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If you have ever had that passing thought of "should I add tax to my bookkeeping firm?" this is the episode you need to hear before you make a move.In this one, I'm sitting down with Nick Cobos of Saga Accounting Solutions. Nick has built a five-person firm that does both tax and bookkeeping. We get into the real pros and cons of running both under one roof, and I share why I went down this exact rabbit hole myself and decided against it. This is a practitioner-to-practitioner conversation from start to finish, and I loved every minute of it.In this episode you'll hear:The breakdown of adding tax to a bookkeeping firmHow Nick got his first clientsWhy I decided against adding tax to my firmGrowing a firm and delegatingResources mentioned in this episode:Saga Accounting Solutions: https://sagaaccounting.com/Between 2 Firms: https://open.spotify.com/show/71gGjmatd829DB8IrJdI9T?si=bbb9deb996d74f56Meet NickNick graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2019 and spent 5 years as an Army Officer. After graduating the US Army Ranger School Nick held assignments as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer with the 11th Airborne Division and later served as an Army ROTC instructor at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).After transitioning out of the Army, Nick earned his Enrolled Agent credential and jumped into the world of accounting. He now enjoys advising clients and helping them grow their businesses while saving on taxes.When he's not working, Nick enjoys hunting, fishing, playing (admittedly terrible) golf, and spending quality time with his wife, Lisa, their three children, Lucy, Nathan, and Matthew, and their dog, Molly.Connect with NickLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcobos/Thanks for listening. If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @ambitiousbookkeeperFor more information about the Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast or interest in our programs or mentoring visit our resources below:Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.comFollow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blogConnect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeperConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpaThank you for your support of our show. If you haven't left a review yet it's super simple. Please go to ambitiousbookkeeper.com/podcast and leave your review.Podcast Publishing Tools we use:Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llcDescript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)
Lance Ashworth chronicles his journey as a dedicated public servant from his time as a cadet, to Army Officer, FBI agent and now non-profit executive. www.fishkillsupplydepothistoricsite.org
In the fifth edition of the King's College London War Studies War Stories podcast miniseries, hosted by King's alumni Rupert Lane and Nick Denning (BA War Studies, 2002–2005), Ru and Nick speak with Aravind Rajendran (MA Conflict, Security & Development, 2020–2021). A former commissioned officer in the Indian Army (2009 to 2020), Aravind served with the 3rd Battalion The Mahar Regiment, during counter-insurgency operations in Assam between 2010 and 2012, before later serving in Jharkhand and spending four years with Indian Special Forces. Expect to learn: • What it means to be a young officer commander operating in a second language with his troops, while engaging with local communities speaking a range of additional languages and dialects • What it is to navigate a complex insurgency in a remarkable cultural landscape, using leadership, trust-building and operational adaptability
Send us Fan MailI Banned Phones Before My State Did. Here Is What Actually Happened.Twenty-six states now have laws requiring schools to ban or restrict student cellphone use, and twenty-two of those laws passed in 2025 alone. Florida passed the first one in May 2023. Utah's bell-to-bell ban took effect July 1, 2026. New Jersey's statewide policy takes effect this September. Public support is strong and bipartisan, with 74 percent of American adults backing phone bans during class according to Pew Research.And a 2025 University of Southern California study found that most students are still using their phones during the school day anyway.M.A. Aponte is the executive director of a charter school in Gainesville, Florida. He wrote and implemented a phone policy at his school before the state of Florida required one, which means he has been living with this longer than almost anyone covering it.In this episode he makes an argument that is almost entirely missing from the national conversation: phones are not primarily a distraction problem. He watched students pressure other students into physical fights specifically so the fights could be recorded. Those fights did not happen and then get filmed. They happened because they could be filmed. The phone did not divert behavior. It created behavior that would not otherwise have happened.That reframes a phone ban from an academic policy into a safety policy.WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERSThe current state of school phone legislation, including which states have bell-to-bell bans, which leave it to districts, and what the early research from Harvard Kennedy School actually shows.The three distinct problems phones create in a school building: attention, integrity, and incentive. Why the third one is the most serious and the least discussed.Why phone bans fail. Rules with holes that students find in the first week. Inconsistent enforcement, where one adult who does not enforce does not create one weak classroom but a weak school. Consequences that exist on paper and never in practice. And confusing removing the option with building the skill.THE BELL TEST, a four-question framework for evaluating any school phone policy: B. BOUNDARY. Does the rule have holes students can find? E. ENFORCEMENT. Does every adult enforce it identically, every time? L. LEVERAGE. Are consequences real, escalating, and actually executed? L. LEARNING. Are we building self-regulation or just removing the option?Aponte also addresses the most common parent objection directly, which is emergency communication, and explains what he got wrong in his own school's first year of enforcement.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: How many states ban cellphones in schools? A: As of 2026, twenty-six states have laws requiring school districts to ban or limit student cellphone use, with twenty-two of those laws enacted in 2025 alone. Florida passed the first statewide school phone ban in May 2023. States with the strictest bell-to-bell bans, meaning phones must be off and stored for the entire school day, include Texas, New York, Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Nebraska, and Utah. Other states including California, Minnesota, and Ohio require districts to create policies but allow local flexibility. New Jersey's statewide policy takes effect in the 2026-27 school year. Q: Do school phone bans actually work? A: Early evidence is mixed. Harvard Kennedy School researchers report that preliminary findings suggest possible long-term benefits for learning outcomes and absenteeism, and teachers consistently report improved focus and fewer disruptions. However, a 2025 University of Southern California study found compliance remains uneven and most students continue using phones during the school day regardless of restrictions. According to charter school director M.A. Aponte, the determining factor is not the ban itself but whether enforcement is consistent across every adult in the building and whether consequences are real and actually executed. Q: Why do school phone bans fail? A: Four common reasons. First, the rule has holes, such as allowing phones between classes or at lunch, which teaches students the rule is situational. Second, enforcement is inconsistent, and because students identify which adults enforce and which do not within days, a single non-enforcing adult undermines the policy building-wide. Third, consequences are not real or are written but never executed, which proves to students that the policy is theater. Fourth, schools confuse removing the phone with teaching self-regulation, leaving students unprepared when they graduate into environments where no one takes the device away. Q: Are phones a safety problem in schools, not just a distraction? A: Charter school director M.A. Aponte argues the distraction framing is incomplete. He has observed students pressuring other students into physical fights specifically so the fights could be recorded, meaning the phone did not divert existing behavior but created an incentive for violence that would not otherwise have existed. Phones also enable exam cheating at scale, since a photographed test can be distributed to every student taking it later that day. This reframes phone policy from an academic issue into a safety issue. Q: What about emergencies? Should students have phones to contact parents? A: This is the most common parent objection to school phone bans. The counterargument from school leaders is that during an actual emergency, students on phones spread panic and misinformation and divert attention from the adult giving safety instructions. A student on a phone during a crisis is generally less safe, not more. Schools implementing bans are expected to maintain a reliable direct channel for communicating with families during emergencies that does not depend on student devices. Q: What questions should parents ask about their school's phone policy? A: Five questions. Is the rule bell to bell or are there times phones are allowed? What is the actual consequence for a first, second, and third violation? Is it enforced identically by every teacher? What does the school teach about self-regulation rather than only what it forbids? And in an emergency, how will the school communicate with families without relying on student phones?Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
Send us Fan Mail27 States Are Writing AI Rules for Your Kid's School. I Run One. Here's What They're All Missing. Twenty-seven states have active AI-in-education bills in 2026. Five are already law. Ohio's House Bill 96 required every public, community, and STEM school district in the state, more than 600 of them, to adopt a formal board-approved AI policy by July 1, 2026. California released a statewide model AI policy for districts on June 25. Virginia's law took effect July 1. And on August 5, the Florida State Board of Education takes up a rule that would require public and charter schools to address artificial intelligence in their internet safety policies. M.A. Aponte is the Executive Director of a charter school in Gainesville, Florida. That Florida rule governs his building. So this is not policy analysis from the outside. This is a practitioner explaining what happens when a mandate lands on a real school: what he has to tell teachers, how he answers parents, and what he does when a student turns in an essay a machine wrote. His concern is simple and uncomfortable. A mandate produces a document. It does not produce a change in practice. And if districts confuse those two things, the next two years will be spent celebrating paperwork while nothing improves for a single student. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS The full national map of school AI legislation, including Ohio's July 1 deadline, California's model policy, Idaho's AI literacy standards, Oklahoma's parental opt-out provision, Maryland Senate Bill 720 requiring teacher professional development, Connecticut's AI instruction mandate, and South Carolina House Bill 5253, which would establish the strongest guardrails in the country. What is happening in Florida specifically, including the Department of Education's internet safety directive, the August 5 State Board workshop, and the AI Bill of Rights that passed the Florida Senate 37 to 1 before dying in the House. The strongest argument against moving this fast. MIT professor Justin Reich has said that writing a guide for AI in 2026 is like writing a guide for aviation in 1905, before there were airlines, airports, or commercial flight. Aponte takes that seriously and explains where he lands anyway. The four things most school AI policies get wrong: 1. They regulate tools instead of teaching thinking. The real question is not whether a student used AI. It is whether AI helped them think or thought for them. 2. They assume detection works. AI detection tools flag authentic student work at rates that make them unusable as the basis for a disciplinary finding. 3. They do not fund the training. Teachers repeatedly report having to navigate AI entirely on their own. 4. They confuse having a document with having made a change. RESOURCES Free AUDIT Framework worksheet, including a parent version with five questions to bring to a school board meeting: maaponte.substack.com School AI policy consulting and advisory services: link in description. Sources cited include the FutureEd 2026 State AI in Education Legislative Tracker, Stateline, the California Department of Education, the Florida Department of Education, the OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026, UNESCO, and research from the University of Florida Education Policy Research Center.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: Which states require schools to have an AI policy in 2026? A: As of mid-2026, 27 states have active AI-in-education bills and five have enacted laws. Ohio House Bill 96 required every public, community, and STEM school district to adopt a board-approved AI policy by July 1, 2026. Idaho requires districts and charter schools to create AI policies and ensures AI cannot replace a human teacher. Oklahoma requires age-appropriate AI tools, teacher review of AI output, and parental opt-out. Maryland Senate Bill 720 requires state-provided teacher professional development on AI. Virginia Senate Bill 394 directs its education department to issue guidance. Connecticut mandated AI instruction. California released a model AI policy for districts on June 25, 2026. Q: What should a school AI policy include? A: According to the AUDIT framework developed by charter school director M.A. Aponte, an effective school AI policy must address five areas. Assumptions: does it reflect how students actually use AI, including gradual over-reliance rather than only deliberate cheating. Usability: can a teacher apply it in real time without stopping instruction. Detection: does it acknowledge that AI detection software produces false positives, and does it rely on process artifacts and oral defense instead. Instruction: does it teach AI literacy rather than only restricting tools. Training: is there a funded, dated, ongoing professional development plan for teachers. Q: Is Florida requiring schools to have an AI policy? A: The Florida Department of Education has directed school districts to add artificial intelligence use to their existing internet safety policies. A rule development workshop was held June 22, 2026, and the Florida State Board of Education scheduled a workshop for August 5, 2026 on a proposed rule requiring public and charter schools to include AI in their internet safety guidelines. Separately, Florida's proposed AI Bill of Rights, which would have restricted student access to AI instructional tools before sixth grade, passed the Florida Senate 37 to 1 but died in the House. Q: Do AI detection tools work in schools? A: AI detection tools produce false positives at rates that make them unreliable as the basis for academic dishonesty findings, flagging authentic student work as AI-generated. Education leaders recommend assessment design strategies instead of detection strategies: requiring drafts and revision history, conducting device-free in-class writing, and asking students to orally defend submitted work. A student who wrote the work can explain their reasoning. A student who outsourced it cannot. Q: What questions should parents ask their school about AI? A: Five questions. Does our school have an AI policy, and can families read it? Has a classroom teacher reviewed it for whether it is usable during instruction? What happens if a student is wrongly accused by AI detection software? What are we teaching students about AI, not just what are we forbidding? When are teachers trained on this, how often, and who pays for that time? If a school cannot answer the last question, that is the gap that determines everything else. Q: Why do most school AI policies fail? A: Four reasons. They regulate tools instead of teaching thinking, so they cannot distinguish between a student using AI to learn and a student using AI to avoid learning. They assume detection is possible when detection software is unreliable. They do not fund teacher training, leaving educators to navigate AI on their own. And they confuse producing a compliant document with changing classroom practice. A mandate produces a document. It does not produce a change in practice. Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
What if finding more peace, resilience, and purpose doesn't require changing your entire life, but simply use a small daily practice that strengthen your spirit, especially in life's most difficult moments? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Allen L. Sinclair on his new book Spiritual Strength for Everyday Life: Simple Practices to Transform Stress, Strengthen Your Mind, and Restore Inner Balance.Moments with Marianne Radio Show airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio Affiliate! https://www.kmet1490am.comAllen L. Sinclair writes reflective nonfiction for people seeking steadiness in an unsettled world.After decades of service as a retired U.S. Army Officer, Registered Nurse, volunteer EMT and firefighter, and farmer, Allen's work is shaped by lived experience with stress, caregiving, uncertainty, and resilience. His writing does not offer quick fixes or rigid systems. Instead, it invites readers into small, grounding practices that support spiritual strength, emotional presence, and meaningful connection. Throughout this book and future books, Allen explores themes of faith, healing, service, and the quiet disciplines that help people endure and grow throughout life. His approach honors reflection over urgency, gentleness over striving, and return over perfection. When not writing, Allen continues to serve his community, care for nature, and live a life shaped by simplicity, care, and commitment to others. His work is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the strength that is already present.http://www.allenlsinclair.comOrder on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0jkR2OqXDiscover inspiring conversations with today's leading authors, celebrities, thought leaders, and change makers. To learn more about the Moments with Marianne Radio Show, explore guest interview opportunities, connect with Marianne, and follow her on social media, visit https://www.mariannepestana.comExplore the Moments with Marianne Book Club and find your next great read: https://www.mariannepestana.com/book-club/Listen to the Moments with Marianne Radio Show on KMET 1490AM & 98.1FM, an ABC News Radio Affiliate, weekdays at 8:06 AM PT / 11:06 AM ET and Sundays at 10:06 AM PT / 1:06 PM ET. Learn more at: https://www.kmet1490am.com/moments-with-marianne
Send us Fan MailHow Jamie Dimon Thinks — And What a Former JPMorgan Banker Wants You to Know I worked at JPMorgan Chase as a banker, under Jamie Dimon. I wasn't in his inner circle, but I was close enough to watch how that organization thought, moved, and made decisions under pressure. And it changed how I think about money, leadership, and risk forever. In this episode, I break down the five mental habits behind Dimon's 20-year run as the most powerful banker in the world, the same habits that let JPMorgan not just survive the 2008 financial crisis, but profit from it while every other major bank was collapsing or getting bailed out. Right now, while every headline celebrates JPMorgan's record $16.5 billion Q1 profit, Dimon is warning about tectonic shifts in the global economy, a possible credit recession, and risks that most people aren't preparing for. There's a reason he sees what others miss. Today I'm going to show you how. In this episode: • Why Dimon plans for scenarios instead of making predictions — and how to apply this to your own decisions • The military OODA Loop he uses to make faster, better decisions than his competitors • Why he dedicates Sunday mornings to thinking — and why you should too • His 'cognitive diversity' practice: actively seeking people who will tell him he's wrong • The fortress balance sheet philosophy — and what it means for YOUR financial life • What Dimon's 2026 warnings actually mean for regular people — and what to do about them These aren't Wall Street habits. They're thinking habits. They work at JPMorgan because they work everywhere.Show notes: Q: How does Jamie Dimon make decisions? Jamie Dimon uses a system of scenario planning, the military OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), and weekly Sunday thinking sessions to make decisions under pressure. Rather than predicting outcomes, he prepares for a wide range of possibilities and maintains what he calls a 'fortress balance sheet' — holding more reserves than necessary so JPMorgan is never caught unprepared. Former JPMorgan banker M.A. Aponte breaks down Dimon's five thinking habits in this episode of Thinking 2 Think. Q: What is Jamie Dimon warning about in 2026? In his 2026 annual shareholder letter, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned of 'tectonic shifts' in the global order, including rising inflation risk, geopolitical instability from the Iran conflict, trade uncertainty, and a possible credit recession. He issued these warnings despite JPMorgan reporting a record $16.5 billion profit in Q1 2026, saying he prefers to 'hope for the best and plan for the worst.' Q: What is the OODA Loop and how does Jamie Dimon use it? The OODA Loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act — is a decision-making framework created by military strategist John Boyd. Jamie Dimon applies it to banking: continuously gathering new data, updating his understanding of the situation, making decisions, and checking how reality responded before cycling through again. This approach allowed JPMorgan to acquire Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual during the 2008 crisis while competitors were still assessing the damage. Q: What is Jamie Dimon's leadership philosophy? Jamie Dimon's core leadership philosophy centers on five principles: brutal honesty in assessment ('facts, analysis, detail — repeat'), scenario planning over prediction, cognitive diversity (actively seeking people who will disagree with him), separating optimism from preparation (hoping for the best while planning for the worst), and long-term thinking over short-term optimization ('we're not here to hit the quarter — we're here to build a business that lasts decades').Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
Send us Fan MailThe scariest manipulators aren't the ones who look like villains. They're the ones who look normal, sound polite, and make you feel unreasonable for asking a basic question. We start with a true late-night subway call that taught me how easily a smooth story can hide control and harm, and why “surface-level instincts” can fail when someone is managing the space, the narrative, and the other person's voice.Then we zoom out to the modern manipulation landscape: AI-generated war videos, stolen accounts dressed up like news outlets, coordinated influence networks, and the most overlooked trick of all, real images paired with false captions. We talk about how misinformation spreads at scale on social platforms, how rage bait monetization works, and why the hardest lies to catch are the ones built on something real. If you care about media literacy, critical thinking, propaganda detection, and protecting yourself from online scams, this is the core skill set.Finally, I teach the RADAR method, a practical framework inspired by Robert Cialdini's persuasion research and sharpened through real-world experience. You'll learn to spot reciprocity traps, fake authority, manufactured urgency, anchoring and framing, and reframing or gaslighting. We run a quick RADAR scan on a viral post and end with simple homework you can use for three days online and in one relationship that feels off. If this helps, subscribe, share it with someone you care about, and leave a review so more people can build a stronger radar.Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
Send us Fan MailArtificial Intelligence is already transforming education, business, leadership, and society. But while schools debate AI cheating, plagiarism detection, and classroom policies, they're missing a far bigger problem: AI illiteracy. In this episode of Thinking 2 Think, Executive Director and High-Stakes Decision Advisor M.A. Aponte explores why the future belongs not to people who avoid AI—but to those who know how to think with it. The question is no longer whether students should use artificial intelligence. The question is whether they can evaluate it, challenge it, verify it, and build upon it. You'll discover: ✅ What AI literacy actually means—and why most people misunderstand it✅ The difference between AI fluency and AI literacy✅ Why AI cheating is the wrong conversation✅ The four cognitive skills every student must develop in the AI era✅ How schools can teach critical thinking alongside AI tools✅ Why prompt engineering alone is not enough✅ How parents can prepare children for an AI-driven future✅ The connection between AI literacy, leadership, and decision-making✅ Why organizations that develop AI-augmented thinkers will outperform competitors This episode explores the future of education, critical thinking, workforce readiness, leadership development, and artificial intelligence through the lens of one essential question: Are we teaching students how to use AI—or how to think with AI? Whether you're a parent, teacher, school administrator, entrepreneur, CEO, or lifelong learner, this conversation will challenge how you think about education and human intelligence in the age of artificial intelligence. Because in the future, the most valuable skill may not be knowing the answer. It may be knowing how to ask better questions. Think Clearly. Lead Boldly. Stay Logical. Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
Send us Fan MailWhy do intelligent leaders make disastrous decisions? It happens in corporations, schools, governments, nonprofits, startups, and even military organizations. The problem is rarely a lack of intelligence, experience, or information. More often, leaders unknowingly build systems that filter reality before it reaches them. In this episode of Thinking 2 Think, Executive Director, leadership advisor, and former NYPD officer M.A. Aponte explores The Leadership Failure Nobody Names—the hidden organizational dynamics that cause smart leaders to make catastrophically bad decisions despite having access to vast amounts of data and expertise. You'll discover: ✅ The Intelligence-Failure Paradox and why power often reduces information quality✅ How organizations create leadership echo chambers✅ The dangers of sycophancy, groupthink, and yes-men cultures✅ Why executives often receive filtered or distorted information✅ The psychology behind premature certainty and cognitive closure✅ Real-world examples from education, business, military leadership, and finance✅ The Honest Signal Audit framework for improving decision-making✅ How pre-mortems, dissent, and disagreement improve organizational outcomes✅ Practical tools leaders can use to avoid blind spots and strategic failure Whether you're a CEO, superintendent, principal, entrepreneur, executive, manager, board member, military leader, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge how you think about information, influence, leadership, and decision-making under pressure. Because the greatest threat to leadership is often not what you don't know. It's what your organization prevents you from seeing. Think Clearly. Lead Boldly. Stay Logical. Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark Dunn sits down with Clayton Hinchman, Chairman and CEO of IGNITE, to discuss his journey from West Point and Army service to leading one of Huntsville's fastest-growing companies. After surviving a life-changing IED explosion while serving in Iraq, Clayton transitioned into entrepreneurship, founded and sold his first company, and eventually became the leader of IGNITE.During the conversation, Clayton shares how military leadership shaped his approach to business, why discipline and culture are critical to long-term success, and how IGNITE has grown from a regional defense contractor into an international organization with employees across the country and around the world.They also discuss entrepreneurship, acquisitions, employee ownership, leadership during adversity, the importance of grit, and what it takes to build a company that lasts.Recommended Books Mentioned
The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, Dave Acosta and Austin Branch discuss IPA's APEX conference which will be September 8–9, 2026 at the CARASOFT facility in Reston VA. As governments, militaries, industries, and societies confront increasingly sophisticated influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and cognitive warfare activities, the need for cognitive security education, research, and professional development has never been greater. APEX 2026 is a two-day educational forum dedicated to advancing the emerging field of cognitive security. Bringing together educators, researchers, students, practitioners, government representatives, and industry leaders, APEX seeks to foster collaboration, strengthen professional expertise, and contribute to the development of future approaches to Operations in the Information Environment (OIE). Recording Date: 19 June 2026 Resources: APEX Conference Link to full show notes and resources Guest Bio: Austin Branch is a nationally recognized leader in cognitive security, strategic influence, and information operations. A retired Army Officer and senior U.S. government executive, he pioneered the Army's Information Operations career field and served as the first Senior Director for IO in the Office of Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. He is the co-founder of the Information Professionals Association and Managing Partner of Crescent Bridge Corporation, advancing cross-sector solutions to achieve cognitive advantage. He also serves as Professor of Practice at the University of Maryland's Applied Research Lab for Intelligence and Security and as an Adjunct Professor at The Citadel, where he teaches Cognitive Security. A contributor to The Cipher Brief, Austin also designs college-level curricula on intelligence and gray zone competition, blending operational insight with academic rigor to mentor the next generation of strategic thinkers. David Acosta is a Board Member of the Information Professionals Association and focuses on the Association's education portfolio. Additionally, Dave serves as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, currently commanding the 2nd Brigade, 91st Training Division, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. He served at various levels throughout his career from the company/battery level to the Headquarters, Department of the Army G-3/5/7. He commanded the 303d Information Operations (IO) Battalion, 151st Theater IO Group at Camp Parks CA and served as the G3 Information Operations (IO) Chief for the US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne). He also served as the Assistant Deputy Director for Joint Warfighting Development, Joint Staff J-7 in Suffolk, Virginia. His operational tours include deployments to Kosovo in 1999, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2002, and Iraq in 2007 and 2009. Additionally, Dave is a Professor of Practice of Technical Operations in the Information Environment at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Dave holds a Bachelors of Science in History (Russian Area) from the US Air Force Academy, a Master of Science in Joint Information Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College. He is a PhD student of International Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. While activity for this season is winding down, HBS and Chicago / Booth are scheduled to release their deferred admissions decisions, this upcoming week. We do still anticipate a little more waitlist movement in the weeks ahead. Graham noted that Clear Admit is planning its MBA Essay Workshop events series that is scheduled for July 21 and 22, and July 28 and 29. These events will bring together the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss both their written essay prompts as well as their video essays. Clear Admit is also hosting a special webinar event for international students, scheduled for July 16. This webinar will explore the value of a U.S. based MBA for international students, as well as the logistics of moving to the United States. Signups for all events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham highlighted three MBA news stories from this past week. UNC / Kenan Flagler opened a new building for its business school. Emory / Goizueta has installed a new dean. GMAC is rolling out a mechanism which allows applicants to share a test score that combines their best efforts on the different sections of the test, from multiple tests. Graham also shared two admissions tips that Clear Admit recently published. The first focuses on the importance of the b-school campus environment, when considering target programs. The second details how to address employment gaps. Clear Admit has begun its Adcom Q&A series for this upcoming season. This week Graham noted Q&As from Emory / Goizueta, ASU / Carey and CIEBS. Finally, Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni: Tuck / Goldman Sachs, Yale / Bain and IMD / Amazon. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil and wants to pivot from Big 4 to MBB consulting. They still need to take the GMAT. This week's second MBA applicant is from India and has a 334 GRE score. They have military experience. They need to further develop their post MBA goals. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Darden, Tuck and Yale. They are targeting MBB consulting. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
Send us Fan MailWhy are so many students disengaged in school? Why are employees doing the bare minimum at work? Why do organizations struggle to build initiative, innovation, and genuine commitment?In this episode of Thinking 2 Think, Executive Director, leadership advisor, and former NYPD officer M.A. Aponte explores what he calls The Compliance Trap—the hidden system that rewards obedience, discourages intellectual risk-taking, and produces disengaged students, quiet quitting employees, and stagnant workplace cultures.Drawing from research on intrinsic motivation, employee engagement, psychological safety, organizational culture, and modern education systems, this episode examines how schools and workplaces often reward compliance instead of critical thinking, initiative, creativity, and ownership.You'll learn:✅ Why rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation✅ The unintended consequences of PBIS and behavior-based systems✅ The real causes behind quiet quitting and workplace disengagement✅ How compliance culture affects schools, businesses, and families✅ The connection between student behavior and employee behavior✅ Why psychological safety is essential for innovation and performance✅ How CEOs, managers, principals, teachers, and parents can build cultures that encourage thinking instead of obedience✅ Practical strategies for developing proactive students and engaged employeesWhether you're a parent, teacher, school administrator, CEO, entrepreneur, manager, or simply someone interested in leadership, psychology, education, and organizational culture, this episode will challenge how you think about motivation, performance, and human development.Think Clearly. Lead Boldly. Stay Logical.Support the showAbout the host: M.A. Aponte is a former JPMorgan banker, former Merrill Lynch wealth manager, former NYPD officer, Army Officer, and Executive Director of a Charter School in Florida. He is the author of The Logical Mind and host of Thinking 2 Think. Join My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.comProfessional LinkedIn Page: www.linkedin.com/in/maaponteFinancial Budget/Wealth Management app (FREE): https://centsora.com/CHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple Store
For years, healthcare organizations focused on securing digital channels while treating phone calls as a trusted service channel. That assumption no longer holds true. In this episode, Sandy sits with Jason Barr, the Vice President of Strategic Sales for Healthcare at Pindrop, who explains how AI-powered voice cloning, deepfakes, and synthetic identities are transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Jason shares how healthcare organizations can defend against AI-driven fraud, verify identity in real time, and protect patients, providers, and employees in a world where even a familiar voice may not be what it seems. In this episode, they talk about: AI has transformed the phone from a trusted service channel into a rapidly growing cybersecurity threat vector for healthcare organizations. Cybercriminals can now use AI-powered tools to launch thousands of voice-based attacks per day, dramatically increasing the scale and efficiency of fraud attempts. Many attackers use voice channels not for immediate theft, but for reconnaissance, collecting sensitive information that can later be used to target providers, payers, and patients. Traditional identity verification methods such as knowledge-based questions and one-time passcodes are becoming increasingly vulnerable to modern fraud tactics. Continuous identity verification is emerging as a new security model that validates users throughout an interaction rather than only at the point of authentication. Pindrop analyzes thousands of signals during voice interactions to determine whether a caller is who they claim to be, whether they pose a risk, and whether they are even human. Healthcare organizations are facing a growing challenge in distinguishing between legitimate automation and malicious AI-powered bots. Deepfake technology is now sophisticated enough to mimic both voices and video, creating new risks across hiring, workforce management, and patient-facing operations. Help desks and support centers remain attractive targets because attackers often use social engineering tactics to pressure employees into resetting credentials. Voice-based security solutions can reduce fraud while simultaneously improving operational efficiency and the customer experience. One healthcare organization achieved a 90% reduction in fraud after implementing voice authentication and risk detection technology. Healthcare leaders must begin evaluating voice security as part of their broader cybersecurity strategy, as AI-enabled attacks continue to grow at an unprecedented pace. A Little About Jason: As a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Officer, Jason brings the operational rigor, discipline, and leadership foundation of combat-tested command into the boardroom and the GTM arena. He thrives where GTM transformation is mission-critical: aligning strategy to investor outcomes, building high-performing teams, and delivering predictable growth.
When a notice appeared in a local newspaper about a company applying for an air quality permit for a power plant, it set off alarm bells in the small West Virginia town of Davis. After residents realized that a major data center project, enabled by West Virginia's hastily passed state preemption bill, was being pushed through without anyone knowing about it, the community took action. A coalition of artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and generations-deep mining families formed Tucker United, and we met with them to learn about the state of the fight: why Davis, West Virginia; is the proposed reduction in state income tax and influx of data center revenue actually going to reach the local community; and how do they make sure their voice is heard by local and state government and that corporations are held accountable to them in the face of a politics that is pushing an “abundance” agenda of development with few guardrails? In this episode, we hear from: Linda Bilsens Brolis: Associate Director for Education for the Composting for Community Initiative, who first told us about this story, and lives in Davis.Nikki Forrester: Helped launch Tucker United, now serves as the Director of Communications and spokesperson, lives in Tucker County, West Virginia, and is a journalist. Mayor Alan Tomson: Mayor of Davis, West Virginia, who was alerted about the project and helped organize the initial town hall meeting that led to Tucker United. He shares what inspired him to move from his life as a career Army Officer in D.C. to Davis.Chris Parquet: lead organizer of Tucker UnitedShanae Crossland: member of Tucker United
In today's Urban Valor Podcast, a former U.S. Army Captain opens up about the dark truth about military life, what it's really like being a woman in the Army, and the experiences no one talks about.From growing up in a chaotic and abusive environment to navigating misogyny, harassment, and leadership challenges in the military, this story exposes the reality behind the uniform.She shares her journey through:- The reality of being a female infantry officer- Toxic leadership and military culture issues- Personal trauma and overcoming adversity- What actually happens behind the scenes in the Army- How she rebuilt her life through discipline and resilience
Prior-enlisted in the U.S. Army, he began his military career as an 88K (Watercraft Operator) at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he served aboard the Logistics Support Vessel (LSV-5) and later became the first Leading Seaman of the Maneuver Support Vessel Light (MSVL). In 2023, he was selected for a Division Commander's Green to Gold scholarship, transitioning to become an Army Officer candidate. He is currently a Leadership Science major at Old Dominion University and a senior in the Army ROTC program, with plans to commission as an Active Duty Second Lieutenant this May. Most recently, he was recognized by the Secretary of the Army and the Sergeant Major of the Army for the actions he and his peers took in response to the attack at Old Dominion University. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Get 20% off Rho Nutrition Liposomal NAD+ for clean, sustained energy and sharper focus—visit https://rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS and use code SRS for your discount. Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50 and get 50% off your first order. Or, you can use code SRS50 at checkout. That's 50% off your first order at sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50. Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off at StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://stopboxusa.com/srs #stopboxpod Get 20% off sitewide at https://helixsleep.com/SRS and enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Go right now to https://hillsdale.edu/SRS to enroll in Hillsdale College's free “Classical Logic and Rhetoric” online course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What does it take to swim 28.5 miles around Manhattan and still call it fun? I sit down with Lynn Griesemer, an open water swimmer who proves that determination, passion, and mindset can take you further than you think. Lynn shares how she went from casual lap swimming to completing one of the world's most iconic endurance swims, all while building a life centered on family, curiosity, and growth. You will hear how she trained, faced fear in open water, and developed the kind of unstoppable mindset that pushes past doubt and excuses. This conversation is about more than swimming. It is about finding what drives you, trusting yourself, and taking action even when it feels uncomfortable. I believe you will find this both inspiring and practical as you think about what you want to pursue in your own life. Highlights: 00:10 – Discover what it really takes to swim 28 miles around Manhattan and why mindset matters most 01:32 – Learn how early life and family shaped a foundation of curiosity and determination 20:00 – See how a global shutdown unexpectedly led to a breakthrough in open water swimming 32:18 – Understand what it takes to qualify for and complete one of the toughest endurance swims 36:27 – Hear what 10 hours in open water teaches about mental strength and preparation 47:44 – Learn how determination is built through passion, action, and refusing to quit Bottom of Form About the Guest: Lynn Griesemer began her swimming journey at the age of five when her father introduced her to the joy of swimming. Although she wasn't a competitive swimmer, she developed a passion for swimming over the years. She became a long-distance swimmer in 2020 and has swum around more than 69 different islands in Tampa Bay, Florida and beyond. She was the first person to swim around St. Pete Beach, FL in 2022. At the age of 62, Lynn and her swim partner Ken Morgan were the Oldest Male-Female Tandem Team to complete the 20 Bridges swim around Manhattan, which is 28.5 miles. Four days after the completion of her New York City swim on 8/9/25, Lynn decided to write a book because she felt transformed by the experience. In fact, most of the books she's written over the years have come from a place of conviction. Her current swimming goal is to complete an open water 10K swim, (6.2 miles) in all 50 states. She has completed 15 different states, with 10 more planned for 2026. In addition to swimming, Lynn's other passions include advocating for long-term happy marriage and husband and wife homebirth. Lynn is a mother of six grown children and grandmother of five. Although she was career-oriented in her twenties, she believes her greatest joy is that she had a large family. She's been a family mom for three decades and homeschooled her six children from 1994-2016. She enjoyed learning from her children and watching them blossom over the years. Before children, Lynn was an Army Officer and later, a Human Resources Manager. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Boston University and M.S. in Human Resources Management and Development from Chapman University. After four hospital births between 1988 and 1993, Lynn and her husband Bob decided to give birth at home alone for the birth of their two youngest in 1996 and 2002. Not much was written on unassisted homebirth, and she was inspired to publish “Unassisted Homebirth: An Act of Love” in 1998. She is considered a pioneer in the field of unassisted birth (or freebirth), which is giving birth without a doctor or midwife. Another strong interest: public speaking. As a former shy child, Lynn believes effective speaking is necessary for everyone, especially those in leadership and influential positions. She's written several books on public speaking, with emphasis on children ages 10-18. A bucket list item of hers is to find an expert marketing and business partner to help promote and implement her public speaking programs. Lynn has two more book ideas swimming around in her head – one about island swimming and another about the fifty state10Ks. Her mentor is advising her to write a book on unassisted homebirth, and she's trying to make time to follow through. Lynn has written 13 books on various topics and is determined to write a handful more in her lifetime. Ways to connect with Lynn: LynnGriesemer.com UnassistedHomebirth.com LinkedIn: Lynn M. Griesemer Instagram: lynngriesemer YouTube Channel: Lynn Griesemer Facebook: Lynn Griesemer Book, https://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Around-Manhattan-Passion-Happen/dp/1962424103/ref=sr_1_1?crid=328XAQ877AE09&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JMTrWfJ3Z66GuqE76QAmZaQ1jiHTf-E9Gm_tHoBwP0TzAU45iQaVXiEFWe6pgjEe.C7mHlxz_nZyFP6rbDsTDwuKkATnaB5zo0ifh8-3PDoA&dib_tag=se&keywords=swimming+around+manhattan&qid=1774805884&sprefix=swimming+around+manhattan%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1 About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:
Send us Fan MailEpisode 63: From Alpine Warfare to Elite Footwear: Florian Oberst on Performance in the Mountains.In this episode, I sit down with Florian Oberst—a German Army Reserve Captain, former mountain infantry soldier, and Global Product Manager at LOWA. Florian's background is rooted in high mountain military operations, where he trained and operated in extreme alpine environments, building a deep understanding of what true performance demands in the field.After his military service, Florian studied sports and medical technology with a focus on biomechanics and equipment development, eventually transitioning into the outdoor industry. Today, he leads the global product line for LOWA's professional boot line and mountaineering category, helping design footwear built for the harshest conditions on earth.We dive into the crossover between military experience and product innovation, what actually matters when it comes to performance gear, and how real-world use shapes the equipment professionals rely on.If you're interested in mountains, gear, or high-level performance—this episode delivers real insight from someone who's lived it on both sides.Lowa BootsSocial Media: @lowa.professional and @lowabootsWebsite: https://www.lowaboots.com/Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
What happens when a trained military officer witnesses something that defies explanation? In this gripping episode, Micah Hanks shares the extraordinary account of an Army officer's encounter with a UFO—an experience that challenges both scientific understanding and military protocol. With discipline, observation skills, and credibility on his side, the officer's testimony raises serious questions about what is truly being seen in our skies. Micah breaks down the details of the sighting, the implications for national security, and what such encounters mean in the broader context of UFO research. Join us as we examine a case where training meets the unknown—and the results are anything but ordinary.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media
FBI investigating Michigan synagogue attack as targeted act of violence, Army Officer killed in university attack, and yo-yo dieting may actually be good for you.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khameni, has issued his first public statement since taking over from his father. In the statement, which was read out on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the closure of the Straits of Hormuz should continue and that US bases should be attacked in the region. In a moment we will get the latest from the region as well as taking a deeper look at how Iran has been able to fight back.And after what the Supreme Leader said in his message earlier today, what actually are the military capabilities of Iran, and can they inflict significant harm to the US and Israel?Joining to discuss is Patrick Bury, Senior Security Lecturer at The University of Bath, former NATO Analyst and Army Officer and William Christou, Journalist writing for The Guardian in Beirut.Image: Reuters
Brent chats with Brent Bowers about how he has strategically invested in land and built his real estate business. They discuss the tactics and address important risk management techniques to improve a real estate portfolio. Brent Bowers is an investor and coach with a focus on buying and selling vacant land. As an Army Officer with over 8 years of service, Brent was spending a great deal of time away from his family, and he knew he needed to make some changes in order to be more present with his wife and children. Brent began investing in real estate as a way to support his family while having more time to spend with them. In a short period of time, Brent was able to expand his business, hire a team, and (most importantly) spend quality time with his family while still working hard and helping others. Brent now helps other investors learn the ins and outs of buying land. This material is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the speaker as of the date noted and not necessarily of the speaker's firm or its affiliates. If you are enjoying the podcast please SUBSCRIBE and leave a REVIEW, and if you want to learn more about Brent go to https://wealthandlaw.com/team/. Legal Disclaimer: https://wealthandlaw.com/legal-disclaimer/
In this powerful episode, Olivia Degenkolb, retired Navy Commander, andMike Gary,Army Officer pursuing reinstatement, join Stephanie Weidle to dive into the ongoing push for justice following the COVID-19 vaccine mandates, spotlighting recent developments that signal a shift toward accountability.
Being a teacher doesn't stop when the last bell rings and you don your whistle. ""You're not so different, you and I." - Austin Powers" - Football Coaches to teachers everywhere. The skills you master to be a great teacher in the classroom can help your players on the field as well. In this episode Joe and Daniel are joined by Ryan Moshak, a former Army Officer, athlete at Army at Westpoint, and current Football Coach. They discuss the use of traditional pedagogy, forced recall, formative assessments and more in teaching football to get kids to better understand your system.
How can creators turn social media content into customers for their own product brand instead of relying on short term sponsorships? For that and more, follow us here and subscribe to our YouTube channel!In this episode of Built Online, we sat down with Julianna Christensen, West Point graduate, former Army officer, and the creator behind @julianna_claire, where she has built 2.9 million followers on Instagram and 2.9 million on TikTok, to unpack how she turned soothing home and cleaning content into ROAME Clean, a replenishable self care brand. Julianna shares how she started a blog from Afghanistan, grew a multi platform audience, used affiliate data to spot what her community actually buys, then spent years obsessing over formulas, packaging, and FDA approval so products like her soap sheets, wipes, and hand sanitizer create small moments of self care and a real, returning customer base instead of just views.------------JULIANNA CHRISTENSEN:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianna_claire- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julianna_claire- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@julianna_claire_finds- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-christensen/- Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roame.clean- Company TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roame.clean- Company Website (ROAME Clean): https://www.roameclean.com------------
This week's guest is someone I've been excited to sit down with for over a year.Dave Lehmkuhl began his journey studying economics and business at the Virginia Military Institute, where he also served nine years as a U.S. Army Officer. After transitioning out of the military, Dave took on roles spanning recruiting, account executive, project management, and business development, before ultimately working his way from Account Executive to Sales Director at Seamless.ai.Dave is also the host of The Bird's Nest Podcast, where he shares powerful conversations around career journeys, leadership, and personal growth. In this episode, the host becomes the guest.In this week's conversation, we go deep into Dave's early years, overcoming adversity, and how lived experience ultimately shaped his leadership style and career decisions.In this week's episode, we discussed:Overcoming adversity early in life and building confidenceLessons learned from military leadership and real-world experienceWhy lived experience often matters more than formal educationKnowing when it's time to walk away from a career pathMaking the leap back into sales after quitting on yourselfWhy you can't fake passion in your workBuilding leadership skills through discomfortMuch more!Please enjoy this week's episode with Dave Lehmkuhl.____________________________________________________________________________I am now in the early stages of writing my first book! In this book, I will be telling my story of getting into sales and the lessons I have learned so far, and intertwine stories, tips, and advice from the Top Sales Professionals In The World! As a first time author, I want to share these interviews with you all, and take you on this book writing journey with me! Like the show? Subscribe to the email: https://mailchi.mp/a71e58dacffb/welcome-to-the-20-podcast-communityI want your feedback!Reach out to 20percentpodcastquestions@gmail.com, or find me on LinkedIn
Brent Bowers is a real estate investor, coach, and former Army Officer who transitioned out of military life after realizing he wanted more time with his wife and children. After first getting interested in real estate in 2007, Brent built a successful investing business with a primary focus on buying and selling vacant land—an approach that allowed him to scale, hire a team, and reclaim time with his family. Today, he helps aspiring and experienced investors learn the ins and outs of land investing through coaching and education, guided by a people-first philosophy that prioritizes service, impact, and long-term success over quick wins.
It's Friday, December 19th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christian prisoners released in Eritrea but many more remain without charges Several Christians in Eritrea, Africa were among a group of prisoners recently released, possibly because of poor health. However, seven church leaders remain in detention after two decades without a charge or a trial, reports the Christian Post. Open Doors noted this week that the release appeared to include believers, businesspeople, and politicians. The names of those freed have not been made public, but the group confirmed that none of the seven church leaders it has advocated for, over the years, were among them. The leaders have each been detained for more than 20 years without legal proceedings. In addition, Open Doors said they have not been permitted to see family members, have access to a lawyer, or appear before a court. Hebrews 13:3 says, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” In national address, Trump says prices coming down In an 18-minute speech from the White House on Wednesday night, President Donald Trump discussed the economy. (Read the transcript here) TRUMP: “Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it. When I took office, inflation was the worst in 48 years, and some would say, in the history of our country, which caused prices to be higher than ever before, making life unaffordable for millions and millions of Americans. This happened during a Democrat administration, and it's when we first began hearing the word affordability.” He addressed the falling cost of goods and services since he took office in January of this year. TRUMP: “I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast. Let's look at the facts. Under the Biden administration, car prices rose 22% and in many states 30% or more. Gasoline rose 30 to 50%. Hotel rates rose 37%. Airfares rose 31%. “Now, under our leadership, they are all coming down and coming down fast. Democrat politicians also sent the cost of grocery soaring, but we are solving that too. The price of a Thanksgiving turkey was down 33% compared to the Biden last year. The price of eggs is down 82% since March, and everything else is falling rapidly.” Arrest warrant issued for Brown University shooter Authorities have reportedly issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in the Brown University mass shooting that occurred last week in Providence, Rhode Island, and are investigating a potential link between the school massacre and the murder of an MIT professor, reports The Western Journal. Just two days after the Brown shooting occurred, Nuno Loureiro, who taught plasma physics at MIT, was shot at his home Monday in Brookline, Massachusetts. He later died of his injuries. During the shooting at Brown, two students were killed and nine others were wounded after the gunman opened fire Saturday afternoon inside a campus classroom during final exams. The male suspect, who is 5'8” with a stocky build, escaped from the building. Army officer once ousted by COVID shot mandate now leads reintegration efforts On October 2, 2025, U.S. Army Colonel Kevin Bouren was administered the oath of office by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, formally returning Bouren to active duty. The event concluded his three-year separation from the Army, a period initiated by the Department of Defense's 2021 COVID-19 shot mandate, reports the U.S. Army's Communication Office. Bouren, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an officer with multiple advanced degrees, had a promising career trajectory that included an assignment to the Joint Staff. In 2021, his military service was interrupted after his request for a medical exemption from the COVID shot mandate was denied. During his time away from the Army, Bouren made an unlikely career move. He began working in Christian filmmaking as a co-producer and co-founder of Set Shepherds, managing logistics for films he worked on, while also mentoring the cast and crew as a chaplain. It allowed him to apply his leadership experience in a non-military context while integrating his Christian faith. Bouren said, “As the set chaplain, getting to lead morning devotionals and minister to the cast and crew was wonderful.” In early 2025, when the call for COVID reinstatements came, he said, "God called me to military service, and there was nothing that was going to get between me and going back in the Army. I felt like I had a lot left to offer." After his formal return, Bouren was designated the Army's COVID Reinstatement Task Force Lead. He said, “Our warriors of conscience shouldn't have to navigate this alone. We're here to … support them through every step … after they were “unlawfully separated.” Chick-fil-A embraces and celebrates homosexual marriage And finally, Christian leaders say Chick-fil-A has waffled on homosexual faux marriage and diversity, equity and inclusion policies, reports Christian talk show host Todd Starnes. More than a decade ago, Christians across the nation rallied to defend the beloved fast-food restaurant chain after homosexual faux marriage activists declared war. They tried to put Chick-fil-A out of business after Dan Cathy, the son of founder Truett Cathy said in 2012 that marriage is between one man and one woman. Sadly, there's been a cultural shift at Chick-fil-A. An Orem, Utah Chick-fil-A franchise recently posted photos on its Facebook page celebrating the faux homosexual marriage of two men complete with photos of the gushing grooms. Leviticus 18:22 says, “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” Family Research Council called out Chick-fil-A accusing the company of duplicity. In a column in The Washington Stand, they wrote, “More than anything, what should frustrate loyal customers is that — unlike the secular corporations that promoted this agenda for decades without apology — Chick-fil-A built a business model based almost entirely on faith. And frankly, that means they should be held to a higher standard. Yes, there are local operators with diverse objectives and opinions, but for the sake of the company's broader character, those individual franchises should be held to a moral code that reflects Chick-fil-A's stated beliefs. At the very least, the vice president of DEI should be reassigned to support the Cathys' original mission, and the cancer of diversity, equity, and inclusion should be eradicated from headquarters.” The Family Research Council added, “Unlike Target or Anheuser-Busch, this company intentionally made religion a part of the chain's identity. So, it's a point of legitimate hurt and disappointment that [Chick-fil-A] keeps profiting from its Christian reputation, only to turn around and sell out those same values. Americans expect that from Nike. They expect it from Starbucks. They believed Chick-fil-A was different — and they continue to be wrong.” In recent years, Chick-fil-A stopped donating to the Salvation Army and to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes after pressure from the far-left. They also funneled $230,000 to Covenant House, an organization that hosts Drag Queen Story Hours. Conservatives were in disbelief — so much so that The Federalist felt the need to spell it out in a headline that read: “Yes, Chick-fil-A Really Is Funding a Group that Hosts Drag Queen Story Hours.” And Chick-fil-A ruffled lots of feathers when they hired a vice president of DEI. Christian talk show host Todd Starnes said, “Traditional values have been taken off the menu at Chick-fil-A – just like the chicken salad sandwich and coleslaw.” Send your letter of objection to Susannah Frost, Chick-fil-A President, 5200 Buffington Road, College Park, GA 30349. You can reach Chick-fil-A online through a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com, and by calling Chick-fil-A between 9:00am and 10:00pm ET, Monday through Saturday, at 866-232-2040.. That's 866-232-2040. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, December 19th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
NorthSan Antonio author/retired Army officer Darrell Barry who served under the “Don'tAsk Don't Tell” era talks about his release “Early This Morning” where a group ofhigh-ranking officers at the Pentagon and some Congressmen try to rid of thehomosexuals in the Army where it becomes clear who most likely will die! Checkout the compelling story and his release at www.dberrybooks.comand www.linktr.ee/themikewagnershowtoday! #podmatch #darrellberry #northsanantonio #author #earlythismorning#dontaskdonttell #military #highrankingofficers #pentagon #army #spreaker#spotify #iheartradio #applemusic #bitchute #rumble #youtube #mikewagner#themikewagnershow #mikewagnerdarrellberry #themikewagnershowdarrellberry
NorthSan Antonio author/retired Army officer Darrell Barry who served under the “Don'tAsk Don't Tell” era talks about his release “Early This Morning” where a group ofhigh-ranking officers at the Pentagon and some Congressmen try to rid of thehomosexuals in the Army where it becomes clear who most likely will die! Checkout the compelling story and his release at www.dberrybooks.comand www.linktr.ee/themikewagnershowtoday! #podmatch #darrellberry #northsanantonio #author #earlythismorning#dontaskdonttell #military #highrankingofficers #pentagon #army #spreaker#spotify #iheartradio #applemusic #bitchute #rumble #youtube #mikewagner#themikewagnershow #mikewagnerdarrellberry #themikewagnershowdarrellberry
North San Antonio author/retired Army officer Darrell Barry who served under the “Don't Ask Don't Tell” era talks about his release “Early This Morning” where a group of high-ranking officers at the Pentagon and some Congressmen try to rid of the homosexuals in the Army where it becomes clear who most likely will die! Check out the compelling story and his release at www.dberrybooks.com and www.linktr.ee/themikewagnershow today! #podmatch #darrellberry #northsanantonio #author #earlythismorning #dontaskdonttell #military #highrankingofficers #pentagon #army #spreaker #spotify #iheartradio #applemusic #bitchute #rumble #youtube #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagnerdarrellberry #themikewagnershowdarrellberryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-mike-wagner-show--3140147/support.
The headlines of the day by The Indian Express
From the Army to AI: Building CavnessHR and Bridging Tech Between the U.S. and Vietnam Episode Summary: In this solo episode of The Jason Cavness Experience, host Jason Cavness takes listeners through his personal and professional journey. From dropping out of high school to serving 25 years in the U.S. Army, and eventually diving headfirst into the world of tech startups. Jason opens up about the lessons learned in leadership, perseverance, and adaptation that continue to guide his mission to build CavnessHR. An AI-powered HR platform designed for small businesses. He shares candid insights into the realities of startup life, including the challenges of product development, fundraising, and scaling in a competitive space. Jason also discusses his growing partnerships with TechBank and Earth VC in Vietnam, as well as the launch of the CavnessHR Builders Club and the company's ongoing Wefunder campaign. Jason reflects on how The Jason Cavness Experience podcast has evolved into a powerful platform to connect founders, investors, and innovators and how it now plays a central role in amplifying CavnessHR's story. Key Topics: • Jason's journey from high school dropout to Army officer • Leadership lessons from 25 years in the U.S. Army • Transitioning from military life to the tech startup ecosystem • The vision behind CavnessHR and its mission to support small businesses • Partnerships with TechBank and Earth VC in Vietnam • How the Wefunder campaign and Builders Club fit into CavnessHR's growth strategy • Using the podcast as a brand amplifier for the startup's mission • Why AI automation is the future of small business Links & Resources: • Wefunder Campaign: https://wefunder.com/cavnesshr/ • The Jason Cavness Experience: www.thejasoncavnessexperience.com • Free eBooks: www.buildcavnesshr.com/ebooks About the Host: Jason Cavness is an INFJ Retired U.S. Army Officer, entrepreneur, and founder of CavnessHR. An HR platform built for companies with 49 or fewer people. Through The Jason Cavness Experience, he spotlights founders, investors, and leaders who are shaping the future of work and technology.
Harrison Idol is a sportsman, fly fisherman, Army Officer and budding antiquarian currently building up his collection of antique sporting books in Maryland. After a reading from The Compleat Angler written in 1653 about fly tying & trout, Harrison opens on growing up on his family's generational tobacco farm in North Carolina. While inspired by vintage sporting aesthetics, Harrison boldly embarked on a collector's shopping spree of antique fishing & hunting books dating back to the 15th-century. From Ancient Greece & Rome to the medieval, we hear of Dame Juliana Berners' 1420 treatise [the first English book on fishing] which introduces angling not solely as a means to acquire food, but as a contemplative art loaded with Christian symbolism. A prayer, a review of a 350-year-old trout recipe, an unlikely collaboration between men of vice & virtue; pike folklore; and historical rod & tackle materials; Harrison's collection culminates with a leather bound, time worn copy of the famous 17th-century instructional fishing narrative, The Compleat Angler by Englishman, Izaak Walton. Bringing this episode into the spirit of the autumnal season, we end on a hunting ghost story from Harrison's old family farm. Reading from The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton. Follow Harrison on Instagram @idol.hourSupport Our Numinous Nature on Patreon.Follow Our Numinous Nature & my naturalist illustrations on InstagramCheck out my shop of shirts, prints, and books featuring my artContact: herbaceoushuman@gmail.com
Bo and Beth welcome Retired Army Officer and Military analyst John Falkenbury to recap the address given by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump at Quantico yesterday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nicole Bradley joined the Australian Army at 20 and served for 22 years. And admits she ‘lost' herself in the process.However after leaving the Army, and at the age of 42, Nicole discovered the sport of powerlifting - and life hasn't been the same since.Nicole progressed quickly and set her 1st Australian Masters Record for the bench press (she now has 3 records) in her first competition!Injuries acquired during her service in the Army meant Nicole was eligible to compete (and was selected) to represent Australia at the Warrior Games in the United States and in the 2018 Invictus Games held in Sydney.And the honour didn't stop there; much to her surprise, Nicole was appointed the co-captain of the 2018 Australian Invictus Games team! In this conversation, Nicole and I discuss:- why children need to see adults participating in sport,- why she turned down the first invitation she received to attend an Invictus Games training and selection camp,- the challenge associated with shifting identity from ‘Army Officer' to ‘civilian',- what prompted her to take up powerlifting at 42,- how the application process for the Invictus Games caused her to doubt whether her service was significant enough, her injuries were “bad enough” or if she was the right ‘fit' for the team,- the lack of appreciation for non-visible injuries,- the importance of being happy with doing your best on the day, even if it's not your best performance of all time.
Rich breaks down the Texas redistricting uproar and the mass exodus of House Democrats with former Army Officer and Border Patrol Agent Ammon Blair. Then, Dr. Peter McCullough joins to examine vaccine risks and effectiveness, revisiting COVID-era mandates and Robert Kennedy's vaccine agenda. Finally, political commentator Brandon Brice sounds off on the Democratic Party's leadership crisis and what it means for the 2024 race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Send us a textAt 81 years, Brian Hampton is a first time published author of a Life Empowerment book, by a premier publisher. The book serves up hundreds of techniques that he has successfully used to deal with the distressing predicaments and people we all encounter far too often. He earned two graduate degrees, but it was only through the hard earned experiences of many different jobs and occupations that he learned all the techniques he shares in the book. He has been an Advertising Executive, Political Consultant, Federal Gov't. Employee, Army Officer, Fundraiser, Bill Collector, Entrepreneur, and dreaded Telemarketer. This is an unbelievable story. Listen now!https://brianauthorhampton.com/Contact us:Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquetteLooking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkFree Coaching Consultation call whenever you are ready... Message me!Believe it!
Once paraded in the media as a hero, Dr. James Henry became the symbol of a “progressive” military—the first openly transgender active-duty officer. But the story the public saw was only part of the truth. In this episode, Dr. Henry shares what really happened behind the scenes. The early struggles with identity. The weight of religious shame. The celebration that came with transitioning—and the breakdown that followed. He opens up about being misdiagnosed, overmedicated, and failed by the very systems meant to protect him. Now, years later, Dr. Henry faces a federal indictment after a confrontation with the FBI. This is not a story of affirmation. It's a story of survival, betrayal, and the cost of speaking out. Dr. Roger McFillin / Radically Genuine WebsiteYouTube @RadicallyGenuineDr. Roger McFillin (@DrMcFillin) / XSubstack | Radically Genuine | Dr. Roger McFillinInstagram @radicallygenuineContact Radically GenuineConscious Clinician CollectivePLEASE SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS15% Off Pure Spectrum CBD (Code: RadicallyGenuine)10% off Lovetuner click here
AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on a guilty plea from an ex-Army officer accused of sharing classified information about the Russia-Ukraine war.
Phil Halton is a former Canadian Army Officer and security contractor who has deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. He is more recently the author of several books, the latest of which is "Red Warning." With Double Dagger Books, Canada's only military and security-focused publisher, he assists other vets in getting out their stories as well. On this episode we focus on the war in Afghanistan and Phil's perspective on how the war was handled. Phil's website is http://philhalton.com and you can follow him on X @Phil_Halton Follow us:http://instagram.com/battlelinepodcasthttp://x.com/battlelinepod For 15% off select Fort Scott Munitions products go to http://fsm.com & use promo code: Battleline For 20% off your first order with Bubs Naturals go to https://www.bubsnaturals.com/?discount=BATTLELINE .. All purchases help to support the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation Photonis Defense is the global leader in night vision solutions providing more high-quality night vision capabilities than anyone. Hunters, shooters, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts rely on Photonis Defense systems to make their adventures safer and more successful. Visit http://photonisdefense.com for more information; or look for Photonis Defense product options from your night vision dealer. For full video of this episode, head over to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@battlelinepodcast
Commissioned in 1995 as a 2nd Lt. and retiring in 2019 as a Lt. Colonel, Clay Novak parlayed his time as a Ranger and an Army Officer into his new passion of writing with his novel "Keep Moving Keep Shooting". Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help us grow the podcast. Go to www.warstoriesofficial.com to listen to older episodes or to support us by buying our merchandise. You can also support us by becoming a patron here and following us on Instagram and Facebook.
Brent Bowers specializes in the investment of raw tracts of vacant land. We had Brent on the show about a year and a half ago and so I'm excited to get caught up with him to see what has changed in his business. As a former Army Officer with over 8 years of service. Brent was spending a great deal of time away from his family, & he knew he needed to make some changes in order to be more present with his wife and children. Once he was back in the States, Brent quickly expanded his land business, hired at a lender team, and (most importantly) bought back time with his family. Connect with Brent Bowers: https://www.thelandsharks.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent1 Highlights: 3:40 - Why Bret Loves Vacant Raw Land 6:12 - Turn Raw Land into Cash Flow 11:20 - Finding Great Deals (the full process) 19:20 - Tactics (the bread & butter) 41:26 - Recourses Quote: "I'm doing the snowball effect by investing money made from buying raw land and it really turns into something beautiful." Recommended Resources: Accredited Investors, you're invited to Join the Cashflow Investor Club to learn how you can partner with Kevin Bupp on current and upcoming opportunities to create passive cash flow and build wealth. Join the Club! If you're a high net worth investor with capital to deploy in the next 12 months and you want to build passive income and wealth with a trusted partner, go to InvestWithKB.com for opportunities to invest in real estate projects alongside Kevin and his team. Looking for the ultimate guide to passive investing? Grab a copy of my latest book, The Cash Flow Investor at KevinBupp.com. Tap into a wealth of free information on Commercial Real Estate Investing by listening to past podcast episodes at KevinBupp.com/Podcast.