Podcasts about Approval

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump losing all support from his MAGA podcasters as they all abandon him at the same time. Go to https://WildAlaskan.com/MEIDAS for $35 OFF your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this episode, we're breaking down how to stop needing approval, and why approval-seeking isn't a personality flaw or a confidence issue. It's an identity and nervous system issue. You can make thoughtful choices, act with integrity, and still be misunderstood. That's not failure. That's part of being human and being perceived. The problem starts when your sense of safety, worth, or direction depends on how other people respond to you. When that happens, disapproval can feel overwhelming. One comment, one reaction, or one opinion can trigger anxiety, self-doubt, or a spiral of overthinking. Not because something is wrong with you, but because your nervous system has learned to look outside of you for safety and validation. In this episode, we talk about: Why needing approval creates anxiety and emotional instability How the nervous system interprets disapproval as danger The difference between helpful feedback, personal preference, and projection Why treating all feedback as truth keeps you stuck How to stop outsourcing your identity to other people The neuroscience behind writing things out for clarity and regulation Practical steps to build self-trust and emotional stability How to tolerate being misunderstood without abandoning yourself Why boundaries are not cold or inauthentic… they are self-respect We also unpack approval-seeking patterns, people-pleasing, and the habit of adjusting yourself to feel safe. And I share the real-time process I'm using to become more grounded, regulated, and anchored in who I am (without numbing out or pretending not to care). This episode is for you if: You struggle with people-pleasing or fear of judgment Criticism or disapproval easily rattles you You over-explain, over-share, or second-guess yourself You want to feel calmer, steadier, and more self-assured You're ready to stop needing approval and start trusting yourself This isn't about becoming immune to other people's opinions. It's about belonging to yourself so your nervous system no longer depends on external validation. New mantra from this episode: Preference is not truth. My links here:https://alliecasazza.com/tpslinks Becoming Her Blueprint 

SEGMENT 14: PM STARMER'S HISTORIC UNPOPULARITY Guest: Simon Constable Constable examines Keir Starmer's remarkable collapse in public approval, making him Britain's most unpopular prime minister in modern polling. Discussion analyzes policy missteps, economic challenges, public disillusionment with Labour's performance, and whether Starmer can recover from such dismal ratings this early in his government's tenure.1898 SECOND GATE

One of the most frequent reasons for visa denials is incomplete documentation. Missing or incorrect information on your application can lead to immediate rejection. Ensure all forms are complete and accurate, and double-check that you have included all necessary supporting documents.  

A Wall Street Journal poll meant to hit Trump backfires, showing voters trust Republicans more on the economy, inflation, immigration, and border security. The PBD panel breaks down media spin, polling reality, Trump's evolution, and why online outrage doesn't match real voters.

548. In a culture of likes, reviews, and constant comparison, deciding if you've "done well" can feel impossible. This week, interim host Dr. Ellen Hendriksen unpacks the trap of tying your value to others' approval. She explores when external evaluation works and when it emphatically fails. She also shares three simple questions to help you define success on your own terms.Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Find Dr. Jade Wu on her website.Find a transcript here.Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can you "turn off" a narcissist with one calm sentence? Tony unpacks the viral "narcissistic off switch" concept and discovers why tactics alone won't save you—but they might be exactly where real transformation begins. After stumbling upon behavioral expert Chase Hughes' framework for disarming manipulation using FOG (Fear, Obligation, Guilt), Tony initially resisted the idea. It felt too simple. But when he traced the concept back to its source, something shifted. The off switch isn't about changing them—it's about stopping the erosion of you. Through raw client stories and David Schnarch's differentiation work, Tony reveals why awareness doesn't land as insight to the emotionally immature—it lands as exposure. And exposure is a threat. What you'll learn: Recognize when FOG and CAVA (Control, Approval, Validation, Attention) are being used against you Understand why naming manipulation often backfires in deeply bonded relationships Apply Schnarch's four points of balance to stay grounded during accusations Stop defending a "reflected sense of self" and start building one that's truly yours Embrace outcome independence—saying your truth without needing their agreement Drawing from 20+ years as a marriage and family therapist specializing in emotionally immature dynamics, Tony bridges tactical awareness with the deeper work of differentiation. 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Plugs 01:11 The Lost Episode: Narcissistic Off Switch 05:27 Chase Hughes and the Concept of Prediction 16:11 Understanding Manipulation: FOG and KAVA 18:33 Real-Life Examples: Navigating Emotional Manipulation 28:46 Understanding Unhealthy Responses 29:24 The Power of Differentiated Response 30:18 Challenges in Relationships 30:42 Contrasting Views on Manipulation 32:09 Real-Life Examples of Manipulation 37:22 The Concept of Differentiation 43:35 Projection and Emotional Immaturity 46:50 The Four Points of Balance 50:53 Gridlock and Constructing Your Crucible 54:22 Final Thoughts on Emotional Autonomy Contact Tony at contact@tonyoverbay.com to learn more about his Emotional Architects men's group. And visit https://julie-dejesus.com/cruise to learn more about Tony and his friend Julie De Jesus's "I See You Living" cruise, a 5-night Western Caribbean Cruise from January 24-29, 2026 aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. To learn more about Tony's upcoming re-release of the Magnetic Marriage course, his Pathback Recovery course, and more, sign up for his newsletter through the link at https://linktr.ee/virtualcouch Available NOW: Tony's "Magnetic Marriage Mini-Course" is only $25. https://magneticmarriage.mykajabi.com/magnetic-marriage-mini-course You can learn more about Tony's pornography recovery program, The Path Back, by visiting http://pathbackrecovery.com

A brand-new CNN/SSRS poll shows overwhelming public dissatisfaction with how the Justice Department under the Trump administration has handled the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Only 6% of Americans say they're satisfied with the amount of information released so far — even though Congress passed a law in late 2025 requiring the DOJ to disclose all unclassified Epstein-related files. The data reveal that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the government is intentionally withholding information, a sentiment especially strong among Democrats and independents, though it crosses party lines. The low approval reflects frustration with heavy redactions, slow disclosure, and missed deadlines that have left less than a tiny fraction of the files public despite mounting calls for transparency.In a separate but related development, a large public installation appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. around Epstein's birthday: a replica of an alleged birthday card from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. The mock card, part of a protest art piece by an anonymous group, draws attention to the controversial relationship and the broader Epstein controversy. The artwork references a note reportedly found in Epstein's “birthday book,” which Trump has denied writing, and invites visitors to leave messages criticizing the handling of the files and the administration's response. It has become a focal point for discussion and protest, underscoring how the Epstein issue continues to resonate politically and culturallyto contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Six percent of Americans satisfied with amount of Epstein files released so far: PollGiant Recreation of Birthday Message Trump Reportedly Sent to Epstein Displayed in D.C.

Mike Lomas, Glenn Wiggle, and Mike Hoeflich take aim at the growing political breakdown in America, calling out radical left activism, media hypocrisy, and the failures of both major parties. They dig into voter ID, term limits, illegal immigration, government fraud, and why Republicans keep missing easy wins with everyday Americans. From Trump Derangement Syndrome to crime, inflation, and the mass exodus from blue states, the guys lay out why smaller government, accountability, and common sense still matter. Unfiltered, blunt, and unapologetically conservative.(00:04:18) Call for Change: Dissatisfaction with Two-Party System(00:07:17) The Need for a "MAGA Party"(00:08:13) Enhancing Trump's Approval through Strategic Messaging(00:21:49) Media-fueled Obsession with Donald Trump(00:29:28) Struggles of Political Parties in Governance(00:30:27) Congress Accountability through Term Limit Reform(00:33:29) Money Laundering Schemes in Urban Areas

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is attending the gathering in Davos, Switzerland and used the forum to criticize international leaders he said are complying with the president. One year of executive orders, foreign policy shock waves, immigration crackdowns and a governing style that never once tried to soften its edges. And for one year, the same headline has seemed to be everywhere: Trump is unpopular. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, I open up about the lessons, regrets, and mistakes I made in my 20s. From being lukewarm in my faith, losing my virginity, wasting money, chasing the wrong guys, desperate to be liked, and going ALL IN with Jesus. It's easy to see where I got off course now that I'm in my 30's but I WISH I knew some of the things I know now, back then. I pray this episode feels like a big sister chat and gives you some encouragement wherever you're at. God has taught me so much, and even though I made mistakes, His grace and redemption are so real. Buy my book Becoming Happy and Healthy

A brand-new CNN/SSRS poll shows overwhelming public dissatisfaction with how the Justice Department under the Trump administration has handled the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Only 6% of Americans say they're satisfied with the amount of information released so far — even though Congress passed a law in late 2025 requiring the DOJ to disclose all unclassified Epstein-related files. The data reveal that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the government is intentionally withholding information, a sentiment especially strong among Democrats and independents, though it crosses party lines. The low approval reflects frustration with heavy redactions, slow disclosure, and missed deadlines that have left less than a tiny fraction of the files public despite mounting calls for transparency.In a separate but related development, a large public installation appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. around Epstein's birthday: a replica of an alleged birthday card from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. The mock card, part of a protest art piece by an anonymous group, draws attention to the controversial relationship and the broader Epstein controversy. The artwork references a note reportedly found in Epstein's “birthday book,” which Trump has denied writing, and invites visitors to leave messages criticizing the handling of the files and the administration's response. It has become a focal point for discussion and protest, underscoring how the Epstein issue continues to resonate politically and culturallyto contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Six percent of Americans satisfied with amount of Epstein files released so far: PollGiant Recreation of Birthday Message Trump Reportedly Sent to Epstein Displayed in D.C.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Ambition. Is it a dirty word? Do you love the term, or hate it? In this Hello Monday episode from the archives, Jessi Hempel sits down with two incredible colleagues at LinkedIn, Hayley Saltzman and Ahyiana Angel, to explore how our understanding of ambition evolves, and what it means to chase personal growth rather than external validation. Hayley Saltzman is an Editor at Large at LinkedIn, focusing on vertical video strategy. Ahyiana Angel was the Podcast Ad Ops Producer at LinkedIn and the host of her own podcast called Switch, Pivot, or Quit. Together, they reflect on how ambition is often shaped by external expectations and how true fulfillment comes when we start living for ourselves. In this episode, Jessi, Ahyiana, and Hayley discuss: The tension between extrinsic and intrinsic ambition Our gendered notions of ambition, and how society's definition of ambition is often limiting for women What happens when you quit a dream job to pursue something more aligned with personal growth The relationship between fear and ambition Practical tips for reconnecting with your own ambitions and self-worth If you've ever questioned what success and ambition truly mean for you, this episode is for you. Whether you're navigating career transitions or redefining what ambition looks like in your life, we hope this conversation will inspire you to live and work authentically.

We interview Linda Carpenter, lead investigator on the new FDA approved device for difficult-to-treat depression.CME: Take the CME Post-Test for this EpisodePublished On: 01/19/2026Duration: 20 minutes, 49 secondsChris Aiken, MD and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

As payers focus on long-term outcomes and real-world performance, value matters more than ever. RTI Health Solutions experts discuss how clear evidence storytelling drives access decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies can lose BIG money when they deliver a product that looks, and feels inferior to the original sample. This happens all too often. Why? Companies want to pad profitability by using cheaper raw materials for the order fulfillment production. Is your company doing this? If so, maybe it's time for an integrity-driven approach to filling customer orders? BTW…the example in this video created a $696,000 loss for the manufacturer!!!Support the show

Most podcast guests show up, share great insights, and walk away with nothing to show for it. In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, podcast guesting expert Lyndsay Phillips explains why that happens and how to fix it.Lyndsay breaks down how entrepreneurs should treat every podcast appearance like a strategic launch, from choosing the right topic to guiding the conversation and repurposing the content long after the episode goes live. You'll learn how to avoid common guesting mistakes, create conversations that convert, and turn podcast interviews into visibility, authority, and real business results.If you've ever been on a podcast and wondered why it didn't lead to opportunities, this episode is a must-listen.Send us a textVote for us hereTar Heel Construction GroupHarford County Living Stamp of Approval for Roofing, Siding and Exterior Services Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email

Guest Liz Peek, Columnist and Commentator, joins to discuss latest push to obtain Greenland. Is it possibly even after the pushback from Demark? Iranian revolution continues, how involved will the Trump administration be in a regime change?  A new round of nationwide polls are out...do you trust them? Discussion of Trump's approval ratings, new calls to "abolish ICE", and the young generation that's walking away from the two party system. 

Tracy calls you out on your bullshit–the "I don't care what people think" persona you keep alive while secretly waiting for someone to make it safe before you take a risk. She breaks down how avoidants stay stuck in a comfortable box, never developing real self-worth, always waiting for something to rescue them. A relationship, money, the universe. Something. Here's the truth: nothing is coming to rescue you from you. Tracy shares how even years into this work, she had to learn that her husband showing up didn't mean he'd clean up her shit. She still had to be in charge of herself. The way out? Tiny, emotionally risky actions where you're not attached to approval or disapproval. "I cannot tell you how many years, even in doing this work, that I still felt there would be something, some payoff, something somewhere rescuing me from me." ~ Tracy Crossley

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1244: Today we're talking about Tesla's FSD flip to subscription-only, the continued softening of auto credit conditions, and a loyalty report that says your customers are expecting way more. Show Notes with links: The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index closed out December at 99.6—its highest reading of 2025 and the strongest level since October 2022. It marks a continued return to pre-pandemic credit conditions, capping off a yearlong trend of easing lending standards.Approval rates rose to 73.7%, up 90 basis points from November and 80 bps from December 2024.Average contract rates dropped from 10.5% to 10.3%, while yield spreads also narrowed—making pricing more attractive for buyers.Subprime lending edged down from 14.3% to 14.1% month-over-month, though still up from 11.8% a year ago.Loans over 72 months grew in share, as consumers stretch payments to keep monthly costs manageable.Captive lenders led the loosening, but banks, credit unions, and finance companies all showed increased flexibility.Starting February 14, Tesla will stop offering its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system as a one-time purchase, moving exclusively to a monthly subscription model, according to CEO Elon Musk.FSD, which still requires active driver supervision, currently costs $8,000 or $99/month.Tesla hasn't said how many users pay for FSD, but Musk once admitted he was "kind of glad" not many bought the lifetime option.The shift may be tied to Musk's compensation package, which includes hitting 10 million active FSD subscriptions.California regulators are still considering suspending Tesla's sales license for 30 days over alleged misleading marketing of FSD capabilities.Tesla has not disclosed how many of its customers have bought or are paying monthly subscriptions for FSD.In its 28th annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, Brand Keys found that consumer expectations jumped a record-breaking 32% year-over-year — a shift that's shaking up brand rankings across industries and putting serious pressure on retailers to evolve.Hyundai once again ranked highest among automotive brands for meeting modern consumer expectations — its 17th year holding that title.Nearly 40% of product and service categories saw new leaders emerge, signaling a wave of disruption driven by more demanding buyers.Loyalty continues to deliver ROI: a 5% improvement can boost lifetime customer profits by up to 88%, while a 2% lift can cut marketing costs by nearly 30%.Amazon, Whole Foods, Shell, Ben & Jerry's, and Dollar General were also among the top performers in their categories.“The bottom line: loyalty moves markets.” – Robert Passikoff, President of Brand KeysJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

What would be your approval ratio for your creator

Howie Kurtz on six federal prosecutors resigning amid a DOJ push to investigate the widow of an ICE shooting victim, the Supreme Court appearing ready to uphold state bans on transgender athletes competing in women's sports, and the continuing political backlash over the Justice Department's investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Follow Howie on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HowardKurtz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're already mid-January. Goals have been set. Maybe you wrote down "recover this year" or "heal my relationship with food" or "finally find freedom." But here's what I need you to hear: Setting the goal isn't the problem. How you're approaching it is. I was listening to a Tony Robbins podcast recently, and he said something that stopped me in my tracks: The reason why people don't get the results they're after is because they approach it all wrong. Most people start with the strategy—looking for the perfect plan, the magic formula, the one thing that's going to solve everything. And when that strategy doesn't work, they think they failed. But the truth is, the strategy was never the problem. It's that they started in the wrong place. This is SO true in eating disorder recovery. People come to me all the time asking, "Lindsey, what's THE strategy? What did YOU do to recover? Just tell me the steps and I'll do it." And here's what I have to tell them: There are multiple ways of getting to recovery. No one way is THE way. And anyone who tells you there is only one way? Run from them. In this episode, I'm introducing you to the 3B Framework—Being, Belief, and Blueprint—the exact approach I use with my private clients that actually gets lasting results. Because sis, the strategy isn't the first step. It's actually the LAST step. And that's why you've been stuck. In this episode, you'll discover: Why starting with strategy is keeping you stuck in the recovery cycle The 3B Framework: Being, Belief, and Blueprint (and why the order matters) Why anyone promising "one proven way" to recover is lying to you The real reason my clients see lasting transformation (it's not the meal plan) My personal figure skating story and how old beliefs kept me trapped for years The moment at the ice rink that showed me I was finally free Why the patterns and behaviors won't change long-lasting if the soul work isn't met How to identify the story you've been telling yourself that's keeping you stuck Practical homework to excavate your core beliefs and rewrite your narrative If you keep doing what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten. And I'm guessing you're tired of being stuck. So let's change the approach. Let's do this differently. Let's actually get you FREE. KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

Riding the tailwind of a strong 2H25, the days leading up to biotech's annual kickoff meeting in San Francisco delivered billions in capital raised and more than two dozen deals announced. On the latest BioCentury This Week podcast, BioCentury's analysts discuss two of the largest deals announced at the start of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, a partnership for a bispecific between AbbVie and RemeGen and the launch of “NewCo” AirNexus Therapeutics by Haisco Pharmaceutical and a syndicate led by Frazier Life Sciences.The analysts also discuss Washington Editor Steve Usdin's policy outlook for the year ahead, and Executive Director of Biopharma Intelligence Lauren Martz's analysis of trends in FDA's 2025 approvals.View full story: https://www.biocentury.com/article/658052#JPMHealthcare #BiotechFinancing #BiopharmaPartnerships #FDAApprovals #BiotechPolicy00:00 - Introduction01:55 - JPM Deals11:49 - Policy Outlook19:30 - Trends in Drug ApprovalsTo submit a question to BioCentury's editors, email the BioCentury This Week team at podcasts@biocentury.com.Reach us by sending a text

NASCAR ''Chased'' fan approval with new Chase format + Weekend Review Fast 5 by Ed Lane

Hello future humans with self-agency inspiring human potential!Be yourself: Nervous system & self sovereignty, self-regulation, integration, resilience, intelligence - 5D mystic pseudoscience mentor for people who pursue Inner growth for personal growth &/or spiritual growth.IHP content resonates with those who live intentionally, cultivate restorative embodiment and resilience, and embody a holistic well-being mindset through conscious lifestyle choices, habits, and daily practices. It's designed for individuals committed to emotional and mental intelligence—those choosing to live as mature, healthy, self-worth–empowered adults. This space is for people who seek to tap into our higher human consciousness potential, live at their “A game,” and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations, with emotional and mental maturity guiding their evolution—and humanity's.Inspiring Human Potential spotlights higher-self mindset lifestyle POVs, stories, ideas & practices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260111dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 How’s Your Approval Rating? Whether it’s at work, school, or home, we are constantly graded, compared to others, and rated. The boss gives us our annual review. The teacher hands out report cards. The son informs mom that her Mac & Cheese isn't as good as what Dylan’s mom makes. It is strange how these “ratings” can affect our day. If they’re good, we feel good. If they’re lousy, we feel lousy. If they’re nothing special, then we are tempted to feel that we’re nothing special. How's your approval rating with God? How have you been keeping up with those Ten Commandments? Remember, they’re not God’s suggestions; they are his commands. How’s it going between you and your neighbor, all your neighbors? Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we’re going to talk comparisons, why not go all the way and, as God says, compare ourselves to him. “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Yikes! Will I ever meet with God’s approval? Will God ever say of me, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”? This is what makes the Baptism of Jesus, as well as our own baptisms so special. God, in his grace, has connected me to Jesus. God has given me faith in Jesus as my Savior. Jesus has taken away all my sins. Jesus gives me his perfection and holiness. When God looks at me, he sees Jesus and he says, “This is my son, my daughter, whom I love! With him, with her, I am well pleased.” Approval ratings don’t get any higher than this. God be praised! Prayer: Dear Jesus, when doubts of my worth come, drown them in the waters of Baptism and remind me of your love for me in Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Don't Fall For It (Addicted to Approval) - Robert Green by Fondren Church

Paul was accused of man-pleasing for preaching grace instead of rules. His conversion proved the gospel doesn't need your approval. Religion doesn't change you… Jesus does. God's truth, all of it (not just the comfortable parts), is what transforms you through His grace.

What does it feel like to be approved of? To have someone you respect acknowledge you publicly as someone they are proud of. That can be extremely meaningful! In fact, many of us have walked through life longing for that very experience, and even comprising ourselves in attempts to gain it. The difficulty of all this is that we already have the thing we long for. Approval, acceptance, and love… it’s all found in Jesus if we just are willing to look to Him for it! Jesus received the public approval of His Father in heaven as He was baptized by John the Baptist. This would have been a joyous moment for Jesus, and encouraging to continue walking in obedience to a baptism of suffering that was still ahead of Him. His baptism was one of declaration instead of repentance. Declaring His approval of John’s ministry. Declaring the connection He has with the people around Him also being baptized. The Father and Spirit declaring the identity of the Son in perfect unity. What a beautiful display of God’s plan in motion! For us the question becomes how can we follow the example and call of Jesus? What does it look like to find our approval in Him? Join us Sunday as we dive into His word to see what He has to say about all of this! - Pastor Ben For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49543681

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260111dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 How’s Your Approval Rating? Whether it’s at work, school, or home, we are constantly graded, compared to others, and rated. The boss gives us our annual review. The teacher hands out report cards. The son informs mom that her Mac & Cheese isn't as good as what Dylan’s mom makes. It is strange how these “ratings” can affect our day. If they’re good, we feel good. If they’re lousy, we feel lousy. If they’re nothing special, then we are tempted to feel that we’re nothing special. How's your approval rating with God? How have you been keeping up with those Ten Commandments? Remember, they’re not God’s suggestions; they are his commands. How’s it going between you and your neighbor, all your neighbors? Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we’re going to talk comparisons, why not go all the way and, as God says, compare ourselves to him. “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Yikes! Will I ever meet with God’s approval? Will God ever say of me, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”? This is what makes the Baptism of Jesus, as well as our own baptisms so special. God, in his grace, has connected me to Jesus. God has given me faith in Jesus as my Savior. Jesus has taken away all my sins. Jesus gives me his perfection and holiness. When God looks at me, he sees Jesus and he says, “This is my son, my daughter, whom I love! With him, with her, I am well pleased.” Approval ratings don’t get any higher than this. God be praised! Prayer: Dear Jesus, when doubts of my worth come, drown them in the waters of Baptism and remind me of your love for me in Jesus. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Belarus to review a draft law that would grant foreign investors Belarusian citizenship and de facto permanent residence in Russia. "Approval expected within 3-6 months," says Ilja Belobragin.View the full article here.Subscribe to the IMI Daily newsletter here. 

What is it really like living in Mexico beyond the headlines and social media hype? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Justin Keltner, a tech consultant and entrepreneur who shares his journey from Colombia to building a fulfilling life in Chapala, Mexico - one of the most popular expat-friendly communities in the country. Justin opens up about choosing Mexico for its affordable cost of living, strong sense of community, and balanced lifestyle, while navigating family concerns, cultural adjustment, and the realities of relocating as a couple. They discuss housing, utilities, daily expenses, and what it truly takes to feel at home as an expat in Mexico. Whether you're planning to retire in Mexico, exploring living in Mexico as an American or Canadian, or simply curious about life near Lake Chapala, this episode offers honest insights, practical lessons, and real-world experience to help you decide if Mexico is the right next chapter for you. Key Moments:  00:00 "Learning Spanish Through Immersion" 05:44 "Finding Belonging Beyond the U.S." 09:07 "Crossroads of Love and Location" 10:53 "Winning Her Family's Approval" 14:22 "Manifesting Housing Opportunities Quickly" 16:15 Choosing Housing in Guadalajara 20:02 "Monthly Electricity Costs Explained" How to connect with Justin Keltner : WEBSITE: https://entrepreneurexpat.com/ EMAIL: justin@entrepreneurexpat.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurExpat INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurexpatofficial/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/p/Entrepreneur-Expat-61552130405418/ Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer's Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen! Click here -  https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/   Contact Information: Email: info@tanielchemsian.com Website: www.tanielchemsian.com Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435 USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Senate advances a War Powers Act resolution prohibiting President Donald Trump's from taking future military action against Venezuela without Congressional approval; Minnesota's government says it has been told it will no longer take part in the FBI investigation of the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE agent; House passes a three year extension of expired Affordable Care Act health insurance enhanced premium subsidies and three more FY2026 federal spending bills; House sustains presidential vetoes of two bipartisan bills to fund a water project in Colorado to expand the lands of an Indian tribe in Florida; Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) delivers his final State of the State Address, contrasting his state with the Trump Administration; White House presents plans for the president's proposed ballroom to the National Capital Planning Commission; Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announces his retirement after more than four decades in the House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Approval addiction is one of the most overlooked habits keeping smart, capable people stuck. In this episode of UNSUBSCRIBE with Ginny Priem, we break down why seeking external validation feels so powerful, the science behind approval, and how modern culture fuels people-pleasing behaviors.Backed by behavioral science and psychology research, this conversation will help you understand why being liked can quietly cost you your voice, your energy, and your self-trust and how to UNSUBSCRIBE™ from approval addiction without becoming cold or disconnected.If you're ready to stop over-explaining, second-guessing, and living for other people's reactions, this episode is for you.Joe Navarro Article: LINKED HEREThank you to our sponsors:INE+ Nutrition: Get 15% off your Super Greens, Collagen Powder and more with code GIN15. WEBSITEThrifty Traveler: Get cheap flight deals in your inbox. Save $20 off your first year or the Premium subscription with THIS LINK. (Or code GINNYPRIEM at checkout)CONNECT WITH GINNY:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKUNSUBSCRIBE MERCH#ApprovalAddiction#PeoplePleasing#StopSeekingValidation#PersonalGrowth#SelfTrust#EmotionalBoundaries#UnsubscribePodcast#GinnyPriem

Did the last season of Stranger Things land right side up, or upside down? James comes out (wait, what?) to tackle the good, the bad, and the Demogorgon of the epic finale and controversial themes of division, acceptance, human nature and belief. Watch the episode here. Chapters: 0:00 - COLD OPEN 0:56 - Welcome & Ratings 3:35 - ADS 5:03 - SPOILERS! Popcorn Thoughts 9:56 - Dustin's Speech & Divisions 14:00 - Will's Speech and Man's Approval 22:31 - Vecna & the Sin Nature 26:06 - The Nature of Belief 31:50 - Wrap-Up: Until NEXT time… Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorntheology Rate and review to get 2 FREE Popcorn Theology Stickers! Write a 5-star review and send a screenshot, along with your mailing address, to feedback@popcorntheology.com, and you'll receive 2 FREE stickers! #strangerthings5 #stangerthings #strangerthingsreview #netflix #FaithAndFilm #MoviePodcast #FilmReview #ChristianPodcast #MediaLiteracy #ReformedTheology Intro Music by Ross Bugden: https://youtu.be/Bln0BEv5AJ0?si=vZx_YiHK3hNxaETA

Dale Jackson interviews U.S. Senate candidate, and poster of more than one viral tweet, Kyle Sweetser. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for world-class notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My guest: Oz Pearlman is the greatest mentalist in the world. After leaving Wall Street to pursue his craft full-time, he's performed for Steven Spielberg's family, for Nobel laureates, and Fortune 500 CEOs. He ran a 2:23 marathon and holds the record for most laps around Central Park in a single day. With five kids and 250+ performances a year, Oz has mastered the art of reading people and understanding what separates good from world-class. Key Learnings (In Oz's words) Doug Anderson is the magician who got me into magic. When I was 13 years old, I went on a cruise with my parents. I got pulled up on stage and took part in a magic trick. (The sponge balls)  After the trick, my dad and I started creating theories on how the trick worked.  The people in every industry who make it to the top are the ones who are kind and respectful to others. As soon as you stop thinking that you can learn from others, you start dying.  What is the recipe for success? It's getting through the tough times. When I walked up to someone at a restaurant, and I'm 14, and I have a very fragile ego, after three tables in a row at differing levels of rudeness go by, "Dude, get outta here, man. Like, I don't wanna see this," it hurts. That's a painful thing to experience. I had to learn a defense mechanism very quickly because carrying that pain, pain turns into anger. When I get to the next table, I'm angry at the next group, even though they haven't done anything wrong to me. I realized to get my goal, I needed tougher, thicker skin. Deflect the rejection onto someone else.  Create separation between you and rejection. I created what I would call an agent in my own mind. When you're in showbiz, the conversations you don't wanna have, your agent has for you. I'm a 14-year-old doing restaurants. I don't have an agent, so here's what I decided. When they don't like me, they don't know me. They don't know Oz Pearlman. They know this guy Oz the magician, who walked up to them. Maybe my tricks aren't good enough. Maybe my approach wasn't good enough. Maybe they had a bad day at work or their kid's sick. I made it less about me, and I was able to deflect all of that pain and hurt to this other person. The fear of rejection is worse than the rejection itself. Once you experience rejection a few times, it's not that bad. It's like dating. It's a numbers game. You'll probably not meet your spouse on the first try. You gotta meet a whole lot of other people to realize what you like best in the person that hopefully ends up spending your life with. "Never let someone else be in charge of your destiny." When I do a gig, I don't wait for someone to go, "Oh man, that'd be great. Let me get your business card." I go, "Amazing. Let me get your number and your info. I'll have someone from my team call you." My team is you, me, myself, and I. There's no team. But it sounds fancier. Fake it till you make it. Branding is so important. When I went on America's Got Talent, I made a conscious decision to separate myself from the guy from the year before. (Matt Franco) He won. I thought we were too similar. I had to do something unique or do something better than anyone else. That's when I branded myself as a mentalist and not a magician.  Mentalism is much harder than magic to practice. Magic can be practiced in front of a mirror until you get almost perfect at a trick. Mentalism is near impossible to practice at home without an audience. It's like comedy. You can't tell jokes to a mirror and find out if they're funny. You need the audience to do it. Charm takes the sting out of so many things in life. It allows you to win people over quickly. What is charm? Just the ability to smile, to make someone laugh, to be vulnerable in a certain moment. That's a skill that's developed, and if you study it well, you can develop it quicker because everyone thinks it's natural. What I've learned from comedians:  It's the purest form of entertainment that exists. You, the audience, and a microphone. I think you start to get a feel for timing. Where to pause, what's funny, how to get people on your side. With a heckler, there's a very fine line between punching down and offending your audience versus having them on your side and laughing with you at someone as opposed to laughing at someone.  I'm a slightly more exaggerated version of myself when performing. The volume is turned up a little. The charisma is turned up a little, the ability to joke around, but it's me. I think that resonates. Walking into a room smiling, having no hesitation, connecting with somebody, remembering their name, giving them a compliment. Such easy, low-hanging fruit, separates you from 90% of other people if you can do them consistently and effectively and genuinely. "That's why he's Steven Spielberg." The Steven Spielberg lesson changed how I see success. I did Spielberg's dad's 99th birthday. At the end of it, Steven beelines to me and I'm ready. I thought I'd get 30 seconds. He talked to me for upwards of 20 minutes. He just asked question after question after question. When I left it was like a blur. I didn't ask Steven Spielberg a single question about Jaws, Close Encounters. I had all these things I wanted to ask him. I'm like, man, I totally screwed that up. But over time, the lesson got through to me. It wasn't about me. It wasn't what I was gonna ask him. It was about him. It was learning what makes him tick. No matter who you become, if you can make the other person feel like they're a star when they meet you, they will always remember that memory. Try to deflect. If people ask you questions, answer, but ask them something about themselves back that no one's asked them. Make them feel seen and heard. Make them feel like they are the star of your movie as well. Little things add up to big things over time. If you were to ask my kids what do I ingrain in them all the time? Gratitude and being polite. One of my secrets to success has always been being very polite. "Please, thank you. Always."  Write a thank-you note. When I was doing bar mitzvahs, birthday parties, I realized early on, when people are throwing a party, it's very stressful. The person hosting doesn't always have the greatest time. They're so worried about everyone else.  Create memorable moments. I would take a selfie with the bar mitzvah kid. I found this online service where I could instantly upload the photo. I would always give a compliment that was specific. I'd send these cards to them on Monday. The parties are usually on Saturdays. It would get there Tuesday or Wednesday. To this day, 15 to 20 years later, I'll get emails when I'm on TV from people being like, "I just dug up this card from 17 years ago. You were at Benjamin's Bar Mitzvah, and now he's 30 and has a kid of his own." Takes notes | Write everything down.  In today's day and age, there's a power in the human touch that still exists. Take notes, write stuff down. I'll leave a gig, I'll write some stuff down, I'll remember it. If I run into that person again in a month, in a year, in five years, I can literally look at my phone. It's literally like a mentalism trick to reveal that information to people even though they gave it to you already, because it shows you took the time. Some of the biggest things I've ever landed backtrack to small moments. ESPN, the thing that brought us together can backtrack to a Bar Mitzvah 18 years ago where I first met Adam Schefter. The first seed was planted, and I had to keep watering it, watering it, watering it. Small plant, small plant, until it grew into this thing. Now look at all the things that came from all the things I've done with ESPN, where Adam Schefter originated them.  You are interviewing for your next job every single day. You have no idea who might be in the audience. You have no idea, but you give it your all every single time. One time, Adam Schefter was in the audience. Intelligent people are often the easiest to fool. When intelligent people watch what I do, they're confident in their ability to figure it out. They think they're smarter than the average person, so they start looking for solutions. But that overconfidence creates blind spots. They're so focused on being right about how they think it's done that they miss what's actually happening. The more you think you know, the more vulnerable you become to being fooled because you're operating from assumptions rather than staying open to all possibilities. Reflection Questions Oz created an "agent in his mind" to deflect rejection away from his core self, making it about "Oz the magician" rather than Oz the person. What mental separation could you create to handle rejection or criticism more effectively in your professional life? Oz emphasizes that intelligent people are often the easiest to fool because they're confident in their ability to figure things out. In what areas of your life or work might overconfidence be blinding you to what's actually happening? Oz sends handwritten notes with specific compliments and a selfie to everyone he performs for.  What's one relationship in your network right now that could be strengthened with this level of intentional follow-up, and what specific compliment could you give that person? More Learning #525 - Frank Slootman: Hypergrowth Leadership #540 - Alex Hormozi: Let Go of the Need of Approval #510 - Ramit Sethi: Live Your Rich Life Audio Timestamps 02:43 Oz's Career 04:48 The Art of Mentalism and Magic 08:22 Early Career and Overcoming Rejection 17:45 Branding and Success Strategies 22:59 Authenticity and Charm 27:25 Building Trust Through Honesty 27:53 Developing Genuine Confidence 28:36 The Power of Preparation 29:22 Learning from Failure 31:24 Connecting with Influential People 34:27 The Importance of Politeness and Gratitude 37:05 The Art of Follow-Up 42:27 Handling Nerves and Anxiety 43:23 The Magic of Mentalism on Ryan 51:55 EOPC

Happy New Year Everyone!In this episode I unpack why healthy male power is actually a force for good in the world and why the true danger lies in powerlessness.I trace how unacknowledged boys can grow into passive or angry men and I talk about the three most important ways that a young boy finds his healthy power as he grows up.Listen in to learn about the differences between male and female power, why being of service in the world is impossible without power, the difference between power and force, and so much more.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Intro: Power & Male Happiness 01:05 — Client Wins: Vision & Success 02:46 — The Healer's Story: Releasing Trauma 03:38 — The Spectrum of Powerlessness: Rage vs. Passivity 05:37 — The "Nice Guy" & People Pleasing 06:41 — Defining True Power vs. Force 08:23 — The Extreme Consequence of Isolation 10:51 — Phase 1: Affirmation from Mother 12:52 — The Trap of the "Mother's Son" 14:37 — Phase 2: The Father's Nod of Approval 16:08 — Phase 3: Self-Mastery & Purpose 17:45 — The Impact of a Critical Father 18:44 — Three Traits of an Attractive Man 20:54 — Releasing Trauma from the Body 22:21 — Female Power: Devotion to Love 24:07 — Attraction: Male Power & Female Devotion 25:39 — Balancing Internal & External Worlds 27:07 — Mastermind Announcement 28:33 — New Year Wishes30:09 — Outro___________________________If you found some value today then help me spread the word! Share this episode with a friend or leave a review. This helps the podcast grow.You can also watch the episodes on youtube hereFollow me on Instagram @anyashakhYou can book a discovery call at https://anyashakh.com/mentorship

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Brian Kelly is the founder of The Points Guy, which he built from a side hustle blog into a travel media empire that he sold for $28 million. At 42, he's now an angel investor in 15+ companies, including Bilt (valued at $11 billion). In this conversation, he shares lessons on manifestation, selling too early, building yourself into the brand, and why vulnerability beats wins in interviews. Key Learnings (in Brian's words) In 1995, I was 12 years old, and I was great with computers, so I started booking all of my dad's travel for work. He'd pay me $10 per booking. Then it turned into points, when my dad showed me all the American and US Air miles he had. "If you can figure out how to use all of them, we can go on a family trip."  And the rest is history. That was my first real, oh wait, this points thing is amazing. Points were a way for us to live a fabulous lifestyle.  I grew up thinking we were poor, but I really wanted to live a fabulous life. My parents were very humble and did not spend money lavishly. For me I always wanted to travel. When I was a kid, I would spin the globe and be like, This is where I'm going. I would actually research Oman. Somehow genetically, I got this gene of I need to be rich and travel the world. I used to call Mercedes, get all of their glossy pamphlets for all their new cars, and I would cut them out and stick them on my wall.  Manifesting alone won't make you wealthy, but visioning helps. I do believe being able to visualize what it looks like and taste it and get close to it helps you take the smaller steps to actually achieve it. When I think of my investments, I actually envision what they're gonna be. I envision that they're multi-billion-dollar companies. I believe it unlocks a level of pushing you to reach these mini steps that you can't see throughout the process. I started The Points Guy in 2010, but there were already Titan bloggers. I for sure felt imposter syndrome, but I saw that what they lacked was creativity. Points and miles are very clinical. Very few people were translating that for an audience. I knew I had an opportunity. I'm in my twenties, living in New York City. I'm gonna explain what everyday people need to know. Building a media brand became my moat. No one else in the points world was doing media. Doing media's frightening. While it was scary going on TV the first couple times (I almost fainted), I knew that each time I did it, I got better. That was the moat I would build. I would build The Points Guy into a brand more so than any of the others who had come before me. I saw from the beginning to double and triple down on that strategy of building something that's more than just a blog, but a lifestyle that people want to achieve. "I made a million bucks in my first six months of just blogging, but using affiliate links." In 2011, within six months of learning about affiliate marketing, I made six figures a month using the credit card links in my blog.  I was still working at Morgan Stanley. My mom was like, this sounds too good to be true. You can't leave Morgan Stanley. I was making like $300,000 a month in affiliate. Meanwhile, at Morgan Stanley, my salary is $70,000 a year. But it didn't pay right away. My parents actually lent me $10,000 just to pay my rent. I remember where I was in Madrid when that first Chase deposit of $490,000 hit from months of back pay on the blog. I sold for $28 million because I thought the industry would collapse. When Bankrate offered me $28 million in May 2012, I kind of had this negative mindset over where the industry was going. About a hundred blogs started when people knew they could make money on affiliates. Most bloggers have zero business sense. They were writing stuff like, "Cancel your Amex, cancel your Chase, cancel, cancel. Then get new cards." I saw this really bad business sense, very shortsighted greediness. I'm watching this thinking they're gonna pull the rug. Do I regret selling? Yes, the company is way more than what I sold it for. But at the time, you always have to remember what the landscape was. We're coming out of the recession. There were still a lot of weak indicators. Building myself into the brand gave me leverage. I had a three and a half year earnout. Over that time, the business really started to grow, but then I realized, well, I am also the business. So, the more press I did, when I negotiated with that parent company to stay on, they paid me a lot of money and still a cut of the business to grow it as CEO. It's kind of crazy to think 13 years after selling, I'm still here. But because I built myself as a core part of the business as The Points Guy, I've been able to stay on with less risk, getting paid well to do what I love. I'm more of the brand visionary, the consumer person. I'm very much an ideas person. When we're speaking with our longtime clients or pitching new ones, that's really where my special sauce is used and not in the day-to-day. People are not mind readers. In 2020, I had this breakdown where I thought I would actually leave. I went to the owners, and I was like, I just can't do it anymore. They said, "Brian, we've been waiting for you to say that. You don't need to be CEO. We have plenty of smart people." It was this aha moment. I think in life we often think polar, black or white. That's advice I give to people. Whether it's your parent company, your boss, your mentor, people are not mind readers. While there is risk to leveling with someone and saying, "Hey, this role is just killing me," more often than not in my career, the more vulnerable I was, the more it turned out to be such a blessing. Check Your Spam Email Frequently: In 2011, I was featured in the New York Times, but the email came to my spam email. At that time, the narrative that points were dead, blackout dates, etc. I was the only blogger putting a positive spin on points. And I tried to do it in an informative and fun way. I'm 6'7", so putting my personal angle on my travel reviews had a huge impact on being the face of this industry.  As a founder, I was a tough boss because it was so personal. If I look back at my time as CEO, I still took it very personally. I do take the integrity of this site. As we expand, we can't forego quality. In hindsight, I didn't highlight enough of the wins. I would focus too much on mistakes. That's advice I would give if I could do it all back over again, to just be much more positive reinforcement over negative. Founders need someone who can check them. You need to have someone around you, a leadership team, someone that can check you. I didn't have that for a very long time, and that's my fault. Making sure you have good people on your team that can be honest with you, and you create an environment of inviting that feedback and not freaking out when they give it to you, is important. I know I would be a much different CEO today if I did it again. Stop BSing in the interview process. Too many people take jobs not knowing what is going on whatsoever at the company. Far too many senior executives walk into positions and they're like, oh wait a minute. I like to be brutally honest in the interview process. Truth-telling is the beginning of having a great relationship because I want you to understand exactly what's in front of you. If you don't want to take it, that's so much better than hiring a senior exec and six months later, you just lost a year. Stop telling me the wins. In the interview process, stop telling me the wins because anyone can make their job look successful. "Oh, 200% ROI, this, that the other." In an interview, you're not gonna be able to fact-check any of this. We all know people can cherry-pick the data. It's really just diving deep into vulnerable moments about their leadership, the challenges as leaders they had with their teams. I'll tell them my challenges when I was CEO. I want people to be real and allow me to understand how they think, the type of leader they are. Charismatic people can trick you. The problem is that very charismatic people can trick you easily. I've been blinded by a great interview, especially when you're exhausted as a CEO and then someone's bantering with you. You're like, oh, that was fun. But I've hired plenty of people who are all talk.  I don't want personality hires. I'm the personality. My engineering team, I really need people to ship updates. I still wake up in the middle of the night asking if my bills are paid. I still have imposter syndrome about "is this crazy what I've built?" It's for sure not about the car, but I will say investing in a home that's beautiful and makes you feel really good is important. For a long time, I was traveling a lot. I never put roots down, and I always felt like I was in transit. Now I have this beautiful farm with animals and horses in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It takes my blood pressure down immediately. Angel investing has basically become an addiction. In 2020, I opened up a space where I decided I wanted to have kids even though I was single, and also started investing and advising in relevant companies. The first one was Encore Jane, who was building Built, a credit card loyalty platform for renters. I'd always thought, how cool would it be to earn points on rent? I said, You're crazy, but if it does work, it'll be massive. Built is now at $11 billion valuation. I'll make more money now, probably on Built than I will at The Points Guy, which is wild to me. I have probably about 15 other companies I put my personal money in. I love it because I can help advise founders on everything I've done, and help open doors. Using that to build wealth has become an addiction. Relentlessness is what I see in leaders who sustain excellence. I am amazed at Encore's ability to push. If he's got 10 major things impacting his business, most CEOs will start with one or two, put the others on the back burner. He will relentlessly push for excellence. I don't wanna work for Encore, but to be in the room and strategize, every time I leave a meeting with him it keeps me fresh and active.  Find mentors, not just companies. For recent college grads, find people, even at a company where you might not see your future. Find someone at that company that you connect with. If you're looking for a job, interview until you find that hiring manager that you feel is on an upward rise and that you can learn from. We often focus too much on the line of work or the company. Stop focusing on that and look at that manager or the CMO whose organization you would join. If they've done amazing things, get in right away and start networking. Put time on the CMO or CEO's calendar. Be bold. Every senior executive loves to see people come in with eagerness to learn. Show up and do extracurriculars at work. Go to the lunch and learn with the senior executive and actually get face time with them. Make sure they know your name. Those are the things that matter because when it comes time for compensation and reviews, the senior person may not work with you day-to-day, but they're like, oh yeah, that's the person I really like. They are a future leader. That's how you get ahead. Even if that boss leaves to another company, they might take you. Reflection Questions Brian says manifesting alone won't make you wealthy, but visioning what it looks like helps you take the smaller steps to achieve it. What specific vision do you have for your future that you could make more tangible (like his Mercedes pictures on the bedroom wall)? How might making it more concrete change your daily actions? He emphasizes that in interviews, he wants people to stop telling him the wins and instead dive deep into vulnerable moments about their leadership and challenges with their teams. If you were in an interview tomorrow, what's one vulnerable leadership moment you could share that would demonstrate how you think rather than just what you've accomplished? Brian realized he needed to tell his parent company, "I just can't do it anymore" as CEO, and they responded with relief, offering him a better role. What conversation are you avoiding right now because you assume the answer will be no, when the other person might actually be waiting for you to speak up? More Learning #525 - Frank Slootman: Hypergrowth Leadership #540 - Alex Hormozi: Let Go of the Need of Approval #510 - Ramit Sethi: Live Your Rich Life

In our season finale, two award winning games earn our Meeple Crown for 2025. These games embody the essence of Major Fun and The Spiel of Approval. Congratulations to Fromage and Hot Streak!

True virtue becomes visible only when the desire to walk faithfully before God outweighs the instinct to manage appearances for others. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar examine how virtue signaling has become a modern way of seeking approval, noting that the human urge to belong often pressures believers to display moral outrage or spiritual discipline without genuine conviction. The guys explain that people have always looked for safety in groups, and that this instinct can quietly influence the heart, even in Christian settings.The guys discuss how social media amplifies this struggle by rewarding the performance of virtue. They point out how easy it is to post a Bible verse, a devotional highlight, or a polished quote without allowing those truths to shape character. Christian leaders carry an added weight because their online presence serves as a form of shepherding, and the guys worry that many settle for shallow guidance rather than deep spiritual engagement. Mark recalls receiving a negative review simply for quoting someone unpopular, and the guys use that example to show how expectations can override thoughtful reflection.The guys turn to resisting the lure of appearances and returning to the steady work of communion with God. Virtue comes from God's own righteousness, justice, and truth, and the guys emphasize that Christians need to slow down, detach from screens, and develop habits that shape the heart rather than the image. They encourage believers to reflect on whether frequent posting influences their behavior or simply reveals what already exists beneath the surface. The more people disconnect from quiet spaces, the easier it becomes to slip into spiritual performance rather than genuine spiritual depth. They suggest taking small steps, such as dedicating the first moments of the day to reflection rather than scrolling.In closing, the guys stress that holiness is demonstrated not through public declarations but through consistent, humble acts of repentance and love. They warn against overcorrecting by trying too hard to avoid virtue signaling, which can distract from the gospel. Instead, they urge believers to show real love, confess sin promptly, and accept correction without defensiveness. They remind listeners that the true mark of a Christian is a heart focused on God's approval rather than human applause. The difference between virtue signaling and true virtue is the motive; when believers seek the Lord's approval above all, it will change how they live, respond, and quietly grow.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

F*ck Fitting In is a deep dive into one of the most invisible forces shaping our lives: approval-seeking. In this episode, Dr. JC Doornick exposes how most of us unknowingly construct an internal A.I., an Artificial Identity, a learned algorithm designed to gain acceptance, avoid conflict, and perform appropriately. Over time, this identity edits our words, tones, decisions, and even our sense of self, until we forget where the real us ends and the performance begins. Through sharp insight, cultural critique, and the lens of the Interface Response System (IRS), this conversation reveals how approval becomes a silent operating system that keeps us rehearsing the future, regretting the past, and missing the only place authenticity exists: the present moment. You'll learn how awareness cracks the code, how curiosity (“Hmmm?”) creates cognitive distance, and how authenticity returns when the mask powers down. This episode is a call to stop auditioning for life, stop being manipulable by algorithms, social or internal, and reclaim the courage to live from truth instead of approval. Because when you stop fitting in, you don't lose yourself… You finally get yourself back. Make Sense? Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy: ► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com ► Instagram: / drjcdoornick ►Facebook:  / makessensepodcast ►YouTube:  / drjcdoornick MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast: You will find a "Follow" button in the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com   0:00 - Intro 1:34 - Fuck Fitting In - AI - Artificial Identity 7:37 - Question from Thomas - Embracing Authenticity is Attractive 9:34 - Approval Seeking 10:57 - What else might be true? 14:19 - How do we execute on being authentic? 19:26 - The Sorting Filter 22:44 - Habits are hard to break. Both Good and Bad 27:18 - Are you Manipulatable? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of The Origins Podcast, I ended up in a place I genuinely never expected to go: the humble “like” button. When the idea first landed in my inbox, my reaction was basically, why on Earth would anyone write a whole book about that? Then I spoke with Martin Reeves, and I discovered that the history of this tiny icon is a surprisingly rich window into innovation, entrepreneurship, human psychology, and the modern attention economy.Martin is a senior figure at BCG's Henderson Institute, but what made the conversation especially fun for me is that he is not a consultant who wandered into science. He has a background in science, and then wandered into the world of strategy, technology, and ideas, and he approaches the “like” button the way I wish more people approached our digital world: with curiosity, skepticism, and a willingness to follow evidence across disciplines.The central irony, of course, is that the “like” button began as an almost laughably small, practical solution. In the story Martin and his coauthor reconstructs, it is often less about a single inventor than about a messy ecosystem of micro innovations, technical constraints, and cultural accidents. Yet those small choices compound. The result is that something as simple as a handful of code became a universal signal that helped shape social media, transformed advertising, and created feedback loops that are now baked into the infrastructure of daily life.We also dig into why it works so well on us. The mechanisms are not mysterious in the abstract, they are biological and social, but the scale is unprecedented. Approval and recognition are ancient. Industrialized approval is new. And once you start thinking that way, you notice how these same feedback dynamics are spreading into new domains, including the tools we now use to interact with AI.This conversation surprised me, and I suspect it will surprise you too. Indeed, if you are like me, and wondered why the like-button is worth discussing, you will be surprised to learn how much of the modern world is quietly organized around it. You can listen on any podcast platform, watch on YouTube, or view ad free on Substack. And if you are tempted at the end, well, you may even find yourself clicking the very thing we spend the episode dissecting.You can listen on any podcast platform, watch on YouTube, or view ad free on Substack. And if you are tempted at the end, well, you may even find yourself clicking the very thing we spend the episode dissecting.As always, an ad-free video version of this podcast is also available to paid Critical Mass subscribers. Your subscriptions support the non-profit Origins Project Foundation, which produces the podcast. The audio version is available free on the Critical Mass site and on all podcast sites, and the video version will also be available on the Origins Project YouTube. Get full access to Critical Mass at lawrencekrauss.substack.com/subscribe

Are there cracks forming in the president's wall of Republican support? The rebellion he faced in Congress today, the bruising new polling, and rough jobs report, all landing as he gets ready to address the nation at 9pm ET. Plus, new video of Nick Reiner, shortly before his arrest in connection with his parents' deaths, and new details from the medical examiner about how they died. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Jim and Greg for the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they break down disastrous polling for Democrats and the DNC's quiet effort to bury its 2024 election autopsy, President Trump's move to reclassify marijuana under federal law, and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino's plans to leave the bureau after less than a year on the job.First, they have some fun speculating about why Democrats are suddenly backing away from their promise to release a full autopsy of the 2024 elections. Some explanations are obvious, while Jim claims to have “uncovered” a few others. They also look at the the Dems' disastrous approval numbers. But will they still do well in the midterms?Next, they react to President Trump's decision to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, allowing expanded research into potential medical benefits. While the change does little to alter marijuana's overall legality, Jim and Greg vent about the widespread normalization of pot use and the ever-present stench that seems unavoidable in many major cities and beyond.Finally, they discuss the impending resignation of FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino after just over nine months in the role. Greg notes there were signs of Bongino's frustration with the job months ago, while Jim credits him for taking on difficult cases and reassessing positions he held before joining the bureau.Please visit our great sponsors:Try Quo for free at https://Quo.com/3ML and keep your existing number—Quo means no missed calls, no missed customers.Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily.  Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. Stop putting off those doctors' appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.New episodes every weekday.