Podcasts about advocates

Today's guest shares her work in mentoring the next generation of doulas and helping maternal healthcare professionals balance the heart of their work with sustainable business practices. We also discuss Medicaid, systemic barriers to care, and systemic barriers that prevent some populations from accessing doula services. Join us to learn more! Jacquelyn Clemmons is a veteran birth and postpartum doula, trainer, and mentor with over 20 years of experience serving diverse, intercultural families. She is the author of A Doula's Guide to Improving Maternal Health for BIPOC Women  and is the producer of the short film, Jazz and the Blues. Jacquelyn is a leading advocate for culturally competent care and a passionate supporter of doula services for all women. Through her Intrinsic Doula Design™ framework, she empowers doulas to build authentic, thriving businesses while transforming the families they serve.  Show Highlights: Jacquelyn's journey into doula work Jacquelyn's framework, Intrinsic Doula Design™  The shift in doula work in 2020 Understanding the basics of business development is a big piece of doula work. The importance of a sustainable pricing model from the beginning Jacquelyn's work as an advocate in Oregon Sustainable doulas help to stimulate local economies. Medicaid reimbursements for doula care are up to $3500 in the state of WA, which is leading the way. (OR and CA are close behind.) Hospitals' greed—-watch out for it! What can you do? Advocate for yourself by always asking, “Can you please document that in my chart?” (Hospitals speak the language of liability.) Jacquelyn's film project, Jazz and the Blues (See the trailer at okionu.app.) The need for comprehensive support for families, even those with good family support Jacquelyn's book, A Doula's Guide to Improving Maternal Health for BIPOC Women  A well-matched doula can be a strong support for maternal mental health. The need for cultural respect and well-matched core values Resources: Connect with Jacquelyn Clemmons: Website, Instagram, and A Doula's Guide to Improving Maternal Health for BIPOC Women  Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cockpit Confrontation: How Parliament Lost Their Best Advocate and Franklin's Legacy as a Founder of Science. Richard Munson discusses how Benjamin Franklin was a pivotal figure in the Revolutionary era, initially dedicated to maintaining the colonies' loyalty to the king. The critical turning point occurred in January 1774 at the Cockpit, where Parliament grilled and lambasted Franklin for over an hour without allowing him to answer. At this moment, Franklin realized the English government had lost its "best possible advocate," and he began thinking seriously about independence. Before the break with Britain, Franklin had laid a foundation for colonial unity by creating the American Philosophical Society. Franklin returned to Philadelphia in April 1775 and sailed to Paris in October 1776, where the French adored him. Franklin's legacy has been subject to various interpretations by historians, but Munson emphasizes that Franklin's enduring relevance lies in his role as a founder who championed empirical truths, observation, and experimentation, which is vital in modern times marked by the dismissal of science and facts.

Trump administration deports people who were not sad about the murder of Charlie Kirk, Young Republicans offensive chats go public, Scamming Scammers (Susan gives Fake Davin one day to register to work with her)

WarRoom Battleground EP 882: Harnwell Interviews An Advocate Of Christian Theocracy And A Neuroscientist Specialising In War

So the net is abuzz with excited speculation about a doctrinal statement coming from the Vatican next Tuesday about Mary's role in salvation. Millions of Roman Catholics around the world have signed petitions over the past three decades or more requesting the definition of the "Fifth Marian Dogma" that being Mary as Co-Redemptrix, Co-Mediatrix, and Advocate for the people of God. Many are hoping this new document will dogmatize that teaching, though I find that doubtful. We discuss the issue on Reformation Day 2025. Enjoy!

Dealing with menopause symptoms is rough enough, but navigating a cancer diagnosis at the same time causes even more stress and anxiety.  As a holistic-focused physician going through menopause, a diagnosis of breast cancer put a bump in the road for Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, leading to concerns about how she would navigate her own journey.  It can be hard to feel heard by your physician, and advocating for things like holistic healing options, lab testing, and hormone replacement therapy can become an endless battle. But as a women's empowerment advocate and a public educator, Dr. Suzanne is here today to help YOU advocate for your needs and to speak up about your situation because you deserve to be heard.  Hearing Dr. Suzanne's story can help you get through any tough times you're facing. Especially for the breast cancer community– there are ways you can manage your longevity and your health now going forward for the better. Check out this podcast to find out how!  Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD  Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz earned her medical degree from the USC School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She frequently appears as an expert in women's health and integrative medicine in print, online, and on TV, where she's the Chief Medical Correspondent for the Drew Barrymore Show. She's the author of MENOPAUSE BOOTCAMP: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age.  IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Suzanne's perimenopause and menopause journey  Opening up about a breast cancer diagnosis Recognizing symptoms of perimenopause vs. other health issues  Non-negotiables for women's health in our 40s and beyond  Hormone therapy options in midlife  Advocating for yourself with your primary physician  Adaptogenic herbs that are helpful in midlife  Stress, sleep, and cardiometabolic tips for optimal health  Grassroots and community building via the Menopause Bootcamp Facilitator Certification  RESOURCES MENTIONEDUse code ENERGIZED and get $100 off on your CAROL Bike purchase https://carolbike.pxf.io/GK3LaE Menopause Bootcamp Certification Course  Get 20% off with Code: Energized20 Get Dr. Suzanne's book HERE: Menopause Bootcamp  Dr. Suzanne's Website Dr. Suzanne's Socials:  Facebook Instagram  TikTok YouTube  RELATED EPISODES  #590: Dispelling Myths About Breast Cancer And Mammograms + Navigating Hrt After Breast Cancer With Dr. Jenn Simmons 579: Hormone Replacement Options And Hormone Testing For Women In Midlife + Self Advocacy For Optimal Health With Esther Blum #547: What You Need To Know About The Opill And Hormone Changes In Perimenopause With Dr. Carrie Jones #404: Do Women Need To Wait Till Menopause To Begin Hormone Replacement Therapy? With Esther Blum

Microsoft hopes a new collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison will help give the company an edge in artificial intelligence. Then, how partisanship and partisan media is affecting our perceptions of reality. And, our politics team looks at Wisconsin's response to the government shutdown.

Mike and Steve previewed Tulane's AAC road matchup against UT-San Antonio. Saints color analyst Deuce McAllister joined Sports Talk to discuss New Orleans' challenge against the Rams. Mike and Steve interviewed Jeff Duncan, a columnist for The Times-Picayune, and Wilson Alexander, an LSU reporter for The Advocate. Duncan discussed the historic connection between LSU football and Louisiana politics. Alexander shared his thoughts on LSU AD Scott Woodward and interim head coach Frank Wilson. Mike and Steve spoke to former LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron about his interest in returning to coaching. Mike, Steve, and Charlie played their weekly "Pick-Six" segment.

This episode features the inspiring story of Chris and Diana Twiggs, and their son Brendan Twiggs, who have relentlessly dedicated their time to relief work in Ukraine over the past few years, and perhaps more importantly built friendships of solidarity. Diana Twiggs, a practicing physician, started volunteering with International Medical Relief, providing essential medical care and support in urgent regions.Through Diana's initiative, Chris and Brendan have joined the cause. Chris, well known in the running community as the National Training Director for the Galloway Run-Walk-Run program, partners with Diana on trips to Ukraine, bringing medical supplies and supporting humanitarian efforts, and spreading the word. Their latest visit included both Lviv—a vital base for relief work close to the Polish border—and the capital Kyiv, where they participated in the Kyiv Marathon, standing in solidarity with Ukraine's resilient spirit and thousands of fellow runners. They also brought medical relief supplies most recently to Traveling Colonels, a group of military veterans providing critical medical relief to the front lines where through dedicated people across the country. Brendan Twiggs stands out for his ongoing commitment, joining us from the streets of Lviv as we hear the sounds of everyday life in his daily commute. Lviv Volunteer Kitchen—founded in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea by caring individuals; serves as a place to connect relief workers to needs on the ground. The Twiggs' reflections in this episode emphasize how showing up for others can bridge divides and demonstrate in person that Ukrainians are not forgotten. They also the harrowing actions that everyday Ukrainians are taking to support their neighbors and countrymen as they fight to regain peace while striving to live a meaningful life each day. What can you do? ***Get Involved, Advocate, Give or Learn More***International Medical Relief: https://internationalmedicalrelief.org/Medical supplies were also brought to Kyiv through Traveling Colonels: https://thetravelingcolonels.com/Lviv Volunteer Kitchen Charity: Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lvivkitchen/ or through local Ukrainian relief networks.Kyiv Marathon:Event info at https://kyivmarathon.org/ and through charity run directories.***Take Action: Contact Your Representatives***Your voice matters. Get informed and then urge continued support for Ukraine by contacting your US representatives!Find Your Elected Officials: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officialsDirect link for Senate and House contacts.For more inspiring stories and resources in the running community, visit and share: https://www.runninganthropologist.com

A new lawsuit alleges ‘inhumane' conditions at a Chicago-area ICE facility. AP's Christine Fernando has the story.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane.

October 31, 2025 Dan. 8:1-14; Ps. 119:153-159; Prov. 26:23; I John 2:1-6

Welcome to Indulgence Gospel After Dark!We are Virginia Sole-Smith and Corinne Fay, and it's time for your October Extra Butter episode. Today we're talking about plus size fashion influencer and body acceptance advocate Katie Sturino — who teamed up with WeightWatchers last year. What happened there? And where is the line between body liberation activism and capitalism? (Yes, we struggle with that too!) To hear the whole thing, read the full transcript, and join us in the comments, you do need to be an Extra Butter subscriber. Join Extra Butter! Already an Extra Butter subscriber, and having a hard time getting this episode in your podcast player of choice? Step by step instructions are here! Episode 217 TranscriptCorinneWelcome to Indulgence Gospel After Dark! If you're listening to this, you are part of Extra Butter, which means you're our favorite Burnt Toasties. VirginiaYour support makes all our work possible and keeps Burnt Toast an ad- and sponsor free space. Which is relevant to today's conversation! CorinneToday, we're going to talk about influencer and advocate Katie Sturino, who became famous on Instagram for her #SuperSizeTheLook content and for creating the Megababe product line. But more recently, she teamed up with Oprah and Weight Watchers, and has gone public about her use of GLP-1s.VirginiaSo before we get into it, let me do my standard caveat that I give anytime we do one of these episodes where we talk about a particular person's work in deal. Body autonomy is a given at Burnt Toast. Katie has the right to take her GLP-1s. That is her business. We're not interrogating that personal decision. We are also not "women tearing down other women," which is the other go-to critique of this work. We're considering Katie's entire body of work here, and we're asking: Is this true body liberation activism? Or is this an example of capitalism co-opting activism? I think that's a valuable question for anyone in the influencing space to be grappling with. I think Corinne and I both walk that line as well in our work. So we are going to critique Katie and some of the professional choices she's made but this is a lens we all benefit from looking through. CorinneWith that, I feel that I need to disclose that I have received gifted products from Megababe.VirginiaFor example! It's a gray area, guys. I have not, but I would have been happy to receive that gift. CorinneI recommended stuff from Megababe before I ever received free stuff! But I have received free stuff. And I do like some of their products. VirginiaThis episode is also not going to be a critique of specific products. Preventing thigh chafing is a noble endeavor.So how did you first encounter Katie Sturino? Do you remember when you first became aware of her work?CorinneIt's honestly hard for me to remember because I feel like she's been around for so long!VirginiaLike 10 years.CorinneIf not more!VirginiaIt was the mid-2010s when she really came onto the scene.CorinneI definitely encountered her Instagram. I think it was her style content. I remember seeing her going into a store and trying on stuff that didn't fit, or trying their biggest size and it wouldn't work for her. And then I also remember the #SuperSizeTheLook.VirginiaFor folks who don't know: #SuperSizeTheLook is a series where Katie picks a photo of a celebrity wearing a really cute outfit, and then styles herself wearing the same outfit. Usually not in identical pieces, because the sizes are not going to work. But she mimics the outfit, and she mimics the pose really well. If it's a celebrity getting out of a town car with a purse on her arm, Katie will also be getting out of a town car. Or walking a tiny dog. She mimics the whole vibe of the photo. And the goal is to show you that bigger bodies look cute in clothes. Which is a message we're here for! CorinneWhat about you? How did you first encounter her?VirginiaWhat's interesting about Katie and me is that we are the same age, we are both 44. And we both come out of the New York media world. I learned this all researching the episode; I don't know her personally. I never worked with her. But we have sort of similar trajectories into body liberation work.And when she first launched, her blog was originally called The 12ish Style. I was also a size 12-ish. Those were my Midsize Queen years, before moving into full plus sizes. So we've had similar trajectories of being in this space first a mid-sized person, and then a small fat person. I've always been interested in her fashion and the way she styles stuff, because it was often quite directly relevant to my own body, though not necessarily relevant to everybody. She is also, like, a foot taller than me, I think? She seems quite tall in photos and she wears very tall heels, too, which is impressive to me, if not actually something I can pull off. But I've always appreciated the vibe and the energy of Katie's content.  She's very open book. A lot of her posts are shot in her underwear, wearing no makeup, in a swimsuit. She's always showing us, "Here's what my real body looks like." There are critiques to be made of this genre of content making, but I think it's also powerful to see non-airbrushed, not super thin bodies. I think there's a lot of value in that. So I knew Megababe, I knew #SuperSizeTheLook, but I didn't know a ton of her backstory. So I did a little research, and most of what I'm going to share with you comes from a New York Times piece that ran in June with the headline, What Katie Sturino Wants You to Know About Her Body (and Yours, Too). This is by Madison Malone Kircher and it ran June 22, 2025.We're going to get into it later in the episode, but Katie is not thrilled with this piece. And I just want to say I have empathy for being in the New York Times and not being thrilled with the way they cover your work. Can relate! So I am going to quote from the piece, because I think it makes some interesting points, and there's some useful context in there. But I'm not saying this piece does the best job analyzing her work. The New York Times describes Katie as "a dog-obsessed public relations pro turned body positivity influencer slash entrepreneur, who built a social media audience by posting candidly about her life."Katie began her career in fashion PR. I think her first job was at Gucci or Dolce Gabbana. She then started her own PR firm in the 2010s. And then found found Internet fame as a dogager, which is a dog manager, running an Instagram account for her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Toast. So this is how she started. Did you know she was a dog influencer before she was a fashion influencer?CorinneI think I do vaguely remember that.VirginiaToast has since passed away. RIP Toast. Great name for a dog, obviously. But I did not know that she started as a dog influencer. That was news to me, and, frankly, rather delightful. But: Coming from a PR background, finding Internet fame through dog influencing...this is a very specific lens to which she's coming to this work. Katie is now a multi-hyphenate. She had a podcast called Boob Sweat. She wrote a non-fiction book Body Talk, which is an illustrated workbook about self love. She has a Substack newsletter. She has the Megababe the product line. And she published her first novel this spring. So Katie is very busy! She is doing a lot. Have you followed her for recs, or you've used Megababe? You like Megababe. CorinneI've used Megababe. I like Megababe. Her particular style has never quite been for me. It's hard to describe exactly what doesn't click for me. It's just very clear, even just reading the this bio—she's very savvy, she's always hustling, she always has kind of a business PR angle, which I both respect and don't relate to.VirginiaThis is her New York media roots. I never worked with Katie, but I worked with lots of Katies. I know this kind of hard-charging woman who's extremely smart and great at marketing and knows how to build a brand and talk to an audience. So she has that whole skill set—and she could be doing it about body positivity, she could be doing it about a dog. She's interested in building a brand. For example, let's consider her first novel Sunny Side Up. Katie tells the New York Times that she worked with a ghost writer: "I don't have the traditional path that a lot of people who write books have had, and I needed help," she said, adding she felt no shame or embarrassment about having a collaborator."I love how upfront she is about that. A lot of books are written by ghostwriters, and I sort of wish people were more aware of that. Mine were not. But I have been a ghost writer! So I don't mind that that's a part of it, but I do think that it's interesting that it wasn't Katie had a novel inside her that she was dying to write. It was that Katie knew that having a novel would be a good brand extension. And the novel is about a plus size fashion influencer who goes on to launch a plus size swimsuit line. And... Katie's plus size swimsuit line came out this summer right after the book launch.CorinneIt's honestly mind boggling. How does anyone handle all that?VirginiaYes, it's so many things. And it does make me take a slightly different look at some of her some of her body positive content. For example, a recurring theme is her in a swimsuit. And the caption is always something like, "figured you could use a size 18 woman in a swimsuit on your feed," just showing her normal body in a swimsuit. But now that I know she's selling the swimsuits that hits differently. So is that just a smart swimsuit marketing strategy or does it feel off to you? CorinneI mean, both? She seems incredibly smart. I'm just impressed that anyone can do as much as she's doing. And: I do think sometimes it feels like you're being sold to, you know?VirginiaAnd because her work is centered around a message that has a social justice component, and a self-help component: Where is the line between "these are her values, and she's built a business on her values, "and "she's co-opting advocacy rhetoric to sell us products?"CorinneIt's definitely a gray area. VirginiaTo further the gray area: I looked at more of her content and I'm also like, these swimsuits are pretty cute. There's also this whole Wirecutter piece I want to talk about, where she goes over her fashion favs. It's good! I clicked through so many links. I was like, "Do I want these $460 jeans? I don't know!"CorinneOh now I want to see them.VirginiaYet I'm also thinking: But you are supposed to be so raw and authentic, and this is your whole vibe, and you're showing us yourself in a swimsuit, because that's supposed to feel brave. First of all, that's problematic in and of itself. Can it stop being brave for fat women to wear swimsuits in public? I would love that to not be a heroic move anymore, but in Katie Sturino's world it is radical to do that, and she's doing it. And... she's selling us the swimsuit.CorinneWell I think there are a lot of ways in which Katie is a very acceptable spokesperson for this messaging. VirginiaSay more about that.CorinneWell, first of all, she has a background in PR. And I think, even at her biggest she's...VirginiaShe's glamorous.CorinneShe's pretty, and she has a certain style. She looks wealthy, I want to say.VirginiaWell, she sure is, because guess who officiated at their wedding? Former mayor of New York City, and friend of her family, Michael Bloomberg.CorinneOh, okay, yeah.VirginiaThis is from the New York Times: "In addition to their apartment in Chelsea, the couple splits their time between homes in Palm Beach, Florida and Maine."CorinneI mean, they are definitely in a different tax bracket than myself.VirginiaSo yes. Wealthy. CorinneBut there are also people who are wealthy and wear Blundstones and barn jackets, you know? She's wearing blazers and heels.VirginiaA lot of pantsuits.Corinne A lot of jewelry. And she's always on vacation somewhere tropical.VirginiaYeah, in an amazing caftan. She's leaning into glam.CorinneShe looks polished. VirginiaShe's very polished. It's very New York City. Like, Sex and the City vibes. She could hang out with Carrie Bradshaw and she would totally fit in with them at one of those fancy lunches. And that's cool. That's her aesthetic. It's also representative of a certain socioeconomic privilege level. This is something that I saw frequently in women's magazines, and something I talked about when Jenn Romolini came on the podcast: So many people who work in New York City media, at the high levels, come from privilege. It is a very nepo-baby-driven industry. Because these are jobs that you have to do tons of unpaid internships to get. And/or work for no money as an assistant. The only way you can do that is if you have family money supporting your ability to access these industries. So it's not surprising to me that she comes from a privileged background, because she comes from PR and fashion, and that's who works in those industries.And I still think it's interesting and somewhat transgressive to be a woman in a larger body in that world. It helps me understand why it felt radical to be a size 12 dressing like a celebrity, because a size 12 in that world is an extremely non-normative body, right? This is the tier of people who have access to all the personal trainers, who are playing tennis all summer. There is no space to be a fat person in that world. So even at a size 12, it feels like, oh my gosh, your body is so other. The scale is just different when you move in these different spaces. So I can critique the space. I can be like, okay, you're friends with billionaires, and that's a hard place to be in a larger body of any kind. Did you take a look at the Wirecutter piece where she was giving a lot of like clothing recs and it's like advice for dressing as a plus size person?CorinneYes, I did take a look at it. She does have some good recs in there. I will say very expensive recs. Her preferred white t-shirt is $100.VirginiaAnd you're going to get spaghetti sauce on it so fast. CorinneIt's a weird vibe. VirginiaOkay, so now let's talk about Oprah and Weight Watchers. In 2024 Katie posted a critique of the first ABC special Oprah did about GLP-1s. And she gave a fairly nuanced critique. There was stuff she liked, there was stuff she didn't like, but she specifically said, "They came so close, and I wish Weight Watchers had fully apologized for the harm they had caused by pushing all of us to diet and want to change our bodies for so long." She was like, oh, they almost got it, but they didn't. And then in response, CEO Sima Sistani got on Instagram and did apologize. She did this speech of, you're right, Katie. I was wrong. Like, we've been wrong. We've done harm, and kind of fully walked into it. So what was your take when that all happened? CorinneTo be honest, I wasn't paying too much attention. But I do think the best apology from Weight Watchers would be them closing down, you know? It's very weird to me to be like, "Yes, we realize we've done harm, and we're just going to keep doing it."VirginiaWell, and what they were really apologizing for was selling a plan that didn't work and now they're selling GLP-1s. So it's, "We have the thing that'll work now!" As opposed to apologizing for trying to make us all do this in the first place. CorinneEven Katie going on Instagram and calling out the CEO— something like that, would just never occur to me, because I don't know, I just would never expect someone at Weight Watchers to respond or care. And I also think Weight Watchers is a microcosm, you know? It's like, sure, Weight Watchers has done harm, and they're just part of a bigger system. And you're not acknowledging that there's a bigger system there.VirginiaWell and Katie did get a response. Now, on the one hand, Katie has many more Instagram followers than you, so there's that piece of it. But I think it's an open question how planned this was, and whether they had talked ahead of time that Katie would critique and that Sima Sistani would publish her apology. Because I mean number one, no Weight Watchers CEO can just casually hop on her Instastories and apologize without having run the plan by many lawyers to make sure that she wasn't going to tank the business. So that had to have been planned, to some extent. And then the next piece of this is later last year, Katie had her own interview with Oprah in a different special, this one sponsored by Weight Watchers. And then she went on to host a podcast for Weight Watchers. So at some point, Katie got paid by Weight Watchers. Whether it was not until she hosted the podcast, or whether she was paid to be on the special with Oprah, or whether she was in a sponsorship deal with them when she asked for the apology, we don't know. But at some point, she moved from activist to on the payroll of a diet company.CorinneWasn't her response like, "Well, they were going to pay someone, it might as well be me? Or like it might as well be a plus size person." VirginiaWhat she said in the Oprah interview is, "If we don't have this conversation, if we don't insert our voice into this conversation, someone else will. Someone else will make those decisions for us." That's her argument. She wants to be in the room where it happens. She wants to be representing plus size people to these companies and with these companies. But she's not doing it pro-bono. She's not Tigress Osborne, Executive Director of NAAFA, depending on fundraisers to pay for plane tickets to places. She's doing this as a multi-hyphenate with three homes who's now getting a paycheck from Weight Watchers.CorinneYeah, it's so complicated. Because on the one hand, I can see her point. If Weight Watchers is going to be giving money to someone, it's kind of good that they would be giving some of it to fat people. So on the one hand capitalism, we're all kind of forced to sell out in some way, and on the other hand, you don't love to see it. VirginiaYou don't love to see it.CorinneEspecially when that person has three homes. VirginiaIt's a moment where I think her experiences of marginalization as a fat person erased her ability to see her privilege as a wealthy, white person. If Weight Watchers is going to pay fat people, Katie Sturino is not the person I need them to pay! I am not the person I need them to pay. Those of us in a certain tax bracket, living at a certain privilege level, are not the ones who need cash reparations from Weight Watchers. It's lower income folks who have paid to be in those meetings for years and years, who took their daughters to those meetings, who this company preyed on because it was an "affordable" approach to weight loss. And took their money over and over again every time they regained the weight and came back.CorinneWell, this is all is reminding me of the book Dietland.VirginiaBy Sarai Walker, friend of the show, yes.CorinneWhere the the heiress of the diet company is using profits from the diet company to do a type of reparations, vigilante justice. VirginiaI don't think that that's what's happening here.And I want to look a little bit at what Katie's defense has been around all of this. She's not afraid to talk very directly to haters who criticize her about her body. So in the New York Times piece, she disclosed that she's taking a GLP-1 for her own weight loss, and she then shared in a video that this was a medical decision, that she didn't really care if she lost weight or not that it was doing it to manage her A1C whatever. Again, that's Katie's business. I have no opinion about that. But she's in a smaller body now—not down to a size 12, but a mid-sized body now—and she's still pushing herself as a face of this movement. And that is a little bit complicated. She's talked about how it doesn't matter what size she is, she gets flack all the time. Like, when she was a size 12, she was too small to be representing body positivity. As a 22 people said she was too big. She's always, always, always getting constant comments about her bodies. And you know, that is really hard to deal with. That is not welcome feedback.And it is tricky that she has made her body very much her brand, I don't know, I struggle with this. It sounds like I'm saying she's asking for it, and I'm not. But you're posting content in swimsuits all the time. You're showing us your rolls, and then you're saying we shouldn't talk about people's bodies. Bodies are the least interesting thing about us. But her body is very interesting to her. She's making it a center of her work.CorinneI mean, you're making some points. It's hard to land in one way or another here. I do think the cost to being a public figure in the way that she is, in some ways, is people harassing you. And I think that's horrible and too high a cost. I also think she's made some really strange decisions, like working with Weight Watchers and still wanting to defend body neutrality or whatever.VirginiaYeah, she prefers body neutrality to body positivity, we should say and that's fine. I'm not attached to either term, to be honest. CorinneI feel like I always end up more confused than than I started on these subjects.VirginiaWhere did you start? CorinneI think where I started was Katie Sturino neutrality. Like I just sort of felt like she's not my people or whatever, and then I do feel kind of bad for her getting all this criticism and and then also I just feel, mad that people have so much money. But what do we do? I don't know.VirginiaI think it's complicated by her decision to take the Weight Watchers money. I think if she was just taking GLP-1s, that's her own business. Her body changing is her own business, even though she makes content that really centers her body. I would be backing her, like, yeah, that's not for people to interrogate your body. It's still your body, it's not your business. And I think she's walking a really complicated line by deciding to then also monetize her weight loss, by hooking up with Weight Watchers. That feels different, because she's promoting Weight Watchers, which means she's selling weight loss to other people. She's suggesting that these GLP1s are a good option for other people. Maybe she hasn't directly said those words, but she has done the Oprah special. She's lent them her brand, which has a lot of credibility. Someone said to me, l"I go out of my way to buy Megababe, even though it costs a little more than comparable products, because I want to support Katie. I want to back her work." People invest in her because they believe in her mission. CorinneThat's true.VirginiaAnd now she has attached that mission to Weight Watchers, which is selling GLP1s and obviously selling weight loss. That's where it loses me a little for her to then be like, how dare people talk about my body? You're literally selling this new version of your body. You're showing it to us because you're marketing this thing. That's where it gets really murky. On the other hand, there's a video that I'll link to where she talks quite a lot about how the internal work we need to do on body acceptance has nothing to do with the scale, and she does seem to really want to make the point that she feels very detached from her own weight loss numbers. That's not why she's on it. And she makes the point that if you don't do your own internal work, you can lose tons of weight, and you would still be miserable with your body. The weight loss is not a solution for body image struggles. And I think that's valuable. And I think there are a lot of people who listen to her who need to hear that. So I think that's useful. And it then is confusing that she's like, "But also Weight Watchers is great now."CorinneOne through line in a lot of her content is that it does feel like sometimes the bigger picture is missing, like the intersectionality. I'm not a super close follower, so maybe I'm just missing it. But I feel like I'm not seeing her do a ton of advocacy for other fat people.VirginiaWell, she really stays in her lane, which is fashion. I don't hear her talking about healthcare access, don't hear her talking about workplace discrimination, housing discrimination. Definitely not how anti-fatness intersects with racism and other marginalization. I don't think that's a focus of hers. And in some ways, that's fine, and in some ways that shows, I think, that she's not here for a deep dive into the world of fat liberation. Okay, so our big Burnt Toast question that we ask in all these episodes: Is Katie Sturino a diet?CorinneYes?VirginiaShe is selling a diet...by working with Weight Watchers. CorinneAnd I think just by embodying a very narrow line of fatness.VirginiaShe is selling a specific image of acceptable fatness.CorinneWhat's your take?VirginiaI started this episode wanting to be able to say no, in part just because everybody expects me to say yes.CorinneI know I think I'm usually on the no side. VirginiaYeah, you're usually the no and I'm usually the yes. But I think the more we talk about it, I think I'm landing there as well. But I also think she's the embodiment of this larger issue, which is: So much activism happens through social media now. And social media is a business. It is where people are building brands and making money and that means that activism gets infused with business in these really messy ways. I think plus size fashion influencers as a category have really not done a great job with this, because we have seen this trajectory of using body positivity rhetoric, even fat liberation rhetoric, and centering fat joy, celebrating you look so great in all the clothes... and then forgetting all of the other work that goes along with that, and then if they manage to achieve body changes, very quickly changing their tune about how important all of this is. I don't think she's Rosey Beeme, who's like, "Forget I ever liked fat people." I don't think she's that at all, but I do think she has not done the work of intersectionality here. CorinneYeah. It kind of feels like a like microcosm of everything that's happening in the US right now. VirginiaFor sure, for sure.CorinneIt's hard to not just extrapolate out. VirginiaSo are we saying I should not order the $460 jeans?CorinneI mean, don't ask me on this stuff, because I'm always like I do want to know. I do want to know if they're good jeans. VirginiaI do want to know. I am curious!  CorinneThis would make a good Patreon post. VirginiaI don't know that they would fit me. I have to look at the size chart and figure out if it's like a Gap 35 or if it's like a designer brand 35.CorinneI feel like it depends on if they have stretch or not. I bet they do. Katie seems like someone who would be going for stretch jeans.VirginiaShe does also do all those underwear tests where she checks whether things rolls down. That's valuable content. CorinneShe is brave. She's doing the videos that personally I would not want to do.VirginiaYou don't see me on my in my underwear on the Internet. I mean, I am on WikiFeet, but that was not my choice. That's as scandalous as I get. All right. Well, that was a very interesting conversation. Listeners, we want to hear what you think. Where do you land on this one? Have you followed her work? Have you felt, had mixed feelings about the Weight Watchers of it all? Do you have a totally different take? You can tell us in the comments. ButterVirginiaOkay, my Butter, I gave you a little preview. You can tell because we're on Zoom together, and you can see a different background behind me. But I moved my desk to a different part of my–actually, not even a different part of my office. I moved it from being parallel with the wall to being kitty corner between two walls. And I'm so much more comfortable in my office! And I realized I had my desk too close to the wall and it was not size inclusive. I was always bumping up against the wall behind me, and what a dumb thing to do in one's home office where you have total control. I had just decided the desk needed to face a certain way. I don't know what made me think it was necessary. A lot of it is the pressure on having a good Zoom background? But I've decided unless I'm doing TV or something, I'm going to keep my desk in a more comfortable place. CorinneI think that's really reasonable. VirginiaAnd it just made me think: How many other small ways do we accept our homes or our cars or whatever not being comfortable for our bodies? Like this cost $0. I literally slid the desk over to make more room. Make more room for yourselves!CorinneTotally, it's so funny how hard that stuff is to notice sometimes.VirginiaI hadn't even realized that's why I was uncomfortable. I do also need a new desk chair. If people have desk chair recs, I want those in the comments as well. I really would like to know because I'm in a crappy West Elm ancient desk chair. It's like oddly off balance. It's not good for my lower back. But I want one that's not a million dollars and not ugly.CorinneGood luck with that. I'm also really admiring your Cape Cod collarless sweatshirt.VirginiaOh, my cut collar sweatshirt. It's really cute, right? It was too tight in the neck. It's pretty tight in the waist. I was debating maybe cutting that somehow too I haven't quite figured out. Like, if I cut off the band at the bottom and it's just sort of like, boxy, would that be cute? CorinneI think it would be cute. I think it'd be more cropped. VirginiaCorinne, what's your Butter?CorinneMy Butter is a Butter that has been Buttered before. It's Taskmaster. I know it has been mentioned by other burnt toast guests, but you know what it is, or?Virginia it's an app where people come and do things for you?CorinneNo, nope. That's TaskRabbit.VirginiaI was like, why are you recommending the gig economy? CorinneAnd I've actually had very mixed results with TaskRabbit. Not recommending that one. Someone blew up a light bulb on my ceiling. That's a story for another day. TaskMaster is a British TV show, there's a comedian host, and then there are like five comedian guests, and they get assigned psychotic tasks. Like, I don't know, like, open this paper bag without using your arms or some seemingly impossible task, and then you watch them do it, and they get ranked and get points. The first episode that I watched, I was laughing so hard, I was crying, peeing my pants, like my abs were sore. And it is just very easy to watch, like, you just laugh and it's funny.VirginiaI don't usually do reality TV with my kiddo for our show, yeah, but this does sound like a fun one to watch with her. CorinneYeah, I will say there's like, some mild--they're comedians, so there's some mild innuendo and stuff.VirginiaI mean, I think I'm going to write a whole essay about this, but I love watching inappropriate television with my children. I think it opens up many great conversations.CorinneGreat. Well, you should definitely watch it, though it's on YouTube, and I have been paying for seasons. But someone actually in the Burnt Toast chat today was saying that they watch it for free on YouTube. So now I'm confused. I really am enjoying Taskmaster.VirginiaWell, that's delightful, yeah, all right. Well, this was a great episode. Excited to hear what everyone thinks about. What furniture are you moving, what tasks are you completing, tell us in the comments. The Burnt Toast Podcast is produced and hosted by Virginia Sole-Smith (follow me on Instagram) and Corinne Fay, who runs @SellTradePlus, and Big Undies!The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Farideh.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism!

Mike and Steve previewed the Ravens' road test against the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football and Tulane's AAC showdown against UT-San Antonio. The guys interviewed Jeff Duncan, a columnist for The Times-Picayune, and Wilson Alexander, an LSU reporter for The Advocate. Duncan discussed the historic connection between LSU football and Louisiana politics and previewed the Saints' challenge against the Rams. Alexander shared his thoughts on LSU AD Scott Woodward, interim head coach Frank Wilson, and the Bayou Bengals' 2026 recruiting class.

Wilson Alexander, an LSU reporter for The Advocate, joined Weekend Kickoff. Alexander projected that Tiger AD Scott Woodward will get fired soon. He also discussed LSU's search for a new university president, Tiger interim head coach Frank Wilson, and the Bayou Bengals' 2026 recruiting class.

In this episode, I connect with Peter Bird, a resident of Heidelberg, Germany, and a doctoral researcher at the Technical University (TU) Eindhoven in the Netherlands, to continue my discussions* about the Cycling Cities Initiative. He is studying and documenting the historical context of Minneapolis as an impressive North American example of a Cycling City. *ICYMI: Refer to Episode 311 feat. Prof. Ruth OldenzielHelpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):

Send us a textFrom Genesis to Revelation, Scripture traces a living current of the Spirit—hovering over the waters (Gen 1:2), breathing life into dry bones (Ezek 37), resting on Jesus and promised to his friends (John 14–16), poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2), and forming Christlike people who bear fruit (Gal 5) and serve with Spirit-given gifts (1 Cor 12–14). In this episode we follow that flow to answer a foundational question: Who is the Holy Spirit?Rather than an impersonal force, the Spirit is the personal presence of God—our Advocate, Comforter, and Guide—leading ordinary apprentices of Jesus into a with-God life. Drawing on the wisdom of the church and the everyday rhythms of discipleship, we explore how the Spirit shapes our identity, empowers our witness, and cultivates love in community. By the end, you'll have a biblical map—and practical next steps—for recognizing and responding to the Spirit's work in and through you.Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia

Wilson Alexander, an LSU reporter for The Advocate, joined Weekend Kickoff. Alexander projected that Tiger AD Scott Woodward will get fired soon. He also discussed LSU's search for a new university president, Tiger interim head coach Frank Wilson, and the Bayou Bengals' 2026 recruiting class.

Jeff Landry says that LSU athletic director Scott Woodward will not be picking the Tigers next head coach. We break down a wild news conference with Koki Riley, LSU beat writer for The Advocate.

Pro-Israel Advocate Siggy Flicker calls into the program to talk about her views on the current political climate in New York and the broader United States. She criticizes fellow Jews voting for what she describes as 'communist jihadis' and highlights the dangers she perceives from radical ideologies infiltrating American politics. Siggy emphasizes the importance of preserving the Christian nature of America while expressing strong support for the state of Israel and the actions of the IDF. She calls for unity among Americans to fight against these perceived threats and stresses that the focus should not solely be on protecting Jews but the Christian nation as a whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is technology the source or salve of social isolation? Given the realities of increasing division, the epidemic of loneliness, and unwanted isolation today, how should we think about the theological, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of the human experience of aloneness?“AI technologies aren't capable of creating conditions in which grace can happen—it's endemic to personhood.”This episode is part 3 of a 5-part series, SOLO, which explores the theological, moral, and psychological dimensions of loneliness, solitude, and being alone.In this episode, sociologist Felicia Wu Song joins Macie Bridge to discuss the sociology of solitude, loneliness, and isolation, framed by today's most pressing technological challenges.Drawing from her work on digital culture and AI, Song distinguishes between isolation, loneliness, and generative solitude—what she calls “positive aloneness.” She explores how technology both connects and disconnects us, what's lost when care becomes automated, and why the human face-to-face encounter remains vital for grace and dignity. Together they consider the allure of AI companionship, the “better-than-nothing” argument, and the church's local, embodied role in a digitized age. Song invites listeners to rediscover curiosity, self-reflection, and the spiritual discipline of solitude as essential practices for recovering our humanity amid the noise of the crowd.Helpful Links and ResourcesFelicia Wu Song, Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age — https://www.ivpress.com/restless-devicesAllison Pugh, The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World — https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691240817/the-last-human-jobDavid Whyte, “Solace: The Art of Asking the Beautiful Question” — https://www.amazon.com/Solace-Art-Asking-Beautiful-Question/dp/1932887377Sherry Turkle, Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other — https://www.sherryturkle.com/alone-togetherEpisode Highlights“Even though I study technology, I'm really interested in what it means to be human.”“What happens when we have technologies that always bring the crowd? The crowd is always with us all the time.”“Loneliness is the gap between what I think I should have and what I actually have.”“AI technologies aren't capable of creating conditions in which grace can happen—it's endemic to personhood.”“We should cut ourselves a lot of slack. Feeling lonely is very human. It doesn't mean something's wrong with me.”About Felicia Wu SongFelicia Wu Song is a sociologist, writer, and speaker, and was Professor of Sociology at Westmont College for many years. She is author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age. Her research examines digital technology, culture, and Christian formation, exploring how contemporary media ecosystems shape our social and spiritual lives. Learn more about her work at https://feliciawusong.com/Show NotesTechnology, Humanity, and SolitudeSong describes her sociological work at the intersection of culture, technology, and spirituality.She reflects on how technology reshapes our sense of identity, community, and human meaning.“Even though I study technology, I'm really interested in what it means to be human.”The question of loneliness emerges from the expectation of constant accessibility and permanent connection.The Crowd Is Always With Us“What happens when we have technologies that always bring the crowd?”Song critiques how digital connectivity erases silence and solitude, making stillness feel uncomfortable.Explores the challenge of practicing ancient spiritual disciplines like silence in the digital age.Connection and DisconnectionSong traces the historical celebration of communication technology's power to transcend time and space.Notes the danger of normalizing constant connectivity: “If you can do it, you should do it.”Examines how connection can become a cultural norm that stigmatizes solitude.Defining Loneliness, Isolation, and Solitude“Social isolation is objective; loneliness is subjective; solitude is generative.”Distinguishes “positive aloneness” as a space for self-conversation and divine encounter.References David Whyte and the Desert Fathers and Mothers as guides to solitude.Youth, Boredom, and the Portal of LonelinessDiscusses the value of “episodic loneliness” as a portal to self-discovery and spiritual growth.Connects solitude to creativity and reflection through the “boredom literature.”AI, Care, and the Better-Than-Nothing ArgumentExamines the emergence of AI chatbots and companionship tools.Engages Allison Pugh's critique of “the better-than-nothing argument.”“It sounds altruistic, but it actually leads to deeper and deeper inequality.”Raises justice and resource questions around replacing human teachers and therapists with chatbots.The Limits of Machine Grace“AI technologies aren't capable of creating conditions in which grace can happen—it's endemic to personhood.”Explores embodiment, dignity, and the irreplaceable value of human presence.Critiques the assumption that “being seen” by a machine equates to being known by a person.AI, Divinity, and ProjectionNotes human tendency to attribute divine or human qualities to machines.References Sherry Turkle's early studies on human-computer relationships.“We are so relational that we'll even take a clunky computer program and give it human-like qualities.”Faith, Solitude, and Social ConditionsSong emphasizes the sociological dimension: environments shape human flourishing.“Let's not make it so hard for people to experience solitude.”Advocates for embodied, place-based communities as antidotes to digital disembodiment.Loneliness, Curiosity, and GraceEncourages gentleness toward oneself in moments of loneliness.“Feeling lonely is very human. It doesn't mean something's wrong with me.”Promotes curiosity and acceptance as pathways to spiritual and personal growth.Production NotesThis podcast featured Felicia Wu SongEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Hope Chun, Alexa Rollow and Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give

Elaine Schomburg-LaFleur: Speaker and STEM AdvocateElaine Schomburg-LaFleur is an engineer with over 22 years of experience in the entertainment industry, leading projects in engineering, design, and technical management for major theme parks. Outside of work, she's also a speaker and STEM advocate, inspiring the next generation of STEM workers. I'm interested to learn more about her work in entertainment, her STEM outreach, and speaking of course.To learn more about Elaine, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaineschomburglafleur/.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

A southern laywer is scouted to work big cases in New York. That doesn't sound so bad until you see Al Pacino and it's like "Oh yeah...I'm working for Lucifer." We talk about 90's Christian Horror, Keanu doing his best Jacksonville, Charlise being tortured, Pacino being the perfect Devil and a bunch of Jeffrey Jones jokes.

1910. Disillusioned with the governance provided by the elites of St. John's, Newfoundland's outport fishermen form their own political and social movement.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-nations-of-canada--4572969/support.

On this episode, Bob hits the trail with Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates (MWTA) Executive Director Cory Sutela along side a MWTA team as they construct a new trail. Sutela discusses the history and mission of MWTA and also their advocacy work for not just the cycling community, but also hikers, equestrians and motorized trail users. He talks about how they became involved in building the trail featured in this podcast and how they worked with public and private agencies to make it happen. There is also some discussion of some of the features of the trail and how they worked to create features for both hikers and cyclists. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates website: medwheel.org Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

This session will set up the basis of why and when to mediate, including the benefits of mediation, figuring out whether mediation is right for your dispute, selecting the right mediator and determining the right time to mediate. Speakers: Kate Gonzalez, Senior Legal Counsel at Airbus, Chris McDonald, ADR Office of Chris McDonald.

In this episode of Terror Talk – Killer Minds and Creepy Stuff, hosts Shannon and Cathy ask the big question: Is the Devil still scary?From The Devil's Advocate to The Witcher and beyond, we explore how modern horror and pop culture have reimagined Satan — not just as a monster, but as a mirror of human fear, power, and faith.Join us as we discuss the remnants of Satanic Panic and unpack why belief in the Devil might still serve a purpose for some — as both rebellion and reflection.Of course, no episode would be complete without a little humor — Cathy's “Satanic Facts” trivia segment brings the laughs as we test our knowledge of infernal lore and devilish pop culture.Support the show on Patreon for exclusive deep dives, early access, and bonus discussions.Music by Mannequin UprisingFollow Us:Instagram: @terrortalkpodcastYouTube: Terror Talk PodcastFacebook: Halloween All Year Long

For a recent special issue of the early childhood magazine Exchange on protecting play, host Heather Bernt-Santy wrote an article addressing the often asked question, "If I just let children play, how am I still a teacher?" She talks more about this question with Sam Balch.FREE virtual Protecting Play conference: https://hub.exchangepress.com/shop/protecting-play/Have you ordered Heather's book Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood yet? It's available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, or you can order directly from the publisher on the Teachers College Press website.  Thanks for listening! Save 10% on professional development from Explorations Early Learning and support the show with the coupon code NERD. Like the show? Consider supporting our work by becoming a Patron, shopping our Amazon Link, or sharing it with someone who might enjoy it. You can leave a comment or ask a question here. Click here for more Heather. For a small fee we can issue self-study certificates for listening to podcasts.

Supervision Simplified is back with a fresh perspective—from the supervisee's chair! In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Amy Fortney Parks sits down with Miranda Singer, a neurodivergent social work supervisee, play therapist-in-training, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity and anti-ableist practice.Together, they explore the real-world experiences of clinical supervision from the trainee's point of view: the nerves, the learning, and the growth that come from good feedback and supportive supervisors. Miranda shares insights from her work with neurodivergent children, what she's learned from supervision, and how her late diagnosis shaped both her advocacy and her approach to therapy.You'll also hear about her initiative, Dis No More Abilities, and how she's building a movement to promote inclusion, empathy, and authenticity within and beyond the therapy world.Supervision Simplified brings you real conversations with real clinical supervisors—and now, supervisees—navigating the complex, messy, and meaningful world of mental health.Clinical Supervision Directory – www.clinicalsupervisiondirectory.com

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline reveals, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 or older have experienced domestic violence. “Closer Look” program host Rose Scott talks with Reverend Raushanah N. Butler, a Doctor of Ministry student and the director of alumni engagement for the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She addressed the role and responsibility religious leaders and faith organizations have when it comes to addressing domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Plus, more than 1.4 million Georgians are at risk of not receiving their monthly benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as the government shutdown continues. We hear from Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who says the federal government has a $5 billion contingency fund that could be used to fund the SNAP program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful discussion, Shellee Howard interviews Gary Stocker, an expert on college financial health and viability, to shed light on the often-overlooked financial challenges facing many colleges today. Gary, originally trained as a medical laboratory scientist, transitioned into higher education administration and research, focusing on the financial stability of colleges, especially smaller private institutions. He reveals alarming trends, such as the closure of private colleges at an unprecedented rate, with one closing per week in early 2024. Despite the public perception of wealthy, stable institutions, many colleges, particularly small, rural, and non-urban private colleges, are struggling financially, often keeping these struggles hidden from prospective students and parents.Gary explains how colleges mask the reality of their financial trouble by offering significant tuition discounts, which are often misrepresented as scholarships, to attract students. He warns parents to be cautious and to prioritize evaluating a college's financial health before considering other factors like campus beauty or program offerings. Gary introduces tools he developed at College Viability, including a free report platform (mycollegeviability.com) that allows families to assess the financial health of over 1,400 private colleges and a college majors completion app that tracks graduation numbers in specific majors to help identify programs at risk of closure.He highlights the risks students face if a college closes mid-education, emphasizing the importance of teach-out agreements that transfer students to other institutions, though these partner colleges may themselves be financially unstable. Gary also discusses the differences between public and private institutions, noting that while public colleges have similar low graduation rates, they rarely close due to government funding. He underscores the importance of transparency and independent analysis for families navigating college choices in a financially volatile higher education landscape. HighlightsOver 50% of private colleges graduate less than half their students on time, signaling systemic issues in higher education. Small, rural private colleges are most at risk of financial instability and closure, often without public warning. Tuition "scholarships" are frequently just discounts, not additional funds, misleading families about the true cost. Parents should make financial health the first criterion when evaluating colleges, not just campus appeal or programs. Teach-out agreements help students finish degrees if their college closes, but quality and stability of partner schools vary. Gary's tools (mycollegeviability.com and the majors completion app) provide critical data for assessing college viability and program strength. Public colleges rarely close due to state funding but share similar challenges with graduation rates and funding cuts. Key InsightsFinancial Health is the New Priority in College Selection: Gary stresses that parents and students must prioritize the financial stability of colleges over traditional factors like campus tours or program variety. This shift in focus is crucial because financially unstable colleges may cut programs, reduce quality, or close outright, disrupting students' education and costing families time and money. Rapid Rise in College Closures Indicates a Crisis: The fact that one private college closed every week in the first half of 2024 (though the rate has slowed) reveals a deep financial crisis in higher education, particularly among smaller and private institutions. This trend underscores the urgent need for transparency and proactive financial assessment tools for families. Tuition Discounts Mask True Costs and Financial Realities: Colleges use high sticker prices with large discounts framed as scholarships to attract students and impress families. This marketing tactic hides the actual financial challenges colleges face and can create false expectations for families about the value and sustainability of a college education at these institutions. Teach-Out Agreements Are a Safety Net but Not a Guarantee of Quality: When colleges close, teach-out agreements can transfer students to other schools to complete their degrees. However, Gary highlights that many receiving institutions may themselves be financially fragile or unable to provide the same educational quality, potentially compromising students' outcomes despite the transfer. Data-Driven Decisions Empower Families: Gary's development of tools like mycollegeviability.com and the majors completion app equips families with objective information about college financial health and program viability. These tools help identify risks such as low graduation rates, declining enrollments, and majors at risk of being cut, enabling informed decision-making rather than relying solely on marketing or reputation. Small Colleges Face Unique Challenges: Small, non-urban private colleges are disproportionately impacted by financial difficulties, facing enrollment declines, increased expenses, and infrastructure maintenance backlogs. Their smaller scale and limited resources make them more vulnerable to closure and program cuts, which parents must consider carefully. Public Colleges Are Not Immune but Benefit from Subsidies: Although public colleges share many challenges like low graduation rates, they are less likely to close due to state subsidies and government support. However, they still face budget pressures that can impact program offerings and campus conditions, which families should also monitor, especially as many public institutions cut programs or raise tuition. Lack of Transparency Harms Families' Ability to Assess Risk: Colleges often avoid publicizing financial problems or program cuts to protect their image and enrollment. This secrecy makes it difficult for families to assess risks effectively without independent data sources, reinforcing the value of third-party resources like those Gary provides. Graduation Rates Affect Financial and Opportunity Costs: With over half of colleges graduating fewer than 50% of students within four years, many students face extended education timelines, increased tuition costs, and lost income opportunities. This hidden cost significantly impacts families and should be a key consideration when choosing a college. Parents and Students Must Ask Tough Questions on Tours: Prospective students and parents should inquire about the health and future of low-enrollment majors during campus visits. Declining or small programs may be at risk of elimination, affecting students' ability to complete their desired field of study, highlighting the need for critical questioning beyond surface-level marketing. Independent Fiduciaries Are Needed to Advocate for Families: Gary positions College Viability as an independent advocate for parents and students in a landscape where college presidents and boards prioritize institutional survival. This independent oversight helps balance the interests of families against the colleges' financial realities. Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) Applies to College Selection: The age-old Latin warning is especially relevant for today's college market. Families must approach college selection with a critical eye and data-driven mindset, recognizing that traditional trust in higher education institutions may no longer be sufficient to ensure a safe investment for their children's futures. ConclusionThis conversation underscores the critical need for families to adopt a more analytical and cautious approach to college selection. The financial instability of many colleges, especially small private institutions, poses real risks to students' educational trajectories and families' investments. By leveraging independent data tools and focusing on financial health first, parents and students can make more informed decisions, avoid surprises like sudden college closures, and better ensure a quality and stable college experience. Gary Stocker's expertise and resources provide a powerful antidote to the opaque and often misleading narratives promoted by colleges, empowering families in an increasingly complex higher education environment. Connect with Shellee Howard: WebsiteYouTubeInstagram  LinkedIn  Connect with Gary Stocker: WebsiteFacebookLinkedInYouTubePodcast

An advocate for young New Zealanders in state care hopes a new report will act as a catalyst to improve outcomes for some of the country's most marginalised people. Ihorangi Reweti Peters spoke to Corin Dann.

An advocate for young New Zealanders in state care hopes a new report will act as a catalyst to improve outcomes for some of the country's most marginalised people. Ihorangi Reweti Peters spoke to Corin Dann.

What happens when your past keeps rewriting your future?We all carry stories — ones we didn't choose, ones that shaped our reactions, confidence, and leadership. But what if those stories aren't true anymore? What if the version of you that learned to survive isn't the same one called to lead?In this transformative episode, Jason VanRuler, MA, CSAT — a nationally recognized therapist, speaker, and author specializing in relationships, attachment, and dating — joins the conversation to share how facing your broken places can lead to true connection and personal freedom. Jason's journey from a chaotic, trauma-filled childhood to becoming one of the most respected voices in emotional health and leadership offers a roadmap for anyone ready to take ownership of their story.Featured in major national news outlets, known for his strong social media presence, and having spoken on stages to thousands, Jason brings both professional insight and raw honesty to every conversation. He's the author of Get Past Your Past (Zondervan, 2023) and the upcoming Discovering Your Communication Type, set to be released in April — a groundbreaking look at how our attachment styles shape the way we speak, lead, and love.He reveals why truth is the ultimate kindness, how confidence is something we earn through small, consistent action, and why uncovering your origin story is the foundation of authentic leadership. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or yourself, this episode will challenge how you view growth, success, and self-awareness.Quotes:“The best kind of confidence is the kind you earned. You can only earn it if you know where you're starting.”“If we don't really understand why that's the goal, we'll never get there. What fuels us fools us into thinking, ‘When I get X, I will feel Y,' but fulfillment comes from knowing our true origin story.”“You don't have to do the big thing every day, but you've got to do a thing every day that helps you be better—and do it consistently.”Actionable Takeaways:Identify your “scale moment.”Write down one area of your life where you've been avoiding the truth — your finances, health, or relationships. What would it look like to face it honestly this week?Audit your personal story.Reflect on a belief you've carried since childhood (“I'm not good enough,” “I always mess up,” etc.). Ask yourself: Is this still true today — or just an old story I've never rewritten?Earn your confidence through small wins.Choose one habit or routine you can do daily — no matter how small — that reinforces trust in yourself. Consistency, not perfection, builds authentic confidence.Define your communication type.Are you a Peacemaker, Advocate, Thinker, Harbor, or Spark? Notice how you naturally communicate under stress, and identify one way to better connect with someone who communicates differently.Celebrate progress, not just results.At the end of each week, list one thing you accomplished or handled better than before. Pause to acknowledge growth before moving on to the next challenge.Conclusion:Jason VanRuler reminds us that growth doesn't begin with perfection — it begins with honesty. When we stop hiding behind stories that no longer serve us and start owning where we really are, we gain the power to change everything. Confidence isn't something we're given; it's something we earn through daily discipline, reflection, and courage.Whether you're a leader, parent, or student of life, the path forward starts with one question:What story about yourself needs to change — and what truth are you finally ready to face?Call-to-action:If this episode inspired you, take the next step: dive deeper into Jason's work through his books Get Past Your Past and Discovering Your Communication Type, and begin building a more intentional, truthful, and connected version of yourself.

Jeff Lax, CUNY professor & Pro-Israel Advocate, makes his return to Sid's air waves on this Tuesday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Elevate Care, Amy Brown shares her extensive journey in nursing, from her experiences as a chief nursing officer during the pandemic to her current role at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. She discusses the critical issues of workplace violence, improving maternal health quality, and empowering nurses to advocate for policy changes. The conversation also explores the evolving role of technology in nursing and the importance of nurse engagement in advocacy at both local and federal levels.Chapters00:00 – Amy Brown's Journey in Nursing02:59 – The Role of Keystone Center in Healthcare06:00 – Addressing Workplace Violence in Healthcare09:00 – Quality Initiatives in Maternal Health12:02 – Empowering Nurses to Advocate for Change15:14 – The Future of Nursing and Technology18:10 – Navigating Policy and Advocacy as NursesAbout Amy Brown: Amy Brown is a seasoned nursing leader with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. As the Chief Nursing Officer for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA), she focuses on improving patient and caregiver safety, addressing workplace violence, and empowering nurses to advocate for policy changes. Amy's career spans roles as a bedside nurse, educator, manager, and director, culminating in her leadership as a chief nursing officer during the global pandemic. At MHA, she collaborates with healthcare leaders to drive quality improvement initiatives, particularly in maternal health, and champions the integration of technology to enhance care delivery. Passionate about nurse empowerment and advocacy, Amy is dedicated to creating a safer, more equitable healthcare system for patients and providers alike. Sponsors: We're proudly sponsored by AMN Healthcare, the leader in healthcare staffing and workforce solutions. Explore their services at AMN Healthcare. Learn how AMN Healthcare's workforce flexibility technology helps health systems cut costs and improve efficiency. Click here to explore the case study and discover smarter ways to manage your resources!Discover how WorkWise is redefining workforce management for healthcare. Visit workwise.amnhealthcare.com to learn more.About The Show: Elevate Care delves into the latest trends, thinking, and best practices shaping the landscape of healthcare. From total talent management to solutions and strategies to expand the reach of care, we discuss methods to enable high quality, flexible workforce and care delivery. We will discuss the latest advancements in technology, the impact of emerging models and settings, physical and virtual, and address strategies to identify and obtain an optimal workforce mix. Tune in to gain valuable insights from thought leaders focused on improving healthcare quality, workforce well-being, and patient outcomes. Learn more about the show here. Connect with Our Hosts:Kerry on LinkedInNishan on LinkedInLiz on LinkedIn Find Us On:WebsiteYouTubeSpotifyAppleInstagramLinkedInXFacebook Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charles Duan, American University Washington College of LawHilary Koch, Advocate for people living with diabetesFran Visco, National Breast Cancer CoalitionSteve Woloshin, Dartmouth Geisel School of MedicineChris Morten, Engelberg Center on Innovation Law & Policy, NYU School of Law (moderator)

Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania households rely on a federally funded utility assistance program to help them keep their homes warm each winter. But the federal government shutdown means Pennsylvania has not received the funding it needs to run this program Allies for the LGBTQ+ community say state officials should act to protect same sex marriage in Pennsylvania, in case the U-S Supreme Court takes up a case this month designed to weaken marriage equality. Penn State Athletic officials are mounting a nationwide search for the next Head Football Coach to replace James Franklin who was fired October 12th, one day after the Nittany Lions lost to Northwestern. You can hear the full segment on The Spark, by logging onto the "Programs" page at witf.org, and tune into The Spark weekdays at 12 noon on WITF-FM The state ethics commission has directed Harrisburg city Mayor Wanda Williams to pay over 900 hundred dollars to the city A recent hearing before a state House committee examined the how growth of A.I. data centers will affect the energy grid, and the price consumers pay. The PA Public Utility Commission voted this week to suspend and investigate a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. Public media's federal funding has been revoked. Your support is now more vital than ever. Help power the independent journalism and trusted programming you find on WITF by making a gift of support now at witf dot org slash give nowSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know Bethany Montoya as HumanRDH on social media. Advocate for all that is right and fair in the world of dental hygiene. She holds no prisoners when it comes to her quick responses and realtalk vibes. Today, I get to sit down with her IRL and learn more about the journey that inspired her to advocate so loudly. She talks about how she found her way into dental hygiene, the challenges she faced during school, and the reality of balancing her education with everyday life. She shares honest thoughts on pay, benefits, and the culture inside dental practices, along with how mentorship and saying “yes” to opportunities shaped her career. We chat about: ▪️ Her view of patient care has grown, and the lessons she's carried with her along the way. ▪️ The twists and challenges that shaped Bethany's path into dental hygiene. ▪️ How she managed the balance between school, work, and personal life. ▪️ Real conversations about pay, benefits, and the culture inside dental practices. ▪️ The value of mentors and what can happen when you say “yes” to new opportunities. ▪️ How her outlook on how professional growth has changed over time.   If you're curious about what it takes to build a meaningful career in dental hygiene or just need some encouragement to keep pushing forward this conversation is full of stories and insights worth hearing.   Connect with Bethany: Instagram → @humanrdh _____________________________________________________ If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment.  Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️ _______________________________________  

In part two, Suzy Reading discusses the importance of learning to advocate for ourselves, explains how to build more positive self-talk and why we need to think of selfishness as a coping mechanism, not a virtue…Plus, Suzy takes Dr Alex George through some useful somatic holds which can quickly boost your mood when you're feeling low.Follow @suzyreading and pre-order her latest book How to Be Selfish: 7 steps to taking back your power, out 20 November 2025. By using our affiliate bookshop you'll help fund Stompcast by earning a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too!Order Alex's latest book Happy Habits - out now! Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastGet the new, pocket guide version of The Mind Manual nowDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Lawmakers and Christian leaders are urging President Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” amid horrific violence targeting Christians. Advocates say over 7,000 believers have been killed this year alone, accusing Nigeria's government of turning a blind eye to Islamist militias. FOCUS STORY: In Minneapolis, we get an emotional update on Sophia, one of the young victims of Sunday's church shooting, as her family shares powerful words of faith following her release from the hospital. MAIN THING: Many American families are struggling to make ends meet — but a new InvestorsObserver report reveals the most financially challenging cities might not be the ones you expect. Gary Lane talks with financial analyst Sam Bourgi about what's driving the squeeze. LAST THING: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 — “We do not want you to grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” A reminder that in Christ, even our sorrow is anchored in hope. PRAY WITH US! Faithwire.substack.com SHOW LINKS Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454 Navigating Trump 2.0: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-trump-2-0/id1691121630

Dr. James White preaches on 1 John 2:1.

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 43! This episode's guest is Sheilah Jane. She's a writer, entrepreneur and wellness advocate. Her latest work is a heartfelt memoir called Shadows and Sunrises: A True Story of Shame, Strength, and Rebirth Across Continents. In it she brings lived experience and lyrical prose to tell the story of her life and family. Her book is a powerful memoir that was released on October 7, 2025. From a childhood under Martial Law in the Philippines to rebuilding a life in America, Shadows and Sunrises traces Sheilah Jane's journey through teen motherhood, cultural dislocation, and the quiet rituals that held her together. Outside of writing, Sheila is a Certified Yoga Instructor and the co-founder of Sempre Avanti Imports, which is focused on family-run wineries and distilleries. She is also the founder of Foxy Flower CBD, which is rooted in natural wellness. To learn more about Sheilah's work, you can visit her website, follow her on instagram @sheilajaneauthor, and of course, buy Shadows and Sunrises: A True Story of Shame, Strength, and Rebirth Across Continents. If you like what we do, please share, follow, and like us in your podcast directory of choice or on Instagram @AAHistory101. For previous episodes and resources, please visit our site at https://asianamericanhistory101.libsyn.com or our links at http://castpie.com/AAHistory101. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, email us at info@aahistory101.com.

A state lawmaker is pushing for laws to protect students from inappropriate relationships in K-12 schools. Two Minnesota women pleaded guilty Tuesday in a scheme to defraud taxpayers by overbilling Medicaid for substance abuse treatment.Minneapolis police have arrested a person suspected of throwing two Molotov cocktails into an ice cream shop. It happened at Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe on East Hennepin Avenue. No one was hurt.Advocates pressuring the state Board of Investment to cut financial ties to Israel staged a sit-in Tuesday at the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul. The protest was planned for the same day as the board's quarterly meeting. The protesters refused to leave the building when it closed for the day, and several were arrested.An asphalt and aggregate products business with many locations across Minnesota says it will be closing some of those facilities by the end of the year with nearly 300 employees losing their jobs. Minnesota Paving and Materials sent a notice to the state announcing the permanent closure of 14 of its operations in the state, including quarries in Owatonna and New Ulm and an asphalt plant in Kasota. The company's notice did not offer any details on why it's closing those locations.

This is a NerdySouth Entertainment joint! Kirsten Schuder's favorite writing projects make a positive impact upon social issues. Kirsten has written hundreds of parenting and mental health articles and has edited thousands as an expert mental health professional. She fetched an international award with her first co-authored book, Farming Industrial Hemp: Not Your Daddy's Tobacco where their book was instrumental in raising awareness of the dangers of growing industrial hemp in unsafe conditions and influencing Congress in growing guidelines for the budding industry. Her second book, Schooling Your Kids Through a Pandemic: Your Step-by-step, Guilt-free Guide to Remote Learning, Homeschooling, or Somewhere in Between, helps parents navigate the difficulties of remote learning. She also authored a fiction series, Inside Dweller, published by Black Rose Writing September 14, 2023. Inside Dweller: Genesis won in the 19th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards – Finalist and is the winner of The International Firebird Book Awards in Supernatural, Speculative, and Paranormal categories. She serves as the Vice President of Apex Literary Management, a growing boutique literary agency, and loves long subtitles. Finally, she writes whatever the heck she wants in Kirsten's Short Attention Span on Medium. Kirsten has been writing most of her life. She began with a picture book with flowers, houses, and rainbows when she was in preschool and asked her mother to publish it. (She did not.) She worked her way up to writing poetry in the middle of the night and waking her parents up to share it. (She was a joy as a child.) She moved onto articles published in print magazines in her twenties and has been published in every decade she has been an adult.   A recent widow, Kirsten resides in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia with her kids and a myriad of pets. She has been telecommuting for almost a decade and homeschooling her kids for over a decade. Presently, she works with various online platforms, writes her own books, and runs Apex Literary Management, a growing boutique literary agency. FOLLOW KIRSTEN: Email Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X   30&Nerdy Podcast's Opening Rift: Kyle Standifer The Ballad of 30&Nerdy: Beth Crowley Fanboy Expo Ad Music: “Omega” by Scott Buckley   This Episode is brought to you by: Fan Boy Expo  Tennessee Legend Distillery Hippie Water use the code NerdySouth at checkout Advertising Expressions Encore Theatrical Company Shane's Rib Shack Hwy 81 McDonough, GA   Reaper Apparel Company 30&Nerdy Podcast is an Ambassador for Reaper Apparel Co. If you are interested in checking out all the great attire they have, or learning more about them; click here and if you want to purchase something, don't forget to use our code 30ANDNERDYPOD at check out for 10% off of your order!   You can learn more about NerdySouth Entertainment and its content by visiting The Fortress of NERDitude and while you are there, subscribe to our Nerdly Newsletter for behind the scenes, announcements, and Nerdly News updates. You can also check out the other shows and content under NerdySouth Entertainment   For more NerdySouth content, find us on all social media outlets: Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook Email us at 30andnerdypod@gmail.com  Shop Nerdy at NerdySouth Studios   Cheers To Ya Nerds!                                                                

SS Rewind: Steve Russell listens in on the Monday press conference with Florida's new interim head coach billy Gonzales as he outlines the team's plan to face off against the Georgia Bulldogs this weekend in Jacksonville. He is joined by Scott Rabalais, a columnist for The Advocate who covers LSU athletics.

What makes a community truly thrive—and how do you build one that actually lasts? In this episode, Dr. Lauryn sits down with community architect and growth strategist Haley Westfall to explore how genuine connection, shared purpose, and intentional design can transform your audience into loyal advocates. Whether you're growing an online membership, planning local events, or nurturing patient relationships in your practice, this conversation will change the way you think about engagement and belonging.Together, Lauryn and Haley unpack the keys to sustainable community growth, from cultivating meaningful in-person experiences to creating structure that encourages participation. They discuss how to use strategy and empathy to grow without burnout, why small, purpose-driven groups often outperform massive audiences, and how authentic service—not sales—creates lasting success.Key Takeaways:Community is built through service, not selling. The most powerful growth comes when you focus on helping others connect and feel seen, not just driving conversions.Structure creates safety. Whether online or in-person, clear expectations and simple frameworks help members engage more deeply and consistently.Small and specific wins big. Niche, purpose-driven communities often create stronger loyalty and more meaningful impact than broad, general ones.Strategic connection fuels growth. Collaboration with aligned professionals and nurturing existing relationships can lead to exponential business and personal success.About the Guest:Haley Westfall is a former corporate healthcare leader turned community architect and growth strategist. As the founder of The Table and co-founder of Collab Culture, she helps entrepreneurs and business leaders create authentic, high-functioning communities that fuel connection, collaboration, and long-term success. Through her events, consulting, and membership programs, Haley blends strategic systems with genuine relationship-building to help brands grow with purpose and impact.Find all things Haley WestfallFollow Haley: Instagram | LinkedInResources:Grow Your Following: A 3-Day Bootcamp for Healthcare Providers Who Want More Reach, More Followers, and More Impact (October 28th, 29th, 30th)Join The Uncharted CEO: An 8-week immersive experience for clinic owners designed to increase revenue, maximize profits, and build cash flow systems that create freedom NOW, not at 65. Not sure if The Uncharted CEO is right for you? Take the quiz and find out!Follow She Slays on YouTube to watch video versions of the show and get additional content!Sign up for the Weekly Slay newsletter!Follow She Slays and Dr. Lauryn: Instagram | X | LinkedIn |