From listener supported World Radio, I'm Mary Reykard. And I'm Myrna Brown. Good morning. Time now for the News with Mark Mellinger.

[Mark Mellinger]

President Trump says there is a very good prospect he'll have a meeting soon with Russian leader Vladimir Putin that could lead to the end of Russia's war on Ukraine. The White House says that meeting could happen as soon as the next week or two.

[Tim Cook]

We had some very good talks with President Putin today, and there's a very good chance that we could be ending the, ending the round, ending the end of that road. That road was long and continues to be long. But there's a good chance that there will be a meeting very soon.

[Mark Mellinger]

Those comments from the president came after his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Putin Wednesday in Moscow. White House officials say that though there was no breakthrough, Putin suggested the idea of meeting with Trump as he spoke with Wyckoff. Afterward, Trump told European leaders he'd like to meet with Putin soon, potentially as early as next week, but then follow it up with trilateral talks that would expand to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump's aides have begun planning for a meeting with Putin and are considering several locations. Israel could be stepping up its war on Hamas in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet meets today to vote on fully reoccupying the Gaza Strip, something it hasn't done since 2005. It Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon tells Fox News Hamas has rejected several ceasefire agreements and Israel has to do all it can to end the war.

[Tim Cook]

So today we will have to recalculate.

[Cal Thomas]

What we are going to do. How can we apply more pressure against Hamas?

[Mark Mellinger]

There is fierce international opposition to reoccupying Gaza. The Israeli military's chief of staff is also questioning Netanyahu's reoccupation push, claiming it could further endanger the lives of the estimated 20 living hostage still in Hamas custody. Apple is investing 100 billion more dollars into the US by building more parts for its iPhones and Apple watches in America. Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company's launching what he calls Apple's American Manufacturing program.

[Cal Thomas]

I'm pleased to announce that very soon, this is for the first time ever, every single new iPhone and every single.

[Tim Cook]

New Apple watch sold anywhere in the.

[Cal Thomas]

World will contain cover glass made in Kentucky.

[Mark Mellinger]

Cook says this brings Apple's US investment to $600 billion over the next four years. He made the announcement at the White House, where President Trump said he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips made overseas, part of his push to bring more manufacturing jobs Back to the U.S. officials say five soldiers are recovering today after they were shot by an army sergeant at Fort Stewart in Georgia yesterday. Brigadier General John Lubas says the attack happens just before 11 o' clock Wednesday morning. The alleged shooter is in custody.

[Cal Thomas]

We have re established security. I have lifted all lockdown measures on Fort Stewart and there is currently no threat to the local community.

[Mark Mellinger]

The suspect is sergeant Cornelius Radford, an automated logistics sergeant. Three of the five injured soldiers required surgery, but officials say all are expected to be okay. Officials say Radford used his personal firearm, but there's no word on a motive or how he was able to get his personal firearm onto base property. The man accused of gunning down a young couple outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. has been indicted. World's Travis Kercher has more.

[Cal Thomas]

The indictment charges Elias Rodriguez with nine federal counts, including murder and a hate crime resulting in death that according to court documents unsealed on Wednesday. Rodriguez is accused of fatally shooting Yaron Leshinsky and Sara Milgram as they were leaving an event at the museum in May. The two were staff members of the Israeli embassy and were about to become engaged. Rodriguez reportedly shouted free Palestine as he was led away for his arrest. He also allegedly told police, I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, end quote. Prosecutors say he was motivated by anti Semitism. The indictment also includes a notice of special findings, meaning prosecutors could pursue the death penalty. For world I'm Travis Kercher.

[Mark Mellinger]

President Trump is threatening to strip Washington, D.C. of its local governance if leaders there don't take steps to address the city's crime problem. This comes after a group of teenagers badly beat up a former Doge staffer earlier this week as he tried to stop an attempted carjacking. Two 15 year olds are under arrest in connection with the crime. The president says he's had enough.

[Tim Cook]

The crime is ridiculous. I could show you A chart comparing D.C. to other locations and you're not going to want to see what it looks like.

[Mark Mellinger]

Trump has called for minors and gang members aged 14 or older who commit crimes in D.C. to be prosecuted as adults. To take direct federal control of the city, Congress would have to suspend or repeal a decades old law giving the nation's capital home rule through a mayor and local council. I'm Mark MELLINGER. Straight ahead. U.S. tariffs and sanctions attempt to realign Brazilian politics. Plus, a Christian trucker's faith drives him to ministry. This is the world and everything in it.

[Myrna Brown]

It's Thursday the 7th of August. This is World Radio and we're glad you've joined us today. Good morning. I'm Myrna Brown. And I'm Mary Reichard. First up on the World and everything in it. Tariffs come for Brazil. Last week, the White House singled out Brazil for what it calls human rights abuses that have undermined the rule of law. President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on South America's largest economy. He didn't stop there. He also ordered sanctions against one of its Supreme Court justices. Why? World reporter Emma Frayer reports.

[Emma Freyer]

On Friday, August 1, the Supreme Court of Brazil opened for legal business as usual. But there was nothing normal about the day. All eyes were on Justice Alexandre de moraes. Just two days earlier, the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on many Brazilian products and sanctioned Des Moraes. De Morais gave prepared remarks and he grew visibly angry, vowing to ignore the measures. On July 28, the Trump administration revoked US visas for Damaris, his allies on the court, and their immediate families. And then on July 30, they went even further and sanctioned de Morais under the Global Magnitsky act. That's a 2012 law that lets the US impose economic sanctions on individuals it deems guilty of human rights violations or corruption. Here's Gabriel Dehuda Castro, an associate professor of international relations at Cedarville University.

[Cal Thomas]

Yeah, the law is clear and also very tough. Any person or business who operates in the United States cannot sell or buy from Alejandro de Moraes or send money to him or get money from him.

[Emma Freyer]

Brazilian banks have said they are getting legal advice to determine how the sanctions will affect their operations. Why is Trump focused on Brazil? The issues go back several years to when the Trump administration claims de Moraes launched a massive campaign of censorship. He took on sweeping new powers to investigate fake news and slander against Brazil's Supreme Court.

[Cal Thomas]

So we have this peculiar situation in which Alexandra de Moraes is both in charge of the investigations and in charge of judging the same people he's investigating. And also he's one of the victims because some of those threats or attacks against the Supreme Court were targeting him specifically.

[Emma Freyer]

Damaris issued hundreds of orders to social media platforms to censor posts or accounts, some belonging to US citizens. That led to a showdown with Elon Musk, the owner of X, who tried to defy the orders. In the fall of 2024, de Moraes ordered X shut down in Brazil for about a month, until Musk backed down. The Trump administration is also angry about the treatment of Brazil's former right wing president, Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro lost his bid for reelection in 2022 by less than 2% of the vote. He was defeated by the far left Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, who is widely called Lula. Bolsonaro questioned the results. And one week after Lula's inauguration, some Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brazil's capital city of Brasilia.

[Cal Thomas]

So it all happened on a Sunday, therefore all buildings were empty. And there were no acts of violence against individuals, against authorities in general. But there were many acts of vandalism, of violence against the buildings or the institutions themselves.

[Emma Freyer]

De Moraes ruled the event an attempted coup. He imposed harsh prison sentences, not only on protesters who invaded buildings, but also on Bolsonaro's supporters who were camping nearby.

[Cal Thomas]

It's very clear that crimes were committed on January 8th. Just looking at the pictures or watching the videos, that becomes evident. However, it's hard to argue that that was a coup attempt that would be a big leap.

[Emma Freyer]

Bolsonaro has also been charged with plotting to overthrow the results of the 2022 election. Desmoraes is personally overseeing Bolsonaro's trial. The similarities between Bolsonaro's electoral defeat in 2022 and Trump's in 2020 have not been lost on President Trump. In July, he spoke out in Bolsonaro's defense. On July 30, the Trump administration imposed a total 50% tariff on some products imported from Brazil, higher than the tariffs for most other nations. Around 700 products are exempt, but others, like beef and corn, will be hit hard. Thiago Albrecht is a city council member in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has a large agricultural sector. He believes de Morais has been acting like a tyrant, but he fears the burden of the tariffs will fall on ordinary Brazilians.

[Mark Mellinger]

So I think to my state, those.

[Cal Thomas]

Tariffs will be just awful for the businesses. And they are forecasting a 50,000 job loss of jobs, 50,000 people might lose their work spots.

[Emma Freyer]

De Moraes is not backing down. In fact, on Monday he placed Bolsonaro under house arrest. When it comes to the Brazilian people, Councilmember Albrecht says they are deeply divided over the Trump administration's recent moves.

[Cal Thomas]

I would say a half of the country is not happy at all with those both tariff and Magnitsky sanctions.

[Mark Mellinger]

The right wing, where I do pertain.

[Cal Thomas]

We are actually happy with the Magnitsky because it goes to demoraez as a.

[Mark Mellinger]

Person, not to the court.

[Cal Thomas]

But the tariffs, they were bad things even to the right wing.

[Emma Freyer]

Albrecht believes part of the blame also lies with President Lula, who is an outspoken proponent of the BRICS group of developing nations. President Trump has said he believes the BRICS group was set up to harm America and the US Dollar. But Albrecht is happy that Trump is concerned about the direction that Brazil is headed.

[Cal Thomas]

I see that Trump does not want to see Brazil become another Venezuela, that the western world lost them to the communist cortine and bloc. So I think Trump wants Brazil to stay and remain in the western side of the force.

[Emma Freyer]

Reporting for world I'm Emma Freire.

[Myrna Brown]

Coming up next on THE WORLD and everything in it, venomous reptiles for sale and the South Carolina bill that's trying to stop it. South Carolina is one of five states with no restrictions on owning exotic reptiles, but lawmakers are debating a piece of legislation that might change that. Here's World's Mary Muncie.

[Tim Cook]

They're for viewing purposes.

[Cal Thomas]

They're my pets, you know.

[Jackson Sharp]

Jackson Sharp points at his collection of venomous vipers. As owner of Renegade Reptiles in Westminster, Westminster, South Carolina, Sharp cells exotic lizards, frogs and of course, snakes.

[Cal Thomas]

Today we're producing a great number of animals right here at Renegade Reptiles.

[Jackson Sharp]

96 plastic bins line a wall of shelves, each one containing a designer python. Baby vipers, cobras and rattlesnakes lay coiled up in plastic bins nearby. Past the screaming gecko and the poison dart frog Priced at $100, Sharp points to his favorite, a mangshan pit viper.

[Cal Thomas]

There are pairs in every single tank. Besides the mainshan viper, which I don't.

[Jackson Sharp]

Plan on breeding, there's no anti venom treatment available for this Chinese mountain snake. According to international and federal law, transporting exotic reptiles across borders is prohibited, but once they reach South Carolina, they can be kept and sold with no regulations. Sharp told World Journalism Institute Young Professionals graduate Stacey Horton that he wants to keep it that way. Sharp used to live in Georgia before deciding the reptile laws established in 1994 were too restrictive for his business.

[Cal Thomas]

Georgia has stripped freedoms from individuals and in return, it hinders them from from following their passions, dreams and careers. There's so much stuff that's like you run into brick walls.

[Jackson Sharp]

Now lawmakers in South Carolina pass a similar law.

[Cal Thomas]

I think there's a lot of unknowns because I'd be one of those people that have never held a snake in my life, and I have no intentions of doing so.

[Jackson Sharp]

State Representative Cal Forrest testified at a hearing back in March in support of a bill drafted by one of his colleagues. The Venomous Reptiles act would effectively ban the private possession of exotic and venomous reptiles. Current owners would apply for a license. All future ownership would be limited to qualified institutions such as zoos, medical research facilities or educational institutions. During the hearing, 25 people spoke out against the law, including store owner Jackson Sharp. Representative Forrest commented on their concerns.

[Cal Thomas]

It's hard for us to understand, but I'm trying to put myself in your spot and understand everything that everybody said up here today from this podium.

[Jackson Sharp]

While lawmakers go back to the drawing board with their constituents, South Carolina's Department of Natural Resources is pushing for clarity on the issue.

[Mark Mellinger]

This is generally a thing the public is not aware that's occurring.

[Jackson Sharp]

That's Will Dillman. He helps lead the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries division for the state. Dillman focuses on the regulatory and enforcement aspects of the reptile policy.

[Cal Thomas]

On the side of law enforcement, there's.

[Mark Mellinger]

Generally a concern for people that are going into homes and areas coming into contact with venomous snakes that they're not prepared to come into contact with.

[Jackson Sharp]

Animal science experts also have concerns. Jeffrey French from North Greenville University is a conservation and wildlife management expert. An avid reptile enthusiast with two snakes of his own, French says accidents happen.

[Cal Thomas]

If I'm going to make an oops with a non venomous snake that is not even trying to be aggressive, how long can you keep a venomous snake without making a mistake?

[Jackson Sharp]

Those accidents aren't just hypothetical. The Palmetto Poison center reports between 240 and 270 snake bites a year. Just last September, a popular venomous snake handler, YouTuber from Florence, South Carolina, posted a video holding a baby inland taipan that's the most venomous landsnake on the planet.

[Cal Thomas]

I'm turning him. I'm almost in a good position.

[Jackson Sharp]

With bare hands, Jeffrey Leibowitz demonstrates his control over the animal's movements, saying he.

[Cal Thomas]

Wants to do that, but otherwise you're in total control.

[Jackson Sharp]

Hours later, Leibowitz posted an appeal on Facebook, asking fellow reptile owners to send taipan antivenom to the McLeod Hospital in Florence. Local police then seized and euthanized all 14 of Leibowitz's snakes, including one green mamba, a death adder, and the inland taipan. Leibowitz survived the snake bite and continues to post videos while building a new collection of venomous snakes. Another problem is what happens when non native reptiles get loose, similar to the infestation of Burmese pythons in the Everglades, and exotic reptiles threaten native wildlife in South Carolina. Professor French says the less diverse a.

[Cal Thomas]

System is, the more likely the whole system fails when an environmental change happens.

[Jackson Sharp]

In the early 2000s, pet owners brought a breed of South American lizards to the American south, but they didn't stay inside. By May 2021, South Carolina designated the Argentine black and white tegu as an invasive species. It can grow to the size of a border collie and eats the eggs of ground laying birds. State officials want to prevent adding more reptiles to that list. Store owner Jackson Sharp feels the venomous reptiles act goes too far.

[Cal Thomas]

What I am trying to do is live my days on this earth with as less stress as possible and enjoy my freedom without some lawless dog owner telling me that. That I have to accept laws for being a snake owner.

[Jackson Sharp]

But for wildlife official Dillman, keeping humans and animals safe requires setting new ground rules.

[Mark Mellinger]

You know, we want people that are keeping any sort of pet, any animal.

[Cal Thomas]

In captivity to do that, A, safely, and then b, to make sure that.

[Mark Mellinger]

Those animals are not able to escape into the wild.

[Jackson Sharp]

For world, I'm Mary Muncie.

[Mark Mellinger]

Additional support comes from Cedarville University, equipping students for professional excellence and gospel impact Cedarville.

[Cal Thomas]

And from Asbury University, students who visit campus qualify for a $1,000 scholarship.

[Mark Mellinger]

Asbury edu visit.

[Myrna Brown]

At 81, Betty was still slinging hash at a restaurant in Pittsburgh. Barely able to walk but still out hustling some young waiters, she lacked enough money to retire. Enter Tammy Kanzier, an esthetician with heart, a smartphone, and a young son named Leo. She left a big tip, so we.

[Mark Mellinger]

Gave you a little extra.

[Jackson Sharp]

Thank you.

[Cal Thomas]

No, I. I mean, I worked all.

[Myrna Brown]

My life and as a waitress and still can recover.

[Cal Thomas]

I'm sorry.

[Myrna Brown]

Well, Kanzier got busy after that.

[Cal Thomas]

Okay, TikTok, do your thing.

[Aaron Cole]

Make this video go viral.

[Myrna Brown]

Pretty please. She put the exchange online and hoped to raise $25,000, but social media boosted that to more than $300,000. Well, Betty's now retired and we hope sipping tea somewhere and not refilling it. Betty had some advice.

[Cal Thomas]

Because it'll go by you Fast.

[Jackson Sharp]

Sure will, Will.

[Myrna Brown]

It's the world and everything in it. Today is Thursday, August 7th. Thank you for turning to World Radio to help start your day. Good morning, I'm Mary Reichert. And I'm Myrna Brown. Coming next on the World and everything in it, discipleship from the driver's seat on highways that crisscross the country, a quiet revival is underway among America's long haul truckers. World's Lauren Canterbury has one man's story of loss, surrender, and the road that led him to Christ.

[Cal Thomas]

I don't mind driving. I can drive. It's easy. I pray a lot, I read books, I listen.

[Aaron Cole]

Aaron Cole drives 18 wheelers for a living. He didn't always. He spent 16 years in the Air Force. After that, a lucrative career in it.

[Cal Thomas]

After 15 years, I got laid off.

[Aaron Cole]

That's when his life took a dramatic turn.

[Cal Thomas]

I don't know, my marriage was a mess and I don't know why. I just decided I'm going to do something completely different. I said, I'm going to try driving a truck.

[Aaron Cole]

Cole had joined a local church not long before he hit the road. He also started doing Bible studies over zoom with his son and other men.

[Cal Thomas]

It was, it was really good, but I still was not really saved, if you will.

[Aaron Cole]

While Cole drove his truck, he filled the long quiet hours by praying and processing.

[Cal Thomas]

How did we go from where I was, you know, 10 years ago, right, with, with kids, four kids and a wonderful wife and everything was wonderful and I had a great job and here I am, my divorce is in progress.

[Aaron Cole]

He says one day while he was praying for a friend, he felt God answer a prayer he had for himself.

[Cal Thomas]

You know about God, but you don't know God. You don't truly have a relationship with God.

[Aaron Cole]

He began asking God why he didn't have that relationship. His answer came to him in the form of a live stream of his church one Sunday. He says he was convicted about not being all in.

[Cal Thomas]

I'll do what you want me to do, as long as it doesn't mean that I'm going to be in poverty or sick or injured or hurt or humiliated, embarrassed.

[Aaron Cole]

That was March 30th of this year. Cole says that's the day his faith became real.

[Cal Thomas]

And I remember just sitting there driving down the road in my truck and the tears were rolling and I realized it's absolutely right, it's true. I'll follow as long as it means that I don't have to endure something that I am uncomfortable with too much. And that was when I said, you know what, I'm in. And then everything changed.

[Aaron Cole]

Trucking is a huge mission field with more than 3.5 million truck drivers across the country. For many, the open road leads to a hunger for fellowship and a search for deeper meaning. Truck stop ministries say it's not uncommon for drivers to find Jesus on the road. Ever since he chose to truly follow Christ, Cole's conversations with the Lord are richer and deeper. He says his renewed faith has even changed the way he drives.

[Cal Thomas]

I gotta tell you, when somebody pulls in front of you and you got an 80,000 pound truck, you get frustrated and that would come out and all of a sudden I stopped getting angry. Rarely do I ever get angry when I'm driving anymore.

[Aaron Cole]

Not long after that, Cole's son and a close friend suggested he encourage others in their faith journey and become a Christian coach. Cole wasn't sure what a Christian coach did, but his son said his successes and failures could help him relate to people who don't know the Lord. Cole eventually found an online program that trains coaches to help them encourage their peers to develop a deeper walk with God through mentorship.

[Cal Thomas]

You're saying, just come walk with me, we'll do this together.

[Aaron Cole]

He just finished the classes to earn his first certification, and now he's mentoring three men online to complete his accreditation. He chose a virtual course so he could learn as he drives.

[Cal Thomas]

Do you want me to go ahead and pray us in? Please do. Alright. Our Heavenly Father, we come to you, Lord, once again.

[Aaron Cole]

Now Cole leads two of his own virtual Bible studies each week. The three men he is mentoring are part of the studies and several of his fellow truck drivers have also joined the groups. They meet late enough for truck drivers to park at a truck stop, grab some dinner and get settled for the night. Cole said the stigma surrounding truck drivers is true in some cases.

[Cal Thomas]

I'm telling you that the military had nothing. I went to that truck driving school and I was like, good night. Where did you find these? They say words, I don't even know what they mean.

[Aaron Cole]

But he has witnessed change. He said he knows one young woman who began driving a truck after she was trafficked as a teenager. She later became involved with prostitution and drugs. Despite her past, she is growing in her faith.

[Cal Thomas]

She's going to take a little longer to get all the way there, but I believe with all my heart that the Lord is he's working on her.

[Aaron Cole]

As he's followed God on this new journey, Cole has learned that we have to seek the Lord diligently to truly know him.

[Cal Thomas]

If you're waiting for somebody just to hand you time, that's just never going to happen.

[Aaron Cole]

Even in the truck where he has nothing but time, Cole says it's still easy to slip into complacency. But now that he has a strong faith, he does not want to waste the time he's been given.

[Cal Thomas]

Someday I'm going to be in heaven and I want to hear the Lord say to me, my good and faithful servant, you know, with who I am pleased. That's my goal in life.

[Aaron Cole]

And he is dedicated to helping others see the importance of a real relationship with the Lord. As he navigates the Needle Nation's highways, he's also following God's direction and guidance. Reporting for World I'm Lauren Canterbury.

[Myrna Brown]

Today is Thursday, August 7th. Good morning, this is the World and everything in it from listener supported World Radio, I'm Myrna Brown. And I'm Mary Reichardt. Here's World commentator Cal Thomas on fads, foolishness and fun.

[Tim Cook]

Some fads end slowly, taking up to a generation to decline. Others come and go like lightning, bursting on the scene, unexpectedly destroying all in its path and yet ending in a flash. This is what has happened in the Sydney Sweeney storm and her ad for American Eagle Blue jeans. The reaction has catapulted the 27 year old actress to national fame and controversy. Move over Taylor Swift. In case you weren't paying attention, the ad shows Sweeney provocatively modeling denim jeans and a jean jacket. Some pushback centered on so called traditional beauty standards. But what sparked the wokes left outrage was the ad copy. It invoked a double meaning. It's not just good jeans. Sydney Sweeney has great jeans. Critics claim the ad promotes eugenics. Critics also began likening the reference to jeans instead of jeans to the pursuit of a master race by the Nazis. The reaction was swift. Sales of American Eagle jeans flew off the shelves. The company's stock soared 25% on Monday on hearing that Sweeney is a Republican, President Trump said, if Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic. Her voting precinct is in Florida's most southern and conservative Monroe County. Liberal outrage surged further when a video showed Sweeney firing a gun at a gun range. What this signals is that promoters of the culture wars are losing. The recent resignation of Jaguar CEO Adrian Mardell also proves the point. Jaguar created an ad featuring people rather than wrapped in shades of pink. No cars appeared in the ad. It was made to introduce an all electric product line beginning next year. Jaguar buyers rebelled. So did some dealers who knew their customers didn't want a single option. One person posted on social media I don't own a Jaguar, but if I did, I would sell it. Jaguar owners, like most of the rest of the country, want the freedom to choose the type of car they wish to buy. According to a Gallup poll in March, interest in owning an electric car has dropped from 51% to 40%. It's not likely to go higher for some time, if at all. As for those American Eagle jeans, we're not talking about the no Excuses jeans promoted by Donna Rice after her affair with Colorado Democrat Senator Gary Hart became public in 1987, nor the you've got the Power ad featuring a Monica Lewinsky clothing line after her sexual encounters with President Bill Clinton. Those ads exploited what might be called negative celebrity the Sweeney ads and the left's reaction to them are combating the cultural zeitgeist. Comedian Bill Maher said this about the Sweeney backlash on his HBO show Sad News.

[Cal Thomas]

We found out this week that Sydney Sweeney is a Nazi.

[Tim Cook]

That was just.

[Cal Thomas]

No, she's not. But you all see the ad that she's out there. This is a very important ad that we're seeing now. There she is dressed like Jay Leno in all blue denim. But according to the woke people, this means that she's a white supremacist.

[Tim Cook]

He goes on to point out one of many double standards revealed by the whole thing.

[Cal Thomas]

I also think it's pretty funny that all the online social justice girls are like, it's racist. There's no such thing as good genes.

[Tim Cook]

Right?

[Cal Thomas]

And then you go on Tinder and.

[Tim Cook]

Swipe left on every bald guy. Gee, I wonder if American Eagle carries my size. I'm Cal Thomas.

[Myrna Brown]

Tomorrow, John Stonestreet is back for Culture Friday. We've got a lot to catch up on and a new film from Angel Studios on grief and monsters and the power of family. That and more tomorrow. I'm Mary Reichert. And I'm Irna Brown. World Journalism Institute graduate Stacy Horton found and reported the story on venomous reptiles during our recent Young Prose course. The world and everything in it comes to you from World Radio. World's mission is biblically objective journalism that informs, educates and inspires. Jesus said to Peter, James, John and Andrew, therefore stay awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come in in the evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning, lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you, I say to all, stay awake. Verse 35 through 37 of Mark, chapter 13 go now in grace and peace.