Blake Smith
Newton High School
As seen in:
Apple Events,
Apple Podcasts,
Medium,
MSN,
Nature,
Yahoo Canada,
arXiv,
Bandcamp Daily,
Yahoo Finance,
SAGE Publishing
and
Assistant Principal at Newton High School • Relationship Builder • Runner 🏃♀️ • Attempting to Cycle 🚴🏼♂️ • Traveler 🧳🇨🇳 • Corny Joke Lover
Articles by Blake Smith
Showing Up With Purpose
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE DR. BEVERLY MALONE, PhD, RN, FAAN, past president of the American Nurses Association and President and CEO of the National League for Nursing, has long reminded nurse leaders: “If we are not there, someone else will be. We must be visible, we must be vocal, and we must be valued.” Those words speak clearly to this moment for the Nebraska Nurses Association. Coming out of our 2026 Convention, NNA has momentum.
Camille Paglia, Gillian Rose, and the Forgotten Genius Behind Them
James Fessenden is an unknown figure in intellectual history. His dissertation on Nietzsche and music, advised by Arthur Danto at Columbia University, seems to have gone no further than the proposal stage. While ostensibly dissertating, he taught philosophy at Bennington College for a few years in the early ’70s, just as it was going co-ed. He was soon dismissed for violations of propriety with students (quite a feat amid Bennington’s druggy, libidinal excesses).
IELTS Reading Tips Brisbane | ScoreSmart
The IELTS Reading section requires candidates to understand written information, identify important details, and answer questions within a limited time. For people preparing for IELTS in Brisbane, regular reading practice can help develop both speed and accuracy. One useful technique is skimming. This means reading a passage quickly to understand its main idea and structure. It can help you identify the topic before focusing on individual details. Scanning is another useful skill.
JUDY TARGAN: A LIVE IN ART
Get More TAPinto Local News on Google Want to see more TAPinto local news in your Google Search results?
PTE Preparation for Australian PR | ScoreSmart
Preparing for PTE for Australian PR can become easier when you have a clear target and a regular study routine. The first step is to understand the PTE score required for your visa pathway. Australian visa requirements distinguish between different levels of English, including Competent, Proficient and Superior English. Once you know your target, take a practice test. This can help you understand your current performance across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Holidays to Home- Part Two
Any person who’s returned home more than once knows that one must take the bitter with the sweet. There’s the sweetness of being welcomed by a loving family, the familiar smells of Mother’s cooking, perhaps the attention of a happy dog or cat, knowing that one is in a beloved place, surrounded by beloved people. There is also the bitterness of learning that one’s home is not the same as it was, and nor are the people.
How to ask your employer for a Trump account contribution
When Trump Accounts launched this summer, most media coverage focused on the federal government's $1,000 seed deposit for eligible children. Almost no one was talking about the second, quieter piece of the law: Your employer may be allowed to put up to $2,500 a year into your children's accounts, tax-free, and most human resources (HR) departments haven't said a word about it. That's not an oversight so much as a timing issue.
Your Employer May Match Your Child's Trump Account: Here's How to Ask
Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Subscribe to our newsletter When Trump Accounts launched this summer, most media coverage focused on the federal government's $1,000 seed deposit for eligible children. Almost no one was talking about the second, quieter piece of the law: Your employer may be allowed to put up to $2,500 a year into your children's accounts, tax-free, and most human resources (HR) departments haven't said a word about it.
Score Smart NAATI Practice Test for Better Preparation
Preparing for the NAATI CCL exam requires regular practice, good listening skills, and the ability to communicate meaning clearly between two languages. A Score Smart NAATI practice test can be a useful part of a structured preparation routine. Practice tests allow candidates to work with dialogue-style situations and develop important interpretation skills. They can practise listening carefully, remembering key information, and delivering the meaning naturally.
Carrying the Story Forward
President’s Message Blake Smith, MSN, RN FADLN, FAAN President As we prepare for the 2026 Nebraska Nurses Association Convention, I have found myself reflecting not only on where we are going as an organization, but also on where we have been. This year marks 120 years of the Nebraska Nurses Association. That is more than a milestone on a calendar. It is a reminder that generations of Nebraska nurses came before us with the courage, vision, and commitment to build something bigger than themselves.
More Ways to Die in Regency England
Last time, I pontificated about how carriage accidents are not the same as car accidents, and if you need a character dead in a regency novel, having them catch a ‘trifling cold’ is one of the most realistic ways to get rid of them. A lot of you had good comments, but I was traveling and didn’t have regular internet access. So I’m going to revisit some of those remarks, and add a few more of my own.
ARC: Religion, Politics, Et Cetera
Dear Miroslav, I don’t know what faith means anymore. I’m fifty-six years old with a pile of books behind me and an experimental bone marrow transplant ahead of me, and I don’t know what faith means. So begins the first letter in Glimmerings: Letters on Faith Between a Poet and a Theologian (HarperOne, 2026), a book collecting emails exchanged over the course of 2023 and 2024 between poet Christian Wiman and theologian Miroslav Volf, who are colleagues at Yale Divinity School.
Rediscovering a Dynamic Elite?
REVIEW ESSAY Elites and Democracy by Hugo Drochon Portfolio, 2025, 336 pages It is almost unimaginable that anyone observing contemporary Western societies could consider them well served by their elites. Even in the absence of agreement about who those elites are, what the term “elite” means, or whether an elite of some sort is desirable, interlocutors from every political perspective and walk of life can together loathe those who rule us.
Before I was a nurse, I was a soccer coach.
Blake Smith, MSN, RN FADLN, FAAN President I SPENT YEARS ON A SIDELINE teaching young athletes that success isn’t defined by one great game — it’s defined by consistency, discipline, and growth over time. We didn’t just ask, “Did we win?” We asked, “Are we becoming the team we said we wanted to be?” I think about that often during Nurses Week. Because this week isn’t just about appreciation. It’s about trajectory. In the first four months of 2026, Nebraska nurses have been building momentum.
To Sleep, Perchance to Scream
Description Blake and Karen interview Jeffrey Reddick, a Hollywood screenwriter, producer, and director (perhaps best known for penning Final Destination) about his recent horror film Dead Awake which combines fictional elements...
Just Scratching the Surface
Description MonsterTalk frequently explores tales of imaginary monsters — creatures of myth, fiction, and folklore. Today, the hosts consider a real creature, one that preys on humans and their closest animal... show more MonsterTalk frequently explores tales of imaginary monsters — creatures of myth, fiction, and folklore. Today, the hosts consider a real creature, one that preys on humans and their closest animal companions. It is often invisible. It drinks blood to survive.
His Tory of the Jersey Devil
Description Kean University History Professor, Brian Regal, has tracked the Jersey Devil back to its astonishing historical roots. Religious in-fighting, self-publishing, snarky founding fathers, sorcery and political intrigue make the idea... show more Kean University History Professor, Brian Regal, has tracked the Jersey Devil back to its astonishing historical roots.
S03E14 - 2023 Weird in Review
Description A 2023 end-of-year weird story roundup and some lighthearted chatting with Blake, Karen and Matt. Links to coverage follow: UAP Hearings Colorado Bigfoot Nigerian Humanoid Champ Sonar Rat Boy Gaffe... show more A 2023 end-of-year weird story roundup and some lighthearted chatting with Blake, Karen and Matt.
Something Wiccan This Way Comes
Description In this episode of MonsterTalk, two skeptics interview a witch about how to battle evil with magic. Emily Carlin is a magical instructor at The Grey School—an online magical university... show more In this episode of MonsterTalk, two skeptics interview a witch about how to battle evil with magic.
Cryptozoologicon: Volume I
Description Darin Naish returns to MonsterTalk to discuss his latest book, Cryptozoologicon: Volume I. From the well known to the very obscure, this book takes three looks at monsters. It critically... show more Darin Naish returns to MonsterTalk to discuss his latest book, Cryptozoologicon: Volume I. From the well known to the very obscure, this book takes three looks at monsters.
Searching For Sasquatch
Description Is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience? Do scientists ever really study cryptozoology, or merely ignore the field entirely? This week we dig into the history of Cryptozoology itself—focusing on the search... show more Is cryptozoology science or pseudoscience? Do scientists ever really study cryptozoology, or merely ignore the field entirely? This week we dig into the history of Cryptozoology itself—focusing on the search for America’s most famous cryptid: Sasquatch.
268 - The Most Haunted City in America
Description Karen and Blake discuss "the most haunted city in America," Savannah, Georgia. Links: Behind the Bird Girl Statue The Hamilton-Turner Inn The Haunted Pseudo-History of Bonaventure Cemetery (by Karen Stollznow)... show more Karen and Blake discuss "the most haunted city in America," Savannah, Georgia.
The Enfield Poltergeist
Description In this episode of MonsterTalk we present an interview with Guy Lyon Playfair, one of the original investigators into perhaps the most famous British poltergeist case in modern times. Read... show more In this episode of MonsterTalk we present an interview with Guy Lyon Playfair, one of the original investigators into perhaps the most famous British poltergeist case in modern times. Read the episode notes Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
225 - Thylacines and Pademelons
Description Blake and Karen are joined again by Matt Baxter to talk about the latest Thylacine claims from the TAGOA. The photos dropped last night (US Time) and sadly don't meet... show more Blake and Karen are joined again by Matt Baxter to talk about the latest Thylacine claims from the TAGOA. The photos dropped last night (US Time) and sadly don't meet up with the hype - but there's still much to talk about with this story. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
#206 - Magic: Wicca and Witchcraft
Download your favorite episodes and enjoy them, wherever you are! Sign up or log in now to access offline listening. We are joined by Rebecca Fox, who has been both a witch and a science & skepticism advocate, to discuss the history of modern witchcraft.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
243 - Basilisks are Over-Powered (Explicit)
Description Karen and Blake discuss the myths and legends of the Basilisk (and the Cockatrice). The conversation includes ancient legends, medieval legends, alchemy, a whole lot of bird sex, A.I. and... show more Karen and Blake discuss the myths and legends of the Basilisk (and the Cockatrice). The conversation includes ancient legends, medieval legends, alchemy, a whole lot of bird sex, A.I. and information hazards. Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
295 - Mick West vs The UFOs: Part 1
Mick West joins us to talk about trying to solve UFO mysteries while keeping his cool. Mick is the author of Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic and Respect. He hosts a leading site for analysis of weird aerial phenomenon called Metabunk. He also maintains the site "Contrail Science" which tries to resolve the pseudoscience of "Chemtrails." In the intro there are some clips about NASA and US Congressional looks at the "UAP" phenomenon.
Sample: BigFootage - Night of the Demon
Sign up to keep listening, access your Library to pick up episodes right where you left off, and connect with your favorite creators. Experience the ultimate podcast listening on Spreaker!
231 - Asian Monsters with Sapphire Sandalo
Description Sapphire Sandalo is the host of the web series Stories with Sapphire. She's a writer, animator, podcaster, TV personality, and part-time university instructor. Her series tells stories with distinctive music... show more Sapphire Sandalo is the host of the web series Stories with Sapphire. She's a writer, animator, podcaster, TV personality, and part-time university instructor.
AIPT Presents SciPhi Fest 2021
Description The online convention starts at 10 am and I'll be participating in a couple of ways if you're interested. At noon, I've got a special interview with Stephen R. Bissette.... show more The online convention starts at 10 am and I'll be participating in a couple of ways if you're interested. At noon, I've got a special interview with Stephen R. Bissette.
236 - Carnivorous Plants
Description Here on MonsterTalk, we stretch the idea of what a monster might be in all sorts of interesting ways. In this episode, Blake and Karen dive into the world of... show more Here on MonsterTalk, we stretch the idea of what a monster might be in all sorts of interesting ways. In this episode, Blake and Karen dive into the world of monstrous plants, with Peter D’Amato as their guide. Having grown them for over 40 years, Peter D’Amato is the authority on carnivorous plants.
311 - S2E50 - Legends of Whitby
Description Christopher Klimovitz returns to talk to us more about the legends and folklore around Whitby, the town where Dracula comes to England in Bram Stoker's famous novel. Christopher previously talked... show more Christopher Klimovitz returns to talk to us more about the legends and folklore around Whitby, the town where Dracula comes to England in Bram Stoker's famous novel.
255 - Tom Slick: Millionaire Monster Hunter
Description Brought to you by DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT! A look at the fascinating and adventurous life of millionaire Tom Slick. Inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, science enthusiast, paranormal investigator, and - of... show more Brought to you by DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT! A look at the fascinating and adventurous life of millionaire Tom Slick.
208 - Monsters in the Media
We welcome Dr. James Mueller, associate dean of Journalism at the University of North Texas, in a discussion of how to read historical (and current) news about monsters. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
250 - The Owls Are What They Seem
Description Since ancient times up until today, we humans have used many different animals to represent our beliefs. One such animal is the owl—from the Greek goddess Athena’s favored animal, to... show more Since ancient times up until today, we humans have used many different animals to represent our beliefs.
The Shaver Mysteries (Part 1)
Description In this episode of MonsterTalk, we get a brief overview of the history of Hollow Earth theories and start our deep dive into the topic of The Shaver Mystery with... show more In this episode of MonsterTalk, we get a brief overview of the history of Hollow Earth theories and start our deep dive into the topic of The Shaver Mystery with repeat guests Dr. Jerry Drake and Dr. Jeb Card.
252 - Intimate Alien with David Halperin
Description UFOs don't seem to be real - yet they're observed and experienced and have become integrated into cultures around the world. Author David Halperin's book Intimate Alien gives a deep... show more UFOs don't seem to be real - yet they're observed and experienced and have become integrated into cultures around the world.
229 - Watertown 2: Eclectic Boo-Galoo
Blake Smith has uncovered the uncropped "Watertown Ghosts" photo, lost to the public for more than fifty years, plus more discoveries about this famous alleged ghost photo. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
MTL002 - Listener Questions
Sign up to keep listening, access your Library to pick up episodes right where you left off, and connect with your favorite creators. Experience the ultimate podcast listening on Spreaker!
256 - Monsters of Wales
Description Coll "C.C.J." Ellis joins us to talk about the monsters and folklore of Wales. Their book Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts will be out soon and is available for pre-order.... show more Coll "C.C.J." Ellis joins us to talk about the monsters and folklore of Wales. Their book Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts will be out soon and is available for pre-order. Wales is on the western side of the island of Great Britain, and part of the United Kingdom.
240 - Frankenstein and Mermaids
Description In this episode of MonsterTalk Radio, Blake and Karen have David Farnell of Fukuoka University on the show to talk about Frankenstein and the novel’s—and the monster’s—impact on pop culture,...
226 - Usborne book of UFOs
Description We are joined by entertainer Jon Culshaw to talk about the influential children's book UFOs, (affiliate link) part of the Usborne "World of the Unknown" series that was recently reissued. ... show more We are joined by entertainer Jon Culshaw to talk about the influential children's book UFOs, (affiliate link) part of the Usborne "World of the Unknown" series that was recently reissued.
S03E02 - Parapsychology with Chris French
Chris French joins us to talk about his career, his upcoming book, and why he says that Parapsychology is not pseudoscience. Robert Morris (Parapsychology) Uncanny Tour Uncanny BBC Radio Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support . Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
They Came From Outer Space!
Description Are creatures from other planets visiting the earth, trampling our crops to create cryptic messages, violating people in their sleep, and doing terrible things to our livestock? How plausible is... show more Are creatures from other planets visiting the earth, trampling our crops to create cryptic messages, violating people in their sleep, and doing terrible things to our livestock?
275 - Beast Hunter Pat Spain
Description Pat Spain joins us to talk about his new book series. Host of NatGeo's Beast Hunter series, Pat has collected gripping tales of travel, terror, and science into a 6-books... show more Pat Spain joins us to talk about his new book series. Host of NatGeo's Beast Hunter series, Pat has collected gripping tales of travel, terror, and science into a 6-books series that just hit bookstores. Explicit tag because once again we talk about monster genitalia.
S03E06 - Hogzilla part 1
Description Learn about the biology of feral hogs and how their morphology changes when farm pigs go hog wild. Our guest is Dr. John J. Mayer who has spent more than... show more Learn about the biology of feral hogs and how their morphology changes when farm pigs go hog wild. Our guest is Dr. John J. Mayer who has spent more than five decades studying pig morphology, and who investigated several famous allegedly monstrous feral pig kills in the mid 2000s.
S03E41 - The Real Swamp Monster
Description We're joined by mosquito and disease expert Dr. Louisa Messenger of the Las Vegas PARAVEC lab. It turns out that gators and snakes aren't the big danger in a swamp.... show more We're joined by mosquito and disease expert Dr. Louisa Messenger of the Las Vegas PARAVEC lab. It turns out that gators and snakes aren't the big danger in a swamp. And this monster isn't constrained to swamps. In fact, it's probably in your own backyard.
291 - Montauk & Stranger Things (EXPLICIT)
291 - Montauk & Stranger Things (explicit) aka The Philadelphia Experiment pt 3 We take a deep dive into the absolute whackadoodle world of "The Montauk Project" and delve into its connections to the Netflix streaming series Stranger Things. (Karen & I are joined by Matt Baxter) The first book in the Montauk series is The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time.
306 - S2E45 - The Truth About Dowsing
Description This week we're seeking the truth about the strange but pervasive idea that people can use sticks or rods to mysteriously locate things. Water is often the target, but certainly... show more This week we're seeking the truth about the strange but pervasive idea that people can use sticks or rods to mysteriously locate things. Water is often the target, but certainly isn't the only one.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Blake
Contact Blake, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack