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Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”This conversation delves into the complex issues surrounding immigration, particularly through the lens of Christian teachings and historical context. Tom and Jack discuss the misuse of the Holy Family as a symbol for open borders, the implications of immigration policies on society, and the challenges posed by human trafficking and exploitation. They emphasize the need for prudence, order, and a balanced approach to immigration that considers both compassion and the rule of law.Visit Our Website: jp2renew.orgFollow Tom on Substack: Follow us:  X https://x.com/JP2RenewalCheck out the Podcast on YouTubeContact us: info@jp2renew.orgSupport the show

As we close out 2025, I'm reflecting on the biggest lessons we've learned about building mental strength this year. I reviewed reviewed the most listened-to episodes of the year—from conversations with neuroscientists to inspiring stories from musicians—to bring you the top 10 takeaways that resonated most with you. Today, I'm breaking down the most powerful, science-backed strategies and insights from this year's most popular episodes to help you make 2026 your strongest year yet. Some of the things I talk about are: The #1 lesson from our most popular episode on healing anxiety How to "dose stack" your brain chemicals for a powerful boost to your mental health Why you don't need therapy to improve your mental health (and what may be more helpful) The surprising connection between lifting weights, confidence, and PTSD How to influence someone to change Why the belief "I am enough" is the foundation of a healthy money mindset The childhood beliefs that might still be holding you back as an adult Why joy is found in the journey, not the destination (and how to embrace it) Featured Episodes 211 — 5 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life with Dr. Tiffany Moon 176 — 10 Childhood Beliefs Holding You Back and How to Break Free 181 — The Money Mindset Makeover to Help You Cope with Financial Anxiety with Elizabeth Husserl 174 — How to Influence People to Change Without Overstepping Your Bounds 179 — The Power of Persistence and Positivity with Singer/Songwriter Niko Moon 180 — Stronger Mind, Stronger Body: The Science of Building Both 202 — 10 Ways to Improve Mental Health Without Therapy 187 — The Ultimate Guide to Hacking Your Brain Chemicals with Neuroscientist TJ Power 204 — 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do in Today's World Connect with the Show 183 — How to Permanently Heal Your Anxiety by Addressing the Root Cause with Dr. Nicole Cain Resources Buy a copy of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Hollow Socks — Buy 2, get 2 free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠hollowsocks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ BetterHelp — This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get 10% off at ⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world's #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Uncommon Goods — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 8 Intruders! Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. October 26, 2020. Monday afternoon, Reena took lunch duties. Lunch was often individual or in small groups, but she really wanted a crack at cooking for everyone. She said it could be 'come and go' to still facilitate varied schedules around the house. Her idea was ramen. But, it wasn't just basic out of the package. Well, it was, but with a variety of add-ons. You could pick your flavor of ramen, then she'd prepared chopped carrots, nori, sesame oil, diced onion, spam, eggs (fried up for each bowl individually) and Korean red pepper powder that Jan had gotten added to the spice rack. Oh, Reena still cooked it up, but each bowl was individual, and made on request. When Jan came in for lunch, she laughed warmly. Beaming, Reena asked hopefully, "Just like mom would make?" Jan placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "Not exactly dear. This is ore like what my Caucasian aunt would make when she tried to be authentic." Reena's face and shoulders seemed to suddenly melt. Jan stepped in beside the teen, wrapping her arms around her. "And the one time I made fun of my aunt for it in my mother's hearing was the last. She pulled me aside and scolded me for being insensitive, and ungrateful. Mom said that ramen was always about making something tasty, with love and what ever ingredients were available." Jan made a point of looking over the prepped ingredients arrayed on the counter. "And this is exactly what you have done." She kissed Reena on her cheek. "Thank you. Thank you for the meal, and thank you for reminding me of two lovely, caring women in my life." Reena hugged her. Then she got the specifics of what Jan wanted and got busy making it. Dave stepped out of his office and got two steps down the hallway when Lupie found him. "Dave, could I use your office and computer for a bit? It's kind of urgent. I was in the middle of some trades and my laptop died." "Again?" Dave chuckled. Lupie looked chagrined and rolled her eyes. "Good thing you have your software installed in there already. Just log me off and do what you gotta do. How long do you need me to stay out?" "Rest of the afternoon?" "Okay." Dave started to walk away but Lupie snagged him by the shirtfront and tugged him towards her. They kissed softly. They didn't hear the small footsteps approaching. "Oh gag me with a tamale." Both adults laughed too hard to maintain the kiss. "I do need to get in there," Lupie said. A quick peck and she scampered into the office. Dave knelt down and wrapped Esme in a hug. "And you, rascal, need to give it a rest. We keep a lot out of your sight because; well because it should be out of your viewing. So give us a break on the kissing once in a while, huh?" "Yessir" her tone sounded reluctant, but the grin was hard to suppress. She took four quick steps away from him before turning. "Dave?" "Yes, sweetie?" "Thanks for making mom happy." "Never have I ever; used a pay phone," Reena said with a wicked grin. Shawna and all the ladies over thirty took a drink. Dave first reached into his pocket, pulled his hand back out, and tossed a quarter at Reena. Then he took a drink. Liv busted out laughing. "One of Dad's favorite songs!" she cried as she cackled loudly and leaned a bit too far over into Mel. They'd been going for over half an hour. And she and Mel had pre-gamed. "Song?" Reena asked. "Pay phones used to cost a quarter to make a call. Early nineties, there was a country breakup song called 'Here's a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares'," Dave filled in. Reena pouted, then stuck out her tongue. "Okay, Lupie, your turn," Jan prompted. 'Never have I ever; done the splits." Reena threw one back. Liv joined her, while Dave laughed. "That laugh suggests a story," Nessa observed. "Yeah, yeah," Liv replied. "I was; oh, about ten or so?" "Eleven," Dave corrected. "Right. Anyway, the girlie girl types were saying I was not really a girl if I couldn't do the splits. So I did." Dave cleared his throat. Liv blushed. "On top of the monkey bars." All the older ladies burst out laughing. "Well, that showed them!" Shawna rejoined. "And I believe it's Dave's turn now." "Alright, never have I ever; taken a nude or semi-nude selfie." Reena's eyes bugged out. She reached for her drink, threw back a slug, then covered her face with her hand. Mel, Liv, and Nessa followed suit. That was no shock to anyone. Jan doing so caught a few looks. "Nope, not gonna talk about it." Jan's face was as red as Melanie's hair. "Okay, moving on; " "Not yet. Someone hasn't drunk." Dave said. He looked at Becca, clearing his throat. "What?! I've never sent nude selfies. You're the first guy I ever got naked for!" "I believe you." Then Dave held up his phone and waggled it. Becca's eyes got wide. "Oh, crap, I forgot about that!" The young blonde blushed about six shades of red before reaching for her drink. "Oh, this I gotta hear." Melanie breathed. Becca hid her face in her hands, peeking between two fingers. Lupie laughed loudly. "Okay, you busted me out, so spill." Becca looked pleadingly at Dave, then shrugged her shoulders, giving him a nod. "Loops, you remember that very first day, when the vax guy came around?" Lupie nodded in reply. "And you wondered why Becca was acting all embarrassed after I told you I'd accepted you both?" "Yes?; oh!" "I told you she'd be the one to say it was okay to tell you what happened? She just did." Lupie just nodded in reply. "Uh, care to fill the rest of us in?" Mel asked. "So the CDC guy came around mid-September. He got to Lupie's house first. She sent him over here with a letter asking that I request her and Becca, giving her reasons why I should say yes. After setting things up with Arthur, I texted both of them that I would make the request. Becca replied with a selfie. With her shirt and bra pulled up. Still have it by the way." Dave winked at Becca. "Shit, we shoulda thought of that! Right after the video call!" Liv groused, nudging Mel. "Another missed first." "Becca was weeks before that call, so still first. Well, first amongst this group, not first ever." "Oh, yeah?" Dave dodged. "Old girlfriend, long time ago. So, who's turn is it next?" Thankfully, they let it slide. October 27, 2020. Dave descended the stairs to see Olivia, Becca and Reena watching a 90's movie. The two teens were making a concerted effort to take in as much of the movies and songs that Dave had grown up with, particularly the ones he had physical copies of. Reena had taken some adjusting to the idea of watching without streaming. Not that they didn't stream at all. Last night, Dave had discovered several of his partners, including Reena, hadn't yet seen Hamilton. That required immediate correction. "Wow, really? It's a great story, well executed, and it's historical. I mean, yeah, they take some liberties, but Miranda was pretty true to the essence of the characters." "But history?" Reena whined. "It's just a bunch of old white guys." Dave looked askance at her. "You're sleeping with an old white guy." Reena's face fell, and Dave's heart with it. In a soft voice, she said, "You're not just an old white guy to me." Her head wasn't exactly hanging, but she didn't meet his eyes. Fuck, emotional landmine triggered. Splash damage accumulating. Dave got up swiftly, without rushing, to stand in front of her and take her in his arms. He kissed the crown of her head as her face nestled in his chest. "I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to sound so disparaging." Reena slipped her arms around Dave and took him in a hug. Several others joined in, circling the pair in their arms. "Reena, honey?" Shawna prompted. "The guy who wrote it had a vision to make the story more interesting than 'just a bunch of old white guys. Give it a try. I think you'll like it." As often happened, Shawna was spot-on. This morning though, the trio were watching Dave's blu-ray of Twister. "You know, we'll have to watch this in April. Before or during the first severe thunderstorm warning." Dave said as he rounded the back corner to pass them without blocking their view. All three girls chuckled lightly and accepted the kisses Dave planted on them as he passed behind them on his way to the library. Entering, he found Vanessa lounging with a book. He took a seat in easy speaking distance without crowding her. "So, how are you settling in?" "Pretty well. It's; so peaceful here. I really expected a house with this many people in it to be more chaotic. I mean, there's a fun energy here, and a lot of life, but it's; so soothing here. Thank you, David. For accepting me, for just; being here to match with." "I'm enjoying having you here. Beyond the obvious, I mean." Nessa snickered at that. "You've slipped rather smoothly into the family and already I couldn't imagine this place, or us, without you." "That's so sweet, thank you." "Maybe once the whole state's vaccinated, we'll get some normalcy and get out to do the usual family things together." "When we get some normalcy again, you ought to marry Lupie." "I should marry all of you." "No. No, I don't feel that way. Lupie does. Olivia does. And maybe Janice. Shawna too, she has it bad for you. Becca is still young and sorting it all out. Same goes for Reena and Mel. I don't share that depth of bond. I wouldn't want to cheapen what they have with you by sharing a marriage ceremony when I don't have that connection. I damn well better be one of the bridesmaids though" A wry smile crossed Vanessa's face. "I care for you. I love you. I love this family. I am not in love with you." "If it weren't for this damn serum, you would be free to find someone to have that bond with." Vanessa's eyes watered. "Don't ever say that again." There was steel in every syllable. "I may not be in love with you, but this is one of the best relationships I've ever had. I have more joy; not mere happiness; joy in my life now than I have had in a very long time. If the serum caused this, then Thank God and bring it on. I wouldn't change what I have right now for anything. I know you care for me. I can feel it. I feel it from each of the others. What we have is special and I don't ever want to let it go." Dave stood and walked towards Vanessa. From one eye, a tear rolled down her cheek. "I haven't felt this safe and accepted since I was a little girl that didn't know what emotional pain was." She closed her eyes, surrendering, hopeful, to what he might do next. Dave bent down, bringing his face to hers. He kissed each eye gently. He kissed each tear streak. He kissed her gently on the nose, eliciting a small giggle. He kissed her lips, softly at first, growing firmer as she responded. She broke the kiss and opened her eyes in time to see his eyes opening. She could see the tears watering them. "You're going to make me fall in love with you aren't you?" "No. I'm going to give you every reason to, and let you decide." Dave reached underneath Vanessa and lifted her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him as he carried her. Olivia noticed them coming out of the library. With a small grin she began singing in a soft voice "Who; knows what to-morrow brings; in a world; few hearts survive ;” Dave tried scowling at her, but he couldn't get the grin off his face. As they neared the base of the stairs, Vanessa ceased her slow circuit of kissing Dave's cheek, neck and lips. "I think you better let me walk from here stud." Dave chuckled and lowered her feet to the floor. They rose up the stairs, side-by-side joined at the hips, shoulders, and lips. From below, they heard Olivia mutter "God that's hot." Reena Umm-hmmed her agreement. "My nipples are freaking diamonds right now." Entering the bedroom, Dave and Vanessa began removing each other's clothes, quickly, but without frenzy. They stood naked, at the end of the bed, kissing, holding and softly groping each other. Dave pressed in close and gripped Vanessa under the curve of her ass. He lifted her and tossed her into the middle of the bed. She squealed happily as she flew. Dave slowly crawled up the bed, kissing Vanessa as he went. He started by kissing the big toe of her left foot and proceeded down the top of her foot to her ankle. Then he switched to her right foot. When he reached her ankle, he continued laying soft, gentle kisses up her shin. Then again up her left shin. He avoided the backs of her calves, her kneecap and the inside of her knee. These spots were very ticklish for Vanessa. Becca loved the loss of control when Dave tickled her. Becca and Janice loved the counter play of tickling and sexual stimulation. Vanessa would mule-kick him through a wall if he tickled her. And be out of the mood. And be pissed for a few days. So no tickle-y He kissed his way up the tops and outsides of each leg. He kissed a wandering path around her abdomen, taking time at her belly button like a caravan merchant at an oasis. Vanessa moaned. Her belly button was one of her favorite places for Dave to play with. Dave began working his way upward again, kissing in a straight line that ran up from her navel between her tits. He looked up as he rose, seeing her eyes locked on him, hungry and happy. Pure joy radiated from her face. He reached the hollow of her neck and alternated kissing with light nibbling. Vanessa moaned again and shifted beneath him. This was another of her favorite spots. He kissed up to her jaw, across her jawline, to her lips. "Umm" Vanessa hummed as Dave settled in, his body pressing firmly against hers. He rested his weight on his elbows and knees (outside of hers) and took her hands in his, out to the sides of her head, their fingers interlaced. It was more sensual than sexual. After several minutes, Dave slipped his hands loose and moved lower for the next step. He broke the kiss. Vanessa whimpered and opened her eyes. She bit back a complaint about the end of the kiss, because she knew what was coming would be better. Dave kissed her chin, then her shoulder. He stroked the outside of each tit with his fingertips. He kissed from her shoulder down to the top of her tit. He kissed around her tit, never touching the areola. Then he placed tiny, soft kisses just at the border of her areola without brushing her nipple. Vanessa whimpered. His hand played with her other tit, likewise avoiding the areola. Vanessa squeaked as he took her nipple and areola in his mouth and suckled, flicking his tongue against her nipple. "Yes; ;” she clutched the sheets and writhed beneath him. It was delicious torture. He had her worked up and ready, but kept the foreplay going rather than enter her. One finger of his hand lightly brushed across her other nipple. Back and forth. Back and forth. Light pinch. "Oh, David, please baby." Dave chuckled. He met her eyes as he descended down her body again, taking less time than when he rose. He kissed her hip, then across her pelvis and down. He kissed her mound of Venus and descended with his mouth hovering over her labia, but not touching. He let his breath brush over her entrance. Then he pulled back further and kissed her inner thigh. He heard a strangled whine from above. He nibbled. He switched thighs. More shifting and squirming. Dave latched his mouth onto Vanessa's labia and suckled like a newborn. "Yes!" Her body lifted off the bed for several seconds. He flicked his tongue against her entrance before easing it inside of her. She let out a contented moan. He slid his hands along her sides and thighs. Dave lifted his eyes to look at Vanessa. Her eyes were closed in bliss. He moved marginally forward and took her clitoris into his mouth, massaging it with his lips and tongue. "Oh God!" her eyes flew open. Hands gripped sheets and pulled hard. Her feet lifted. Dave backed off, giving her a moment. He started crawling up the bed, over top of her. Vanessa pouted and locked eyes with him. Desire and need echoed back and forth between their eyes. Dave inserted himself into her wet, relaxed passage and slid forward purposefully. Vanessa issued a sound that was both a sigh and a moan signaling her satisfaction. Once again, Dave interlaced his fingers with hers. With his hands on top of hers, and all four hands beside Nessa's ears, Dave began to rock his body overtop of her. He held himself just low enough that his chest and ribs softly grazed over her erect nipples. With slow, gentle strokes, he raised the two of them towards ecstasy. Kissing softly, they communicated without words, just sighs, moans, and hums. Time stopped and the world fell away. Just two lovers wrapped in gauzy layers of lovemaking. Nessa's body trembled with anticipation for what felt like an eternity as Dave caressed and stimulated her, hitting all her pleasure spots just so, raising her gently to one delicious climax. He buried himself to the root within her as the dam burst forth. Her erotic writhing alternatively pushed him away and strove to swallow him within her. The oscillations of her wet passage seized his organ and sent him cascading over the cliff with her. Struck by the serum induced orgasm, Nessa clutched him tightly and howled her pleasure. When Nessa's grasp loosened, Dave slipped to lie beside her, holding her close. Drifting back into the conscious world, Nessa snuggled in close, draping an arm over him. "Hmm, so that's what the girls have been calling 'the full Dave', huh? I like it." Shawna's rotating early shift was today, allowing all of us to sit down as a family and finish discussing housing preferences. Mel came in from the kitchen once Shawna arrived. "We didn't quite get there last time, but with 12 or more people, we need a bigger kitchen." Lupie said emphatically. "Preferably with a double oven and a cooktop with five burners and a grill. Four burners and no grill is still okay. And gas, not electric." "Anything else for the kitchen?" "Well, an island, preferably with power to it, but with a cutting board top, and large enough for rolling out dough." Lupie paused, looking pensive. "Did I go too far?" "Not at all, that sounds great. Especially if I actually get to use it." Dave grinned back. Lupie smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oh, and one other condition; a nice big batch of tamales after we move in." Lupie's eyes danced. "Absolutely." "I was thinking," Reena said, "how about a backyard deck?" Dave interjected "Not really necessary. It would be good to have, but I can build a reliable deck. Especially with Livy involved. You can help too if you want." "If you can do renno, I may have work for you." Vanessa smirked. Dave laughed. "I still have a day job. Our house sure, but I'm not looking to make it a job. Oh, and what ever we get needs plenty of electrical outlets. If it's really necessary, I could run a few new breakers and circuits, but seriously, I'd rather stay away from that." Shawna looked alarmed. "Baby, I believe you when you say you've got skills, but I don't want you around one-ten, or worse, two-twenty." Dave returned with a scowling laugh, "That's why you turn it off at the box, dear." "Just be careful honey." "Yes, Peaches." That earned a laugh all around, as Shawna blew a kiss at him. Nessa looked at her. "Are you from Georgia?" "No, but my parents met there in college. Mom's from Georgia, Dad was just there for school. They raised me and my brother in St. Louis." "And you went there for your degree?" "Oh no. I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist since I was a young teen. I went to O U. With the National Weather Service center right there, I got experiences I could never have gotten elsewhere. Spent a good chunk of my upper-class and grad years chasing storms." "Sounds like a lot of fun." "Oh yeah." Nessa grinned with Shawna, then turned to Dave. "I have been asked to press the idea of the towers one more time. Not so much our immediate supervisor here, but the folks back in DC. Their argument is that it's more efficient." "Unbelievable." Dave managed to avoid grumbling. "You do realize that the same people that want to shove us into a shoebox are the same little hypocrites that scream their heads off when a CEO lays off workers to make his company more efficient. Both of them are promoting the math of what they want, ignoring what they don't, and neither actually gives a shit about the people they are using like pawns." Shawna, seated beside him, stroked his arm, a slight grin on her face. "Yeah, okay, I'll climb down off my soap box. But no, I do not want to live in an apartment tower. A neighborhood, sure. A diverse neighborhood sounds great. I'm not a fan of monochrome anyway." "Clearly," Nessa said. "Just looking around the room proves that." "I'm sorry, but the whole 'I know better than you' crowd pisses me off, whether it's the church variety, the lefty variety, or the old money variety." "Okay, okay," Nessa replied light heartedly. "I had to bring it up again. I've done so, and you've been quite clear. I'll get on the search tomorrow. It may take a bit, but I'm sure we can find something that meets our requirements." The conversation turned to other subjects, and the family splintered into little knots of discussions. Mel slipped back out to check on the meal she was making. Dave didn't know what it was, but it smelled really good. Well, he knew it was something with chicken. He decided to join Mel in the kitchen. "Hey, Mel, how's it goin'?" "Almost done." Mel turned her face to his and received the offered kiss. "Smells really good. Chicken soup?" "Chicken and dumplings. From scratch. I boiled the chicken earlier this afternoon. It's about time for me to mix the dumplings. After that, it'll be ready to eat in twenty minutes." Dave wrapped his arms around her, holding her close from behind as she watched the pot. "Perfect choice for a dreary day like today. And, I haven't had chicken and dumplings in a long time." "Well, I hope you like mine." "Oh, Mel," Dave said as he nuzzled his head against hers, "you know I like your dumplings." He traced the middle finger of each hand up her sides, pulling away before reaching her tits. She cackled, turning to face him. With a light smack on his shoulder she said, "You're an old lech," she stepped in for a kiss. "But you're my old lech." She waggled her eyebrows. Dave chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. Then the doorbell rang. "Go, I need to get on the dumplings anyway." Mel swatted him on the ass as he walked away. Jan was already at the door when Dave arrived. The soldier was just handing over the clipboard. Beside her stood a young black woman with her hair in several tight braids. She stood about 5'6", with eyes that appeared to prefer laughing, but bore the potential to penetrate obfuscation, a cute button nose and a bright red lipstick on her perfectly sized mouth. Large golden hoop earrings in her ears and tight black jeans on her legs were the only attire visible other than her thick coat. Given the near-freezing temperatures and drizzle that had gone on all day long, Dave could hardly blame her. The black handle and ribbing stood out starkly from the vivid, deep pink of her umbrella canopy. It looked thoroughly functional, and infinitely girlie; maybe a bit more Wednesday Addams than cheerleader, but that didn't bother Dave in the slightest. Jan handed the clipboard back to the soldier, who departed immediately. "Hello, my name is Janice, though I prefer Jan." She held out her hand, which was taken without trepidation. "And this is Dave." He likewise reached out and shook the lady's hand. "Come on inside. We were just about to sit down for dinner." "About twenty minutes," Dave supplied. "Mel; Melanie; is making chicken and dumplings." "Oh, that sounds really good. Especially with this weather." She pulled her roller case through the foyer and parked it just inside the living room. The ladies approached her, no more than three at once, and the early few drew her towards the center of the room as they greeted her and introduced themselves. Mel, having not taken a seat yet, exited to the kitchen again, reappearing barely a minute later. "It'll be about ten more minutes," she replied to the expectant faces that turned her way. Becca and Olivia immediately stood, heading to the kitchen. Apparently, it was their turn to set the table. The light conversations and sharing continued through the meal, interrupted only by nearly everyone asking for a second bowl (Dave had four, but made sure everyone else was done eating before the last two.) Of course, each family member took multiple opportunities to praise Mel for the quality of the meal, and the excellent choice for the dreary conditions. Dave listened in on the conversations around him, paying special attention to the ones involving the new arrival, Niki. Between his own conversations with her, he learned her full name was Nicole Lassiter, and she worked as the network administrator and network security administrator for a bank headquartered in Dallas. With all the losses, she was now over all computer issues that were not customer facing. Her little brother was still in college, hunkering down in the UGA dorms. Niki, her mom, and her dad each called him at least once a week both for their own peace of mind and to keep his spirits up. Niki's parents were recently vaccinated. Her mother had styled her hair before 'her baby girl' left for the Vax Center. The tight braids she wore were called a Senegalese twist. Since her mother was a hairdresser (not that she was seeing customers at the moment) she had extensions on hand to do her daughter up right. Niki's dad had just retired from road construction work, looking to open up a barbecue restaurant; right before the lockdowns hit. Dave also noticed a slight unsteadiness on occasion when Niki walked. It made him concerned for her well-being, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up without being rude. As the evening wore on, he noticed Niki making furtive glances his way. The next time she did, he made eye contact, lifting one eyebrow. She bit her lip and nodded. Dave rose from his seat and strode to her side. A few eyes followed them as he took her hand and led her upstairs. Dave guided her to the master bedroom. Niki quickly took a seat on the bed. "You know, I didn't ask you earlier: do you want to do this here, or in a separate room? Here, you're going to wind up with several other women in the bed as well. We still have a room you could wake up in with some privacy. Shawna and I use it sometimes to spend time together when she gets home from work, and she stores clothes in there so she can dress and not disturb anyone when she has an early morning shift, but nobody uses the bed in there." "No, here's fine, thank you." Looked pensive for a moment. And a little pained. "Are you okay? If you don't want to do this; " "No, no I'm fine, really. Well, I'm not fine, but you aren't the problem, not by a long shot. I pushed myself too hard this evening. I should have spent less time standing." Dave waited while she ordered her thoughts. "I haven't been completely honest with you, Dave. I only recently got to a point where I can walk without a cane. Over a year ago, I was t-boned by a drunk driver. Shattered my legs. It'd be a good bet that half the metal in this room, is in my bones right now." She let out an annoyed snort. "I used to run track. Even got a partial scholarship that helped me get my degree. I spent months in a wheelchair, and then a walker. After that, I moved up to those forearm crutches. During lockdown, I couldn't go to the doctor, so when I felt annoyed enough with the crutches I shifted to a simple cane. And now I've been walking without any aid for over a month, but it hurts like hell; and it's tiring." "You are one tough cookie." Dave said from the spot he'd taken beside her as she spoke. "I don't feel so tough. I feel beat up and worn out." Dave hugged her. "You want me to tuck you in and let you rest? We could do the imprinting tomorrow." "No, no I want to do this with you Dave. I just may need you to go easy. And probably help me undress." "Just to be clear, you're asking me to strip your clothes off, handle your body gently, and blow a load inside you?" Dave said with a hint of sarcasm. Niki giggled. "You seem man enough to handle the job." Dave answered her with a kiss, full on the lips, pressing firmly but with moderation. His hands drifted behind her shoulder blades. Niki responded, humming into the kiss and parting her lips. When Dave's tongue probed undemandingly, hers welcomed the visitor. Dave's hands roamed slowly, taking the first steps in learning the body of his newest lover. He enjoyed the feel of her in his hands. There was a looseness, as would be expected for an athlete that had been benched. Beneath that slight layer, there was a firm core. She was; exciting. And excited. Whatever she wanted in a man, she seemed to think Dave had it. Well, that and the serum had her amped up. Dave was finally getting past feeling guilty about that. Mostly. Dave started consciously directing his hands, seeking the buttons or clasps or zipper to loosen the neck of the tight black top she was wearing. Solid black panels with a black lace overlay stitched in at regular intervals. Finding the short zipper took no time at all. He next dropped his hands, seeking the hem of her shirt under her jeans waist. There was no hem. As his hands quested, he found bare hip, with cloth from the top still diving down her front and back. Just like a swimsuit. Then it struck him. He came up for air and play scowled at her. "You could have just said it was a bodysuit." She snickered. "Aw, where's the fun in that?" Dave kissed her. Then he gently shoved her backwards onto the bed. Her torso lay flat on the bed, her legs dangling off. Dave stood and faced her. Reaching down, he unbuttoned her jeans and lowered her zipper. Niki's eyes twinkled as Dave took hold of the cuff of her jeans and pulled them off. He missed the worried look in her eyes as the scars on her legs were exposed. That's because his eyes were locked on her trim brown legs. They stayed fixated on those lovely legs as he kneeled between them and began kissing her legs, first one then the other. All over her thighs, then, gently lifting, careful not to lift too high, he kissed her calves and shins. He lavished every inch of her legs with his lips and tongue. Niki moaned. Then she sniffled. Alerted, Dave brought his head up, locking his eyes on hers. Tears watered the bottom of her almond shaped sockets. "You make me feel beautiful again." "You always were." He kept his eyes on her as he kissed the inside of her knee. The kiss extended into suckling. He gave the spot a little nip, then moved his position by a few inches and giving the same attention, adding in a few strokes of his tongue tip. Niki's chest heaved. Dave could hear sobs amongst the moans as he switched to her other knee. He would have been alarmed except for the clearly cathartic tone. "Umm, David, please, I need you up here." With a grin, Dave worked his way, unhurried but not dawdling, up her leg, kissing and huffing hot breath on her exposed skin as he went. Reaching her fragrant core, Dave brought his fingers softly to the three little snaps holding the gusset of her bodysuit together. A gentle flick separated the two soaked flaps of cloth and revealed that Niki wore nothing underneath. The engorged, richly black outer labia of her nethers drenched in her arousal. Her inner labia petaled outward, yielding a peek at the pink interior. Dave blew one long, slow hot breath over her bare, quivering sex before latching his mouth on her. He suckled her lower lips as her back arched. Niki keened her pleasure while her arms beat a tattoo on the bed. "David, now, please, now." Dave shucked his shoes and quickly slipped his cargo shorts and boxers to the floor. In a flash, Dave was over top of her, dragging her up the bed like a leopard securing his prey in a tree. Niki's breath caught as he took charge of her body. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable. He kissed her deeply, then pulled away. With his eyes locked on hers, he moved himself to her entrance and pressed his cockhead just barely inside. The fluids leaked all over his throbbing cock touched her most sensitive places and set off a riot only attributable to the serum. Dave anchored her motions with his knees, pressed against her rear, but not enough to force her legs too far apart. "Fuck that was good." She paused for a deep breath. "Hmm, I'm all yours now Dave. Send me off to neverland, lover." Dave worked within her, slowly and gently at first, picking up pace slightly and a little more force when she signaled it was needed and acceptable. Her hums and moans continuously reminding him his actions were still mutually desired. His peak arrived and he shot hot ropes of cum with his cock buried deep in her, his cockhead brushing her cervix. Immediately, she shuddered, racked with the serum induced pleasure that forever locked her life with his. Dave held her in her throes until she went limp muttering "Imprinting; imprinting; imprinting ;” He rose, going to the bathroom to clean himself before returning with a wet washcloth and a hand towel to clean Niki. Once she was cleaned and dry, he snapped her body suit closed again and arranged her comfortably on the bed, beneath the covers. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before heading downstairs to spend social time with the rest of his family. As he descended the staircase into the mild buzz of the other eight women happily sharing his life, his home, and his bed, Dave marveled at how amazing his life was. Chapter 10; Storm Winds. October 28, 2020 4:18am David's hand was halfway to the palmprint secured gun safe on the back side of his headboard before he realized he was even awake. With the vertical placement, and the; activity frequently occurring in the bed, he'd installed two Velcro loops to hold the pistol and magazine inside. He released the pistol and placed it on his chest before reaching back for the clip. Fortunately, only two hands and a part of one leg were draped over him at the moment. The four younger girls were in their rooms, leaving Lupie, Jan, Shawna, Vanessa, and his newest partner Nicole to share his bed. Nicole was one of the hands, and the partial leg. By consensus, the ladies decided she should get to curl up next to Dave for her imprinting sleep. Gingerly, Dave slipped free of his partners' limbs and slid down the bed onto the floor. Only then did he insert the magazine and work the slide. Flipping the safety on, he padded softly but quickly to the closet to grab a pair of shorts. He decided not to wear slippers this time. He might need the extra footing. Keeping close to the wall, he approached the bedroom door. With the door still shut, he took the safety off, but kept his finger out of the trigger well for the moment. Slowly, Dave eased the door open. Slipping through, he noticed a shape in the hallway, against the wall, at the top of the stairs. Too dark to identify an individual, the figure made the 'Join Me' signal his friend Carter had taught him long ago. He did not raise his weapon. Sliding along the wall silently, just the way he'd practiced at least once every year, Dave approached. Proximity gave the reassurance the lighting denied at a distance. Liv crouched in the hallway, pistol in hand, wearing only a light nightgown that reached most of the way to her knees. With a quick series of hand signals, Dave told Liv to follow at a distance as he prepared to descend the stairs as quietly as possible. Liv signaled back that she should lead, but apparently had no signal for why. Dave negated the suggestion, and started down the stairs. He reached the lower landing with no incident. His nerves had been raw as he got halfway down and the solid wall gave way to railing. Now he crouched on one knee, Liv a few steps up from the landing, but with good vision on the living room area, both of them listening. The nighttime chirping of mockingbirds was absent. No flutter of wings or rustle of raccoons, possums, or skunks. Out here on the wild edge of the metroplex, there was always something moving at night. Dave signaled for Liv to post up on the landing and then moved along the wall of the stairs, in front of the media center to the corner of the living room where the downstairs hallway started. He was now directly below the spot Liv had occupied when he first emerged from the bedroom. And just two steps from his secured gun closet recessed under the stairs and hidden behind a normal looking panel. Dave had only one twelve round magazine. Liv had purchased a larger safe and had a spare ten round magazine in addition to the one in her weapon. It was a bit awkward carrying it since she had no pockets, but Carter had taught a variety of firing stances, one of which allowed carrying something in the non-dominant hand. By the absence of natural sounds, somebody was outside. He did not know how many, or how they were armed, but he was sure they weren't here in the oh-my-god-it's-early hours for a friendly visit. He slid the cover for the pin pad open so he could punch in the unlock code. Dave heard a crashing thump at the door followed by cursing. The security door worked just fine. He didn't get a chance to smile though. The glass door at the back of the living room shattered from several rounds. Dave squared his body with the opening just as two men stepped through. The first man fell as Dave brought his weapon up. The second went down just as his head turned to his right to see Liv's position flanking their breach. Dave heard a tinkling sound from the entry. Someone was breaking the window in the front parlor. Now he was worried. The thick pillar at the free corner of the landing would give Liv scant protection against a firearm. Dave stayed low, stepping away from his corner. It gave him protection against someone firing from the sliding door breach, but he had no angle to fire into the entryway. With the furniture screening him from the glass door breach, he approached the arch between the entry and living room. Loud whispers drifted in from his right. The remaining attackers on the deck seemed to be hesitant about testing themselves against the defenses. He was straining to pick out words when a head began to resolve itself in the entry. Dave fired two rounds. The body fell. He held his position, weapon ready. Out back he heard an angry growl, "Hey, one of those women is my sister!" The reply was too low to understand the words, but the snideness came through clearly. As did the answering gunshot. What the hell is going on? They're shooting each other now? Hey, they don't need to be on my property for that! The fallen body in front of Dave slid backwards. Hands appeared from the foyer and the broken glass door, but they were empty. The hands gripped a pair of ankles of one downed man each and yanked them back to where the hands came from. This repeated for the second body near the glass door. Wet sickening sounds ensued, backed up by an occasional retching noise. Murmurs were heard. Someone said something about a marker and a bag. "David?!" Shawna's voice called from up the stairs. That wasn't the only sound from upstairs. Roscoe was barking his head off. Furtive whispers indicated some of his family were at the top of the stairs with Shawna. "Keep everyone up there. Open up the armory in the main closet and distribute weapons to the adults. Everything Lt. Malcolm Reed gave us is in there. Arm up and take defensive positions upstairs." That was a bluff. Hopefully enough of one to drive the attackers away. Dave was sure Shawna would recognize the name of the armory officer from Enterprise and catch on. The sounds from the foyer and back deck took on a hurried pace before Dave heard footsteps rushing away. Dave and Olivia exchanged glances, and then immediately darted their eyes back to the penetration points. This happened a few more times over the next several minutes. "Looks like we're clear." "Yeah, just stay on your toes." "I know. I grew up under the same guy that trained you, remember?" "Vividly." Cautious footsteps descended the stairs. "David, Olivia, it's Shawna. I'm coming down." Slowly, Shawna came into view, feet first on the exposed portion of the staircase. Her pink satin nightgown falling just past her knees gave her some coverage, but made Dave aware of the cold, damp air pouring in from both breaches. "Are you two okay? Is it safe?" "For now. We've got two big holes in the house, so maybe keep everybody up there where it's warm unless they're needed down here." Dave paused for a second. "Ask Nessa and Mel to look out the upstairs windows. See if they can spot these guys leaving, or lying in wait." Shawna disappeared upstairs, then came back down after a brief verbal exchange. Shawna came down to the lower landing and spoke briefly with Livy, giving her a hug. Then she came to Dave. She hugged him fiercely. Her voice shook as she said thickly, "For a little bit there, I thought I was going to lose you." "We held." Dave managed to keep most of the nervous tension and post-adrenaline shake out of his voice. By the look in her eye, Shawna wasn't fooled a bit. Dave led her to the beginning of the hallway, the cubby under the stairs. He whispered the passcode in her ear so she could unlock it. That had been the galling thing during the attack. His full stash of weapons had been right beside his shoulder, but he couldn't spare the attention to unlock it. Clearly, he needed to rethink his arrangements. Shawna handed out a thigh holster for him, which he only saw peripherally as he kept watch. The weight told him immediately she'd placed two pre-filled magazines in there for him. He pulled one out for a quick check. No use him having Livy's mags. "I go to the pistol range about every other month. Nothing fancy, but I'm a decent shot and I know the difference between ten mil and nine mil. What? It's a very satisfying skill to have, and a great way to blow off some stress." Dave chuckled and turned his head, with a quick lean to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Then he stepped back out to his post. He felt Shawna walking out, so he moved to the other side of the hallway so she could make her way to Livy with the other thigh holster without crossing Dave's line of sight. She paused at his shoulder. "Dave, do you want the other weapons in there?" Dave thought for a minute. He knew which ones Shawna had to mean. He sighed, "Yeah. A tac vest and one of the MP5's. Tac vests should already have six loaded magazines in the pockets. Get two and give the other vest and weapon to Liv. Then find out if anyone upstairs has any weapons training. You said you shoot, how good are you?" Shawna handed out a vest first, which Dave quickly donned. "With silhouette targets, I can put four out of five rounds through the heart. Now, I haven't gotten to shoot since the lockdowns, but I was pretty regular before." She handed him one of the MP5's which Dave quickly slung over his head and shoulder, inserted a magazine he'd pulled from the vest and chambered a round, then safed the weapon. "Are those; ?" "Semiauto. Carter went to a lot of work to make sure we had everything we could legally have, but never anything illegal. They do have the integral noise suppressor. It was expensive as hell and took forever plus a mountain of paperwork, but it's all legal. At least in Texas." "God Bless Texas," she said with a gleam in her eye. Shawna gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sauntering over to Livy, a thigh holster clutched in one hand, a tac vest in the other, and an MP5 slung over her neck. A second thigh holster, with a nine millimeter and magazines was strapped to her sleek, powerful thigh. Shawna handed off the gear to Olivia, then swiftly moved back to the concealed weapons closet. She was in there for quite a while before emerging. "There was only one more pre-loaded nine mil mag, so I had to load a few or just walk around with one. The second choice didn't sound viable." "Agreed." Dave grasped Shawna's bicep and pulled her in for a quick kiss on the cheek. She beamed at him after returning the kiss, then headed upstairs. Dave heard Liv saying something to Shawna as she passed by. An eternity and a short time later, two sets of footsteps descended the staircase. Melanie followed behind Shawna. "Carter and Liv both took me to the range several times. I even went to a tactical course once my aim was; acceptable. But only with pistol. I've never shot anything else." "Good enough. There's another thigh holster and pistol inside. What did Carter train you on? "Nine millimeter. He said it was so common it made a good starting point. Once with Liv, we rented shotguns at an outdoor range and I was decent with it." "Pistol will do fine. Shawna, help her get some magazines loaded. Has anyone called for police?" Mel swallowed nervously. "I didn't see anyone waiting in the back yard, but the deck;” "Yes?" "It's; disturbing. Dave, be careful." Dave nodded, as did Liv. Shawna spoke up as she followed Mel in. It was tight with two adults in there, but doable. At three it would have been cramped. "Lupie called. They didn't know how long before someone responds. They're stretched thin and the night shift is the least staffed." Wordlessly, she handed over a t-shirt she'd grabbed while she was upstairs. Dave slipped the tac vest off, donned the shirt, then the tac vest again. While he dressed, he spoke with his partners. "Fuck. Okay, here's what's gonna happen. You two take defensive positions on the stairs. One of you take the lower landing, one further up, just below the ceiling line. Then Liv and I will go out through the deck, and check the exterior all the way around." "I'll take the landing," Mel said. "I've had training with Carter, I should be the one exposed." "You sure?" Shawna prodded. "Yeah." "Okay, take your positions then." Dave kissed each one on the cheek before they walked away. When both had taken their places, Liv came over to him. Dave had one more instruction for Shawna. "Oh, and tell Lupie to call the police again, let them know we are clearing the grounds so they don't just shoot us on sight." Shawna nodded and crept upwards. Jan came down the stairs, bearing a pair of shoes for Dave and Liv, a pair of socks stuck into one shoe for each of them. After handing over the shoes, Jan headed back upstairs. They shod themselves quietly. "So, me on point?" Liv asked as she finished. "No, I'll take point, you cover me." "Dave, if anything happens to you, we're all in big trouble." "That's why you're watching my back. Otherwise, I'd go out there solo and leave you in charge here." "Like hell you would. I ain't some; " "I know you are capable, but I'm still going to shield you from as much risk as I can." Liv rolled her eyes. "Gee, I feel safe and offended all at once." Dave stared at her stony. "Are we done here? Ready to go?" "Shit, Dad really rubbed off on you. Yeah, let's do this." Olivia fell in behind Dave as he headed straight for the glass door breach. Both held their weapons ready, jutting forward with the strap taut around their necks and backs. Dave paused at the breach. "Off safe." "Roger." Dave examined the scene visible through the broken glass and the flapping curtain. Blood trails led out the breach from the various points where the bodies of the invaders had landed. He could see the legs of a few of them still on the deck. He turned his head to catch first Shawna's then Mel's eyes, nodded, and proceeded cautiously but swiftly out the breach. He swiveled right going out, knowing Liv would go left, just as her father had taught them for years. Each stopped at the furthest extension of the deck in their direction, scanning the deck and yard in a full semicircle, their backs to the house. There was no damage to the fence, and no apparent damage to the greenhouse or anything else in the backyard. The deck however; well, it wasn't damaged. The bodies on it were. Each had the pants and underwear pulled down and a huge bloody mess where the genitals once were. Blood continued to ooze out of the wounds, though clearly it had poured out initially. Dave signaled his intent to clear the greenhouse. Liv followed him. It didn't take long to clear. They emerged quickly, rescanning the backyard as they did. With Liv trailing, Dave exited the backyard through the side gate. The side yard showed no disturbance. In the front yard, they found the same gruesome sight as the back deck. Here though, they found an empty plastic baggie with blood spatter. And a few bloody fingerprints. The bag snagged under the heel of the corpse, ensuring the light wind was insufficient to blow it away. Dave and Liv finished the sweep, checking the other side yard, which showed no signs of disturbance. "I think we're safe, for now. These guys bugged out." "Yeah, but why did they cut their buddies' junk off?" Dave shivered, and not from the crummy weather. Well, maybe a little from the weather. He was barely dressed after all. "Let's get inside." Since the front door was still locked, they traipsed back through the side yard to the gate and came in through the broken glass door. "Coming in." Dave called before entering. "No sign of anyone out there." The relief on Mel and Shawna's faces was evident. Their shoulders relaxed slightly. "Can you two keep watch here? I'm gonna talk to the others, then we'll both get dressed, and then I'll call the police again." At the top of the stairs, four of Dave's partners wrapped him in hugs muttering their relief that he was still in one piece. He could see Lupie gazing at him, beseechingly as she held Esme close, soothing her. A loud bang against a door at the end of the hall reminded Dave of other necessities. "You better go let Roscoe out so he can see that we're all intact," Dave chuckled. As Olivia opened the door, Roscoe bolted from the room, turning only when she bellowed "Roscoe, Heel." That cut through his canine brain fog of 'defense mode'. He turned to her, sniffing as if checking on her condition. Liv knelt in front of him. She placed her hands on either side of his face and began stroking his neck and back while speaking softly, in calm tones. After a few whimpers, he started aggressively licking her face and putting his paws on her shoulders. Addressing his family, Dave said, "Liv and I need to get dressed. We need to call the police again, and we need to get those holes sealed." "Holes?" Jan asked. "Yeah, they busted in the sliding door and a window in the parlor. It's not quite as cold and miserable downstairs as it is outside, but it's close enough. For now, stay upstairs unless you have something you need to do down there. You can still run down to grab a book, or make meals or snacks. For tv, use the spare room that Shawna uses when she has morning shifts." "We could just use our laptops for streaming, Dave. We'll be fine." Reena added. She looked a bit bleary. To be fair, everyone seemed caught in some whipsaw state of alert and drowsy. Not surprising, given what they'd just been through. Dave patted her on the shoulder and kissed the crown of her head in appreciation. Releasing Reena, Dave knelt in front of Esme, who was showing clear signs of worry and strain. He enveloped her in his arms and held her close. "It's okay now, baby girl. We're all okay now." He held her, stroking her hair and back soothingly. After several minutes had passed, he loosened his grip and began to stand. Esme's arms immediately came up, wrapping Dave in a vise-grip hug. She didn't say anything, she didn't cry or whimper. She just clutched him tightly. Dave eyed Lupie, but she just looked back at him imploringly. He reached a hand out to her and she grabbed on immediately. He looked around at the others and saw the need for reassurance was still there. Olivia had already slipped into her room with Roscoe to get dressed. Becca, Reena, Jan, Nessa and Lupie all rushed to surround him the moment he waved his hand to 'bring it in'. Esme was wedged between Dave and Lupie. She finally relaxed her grip on Dave, and switched over to her mother. With a silent chuckle, Dave kissed Lupie on the cheek and slipped off to the master bedroom. Jan followed after him. "I thought I'd call the police and put it on speaker so you could talk to them while getting dressed." Dave nodded, then wrapped her in a hug and gave her a closed mouth kiss that was no less affectionate for its chasteness. Reluctantly, he released her and headed into the closet to collect some clothes. Jan dialed 911 as soon as Dave emerged. Police staffing was so low, all calls went through the emergency center. Long held habits are hard to break, though. Especially when those habits are codified in a manual. That's what they call 'procedure'. "911, what's your emergency?" "We called earlier about a break in. The people trying to break in have left, except the ones we shot," Dave called out in clear, even tones for the speaker. "Is anyone injured?" The operator droned, as if she been on duty too long, too many days in a row. "No, ma'am," Dave said. "No one in my family was hit, and the ones we shot are dead." "Are you sure they're dead?" "Yes ma'am. The guy that taught me how to shoot didn't teach me to miss. Besides, before they left, the invaders; mutilated the bodies. If they hadn't died from the gunshots, they'd have died from the blood loss." Dave was watching Jan's face when he mentioned the mutilation. Not the best choice, since he nearly fell over pulling on his cargo pants. It did allow him to see the flinch that briefly flitted across her face before she reasserted control. "Did you say mutilated, sir?" The tones were even, obviously someone that had worked 911 for years. Still, there were notes of 'oh shit' blended with 'what fucking else?' "I did." "Would you please specify the nature of the mutilation?" "The genitals of the deceased were removed." A short silence reigned on the line. "Could you repeat that sir?" The operator's voice sounded slightly more alert. Dave pulled his pre-tied sneakers on as he said, "the scrotum was removed from each of the corpses." This conversation was now added to the thick stack of reasons to be very glad of the distance between the master bedroom and Esme's bedroom. Lupie and the others had taken her there when Dave walked away. Between the walk-in closet and Dave's office, there was little chance sounds from the bedroom penetrated that far. "Are you certain the perpetrators have left?" "Yes ma'am, one of my partners and I swept the area; our yard anyway; and found no one remaining. All we found were the bodies that the survivors had drug back out of the house and carved up." "So the shooting happened inside the house?" "Correct." "I'm noting all this in the file sir. I'm appending this report to the prior calls your partner made requesting assistance. Since you are no longer in immediate danger, I am diverting the patrol response. They will get to you to you after attending to higher level calls." Even as she spoke, the woman's voice grew more exhausted, like a Walmart employee on Black Friday at about 3pm. "It's been almost an hour since the initial break in. Why has it taken so long?" "Sir, I'm not at liberty to discuss that, but I do apologize. I have no control over response times. I will dispatch a detective to investigate as well. Until then, please leave the scene undisturbed." "How long will that take? Can you give me an estimate?" "Probably a few hours, sir. There are very few detectives working night shift, so they'll likely hand this over to the dayshift investigators." "Hours? These guys busted in my sliding door and broke a large window in the parlor. It's making for quite a chilly cross breeze. And that's not even counting the blood stains and blood trails in my living room and entryway." Dave's voice had begun to rise. "Sorry, I'm trying to maintain a level tone here, but that's a bit difficult given what's happened and what you're telling me." The voice on the other end reached its most hollow state. "I'm sorry sir, I can't change those realities. Please understand that it will be three hours minimum before a detective would reach you. More likely it will be three hours before a detective is assigned to your case. Patrol won't take that long, but it won't be immediate." Dave took a deep, cleansing breath. It was only marginally useful, but it helped him keep his tone level. "And what is the longest likely time before a detective gets out here?" "Possibly six to eight hours sir." "That's; " Dave caught himself. And formed a plan immediately. "Fine. We'll be ready when the detective arrives." He hung up. Dave took a deep breath, staring intently at the far wall, fully aware of Jan quietly and patiently waiting off to his right. He rubbed his face, then snatched up his t-shirt and pulled it on. "Okay, let's meet with everyone else. I have a plan, and we can deal with this." Dave said as he stood. With a concerned look to Niki's slumbering form, he strapped the thigh holster in place and fastened the tac vest as he walked. The MP5 he slung over his neck and shoulder, then pulled around to his back. To be continued in part 9, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

Self-care podcast exploring Instead of Resolutions: Address The Roots of Your Struggles, Learning to Listen to Your Body & Body Awareness & Benefits of Addressing Burnout. TOPICS:: ** Instead of Resolutions: Address The Roots of Your Struggles (07:49). ** Learning to Listen to Your Body & Body Awareness (19:15). ** Benefits of Addressing Burnout (30:43).   NOTES:: Show notes: amberapproved.ca/podcast/630 Leave me a review at amberapproved.ca/review Email me at info@amberapproved.ca   Subscribe to newsletter: https://amber-romaniuk.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up    SHOW LINKS: Click below to schedule a 30 minute Complimentary Body Freedom Consultation https://amberapproved.ca/body-freedom-consultation/  Take my free Emotional Eating Quiz here: http://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz Listen to Episode 291 about what it's like to work with me here: http://amberapproved.ca/podcast/291/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk/

Youth clinics offering consultations on sexual and physical health concerns at affordable prices are expanding their reach in Japan, though public awareness remains limited.

In 2021, Brian Vesall noticed some pain in one of his testicles when getting in his car.  He sought medical attention, which led to his getting an ultrasound.  After briefly looking at the scan, a urologist confirmed to Brian that he had Stage 2A testicular cancer.  He underwent an orchiectomy to remove the cancerous testicle, followed by an aggressive chemotherapy regimen of bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin.  But he wasn't done.  Brian also underwent an additional surgical procedure to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes.  As daunting as his treatment was, Brian chose to address it with a sense of humor, which he still has after achieving survivorship and advocating for other men diagnosed with testicular cancer.   Brian's cancer journey began when he felt pain in a testicle as he was getting in his car.  Upon further inspection, he noticed a "hard spot on one side."  He immediately went to see his primary physician, who sent him to a urologist.  The urologist called for an ultrasound and only minutes after seeing its results told Brian he had Stage 2A testicular cancer.  The diagnosis was confirmed with Alpha-Fetaprotein and BHCG, or, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin tests, whose results were far above the normal range.   Addressing his cancerous testicle meant just one remedy, an orchiectomy, surgery that would remove the testicle.  Diagnosed on September 27, 2021, Brian had the procedure done just three days later.  He was told to avoid any lifting and really, just about any type of strenuous physical activity.   In November 2021, the surgery was followed by three rounds of BEP chemotherapy, which stood for bleomycin, etopiside and cisplatin.  Brian said he suffered the usual side effects, including cognitive issues, fatigue and hair loss.    In addition, Brian Vesall had to undergo an additional surgical procedure known as RPLND, or Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in June 2022, to remove approximately 30 lymph nodes   Brian's health is pretty much back to normal, but a byproduct of his treatment regimen is that he suffers from retrograde ejaculation, meaning that semen travels backward into the bladder during orgasm instead of exiting the penis.   By way of advice, Brian Vesall says if you experience the symptoms of testicular cancer, you should act right away, and at all times, be your own advocate   Additional Resources:   Support Groups:   Man Up To Cancer: https://www.manuptocancer.org   The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org   Brian's Speech at TCAF's San Diego Conference: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/blog/tcc-2024-vesall   Brian's Appearance on the TCAF "It Takes Balls" podcast: https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/blog/brian-vesall-it-takes-balls-podcast-guest            

As promised, we have a second episode of Soundtracking for you this Boxing Day, as Joachim Trier and Stellan Skarsgard join us to discuss Sentimental Value, which is on general release in the UK as of now. Addressing themes of intergenerational trauma, nepotism and suicide, Sentimental Value follows a fractured relationship between an acclaimed director and his two estranged daughters, which becomes even more complicated when he decides to make a personal film about their family history. This was our last Everyman Soundtracking Film club of the year, where we screen a movie and Edith speaks to person or persons connected to it afterwards. You can find every single edition of our partnership at edithbowman.com

This replay episode on spoonie productivity discusses strategies for managing the holiday season when you are a spoonie and have limited energy. Addressing chronically ill and disabled individuals, I share personal experiences and practical tips on honoring your culture and legacy without sacrificing your wellbeing. The episode highlights the importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and adapting traditions to fit your capacity. I also encourage you to identify nonnegotiables and prioritize self-care to ensure you work towards having a meaningful and enjoyable holiday season.If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes 44 and 166 on reducing overwhelm before the holiday break and navigating grad school during the holidays.Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12.Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource kit here.Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if caring for land goes beyond soil tests, nutrients, and visible inputs?In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, Jennifer is joined by Brittney Herrera, founder and creative director of Thunder Egg, to explore the concept of geotuning—a practice often described as acupuncture for the land.Through her work, Brittney helps harmonize land and spaces by identifying and correcting geopathic stress, subtle disruptions in the Earth's natural field that can impact people, plants, animals, and the overall vitality of a place. Brittney recently worked with Jennifer to tune her new farm property, and after experiencing the process firsthand, Jennifer felt this was a conversation worth sharing with the flower-growing and land-stewarding community.Together, they keep the conversation grounded and practical, discussing how geopathic stress can show up on farms and gardens, how geotuning works in real spaces, and how this approach can complement regenerative agriculture and soil-first practices. They also explore the role of water, copper, frequency, and ancient land wisdom—and how listening more deeply to the land can support long-term resilience and harmony.This episode is an invitation to curiosity. Whether you're a flower farmer, gardener, or someone who feels deeply connected to the land you care for, this conversation offers a new lens for understanding what it means to truly listen to a place.Connect with Brittney Herrera & Thunder EggThunder Egg: https://www.thunderegg.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunder_egg_collaborative/Geotune: https://www.geotune.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geotune_energy/Brittney Herrera: https://www.brittneyherrera.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittney_herrera_designer/Mentioned in Today's Episode: Braiding Sweetgrass: by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://amzn.to/4s5HQhwSign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter***Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit***The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here!Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably.You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started.

In this special holiday replay episode, we revisit our conversation with Ashley Beckwith, founder of Foray Biosciences, who shares her groundbreaking work in plant cell culture and tissue engineering. Growing up in Colorado, Ashley watched forests disappear to housing development and wildfire—experiences that sparked her lifelong mission to reimagine how we produce plant materials. After training as an engineer and working in medical device development, she pivoted to apply tissue engineering concepts to plants, initially exploring lab-grown wood before discovering a more fundamental problem: the lack of accessible, efficient plant cell culture processes. Today, Foray develops fabricated seeds for forest restoration, creates harvest-free plant products, and builds AI-powered tools to accelerate plant science R&D. Ashley explains why plant cells are the fundamental building blocks for everything from molecules to materials to entire ecosystems, and how her company is working to solve the seed shortage crisis that prevents us from restoring 94% of post-wildfire sites. She also discusses the potential for de-extinction of recently lost plant species in California and the importance of creating regenerative rather than extractive relationships with plant systems. This conversation explores the intersection of synthetic biology, forestry, and biomanufacturing while reminding us that we are all, whether we know it or not, plant people.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters:(00:00:00) - Holiday Greetings and Stranger Things on Broadway(00:04:41) - Introducing Ashley Beckwith and Foray Biosciences(00:07:17) - Growing Up in Colorado: Watching Forests Disappear(00:10:48) - From Medical Engineering to Plant Biology(00:15:00) - The Lab-Grown Wood Experiment(00:18:58) - Understanding Plant Cells as Versatile Production Agents(00:25:00) - Fabricated Seeds for California Biodiversity Restoration(00:33:00) - Addressing the Wildfire Restoration Seed Shortage(00:42:00) - Building the Plant Operating System with AI(00:50:00) - Why We're All Plant PeopleLinks and Resources:Foray Biosciences⁠⁠SF500 (Argentinian Global Venture Fund)⁠⁠Syensqo Corporate Venture Fund⁠⁠H.C. Wainwright⁠⁠University of Vermont - Dr. Steve Keller⁠⁠University of Maryland - Dr. Matt FitzpatrickForay Biosciences154. No Trees Were Harmed: Symmetry Wood's Gabe Tavas on Growing Wood from WasteTopics Covered: developmental biology, morphology, morphospace, planarians, electroceuticals, bioelectricity, tissue regeneration, biomedical applications, holidays, ChristmasHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

Addressing Three Issues The newest podcast address three issues. First is the on-going presentation of the need for a paradigm shift in how we work with people. Start with each person has the ability to change based on their inherent basic goodness that includes intelligence, caring, compassion, creativity, and love. The second area has to do with “everything we do is designed to make things better.” The third subject is how fear-based decisions most often tend to make things worse. Why is that so? Learn more about John here: john@mindful-alternatives.com https://mindful-alternatives.com/about.htm

Christos Vardikos says the forthcoming bill will ensure applicants receive their residence cards with full five-year validity periods from the date of issuance, rather than backdated to the filing date.View the full article here.Subscribe to the IMI Daily newsletter here. 

What if your teen's painful periods, anxiety, or constant worry are early red flags for Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism? In this eye-opening episode of the Health with Hashimoto's podcast, host Esther Yunkin sits down with quadruple board-certified physician Dr. David Bilstrom to explore how hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance can show up in teenagers—long before thyroid issues are diagnosed. Dr. Bilstrom shares that these “rev without calm” patterns (think bad cramps, heavy flows, panic attacks, and racing thoughts) are often tied to estrogen dominance, gut disruption, and hidden infections. The good news? Addressing them early can reverse or prevent Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, and even other autoimmune conditions for this generation and beyond. You'll walk away with hope and practical insights, including why Hashimoto's in teenagers is rising and how simple steps can protect future health. 3 Key Takeaways You'll Learn: How hormonal menstrual issues in teens signal estrogen dominance—the hidden driver behind 80% of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. The gut-infection-hormone connection and why fixing leaky gut and clearing infections can calm symptoms fast and prevent chronic illness. Why early intervention (ideally by age 19) can change the trajectory for teenagers with hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's—and even pass on better health to future generations. Ready to understand the early signs and take proactive steps? Hit play now and discover how to protect your teen's health for life.   Connect with Dr. Bilstrom and shop his store: https://drdavidbilstrom.com    JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO'S COMMUNITY Unlock your wellness journey with the free Health with Hashimoto's community! Join a supportive community that's here for you every step of the way. The Health with Hashimoto's community is on Skool: https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about   Find all links on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/   ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER: The Health with Hashimoto's podcast will help you explore the root causes of your autoimmune condition and discover holistic solutions to address your Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse, holistic health educator, and Hashimoto's warrior.   This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

"I'm a fan of quality versus quantity and reading one book all year, but mastering everything that you have learned in that book." In this episode, Heather shares her top six books for growing as a parent, business owner, and person in 2026. But these aren't just any old books to add to your stack; they're the books she keeps on hand to read and reread because they're a wealth of knowledge and insight that can change your life, if you integrate their wisdom. The big takeaway from this episode that will transform your life if you follow it? That you don't need to read more. You need to commit to taking action around what you learn until you've mastered it. What to listen for: ✨ Why Heather recommends reading only 10 books a year, no more ✨ The importance of quality vs. quantity when it comes to books ✨ Focus on integration over endless consumption "So many people are addicted to information and personal development. They don't realize that part of the challenge of why they're not attracting or receiving what they want and desire in their lives is because they are blocking themselves from receiving." ✨ The art of learning how to receive and why most women can't ✨ Getting out of your head and into your heart, because we need both ✨ Why you should be changing your identity at least once a year "If you're actually doing the work, even if it's just tiny, tiny, tiny habits, you're going to become a different person. Your identity is going to change. And when your identity changes, you need to change your habits." ✨ Essential conversations that parents need to have ✨ Addressing brain imbalances to help your children thrive ✨ Building rich relationships and embodying generosity as a value Grab copies of these books now: ✨ Abundant Ever After by Cathy Heller ✨ Dying to Be a Good Mother by Heather Chauvin ✨ Atomic Habits by James Clear ✨ A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson ✨ Rich Relationships by Selena Soo ✨ Disconnected Kids by Dr. Robert Melillo ******* For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me for a one-on-one Time & Energy Audit, a focused session designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Book a Time & Energy Audit: https://heatherchauvin.com/audit   Apply for the next Coaching Cohort: https://heatherchauvin.com/apply   Not ready for 1:1? Join the membership (cancel anytime): https://heatherchauvin.com/membership

In the final episode of 2025, Matt Cohen and John Ruffolo reflect on a turbulent year for technology, capital markets, and Canadian innovation, while looking ahead to the forces that will shape 2026. The conversation opens with Canada's largest private startup round of the year, a $1.76B raise by Toronto based HydroStar Energy Storage, and uses it as a springboard to examine the AI shakeout now underway. John describes the sector as entering a “forest fire” phase, where overfunded and undifferentiated companies fall away, creating room for stronger, more durable players to emerge.Matt and John then explore whether 2026 will finally mark a return of major tech IPOs, or whether the regulatory burden and liquidity options in private markets will keep companies like SpaceX, Stripe, and OpenAI on the sidelines. Despite interest rate cuts, the hosts argue capital markets remain constrained and selective.The discussion shifts to Canada's strategic priorities, including a growing focus on defense technology viewed through a dual use lens of sovereignty and innovation. As talent emigration rises and domestic risk capital lags, the episode closes with a clear warning. Without addressing capital access, taxation, and long term retention, Canada risks becoming a leaky boat, losing its builders and economic future to the United States.The 2025 AI Shakeout & The 2026 Forest Fire (02:06)John predicts a period of simultaneous “carnage” and opportunity in AI, comparing the market to a forest fire that burns the weak but creates fertile ground for the strong. They debate which companies are the true “sequoias” built to last.IPO or Bust? The Reluctant March to Public Markets (04:57)With rumors swirling around SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI, Matt and John explore why 2026 might see major IPOs. John argues that many are driven not by ambition, but by investor pressure for liquidity, calling it a “panacea” for fund timelines rather than a strategic goal.Rate Cuts & Stagnation: Why Cheap Money Isn't Fixing Canada's Economy (07:28)Despite multiple rate cuts in 2025, investment activity remains sluggish. The hosts diagnose a holding pattern for Canada's economy, where further cuts risk devaluing the dollar without spurring meaningful productivity gains.Bullets, Bombs, and Blockchain: Canada's New Defense Tech Mandate (08:17)Matt highlights new government funds for defense tech. John reframes the spending as critical for “physical sovereignty” in a tech-driven Cold War, emphasizing the “dual-use” nature of investments in AI, quantum, and satellite technology.Predictions for 2026: Agents, Physical AI, and Nuclear's Comeback (11:23)The hosts share their forecasts: Matt bets on AI “agents” automating complex workflows and tangible ROI finally hitting enterprise software. John is bullish on “AI meeting the physical world” through robotics and autonomous machinery, and predicts a major comeback for nuclear energy.Canada's Leaky Boat: The Capital and Talent Retention Crisis (18:32)Addressing record-high emigration, John identifies the twin failures crippling Canadian innovation: a lack of domestic risk capital at scale and an uncompetitive personal tax regime. He warns that without urgent fixes in the next budget, the brain drain will accelerate, with U.S. capital actively pulling companies and founders south.Connect with John Ruffolo on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/joruffoloConnect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Severe acute brain injury presents acute and longitudinal challenges. Addressing total pain involves managing physical symptoms and providing emotional, social, and spiritual support to enhance quality of life for patients and their families. In this episode, Kait Nevel, MD, speaks with Claire J. Creutzfeldt, MD, author of the article "Neuropalliative Care in Severe Acute Brain Injury and Stroke" in the Continuum® December 2025 Neuropalliative Care issue. Dr. Nevel is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a neurologist and neuro-oncologist at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Liewluck is a professor in the department of neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Additional Resources Read the article: Neuropalliative Care in Severe Acute Brain Injury and Stroke With Dr. Claire Creutzfeldt Subscribe to Continuum®: shop.lww.com/Continuum Earn CME (available only to AAN members): continpub.com/AudioCME Continuum® Aloud (verbatim audio-book style recordings of articles available only to Continuum® subscribers): continpub.com/Aloud More about the American Academy of Neurology: aan.com Social Media facebook.com/continuumcme @ContinuumAAN Host: @IUneurodocmom Guest: @cj_creutzfeldt Full episode transcript available here Dr Jones: This is Dr Lyell Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Continuum. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio. Be sure to visit the links in the episode notes for information about earning CME, subscribing to the journal, and exclusive access to interviews not featured on the podcast. Dr Nevel: Hello, this is Dr Kait Nevel. Today I'm interviewing Dr Claire Creutzfeldt about her article on neuropalliative care in severe acute brain injury and stroke, which appears in the December 2025 Continuum issue on neuropalliative care. Claire, welcome to the podcast, and please introduce yourself to the audience. Dr Creutzfeldt: Thanks, thanks for having me. Yeah, I'm an associate professor of neurology at the University of Washington. I'm a stroke neurologist and palliative care researcher and really have focused my career on how we can best integrate palliative care principles into the care of patients with severe stroke and other neurocritical illness. Dr Nevel: Wonderful. Well, I'm looking forward to talking to you today about your excellent article that I really enjoyed reading. To get us started, can you tell us what you feel is the most important takeaway from your article for the practicing neurologist? Dr Creutzfeldt: Yeah. You know, I think one is always a little biased by what one is working on currently. And I think what I'm most excited about or feel more strongly about is this idea that stroke and severe acute brain injury are not an event, but really a chronic illness that people are left with usually for the rest of their lives, that change their life radically. And I think that education, research funding, also the clinical setting, current healthcare models aren't set up for that. And this idea that severe acute brain injury, you know, should be viewed as a lifelong condition that requires support across all ranges of goals of care. So curative, restorative, palliative and end-of-life care. Dr Nevel: Yeah, I love that part of your article, how you really highlighted that concept. And I think obviously that's something that we see in neurology and learn, especially as we transition out of our residency stages. But I think especially for the trainees listening, can sometimes be hospital inpatient-heavy, if you will, that kind of you can lose sight of that, that these acute strokes, severe acute brain injury, it turns into a chronic illness or condition that patients are dealing with lifelong. Dr Creutzfeldt: Often what we do in a very acute setting is like, is really cool and sexy and like, we can cure people from their stroke if they come, you know, at the right time with the right kind of stroke to the right hospital. And often the symptoms that people come in with much later on are harder to treat and address, partly because the focus in education, clinical and research just hasn't been as much on that time. Dr Nevel: Yeah, absolutely. So, can you talk to us about this concept of total pain? What does it mean, and how do we incorporate this concept into the way that we view our approach, our patient care? Dr Creutzfeldt: Total pain is a very old word, but it's sort of coming back into fashion in the palliative care world because it really describes all those sources of suffering or sources of distress, like, beyond what we sort of really think of as sort of the physical symptoms in recovery of stroke. As many of you know, palliative care often thinks in this multidimensional way of the physical distress, physical pain, but also psychological, emotional, social and spiritual, existential. And both- we sort of created sort of a figure that incorporates all of them and also includes both patients and their family members. They share some of these sources of distress, but they also have distinct ones that need to be addressed. And at the core of that total pain is what we need to provide, is sort of optimal communication and goals-of-care prognosis. Dr Nevel: Yeah, I'm thinking about all of those aspects and not just focusing on one. How does the disease trajectory of severe acute brain injury and stroke play a role in the palliative care approach? And how should we kind of going back to that original point of this idea of severe acute brain injury being an acute event and then oftentimes turning into kind of a chronic condition? How does that play a role in how we address palliative care with our patients, or kind of the stages of palliative care with our patients? Dr Creutzfeldt: Yeah, I think several things, especially for neurologists, is the more traditional palliative care illnesses, like cancer or congestive heart failure, illnesses where people are diagnosed when they're still functioning at a relatively high level and tend to have time to consider their prognosis and their goals of care in the end of life wishes and to meet with palliative care and to consider their personhood. Who am I? What's most important for me? And stroke, people with stroke, they not only present at their worst, they meet us at their worst, at a time when the patient themselves usually can't speak for themselves, when their personhood has been stripped from them. And then as providers, we, you know, we often really just get that one opportunity to get the conversation right and to guide people towards, you know, what we would call optimal and goal-concordant care. So, the challenges are many. I do think that the burden of these early conversations is on neurologists and really requires the neurologists to show compassion, to learn communication skills, think really hard about how you want to communicate prognosis and goals of care early on, because it's going to color people's experiences and decisions longitudinally. You asked about, sort of, this trajectory. And I do think it's important to think about, you know, what really happens even after the thrombectomy or even after we discharge people, especially from the ICU. Because for us, often after sort of day five or six, you know, we're sort of done. We're thinking about secondary stroke prevention. And, you know, how do I get the patient to rehab or out of the hospital? For the patients and families, this is when it really all just starts. You know, this is when they- when they're first memories are usually, you know, they hardly remember that acute setting. And so, when they are medically stable, we're done with the acute blood pressure treatment where we've removed the Foley, we've made a decision about nutrition. For us that tends to be a time where we let go a little; for patients and families that tends to actually be the time when they have to think about how am I going to live with this and what are the next several months or years going to look like? And so being there for them is important. Dr Nevel: That's such a, I think, important point, that when we have our plan in place, we know medically what the plan is for that patient and we're starting to step back, think about rehab or discharge. That's when oftentimes more quote-unquote "reality" steps in for patients and families about what their future is going to look like. Dr Creutzfeldt: And medical stability is not even close to neurological stability. And so, they are still in the middle of real prognostic uncertainty, and often waxing and waning symptoms or new symptoms coming up for them. Like pain, you know, post thalamic pain syndrome, just as an example, tends to be something that doesn't develop until later. Dr Nevel: Right, right. Absolutely. And since you touched on this concept of prognostic uncertainty, and, you know, that's something that's so challenging in severe acute brain injury, especially the early days when you talk about this, you know, that things tend to become a little bit more certain as more time passes. But these are really hard conversations because a lot of times feel like big decisions that need to be made early on, you know? Dr Creutzfeldt: Huge! Dr Nevel: Sometimes things like trach and PEG and things like that. How do you approach that conversation? I know you talk about that a little bit in your article. You touch on that, some of the, kind of, strategies or concepts that we use in palliative care to approach this prognostic uncertainty with patients. Dr Creutzfeldt: Yeah, I think the challenge is to balance this acknowledging uncertainty with still being able to guide the families and allow them to trust you. So, there are a few things that I have said in the past, and I have taught in the past, and I don't use anymore. They include sentences like I don't have a crystal ball, for example. Nobody was asking you for one. The other one that I want us to avoid, I think, is the sentence we are terrible at prognosticating. Because what I have seen is that that sentence carries on for families. And families at nine months are still saying, well, you guys are terrible at prognosticating. That's what you told me. First of all, it's all relative, and relative to non-neural providers---even at this time using Google and AI, we're actually quite good at prognosticating. It's just that a wide range early on. So that's how I would change that sentence is, early on after stroke, the range of possible outcomes is still very wide. And so, you've communicated uncertainty without saying I have no idea what I'm doing, which is not true. That is in order to help families be able to trust you and also to trust the person who comes after you, because we all know that a week or two after admission, we do know a lot more. And if we told them on day one that we're terrible at prognosticating, it's hard to sort of build that trust again later. You also asked about, you know, communication strategies. And I think it's this range of possible outcomes that I think is a good guideline for us to work on. And that range, sort of like a confidence interval, is still very wide early on. And as we collect more information over time, both about the clinical scenario that is evolving in front of us and about the patient who we are learning more about over time, this confidence interval becomes smaller. And that's where this idea of the best case/worst case scenario sort of conversation, for example, comes from: that range of possible outcomes. Dr Nevel: So, what to you is most challenging about palliative care for patients with severe acute brain injury and stroke? Dr Creutzfeldt: I think the biggest challenge in stroke care is balancing restorative and curative care with palliative and end-of-life. And that is especially early on when sort of everything is possible, when patients and families want to hear the good news and, I think, are also quite willing to hear the bad news, and probably should. So, I think that that communication is hard when, you know, really we want to provide goal-concordant care. We want to make sure that people get that care that is most important to them and can meet the outcomes that are most important to them. Dr Nevel: Yeah, agree. What is most rewarding? Dr Creutzfeldt: I think these patients and families have enormous needs and are extremely grateful if they can find someone that they can trust and who can guide them and who will stick with them. And when I say someone, I think that can be a team. That always depends on how we communicate. In the ideal world, it would be the same person following someone over time, the patient and the family over time. But in our current healthcare system, we're usually moving on from one place to another and being able to communicate with the people that come after you. Telling the family that you're a team and supporting them through that, I think, is really important. Dr Nevel: Yeah. And like you touched upon, patients and families, I think oftentimes they're looking for, you mentioned, you know, the sharing and communication and they're looking for information. Dr Creutzfeldt: You know, what's really rewarding is working with a team. And health care has really excelled at that. And I think we have a lot done from them is that it's not always the MD that family needs. And we have a lot of people at our side, and I think we need more of them. Chaplains, social workers; psychologists, actually, I think; and nurses or- in an ideal world, would really work together to support these multidisciplinary, multidimensional symptoms. Dr Nevel: Yeah. I think it benefits both the patient and the care team, too. Dr Creutzfeldt: Absolutely! Dr Nevel: It's helpful to be part of a team. You know, there's camaraderie in that and, like, a shared goal, and I think the thought is rewarding, too. Dr Creutzfeldt: If we really try and think about severe stroke as a chronic illness or severe acute brain injury as a chronic illness not unlike cancer, then if you think about the systems that have been built for cancer where an entire team of providers follows the patient and their family member over time, I think we need that, too. Dr Nevel: Yeah, I agree. That point, every member of the team has overlapping things, but has a slightly individual role to a degree too, which is also helpful to the patient and the family. You talked about this a little bit in your article, and I want to hear more from you about what we know about healthcare disparities in this area of medicine and in providing palliative care for patients with severe acute brain injury and stroke. Dr Creutzfeldt: Yeah, I think actually a lot of the huge decisions that we make, especially early on, are highly variable. And can identify people by various things, whether it's their race or ethnicity or sex or age, or even where they live in the United States. But decisions tend to be made differently. And so, just as an example, we know that I think people who identify as black, for sure, are less likely to receive the acute, often life-saving interventions like TNK or thrombectomy and more likely to undergo longer-term, life-prolonging treatment like PEG and trach. That seems true, after adjusting for clinical severity and things like that. And so disparities like that may be based on cultural preferences or well-informed decisions, and then we can support them. But of course, unfortunately there's a clear idea when we see, often, unexplained variability that a lot is due to uninformed decisions and poor communication and possibly racism in certain parts. And that is, of course, something that has to be addressed. Dr Nevel: Yeah, absolutely. What are future areas of research in this area? I know you do a lot of research in this area and I'd love to hear about some of it and what you think is exciting or kind of new and going to change the way we think about things, perhaps. Dr Creutzfeldt: I think every aspect of stroke continues to be exciting and just, you know, our focus of today and my research is on palliative care. I mean, obviously, the things we can do in rehab these days have to be embraced, and the acute stuff. But I think this longitudinal support, an ideally longitudinal multidisciplinary support for patients and families, requires more research. I think it will help us with prognosis. It will help us with communicating things early on and learning more about sort of multidimensional symptoms of these patients over time. That requires more research. And then, how can we change the healthcare system---in a sustainable way, obviously---to maximize quality of life for the survivors and their families? Dr Nevel: Going back to that total pain again, making sure that we're incorporating that longitudinally. Dr Creutzfeldt: I think there are currently 94 million people worldwide living with the aftermath of a stroke. I joined a stroke survivor support group recently. People are supporting each other that have that had their stroke, like, 14 years ago and are still in that just to show that this is not one and done. People are still struggling with symptoms afterwards and want support. Dr Nevel: Before we close out, is there anything else that you'd like to add? Dr Creutzfeldt: Your questions have all been great, and I think one observation is that we've talked a lot about, sort of, new ideas of the need for longitudinal care for patients after severe stroke. There's still a ton for all of us to do to optimize the care we provide in the very acute setting, to optimize the way we communicate in the very acute setting. To make sure we are, for example, providing the same message as our team members and providing truly compassionate goal-concordant care from the time they hit the emergency room throughout. Including time-limited trials, for example. Dr Nevel: Well, thank you so much for chatting with me today about your article on this really important topic. Again, today I've been interviewing Dr Claire Creutzfeldt about her article on neuropalliative care in severe acute brain injury and stroke, which appears in the December 2025 Continuum issue on neuropalliative care. Be sure to check out Continuum Audio episodes from this and other issues. And as always, to our listeners, please check out the article. It's great, highly recommend. And thank you to our listeners for joining us today. And thank you so much, Claire, for sharing your expertise with us today. Dr Creutzfeldt: Thanks for having me. Dr Monteith: This is Dr Teshamae Monteith, Associate Editor of Continuum Audio. If you've enjoyed this episode, you'll love the journal, which is full of in-depth and clinically relevant information important for neurology practitioners. Use the link in the episode notes to learn more and subscribe. AAN members, you can get CME for listening to this interview by completing the evaluation at continpub.com/audioCME. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio.

Perimenopause and menopause should be a time of possibility—not of decline.  Here to help me dive into this topic is renowned women's health expert Dr. Jessica Shepherd, who shares how this powerful transition invites us to look inward and decide how we want to show up physically, emotionally, and metabolically as we age.  We explore the real hormonal changes happening in midlife and why this season can actually put you back in the driver's seat of your health and wellbeing.  You'll hear a refreshing, science-backed perspective on aging that challenges the old narrative, leaving you feeling confident and strong. Plus, you'll hear our top non-negotiables and lifestyle recommendations to help you feel like your best self.  If you're ready to redefine what midlife and longevity can look like for you, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to thrive through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond! Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG Dr. Jessica Shepherd is a board-certified OB/GYN, Chief Medical Officer of Hers, and author of Generation M, the chart-topping book redefining women's health. A leading voice in women's wellness and longevity, she's a regular on Good Morning America and frequently featured on The Today Show, CNN, LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and more. With a no-nonsense approach and deep medical expertise, she's helping women cut through the noise, take control of their health, and feel their best at every stage of life. IN THIS EPISODE Lessons learned from navigating transitions in midlife  Non-negotiable health habits for perimenopause and beyond Redefining menopause for our generation of women  Addressing the conversation of midlife hormone replacement  The neuroendocrine transition and what's happening cognitively in perimenopause and menopause   Altering your emotional bandwidth in menopause  The importance of finding connection and community in midlife Tips for staying grounded in a healthy routine and lifestyle  Where to get more of Dr. Shepperd & her book: Generation M QUOTES “In the perimenopausal space, it's kind of like when your indicator comes on and says that you have low gas. And as you see that signal, the goal is [to] go refuel. Let me use this opportunity to go refuel. Perimenopause is the time to start getting some things in place to refuel: changing your diet, incorporating more protein, but also fiber. Looking at what you may be depleted in to refuel.”  “I want to really change that narrative of what we do for our health, how we think of ourselves in health, and start those conversations earlier.”  “I think resilience is key. But many times we have to practice it. We have to be expanded to come back, and if we don't allow for that growth, then we are not resilient. And we know that mentally and emotionally and physically, the body is built to be resilient, but we have to teach it that as well.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order Dr. Shepherd's Book on Amazon HERE ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Living-Well-Perimenopause-Menopause/dp/1454954892⁠ Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Jessica Shepherd's Website Dr. Jessica Shepherd on Instagram Modern Meno on Instagram RELATED EPISODES  704: Hormone Intelligence for Women in Midlife: How to Thrive Through Perimenopause with Dr. Aviva Romm 690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn't the end — it's the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self 689: The Hidden Brain Shift: Why Perimenopause Symptoms Start Earlier Than You Think 686: Your Second Puberty Explained: What's Really Happening to Your Body in Perimenopause 

What do you do when your child keeps sinning, especially when it's become a pattern? In this episode, Elizabeth Urbanowicz walks parents through a biblical approach to discipline that goes beyond stopping behavior and aims at the heart: confession, repentance, putting off sin, putting on what's right, and implementing wise consequences that train children toward godliness.

How are local and international teams working together to offer reconstructive urology in resource-constrained settings? This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Jane Kurtzman (University of Utah) joins Dr. George Koch (Ohio State University) to discuss the realities, challenges, and opportunities of international surgical work. --- SYNPOSIS They break down how global urology programs differ in structure, why cultural understanding is foundational, and what sustainable models look like in practice. The conversation highlights unmet reconstructive needs in low- and middle-income countries, evolving models for subspecialty development, and the growing role of long-term partnerships in shaping the future of global urology. --- TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction4:46 - Understanding Healthcare Systems Abroad8:12 - Need for Global Urology13:39 - Role of Reconstructive Urology Abroad21:57 - Current Programs27:20 - GU Impacts39:35 - Building Capacity through Training49:00 - Past Successes58:38 - Future Directions1:14:12 - Getting Involved --- RESOURCES GU Impactshttps://medicine.utah.edu/surgery/urology/gu-impacts IVUMedhttps://www.ivumed.org/ Urology Care Foundationhttps://www.urologyhealth.org/humanitarianism

In this podcast we are talking about fertility and its' relationship to the very survival of our species. It is an indicator of the health of a population and important in the survival of the fittest theory... that is "Natural Selection"."Dr. Marina" Straszak Suri has over 30 years of experience as an OBGYN doctor where she takes a holistic functional approach to patient care. She is also an assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She is author of the book "Optimize Your Fertility Naturally", a holistic guide to achieving a healthy pregnancy. It's a book to help both women and men learn proven lifestyle strategies to help them increase their chance of natural conception and a healthy pregnancy.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Intro Snip01:06 Introduce Dr. Marina Strashzak-Suri03:45 Why aren't people reproducing?04:58 Fertility rates compared to the National Debt06:45 What does fertility rate have to do with health?07:46 how stress interferes with fertility09:38 How do you manage the stresses that interfere with fertility?10:50 What is the difference between mainstream medicine and functional medicine?12:00 How does mainstream medicine manage fertility problems?16:25 What are some examples of results and testimonials from your work?18:38 How does your practice work and who can be a patient?22:08 What is your recommended app for stress management?23:40 What are the Warrior Versus Worrier gene and what influences them?25:15 Do you have a favorite genetic test?

Join hosts John and Jackie Melfi as they explore the often overlooked non-sexual benefits of consensual non-monogamous relationships! After receiving feedback that a previous video focused too much on the sexual aspects, they dedicate this episode to discussing how open relationships have strengthened their bond beyond the bedroom. Discover how open communication, deep trust, and radical honesty have created a foundation for their 13-year relationship. John and Jackie share personal experiences about how their relationship model has allowed them to discuss topics that might be taboo in traditional monogamous relationships, leading to greater emotional intimacy and personal growth.

This year we are choosing presence over presents. We're off Europe for the holidays—with a baby—and no, we're not superhuman, rich, or reckless. We're just choosing to live our life with our baby instead of waiting for some perfect future version of ourselves.“If part of you is thinking, ‘I could never do that,' I understand—there was a time I felt that way too.”We're about to leave for a three-week trip to Europe as a family, with a baby, no presents, and no rigid plan. And yes, it feels a little crazy.But I keep reminding myself that the people around us—on the plane, in the airport, in passing—are just that: passing.Our baby doesn't need a perfect trip. She needs regulated parents, slow mornings, and the feeling of being carried safely through the world.This episode is an honest look at what traveling with a baby really looks like—and why we're choosing presence over presents this holiday season.

The male aesthetic market is growing, so we spoke to the expert to find out how to get them in your med spa's door. This week, AmSpa founder Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with Terrence Keaney, MD, board-certified dermatologist, co-founder of SkinDC, and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, to explore what drives men into aesthetic practices and how providers can meet their unique needs. From seasonality trends and internal marketing strategies to the impact of GLP-1 medications and the rise of hair restoration, Dr. Keaney shares data-driven insights and practical tips for attracting and retaining male patients while delivering natural, confidence-boosting results. Listen for insights on: Why men remain an underappreciated demographic and how to change that; The treatments men want most: neurotoxins, jawline contouring, and hair restoration; How internal marketing and re-consults increase male patient engagement; The role of social media and word-of-mouth in influencing men's decisions; Addressing fears of “looking unnatural” and combating filler misinformation; GLP-1 users: five aesthetic concerns and how to treat them; Why regenerative medicine is the next frontier in aesthetics. -- Music by Ghost Score

Please visit answersincme.com/FUA860 to participate, download slides and supporting materials, complete the post test, and get a certificate. In this activity, an expert in urology discusses overactive bladder in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Identify overactive bladder (OAB) in men who are being treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); Review pharmacotherapy treatment expectations for treating OAB in men with BPH; and Formulate strategies to enhance treatment plans and support quality of life for men with OAB and BPH, including those with additional comorbidities.

3 Hours and 45 MinutesPG-13Thomas777 is a revisionist historian and a fiction writer.Thomas joined Pete to do a short series on the work of historian and philosopher Ernst Nolte. The Work of Ernst Nolte - Pt. 1 - Addressing the Crisis - w/ Thomas777The Work of Ernst Nolte - Pt. 2 - The Sonderweg Debate - w/ Thomas777The Work of Ernst Nolte - Pt. 3 - Bolshevism - w/ Thomas777The Work of Ernst Nolte - Pt. 4 - Zionism - w/ Thomas777Thomas' SubstackThomas777 MerchandiseThomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 1"Thomas' Book "Steelstorm Pt. 2"Thomas on TwitterThomas' CashApp - $7homas777Pete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Caroline Alan to uncover why a staggering 97% of Americans are mineral deficient—and what that means for your energy, immunity, and cellular health. Caroline breaks down why minerals are the spark plugs of the body, how electrolytes power every cell, and why even the cleanest diet may not be enough if your gut can't properly absorb nutrients. We dive into the science-backed benefits of humic and fulvic acids, exploring their powerful role in detoxification, mineral delivery, and cellular communication. Packed with personal stories and practical strategies, this conversation will change how you think about minerals and give you actionable tools to rebuild your mineral foundation from the inside out. Caroline Alan, also known as “The Mineral Geek,” is on a mission to increase awareness of one of the most overlooked foundations of human health - minerals. As the co-founder of BEAM Minerals, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the power of plant-based humic and fulvic minerals to transform health at the cellular level. Her work is rooted in deep personal experience, rigorous research, and a drive to educate others about what it truly means to nourish the body through mineral replenishment.SHOW NOTES:0:39 Welcome to the podcast!1:59 Caroline Alan's Bio2:41 Welcome her to the show!3:44 What you haven't learned about minerals5:50 Why we're mineral deficient7:31 Electrolytes vs Minerals10:11 Gatorade, sodium & electrolyte drinks unpacked12:30 Overdoing magnesium13:32 When should high sodium be used?15:07 Purpose of minerals in nature18:56 Addressing & testing mineral imbalances21:51 Root causes of low iron24:05 Fulvic & Humic Minerals34:38 Improving cellular health40:20 Timing for dosing minerals48:55 Recommended water53:01 Heavy metals, yeast & parasites57:39 Where to begin1:00:19 Mineral Reset Book1:03:15 Her final piece of advice1:05:21 Thanks for tuning in!RESOURCES:Websites: www.beamminerals.com - Save 20% with code: BIOHACKERBABESwww.carolinealan.comIG: Beam Minerals, CarolineAlan.officialTikTok, LinkedIn, FacebookYouTubePre-Order: MINERAL RESET BOOKHTMA Testing - code: BIOHACKERBABESOligoscanSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/biohacker-babes-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode,  I engage in an insightful conversation with Andrew DeBerry, exploring the multifaceted domains of artificial intelligence (AI) and its future societal implications. The discussion delves into AI use cases, second and third-order consequences of AI adoption, and the importance of value-centered technologies in various industries such as the military, advertising, and finance. DeBerry shares his journey from leveraging AI for military applications to advocating for responsible AI principles within Meta Ads and currently aiming to transform investment practices in finance. Addressing the challenges and opportunities in creating ethical AI solutions, the conversation moves towards discussing practical benchmarks for AI, regulatory landscapes, and the role of human values in shaping future technologies. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical dialogue around AI and ethical technology adoption.00:29 Meet Andrew DeBerry: Background and Journey03:20 The Future of AI: Second and Third Order Consequences04:04 Creating Net New Value with AI05:10 Frameworks for Evaluating AI Impact07:58 Balancing Technology and Human Flourishing12:25 Practical Approaches to AI Benchmarks24:18 Regulations and Ethical Considerations in AIConnect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deberry/Connect with Raul: • Work with Raul: https://dogoodwork.io/apply • Free Growth Resources: https://dogoodwork.io/resources• Connect with Raul on LinkedIn (DMs open): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dogoodwork/ 

2025 has been a milestone year for responsible investing. This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the year that was with Estelle Parker, co-chief executive of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).They discuss the organisation's key achievements and the trends that reshaped the sustainable sector in the year that saw US president Donald Trump reverse key ESG policies. Estelle talks about how nature risks edged out climate risks as the key ESG issue this year and the investment scorecard of sustainable funds. 00:55 Key industry highlights 01:09 Global policy and regulatory developments02:31 Australia's policy shifts and achievements03:59 Addressing greenwashing concerns04:21 Nature risks and investment opportunities05:53 RIAA's engagement and committees06:10 US political impact on ESG07:44 Resilience of responsible investment markets08:52 RIAA's 2025 milestones11:34 Looking ahead to 2026 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Addressing one of the biggest questions the Book of Joshua raises.

Send us a textMuslims with doubts! Doubt no more! YOU are welcome to come onto the stream and tell us your doubts about Islam. Doubt Busters is here to help empower you. So keep a note of your doubts and questions on Islam and call into the show or post your questions in the live chat.  Please note : waiting lists are very high and places are limited to a maximum of 10 placements at any given time so keep your questions concise, to the point and please be patient. Link to join the stream : https://streamyard.com/2mm7j9rbkeGAZA: Shelter Projecthttps://fundraise.matwproject.org/gaza-shelter-project-dowie--x61yxbPlease support Br Ijaz with his monthly medical fees: https://buymeacoffee.com/ijazthetrini© 2025 EFDawah All Rights ReservedWebsite : https://efdawah.com/https://www.patreon.com/EFDawahhttps://gofund.me/7cb27d17https://www.paypal.me/EFDawahTimestamps:00:00 - Intro01:06 - EF Dawah Panel join: Format of the Stream02:02 - Beksolo joins03:30 - Doubt about the Islamic belief of Qarin05:20 - Reminder to Muslims: Allah is perfectly just06:40 - Understanding the Role of Qarin in Islam12:25 - Exploring the Influence & Fate of the Qarin 19:14 - Discussing Qadr & Divine Judgment in Islam22:24 - Discourse on Disbelievers among the Jinn32:30 - Message to Muslims about Priorities 36:26 - Visiting Kazakhstan & doing dawah there39:58 - Starting the Journey to practise Islam45:08 - Advice to Parents about teaching Islam49:49 - Message to Muslims about avoiding haram56:42 - Understanding women's inheritance in Islam1:04:28 - Men's financial responsibilities in Islam1:11:00 - Prioritising learning the Qur'an & Sunnah1:14:43 - Somali joins & shares his background 1:16:33 - Doubt about reciting surah fatiha in salah1:17:38 - Opinions on reciting surah fatiha in salah1:20:42 - Following a madhab & scholars in Islam1:26:56 - Chinwag1:28:12 - Update on Br. Ijaz: Donation Appeal 1:30:27 - Addressing the Viewers Support the show

I thought long and hard about whether or not to bring the eyewitness from Fort Huachuca onto the show,. When we speak to him and he gives his testimony, I think you will understand why. 00:00 - Start. 01:16 - Addressing confirmed data points in the investigation and what doesn't add up. 23:51 - My interview with Mitch and what he saw at Fort Huachuca. 01:10:13 - Comments. ​​​​​​​PreBorn!​​​​​​​ Donate securely by calling 855-601-2229 or by visiting https://preborn.com/candace The Wellness Company​  Stay ahead of sickness this winter with the Medical Emergency Kit. Visit www.twc.health/candace and use code CANDACE to Save $45 Off + Free Shipping. USA Residents Only

Chris Mack and Kate Constable recap and react to last night's Thursday Night Football action which saw the Seahawks come back from 16 points down to stun the Rams in overtime, to take control of the NFC West. Plus, how would you handicap these two NFC Conference teams following this result? Then, we break down their bets for tonight's opening round of the College Football Playoff between Alabama and Oklahoma, with the Sooners currently sitting as a narrow point and a half favorite. The hour wraps addressing the elephant in the room of Bet Sweats coming to an end, showing appreciation to Joe, Sam and the rest of the crew.

Chuck Marting is a distinguished retired law enforcement professional with more than two decades of specialized experience in drug and alcohol impairment investigations. As a former drug recognition expert and courtroom expert witness, he developed deep expertise in identifying and addressing impairment in high-risk environments. Now a leading voice in workplace safety and the author of Mastering the Impairment Code, Chuck is recognized for his forward-thinking strategies that help organizations build safer, more efficient, and more accountable teams.Please learn more about Chuck Marting at www.ChuckMarting.comIn this insightful episode of Mr. Biz Radio, host Ken “Mr. Biz” Wentworth sits down with workplace safety expert Chuck Marting to examine the growing challenges of substance impairment in today's evolving business landscape. Drawing from his distinguished law enforcement background, Chuck shares pivotal experiences and practical strategies that help organizations better recognize impairment and safeguard their workforce. Their discussion underscores the urgent need for proactive safety policies as substance legalization grows, empowering leaders to protect employee well-being and maintain productivity.Key Takeaways:-Chuck Marting discusses his transition from a career in law enforcement to becoming an expert on workplace safety regarding substance impairment.-Chuck explains the difference between impairment and being under the influence and the effects substances can have in the workplace.-The legalization of substances, particularly marijuana, creates new challenges for workplace safety, necessitating greater awareness and proactive approaches from employers.-Chuck emphasizes the need for updated workplace policies and procedures to effectively address substance impairment and promote safety.-Addressing substance use with empathy and intervention strategies can lead to positive outcomes for employees and create safer work environments.

In this episode of The Distribution, Brandon Sedloff sits down with Tony Avila for a detailed discussion on the evolution of residential land development and homebuilding finance. Tony walks through his multi-decade career, from early exposure to real estate and investment banking to building platforms focused on capital solutions for developers and regional homebuilders. The conversation explores how institutional capital, regulatory shifts, and interest rate cycles have reshaped the housing ecosystem, and why today's environment presents a distinct opportunity in land and construction lending. Together, they break down the mechanics behind land development loans, underwriting discipline, and the structural gaps left by traditional banks. They discuss: • Tony Avila's career path through real estate workouts, investment banking, and homebuilding M&A • The institutionalization of homebuilding and the role of public markets and consolidation • Distressed land and development opportunities following the financial crisis • Why banks have pulled back from land and construction lending and how private capital is filling the gap • The fundamentals of land development loans, underwriting risk, and housing affordability Links: Tony on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-avila-8879487/ Avila Real Estate Capital - https://www.avilacapllc.com/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:41) - Tony Avila's background and career (00:06:03) - The evolution of home building and institutionalization (00:08:46) - Mergers, acquisitions, and public listings (00:12:39) - Encore and distressed market opportunities (00:17:41) - Pivoting strategies in a changing market (00:20:01) - Current business structure and focus (00:24:58) - Understanding the fundamentals and opportunities (00:27:14) - Understanding land development loans (00:28:54) - Key considerations for land loans (00:30:43) - Distinguishing developers from builders (00:32:21) - Funding and underwriting strategies (00:39:35) - Navigating institutional capital (00:48:55) - Addressing housing affordability (00:53:16) - Conclusion and contact information

Karys Rhea joins Something For Everybody this week. Karys is an American political commentator and former producer at the Epoch Times and Newsmax. A writing fellow with the Middle East Forum, ambassador for Israel365 Action, rising leader at the Global Liberty Institute, and recording artist on Baste Distribution, she is currently writing a book about how right-wing identitarianism is undermining President Trump's vision, fracturing the MAGA movement, and jeopardizing the soul of America.  In this conversation, Karys and I delve into the complexities of masculinity, political extremism, and the influence of media personalities like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. We discuss the importance of understanding the roots of current political ideologies, the dangers of social media, and the necessity of gatekeeping within conservative movements. The conversation also touches on the rise of antisemitism and conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need for a robust response to these challenges. - See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://everybodyspod.com/deals/ - Shop For Everybody  Use code SFE10 for 10% OFF

Surgery can be one of life's great thresholds — a moment where the body, spirit, and nervous system are all quietly asking for care.In this episode, I'm joined again by Amelia Vogler, Energy Medicine Specialist and surgical consultant, to explore how surgery can be supported not only physically, but energetically and on a soul level. We explore:• How energy medicine can prepare the body, mind, and spirit before surgery• Why spiritual preparation is as essential as physical readiness• Addressing surgical fear through trauma-informed and somatic care• Supporting smoother, faster post-operative recovery through intuitive energy work• Staying grounded and spiritually connected before, during, and after surgeryA softly powerful conversation for anyone approaching surgery, supporting a loved one, or sensing that healing reaches far beyond what we can see. You can listen to Amelia discuss the hara and our Soul's purpose in episode #38 The Architecture of Our Soul with Amelia Volger.About Amelia: For decades Amelia has helped thousands of individuals around the world reconnect with their wholeness through Hara-based energy medicine, grounding practices, and intuitive healing.She is one of the few energy medicine practitioners with specific training in Energy Medicine in Surgery. Surgical support merges medical intuition, advanced energy medicine, trauma support, clinical recovery, grounding practices, guided imagery, and Spiritual coaching.Links:https://www.ameliavogler.comhttps://www.energymedicineinsurgery.comThank you so much for listening, and thanks to my sponsors.This Episode is brought to you by: • The Sattva Collection - 10% off with code TheConsciousDiva• Birds & Beans Organic Coffee - 10% off with DIVA2025The Conscious Diva Podcast wouldn't be possible without your support! A massive THANK YOU for listening. If you'd like to further support my podcast, you can:• SUBSCRIBE in your favorite podcast player or YouTube.• FOLLOW me @The_Conscious_Diva on Instagram. • BOOK a session with Tatyanna.• SIGN-UP to receive emails at www.tatyannawright.com

It's not always easy to understand it.

On his final solo day at WFAN, Brandon Tierney delivers a masterclass in resilience and professional grace. Addressing the station's lineup overhaul and the return of Craig Carton, BT remains remarkably galvanized, choosing to focus on the future rather than the "sadness" of the show's end. He reflects on his cross-country hustle—driving from Brooklyn to Las Vegas to Detroit—to prove that his career is built on a passion that doesn't stop at one station. BT also looks ahead to his burgeoning career in motivational speaking and the nearly sold-out live show in Red Bank, NJ on January 22nd with special guest Aaron Boone. Amidst heartfelt calls from longtime listeners, he even shares a laugh over his funniest radio moment involving the unfortunately named Rusty Kuntz, proving that while the business changes, the "Unkillable" spirit remains intact.

In this episode, Donny explores the ever-evolving landscape of brands shaping today's zeitgeist. Addressing pressing global issues, Donny dives into the alarming rise of antisemitism and calls for leadership action. The discussion navigates through political commentary, critiquing Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric, and analyzing mixed signals from the U.S. economy. Shifting gears, Donny reflects on significant sports updates, such as Patrick Mahomes' season-ending injury and John Cena's retirement from WWE. The episode also celebrates Dick Van Dyke's 100th birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kubernetes is a popular container orchestration platform. Today’s IPv6 Buzz episode explores the benefits of using IPv6 in Kubernetes, and how Kubernetes uses IP addresses in both the control plane and data plane.We also address why the adoption rate is estimated to be so low, from default configurations to issues with non-IPv6-aware applications inside containers.... Read more »

Dr. Stephanie Covington and Dr. Vanessa Carlisle join Dr. Rob to discuss their new book Awaken Your Sexuality: Seeking Connection and Intimacy After Addiction and Trauma. They discuss the facts and myths of true intimacy, appropriate healing timelines after betrayal, and the danger of believing that sex is the only worthy expression of intimacy in a healthy and committed relationship.    TAKEAWAYS: [3:42] Seeking connection and intimacy after addiction and trauma.  [6:29] A timeline for dealing with trauma during recovery.  [9:46] The role of facing trauma in healing.  [11:15] Addressing the why of addictive behavior. [14:22] The challenge of culture on healthy sexuality.  [17:33] Safety as an aphrodisiac.  [20:20] Moving from betrayal to intimacy.  [22:40] Myths surrounding sex and intimacy.  [25:37] Small steps that lead to true intimacy.    RESOURCES: Sex and Relationship Healing @RobWeissMSW Sex Addiction 101  Seeking Integrity Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment Partner Sexuality Survey Dr. Stephanie Covington Dr. Vanessa Carlisle   Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.    QUOTES: “Recovery is a slow, slow process.” “Asking why is a way to stay stuck.”  “The depth of our need for sexual connection is not the problem.”  “Safety is an aphrodisiac.”  “Intimacy takes time.” 

*This is a rerun of a previously released episode Geoff Woods is the #1 international bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster Decisions and the founder of AI Leadership and the AI Driven Leadership Collective. As a former Chief Growth Officer of a global company, Geoff brings real-world expertise in using AI to transform how leaders think and make decisions. In this episode, he reveals how AI can serve as a powerful thought partner—enhancing strategic focus, overcoming operational overwhelm, and unlocking breakthrough solutions using his CRIT framework. Tune in to learn how the most effective leaders are leveraging AI to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Today we discussed: 00:00 Start 01:10 Introducing Geoff Woods 01:23 How AI Enhances Leaders Strategic Thinking 03:13 AI as a Thought Partner 04:50 How AI Can Help with Operation Tasks 06:20 Focusing on the 20% 07:56 The C.R.I.T. Framework 13:10 Addressing the AI Culture Shift 16:20 How is AI Changing Decision Making 17:39 What's AI's Role in Leadership 19:26 How to Start Integrating AI Into Your Leadership Practices This episode is brought to you by Duct Tape Marketing. Free Resource for Business Owners: If you're feeling overwhelmed by marketing, don't miss our CEO Sara Nay's new 30-minute workshop: The Clarity Engine. You'll learn a smarter, more strategic approach and get a worksheet to map out your next steps for 2026. Join the workshop & grab your free worksheet - https://dtm.world/clarity Give yourself the gift of clarity in 2026!  

Kubernetes is a popular container orchestration platform. Today’s IPv6 Buzz episode explores the benefits of using IPv6 in Kubernetes, and how Kubernetes uses IP addresses in both the control plane and data plane.We also address why the adoption rate is estimated to be so low, from default configurations to issues with non-IPv6-aware applications inside containers.... Read more »

Wellness can feel complicated, but most of what matters for long, healthy living is surprisingly simple. In this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I sit down with my longtime friend Dr. Ezekiel “Zeke” Emanuel—oncologist, bioethicist, and author of Eat Your Ice Cream—to explore six core principles that support longevity, from food and movement to social connection and purpose. Zeke shares what we're getting wrong about wellness, why community matters more than we think, and how small choices can reshape both our health and our healthcare system. Watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. We discuss: • Why simple habits outperform extreme biohacks—and how to build them into daily life • How social connection protects your health as powerfully as diet and exercise • What to eat for longevity without tracking, restricting, or following trends • How movement, strength, and flexibility each support long-term health and function • What actually improves sleep when you can't “try harder” to rest Longevity isn't about obsession. It's about balance, community, and simple choices. The basics still work, and they matter more than ever. View Show Notes From This Episode Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman's Weekly Longevity Journal https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, Timeline, Function Health, AirDoctor and BON CHARGE. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Support essential mitochondrial health and save 20% on Mitopure. Visit timeline.com/drhyman to get 20% off today. Join today at functionhealth.com/mark and use code MARK2026 to get $50 OFF toward your membership. Get cleaner air. Right now, you can get up to $300 off at airdoctorpro.com/drhyman. This holiday season get 25% off until December 31st. Head to boncharge.com to receive this offer today! (0:00) Introduction to the loneliness epidemic and wellness book critiques (0:39) Introduction of Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel and his book "Eat Your Ice Cream" (3:18) Dr. Emanuel's inspiration and contributions to food policy (5:20) Challenges and critiques in the wellness industry (7:01) The role of social relationships in health and longevity (10:11) Simplifying wellness and lessons from longevity hotspots (13:32) The obsessive focus on wellness and finding balance (15:32) Dietary impacts on wellness and combating loneliness (23:53) Strategies for building social connections and community (30:17) Insights from the Harvard Adult Development Study and other research (36:24) The role of food in health and the impact of cooking skills (47:18) The importance of home economics in health education (51:32) Addressing the health effects of ultra-processed foods (57:04) The significance of exercise, sleep, and preventive health measures (1:08:31) Meaning, purpose, and the importance of staying engaged (1:15:15) Creative rejuvenation and health care system challenges (1:18:00) Closing remarks and recommendations

Duane and Hurls recap the latest with the Sabres: - The firing of Kevyn Adams - Jarmo new GM - Jarmo introductory presser - Taking control of the Alex Tuch situation - Addressing the goalies - Coaching changes? a new President of Hockey Ops? - Duane finally gets to tell his funny Sabres goodwill story - Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Presented by Fattey Beer Co, Impulse Physical Therapy of WNY, and Xtreme Discount Mattress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sen. Bill Cassidy is a key player in the Capitol Hill debate on health care subsidies, and he's also a physician. The Louisiana Republican joined Geoff Bennett to discuss the latest. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

12-15-25 - Rob Reiner And Wife Murdered In Their Home - Resetting Friday's After Dark Show At SUL - Addressing The Station Laying Off Fitz And Others On Friday And Our Memorable FiringsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I'm talking about conditioned mediocrity and how most people don't choose it — we just slide into it by doing nothing. Success is the only thing that happens on purpose; everything else comes from staying inside the lines society draws for us. From school to work, we get trained to follow the standard path, stay safe, and seek approval, even if it means killing our instincts. That's how people end up average without ever meaning to. In this episode, I break down how that conditioning happens and how you can wake up, step out of the box, and choose your own path again. Show Notes: [08:10]#1 It starts in school.  [15:33]#2 You were taught to be addicted to approval. [20:58]#3 The fear of exceptionality.  [25:30] Recap Episodes Mentioned: 2806: The Law Of Entropy 864: Success Happens Only On-Purpose 3274: 3 Keys To Increasing Your Intelligence 2725: How To Increase Your Intelligence Next Steps: ⚡️ Power Presence Protocol  Command The Room Without Words → http://PowerPresenceProtocol.com 

Addressing the Crew in Guam and Leadership Lessons: Colleague Thomas Modly describes his trip to Guam to address the USS Theodore Roosevelt crew over the ship's loudspeaker amid high tensions, reflecting on the fallout and sharing leadership lessons about empathy and communication, emphasizing that acting officials must exercise full authority rather than just "keeping the seat warm". 1905

In this 323rd episode I welcome Dr. Sam DeMaria to the show to discuss his new book "The Invisible Cut: Incivility's Silent Toll on Healthcare". We discuss why incivility is so common in healthcare, how to address it in the moment, and how we can build a more civil culture in the future.Our Sponsors:* Check out FIGS and use my code FIGSRX for a great deal: https://wearfigs.com* Check out Factor: https://factormeals.com/accrac50off* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/ACCRAC* Check out Truelearn: https://tinyurl.com/ACCRACTL* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/ACCRACAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy