Podcasts about Army National Guard

In the first half of the 9 to 10 show, Jack has the distinct honor of talking with Brigadier General Benjamin Adams the 3rd of the Army National Guard. The Brigadier General will deliver a keynote address at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, Kentucky, as part of the city’s “Salute to Service” three-day celebration from June 11–13, 2026 The event is a major community milestone honoring America’s 250th birthday, Wilmore’s 150th anniversary, the 35th anniversary of the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, and the 25th anniversary of 9/11 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Congressman Peter Roskam, who leads BakerHostetler's Federal Policy team, provides listeners with a front-row seat to the most important policy and political debates in Congress. In this episode of “The Cloakroom with Peter Roskam,” Peter is joined at the 37th Annual Legislative Seminar in Washington D.C., by his BakerHostetler colleague, former Congressman Heath Shuler. Also joining is Congressman Mike Carey, a Republican from Ohio. He was first elected to the House in 2021, representing a central Ohio district that includes Columbus. He is a member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and the House Administration Committee. Before his election to Congress, Carey was an energy company executive and also served in the Army National Guard.Questions & Comments: proskam@bakerlaw.com

As control of the Senate hangs in the balance, many eyes are on Dan Osborn, of Nebraska. He's a dream candidate for the Democrats: a mechanic in the food-processing industry, a former president of his local union, and a veteran of the Navy and the Army National Guard. But Osborn isn't a Democrat; he's running as an independent. Polls show a close or tied race with the Republican incumbent, Pete Ricketts, an heir to a financial fortune. David Remnick talks with Osborn about leading a strike at a Kellogg's plant; how Donald Trump's tariffs are affecting voters in an agricultural state; and Osborn's decision to not caucus with either party if he wins the seat.Further reading: “Can the Democrats Take Back the Senate?,” by Amy Davidson SorkinThe Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In his powerful second appearance on The Dave Carter Show, Panama City native and leading Republican candidate Keith Gross joins Dave for a no-holds-barred conversation about his bid to represent Florida's 2nd Congressional District. A self-made businessman, attorney, and U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Keith is funding his own campaign and has boldly pledged to […]

As control of the Senate hangs in the balance, many eyes are on Dan Osborn, of Nebraska. He's a dream candidate for the Democrats: a mechanic in the food-processing industry, a former president of his local union, and a veteran of the Navy and the Army National Guard. But Osborn isn't a Democrat; he's running as an independent. Polls show a close or tied race with the Republican incumbent, Pete Ricketts, an heir to a financial fortune. David Remnick talks with Osborn about leading a strike at a Kellogg's plant; how Donald Trump's tariffs are affecting voters in an agricultural state; and Osborn's decision to not caucus with either party if he wins the seat. Further reading:  “Can the Democrats Take Back the Senate?,” by Amy Davidson Sorkin   New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Built to Serve Podcast, we sit down with Army National Guard veteran Eric Welford to hear his incredible journey from Lucedale, Mississippi, to deployment in Afghanistan, and eventually into the world of safety at Performance Contractors. Eric shares what it was like deploying shortly after high school, including the breathtaking night skies over Afghanistan that remain some of the most beautiful he's ever seen. He also opens up about the dangers his convoy faced after running over three IEDs in a single week — earning him the nickname “bad luck guy.” After continuing his service in the Guard for four years following deployment, Eric took a completely different path and chased a lifelong passion for music, making it through four rounds of auditions for NBC's The Voice in Los Angeles. Now part of Performance's EHS Next program, Eric discusses his longtime interest in safety and how the program gave him the opportunity to build a career in the field. It's a conversation filled with resilience, humor, purpose, and the unexpected paths that shape a life built to serve.

From her childhood experiences as a middle child to her journey in the New York's Army National Guard, Casey Frankoski's story is one of resilience, competitiveness, and the impact she had on those around her.  In this special Memorial Day episode of Exposed: Scandalous Files of the Elite, host Jim Chapman tells you the story of not how Casey died, but how she lived. You can donate to the Casey Frankoski Memorial Fund via the below links  Venmo: @caseyfrankoski-memorialfundPaypal: @caseyFMSF#CaseyFrankoski #ArmyNationalGuard #podcast Chapters 01:42 She is a Triple Threat04:28 The Story Behind This Episode08:07 Casey's Early Years11:49 Chasing Her Dreams14:18 Joining the National Guard16:31 Overcoming Challenges19:02 Achievements and Service21:28 A Tragic Loss24:35 A Tribute to Casey 33:07 The Article40:09 Keeping Casey Frankoski's  Memory AliveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/exposed-scandalous-files-of-the-elite--6073723/support.

Welcome to the #ShareYourHotness Podcast episode 181! Jeremiah Cronin was born in 1986 in Phoenix, Arizona. His loving parents were both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served his mission in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. After serving, Jeremiah made life choices that led him down a different path from the one his parents and the church taught him. Today, Jeremiah has returned to living his life in harmony with the teachings of the church. He has 5 children, two ex-wives, one "Baby Mama," and is currently married to his best friend, Kaley. He served 6 years in the Army National Guard as a helicopter Crew Chief and mechanic and is currently serving in the Air National Guard as an IT specialist. He is also CO-Owner, alongside his wife, of Cronin Enterprises, where they do photography and drone work. Support The #ShareYourHotness Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-syh-podcast Find out more at https://the-syh-podcast.pinecast.co Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-5585e6 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The #ShareYourHotness Podcast.

Episode 59: How Do Jails Work? – features David Thaxton, who explores the differences between jails and prisons, the reality of daily operations, and how the justice system can better serve society.Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation between Dylan Carnahan and David Thaxton, the retired Warden of the Wyandotte County Detention Center. Thaxton draws back the curtain on the internal workings of the jail system, sharing firsthand insights from a career that spanned over two decades in law enforcement and corrections.Listen as David shares his transition from the Army National Guard to the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office, eventually rising to the rank of Major of Support Services. He provides a candid look at the daily realities of managing a detention facility, the complexities of the justice system, and his post-retirement mission with "Beyond the Cell".In this episode, we discuss:00:46 – Introducing David Thaxton01:49 – David's journey: From a GED at 20 to seeking a life of service. 02:40 – Joining the Kansas Army National Guard and his transition from construction work. 05:25 – The path to law enforcement: Why being a police officer felt similar to being a soldier. 06:40 – Starting at the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office and the reality of being a "pod officer". 11:52 – Defining the difference: Jails vs. detention centers vs. prisons. 14:54 – Why jails are the "triage centers" of the justice system. 17:33 – The lack of rehabilitation resources in municipal jails. 20:33 – Why detention officers should be trained and viewed as law enforcement. 25:14 – The "Six Factors" of jail operation: Health, welfare, custody, control, safety, and security. 28:06 – Managing mental health and medical needs within a 500-person population. 31:12 – Evolution of training: Moving from a 5-day orientation to a 16-week program. 36:22 – The dangers of complacency and the importance of leadership in the pods. 44:33 – What can the system do better? Addressing trauma and the "people problem". 47:33 – Implementing Jail Intelligence Officers to break criminal cycles. 51:00 – The concept of a "Cognitive Deputy" and planting seeds for change. 59:15 – Shifting from punitive measures to mandatory positive engagement. 01:02:15 – Conclusion: The personal toll of service and final reflections. Resources:⁠⁠Beyond the CellThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

With host Scott Hannon "frolicking" through the fjords of Norway, guest host Greg Steeman takes the reins for a power-packed session of What's On Your Mind. This episode pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked "third branch" of government and the high-stakes world of state utility regulation. We sit down with the North Dakota Supreme Court's newest Justice, Mark Freese, who shares his unlikely journey from auto mechanic and police officer to the state's highest bench. Then, Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstedt joins to explain how North Dakota maintains the lowest electric rates in the nation and why energy independence is the state's ultimate "cheat code." Finally, State Representative Scott Wagner sparks a debate on election reform and the potential for city-level primaries. It's an episode about public service, pragmatic politics, and why your power bill is lower than your neighbor's.

In his final broadcast before heading to Norway, host Scott Hennen delivers a powerful Friday edition of What's On Your Mind. This episode balances global security concerns with local North Dakota heart, moving from the strategic necessity of the war in Iran to the launch of a new regional business, "Deep Roots Drainage." The hour concludes with a deeply moving "Feel-Good Friday" segment, featuring the story of Bowden Meyer, an elite young athlete fighting his way back from a traumatic brain injury. From the "Beltway to the Backyard," this episode covers the resolve required for national defense, the importance of legacy planning, and the unwavering strength of the Fargo-Moorhead community. Standout Moments [00:01:00] – The Iranian Decision Point Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General Arnold Punaro joins the program to break down the "three pillars" of pressure currently being applied to Iran: military blockades, economic asset freezes, and a diplomatic pause. [00:12:45] – A Soldier's Perspective A 31-year veteran of the Army National Guard calls into the show via the app to share his pride in serving under the current administration, noting a return to "basics" and "lethality." [00:19:00] – The War Over Water Levi Otis joins Scott to officially launch "Deep Roots Drainage." They discuss the legal battles over land easements, salinity issues in North Dakota soil, and how 70 years of combined team experience is helping growers reclaim unproductive land. [00:23:30] – Eliminating the "Probate Pain" Mark Wagner from ND Estate Services explains why a "Will" might not be enough to protect your family from a three-year legal battle. He breaks down the necessity of living trusts and the "Peace Patrol" approach to legacy planning. [00:26:00] – The Story of "Bo-Leaving" In a gripping interview, Chris Meyer recounts the freak golf cart accident that nearly took his son Bowden's life. He details the harrowing journey through level-one trauma centers and the "battle of inches" occurring daily at Sanford as Bo learns to walk and talk again. [00:28:45] – A Community Call to Action Scott and Chris highlight a massive benefit event for Bowden at Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, featuring high-end auction items including trips to Cabo and Big Sky, all to support the Meyer family's immense medical recovery costs.

U.S. Air Force Maj. David Miller, chaplain, and Tech. Sgt. Rita Jimenez, chaplain's assistant, both assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Ind., discuss the importance of airmen understanding and utilizing the support that is available to them through the chaplain's office. Miller also shares stories and experiences from his years serving as a chaplain in both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard audio by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

The hardest battles don't always happen in combat. For Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith, the real challenge began after the uniform came off. After 32 years of service leading thousands in high-stakes environments, he found himself facing a different kind of question, Who am I now? This conversation goes beyond leadership and into something much deeper. It's about what happens when your identity has been built around purpose, structure, and mission… and then suddenly, all of that changes. Matt shares what it actually feels like to transition out of military life, why so many veterans struggle to find their footing, and the powerful lesson that you can't replace what you did, you have to build on it. From redefining purpose to understanding personal values, this episode offers insight not just for veterans, but for anyone navigating change in their life. Because at the core, this isn't just about leaving the military. It's about learning how to move forward without losing yourself. Guest Bio Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith served 32 years in the United States Army and Army National Guard, leading teams in some of the most demanding and high-pressure environments imaginable. Known for his ability to bring people together around a shared mission, he built a career rooted in trust, clarity, and purpose-driven leadership. Today, he serves as Executive Director of Veteran Initiatives at Emory University, where he leads the Goizueta Business School's Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program. In this role, he helps veterans navigate the transition into civilian life by focusing on personal values, leadership evolution, and building a meaningful next chapter. You'll hear About Why transition is often the hardest part of any journey The difference between purpose in uniform and purpose in civilian life Why you can't replace your past — and what to do instead The role of personal values in building your next chapter Why connection, not isolation, is the key to getting through Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 02:00 Matt's Path Into the Military 05:30 9/11 and Rediscovering a Sense of Purpose 09:00 The Power of Mission-Driven Living 12:00 Transitioning Out After 32 Years of Service 15:00 The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For 18:30 Why You Can't Replace the Military Experience 22:00 Purpose, Values, and Building the Next Chapter 25:30 The Trust Gap Between Military and Civilian Life 29:00 Mental Health, PTSD, and Asking for Help 33:00 Leadership Lessons That Carry Beyond Service 36:00 The Work Being Done at Emory University 39:00 Why No One Should Go Through This Alone 41:00 Final Thoughts and Matt's Message Chuck's Challenge This week, think about a transition you're currently going through,  or one you've been avoiding. Instead of asking, "What do I replace this with?" ask yourself, "What can I build from this? And don't try to figure it out alone. Reach out to someone you trust,  because the strongest people still need support. Connect with Matt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithmattd Connect with Chuck Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/ Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

Host Brad Ferland 9:00 to 10:00U.S. ARMY COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR RAYMOND MYERSSenior Enlisted LeaderCSM Raymond J. Myers enlisted into the Vermont Army National Guard on 11 July 1983. He entered Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. CSM Myers' assignment history include Cannon Crewman and promoting to 1SG in C Battery 1/86 Field Artillery Burlington, Vermont (1983-2004), 1SG Headquarters 1/86 FA Williston Vermont (2004-2007), 1SG HHC 86th IBCT to include a Deployment to Afghanistan (2009-2013), CSM 86th Troop Command (2014-2019), CSM Garrison Support Command (2019-2022), Vermont Army National Guard CSM (2022- Current). 10:00 to 10:30Christine.WernekeUVM Health - Home Health & HospiceUVM Health - Home Health & Hospice is a nonprofit organization providing home-based nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, and family care services throughout Chittenden and Grand Isle counties. They serve over 5,000 individuals annually, offering 24/7 care for chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery, palliative care, and end-of-life care.  10:30 to 11:00Matt Cota - Meadow Hill Consulting Montpelier updates

Missouri Military Minute - 2026 Missouri Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition by Minnesota News Network

Missouri Military Minute - 2026 Missouri Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition by Minnesota News Network

The Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s historic 28th Infantry Division has created a new unit to counter modern threats. The change is part of a broader initiative across the U-S Army in response to lessons learned in Ukraine, where drones and other electronic warfare made traditional tactics obsolete. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, slated for closure in May, will instead continue operations under a new nonprofit owner. The Pennsylvania state House has approved two bills to regulate data center development. The State Department of Labor and Industry has announced nearly 3 million dollars in Industry Partnership grants aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania's workforce and economy. Some of that investment is headed to our region. State officials announced the digital marketing agency Web FX is making a nearly $11 million investment to expand its operations in Harrisburg. The commonwealth is contributing $900,000 to the project which is expected to create 100 new tech jobs over the next three years, in addition to retaining around 400 existing positions. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a death at the York County Prison. Maternal health advocates are applauding Governor Shapiro's five-year plan to improve maternal health, but they are concerned about how the plan will be funded. Did you know that if every one of WITF’s sustaining circle members gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new sustaining member at www.witf.org/givenow. And thanks!Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, join SFC Adam Lorey and SFC Tramal Williams as they dive into what it means to serve, the opportunities available in the Washington Army National Guard, and how prospective Soldiers and their families can prepare for success. Whether you're curious about enlistment paths, career options, benefits, or simply want to hear firsthand insights from experienced recruiters, this video gives you a transparent and informative look at Army National Guard life in Washington. What You'll Learn: • Roles and responsibilities of a WA Army National Guard Recruiter • Tips for talking with a recruiter and next steps • How the Guard supports education, career growth, and community service • Real talk from SFC Lorey & SFC Williams on their experiences and advice Subscribe for more Raven Conversations, career stories, and updates from the WA Army National Guard!

JJ Millett's Story: When a Cry for Help Becomes a Call for Action In part three of my Oscar Mike Radio series on JJ Millett, I sit down with his aunt, Emily Wheeler, to share a story that demands both attention and action. Emily describes JJ as a kind, respectful Army National Guard veteran who served in Afghanistan and later battled PTSD after returning home. Like so many veterans, he carried invisible wounds that don't simply fade with time. We talked about the moment everything changed. In February, while experiencing severe side effects from VA-prescribed medication, JJ did exactly what we ask our veterans to do: he reached out for help and called a mental health crisis hotline. He cooperated fully with the authorities. Yet today, he faces serious charges that could result in a 20-year sentence. That reality should stop all of us in our tracks. In this episode, I share Emily's perspective and why she is urging the public to speak out. We discuss the dangerous precedent of criminalizing veterans for seeking mental health support, and how that could discourage others from reaching out when they need it most. This is bigger than one case. It's about how we respond when veterans ask for help. It's about whether we meet that moment with compassion, or consequences. If this story moves you, I encourage you to make your voice heard: You can write the Attorney’s office on JJ’s behalf or call directly. Please be polite when communicating with the Attorney’s office. See below for contact information. Orleans County State's Attorney's Officec/o Attorney Farzana Leyva & Attorney Vincent Illuzzi217 Main St #2Newport, VT 05855Phone: 802-334-2037 We need to amplify this story, not just for JJ, but for veterans everywhere who are fighting battles most people never see. JJ, you are not alone.

Ryszard Zadow, known also as Richard to many, was interested in flying from birth. Fanned by aviation stories retold by his parents and watching crop dusters deftly maneuver above the orange groves, in his childhood home state of Texas, Ryszard continues to pursue his lifetime passion for flight.Ryszards mother and father supported his interest in aviation. He remembers one notable adventure in which his father brought him to a Confederate Air Force air show when the CAF was still based in Harlington, TX.When Ryszard was 15, a local celebrity named Al Cisneros, hometown hero and school alumni was visiting the students and signing autographs at St Joes (Go Bloodhounds). Encouraged by his mother to go speak with the decorated Vietnam War veteran and Blue Angel pilot. Al signed Ryszards program.Ryszard moved up through the cadet ranks in the Civil Air Patrol and persevered toward earning his pilot license by any means possible. He built time at Weiser Air Park and solo'd at the David Wing Hooks Airport in Houston in his late teens. He earned his private pilot license while attending University at Texas A&M where he helped found the A&M Skydivers club and personally flew jumpers. Ryszard joined the Army National Guard and earned a commission in January 1983 with the Navy. Among his many accomplished roles for the military, Ryszard flew as a Radar Intercept officer on F-14 Tomcats and eventually completed his career as an A-4 Adversary instructor.He left the Navy after Desert Storm in the early 1990's and accepted a position as a pilot for TWA and later Southwest Airlines. To his great delight, Ryszard one day found himself on the flight deck of a Southwest 737 flying with his childhood hero Al Cisneros! Ryszard remains close with Al to this day and describes him as an Uncle. Ryszards Canard experience goes back almost as long as his career. In 1983 Ryszard purchased the MILLETT VARI-EZE N930L. Many years later, he had the opportunity to purchase the Cozy Jet N722 "Kerosene Dreams" built by Greg Von Richter and flew it on a return to Oshkosh. These days he's slumming around in a Berkut N9041H named the Mississippi Queen.Ryszard's commitment to the Rutan canard community runs deep. In 2014 Ryszard established the 501c3 organization known as the Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience (pronounced "raa-fee" for short). In his own words, Ryszard: "founded RAFE to spread the word about the mission and tell the story of the dedication, the commitment and the spirit poured into the aircraft designed by Burt Rutan and built by the Owners."With primary bases of operation in Ellington, TX and Covington, TN, Ryzard recently retired from Southwest Airlines and now dedicates himself to the development of RAFE full time. He lives on a house-boat in Key-mah, TX, mostly because he wasn't able to find a suitable aircraft to live in, yet.Visit RAFE on the web!  https://www.rutanaircraftflyingexperience.org/ 

This episode of Oscar Mike Radio is one of the most emotional and urgent conversations I've had. I sat down with Elizabeth Dubois, MBA, Ph.D. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Albany and the cousin of Army National Guard veteran JJ Millet, to talk about a situation that raises serious questions about how we treat veterans in crisis. What we discussed isn't easy, but it's necessary. What Happened to JJ Millet JJ is currently facing domestic terrorism charges following a psychiatric crisis. A crisis that was reportedly triggered by a change in medication prescribed through the VA system. As Elizabeth walked me through the timeline, one thing became clear: JJ didn't act out of malice; he reached out for help. He decided to call the 988 crisis line He voluntarily surrendered his weapons He took steps that, to me, reflect someone trying to do the right thing in a moment of distress Those actions don't look like a threat; they look like someone asking for help. When Seeking Help Becomes a Risk One of the most troubling parts of this conversation was learning how JJ's personal therapeutic journals were characterized. What were intended as private tools for healing were initially labeled as a “manifesto.” That kind of mischaracterization carries serious weight, and serious consequences. Because it raises a difficult but important question: What message does this send to other veterans? If someone in crisis does everything we encourage, calls for help, surrenders weapons, seeks support, yet still faces severe criminal charges, what does that do to trust in the system? A Bigger Issue Than One Case Elizabeth and JJ are united in one message: This is bigger than one person. This is about: Mental health support for veterans Accountability in how cases like this are handled Ensuring that seeking help never becomes a liability Protecting those who have already served and sacrificed Because when the system fails, even once, it creates hesitation for others who might be on the edge of reaching out. And hesitation, in moments of crisis, can be dangerous. Compassion, Not Fear What stayed with me most after this conversation was the need for compassion. Veterans should never feel like asking for help could lead to punishment. They should feel supported, understood, and protected. That's the standard we should be holding ourselves to. How You Can Help You can make a difference. Start by sharing JJ's story. Start conversations. Raise awareness about the importance of mental health support for veterans. Because change begins when people are willing to speak up. Final Thoughts JJ, you are not alone. And to Elizabeth, thank you for your courage in telling this story and standing up for your family. This conversation is a reminder that we still have work to do, but it's also a call to action. We are Oscar Mike, Mission in Flight.

In the debut episode of the Power of Social Work Podcast, and as part of Social Work Talks Careers in Social Work Series, the NASW New York Chapter sits down with German Sanchez, MA, LCSW, RDT, Board President, alongside Policy Coordinators Amanda Rodriguez (Pressly), M.S. and Gideon Mosse. German shares his journey from military service in the Army National Guard to becoming a behavioral health officer and clinical supervisor, highlighting how personal experiences shaped his path into social work. The conversation dives into the realities of earning an LCSW, navigating burnout, and finding purpose in a demanding field.   Through powerful client stories and real-world advocacy insights, this episode explores what sets social workers apart—meeting people where they are, working from a systems perspective, and driving meaningful change both in individual lives and across communities.   The team also breaks down the critical role of advocacy, the work happening behind the scenes at NASWNY, and how social workers can use their collective voice to influence policy, improve working conditions, and strengthen the profession. Whether you're a student, seasoned professional, or considering a career in social work, this episode is a compelling look at the impact and power of the field.

Powered By Think KindnessIn this powerful conversation, host Brian Williams sits down with Duncan Kirkwood the Director of the Center for Resiliency at Villa Maria College. Duncan shares his journey from serving as a Master Resilience Trainer in the Army National Guard to becoming a nationally recognized speaker who empowers educators and students across the country.The discussion tackles the sobering reality that in 2012, more soldiers died by suicide than in combat, sparking Duncan's mission to teach mental toughness beyond the military. Duncan brings a military-tested resilience framework to schools, offering educators a powerful reframe: teachers are first responders whose work saves lives.Connect with Duncan:Website: DuncanKirkwood.comInstagram: @DuncanKirkwoodTikTok: @DuncanKirkwoodLinkedIn: Duncan KirkwoodSnapchat: @DuncanKirkwoodResources MentionedDuncan's Book:Rerouting: Resilience Tools and Tactics by Duncan Kirkwood - Available on Amazon Music:"Goodbye Yesterday" by Elevation Rhythm ft. Gracie Binion - Duncan's personal hype song, a Christian rock/gospel anthem about living in the light of a new day. Released May 2024 from the album Victory Lap.

Podcast: CYBR.SEC.CAST (LS 25 · TOP 10% what is this?)Episode: Episode 64: Rob LeePub date: 2026-03-19Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationDragos CEO and U.S. National Guard Lt. Col. Rob Lee joins hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder to discuss why he returned to military service, the growing cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and the role exercises like Cyber Fortress play in preparing both government and private sector operators for real-world cyber incidents. SHOW NOTES:Things Mentioned:Cyber Fortress 2026: https://va.ng.mil/Cyber-Fortress/Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/conference/CYBR.SEC.Careers: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/ fundraisers:Cards for a Cause: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4CzCYBR CLAY SHOOT: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9Proceeds support CYBR.SEC.Careers mission is to build a strong, diverse workforce by providing career exposure, access to education and certifications, and mentorship for students and veterans pursuing careers in cybersecurity.Episode 64 Timestamps:6:48 – Why Lee returned to military serviceLee explains how calls from government and military leaders prompted him to return to the National Guard to help address unresolved questions around defending operational technology (OT) during conflict.9:33 – Role in the 91st Cyber BrigadeLee describes his position as executive officer and the mission of the Army National Guard's cyber brigade.14:52 – Cyber Fortress exercise explainedLee walks through the origins of Cyber Fortress and how it evolved from a state-level exercise into a broader operational technology training environment.17:53 – How Cyber Fortress worksThe exercise combines training, red-team simulations, and participation from infrastructure operators to practice responding to real OT cyber incidents.20:10 – Cyber conflict and civilian infrastructureLee discusses the growing risk of state actors targeting hospitals, utilities, and other civilian infrastructure.24:23 – Cyber attacks that lead to loss of lifeLee argues the cybersecurity community must acknowledge that cyber operations have already contributed to real-world deaths.27:04 – The role of cyber in modern warfareThe discussion explores how cyber capabilities are increasingly intertwined with traditional military conflict.Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at media@cscgroupllc.com The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from CYBR.SEC.Media, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

In this episode of the T&D World Line Life Podcast, we are highlighting Shawn Becker, a first-year lineman student at Ozarks Technical Community College and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. Shawn shares how he discovered the line trade, got involved with the training program and made connections during the International Linemen's Rodeo week. Listen for stories about military service, the lineman community and brotherhood, safety and wellness in the trade and Shawn's goals for a future that balances career opportunities with family life.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton A mixed‑reality rollout from the Army National Guard is giving students a firsthand look at the skills and careers behind disaster response With drones now touching everything from security to agriculture, The University of Texas at El Paso is gearing up to train the people and build the technology that this new landscape demands A new “drone killer” cartridge aims to give Marines a simple, low‑cost way to stop small drones with the rifles they already carrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new program called “Disasterville” brings National Guard missions into schools through a mix of physical props and virtual reality, letting students step into the middle of a flood, wildfire, or earthquake response. It's part of a broader effort to build awareness of the Guard's role in disaster relief. Here to explain the effort is Staff Sergeant Adam Szabo from the National Guard Bureau.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this edition of The Update Journal, we pause for a moment to remember a true New York broadcasting legend, Ernie Anastos—a man whose voice, presence, and professionalism helped define what it meant to be a trusted anchor in this city. Around here, we like to think of him as the gold standard… and frankly, the type of broadcaster many of us—including yours truly—aspire to become someday.Then we take a trip down commercial memory lane to revisit one of the most famous lines in advertising history: “You're going to like the way you look… I guarantee it.” If you grew up watching television in the ‘90s or early 2000s, you heard it a thousand times. And somehow, George Zimmer managed to make buying a suit sound less like shopping and more like a personal promise from a very confident uncle.And finally, in The Last Word, we explore the strange, spooky, and occasionally ridiculous lore behind Friday the 13th. Why do people fear it? Where did the superstition come from? And why does it seem like the moment the calendar flips to that date, half the population suddenly thinks walking under a ladder will summon instant doom?It's legends, guarantees, and a little superstition—all in today's Update Journal. Just try not to break a mirror while listening.In the headlines on #TheUpdate this Friday, this superhero should consider investing in a mask. The NYPD chief who went viral for rushing into action to take down two alleged ISIS-inspired botched bombers outside Grace Mansion doesn't want his newfound fame.New York City can ban foie gras sales, a state court ruled— the latest twist in a long-running saga that could clear the delicacy from local French restaurants' menus.And in Virginia, a former Army National Guard member who had spent eight years in prison for attempting to aid the Islamic State opened fire on a classroom at Virginia's Old Dominion University before ROTC students subdued and killed him, authorities said.

pWotD Episode 3237: Pathfinder Badge (United States) Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 150,014 views on Friday, 13 March 2026 our article of the day is Pathfinder Badge (United States).The Pathfinder Badge is a military badge of the United States Army awarded to soldiers who complete the U. S. Army Sabalauski Air Assault School's Pathfinder Course or the Army National Guard, Warrior Training Center, Mobile Training Team's Pathfinder Course at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.To be awarded the Pathfinder Badge, the soldier must complete Pathfinder instruction in advanced land navigation, advanced scouting, tactical air traffic control in the field, and the control of parachute operations; the badge is awarded on completing several examinations under field training exercise (FTX) conditions. Examinations include proficiency in sling load rigging and execution, planning and execution of helicopter landing zones (HLZ), air traffic control operations, aerial delivery of troops and supplies, and several others.The first Pathfinder Badge was designed by Lt. Prescott, a navigator in the 9th Troop Carrier Pathfinder Group (Provisional), in May 1944. Besides the paratroopers who earned it, the Pathfinder Badge was worn by IX Troop Carrier Command air crews who guided paratrooper transports and towed gliders. It was worn four inches above the left sleeve cuff on the service coat.The current Pathfinder Badge, originally made of felt, was approved on 22 May 1964. The badge began being made of enameled metal on 11 October 1968. The badge's wings symbolize flight and airborne capabilities, while the torch represents leadership and guidance. The torch traces back to the Olympians who carried the torch each year of the event to its location. US Army Pathfinders traditionally were the first to arrive ahead of larger elements to scout and designate areas in which aviation assets could perform their operations during combat.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 03:24 UTC on Saturday, 14 March 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Pathfinder Badge (United States) on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Joanna.

A former member of the Army National Guard, who had previously served eight years in prison for attempting to support the Islamic State, opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two separate shootings this week raised national security concerns. At Old Dominion University in Virginia, authorities say the gunman was Mohamed Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member previously convicted in 2016 of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. He served about 11 years in federal prison and was released in 2024 before killing one person and wounding two others. In Michigan, an attack at Temple Israel synagogue was carried out by Ayman Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon. Ghazali was killed by synagogue security during the attack. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send a textIn this episode Maria interviews Brittany Younker, the newest member of the EOD Warrior Foundation team. Brittany shares her journey from a small town in New Mexico to serving in the Army National Guard and transitioning to active duty. She discusses her motivations for joining the military, her experiences as a military police officer, and her eventual role as a logistics officer. Brittany also shares her personal story of meeting her husband, an EOD technician, and her excitement about joining the EOD community. The conversation highlights her family life, including her four boys and a new baby on the way, as well as her role at the EOD Warrior Foundation, where she will be working to support fellow veterans.Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Michael Ramos is passionate about the human side of leadership, helping others understand both the science and the art behind leading well. While leadership principles may be universal, he believes the expression of leadership is deeply personal—and most powerful when rooted in servant-hearted influence.Raised by parents who modeled servant leadership and shaped by nine years in the Army National Guard—including service in a Ranger and LRRP unit—Michael developed a lifelong commitment to building strong teams and resilient leaders. He holds a degree in Communications and Marketing from Central Michigan University and a Master's in Theological Studies from the International School of Theology. With additional experience in crisis management and security training for organizations and houses of worship, Michael brings both practical insight and spiritual depth to leadership conversations.

On today's show, host Douglas Haynes is in conversation with Chris Purdy, the Founder and CEO of the Chamberlain Network, an organization dedicated to mobilizing veterans to protect democratic values and institutions. They discuss the changing civilian-military relations in the second Trump presidency, the tradition of the military as an apolitical institution, and the militarization of ICE. Purdy is himself a veteran and says his story is an American one: his family migrated to the US due to violence in Belfast and he joined the army to serve his country. He's noticed that after their service ends, veterans often “don't feel comfortable in their veteran-ness.” So he founded his organization with the goal of creating a non-partisan but political space for veterans to work for their communities. Purdy is concerned about the misuse of active duty forces through the Insurrection Act and he breaks down what the law says about when the military can be used for law enforcement.  He says that because veterans are often credible members of their communities, they can be champions of democracy. Contrary to the way the Trump administration is “laundering military credibility for their agenda” The Chamberlain Network is organizing retired veterans, business and church leaders, and others to help their communities feel safe to vote during elections. They also discuss Trump's restructuring of military leadership, Purdy's article about the misuse of the National Guard, how ICE is acting recklessly by enforcing a political agenda, and the longstanding practice of ICE and other law enforcement recruiting from the military and the “warrior class.” Purdy insists that active duty service members and veterans aren't ICE, DHS, or other federal law enforcement agencies.  Chris Purdy is the Founder and CEO of The Chamberlain Network, an organization dedicated to mobilizing veterans to protect democratic values and institutions. A former Combat Engineer in the Army National Guard and an Iraq War veteran, Chris also has extensive experience supporting immigrant communities, having previously led veterans' initiatives at an international human rights organization. He also has a background in education, serving as a Special Education teacher and school administrator. Featured image: photo of Chris Purdy courtesy of The Chamberlain Network. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post How Veterans Can Reduce Polarization appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Send a textI talk with Natasha and Lee from Points for Patriots to explore Battle Buds, a veteran wellness program that pairs yoga with hydroponic gardening to rebuild structure, lower stress, and deliver fresh food to neighbors in need. Former NFL player Lee Hightower and Army veteran yogi Natasha Rector share how breath, plants, and community help veterans find purpose and calm.• origin of Points for Patriots and its three pillars of wellness, connectedness, social entrepreneurship• Lee's path from NFL to Japan to urban gardening• Natasha's Army Guard service, deployment, and yoga certification• why yoga and hydroponics align for veteran wellness• how Battle Buds works week to week on Zoom• what cohorts grow and why leafy greens win• patience, breath, and routine as transition tools• bridging veterans, civilians, spouses, and youth• Boca cohort details and donating produce locally• ways to join, volunteer, or giveGive them your money. Go to pointsforpatriots.org and give them your money Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

Join host Sam Davidson as he unpacks the extraordinary journey of Michael Burcham, the founding CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. From his humble beginnings in rural Mississippi, Michael shares how a dream to escape his small-town bubble led him to the Army National Guard for college, a dynamic career in healthcare, and ultimately, to becoming a prolific founder, investor, professor, and four-time author.   This episode is a masterclass in resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of giving back. Michael details the challenges and triumphs of founding two successful healthcare companies, Teraphysics and Paradigm Health, including how he overcame dozens of rejections to secure his first investor, strategically pivoted business models for explosive growth, and navigated lucrative exits. He then recounts the inspiring story behind the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, from its audacious vision of a physical hub for entrepreneurs to the monumental task of renovating its historic Hillyard home with no debt.   Dive into Michael's profound insights on the entrepreneurial mindset, including lessons from his books, "The Art of Startup Failure" and "The Seven Deadly Emotions of Entrepreneurship." Discover his three critical guideposts for discerning when to pivot versus persevere, and learn why fostering relationships is the bedrock of lasting success. Michael also shares his current focus at Shore Capital and his mission to empower entrepreneurs who are driven not just by profit, but by a desire to scale for impact and "send the elevator back down" for the next generation.    Episode Highlights:  0:06  - Meet Michael Burcham: Founder, Author, Investor, Professor  1:07  - Michael's first glimpse of entrepreneurship in rural Mississippi  1:38  - Starting his first business at 14: The lawnmower venture  2:44  - The deep-seated drive to expand beyond his small-town upbringing  3:41  - How the Army National Guard paved Michael's path to college  4:34  - Launching a career in healthcare and earning an MBA at HCA  8:04  - Founding Teraphysics: Overcoming 30 rejections to raise crucial capital  10:59  - The strategic business model pivots that propelled Teraphysics' success  19:07  - Co-founding and scaling his second impactful company, Paradigm Health  23:38  - The ambitious vision behind establishing the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC)  31:00  - The monumental challenge and triumph of renovating the EC's historic Hillyard building  34:40  - Why strong relationships are non-negotiable for entrepreneurial success  37:40  - Transitioning from the EC to Shore Capital and embarking on an authorship journey  41:35  - Key takeaways and wisdom from "The Art of Startup Failure"  44:27  - Exploring "The Seven Deadly Emotions of Entrepreneurship" and navigating internal struggles  49:01  - Michael's three essential guideposts for deciding when to pivot  54:23  - Michael's current mission: Coaching entrepreneurs to scale for impact, not just profit, and his upcoming book, "Blood, Sweat, and Equity"  Listen now to gain Michael's unique perspective on entrepreneurship. Subscribe to Circle Back for more inspiring stories. Share this episode with aspiring founders and business leaders, and leave us a review to help others discover valuable content.   Relevant Links:   Michael Burcham's Books Nashville Entrepreneur Center Shore Capital Partners Connect with Michael Burcham Circle Back Podcast Nashville Post

Because Miami returns to talk about First Amendment violations and Francis Suarez scandals. First, Army National Guard veteran Raquel Pacheco talks about her Constitutional rights being infringed due to Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner sending a cop to her home because of a social media post he found too mean. And Miami New Times writer Naomi Feinstein talks about the...not one...not two...but THREE scandals that the former mayor of Miami finds himself in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed Latimore is a former professional heavyweight boxer, a competitive chess player, sobriety advocate, physics graduate, U.S. Army National Guard veteran, and a bestselling author of Not Caring What Other People Think Is a Superpower and Sober Letters to My Drunken Self. He grew up in Pittsburgh's housing projects and fought poverty, addiction, and trauma with the discipline of boxing and the clarity of stoic philosophy. His newest book, Hard Lessons from the Hurt Business: Boxing and the Art of Life, was released last year.  Ed joined host Robert Glazer on The Elevate Podcast to discuss his boxing career, lessons learned from a life of fighting, and why you shouldn't care what people think. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠masterclass.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Framer: ⁠⁠⁠framer.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠ Northwest Registered Agent: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠northwestregisteredagent.com/elevatefree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Homeserve: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠homeserve.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Indeed: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠indeed.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Timmons shares with host Andrew Stotz how a decade of frustration running his physical therapy practice turned into joy once he discovered Deming's philosophy and embraced systems thinking. Through PDSA cycles, clearer processes, and genuine team involvement, he transformed Fitness Matters from chaotic growth to a scalable organization getting stellar outcomes. His story shows how small businesses can create stability, joy in work, and remarkable results by improving the system rather than pushing harder.   TRANSCRIPT   0:00:02.1 Andrew Stotz: My name is Andrew Stotz and I'll be your host as we continue our journey into the teachings of Dr. W. Edwards Deming. Today I'm here with featured guest Travis Timmons. Travis, are you ready to tell us about your Deming journey?   0:00:19.7 Travis Timmons: Hey Andrew, thanks for having me. And yeah, very excited to share our journey and how impactful it's been on both our company, but also me personally and my family. So, super excited to kind of share where we started before Deming and where we're at today. So I'll just dive right in if that sounds like a good...   0:00:39.9 Andrew Stotz: Yeah. And I think just for the audience here, I'll just mention that Travis is physical therapist, founder and president of Fitness Matters in Columbus, Ohio, going on his 27th year of business. And you know, you and I have had some discussions. You've had a lot of great things that you've written and we've gone through and I think it's really an exciting story, particularly for a small mid sized business owner who's just frustrated as hell that things aren't going the way that they want. And I think your frustration a long time ago was a driving force. So I'm excited for you to share your story. So yeah, take it away.   0:01:22.6 Travis Timmons: Yeah, very excited. Yeah, 2000 is when we started, January 2000. So coming up on 27 years, as you mentioned, do physical therapy and wellness. And the first 10 years I was in business, pretty good at being a physical therapist. Started my own business and had no idea how to run a business. I knew a lot about physical therapy, but just kind of shooting from the hip in regard to business. Spent about a decade struggling, frustrated. We were growing, but growing slowly, growing chaotically. No process, it was just a, it was a heavy burden, to be honest with you. We were growing, but it was kind of Herculean effort on my part.   0:02:10.1 Andrew Stotz: I'm just curious how you were feeling at that time. Like there's gotta be a better way or this is the way business is and I just gotta muscle through this or how were you feeling at the time?   0:02:21.0 Travis Timmons: I was feeling frustrated and isolated. Didn't quite know where to turn. Yeah, I guess that's how, and just a burden. Didn't want to let the team down, I did not want the business to fail. I knew we had something different to offer. Just really had no idea how to scale that in a professional way. And along the journey was very fortunate to have a client who had a very successful business, took me under his wing. Ray Crook is his name. Started mentoring me and as luck would have it, he was familiar with Dr. Deming and a very long story short, after several meetings with him over time, some mentoring, I'd read the book along the way, the E-Myth Revisited and had some learnings from that book that really jumped out at me and came to the conclusion, both with reading that book and some feedback from Ray of basically, hey, it's time to grow up and turn this into a real business. If you're going to do this, let's do it right. And at that, around that time he introduced me to Kelly Allen with the Deming Institute. And you know, so we were 10 years into some chaos, had really no process, just would try stuff, see if it stuck or didn't.   0:03:43.5 Travis Timmons: If that didn't work, didn't really have any way to measure if stuff was working well. So really just a lot of chaos. And became introduced to Deming through Kelly Allen about 10 to 11 years into our journey and man, was that a breath of fresh air in terms of like having a direction to go in. After a few meetings with Kelly, him getting a better understanding of what was important to me, I think him just really understanding that I was serious about wanting to turn our organization into a large, professionally run and well run organization that would have a positive impact on people's lives, both team members and clients. I think he kind of, I think that we were so bad off he took pity on me to begin with, just to be honest with you, and he was like, man, this guy needs a lot of help. He could do some good in the world with what the services they have to offer. But if he doesn't figure out how to run a business professionally, they're never going to scale.   0:04:44.0 Andrew Stotz: And it's interesting that you reached out. I mean, there's a lot of people that are stuck in that situation and they really don't, either they don't reach out or they're afraid to reach out or you know, maybe they think there's no solution or nobody's going to help me. And you know, certainly when you're small, you also don't have huge budgets to hire people to come in and fix your business. You know, I'm just curious, like what drove you to even reach out?   0:05:09.8 Travis Timmons: I think I was fortunate enough to, A, have the mentor with Ray. And then secondly, have always been a believer in you got to check your ego at the door and know that you don't know everything. I think I've seen Business owners that are afraid to admit they don't know everything and so they keep things insulated and that just doesn't get you anywhere.   0:05:35.7 Andrew Stotz: Yeah.   0:05:36.3 Travis Timmons: So I just was fortunate kind of how I was raised as arrogance isn't a good thing, so check your ego at the door and learn from, learn from people smarter than you. And so I kind of took that fully at heart and like, all right, I have no idea how to run a business. I need to learn how to do that from really smart people. Read a lot of business books over the years, but the Deming philosophy, when I was introduced to that at the two and a half day seminar, went to that. I got to the Deming two and a half day in, I think that was 2013. So I was 13 years into the entire journey by the time I had met with Kelly, done some learning. And then at a time where the Deming two and a half day was offered in Ohio to where I could get to it, to your point earlier, budget plays into things for small businesses. So I was able to drive to that one and that two and a half day seminar just opened my eyes up to things that I knew in my heart but had no idea how to make that happen.   0:06:46.2 Travis Timmons: And what I mean by that, Andrew, is one of the key things I took away from that first two and a half day is Deming's belief that roughly 96% of issues within an organization are not people issues, but they're process and system issues. And that aligned with my worldview of if you hire good people, which we did, they show up every day wanting to do a good job as long as they have a good system and process to work within something that's professionally put together. So that was takeaway number one that really resonated with me. And the person responsible for said system is me. There's no passing the buck as the owner. And that resonated with me. It's a big responsibility to own a business in terms of the people and clients you're responsible for. And there's no passing the buck. You're responsible for the system at the end of the day.   0:07:42.3 Andrew Stotz: Yeah. I remember when I was 24 attending Deming seminar, when I was working for Pepsi, and it was a little bit different situation than yours. I could see, though, the same thing resonated with me. I could see that people were hemmed in by the system. And even though many people in the factory had really good intentions and they wanted to do a better job, they literally couldn't because they didn't have the tools or the budget or the this or the that. And a lot of times it's easy for senior management, particularly in a big company, to say figure it out, your job is to figure it out. But that only goes so far and there's eventually a point of exasperation for people working in a company that, like, I just, there's a limit here and I'm not going to kill myself trying to do something that I can't change. And so it just, I was coming from a very different perspective as an employee in a huge company versus you at a perspective of, this is my company, I set the rules.   0:08:46.5 Travis Timmons: Yeah, can do whatever we want. And you mentioned something there. It reminds me of a quote from that first two and a half day, and it still sticks with me a decade and a half later. Almost a lot of businesses complain about the term. We have a lot of dead wood in terms of employees. And the quote, I remember Kelly sharing this, it's like, well, did you hire dead wood? Because if you did, that's on you. Or did you hire live wood and kill it and that's on you from your standpoint of, from a system. And I'm like, man, 100% true. And I hired, I had good people on our team, but we didn't have good processes to keep from killing that live wood I would say. So, yeah. And to your point on budget, yeah, I had and still do have quite a bit different budget than Pepsi. Right. So one of the other things that jumped out at me early on that made Deming very approachable and something I could engage with very easily as a small business owner was the concept of PDSAs, the Plan-Do-Study-Act.   0:09:58.5 Travis Timmons: That was a game changer for us because I was like, all right, I don't have to hire a big business consultant. We don't have to hire or pay for a bunch of software. There's very simple things we can do via the Plan, Do Study Act PDSA method that we can create systems or improve upon systems and those little experimental ways and not have to bet the farm. You know, you see a lot of businesses that try to go through these huge transformative activities, bring in a new software to fix all their problems. Things that are very expensive with no real way of understanding what their aim is, what their theory is, or even if it'll work. So, yeah, your comment on budget there, I think, is what makes Deming so approachable for any size organization, but the budget's really not a limit from the PDSA standpoint. So those were some of my key takeaways very early on on my first two and a half day Deming, it was an eye opener and just really resonated with how, how I saw the world in terms of from a human level. Just had zero idea as a physical therapist with no business training on how to implement and run a professional organization.   0:11:13.8 Travis Timmons: So as things evolved, kind of went from the kind of the term chaos to process. So after that two and a half day, I went back to our team, which was small at the time. I think we had, we were a very small company at the time. I think we had 10 employees, nine or 10 team members at the time and just presented to them like, hey, this is going to be how we run our organization. There's this thing I heard about this guy called Dr. Deming. Some of it's going to seem a little odd, but this is how we're going to do things. And just started out early on, like just with PDSA, educated them on what that meant and we're all going to work on things together. So immediately it started enforcing a culture of improvement and collaboration and voice. Rather than Travis just coming up with random ideas, we worked on them together, made the system visible and then put some experiments in place. I talked to them about operational definition. That was a new term to me and gave them some examples. We wanted every client to have a good visit with us.   0:12:29.2 Travis Timmons: What in the heck does a good visit mean? Right. We didn't have an operational definition of that, so we created an operational definition of this is a good visit at Fitness Matters. So those were some fun things early on.   0:12:42.3 Andrew Stotz: I'm curious. There's two things, the first one is for someone that really doesn't know anything about PDSA, the Plan, Do, Study, Act process or cycle. Could you give an example either of one that you did early on or one that you think is the best illustration of the application of PDSA so people can understand what you're saying, because I know it's a big part of what one of the, let's say, tools that you've used in your process.   0:13:10.1 Travis Timmons: Yeah, one of the early on ones we did that was fun to do with the team because it changed our pricing model for our private pay team. Quick example, like we do personal training and Pilates muscle activation technique. Traditionally in that world, people buy those visits one at a time or you'll buy a package of 10 or 20 at a time at a discounted rate, volume, volume pricing, right. So we had that, we had 10 pack and 20 pack of personal training. We had a 10 pack and 20 pack of Pilates, same for muscle activation technique. And we had clients that would do sometimes all three of those services, but for them to be able to optimize their discount, they had to buy a 20 pack of Pilates, a 20 pack of personal training, and then the same with muscle activation technique. So after learning some things with Dr. Deming at the two and a half day that Kelly presented at, it's like we got to be easier to do business with. Be easy to do business with and how can we do that? So our PDSA was how can we change our pricing model on the private pay services to be easier to do business with and optimize how clients can move in our system freely.   0:14:25.9 Travis Timmons: So part of the concept of PDSA is you trial it, you put your whole theory together of what you think will be true. How are you going to study it? How long are you going to try it? So we had four clients that we knew well, that we told them, we're trying this new pricing model. Would you be willing to experiment on this with us? So we didn't roll it out company wide. We just tried it with a small segment, and we called it Fitness Matters Dollars and the do the Fitness Matters Dollars package. Then the client could use that discounted bundle of money for any of our services. So the discount applied to any of the services they did rather than having to buy a bunch of different packages. So the beauty of it is you can try it small. Had we gotten it wrong, we could have thrown it out and only five clients would have experienced the error. And they knew they were part of an experiment and they were happy to help us improve. It was a big win. That was 12 years ago. That's still how we do our pricing today.   0:15:29.1 Travis Timmons: It makes it very easy for clients to optimize their health within our system and not have to spend a bunch of money with us and have a lot of monetary resistance moving about our system. So that's one example that comes to mind.   0:15:41.4 Andrew Stotz: That's a good one. And I think if you think about, let's say an accountant may say, well, but wait a minute, the cost of three different services is different and that's the idea of how do we simplify this for the client, and that's interesting. Now, did you write it down, did you go to a Whiteboard. How did you actually go through that process?   0:16:02.9 Travis Timmons: Oh, that's 13 years ago. You're testing my...   0:16:06.5 Andrew Stotz: Oh, well, you can think about a current one, too.   0:16:09.6 Travis Timmons: 12 years ago. Yeah. When we're doing a current one, we'll get together as a team. Like, we're having our annual team off-site the end of January. And we'll come up, we try to come away with three, maybe four PDSAs as a team, and we'll write it up on the whiteboard. What's the problem we're trying to solve? Another key quote I've learned from Kelly Allen over the years is "the problem named, is the problem solved." So we want to make sure we're naming the right problem first. What really is the problem? So we talk about that through our entire company so that I'm getting feedback from all pieces of the system and then we'll map it out. Sometimes we'll do fishbone charts to look where in the process are we trying to do an experiment? And then there's the PDSA kind of chart that we'll use for bigger ones so we can study it. What's our aim? What's our theory? What do we think is going to happen with this experiment? How long are we going to study it, and what's our expected outcome? So part of the PDSA magic, as you know, is what are you trying to accomplish by what method, in what time frame, and what do you think is going to happen so you can go back and test your theory after you've studied it? So, yeah, sometimes we, if it's something bigger system-wide, we put it down on paper. We have a PDF that's fillable for each new PDSA.   0:17:35.5 Andrew Stotz: And for some people listening, they may think, well, I mean, isn't that what business does? I mean like owner comes up with an idea and says, yeah, I think we could try this and see what happens. Right. And ultimately everybody's kind of poking in the dark in business. We're not given a manual nobody really knows what we're doing. What's the difference between the way that you are poking in the dark, trying to hey, let's try this, let's try that compared to the PDSA.   0:18:08.5 Travis Timmons: I don't think I learned that till my second Deming two and a half day. So the second time I went, I took some senior team members with me so we could get more eyes around what in the world is this Deming person, who is Dr. Deming? What's this System of Profound Knowledge? To answer your question, I think the realization I had that I didn't have before, kind of going down the Deming journey is I didn't view our business as an entire system. I lacked that awareness of system view versus pieces and parts view. Pre-Deming, there's a problem over here and you go chase that fire and then another problem pop up over here, and to your point like there's lots of books out there on how to solve problems or you know, you hear like there's books out there on ownership thinking. And you know, it's like, well, do you have a culture and a system and by what method do you give people the ability to have that ownership thinking? Yeah, I think that's was the big aha of looking at the entire system. Whereas previously I was looking at it in silos and only trying to solve problems when a fire arose rather than system operationally efficient, trying to get efficient and optimizing the entire system. So that was probably one of the big aha's for me. Didn't happen day one. But as I got to understand Deming more, the system view of how it all has to be working together for optimization just changes your lens totally.   0:19:51.5 Andrew Stotz: So you've talked about PDSA, you've talked about operational definitions, you've talked about systems thinking, three core principles. One last thing on PDSA is like, I wonder what percent of the total value of doing PDSA comes from doing PDSA. In other words, the actual part of forcing yourself to get people in a room to discuss what's the problem, the Fishbone diagram, think about what's our aim, what's our theory, what's our hypothesis? Let's write that down. How are we going to study that? How we know if our hypothesis was true and you know, that type of thing. And sometimes I, after listening to you, I was thinking it, I suspect that a large amount of the final benefit you get from a PDSA is really front end loaded in all the work that you do to set it up.   0:20:48.3 Travis Timmons: Yeah, yeah. Going back to your comment earlier Andrew, on when you were at Pepsi, if I heard you correctly, you didn't really have the ability to share voice or to have an impact on the system. I think you're spot on, the PDSA itself, a couple things, number one as a small business owner, you got to check your ego at the door. Your team sees stuff happening that you don't have visibility on and they're probably going to have better ideas on how to fix it than you might if you're removed from it a step or two. And then the culture of like, oh, Travis is going to listen to my ideas. I find value in that. And then when we implement a change, like nobody likes change. Right? But when you've worked on it collectively as a team and you're ready to move forward with it, that's a game changer. You're not pushing a string at that point. Everybody's leaning in because they understand they're part of the solution and you're allowing that. Where a lot of businesses are top down, command and control, that doesn't usually work very well. So yeah, I think you're spot on, Andrew.   0:22:02.5 Travis Timmons: I think that so much happens with the PDSA process from a culture and team involvement. And if you don't have that, you're going to have a hard time retaining team members, in my opinion.   0:22:16.9 Andrew Stotz: So you look like a pretty relaxed guy compared to probably what you were like many years ago when this all was going on. Maybe take us through. Okay, so you're implementing these things and what's happening, what changes are happening, what transformation is going on with you and with your organization?   0:22:36.9 Travis Timmons: Yeah, so it's a multi-year process that we went through. Still a lot of work, you know, it's not like, hey, this just solves every problem. It just changes all the lenses you look through and you have a by what method path. Here's how we are going to think about our business. So that got rid of a lot of confusion for me. I knew how we were going to go from this size business to my, we had a BHAG, Big Hairy Audacious Goal from Good to Great. We wanted to have four facilities. At the time I went through Deming, we had one. We wanted to have four facilities or more to see if we could replicate our high level of care, team member engagement, all those things. So we were working, I was working just as many hours then. It just was not frustrating, it was exciting. It was a lot of collaboration that was energizing and everything as we scaled got easier. I was not going to be able to scale our business with what I was doing because had I scaled it, the headaches would have just been out of control. The loss of revenue, like there would have just been so much inefficiency on our organization.   0:24:00.4 Travis Timmons: So I would say for that next from 2013 through 2018, we got really locked in. So we spent about, I was a little conservative at the time. I was also in Army National Guard, so had a trip across the pond and just wasn't quite at a point where I could financially roll the dice and start multiplying locations and stuff like that. But around 2018, 2019, we got to the point where the team knew Deming well. I felt like we put a lot of systems, processes in place that were replicatable and I'm like, all right, here comes a real big PDSA. We're going to go get another clinic, we're going to go do another location, and we're going to test it. So that was a big PDSA. A lot of the ones we had done up to that were small. At some point you got to go a little bigger. And we were very confident in our model. So we acquired a practice in our town and like, hey, 80% of what they do is what we do, 20% is not Deming and service lines and stuff like that. So our theory, our PDSA, was can we acquire and put Fitness Matters, culture and process in place and grow?   0:25:26.3 Travis Timmons: And we did. We were very successful with that. I had team member retention with that. You know, a lot of times when you buy out another business kind of, people head for the doors, including the owner. That owner is still working with us six years later, then we started growing. It's like, all right, here we go. We can do another one. We can do another one. Put leadership in place at each location that understand Deming. We have our processes written down. We have operational definitions written down. People know what PDSA is. If they're new to our team, it takes them about six months to figure out what all these acronyms mean. So now we're going quicker since, you know, since in the last four years, as an example, we've tripled our physical therapy volume and doubled our private pay wellness volume. And in the service line, that's fairly fast growth. Probably not fast in the IT world, but in the service line growth in a very competitive market with how physical therapy and referrals work. There aren't many private practices left out there because it's so competitive where we're thriving.   0:26:41.4 Andrew Stotz: It seems like a hard business. It seems like a hard business to scale because there's this personal aspect, there's this interaction. You know, think about the exact opposite. I don't know, let's say Instagram or whatever. There's zero personal interaction. It can scale to billions. What are the constraints to growth that you feel in your business.   0:27:03.3 Travis Timmons: So constraints are reimbursement from health insurance, referrals from physicians, because health care is consolidating. So a health care system buys up smaller organizations, physicians, and then they have physical therapy within those systems and then they're highly encouraged to refer their physical therapy in-house. So that's a big challenge for us. So we don't, we're not owned by physicians. So we have to, we have to be the best at what we do for physicians and clients to want to choose us. So one of the things Dr. Deming really big on at quality, right. You have to continually have a system that has improving quality as you grow. And the way we grow is we have our outcomes. So how well a patient does at the end of a plan of care is roughly 35% higher than national average. We're 35% above the competition because of our processes, our system, our clients, how we look at integrating our clients from the first visit, the first phone call, follow-on visits, the entire, again, thinking back to that system conversation. And I think a lot of businesses, if they haven't been exposed to Deming, they miss that very critical piece of, if your sales isn't aligned with your implementation, isn't aligned with your billing process, anywhere along that service line, going through that fishbone, if it's all not good, like we could give excellent physical therapy care, but if we have a horrible billing system, we lose clients, end of story. If we have a horrible process of answering the phone to schedule evaluations, we're out of business.   0:29:00.0 Travis Timmons: Could have the best physical therapists in the world. So, yeah, that's what it's allowed us to do from a scaling and fun standpoint. And kind of now almost 27 years in we're at a point where, one of the litmus tests I had, like, if we do this well, if we really are all-in on Deming and it's system process definitions and we have it mapped out, this should run without Travis. And I see a lot of business owners are the choke point. Like they want to be the problem solver for everything. Everything has to flow through them, slow stuff down. You're not getting all of the information from your team that could solve problems so much quicker. So one of my litmus tests early on was like, if this really works well, the business should run without me present certainly for weeks and weeks at a time. And we're there. So that's why I look Relaxed now. I didn't look this relaxed a decade ago. So, it's fun, it's fun.   0:30:11.5 Andrew Stotz: I was looking for my Out of the Crisis book, but I went online and I wanted to highlight two of the 14 points because it's something that you mentioned about improving your process and all of that. And the first one is the first point and you know, it's the first point for a reason. And number one is "create constancy of purpose towards improvement of product and service with the aim to become competitive and stay in business and provide jobs." And number five is "improve constantly and forever, the system of production and service to improve quality and productivity and thus constantly decrease costs." So how do you embody that in your business, this, because when I first read the "constancy of purpose," I originally thought it meant pick your direction and stay constant with that. But then I started to realize, no, no, it's about how are we improving our product and service.   0:31:18.9 Travis Timmons: Yeah. So if you're not evolving with, technology is everywhere. Right. So if you're not paying attention to that within how it impacts your business and constantly trying to optimize how technology interfaces with your business, you're in trouble. So, like, we're right now getting ready to, I'd say once a year we do something fairly large within technology. Next year we're going to probably be changing our documentation software because there's a newer one out there that instead of having four different softwares we have to interface with, there'll be one. So that cuts down on rework, that cuts down on learning time for a new team member. There's less resistance for clients to understand how scheduling and billing work. So I don't know if I'm answering your question, Andrew, but I think from a standpoint of, I think it was Jack Welch I heard say years ago in an interview, "there's two ways a business is going. You're either growing or you're dying." And that resonated with me, there's no sitting still because if you do, you're going to get run over. So that's always looking through, can we make it easier to schedule?   0:32:40.0 Travis Timmons: Like right now we don't offer online scheduling for physical therapy. We will in 2026. And if we don't figure that out, it could be a reason that we would eventually go out of business. So I just looked through that mindset. There's always somebody coming after you.   0:32:58.7 Andrew Stotz: Yeah, yeah, that's...   0:33:00.3 Travis Timmons: Complacency doesn't work.   0:33:01.3 Andrew Stotz: I like to think about when I was young and I took a break and I stood still. I was standing on the flat ground, no problem. But now with my 87 year old mother, if she goes one day, two days, three days without movement, she's going backwards and it's harder to catch back up. And I start to realize she's operating on a plane that has been slanted against her. And eventually the slant will win against all of us. But in the world of business if you think, well it's not about growing or dying, well, there's someone out there trying to take your business by providing a better product or service. And that's just the reality that actually is invigorating to know that, and as Dr. Deming said to have a great competitor is such a valuable thing. If you're just poking around and you're doing okay in market you're probably not going to improve as much. So that the focus on improvement is something that I just find really fascinating. There's another question that I have which is these days, way I look at like the job of leadership is that it's like imagine a very strong magnet ahead of you and you're constantly pulled to that magnet.   0:34:37.7 Andrew Stotz: That magnet is the average, the consensus what everybody's doing. And you can't help but feel that force. And if you don't realize that you're being affected by that force, you're just being pulled into it. And what I mean by that is if you say, well, what if we tried something different, a different way of doing something and then you go to customers, no, sorry, your competitor does this. If you don't do that, I'm not going to give you the business. And so you're naturally drawn towards the center or towards consensus, but what you're doing is trying to pull your business and yourself and your thinking and your team away from that and saying there's a different way. And how hard is that?   0:35:24.4 Travis Timmons: It's hard. You have to have a different lens. Comment earlier, the problem named is the problem solved. One of the things, I love that analogy. I've never heard it described that way. In physical therapy it's very common for a physical therapist to have two or three patients scheduled at the same time because the problem that was named by most organizations is poor arrival rate. And if you have holes in your schedule you're not getting paid. So they look at that as a revenue loss. So to answer your question, that's where our industry is. Like you got a double, triple book or you're going to have lower revenue. Well, what that does is it increases, in my opinion, increases the likelihood that people are not going to come because they're going to have a bad experience, they're going to have poor outcomes. Physicians are going to stop referring because their patients aren't getting better. So problem named is the problem solved? And we pulled, I like that magnet. I'm going to use that one. But pulled away and said, no, if we provide one on one care at a very high level and the entire system works well for the patient, they're going to show up, they're going to continue to show up.   0:36:49.0 Travis Timmons: They're going to be happy to pay for the service we're offering because it's going to be exceptional. And because they show up, they're going to get better. And because they get better, they're going to go tell their doctor and then more doctors are going to refer to us. And that's thinking much differently. So that gets to the problem name, problem solved. Or using your magnet example, we are like, physicians come and talk to us all the time. They're like, are you really only seeing the patients one-on-one? Are you really doing that? Because nobody else says they can do that. It's like, yes, we are. That's exactly how we're doing it. And that's why you're here talking to us right now. Because it's so much different. You can't, there's some things that are just immeasurable. Like Dr. Deming talks about that quite a bit. We don't have to market, we don't spend... I shouldn't say, we don't have to market. We don't spend nearly the amount of money on marketing that our competitors do because we have physicians saying, hey, what's different over there? That's invisible. Right? That's invisible.   0:37:56.9 Andrew Stotz: And they weren't saying that in the beginning, but over the time they got that...   0:38:01.4 Travis Timmons: Yeah, yeah. It's a process, but you know, like the flywheel. We use that flywheel example. And now it's like, we're having a hard time hiring enough team members to keep up with the growth. One of the other thing's, "joy in work." Dr. Deming talks about joy in work a lot. And that's to your question earlier about continual improvement and jobs. So we exist, there's a lot of burnout in healthcare. You can't hardly open a business article.   0:38:37.7 Andrew Stotz: Seems paradoxical.   0:38:40.4 Travis Timmons: But it's because two and three patients at a time burdened with administrative stuff. So we also exist because, man, it's so fun when you have a team member join you from one of those other organizations and we've had eight new team members we've hired since July. And I have what I call a fresh eyes lunch with them a month in. And every one of them has said, my spouse can't believe how much happier and more enjoyable I am to be around. If that doesn't motivate you to want to continue to grow, I don't know what does. So that's the joy in work piece that Dr. Deming talked about a lot.   0:39:24.6 Andrew Stotz: And let's now talk about one other thing, which is I was just talking, I gave a speech last night in Bangkok to some business owners and then we had a dinner out and I was explaining to them that like, there's a disease that's come from America, not from Wuhan, China, in this case. It's come America, it's spread all across Thailand. And you really have to be careful with this disease. It's a deadly disease. And I said, and particularly Thailand, where there's harmony. People enjoy working together. They want a fun environment, they want to make friends at work. It's a little, it's very different from a US work environment where it's like, go there, deliver, go home, separate lives. That's not the way Thai people see work. And the disease is, the disease of individual KPIs and saying everybody, by optimizing each individual, we are optimizing the whole. And I'm trying to get them to realize like, there's another way. And I'm curious I'm sure if you're getting people from the bigger institutions and stuff, they're being KPI'd to death. And how do you, how do you manage the idea that I don't want to optimize the individual, I want to optimize the whole system, but yet I also want employees to know they gotta do a good job. So how do you manage that?   0:41:03.2 Travis Timmons: It's hard when somebody comes, because you're right, there's a lot of PTSD. I've got an example from today. So we turned on, within our system, there's a net promoter score that can be sent out to patients automatically after their first couple visits with us. And we turn it off and on from time to time just to get the voice of the customer, right. I think Dr. Deming talks about the voice of the customer and who all. So it's like, hey, we haven't done that in a while. We're going to turn it back on. And there were several therapists that were like, wait a minute, you're scoring me? And then if I get a low score, I'm in trouble. So we have to spend a lot of time educating the team on some of that old head trash. It's like, no, this is to study the system and where we can improve either improving our operational definition, whatever it is, give the team member tools on how to handle a difficult client. But to your point, you have, people's brains are so wired in the way you just described. So part of it is we, we let them know up front, like, here's why we don't have employee of the month at Fitness Matters.   0:42:15.4 Travis Timmons: Here's why we don't have the parking lot for employee of the month at Fitness. Like, all of those rewards, how all of the negative unintended consequences that can go along with that. Like even giving an individual an award in a group setting. Like, we had a team who's one of my clinic directors, the business she came from before, they had like a WWE, like the heavyweight wrestling, big champion belt. They had one of those. And each week somebody would give the belt to whoever they thought was the best employee that week. And she didn't get it for like two months in a row. And she was crushed. She's like, people don't like me. So it's fun to talk about the negative unintended consequences of the individual reward, the individual competitions. We could talk for an hour about motivating via monetary motivation. That's probably a whole nother podcast. But to answer your question, we have to make it very known why we don't do those things. Because as much as people hate some of that stuff, they also expect it. Yeah, why don't, why don't we have employee of the month? You mean I'm not going to get in trouble if I get a low net promoter score from one patient?   0:43:34.3 Travis Timmons: It's like, no, we know we hire good people. We know you do your best job every day. They could be upset because their billing didn't go correctly. So we just need to know. So I don't know if that answers your question, but it's a big thing because you do have to still track KPIs or you're out of business. Like, you do have to know what's going on within your system to measure it. It's just that concept of we all are responsible for the output of the system and the system has to produce exceptional results.   0:44:06.7 Andrew Stotz: Yeah, yeah.   0:44:07.9 Travis Timmons: And we have to have a weight by what method. We have to have a system to create whether you're doing plumbing, electrical work. Like if you're going to scale a business, you have to have a repeatable product that can scale.   0:44:23.2 Andrew Stotz: Yeah. And one of the answers to that too is if you believe 94% of the problems come from the system, then even when an employee is identified as having a bad net promoter score, then the question is, does the 94% apply in that situation? Well, generally yes. And so let's dig in. I have some people that ask me like my, one of the guys last night at this event works for a bank and they have put KPIs into everything. And he was saying, I just can't escape. But another guy was like, well, I have my own business and I can do what I want. I've implemented KPIs, but what should I do? I said the first step in disentangling yourself from this individual KPI situation is just to disconnect compensation to the KPI. So just right there, there's still incentive for the employee to do something bad for the organization to do their best. But when you remove that compensation aspect, you've really taken away a huge part of the incentive. So even if you have to keep KPIs, take away the tie to compensation and then they say, well, that's the whole reason why we're supposed to do it is have the tie to compensation.   0:45:44.5 Andrew Stotz: And I said, yes, it's a little bit of a circular references cannot be resolved.   0:45:49.7 Travis Timmons: Right. Yeah. And I think we even give examples to the team as much as we can around why we don't do those type of things. Here's what would happen. And most people have worked in organizations when you point it out to them. So again, Dr. Deming talks about making the system visible. Point it out to them. If I bonused you like you see this, this used to be a thing at car dealerships. When you're buying a car, hey, you're going to get a call to rate your experience with me. If you don't give me a 10, it's going to impact my pay. And you're like, what? So we talk about that like hey, the net promoter score. If we did the same thing here and bonused you on every 10, then you're going to be bothering your patients to fill that survey out. Or if you're afraid they're going to give you low score, you're not going to, you're going to encourage them not to do it. And then me as the owner, I'm not going to hear about system breakdowns. So to answer your, I think it's an important thing that a lot of businesses like number one, don't tie compensation to your KPIs.   0:46:58.3 Travis Timmons: Like just, it's an output of the system and then explaining it to them and giving examples over time because their brains even though they hated it, like we don't do performance reviews, annual performance review. And people hate them. And I still get asked like hey, when are you doing my annual performance review? It's like do you want to do one? Well no.   0:47:21.2 Andrew Stotz: Yeah. We dropped performance appraisals in 2016 in my coffee business here in Thailand and we never looked back. We didn't come up with any particular stunning replacement. We just knew it was bad and we were willing to just walk away from what was bad. I want to wrap up and just get into the... What are the, let's talk about kind of extrinsic versus intrinsic. There's some external factors that we can say this Deming implementation provided these benefits to our company and then there's this internal or intrinsic benefits that you're getting. Maybe you can go through some of those benefits of where you're at now, what you're able to do now and we'll close it on that note of kind of what's the hope for somebody that's stuck in the situation. They're the entrepreneurial seizure, they're the technician, they're great at physical therapy, they start their physical therapy business and they're just scaling chaos basically. Tell us about, give us hope.   0:48:37.8 Travis Timmons: Yeah, no, happy to, the reason I have had the opportunity to speak in a lot of different settings about Dr. Deming and the reason I do it is because it's brought so much joy to me personally and to a ever growing team. It's having a positive impact on lives and the more I can do that, that gets to the intrinsic motivation. So the joy in work, there's a lot of bad organizations out there that just suck the life out of people. So that's my intrinsic motivation at this stage of the game of if Fitness Matters is bigger, so more jobs, there's more people having a positive experience in life and our outcomes being 35% higher, our community is getting healthier. So that's the intrinsic motivation at this stage. It's fun. I know again, we're not perfect. So continuous improvement to our conversation earlier. But the intrinsic motivation is the busier Fitness Matters gets, the busier Fitness Matters gets because of high outcomes and it's positive experience for more people in life. Extrinsically, I guess that gets to community outcomes. So that's intrinsic and extrinsic. You know, extrinsically, if you get this figured out, it's very easy to scale a business.   0:50:06.0 Andrew Stotz: And tell us about your scale, where are you at or where are your averages versus national averages? You know, what have you accomplished that's driving that external factors, let's call it.   0:50:19.4 Travis Timmons: Yeah. So a couple things. One, externally, a practice like ours nationally on average is growing at 9% to 10%. We're currently clipping along at 25% to 30%. So you know, that flywheel effect and chaos is no longer there. So we have process, so it's easier to scale. The other extrinsic piece is because of our outcomes and continuing scale, we're able to negotiate better rates with our insurance companies to reinforce our strong desire to keep one-on-one care model. So Deming talks about who all is part of your system. So insurance companies are part of our system and we don't have a lot of control over them. But because our data is so powerful externally, we have been able to negotiate higher rates than most of our competitors because our data speaks for itself.   0:51:23.2 Andrew Stotz: Faster growth, the ability to negotiate better terms because you're delivering better product and service generally means higher profit margins.   0:51:34.2 Travis Timmons: Yes.   0:51:34.6 Andrew Stotz: Fast growth with higher profit margins generally means you're generating more cash and you're no longer in cash crisis all the time and you have resources to decide, okay, now we want to expand or we want to invest or whatever.   0:51:50.9 Travis Timmons: Right.   0:51:51.4 Andrew Stotz: Is that...   0:51:51.9 Travis Timmons: Yeah, the cash crunch was real those first 10 years. So yeah, to your point, when you get to the other side of that and process is a big part of that so you're having a whole counting process, but yeah, you get to that size. But yeah, the intrinsic piece, one of the reasons I talk about Deming as much as I can. I've got two sons that are in college. My hope is there's more companies in the world today than there were 10 years ago that know about Deming, because that means there's a higher likelihood that my boys will work at a Deming company. And just seeing what a lot of companies do to people, we as owners have a big responsibility, I feel, we have a big responsibility to have a positive impact on our employees. And you're, as an owner, are responsible for that, in my opinion. And if you get it right, man, is it fun to look in the mirror or sit down with a team member or their spouse and be proud of, be proud of what you built. That's at the end of the day, the intrinsic motivation.   0:52:57.9 Travis Timmons: If you can be proud of what your product is and proud of the impact you're having on your team to where you're not sucking the life out of them, but actually intrinsically motivating them. There's not much else you can accomplish in business that was worth more than that, in my opinion.   0:53:18.5 Andrew Stotz: Yeah, wonderful. That's a great way to end it. What's the likelihood that our children are going to be working in a Deming company? Well, that's the whole reason why we are here talking about it. So, Travis, I want to say on behalf of everyone at the Deming Institute, I want to thank you for this discussion and of course, for listeners out there and viewers, remember to go to deming.org to continue your journey. This is your host, Andrew Stotz. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Deming, and I believe it's probably one of Travis's too people are entitled to joy in work.   0:53:56.0 Travis Timmons: Love it. Love it. Thank you, Andrew.   0:53:58.0 Andrew Stotz: Yep.

This week on the Team Lally Real Estate Radio Show, we interview Mark Faildo of Premier Benefit Consultants. He demystifies Medicare—what it covers, when to plan, how income affects premiums, and why many Hawaii residents qualify for affordable, even zero-premium plans. Mark also shares critical planning tips for those approaching age 65, military retirees, and anyone looking to avoid costly lifelong penalties by getting Medicare right the first time.We also have our Experts We Trust. Danny Langerman of DHA Financial explains why today's market conditions still favor buyers, why VA loans remain one of the best financing options available, and how to think strategically about refinancing. Renee Ube of Your VA Match joins the conversation to share how delegating the right tasks to virtual assistants can unlock growth, scale your business, and multiply your time when done with clarity and feedback.Who is Mark Faildo?Mark Faildo is a dedicated Medicare expert with deep roots in Hawaii, having grown up in Kalihi and earned his diploma from Farrington High School. Before moving into the world of Medicare education and planning, Mark built a successful career in the hospitality industry, managing food and beverage operations at renowned local hotels including Hilton Hawaiian Village, Sheraton Waikiki, and the Prince Kuhio Hotel, and later advancing into leadership as a District Manager with Starbucks. He also served his country with honor, retiring after 22 years with the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, an experience that shaped his service-first mindset. After navigating the confusing landscape of Medicare while helping his own parents, Mark committed himself to mastering the system; sixteen years later, he now guides individuals and families through Medicare with compassion, integrity, and clarity, helping them make confident, informed decisions about their options as a licensed agent with Premier Benefit Consultants.PbchawaiiPremier Benefit Consultants (PBC) is a well-established, independent Medicare insurance agency that specializes in helping people understand and navigate the often complex world of Medicare — absolutely free of charge. With over 100 local agents across the Hawaiian Islands, PBC offers personalized consultations, Medicare group education, and company Medicare planning to individuals, families, employers, and community groups, treating clients like family and making sure they have the right coverage for their unique needs. They represent every Medicare Advantage plan available in Hawaii, allowing them to provide unbiased advice and tailor solutions based on what's truly best for each client. Committed to service, integrity, and education since 2008, PBC prides itself on phenomenal customer care, ongoing support during and after enrollment, and accessible communication with agents speaking many languages to serve Hawaii's diverse communities.To reach Mark Faildo, you may contact him in the following ways:Phone: 808-292-7092Email: Mark@pbchawaii.comWebsite: https://www.pbchawaii.com/

On this episode of The ToosDay Crue, we welcome US Army National Guard Veteran Kevin Odom—a seasoned behavioral health clinician, leader, and person in long-term recovery—whose life and career sit at the intersection of service, healing, and purpose. Kevin honorably served as a mechanic in the Army National Guard before dedicating their post-military life to behavioral healthcare. Drawing from lived experience in recovery, Kevin now works on an inpatient unit at Novant Health, providing clinical assessments, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and patient advocacy. Their work also includes trauma-informed care for vulnerable populations, including screening undocumented patients for trafficking risks and connecting them with life-saving resources. Beyond direct care, Kevin is a respected leader in the field—overseeing SAMHSA-funded initiatives, guiding major EMR transitions, supervising counselors, and mentoring future clinicians through national fellowship programs. This conversation dives into recovery, ethical leadership, mental health in the veteran community, and what sustainable healing really looks like. This episode covers: • Recovery-informed leadership • Trauma-informed and ethical care • Veterans and behavioral health • Building sustainable clinical programs • Service beyond the uniform Check him out here: https://www.tiktok.com/@onemomentpodcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/mhsua https://www.facebook.com/keod3025/ https://www.facebook.com/OneMomentPodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/onemomentpodcast/  

Welcome to Hot Topics! Join us in this powerful episode as we sit down with Cole Grace, a dedicated advocate and expert on mental health issues within the military. Together, we dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of Combat-Related PTSD. Cole shares his personal experiences, insights, and the challenges faced by service members dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).We explore:What PTSD is: A mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events.Common causes: From military combat to natural disasters and assaults, discover the various triggers.Symptoms: Learn about the signs, including re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, negative changes in mood, and increased arousal.Treatment options: Gain insight into effective therapies, medications, and support systems available for those affected.Cole also shares his own journey:His challenging childhood and how it influenced his perception of trauma, emphasizing the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health.Experiences in the Army National Guard, including combat roles and the emotional repression that followed.Struggles with health issues and addiction after returning from Iraq, leading to a transformative path through rehab.Insights from his book, "Internal > External: Calming the Chaos Within," which offers practical ways to manage mental health and improve quality of life.His belief in focusing on internal factors like integrity, joy, and mindset to influence external success, highlighting the necessity of addressing internal struggles for overall well-being.Whether you're a veteran, a loved one, or just someone interested in understanding this critical issue, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the realities of Combat-Related PTSD and the path to healing.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/vfl4u52_TqQOriginal date of episode: September 12, 2025Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael Fleming, a distinguished military leader and veteran advocate, as we explore his journey from the battlefield to influential roles in business and education. In this episode, Cam and Otis delve into General Fleming's extensive experience in leadership, his dedication to veteran advocacy, and his efforts to bridge the gap between military and civilian sectors."Leadership is about service," General Fleming shares, reflecting on his career spanning over 30 years in the military and his subsequent roles in community relations and veteran support. From founding the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition to his work with the Cohen Veterans Network, General Fleming offers invaluable insights into creating opportunities for veterans and addressing critical issues like veteran suicide.Whether you're a military professional transitioning to civilian life, a business leader seeking to understand veteran perspectives, or someone passionate about community service, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.More About General Fleming:Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Michael “Mike” Fleming is a respected Northeast Florida military and veteran leader with senior experience across the military, business, and higher education sectors. He currently serves as Senior Manager, Community Relations for Cohen Veterans Network. Previously, he held leadership roles with the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, Jacksonville University, and Deutsche Bank, where he was a Managing Director and Site Lead in Jacksonville.A career military officer with more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard, he retired as a Brigadier General. He holds degrees from Jacksonville State University, the University of North Florida, and the U.S. Naval War College, and completed fellowships at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and the U.S. Congress.Gen. Fleming is the founder and chair of multiple veteran-focused coalitions, including the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition, and chairs The Fire Watch, a regional initiative to prevent veteran suicide. His honors include the Legion of Merit, the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame, and numerous military and civilian leadership awards.#10xyourteam #VeteranLeadership #ServantLeadership #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteranAdvocacy #LeadershipWithPurpose #MissionDriven #CommunityLeadership #VeteranSupport #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ImpactThroughServiceChapter Times and Titles:Introduction to General Mike Fleming [00:00 - 10:00]Overview of General Fleming's career and achievementsTransition from military to civilian leadership rolesFounding the Jacksonville Military Veterans CoalitionLeadership Lessons from the Military [10:01 - 20:00]Key leadership principles from military serviceThe importance of adaptability and resilienceInsights from international competitions and fellowshipsVeteran Advocacy and Community Relations [20:01 - 30:00]General Fleming's role in the Cohen Veterans NetworkInitiatives to support veteran employment and mental healthThe impact of public/private partnershipsBridging Military and Civilian Worlds [30:01 - 40:00]Challenges and opportunities in veteran transitionsBuilding relationships with government and business leadersStrategies for effective community engagementCreating Opportunities for Veterans [40:01 - 50:00]Success stories from the Jacksonville Military Veterans CoalitionAddressing veteran suicide through The Fire Watch initiativeFinal thoughts on leadership and serviceClosing Remarks and Resources [50:01 - End]How to connect with General Fleming and his initiativesEncouragement for listeners to get involved in veteran supportFinal reflections on leade

A lot of vets say music is the only thing that still makes sense, and for Tony Kessel, that idea runs deep. He built a 366-song playlist of his life, wrote the story tied to each track, and found himself looking at a full account of growing up in a foster home, serving in the Army National Guard, and working through suicidal thoughts. With more than two decades in uniform, he talks about being raised by a Vietnam veteran NCO, commissioning as an officer, and learning to lead while valuing the experience that NCOs bring. Music runs through all of it, from Garth Brooks and old country to heavy metal and the tracks that shaped the post-9/11 years. Our conversation covers how music served as both a coping tool and a warning sign, why non-combat deployments can still weigh on you, and how suicide intervention training pushed him to speak openly about his lowest points. We get into the shock of coming home from Kuwait or Afghanistan almost overnight, the support he has offered other vets, and why simply sitting with someone who is struggling matters. Tony also shares how he is using his home studio and writing to reach people who think they are carrying their pain alone. Timestamps 00:06:30 Tony's wide musical background and how different genres shaped his life. 00:09:45 The late-night drive after drill that sparked the 366 song playlist. 00:18:30 Using music to cope, the risks of relying on it to numb pain, and the moment he knew he had to face things directly. 00:26:30 Suicide intervention training, opening up about suicide attempts, and why sharing his story matters. 00:31:30 Returning home too fast after deployment and how that sudden shift affects veterans. Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://dualistmedia.com Follow Tony Kessel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dualistmedia Follow Tony Kessel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dualistmedia Follow Tony Kessel on Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/dualistmedia Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

Matt Smith grew up on Long Island and joined Army ROTC at the University of Delaware in 1989. Four years later, he was commissioned as an officer. Smith was working in the private sector and serving in the Army National Guard when the 9/11 terrorist attacks were perpetrated by Al Qaeda in 2001. Over the next two decades, Smith would be leading soldiers into combat during the invasion of Iraq and on two deployments in Afghanistan.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Smith takes us through the rapid invasion in Iraq and how he first learned about improvised explosive devices. He also tells us about a bizarre and fascinating mission he and his men undertook in western Iraq.Six years later, Smith served as a battalion commander in Afghanistan and saw the most intense combat of his career. He explains how the mission they trained for suddenly changed when they arrived, how he adjusted to the enemy strategically, and how he kept morale up despite deaths and serious injuries.Finally, Smith tells us about the work he is doing now to prepare other veterans for a successful business career after they leave the military.

Mike Durant is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 and Master Black Hawk pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers). Inspired by his father, a First Sergeant in the Army National Guard, and a family friend's helicopter flight, Durant enlisted in 1979. After studying Spanish at the Defense Language Institute and serving as a voice intercept operator in Panama, he graduated from flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, becoming a Warrant Officer in 1983. He flew over 150 medical evacuation missions in South Korea with the 377th Medical Evacuation Company and later served as an instructor pilot with the 101st Aviation Battalion. Joining the elite 160th SOAR in 1988, Durant flew in Operations Prime Chance, Just Cause, Desert Storm, and Restore Hope. During the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu (Operation Gothic Serpent), his MH-60 Black Hawk was shot down, leaving him severely injured and held captive by Somali militia for 11 days. Despite doctors' doubts, he recovered, ran the 1995 Marine Corps Marathon, and returned to duty, retiring in 2001. Mike's awards include: Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross (second award), Bronze Star w/ Valor device, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/ Valor device (third award), Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Arrowhead Device (second award), Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), United Nations Medal, United Nations Medal-Operations in Somalia, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Government of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Government of Kuwait, Master Aviator Badge, and Air Assault Badge. In 2008, Durant founded Pinnacle Solutions in Huntsville, Alabama, a defense contracting firm specializing in military training simulators and veteran employment. He co-authored In the Company of Heroes, focusing on survival and leadership. He also led veterans' efforts for George W. Bush's 2004 and John McCain's 2008 presidential campaigns. He ran in the 2022 Republican primary for Alabama U.S. Senate. Married to Lisa, raising a blended family with six children, Durant enjoys mountain climbing, skiing, hockey, watersports, and running. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Receive 30% off your first subscription order. Go to https://armra.com/SRS or enter SRS to get 30% off your first subscription order. Right now, you can try Aura free for 14 days when you visit http://aura.com/SRS Our listeners get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/SRS. Head to http://DRINKAG1.com/SRS you'll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, and a AG1 Flavor Sampler for free. Mike Durant Links: LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-durant-14a0157 Book - https://a.co/d/9OB6ujI SOWF - https://specialops.org/sowf-home-mobile Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for December 3rd Publish Date:  December 3rd Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, December 3rd and Happy Birthday to Andy Williams I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Four Cobb schools earn STEAM/STEM certifications Meet Michael McNeely, Mableton’s newest councilman Gas prices dip following Thanksgiving, predicted to stay down through holidays All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 3 STORY 1: Four Cobb schools earn STEAM/STEM certifications Cobb Schools are buzzing with opportunities for students to dive into STEM and STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. And now, four more schools have joined the ranks of those earning certifications in these fields. South Cobb Early Learning Center and Ford Elementary snagged STEAM certifications, while Betty Gray Middle and Walton High earned STEM honors. “It’s been a joyful, messy journey,” said Marilyn Thomas, director of South Cobb Early Learning Center. “Our kids, teachers, and families all came together—building, experimenting, creating art. It’s hands-on learning at its best.” With over 50 certified schools, Cobb’s commitment to innovation is clear. Just ask the students at Tritt Elementary, who recently celebrated Girl-Powered Robotics Day. STORY 2: Meet Michael McNeely, Mableton’s newest councilman Michael McNeely, newly elected to Mableton’s City Council, is all about service—clear, honest, and hands-on. “I’d rather over-communicate than leave people guessing,” he says. McNeely, who moved to Mableton in 2019, has a long history of giving back. From his days as an Eagle Scout to serving in the Army National Guard and working in public safety for over two decades, he’s built a life around helping others. “It’s in my blood,” he says. Now, as District 2’s councilman, he’s focused on smart redevelopment, public safety, and creating spaces that bring the community together. Think parks, sidewalks, and maybe even a new community center. “We’ve got work to do,” McNeely says, “but Mableton’s got the people and the heart to make it happen.” STORY 3: Gas prices dip following Thanksgiving, predicted to stay down through holidays  Georgia drivers are catching a break at the pump—finally. After the Thanksgiving travel rush, gas prices have dipped, with the state average sitting at $2.82 per gallon as of Monday, according to AAA. That’s about $42 to fill up a 15-gallon tank. Prices are 5 cents lower than last week but still 2 cents higher than last month. And if you’re in Cobb County? You’re paying a bit more—$2.89 per gallon. The priciest spots? Savannah ($2.88), Atlanta ($2.86), and Macon ($2.85). Meanwhile, Dalton drivers are smiling at $2.68. Nationally, gas has dropped to $3, the lowest since May 2021, thanks to low crude oil prices and sluggish demand. AAA predicts prices could stay low through the holidays. For EV drivers, no changes—public charging still averages 38 cents per kilowatt hour. Want to save? AAA suggests fuel rewards programs, paying cash (some stations charge more for credit), and driving smarter. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 3 STORY 4: Cobb fraternal organization recognized as best in Georgia The Omicron Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, better known as the Cobb County Alphas, just snagged a huge honor—Alumni Chapter of the Year—at the Alpha Georgia District Association Convention in Augusta. Why? Their leadership, community impact, and dedication to the fraternity’s mission stood out among 25 chapters across Georgia. “This award is a testament to the passion and hard work of every member,” said Chapter President Harold G. Dickerson. One standout initiative? The Youth to Men mentoring program, where 70 Cobb high schoolers meet bi-monthly to learn life skills and give back to the community. “We’re shaping greatness,” said Steven Boyd, Callis Foundation Chair. For more, visit CobbAlphas.org. STORY 5: AirTag leads police to Chick-fil-A theft suspect  Richard George Cintron, 47, of Dallas, is facing charges after allegedly swiping three Rubbermaid utility trash carts and an Apple AirTag—worth $1,545 total—from the Chick-fil-A on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. According to police, Cintron was caught on surveillance cameras, along with his personal vehicles, during the thefts on Sept. 14 and 28. The AirTag? It led officers straight to his home, where Paulding County deputies found the stolen items near his truck. Cintron was arrested Nov. 19 and charged with theft by taking over $1,500. He spent less than 12 hours in jail, released on Nov. 20 after posting a $5,000 bond. Break: STORY 6: Strand Theatre's Andy Gaines wins Governor’s Award    Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp announced Monday that Andy Gaines, executive director of the Strand Theatre, is one of this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities. The awards, presented with Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities, honor 10 individuals or organizations making a real difference in Georgia’s cultural landscape. “Georgia’s arts and entertainment scene has fueled our economy for decades,” Kemp said. “These honorees have left a lasting mark on their communities and our state.” Under Gaines’ leadership, the Strand generated $5.4 million in economic impact last year, supported 80+ jobs, and contributed $230,000 in government revenue. Recipients will receive a handmade mahogany sculpture by Fairburn artist Etienné Jackson. STORY 7: Mount Paran Christian School collects over 10,000 diapers for Bartow Family Resources  Mount Paran Christian School’s high school BETA Club and National Honor Society recently rallied their community for a cause that hits close to home—helping local parents in need. Through their annual Fall Diaper Drive, students encouraged families to donate diapers and wipes for Bartow Family Resources, a nonprofit in Cartersville that supports parents and babies. Flyers went up, announcements were made, and the response? Incredible. Over 10,640 diapers and 1,180 wipes poured in, stacking up at the school’s doors. Student NHS officers counted, sorted, and loaded the donations, ready for Bartow Family Resources to distribute essentials like diapers, formula, and clothing to families who need them most. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 3 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Make Bold Decisions and Avoid Burnout — Leadership Lessons from Apollo EmekaIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Apollo Emeka, Founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. and former Green Beret, Army National Guard veteran, and FBI intelligence analyst. Drawing from a remarkable journey through elite military service, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention, Apollo shares a decision-making framework designed for high-impact leadership without burnout. If you're looking to lead boldly, energize your team, and create certainty in uncertain times, this conversation is packed with practical insights.A Proven Framework for Bold, Sustainable LeadershipApollo Emeka's leadership journey began with unconventional roots—from academic struggles to elite military roles and eventually founding Apollo Strategy Group Inc. His story reveals that background is less important than your ability to make bold decisions and learn from every experience. Apollo's three-part decision-making framework—Decide with Heart, Determine Requirements with Your Head, and Bet on Game Changers—helps leaders avoid mediocrity by aligning vision with action.Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, Apollo advocates for creating certainty through decisive leadership. He challenges listeners to ditch the “feasibility trap,” clarify what it really takes to succeed, and focus on high-leverage actions that move the needle. He also shares how movement, play, and rest prevent burnout—reminding leaders that passion and well-being are essential for long-term performance.Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating big decisions, Apollo's methods are designed to energize, simplify, and sustain. His approach helps high performers achieve more by focusing on what matters and building cultures of boldness and clarity.About Apollo EmekaApollo Emeka is a former Green Beret, FBI intelligence analyst, and founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. He now helps leaders and teams make bold, high-impact decisions through strategic frameworks, coaching, and immersive workshops. Apollo's mission is to equip people to lead with clarity, courage, and balance.About Apollo Strategy Group Inc.Apollo Strategy Group Inc. provides leadership consulting, decision-making intensives, and executive coaching for high performers and organizations. Their modular programs and custom engagements are designed to help clients accelerate results, foster aligned teams, and prevent burnout through smarter, bolder decision-making.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeApollo Strategy Group WebsiteApollo Emeka LinkedIn ProfileKey Episode HighlightsApollo's journey from struggling student to elite military leader and founderThe 3-step framework for bold, aligned decision-makingHow to create certainty in uncertain environmentsStrategies to prevent burnout and lead with energyBuilding cultures that encourage risk-taking and bold thinkingConclusionApollo Emeka's leadership insights serve as a masterclass in clarity, courage, and sustainability. By deciding with heart, planning with your head, and focusing on game-changing actions, leaders can drive greater results without sacrificing themselves in the process. If you're looking to level up your leadership, this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur delivers a practical, inspiring roadmap.

How do you transform a good company into a great one? We talk to Chris Hallberg, the Business Sergeant, who blends military discipline with modern strategy. As an Army National Guard veteran, serial entrepreneur, and scaling coach, Chris shares his no-nonsense approach to rapid growth. Listen in to learn the critical need for an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), how to get the "right people in the right seats," the mindset shift required for leadership, and how he utilizes AI tools.  Episode Resources: The Business Sergeant GoExpand   About Our Guest Chris Hallberg, known as the Business Sergeant, is a top-ranked leadership expert, military veteran, and serial entrepreneur who transforms good companies into great ones fast. Ranked #9 on Inc. Magazine's list of Top 50 Leadership & Management Experts, Chris blends battlefield-tested discipline with business strategy to help leaders scale with confidence. He has coached over 100 organizations to achieve breakthrough results, from billion-dollar contractors to national franchises, and is the co-creator of an AI-driven EOS platform guiding teams to 30%+ profitability. With his no-nonsense style, Chris simplifies complex challenges, strengthens culture, and empowers leaders to win. About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union offers exclusive benefits to all of their members. All Veterans, Active Duty and their families can become members. Have you been saving up for the season of cheer and joy that is just around the corner? With Navy Federal Credit Union's cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards, you could earn a $250 cash bonus when you spend $2,500 in the first 90 days. Offer ends 1/1/26. You could earn up to 2% unlimited cash back with the cashRewards and cashRewards Plus cards. With Navy Federal, members have access to financial advice and money management and 24/7 access to award-winning service. Whether you're a Veteran of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard, you and your family can become members. Join now at Navy Federal Credit Union. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.      Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

In this episode, we'll talk about how Citi is showering us with transfer bonuses, then we'll talk about the incredible uses for Japan Airlines miles. Now that Capital One is making transfers available to Japan Airlines (in addition to Bilt, which has already been offering this), it's worth talking about what you can do with those miles!Giant Mailbag(01:42) - "I'm a YUGE fan of ya'll. I'm an Army National Guard member that puts in just enough active duty time to get Servicemembers Civil Relief Act benefits (waived annual fees). So I have so many luxury cards I get FAR more value from the cards than I do from my Guard paycheck.Ya'll have been a key factor in deciding to stay in the National Guard, so 'Thank You For Your Service'."100K Vacay Challenge Update(04:06) - By the time this airs, Greg will be heading to his destination for his Benchmark Trip. As a reminder, he's setting the bar for the rest of the challengers with a trip showcasing how far 100K Chase Ultimate Rewards points can go. (Once he's back, Tim, Nick, and Stephen will attempt to match or outdo his trip with alternate transferable points currencies.) Read more about that here!Card News(09:34) - Spirit Travel More credit card holders now get 2 free checked bags (Read more about this update here)(11:11) - Amex will exclude gift cards from Hilton credits starting in 2026(12:28) - Southwest debit card (Read more about the Southwest debit card here)Read the View from the Wing article here.Awards, Points, and More(14:42) - Air France / KLM Promo: Earn 10,000 bonus Flying Blue miles when flying from the US to any destination served by Air France or KLM.(18:16) - Avianca LifeMiles Award Sale(20:19) - Transfer bonuses(24:50) - Rove Miles transfer bonus (Use our referral link here.)(27:25) - Capital One added transfer partners and also has some transfer bonusesMain Event: Sweet-spot awards courtesy of Japan Airlines(30:18) - How to get JAL milesLearn more about the Best Uses of Japan Airlines Mileage Bank Miles here(32:01) - The Bad News(33:05) - Japan Airlines Mileage Bank 36-month hard expiration policy(34:30) - Family restrictions on award redemption(35:58) - Carrier-imposed surcharges(36:19) - JAL Mileage Bank awards can not be changed (but they can be cancelled for a reasonable fee)(36:56) - Best uses of Japan Airlines Mileage Bank(42:54) - Japan Airlines partner awardsQuestion of the Week(1:10:20) - Buying points isn't usually a good value unless you have a specific redemption in mind, but what about Atmos for 1.66 cents per point? (Especially with Rove miles?)Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder