WBT - Wealth, Business & Taxes

Merry Christmas my friends. Thank you for joining me on Christmas Eve, I trully love spending this time with you. Let's get to "Twas the night before Christmas". If you like my podcast and vlogs, please support me by going to http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge www.lodge-co.com

Thanksgiving is over. Let's make 2022 a full year of being thankful. We have gone through so much and we may be going through a lot more. To make it through the up an down times we have got to remember what we are thankful for every day of 2022. Those memories will create a path of greatness and the ability to help others by what we have lived. The good and the bad. Remember about the times you have traveled, spent Christmas in a special place, met new people that touched your life in some way. Let' live 2022 as a thankful year and let's remember our special experiences of Christmas in Paris. If you like my podcast, please follow and support me at: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or comment, send it to info@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

Today's episode is about thanksgiving and how important it is in our lives that then leads us to the government created inflation that is now leading to a recession. You and I can manage our household budgets better then Government. We are in control of our homes and we have to know that Government is the problem for this nation. Change will come with a nation motivated to take back their nation from politicians. But right now let's be thankful and focus on that with our family and friends. This is Thanksgiving.If you would like to follow me please go to http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have any questions send them to info@lodge-co.com If you want to schedule a 60 minutes consultation with me, book me online at www.lodge-co.com

Here is the deal, lowering the prices on your products and services does not boost business! In fact, it may put you out of business. The truth is, real business success comes from reliable, repeat customers along with strong, profit-making pricing. Don't surrender by lowering your prices, instead - focus on the quality, value of what you offer your clients. This podcast covers thinking about your fees and the qualify of your services.If you like the content of my podcasts and blogs, follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a business or mediation question, send it to: info@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

We are getting so close to our Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States. We are worn out by politics and dirty rotten politicians. This Thanksgiving, let's forget about the politics and focus on our family and friends. We have missed out on really good gossiping because we have been separated by government. This Thanksgiving no politics will be talked about at my thanksgiving time with family and friends. Put up your trees, get the turkey in the oven, get some deviled eggs and start enjoying this one American holiday that comes from the heart of giving. If you want to read all my blogs and listen to my podcasts, go to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a business question, send it to info@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

We are in the first part of this podcast series on making life decisions, today it is about engagement and marriage decisions. We are asking the questions prior to marriage that need to be asked. It's better to ask the questions before marriage and work through the issues prior to saying, "I Do". We have decisions we have to make as we start our lives together and they are important ones where you need to be on the same page. I do a lot of Pre-Marital Mediation and couples try and work through the issues prior to marriage. They want their marriage to work. Let's go through the pre-marriage question asking process in this podcast.If you like my podcasts and vlogs, go to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge and follow and support my process of vlogging and podcasting.If you have any questions, send them to info@lodge-co.com

So many times I have asked my friends and clients if they have created a will, trust and healthcare directive. Most of the time the answer is no. Over the weekend I watched several video's on social media of family members leaning over their family as they were taking their last breaths. I am sure you have seen these videos. Having gone through this myself with my Mom, she had given me a healthcare directive telling me what should happen if where was no longer responsive, no longer had any medical options to help her. I followed her directive because that is what she wanted, and letting go was easier because I was following her wishes. Why make death difficult for everyone by not knowing what your wishes are. This week of podcasts are going to be dedicated to the decision making process of life, from marriage to death. I promise you I will not be morbid, but will approach the subject(s) nicely. Join me this week as we talk about the decision process of life.I would ask that all of you please follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have any questions please send them to info@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

We are almost to the end of 2021 and if you own a business you need to sit down and begin planning for 2022. Planning is key to running a good business. Get your journal out and start planning. If you need help, email me at info@lodge-co.com You have two more months to do your planning an talking with your accountant on your tax issues for 2021. Be proactive an do what is good for your company - plan!If you like my content, please follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have any questions, submit them to info@lodge-co.com

Hello everyone on the beautiful Sunday morning. I love In-N-Out hamburgers. If you turn the drinking cup over you will find the word - John 3:16 If you don't know what that says, it is a bible verse that gives us all a promise - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It is the gospel in a nutshell. Now we are going through tough economic times, inflation is out of control. But we have a God that loves you and me. Don't forget it. Believe it. Live it.If you like the content of my podcasts, please support and follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeFor questions, send them to info@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

I made it. After two weeks of packing, loading it into a moving truck, driving everything to Greenville SC, I am exhausted. When you are as old as I am, the lifting of boxes and bending in all types of directions, the old body says - slow down. However, I am not about 90% unpacked and still looking at boxes in my garage. I wish you all could see the view from my office, beautiful trees with the sun shinning though. Life is good in South Carolina. Today our podcast is about taking care of our personal finances and budget during this inflation that has now turned into a recession. You and I are going to work on this so we can survive. If you are married you are going to do it together, that is my order. Yes, I am going to be bossy on this subject because it is so very important. I want you to go to my website at www.lodge-co.com and download my free excel budget for you to use. No strings attached. Click on the tab that says "60 Minute Business Advice". You will find it easy to use and you can make adjustments where needed.If you like my content, please support me by going to http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have any questions on business, mediation, finance, please send me a text to mlodge@lodge-co.com

This is my last episode that I will do in Florida. This Friday the moving van pulls in and loads me up to head to Greenville, South Carolina. Florida is becoming a California, real estate inflation, rental prices are soring, and crime is getting worse. I moved from California to escape what was going on in California to have it moved into Florida. However, I am looking forward to being in South Carolina. I will do my first podcast from Greenville a week from now. I look forward to the move. However, my back and lags are worn out, I have done all the packing myself, and I really do feel like an old man. Well, I am old. Talk with you soon from South Carolina.If you like my content, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have any business questions, send them to me at mediator@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

The point of modern propaganda isn't only to misinform or push an agenda. It is to exhaust your critical thinking, to annihilate truth. - Gary KasparovTurn off the news, think critically and find the truth. Stop jumping to conclusions because the propaganda fits your political agenda. Stop being fools! We have got to do better.If you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, become a member of "The Business Advisor" with Michael Lodge. Fresh new business and personal finance content every single day. http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

We are all experiencing a problem with shortage of supplies or taking time to get to us. Our supply chain has slowed way down (per Gallup) and created consumer prices to go up. Six in 10 people are unable in the past two months to get a product we have ordered. Similar percentage of people have experienced significant delays in getting these products. Altogether, 71% of Americans have experienced at least one of the two of these problems. If you download the app called Marine-Traffic and you can see all of the ships sitting there waiting to go into port and be unloaded. it is taking up to 4 to 6 weeks to unload these ships. Why? I can't find the real answer as to why it is taking so long. Christmas supplies are sitting off shore waiting to be unloaded which means Christmas present may be gift cards because there is no supply of consumer goods for Christmas. All of us have got to become good stewards of our money and think more creatively. This issue is driving up prices and creating inflation that affects all of us. So expect me to hound you weekly on being good stewards.Full Gallup report: https://news.gallup.com/poll/353312/consumers-felt-supply-chain-problems.aspxI invite you all to join my "The Business Advisor" that is a daily magazine of my blogs, vlogs and podcasts on business and what issues affect us. Become a member at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a business question, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com http://www.lodge-co.com

Everyon these days are mad as hell about something. Covid, taxes, unemployment, immigration, politics, family issues and the list goes on. On social media people have just become mean as snakes. They say things that they couldn't even say to their mother, but now feel they have the right to offend people and call them names. Conflict is established on social media and it has grown, and we are all guilty about it. Everyone s in attack mode. We have to learn that words create conflict and then escalate into threats of violence. We need to know how to deal with conflict, in our work, our travel, in our families. There are free classes on the internet that train you on how to deal with conflict. There are mediators available to you for advice on dealing with conflict. Use these sources to resolve conflicts. If you need help in knowing how to deal with conflict, contact me at mediator@lodge-co.com If you like my podcasts, vlogs and blogs follow and member at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question, send it to mediator@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

I am seeing more and more postings on social media about individuals feeling lonely. I have seen the words, "I am so lonely that I don't know how to bare it." It is good they are stating it so we can reach out to them. We need to start listening to individuals who are lonely, isolated, needing to talk. This isolation is doing greater damage to our overall health condition. It is weakening our health condition. There is a study done out of the UK that published a report that said, "Loneliness - much like hunger or thirst - is a signal that we're lacking something. Prolonged social isolation can even contribute to heart disease, stroke or premature death." These government that have locked down individuals have done a greater damage to humans by isolating them and creating greater healthcare conditions. This has got to stop because now we have got to learn how to communicate again and listen to those that are lonely. We have to listen and reach out. Isolation and loneliness has to be addressed by our corporations and their employees, healthcare workers, and in our churches. Especially with our young people who feel isolated from their friends. We are social beings and we can't be isolated. Governments have done too much damage to our nation through isolation and loneliness. You and I have got to do better. Tell me what you think.If you like my podcasts, vlogs and blogs, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

I am doing a short podcast today because I know there are people out there that feel broken, discouraged, and it is my responsibility to tell you, you're not broken. Remember, broken pots spread more water. Something will grow from what you have done. All of go through tough times, but we have to keep going. I believe in you. Keep going.If you like my podcasts, vlogs and blogs, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge Become a member of "The Business Advisor".If you have a business questions, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

I have been talking and preaching ethics for the last three years. The more I talk with people I am finding that churches have been corrupted by politics, even worse, political agenda's. Politics corrupts. And when you have individuals inside your organizations teaching how bad other people are, you will never act ethically. Ethics is so vital when we conduct our lives, our churches and our businesses. Politics corrupts and creates division, conflicts and disputes, and that is not how we are to live. Focus on what you do as a church - you serve. You have forgotten that because politics has destroyed the belief in serving or service. As a business, focus on what you do, how you build things, how you build people up within your companies, on your communities and how you can help them. If you have politics you loose sight of what you are ethically suppose to do for your stockholders, employees and consumers. Ethics should be the goal of our lives on a daily basis, how we treat and respect others that don't believe as we do. How we work together to make our communities better. And the list of ethical cooperation continues if we focus on them and do not let politics corrupt our mission of service.If you like my podcast, please follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge. If you have a business or mediation question, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

Forget the News. Forget politics or politicians. Forget Covid and the Covid politics. Get up and do something that will make a difference. Feed your mind with good stuff, do stuff that impacts others lives in a positive way. We have become so bogged down on the current crisis and the politics that never changes. It doesn't change because people have lost interest in their America. By the way you can do something, vote better. We have talked about this before. It is time that we all have talents, we have a life time of experience, put it to use to make a difference in your community. If you want to travel, experience America for right now. If you want to do something different, find something that interests you. I am planning a Great Loop experience, getting in a boat, traveling up the east coast on the intercoastal waterway, over to the great leaks, down the Mississippi river and finally making my way back to Florida, or any port I choose. But along the way I am going to work with the local Chambers, talk to people about alternative ways to settle disputes, about business issues. So I am planning this trip and telling you the process along the way. I feel it is time for me to rise up and so something. Find something that interests you and do it. But don't sit idle and do nothing. LiveIf you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge I post content throughout the day. If you would like to help and support me, buy me a coffee. If you have any business questions, send them to mediator@lodge-co.com I will answer to the best of my ability your questions.

Inflation is predicted to rise on food by 2 - 3% doe Oct o December, maybe even more. We all have been hit by higher food costs and now it will go up even more. In this podcast we are going to talk about this issue and how to plan for it.If you would like a free budget spread sheet to tract your income and costs, go to my website and click on www.lodge-o.com/60minutebusinessadvice.html and click on "Personal Budget Worksheet". It is completely free and easy to use. If you have questions just send me an email to mediator@lodge-co.comIf you like my podcast, blogs and vlogs, follow and support me by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge

On September 14th you have the ability to change the downward direction of California. When you hire people you look at their accomplishments. If you look at what Newsom has done from being Mayor of California to being Govenor, he has caused distruction throughout his time in California. Not one single accomplishment that was not political agenda driven, not what is right for Californians. People and businesses are moving out of California as Newsom continues to attack small businesses and chase them out of the state. You are going to fire a bad performer and hire someone that will work for Californians. If you vote no on the recall you have just driven another nail in the State of California. Stop thinking abou democrats against republicans, this is a decision to fire a bad person. Gavin Newsom has done too much damage and created too much chaos in California. You have been touched by his bad leadership and his focus on politics and not Californians. Anyone that has a bad political agenda will destroy everyone that gets in his or her way.VOTE YES ON RECALLING GAVIN NEWSOMIf you like my blogs, vlogs and podcasts, follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a business or conflict question, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

On 9/11 we were attacked. On 9/12 we united as a nation. We are being attacked from within by divisional politics, on 9/12 we need to unite as a nation and rebuild our nation. Put your political parties to the side and focus on our communities and work together on what needs to happen to rebuild our communities. Helping our neighbor. Not putting labels like vaccinated and unvaccinated, everyone is the same - we are Americans. On 9/12 we unite. And by the way, starting on 9/12 and you walking along, and you may be wearing a mask, pull it down and smile at people. Show them you are united with them. Smile and work together. Shut the politicians down, shut the news down, and get to work in your communities with your neighbors. Get it done.If you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or remark, send an email to mediator@lodge-co.com

America is under attack inside America by politicians that want government to take control over your freedom, your healthcare decisions, your ability to survive. Americans have the ability by fighting back through the courts and the constitution, and through our votes. We can work together to create change in government. We can o greater things by getting involved in our communities. But we, Americans, have the ability to take back our nation and our government. Don't allow Biden or anyone mandate your healthcare decision. Stand firm and fight. Those businesses who are pushing vaccine mandates, you have opened yourself up to legal risk. You had better sit down with outside attorneys and re-examine your risk. It will be costly if you keep going in the direction of mandated employees, vaccinated vs. unvaccinated. If you comply with the Biden mandate you will be challenged legally for your practices of attacking every employee / patient bill of rights of knowing what the vaccine will do and have the right to make the medical decision to accept it. Businesses are going to be held responsible for making medical decisions for patients, if one dies because of contracting covid or complications, you will be held responsible. You mandated that on your employee. Review your legal risk, because it will be costly. Americans, we can make change but we have to use the constitution to fight for us - legally.If you like my podcasts, vlogs and blogs, follow or support me by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have any questions, send me an email to mediator@lodge-co.com

If you are running a woke business you have been corrupted by politics and a political agenda. If you are discriminating against people because of how they believe, you are an unethical entity. Politics in companies create conflict and disputes, and the more you allow politics to roam around in your businesses and attack other people and fire them, or not serve them, you are unethically corrupt by politics. Politics is not a ethical profession, a political agenda creates more harm then a need to serve others. To serve and hear everyone. People stop talking, individuals become less creative, because they don't know who is going to be offended or who believe in their abilities. Those of you that serve on boards of corporations and allowing or supporting a company to be woke are doing damage to your business, shareholders and to the consumer. If your business is so woke that you are offending consumers - your a ethically challenged. Get politics out of your companies, set up rules, do not take sides, and stop being stupid woke.If you like my podcasts, vlogs and blogs, follow me where they all are at on www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a business question, send it to mediator@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

I am not endorsing any politician in California, but I am asking you to recall Gavin Newsom or else.......your state will get worse. This vote will send a very clear message to all California politicians to get their act together. The message is California first, end power driven criminal activity in government. The "Or Else" is not a pretty situation if you keep Gavin Newsom in office. Remember he was Mayor of San Francisco and he destroyed that city. Then he was Lt. Governor and then Governor. His history has been nothing but failure for the Californian. Californians have to stand up and take back control. Don't just let your state burn with Gavin Newsom, get some balls and take back you state. California is a great state, I was born there, it was my home. My friends and family are still there. My heart is in California and it always will be. But Californians have become weak in their decision making process and allowed California to be run down. Highest taxes, highest gasoline prices, highest property taxes, Lowest grade in education, highest poverty rate in the nation, and companies are running from California. It is failing more and more under Gavin Newsom. During the pandemic, Newsom took over and destroyed lives, even until today. Stand up California, take back your nation.If you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, follow and support me at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or comment send it to: mediator@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

Last night I sat down and wrote a letter to my Congresswoman that represents me here in Florida. I asked that the 13 names be read into the Congressional Record and that the Congressional Chaplin pray for those names. I as an American can request that items be submitted to the Congressional Record. However, my Congresswoman is a Democrat and sides with Nancy Pelosi on many things. On the day of the bombing she made a very short statement and it was all about her and her son who had served in the military. Politicians never address the paid of the families, instead they turn it around and make it about them. So I have doubt that my letter will get anywhere in Congress. But I encourage each of you to send a letter to your member of Congress. So i pray for the families of these fallen soldiers. David L EspinozaNicole L GeeDarin T HooverRyan C. KnaussHunter LopezRylee J McCollumDylan R. MerolaKareem M NikouiRasario PichardoHumberto A. SanchezJared M SchmitzMaxton W. SoviakDeagan W. Page.If you have any questions or comments, send it to mediator@lodge-co.comIf you like my podcasts, blogs and vlogs, follow and support me by going to: www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge

The last two podcasts have been about getting involved, fighting loneliness, starting the communication all over again. For a few weeks now I have been thinking about an adventure, to get out and explore. My decision - doing the great loop by boat. Leaving from Florida, going up the intercoastal waterway to New York, over to Chicago, down the Mississippi river to Louisiana and ending in Florida. Probably a year plus adventure. However, I can still do my work on the boat, my office will be my boat for a year. I am now in the planning stages of this adventure. Follow me. Tell me if you have done the great loop. Tell me the good, bad and ugly. If you are currently doing the great loop tell me about it. We have been locked down for so long, our mental health has been weakened and it is now time for a great adventure. You do it to, even if it is just for a day. Get out and do something amazing. Follow my blogs, vlogs and podcasts at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question about business or mediation, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

I was sitting waiting for something to get done and was watching Tiktok. I listened to an older man tell us that he didn't know how to deal with getting old. He lost his friends, he is just doing the same thing everyday, and no one talks with him. His name is Del and he is on today's podcast. But we can help the Del's of the world by just spending time talking to them, listening. Covid created a lot of mental health issues where people told us older people to stay home, it's safer for you. And then payed anymore attention to them. You know people like this, pick up your phone and start calling them. They need to talk and you need to listen. Let's start life again.If you like my vlogs, blogs and podcasts, follow and support me at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

In this world we see governments failing it's people. We see very bad decisions being made. We have realized that Government is not the answer to solve our problems, but rather they are the cause of so many problems. However, we have each other. Put the politics to the side and do what is right. Look for the needs within your communities that you can work together on and toss politics to the side. Kick it to the curb. There is so much to get done that your talents can be used to make a great community. Each one of us has a talent that can be used. This is the podcast to talk about putting our talents to work.If you like my podcasts and blogs. Follow and support me at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have any question or comments, send it to mediator@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

Yesterday I watched Bidens press conference and became amazed at a man that can not lead. Americans died because of his leadership. Terrorists took over because of Bidens leadership. He is right, the buck stops at his desk. The problem is he is never at his desk because he can't lead. He is responsible for a nation, relationships with our internation friends, but he abandoned them. When a leader shows weakness to our enimies they will attack the weak. Weak leadership creates chaos and death. Weakness puts a target on Americans everywhere, there is evil out there ready to pounce on weakness. Put your politics to the side and ask yourself, is Biden leading? is he making the right decisions for America and our international community? When we hire bad leaders chaos rolls into a larger incident that will destroy even more lives. Ask yourself, is it time to demand for another election to choose a leader? Do we need to vote for a no confidence of the President? Is it time for Biden and Harris to resign because of derelict of duties to America? We need to make a decision fast. Ask the question, has Biden / Harris been derelict in their duties? If you like my content, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a business question, or on dispute issues, send me an email to mediator@lodge-co.com

Right now in Congress there are two bills, a 1T infrastructure bill and a 4T spending bill. And the American people do not know what is in either one. No one in Congress wants to explain what their tax dollars are going to be spent on. It's all in a big pile, a bill with hundreds of tiny bills in side it. Otherwise known as pork. Not just any old pork, these are the mother pigs of pork. Trump would call it huuuuuge. I call it nonsense and it has got to be brought under control. Every American should be spending some time and telling their members of Congress to cut it out. Enough. Turn the printing presses off that are printing new money. Money that the American people can not afford. Congress, get your spending under control or you will be out. If you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, follow and support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

With every crisis we can learn about leadership.In this podcast we are going to talk about two styles of leadership. The first style is what we are seeing going on in Washington right now out of the Whitehouse. Autocratic Leaders is a form of leadership where decision are made by the leader alone. These leaders don't consider that teams thoughts and opinions before making a decision or heading into a new direction without telling anyone. This is what has happened with the current leader in the Whitehouse.The leadership that is needed is called Strategic Leadership. These are leaders that adopt the strategic leadership style are often at a crossroads, strategy is important. Planning is vital. This leader essentially accepts executive level interests while supporting lower level concerns to make sure the decision making process brings stability. From the crisis we are seeing, hearing, and viewing coming out of the capital, we can learn from the chaos about leadership strength and weaknesses. You and I have to learn more about leadership, study it, talk about it, have debates about leadership. Without leadership, you just have chaos and crisis.If you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, follow and support me at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have any questions on business, leadership, disputes, conflicts, send it to mediator@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

Today has been a day to pray for the people of Afghanistan. We have leaders who have made such bad decision that has destroyed so many peoples lives. Leaders pray. Good leaders pray. E. M. Bounds said, "None but praying leaders can have praying follower." You you lead you need to pray and have people praying. Prayer moves mountains and many times leaders need to move mountains. Today, as we pray for the Afghanistan people. We lead through prayer together.If you like my podcast, blogs and vlogs, please support me by following me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

Every crisis is a study on leadership, who are good leaders and who are failures. George Washington said, "99% of failure come from people who make excuses." And that is our first lession in leadership. Listen to this podcast as we discuss crisis and leadership.If you like my podcast, flogs and blogs, support me by following me at: www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question on business, leadership, conflicts, disputes, send me an email to mediator@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

If you like my blogs, vlogs and podcasts, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeYou and I have been sitting around worrying about covid, politics, Afghanistan, Biden, and any chaos of the day, and we have forgotten to laugh. We have got to create change in ourselves, turn off the TV's, shut off the politicians, and focus on our mental health and our immune systems by laughing. That is our discussion for the day.If you have a good joke, send it to me at mediator@lodge-co.com

Negotiating is to build professional relationships rather than burning bridge on your way out of the conference room. Negotiations fail because we let our emotions take over, rather then focusing on the words being said and the opportunities sitting right in front of us. Let's talk about the emotional side of negotiations.If you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, follow me on: www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question about business or mediation, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

Leadership is so very important when it comes to leading a nation. We currently have a leader who is not leading. We have a silent President as a international crisis is going on that he has created by bad leadership. No leadership shows the international community that we are not a stable nation. Thus, the bad players take advantage of a weak nation. His disappearance tells Americans and the International community tells us that there is no leader in place to take on the needs of America. I remember Vietnam and the fall of Saigon, I was young during those days. And now I have to relive that same experience as an American helicopter lift Americans from the American embassy in the Capital city of Afghanistan. People with the title of leader who do not lead put our nation at risk.You and I have got to be good leaders, and it has to start today. We have to protect our own nation together. We have to lead in our homes, communities, schools. We have to lead, not follow, but choose between right and wrong and fight for it. We have to lead.If you like my blogs, vlogs and podcasts, follow me at: www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a business mediation question, send it to mediator@lodge-co.om www.lodge-co.com

Every community has needs. You have talents to fulfill these needs. Use them to give back to your community and make it great again. If you like my blogs, vlogs and podcasts, follow me at http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge It's all there for you to read and learn from.If you have a business or mediation question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.comwww.lodge-co.com

I am really beginning to think that Covid has infected us and we have become un-civil to each other. Some of you have not been infected by Covid but you have become un-civil people. We need to do better at being civil. We hide behind our computer screens and become devils with our attacks and words. We have become the bullies out on the playground and not one treats people with decency. We call people names, we point fingers, we attack. Division starts with un-civil words. Conflicts and disputes begin to divide people. We are responsible for not being civil. Civility is gone, and we are responsible for it. The only way to get it back is for all of us to focus on our words and actions. That is each of our responsibilities.If you like my podcasts, blogs and vlogs, follow me on www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a business question or on mediation, send it to moderator@lodge-co.com

Senators, if you vote for this bill that plays game with the American taxpayer, we will hold you responsible. This infrastructure bill does not even address the needs of the American people, instead you are wanting to focus on a mileage tax? And other taxes? How sneaky and corrupt are you? If you vote yes you will be held accountable. VOTE NOIf you like my podcast, vlogs and blogs, support me by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

Many of us think TikTok is censoring us, but another part of the story are those individuals who are angry and they hate it that you question them, or have another opinion other then theirs. What they do is file a complaint with TikTok who then shuts you down while they investigate the complaint. These are people who are trying to do you damage. TikTok did this to me on three postings I had done on my account. Motivational and information posts on mediation. Nothing political, just posting that uplift and inform. However, when you comment on postings and they don't like your response, they become angry and then try and cause as much damage to you based on your comment. TicToc then receives a complaint from these small minded people and they do what they have to do, shut you down for a short period as they investigate. So now you have individuals who know how the TicTok system works, and they use it against people. Social Media is full of angry people who want to do damage to people. Don't worry about it. Karma, what goes around comes around. Now for me as a podcaster, they give me content to talk about, to write about. And I use it to educate others on how social media is just a game filled with bad players. If you like my content, support me by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question or comment, send it to mediator@lodge-co.com

We have too many people on social media and in real life that feel that anger is their message, how they should defend their message. This anger then responds to descent with anger towards those that don't agree with them. They can't take someone's comment or question if it is in disagreement with them. So they begin to attack, and they will find anything to attack you on. They can't even focus on what they are fighting for because they go off on an attack tangent on people that don't agree with them. As a mediator I have to angry people that come before me in mediation that want to attack each other instead of focusing on xyz issues that need to be resolved. They are so focused on the attack that they can't put options on the table because they are so angry. It's my job to keep individuals focused on xyz. Once we put the attacks to the side we can focus on xyz. I will use this as my closing. Lao Tzu of the Art of War sais, "The best fighter is ever angry." If you have a sound argument don't use anger to make it. Anger kills off your argument, every single time.If you like my blogs and podcasts, follow me at www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question on business or mediation, send me an email at: mediator@lodge-co.com

It appears we have an ethics problem in America. Many who have accepted unemployment have used the money fraudulently. We need to have a conversation about this.Covid vaccines are not working. Wearing of masks is not stopping the spread of a virus. We should be focusing on the treatment of the virus when you catch it in the hospitals. What are the protocols that works that saves lives. Do your nursing staff know the protocols? There is an ethics issues in this conversation that we must address.If you like my content, help me out by going to http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question or comment, send me an email to info@lodge-co.com

There is a huge spending bill in the Senate and Congress on infrastructure with a lot of pork in it. The Democrats have gone way out of control and want to spend money on non-infrastructure spending instead of just focusing on pure infrastructure needs of America. Schumer in the Senate is pushing this bill through legislative dirty tricks with the backing of Nancy Pelosi. Instead of doing what is right for America and focusing on pure infrastructure they play politics. They keep printing money to cover his nonsense that increases inflation, the taxes we pay on the inflated prices of food, gas and other consumer goods. Inflation will be here for a long time because of bad economic leadership in our government. Tell your Senators and members of Congress, stop with the out of control spending and that you want them to explain what the infrastructure money is going to be spent on. Now, Dr. Fauci and the CDC are out of control. They have confused the American people so greatly on the wearing of masks and the use of the vaccine. So many promises have been made by Fauci that have never worked. So today the CDD is going to announce that vaccinated people need to wear masks indoors. After we were told if you are vaccinated you are not going to get covid. Even that was wrong and now the data begins to change within the healthcare systems to produce more bad information that based on corrupted data. Fauci has got to go. It is time.If you like my podcasts and blogs, help me out by supporting me at: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodgeIf you have a question or message, send it to info@lodge-co.com

I was listening to an individual yesterday talking about the price of a can of Campbell's tomato soup tell you where the economy is. So being an interested individual I googled it. Sure enough there is a chart produced that shows the price of Campbell's tomato soup from the very beginning. It shows what happened to the price of a can that identified the inflationary times of America. Today, I looked last night, a can of soup is at $1.10, maybe higher in other places. It was an interesting look at the inflation times through the can of Tomato soup in America. The point is, the economy is not good for you and me. For corporations, yes it is good, for the stock market it is good. But for you and me, who have to survive, inflation pays a big part in our lives. Revenue is not staying up with the inflated costs of goods. Rent prices have inflated. Real estate prices have been inflated. The stock market prices are inflated. In that world - the bubble has to pop. I have hearing that banks are telling those in the foreclosure market to get ready for September 2021. That is not good to hear. Banks are stopping credit lines to individuals. Banks noted this week that their credit card interest income is way down. You and I have got to become better financial managers of our money. When the economy drops because of bad monetary policies out of the Whitehouse, it will be a thud. Get ready for a thud.Campbells Soup: https://politicalcalculations.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-price-history-of-campbells-tomato.html#.YPmBOuhKiUkIf you like my content of my podcasts and blogs, support me by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or comment, send it to info@lodge-co.com

Money is not the root of all evil. It is the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil. And it also creates money conflicts and disputes because of the lack of money or bad management of money. Credit becomes Debt. Money creates conflicts that create a stress on a marriage or a relationship. Inflation creates the lack of money that will create a conflict in many homes across this nation and really the world. But you can be proactive and start created a money management plan. You can also bring in a mediator with a financial background that can mediate the issues and set up an agreement to better manage your financial issues. If you need help, send me an email at info@lodge-co.com We can work on it together.If you like my podcast, blogs and content, help me out by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelLodge If you have a question or a comment, send me an email to info@lodge-co.com I will get back to you. http://www.lodge-co.com

Pizza Hut has come out with their support of Critical Race Theory. A theory that teaches racism to young people in school, by teaches who have been taught this in Universities. Parents, take back control of your school. And Pizza Hut - shame on you. Listen to their video on this podcast. It is wrong. When corporations begin supporting a political agenda it no longer is a ethical company. When Facebook works with the Whitehouse on censoring people who speak out against vaccinations is an unethical company and the Whitehouse is dangerous. This has got to be looked at by the American people to protect their freedoms, liberties. Censorship is not acceptable through the constitution of the United States, but the Whitehouse has no belief in the constitution, rather they only support a socialist political agenda. If you like the content of my podcast please suuport me by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelLodge If you have a business or mediation question, send it to info@lodge-co.com Website: www.lodge-co.com

Joe Biden sits in Washington DC and ignores the needs of the people in Cuba as they fight for freedom. The Coast Guard is stopping people from going to Cuba by boat to deliver food and medicine to the people of Cuba. Biden and Harris are playing politics with the socialists in the United States - that is their base. Cubans are waiting in long lines just trying to get some break, and Biden and Harris wants to install socialism in the United States. AOC remains silent. Bernie Sanders remains silent. But Americans and Cubans in Florida are suppoting the people of Cuba. Cuban people, know that Biden is not your friend. Harris is not your friend. The Democrats in Congress are not your friend. Support Cuba. Support freedom.The other issue that is hitting Americans at this time in Inflation that is created by Biden's economic policies and by the actions of Congress who spend taxpayer money that creates inflation. Biden's only economic policy - spend money and tax the American people. This has got to stop or the Americans may be standing in those same bread lines that we see in Cuba - because of socialist policies of our Federal Government.If you like my content, support my podcast at www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelLodge If you have a business question or comment, send it to info@lodge-co.com

What we see happening in Cuba is starting to take form in America. Socialist politicians say nothing to support the Cuban people. They remain silent because they want socialism in America. Everyone across Cuba and America should be shouting FREEDOMIf you like my podcast content, support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelLodge If you have a question or comment, send it to info@lodge-co.com

We are doing a bad job at communicating with other people. We are willing to call people names just because they don't believe as you do. Hate and Anger seems to be ok to prove your point, but what it does it kills off any message you may have. Teachers and pastors, you need to do a better job at teach people on how to communicate better. Anger and hate does not prove their position is right. Anger attracts anger back to you. Words create conflict and if you don't listen, if you don't think, you will attract anger back to you. If you like the content of my podcast, support me at www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelLodge If you have a business question or comment, send it to info@lodge-co.com

I love words ahd phrases. If you listen to the conversations around you a spot of wisdom will come to you. Words that can inspire and they can make you laugh. Listen to the words around you.If you like my content, help me out by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelLodge If you have a business or mediation question, send me an email to info@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com

If you like my podcast, help me out by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/michaellodge If you have a question or comment, send it to info@lodge-co.com www.lodge-co.com