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Zach John King Is Putting Everything on the Bar with ‘I’m What You Get’

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Zach John King Is Putting Everything on the Bar with ‘I’m What You Get’

Country artist Zack John King is learning that longevity isn’t just about staying on the road. It’s about taking care of yourself long enough to enjoy the journey.

When we met King on a golf course outside Chicago ahead of the release of his debut album, I’m What You Get, he was precisely who his music suggests he is. He spoke with the same ease about hunting, fishing, and growing up outdoors as he did about high-protein meals, sauna sessions, recovery, and the realities of maintaining healthy habits while living on a tour bus.

That balance between old-school country values and modern wellness has become one of the defining themes of his career. Although performing night after night has fulfilled a lifelong dream, King has also learned that success demands discipline away from the stage. Staying physically fit, protecting his mental health, leaning on his faith, and surrounding himself with the right people have become just as important as writing hit songs.

Those same values run through I’m What You Get, a 20-song debut that drops on Aug. 28 and refuses to hide behind polished perfection. Instead, King embraces the highs, the setbacks, and everything in between, creating his most personal work to date while proving that authenticity, not image, is what ultimately has staying power.

Living a Healthy Tour Life Requires Rituals

Life on tour isn’t exactly built for healthy habits. While fans may picture artists constantly on the move, King says the reality is far more sedentary. Most days are spent riding the bus, waiting through soundchecks, doing interviews, performing for less than an hour, and then climbing back on the bus to head to the next city.

“You sleep, you get off the bus, you soundcheck, you get back on the bus, you play a show, and then you get back on the bus,” he says.

That reality has forced King to become intentional about every aspect of his health. Although a high-energy performance can burn hundreds of calories, he refuses to let the adrenaline of the show justify poor eating habits. Instead, he sticks to one protein-packed meal most days, usually built around lean protein, potatoes, and vegetables. Potatoes, he says, have become one of his favourite staples, keeping him full and fitting his nutritional goals better than many people expect. He’s also scaled back his alcohol consumption, realising that a weekend of overindulging could undo an entire week’s worth of healthy choices.

Movement is just as important. 

Every afternoon, King and his band schedule what they jokingly call “recess.”

Recess consists of 30 minutes of high-intensity activity that could mean a workout circuit, tossing around a football, or anything that gets everyone moving after hours of sitting. Before each show, they add another tradition to the routine: knocking out 15 to 20 pushups together, though the number fluctuates depending on how everyone’s feeling.

Some bandmates joke that a set of tired arms before a performance isn’t exactly ideal, but for King, the ritual is about far more than fitness. It’s become a way for the band to mentally reset, loosen up, and step on stage feeling connected.

Recovery plays an equally important role once the show ends. King has learned firsthand how difficult it can be to calm his nervous system after performing, so he’s become increasingly intentional about the tools he uses to unwind. 

While he’s experimented with cold plunges and enjoys the physical benefits of ice baths, he says they energise him more than they relax him.

“I like cold plunges and stuff; I like it. It’s a perfect thing to feel good, but it doesn’t calm me down,” he explains. 

That’s why the sauna has become his go-to recovery ritual. Spending 20 minutes in the heat after a workout helps quiet both his body and mind, making it one of the most valuable wellness habits he’s adopted on and off the road. Combined with hydration, quality nutrition, and daily movement, those small rituals have become the foundation of staying healthy through the nonstop demands of touring.

Why King Is Exploring Peptides

King is constantly looking for ways to improve his recovery, but he’s careful not to chase quick fixes. He explained that his interest in peptides isn’t driven by weight loss or shortcuts in the gym. Instead, it’s rooted in addressing years of chronic inflammation, skin conditions, digestive issues, and the physical demands that come with life on the road.

“I’ve had lifelong eczema,” King says. “I’ve had terrible skin my whole life.”

The combination of constant travel, inconsistent sleep, stress, and the occasional late night has negatively affected his gut health, leading him to research new recovery options. His first step is trying a peptide protocol designed to support skin health and improve gut function, an approach he hopes will strengthen his body rather than just masking symptoms.

King is realistic about his expectations. He doesn’t see peptides as a miracle solution.

“I don’t think it’s a complete solution,” he says.

Instead, he views them as another tool that complements the healthy habits he’s already established. King hopes that by improving his overall health, he will also add lean muscle, using anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric and ashwagandha to help calm his nervous system, especially when he’s home and adjusting to life off tour.

“My big thing right now is just trying to develop a little bit more lean muscle mass,” he says. Rather than using peptides to lose weight, he’s interested in whether improving his metabolism and overall recovery will allow him to better utilise the high-protein diet he’s already committed to.

It’s a measured approach that reflects King’s broader philosophy toward wellness. Whether he’s experimenting with new recovery methods, spending time in the sauna, or simply choosing a healthier meal after a show, his goal isn’t finding a shortcut. It’s building habits that allow him to feel and perform at his best for the long haul.

Zack John King

Building a Strong Body Starts With Building the Right Circle

Fitness isn’t the only thing King believes requires accountability. He credits much of his personal growth to the people around him. 

Family, long-time friends, and a small inner circle that isn’t impressed by fame.

“They’re checking on me,” he says. “They’re not checking on what I do.”

That distinction matters.

As his career continues to grow, King says surrounding himself with people willing to challenge his attitude, ego, and decisions has become essential. In an industry where managers, promoters, and even well-meaning friends often default to saying “yes,” he has learned that honest feedback is far more valuable than constant praise. The people closest to him aren’t there to celebrate every accomplishment. They’re there to ensure success doesn’t change who he is.

It’s also shaped how he views healthy relationships.

Rather than asking what he’s getting from someone else, he’s learning to focus on what he can contribute.

“It’s probably a mix of selflessness,” he explains, admitting that spending years in an industry centred around personal success can subtly shift someone’s perspective if they aren’t careful.

“The worst relationships are when you’re only considering yourself,” he says. My job is all about me, so it can trick me into thinking relationships need to be too. And that’s just not true.”

His support system extends well beyond friends. His parents have remained some of his most significant supporters, offering the kind of perspective that only family can provide. He also leans heavily on a weekly men’s Bible study made up of fellow Nashville professionals who intentionally leave the music business at the door. Rather than discussing streaming numbers or record deals, conversations revolve around faith, family, marriage, and everyday life. Topics that remind King his identity is rooted in something much bigger than his career.

For King, maintaining physical health begins with surrounding himself with people who care just as much about his character as they do his success. It’s the same philosophy that fuels his workouts: consistency, accountability, and showing up for the people around you every single day.

Why King Is Exploring Peptides

King is constantly investigating how to improve his recovery, but he’s careful not to chase quick fixes. During our conversation, he explained that his interest in peptides isn’t driven by weight loss or shortcuts in the gym. Instead, it’s rooted in addressing years of chronic inflammation, eczema, digestive issues, and the physical demands that come with life on the road.

“I’ve had lifelong eczema,” King says. “I’ve had terrible skin my whole life.”

The combination of constant travel, inconsistent sleep, stress, and the occasional late night has negatively affected his gut health, leading him to research new recovery options. His first step is trying a peptide protocol designed to support skin health and improve gut function, an approach he hopes will strengthen his body rather than just masking symptoms.

King is realistic about his expectations. He doesn’t see peptides as a miracle solution.

“I don’t think it’s a complete solution,” he says.

Instead, he views them as another tool that complements the healthy habits he’s already established. King hopes that by improving his overall health, he will also add lean muscle, using anti-inflammatory supplements like turmeric and ashwagandha to help calm his nervous system, especially when he’s home and adjusting to life off tour.

“My big thing right now is just trying to develop a little bit more lean muscle mass,” he says. Rather than using peptides to lose weight, he’s interested in whether improving his metabolism and overall recovery will allow him to better utilise the high-protein diet he’s already committed to.

It’s a measured approach that reflects King’s broader philosophy toward wellness. Whether he’s experimenting with new recovery methods, spending time in the sauna, or simply choosing a healthier meal after a show, his goal isn’t finding a shortcut. It’s building habits that allow him to feel and perform at his best for the long haul.

Learning to Feel Again

For Men’s Mental Health Month, King’s most vulnerable conversation wasn’t about music.

It was about numbness.

He admits that repeatedly experiencing the emotional high of performing for thousands of fans can unintentionally rewire the brain. Eventually, ordinary life struggles to produce the same emotional response.

“The threshold is nearly impossible now.”

King says performing for a packed venue creates an adrenaline rush that’s incredibly difficult to replicate anywhere else. “I’m getting it from 60,000 people singing,” he explains. “And it’s really difficult to replicate in another scenario.” After enough nights on stage, everyday life can begin to feel emotionally flat by comparison.

After a career milestone or setback, artists can find themselves drifting slowly into emotional neutrality, rather than feeling excitement or disappointment.

“Wins and losses, you just kind of sit there and don’t feel anything.”

He believes that’s one of the hidden struggles of the entertainment industry. Fans often assume musicians are living the dream, but the constant cycle of adrenaline, travel, rejection, and performance creates challenges few people outside the business truly understand.

“I could never figure out how people with the best job in the world get depressed,” King admits. “Until we’re a year and a half in, and I’m like, ‘Oh…that’s why.’ Because your brain’s just lopsided. Everything’s completely flipped.”

Rather than trying to suppress disappointment, King says his goal is to relearn how to experience every emotion again. I want to relearn how to experience every emotion again, even if it means risking getting hurt.

“My goal is to get to a place where I could let myself feel both things. I could let myself feel disappointed or sad just as easily as I could feel excited. I’m not good at it yet, but I’m learning.”

It’s an honest admission that cuts through the polished image often associated with rising stars. Instead of pretending to have everything figured out, King hopes that being transparent about the mental side of success will encourage others, especially men, to recognise that emotional resilience isn’t about never struggling. It’s about being willing to confront those struggles head-on and allowing yourself to feel again.

Zack john king

An Album That Leaves Nothing Hidden

That same honesty defines I’m What You Get.

Rather than releasing a traditional debut filled with previously released singles, King chose to deliver a sprawling 20-song collection that introduces listeners to every side of who he is, from the outdoorsman raised fishing Georgia waters to the man navigating faith, relationships, success, and self-doubt.

I wanted to make a project that laid out all the good and bad parts of me. I actually wanted to write about exactly who I am. Some people might love it, while others might not, and that’s fine. And I’ve become more comfortable with that too. I think this project makes a statement of ‘take it or leave it; this is me.’ There are parts of me that I truly love on this record, but there are also parts of me that I regret. In every song, there’s a piece of my story I wanted to share. When I was in the writing process, I hoped that anyone could listen to this record from start to finish and see that it’s 100% me.”

Much like his approach to health and fitness, King isn’t chasing perfection.

He’s chasing authenticity.

And whether he’s doing pushups before a show, recovering in a sauna, cooking dinner for friends, or standing under the lights in front of thousands of fans, that’s the version of himself he seems most committed to becoming.

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Facing Russia’s threat, Germany could bring back mandatory military service by mid-2027

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Facing Russia’s threat, Germany could bring back mandatory military service by mid-2027
German army recruitment likely to begin in mid-2027, senior politician says

Germany could reintroduce compulsory military service by mid-2027 if voluntary conscription fails to meet ambitious military targets, a senior lawmaker has warned, as the country faces a growing threat from Russia and an unpredictable United States.

The government introduced a new voluntary military service model in November with mandatory registration for 18-year-old males. However, between January and May, the scheme resulted in only 530 new recruitments, while approximately 300,000 young people were contacted.

Thomas Rovekamp, ​​chairman of the German parliament’s defence committee, said that if Germany cannot reach its target through the voluntary system, “we will have to return to conscription.” “We have to take this decision by July 31 next year.”

There is pressure of lack of fuel in recruitment

Germany has committed to increasing its army strength to at least 260,000 by 2035 from the current 185,000. A mandatory questionnaire requiring men turning 18 to provide information about their willingness to serve has already begun reaching potential recruits. By mid-2027, mandatory physical examinations for 18-year-old males are also expected to begin.

Rovekamp, ​​chairman of the German parliament’s defence committee, said he still had “serious doubts” that voluntary conscription alone could meet the goals. He said, “My big concern is the increase in the number of career and contract soldiers, because they are the ones who fly fighter jets, pilot ships, drive tanks and manage Patriot air defence systems.”

generational divide

The debate has exposed generational divisions. A recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations found a net opposition rate of 46 per cent to mandatory military service among 18- to 29-year-olds, while every older age group expressed overall support.

Bella Breitner, spokeswoman for the School Strike Against Conscription movement and a youth activist, said the government’s military expansion plans are creating fear among young Germans that the country is moving toward deeper militarisation.

“We don’t think we have any interest in it,” Breitner said. He said the group has organised three strike days, each of which was attended by about 50,000 people.

Security concerns prompt debate

Rovekamp said Germany must urgently arm itself independently of the United States, partly because of Trump’s plan to reduce troops in Europe, but also because Washington has not been able to reliably supply European armies amid repeated international crises.

He said that Europe should develop its military capabilities based on real needs rather than industrial interests.

European governments are under increasing pressure to expand their armies and increase defence spending amid uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine war and the future of US security guarantees in Europe.

Germany suspended mandatory military service in 2011, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and renewed doubts about Washington’s role in European security have pushed the issue back onto the political agenda.

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Jamun Dishes: 6 delicious jamun dishes that make getting vitamin C surprisingly easy

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Jamun Dishes: 6 delicious jamun dishes that make getting vitamin C surprisingly easy
6 Delicious Jamun Recipes That Make It Surprisingly Easy to Get Vitamin C

The deep purple summer fruit jamun, also known as black plum, rarely gets the same fame as mango or litchi.

Yet this tart, juicy fruit brings more than just colour to the table. Each 100-gram serving of fresh berries provides approximately 14.3 mg of vitamin C, making it an easy way to support your daily intake while still enjoying one of summer’s most distinctive fruits.

Its bright, tangy profile makes it easy to incorporate into everyday meals, and it can help increase your vitamin C intake without feeling like a health hassle. The trick is simple: let the berries do what they do best, jazzing up a dish with acidity, sweetness, and a little drama. Here are six jamun recipes that make the case beautifully.

Jamun Chaat

This is jamun at its most playful. Mix the fruits with chopped cucumber, onion, mint, black salt, roasted cumin and lemon juice. The result is a tangy, refreshing chaat that tastes like summer in a bowl. It also works as a breakfast, starter or late-afternoon cure for a slump.

Blackberry Smoothie

 

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For a faster route, mix the berries with curd or milk, a little honey and some ice cubes. Add a banana if you want a more creamy texture, or keep it tart for a more fruit-based version. This is one of the easiest ways to transform jamun into a breakfast-worthy drink that tastes delicious and light at the same time.

Jamun Salsa

Consider it a modern variation of jamun. Chop the berries with tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, cilantro and lime juice, then spoon them over grilled chicken, fish, cheese or toast. It’s bright, quick and unexpectedly elegant. The natural acidity of the fruit gives salsa the kind of zest that typically comes from citrus fruits alone.

Jamun Raita

 

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If you’ve never added fruit to raita, jamun is a good place to start. Mix the pulp with chopped coriander, a pinch of roasted cumin and a little salt in whipped curd. The spiciness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the curd, making this side dish ideal next to biryani, pulao or a simple meal of dal and rice.

Jamun Chutney

This preparation brings out the darker, more delicious side of the fruit. Cook the jamun with jaggery, ginger, a little vinegar and a little red chilli until it becomes shiny and thick. Chutney tastes great with parathas, pakodas, kebabs or paneer. It also keeps well, making it one of the most practical ways to enjoy berries beyond the season.

6. Jamun sorbet

 

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When the weather turns severe, jamun sherbet is the solution. Puree the fruit with sugar syrup and lemon juice, then freeze until smooth and icy. Its flavour is somewhere between berry and plum, with a tartness that keeps every spoonful lively. This is a dessert that sounds cleaner, tarter and much more sophisticated.

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Man City agree to sign player ‘Enzo Mariska would love’

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Man City agree to sign player ‘Enzo Mariska would love’

Enzo Mariska would love to work with Elliott Anderson at Manchester City, according to his former coach. The Blues have agreed to a £116m deal with Nottingham Forest and the midfielder is expected to complete his move following a medical in the coming days.

Ange Postecoglou spent a brief spell working with Anderson in the forest last season and was seriously impressed with a player he believes can still improve significantly. While the former Newcastle youngster has a fixed role for England, Postecoglou has seen Anderson show what he can offer in midfield.

“He is outstanding,” Postecoglou told ITV. “From the outside, you know he is a talented player, but when you work with him on a daily basis, you realise there are still two or three levels in him.” He is very focused as a young player; he can probably play every midfield position in a three.

I think England suits him best when he has a fixed position. At Forest he was trying to do everything from time to time because he had that ability. From the moment he came into the England set-up, he showed real discipline. Thomas Tuchel really trusts him, and when you earn a manager’s trust, especially at an international level, it can have a significant impact. He has now made a big step at City. He would definitely love being in Enzo’s group.

Anderson has already impressed City royalty in Ilkay Gundogan, although the Galatasaray midfielder does not believe the 23-year-old will come to the Etihad as a superstar despite the premium price. Gundogan singled out Anderson’s performance against City last season as a breakthrough year for the player.

“I think he’s proven that, especially with Nottingham Forest last season,” he told ESPN. “He’s had an incredible season; he’s put in some great performances – including against City – and he’s developed quite impressively over the years. I’m sure he’ll be a fantastic addition to the City squad.

“I wouldn’t say he’s a big name. He’s someone everyone knows but I don’t think they’re signing him as a superstar; they’re signing him as a team player. He’s expensive but it’s the Premier League, where the best game is.

“People pay him and they have to pay him for a certain quality. “Manchester fans will be pleased because he gives his all for the team, which is what you want in a teammate.”

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World Cup trends capture American hearts

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World Cup trends capture American hearts

“There’s nothing that feels the same when you have that same energy of all the people in one place,” he told NBC News in a text message on Wednesday. He added, “It was very nice and special;

It’s something that doesn’t happen outside of the World Cup.”

The viral trend first emerged during a 0-0 friendly draw with Switzerland in March as Norway prepared for the World Cup and quickly became the country’s trademark national celebration.

Locke said these trends are “a way for people to express their culture.”

The Norway team has pointed to its historical roots by posing in Viking costumes for its departure photo ahead of the tournament.

Before this summer, Norway had not qualified for the World Cup in 28 years, but the team has now reached the knockout rounds.

Scotland fans, known collectively as the Tartan Army, have also been a visible presence during the team’s knockout matches in Boston and Miami.

Despite Scotland’s mixed performance in the tournament, an estimated 50,000 Scotland fans travelled to Boston for the team’s matches, eager to enjoy themselves. Fans dressed in traditional Scottish skirts often announce their arrival with the sound of bagpipes playing in the streets.

Ahead of Scotland’s ill-fated clash with Brazil on Wednesday, a large contingent of the Tartan Army attended a Miami Marlins baseball game, bringing with them bagpipes and a party. Fans have also followed the more modern Scottish tradition, decorating statues with traffic cones in both cities.

Fans in tartan walk down the ramp at the water's edge
Scotland fans posed for photographs at the North East Tartan Army Boat Party ahead of Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup match against Brazil in Miami on Tuesday. Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images
A woman wearing a traffic cone poses for a photo with her friend near a statue
A statue in James Michael Curley Park in Boston, Mass., depicts a woman wearing a traffic cone as she poses for a photo on June 21, 2026. Since the Tartan Army arrived in town, statues throughout the city have been adorned with orange traffic cones. Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images File

The Scottish bagpipes are not the only unique instrument at the tournament; Swiss fans are also recognisable by their ringing cowbells. However, one famous sound symbol that will not be seen at this year’s tournament is South Africa’s vuvuzela – a plastic horn that was banned from World Cup stadiums along with other noisemakers after its widespread use at the 2010 tournament held in the country.

“What we are seeing in the stands and on the streets of North America at this World Cup is a very intriguing expression of national identity, reflecting a change in the way culture is produced and disseminated in global sport,” said Paul Widdop, associate professor and reader in sports business at Manchester Metropolitan University in Britain.

“What is important is not whether these practices are authentic or traditional,” Widdop said via email. Importantly, they serve as simple, repeatable forms of cultural expression that can be recognised across borders.

For fans of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the symbol of national identity has taken on an entirely unique form.

Throughout the tournament, Congolese fans rallied around Michel Nkuka Mboldinga, a supporter who attends matches as a living statue representing one of the country’s national heroes: the assassinated independence leader and prime minister Patrice Lumumba.

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Three wild Himalayan predators share the same turf, hunt at the same hours, and somehow never go to war: Study reveals surprising ‘menu’ differences |

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Three wild Himalayan predators share the same turf, hunt at the same hours, and somehow never go to war: Study reveals surprising ‘menu’ differences |
Three wild Himalayan hunter-gatherers share the same grounds, hunt at the same time, and somehow never go to war: Study reveals surprising 'menu' differences
An unprecedented study in Nepal’s Lapchi Valley reveals surprising peace between three apex predators: snow leopards, common leopards and Himalayan wolves. Rather than regional divisions, their coexistence depends on specific dietary preferences. Snow leopards prefer wild ungulates; common leopards hunt livestock and small animals near settlements, while wolves eat a mixture.

The Himalayas always feel like a world unto themselves, ancient, remote, and alive in ways that are hard to describe. Somewhere above the treeline in this region, where the wind dies down and the paths disappear into the rock and snow, some of the forest’s creatures go about the serious work of survival.

Nepal’s mountain ecosystems are some of the most biologically rich and least understood on Earth, and the predators that rule them are particularly mysterious. For centuries, people have believed that nature distributes large predators within an area. One occupies the hill, the other the valley, and the third hunts at dawn, preventing the apex predators from tearing each other apart for the same food.

Even though this may seem like a viable theory, it is not. This theory also proves to be wrong, at least in one extraordinary Himalayan valley. A new study of Nepal’s Lapchi Valley has overturned that notion, and what researchers found instead is something far more delicate.

Three wild Himalayan hunter-gatherers share the same grounds, hunt at the same time, and somehow never go to war Study reveals surprising 'menu' differencesSnow Leopard (Photo: Canva)

Three hunters, a valley, and a surprising peace: What does a new Himalayan study reveal?

In a remote valley in the central Himalayas of Nepal, three of Asia’s most powerful predators, the snow leopard, the common leopard, and the Himalayan wolf, share the same terrain, move at the same time, and somehow avoid tearing each other apart. A new study published in PLOS One finally explains how this surprising peace is possible. Researchers say the answer is diet.

The study is based on more than six years of camera-trapping and poop analysis in the Lapchi Valley of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area in the central Himalayas of Nepal, where researchers identified each predator’s diet by studying faecal DNA and examining prey hair under a microscope. The cameras were deployed in three survey phases between October 2018 and March 2025. The researchers found that despite living in the same postcode, the three animals eat remarkably different things.

What do the three big predators eat?

Snow leopards primarily eat wild blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and Himalayan serow, with blue sheep alone making up about half of their diet. Common leopards, on the other hand, primarily prefer livestock and animals near human settlements, including dogs, although they also eat barking deer and gorals.

Himalayan wolves sat somewhere in the middle, taking on a mix of wild prey such as blue sheep and musk deer as well as domestic animals such as goats, horses and yaks. The result is a kind of unspoken truce written into food choices rather than divisions over nature. The dietary overlap between snow leopards and wolves was notable, while the diet of common leopards was very different from both.

The results surprised researchers

Lead author Narayan Prasad Koju of Nepal Engineering College, speaking to Mongabay, stated, “The biggest surprise is that space and time do not maintain peace among the top three predators.” “It is an interesting finding that diet alone is doing so much while the animals are essentially sharing the same space at the same time.”

Study also documents slow-growing threat to wildlife balance

Earlier surveys of the Lapchi Valley had recorded only snow leopards. Leopards and wolves have arrived recently.

Common leopards are now expanding into higher-altitude snow leopard habitat, possibly due to climate change, rising tree lines and increasing infrastructure at lower altitudes. Madhu Chhetri, a researcher at the National Trust for Nature Conservation who has studied predator overlap in the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, told Mongabay that half of the current snow leopard habitat in the Himalayas could be replaced by shifting tree lines, thereby steadily shrinking the alpine areas in which these cats primarily live.

blame falls on the wrong species

Koju said that when a leopard kills livestock in the valley, the blame often falls on snow leopards, simply because they are the more familiar culprit in that landscape. Misattribution could have disastrous consequences for a species already under pressure. Nepal is home to an estimated 397 snow leopards, according to a 2025 government survey cited in the study.

Both the snow leopard and the common leopard are classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Kozu argues that the practical improvements are not complicated, but they are necessary. “When wild hunting declines, all three hunters shift towards livestock, triggering retaliatory killings and destabilising the entire system.”

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Quote of the Day by Amal Clooney: “When I look at the world today, I feel that we need courage more than ever…” | world News

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Quote of the Day by Amal Clooney: “When I look at the world today, I feel that we need courage more than ever…” | world News

Courage is a virtue we admire from a distance but rarely think we would need in person. Amal Clooney, a human rights lawyer who has spent her career defending people in some of the world’s most difficult cases, sees it very differently. He argues that courage is needed now more than ever.

He said these words while taking stock of the world, especially pointing to the situation of women. Women around the world still face physical abuse and restrictions on their ability to work, own property, travel and even care for their children, she said.

He said, We need courage in the face of all these challenges. It’s a sobering reminder that hard-won rights are not guaranteed everywhere, and defending them requires more than merely sincere intentions. For Clooney, courage is the practical virtue that decides whether anything actually changes.

Quote of the Day by Amal Clooney

 

“When I look at the world today, courage is needed more than ever. Courage is needed now more than ever as women around the world face physical abuse, restrictions on their ability to work, own property, travel, and even care for their children.

 

Who is Amal Clooney?

Amal Clooney is a British-Lebanese barrister who specialises in international law and human rights. During her career she has represented clients before bodies such as the International Criminal Court, the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations and has often taken up cases involving war crimes, freedom of the press and the rights of women and refugees.

He is also a visiting professor at Columbia Law School. Known for taking on powerful adversaries on behalf of people who cannot easily defend themselves, she has become one of the most prominent human rights advocates of her generation, which lends real weight to such a line.

Why does Amal Clooney believe that courage is the foundation of every virtue?

Clooney said these words in 2018 while delivering the commencement address at Vanderbilt University in the United States, where he received the medal. The entire speech was based on one theme, which was courage.

He told the graduating students that, of all the virtues that shape their lives, courage is the most important. In his words, it is the quality on which all others depend.

She then pointed to many places in the world where courage was desperately needed and the treatment of women was the first example she arrived at. In other words, the quote was not a throwaway line. This was the focus of his advice to the new generation.

What is the meaning behind this statement by Amal Clooney?

The quote makes two connected points. The first is that courage matters, and we need it more than ever in the present moment. The second is a serious look at the cause.

Clooney lists the everyday injustices that many women still endure: violence and limitations on their freedom to work, own property, move around freely, or live with their children. She says these are not distant historical problems, but the realities of this time for millions of women.

Putting the two ideas together, their message is that wishing things were different is insufficient. Changing them requires people willing to speak out, take risks, and act, even if it’s inconvenient or costly. By courage he means this desire.

The broader meaning of courage in Amal Clooney’s message

It’s all too simple to assume that basic rights are settled and protected, especially if you live somewhere they are mostly protected. Clooney’s words are a reminder that this isn’t the case for everyone and that progress can stall or even lag when people stop defending it. This quote also expands the meaning of courage. We often portray this as physical bravery, but Clooney is describing moral courage, the willingness to stand up for what is right and use one’s voice or position on behalf of others. This kind of courage is relevant not just for lawyers and activists but for anyone in any walk of life.

How to apply this quote in daily life

You don’t need a courtroom or a cause to leave it. Adventure often begins at home.

  • Speak up when something is wrong. Courage often looks small and ordinary, like saying something when you see injustice instead of remaining silent because it’s easier.
  • Use whatever influence you have. A vote, a conversation, your money, your skills or your attention can all be put to work for a cause you believe in.
  • Support those who have less power than you. Clooney made a career out of defending people who simply couldn’t defend themselves. In small ways, most of us can speak up when someone misbehaves.
  • Accept that courage is uncomfortable. Doing the right thing often comes at a price, whether mild awkwardness or real risk. Having this expectation makes it easier to do the job anyway.

 

Other famous quotes from Amal Clooney

Clooney’s speeches often return to courage, justice, and standing up for others. Here are some more of his lines:

  • “Courage, as they say, is contagious.”
  • “Be courageous. Challenge stereotypes. Stand up for what you believe in.”
  • “We need young people to have the courage to say, ‘This is our world now, and there are going to be some changes.'”
  • As women, we may not be a minority, but we share a bond of shared experience.

What makes Clooney’s message sound is that he lives it and has spent his career standing up for people in really tough places. His point is that courage is not reserved for heroes or activists.

In matters big and small, it is an option available to all of us. Many of the rights and freedoms that people enjoy today exist because someone, somewhere, was brave enough to fight for them. Clooney’s quote is an invitation to pay it forward.

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Kraft Heinz Restructures Global Operations

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Kraft Heinz Restructures Global Operations

The Kraft Heinz Company announced changes to its global operating structure to help accelerate growth, sharpen focus and more effectively deploy resources across its portfolio of iconic brands.

Effective July 1, 2026, Kraft Heinz will reorganise into three regions:

North America (NA), Europe and Pacific Developed Markets (EPDM) and Emerging Markets (EM).

Under the new structure, the company will combine Asia Emerging Markets and West and East Emerging Markets (WEEM) into one emerging markets region led by Marcel Regis, who will become regional president, emerging markets.

The European countries currently included in WEEM will move into EPDM. Willem Brandt will continue to serve as regional president, Europe and Pacific developed markets.

Nico Amaya will continue to lead North America, which includes the US and Canada.

Additionally, procurement and supply chain will be combined into one central function under Janelle Aydin, who will serve as global chief procurement and supply chain officer.

“We are building momentum across many areas of the business, and this regional structure will help us meaningfully accelerate and scale our progress,” Steve Cahillane, CEO of Kraft Heinz, said in a statement. “Additionally, by combining procurement and supply chain into one central function, we can more effectively manage our end-to-end value chain and strengthen supply chain resilience.”

As part of these changes, Cory Onell, chief omnichannel sales & Asia emerging markets officer, and Flavio Torres, global chief supply chain officer, will transition out of their roles. Both Onell and Torres will remain with the company as advisors through a transition period.

“As a company, we are proving that iconic brands can evolve, scale and win,” said Cahillane. “This new structure positions Kraft Heinz to unlock the full potential of our portfolio and drive sustainable, volume-led growth across our global business.”

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Ashura: Remembrance of an Alternative

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Ashura: Remembrance of an Alternative

By Abdul Majid Hakim Ilahi

More than fourteen centuries have passed since the tragedy of Karbala, yet the sacrifice of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, continues to inspire the hearts and consciences of all nations, cultures and faiths.

Ashura is the remembrance of an alternative.

This event is the story of a man who stood up to overwhelming power and refused to give up his principles.

He was the man who chose dignity over submission, truth over propriety, and justice over fear. For this reason, Karbala never belonged to any one community. Its message transcends geography, ethnicity and religion. Wherever people struggle against oppression, seek justice, or defend their dignity, the spirit of Karbala finds fresh expression.

Power can compel obedience, but it cannot command legality.

Weapons can kill but cannot destroy principles and ideas. Political power may dominate for a short period of time, but moral authority endures for generations. This principle is the reason why Imam Hussain’s stance continues to resonate in every era.

The modern world, despite its technological advances and unprecedented interdependence, faces the same ethical challenges that existed centuries ago. People endure occupation and aggression, as we see in the news every day.

International relations are often driven by military power calculations rather than commitments to justice. In such a situation, the message of Ashura becomes very relevant.

This year’s commemoration follows the unprovoked US-Israeli attack on Iran. Resistance, as Imam Hussain taught, is not the goal of conflict.

This is not an ideology of war. It is the determination to persevere when circumstances encourage surrender.

For this reason the language of resistance should not be misunderstood. At its core, it is a moral concept, not a political one.

The purpose of resistance is not endless confrontation. Its purpose is to safeguard justice, protect dignity and create conditions in which peace is based on mutual respect rather than domination.

Lasting peace cannot be imposed through force alone. Lasting peace emerges when justice becomes the foundation of international relations.

Over the past year, I have travelled extensively across India and realised that the memory of Muharram holds a unique place in the civilisational landscape of India. The story of Karbala has inspired Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

It is celebrated in villages and cities, among people of different traditions, who consider Imam Hussain a universal symbol of courage and sacrifice.

MK Gandhi took inspiration from the example of Imam Hussain. GaGandhiji understood that moral courage is more powerful than violence and that steadfastness in truth can achieve lasting change.

Although their historical contexts were different, both Gandhi and Imam Hussain demonstrated that the power of reason is ultimately more effective than the power of coercion.

In every generation there are new forms of oppression and new tests of conscience. Circumstances change, but the moral choice remains the same: whether to bow to injustice or stand up for principle. This principle is why Ashura continues to inspire millions of people.

The views expressed above are the author’s own.

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Navigating the Ultra-Processed Foods Debate

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Navigating the Ultra-Processed Foods Debate

Three words—ultra-processed foods—are now known as UPFs. Welcome to the UPF era.

So, what does “ultra-processed” mean? Good question. US regulatory forces are currently trying to pin down that slippery idea. In the meantime, the public has embraced the debate, with UPF opinions lately suffusing internet newswires (a quick search will reveal the depth and intensity of this food dustup du jour).

UPFs hit the public consciousness in July 2025, when the FDA stated its intent to define the term, with ensuing (and extended) periods of time for comment and review (“Ultra-Processed Foods; Request for Information”). There’s good reason to proceed with caution. If the forthcoming UPF definition includes longstanding grocery staples like fortified breakfast foods and breads—as some have suggested it might—it would undermine flour-enrichment efforts dating back a century, which are essential to address serious nutrient deficiencies across our population. Hopefully, moderation and reason will prevail in the structure of the UPF guidelines, anchored with an understanding of a food’s nutrient density.

The UPF Era didn’t arrive suddenly, without warning, in the dead of night, like a visitor from another world (the mysterious, unidentified UPF … cue eerie theremin music), although it sometimes seems that way. Right or wrong, popular culture has chipped away at “big food” for decades, often starting with misconceptions and slowly building more general understanding of the science and reasoning behind the foods that feed the world as time progresses. UPF labelling is the latest manifestation of these efforts.

The regulatory and popular debate on UPFs, while sometimes maddening, is healthy. Public discourse shapes thought, and in the wake of this UPF shakeup, food companies can choose to lead with listening, responding with transparency and authenticity. Perception is reality, and we need to understand prevailing public perspectives (a lesson learned when gluten awareness began its unbelievable ascent, feeding the “free from” macro trend, which displays ongoing market growth and potential).

This month, David Feder, RDN, tackles the complex UPF issue, and the timing is right. US Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr recently suggested the UPF definition could arrive at any time, along with mandatory front-of-pack labelling.

Over the coming months, our Prepared Foods team will continue to engage with industry experts on UPFs to identify their impacts on formulation strategies and nutritional messaging, while also identifying new market opportunities.

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