Podcasts about Arriving

What if losing your life savings on your first investment at age 27 became the catalyst for understanding why 90% of startups get stuck for the same psychological reasons? That's exactly what happened to Dave Hersh, founding CEO of Jive, board partner at Andreessen Horowitz, and author of Reignition. Dave grew Jive from an open-source project to a NASDAQ IPO, bootstrapping to $12 million over five years before raising venture capital. But when he watched Atlassian, a comparison company that started at the same time, stay on their original trajectory and become worth over $20 billion while Jive eventually died on the public markets, he realized fear and insecurity had driven his capital decision rather than genuine strategy. That painful lesson shaped everything Dave now teaches as an executive coach and General Partner at Metamorph Partners. After working with hundreds of stuck companies, he discovered that 90% of failures trace back to the same psychological patterns. Not cash. Not product market fit. Not competition. Subconscious patterns driving decisions without founders knowing. The statistics are sobering. Between 80 to 95% of founders suffer mental health issues while running their companies. Even successful founders have an 85% chance of experiencing depression or struggles for up to 10 years post-exit. Only 15% are truly thriving after they sell. Dave introduces his inner board meeting framework, which helps founders identify the internal parts driving major decisions. The child wanting safety. The hero wanting to save everyone. The warrior that cannot let go. When you understand these patterns, you can work toward compromises that break through stalemates. The conversation covers when and why to raise capital versus bootstrap, the transition process between identities that most founders skip, and the human-first competitive moats that will define success in the AI era. For founders navigating capital decisions, stuck companies, or the complex terrain after exit, this episode offers a different lens on what actually determines outcomes. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/davehersh FOR MORE ON DAVE HERSH:https://www.linkedin.com/in/davehersh/https://one-in-ten-thousand.beehiiv.com/ FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction: Dave Hersh's journey from dot-com era to executive coaching [02:30] - Growing up in Newport, Rhode Island with no entrepreneurial modeling [05:15] - First entrepreneurial experience: selling ninja weapons to neighborhood kids [07:45] - Arriving in New York on September 10th, 2001 and founding Jive [12:00] - Bootstrapping to $12 million over five years without outside capital [16:30] - The Facebook moment and decision to raise venture capital in 2006 [21:00] - Why founders equate raising money with success and the 10% reality [25:45] - The Atlassian comparison and what could have been a $20 billion outcome [30:15] - Mental health statistics: 80-95% of founders suffer while running companies [34:00] - Post-exit malaise: 85% of successful founders struggle for up to 10 years [43:00] - Identifying internal parts: the child, hero, warrior, and insecure parts [51:30] - Human-first moats in the AI era Guest Bio Dave Hersh is an executive coach, speaker, and investor based in San Francisco with over 30 years of experience in strategy, startups, and conscious leadership. He was the founding CEO of Jive, which he grew from an open-source project to a NASDAQ IPO. He also spent two years as a Board Partner (investor) at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He is the author of Reignition, a playbook for helping startups get unstuck and find their breakthrough, and is working on a new book about enlightened leadership in the era of AI. Dave currently serves as General Partner at Metamorph Partners. Host Bio Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Show Description Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer reveals how successful entrepreneurs and business leaders use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From large mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate deals, and more, this show discusses the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Get the confidence to pursue deals that will help your company scale faster. Related Episodes Episode 366 - Jodi Hume: Founder Exits and the Emotional Journey Behind Major Business Decisions: Explore the psychological dimensions of exits and what founders need to prepare for beyond the transaction. Episode 350 - Tom Dillon: When NOT to Take Venture Capital Money: Discover alternative funding sources and how to evaluate whether VC is right for your business model. Episode 302 - Laurie Barkman: Preparing for a Successful Exit with Business Transition Insights: Learn the practical steps for getting your business exit-ready. Episode 328 - Richard Manders: Post-Exit Transitions and Finding Purpose After Selling Your Company: Understand how successful founders navigate identity after major exits. Social Media Follow DealQuest Podcast:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/Website: https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Follow Dave HershLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davehersh/ Newsletter: https://one-in-ten-thousand.beehiiv.com/ Keywords/Tags founder mental health, post-exit depression, startup psychology, venture capital decision, inner work for CEOs, executive coaching entrepreneurs, identity after exit, bootstrap versus venture capital, founder burnout, stuck companies, inner board meeting, conscious leadership, Jive Software, Andreessen Horowitz, Reignition book, founder transitions, ego in business, capital raising psychology, entrepreneurial mental health, exit preparation, business identity, human-first leadership, AI era leadership

Launch your holidays by celebrating a beloved model of a modern major comedic opera! On his 21st birthday, a dashing young pirate apprentice prepares to finally be freed from servitude. Arriving back on land for the first time, he plans to live a dutiful and honorable adulthood. But there's a snag - check his birth certificate! A bevy of local beauties, conscientious pirates and their King, a wily and witty old waiting woman, an incompetent madcap Major General, a troop of troglodyte policemen, and a parade of ingenious paradoxes all portend to make Quintessence your delightful winter destination! NOV 19, 2025 - JAN 4, 2026ABOUT TREVOR MARTINTrevor Martin is a versatile actor, singer, and musician currently based in NYC. Described as a “classically-trained baritone, perfect for the Golden Age of musical theater,” Trevor has made a comfortable home both in the operatic and musical theater genres. He was winner of the prestigious Lotte Lenya Competition sponsored by the Kurt Weill Foundation in 2019, and was selected as a quarterfinalist for the American Traditions Competition for 2021.Most recently, Trevor performed in two back-to-back productions of My Fair Lady as Henry Higgins — one with Union Avenue Opera, and the other at Ivoryton Playhouse. Earlier this year, he made his role debut as Dan Goodman in Next to Normal with Revival Theatre Company and as Nick/Low Righteous Brother in Beautiful at Riverside Theatre. Last year he performed the role of Thomas Andrews in Titanic with North Shore Music Theatre and in two back-to-back productions of Carousel as Billy Bigelow — one with Intermountain Opera Bozeman, and the other at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton, FL. He opened the Global Tour of Jack O'Brien's production of The Sound of Music as Captain Von Trapp in 2022 and 2023 and made his Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra debut as Commander Harbison in their concert performance of South Pacific, as well as covering Nathan Gunn as Emile and Nick Adams as Lt. Cable.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:26 Exploring the Joy of Performing Pirates of Penzance05:58 Trevor's Journey from Music to Theater08:38 Thematic Elements of Pirates of Penzance11:32 The Humor and Social Commentary in the Show15:43 Rehearsal Dynamics and Cast Interactions18:55 Audience Reactions and Engagement24:29 The Impact of Live Theater in a Digital Age29:13 Trevor's Future Projects and Experiences in PhiladelphiaFOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION: https://www.quintessencetheatre.org/pirates

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: Mike Maples Jr. of Floodgate Nnamdi Okike of 645 Ventures Hemant Mohapatra of Lightspeed India Each investor highlights a situation where they decided not to invest, why they passed, and how it played out. The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached.   Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.

learn how to communicate with a receptionist when you are late

Chapters:0:00 Intro0:18 Taking the bus from Tanzania to Kenya16:57 Filming abroad vs in the U.S.27:12 Crossing the border (Corruption at its finest)40:44 Arriving in Kenya46:03 First impressions of KenyaFull Length Kenya Vlog - https://youtu.be/YBEInLV7-ws?si=FX2Q2imb6f1-FrTDMy website - https://smallbrainedamerican.tvBuy my merch or you're a racist https://www.smallbrainedamerican.storeSupport the show on Patreon to get access to unfiltered travel content. Early access to every video, extended cuts, and uncensored content. https://www.patreon.com/smallbrainedamericanMy gear: DJI Action 5https://amzn.to/44fJbZIDJI Wireless Mics https://amzn.to/44fJbZIFollow the show ⬇️ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/realsmallbrainedamericanInstagram https://www.instagram.com/smallbrainedamerican/Twitter https://x.com/SBAmerican_Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-brained-pod/id1724261259

Chapters:0:00 Intro1:06 Layover in Qatar15:25 Arriving in Tanzania27:55 Visiting the footsteps of humanityFull Length Tanzania Vlog - https://youtu.be/E5gns6X-jQ4?si=qNWpoCNTPKLlMX6Q My website - https://smallbrainedamerican.tvBuy my merch or you're a racist https://www.smallbrainedamerican.storeSupport the show on Patreon to get access to unfiltered travel content. Early access to every video, extended cuts, and uncensored content. https://www.patreon.com/smallbrainedamericanMy gear: DJI Action 5https://amzn.to/44fJbZIDJI Wireless Mics https://amzn.to/3xLkkzeFollow the show ⬇️ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/realsmallbrainedamericanInstagram https://www.instagram.com/smallbrainedamerican/Twitter https://x.com/SBAmerican_Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-brained-pod/id1724261259

A sermon in our series, The Long Road to Bethlehem: Advent with Ruth.The Village Church is a community formed by the gospel and sent on God's mission to make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus. We gather in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Ohio, with the hope that God might be made known in every part of His city through every part of our lives.For more information about The Village, visit us online at myvillagechurch.com.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen chapter 16, narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on Patreon and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Marianne is destroyed by the departure of Willoughby. She eats little, and cries for the majority of the time. She seems to nourish her grief by playing songs on the piano that she and he used to sing together, and reads books that they read together too. After several days she falls into a melancholy state. She has received no news from Willoughby, but Mrs. Dashwood seems to think this normal, as their letters get collected by Sir John before delivery. Elinor urges her mother to ask Marianne if she and Willoughby are engaged, but she refuses. The family walks on eggshells and tries not to mention his name and succeed in this endeavour for a few days until Mrs. Dashwood slipped up, causing Marianne to lament that she doesn't know when he will be coming back. After about a week, Marianne finally agrees to walk with Elinor on the downs where in the distance they see a gentleman on horseback riding towards them. Marianne exclaims it to be Willoughby and runs towards him, Elinor runs after her sister, knowing it not to be the man she loves. Arriving at the man, Marianne discovers it to not be Willoughby, but Edward Ferrars, and for a moment she is happy for her sister Elinor. This doesn't last long as Edward seems distant and confused at seeing the girls and is silent unless asked a question. Elinor is also a little disappointed by this, but persists at continuing a conversation with him while walking back to their cottage. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Jane Austin's timeless classic Sense and Sensibility follows the story of two girls, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, and their endeavors in love, marriage, and societal expectations. Love is not easy however, and Elinor finds her sense tested by her charming brother-in-law, while Marianne's sensibility brings her nothing but heartbreak.

Step into the world of the 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry — the famed "Harvard Regiment" — as we explore their gripping story at the Battle of Gettysburg in **Ask A Gettysburg Guide #118**. This regiment, composed largely of Harvard-educated officers and Massachusetts volunteers, marched onto the fields of Gettysburg not knowing how decisively their courage would be tested ([https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/the-harvard-regiment/] Arriving with roughly 301 men when they went into action, the 20th Massachusetts suffered devastating losses during the battle: about 30 killed, 94 wounded, and 3 missing ([https://gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/union-monuments/massachusetts/20th-massachusetts/] Their colonel, Paul Joseph Revere — grandson of the Revolutionary-era patriot Paul Revere— was mortally wounded on July 2 and died on July 4; command shifted rapidly as officers fell, passing from Revere to Lt. Col. George N. Macy (wounded), then to Capt. Henry L. Abbott. On **July 3**, during Pickett's Charge, the regiment held a critical section of Cemetery Ridge near the famed "Copse of Trees." As Confederate troops advanced toward the Union center, the 20th Massachusetts rose from their shallow rifle pits and delivered fierce, disciplined volleys that helped smash the Confederates' assault — playing a vital part in defending what many consider the turning point of the war ([https://www.nps.gov/places/20th-massachusetts-monument.html). Their steadiness under overwhelming fire, even after nearly losing their commanding officers, stands as a testament to their valor and sacrifice. In this episode, LBG Ralph Siegel and historian Zachery Fry take you through the regiment's harrowing journey — their approach march, the brutal chaos of July 2 and 3, the loss of leadership, the feel of earth trembling under artillery, the smoke, the fear, the honor — and ultimately their role in one of the most defining clashes in American history. If you love learning about the Battle of Gettysburg, Civil War storytelling, or want to understand what these soldiers endured in their own words and through the terrain itself, this episode is not to be missed. ---

Episode 215 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer and overland explorer, Charlie Reynolds. In 2024, Charlie left the UK with almost no experience and rode a motorbike the length of North and Central America. He then attempted something far more daring. The Darién Gap is one of the most dangerous jungles on Earth and represents a frontier very few people attempt. Charlie decided to cross it by a hand-built boat. In this episode, Matt and Charlie explore the catalysts behind his journey, a confrontation with mortality, a hunger for discomfort, and what exactly happened on that trip. Fuelled by equal parts curiosity and chaos. This is only Part One, but it already feels like the start of a legend. There's a whole load more wild stories to follow in Part Two.For extra insights from the worlds of adventure, exploration and the natural world, you can find The Adventure Podcast+ community on Substack. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @‌theadventurepodcast.Chapter Breakdown00:00 - 00:06: Introductions and early reflections. What drives someone to step into the unknown?00:06 - 00:09: Charlie breaks down what the Darién Gap actually is, and why nobody is 'supposed' to go there.00:09 - 00:13: The mindset shift. Chasing discomfort to feel alive.00:32 - 00:34: The Catalyst, facing mortality, and deciding to leave the UK.00:38 - 00:40: Riding south through the US, learning logistics the hard way, and finding rhythm in chaos.00:48 - 00:51: Arriving in Panama and negotiating for a dugout canoe in a language he barely speaks.00:54 - 00:56: Steep learning curves, wind, reefs, survival and pride.00:56 - 00:58: The reality of solitude, risk and responsibility - and dolphins guiding his boat.00:58 - 01:00: He realises people already know he's coming. A mystery takes shape.01:00 - 01:03: A surreal moment; Charlie is asked to speak at the funeral of a man he never met.01:03 - 01:05: Maybe this is what he came looking for all along.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Architectural historian Kenneth Frampton remembers the exact moment of his political awakening. Arriving in the United States in 1965, flying over the blazing island of Manhattan and suddenly grasping the visibility of capitalist power there—“a ferocious panorama” of light, cars and consumption that stood in stark contrast to what he calls the “concealed” capitalism of mid-century Britain. From that moment, his architectural writing became inseparable from politics: shaped by Hannah Arendt's idea of the space of appearance, by phenomenology's insistence on embodied experience, and by a Marxist attention to exploitation, power and the global neoliberal order.In this first episode of a two-part interview, Kenneth Frampton, arguably the most celebrated and influential architectural thinker of the past half century, looks back over nearly six decades of his writing and teaching.In the first half of the conversation he addresses the idea critical regionalism as “an architecture of resistance” to commodification, connects phenomenology to political agency rather than aesthetic escapism, and defends his own “operative” criticism—writing that openly aims to influence how architects practice. He is unsparing about the state of architectural education, where social-justice rhetoric often displaces serious engagement with construction and craft, and where capitalism itself remains strangely unnamed. Along the way he reflects on being, as he puts it, “a Marxist who believes in phenomenology,” on the tectonic poetics of building, and, closing out the episode, he reckons with becoming a father at 52 and a grandfather in his mid-90s—thinking about legacy, continuity and what it means for architects, in Álvaro Siza's phrase, not to invent anything, but to transform reality.Scaffold is an Architecture Foundation production, created and hosted by Matthew Blunderfield. Become an Architecture Foundation Patreon member and be a part of a growing coalition of architects and built environment professionals supporting our vital and independent work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like life is a full catastrophe—email pings, family needs, calendar jams—and your attention never gets to land? We slow everything down with a clear, zero-fluff mindfulness practice you can use anywhere: arrive in your body, breathe, and know it. No special gear, no perfect posture; just a reliable way to reset the nervous system and sharpen presence when it matters most.George Mumford's website: GeorgeMumford.comWe start with the simple ethos of teaching and practicing whether one person shows up or a hundred, then move into a guided arrival that anchors awareness in contact, posture, and breath. You'll hear how we apply the Satipatthana lens—be aware of the body to the extent that there is a body—to dissolve the pressure to achieve a mystical state and instead build continuity of mindfulness in real time. When distractions and images pull focus, we use gentle labels and a steady return to sensation, turning wandering into a training loop rather than a failure.From there, we explore resting as alert relaxation: not limp, not rigid, but a stable, kind attention that lets sounds and thoughts arise and fade. You'll learn practical cues for daily life—opening the sternum for easeful breathing, feeling contact points, and shifting posture mindfully—so practice fits into meetings, commutes, and caregiving gaps. The result is more choice before reaction and a calmer baseline without adding pressure to your day.If this landed for you, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs a reset, and leave a short review telling us what sensation anchored you best. Your feedback helps more people find a simple way to arrive.Support the showCoupon code and the link are down below, but that will expire shortlyFeel free to text me at 415-939-1126 Certify To Teach Mindfulness & Meditation Since 2015, we've trained over 2,000 people to teach mindfulness in healthcare, business, education, yoga, sports teams, and the U.S. Government. ⁠⁠⁠⁠MindfulnessExercises.com/certify⁠⁠⁠⁠ Certify At Your Own Pace: Just complete 40 hours of self-paced meditation + online workbook completion with lifetime access to personalized support. Deepen Your Own Mindful Presence: Whatever your starting place is, we will help you deepen your own embodied, experiential understanding. Teach With Integrity & Authenticity: We help you find your unique voice to make mindfulness relevant and practical for your own students or clients. Receive International Accreditation: Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, international healthcare centers, coaching schools, and the U.S. Government. Boost Your Career: Use our templates to quickly form your own paid mindfulness courses, workshops, keynotes or coaching packages. 20% BLACK FRIDAY COUPON CODE: PODCAST

Diego llegó de Los Frailes, Oaxaca, a la Ciudad de México buscando estudiar y ayudar a su familia. Sin dominar completamente el español y lejos de su pueblo, terminó involucrándose en robos en la Central de Abastos. Pero todo cambió cuando su primo y otros integrantes de la banda cometieron un secuestro. Lo más impactante: la niña de 3 años que secuestraron no era la víctima que habían planeado. "Trajeron lo que encontraron" cuando no ubicaron a su objetivo original.00:00:00 - 00:02:48 | Un nuevo episodio /  A new episode00:02:49 - 00:15:35 | Vida en Oaxaca / Life in Oaxaca00:15:36 - 00:35:06 | Llegada a la ciudad / Arriving in the city00:35:07 - 00:42:08 | Entrada a la banda / Joining the gang00:42:09 - 00:46:02 | El secuestro no planeado /  The unplanned kidnapping00:46:03 - 00:51:14 | Arresto / Arrest00:51:15 - 00:59:00 | La niña equivocada / The wrong girl00:59:01 - 01:14:53 | Juicio y confesión / Trial and confession01:14:54 - 01:17:16 | Sentencia de 60 años / 60-year sentence01:17:17 - 01:23:13 | Arrepentimiento final /  Final regret-------------------  Diego came from Los Frailes, Oaxaca, to Mexico City looking to study and help his family. Without fully mastering Spanish and far from his hometown, he ended up getting involved in robberies at the Central de Abastos. But everything changed when his cousin and other gang members committed a kidnapping. The most shocking part: the 3-year-old girl they kidnapped wasn't the victim they had planned for. "They brought what they found" when they couldn't locate their original target.Diego fue arrestado y condenado a 60 años de prisión por este delito que insiste no cometió. Mientras cumplía condena, su padre murió de diabetes sin poder despedirse.Diego afirma que se enteró del secuestro por mensaje de texto y confrontó a su primo, pero las autoridades encontraron conversaciones en su teléfono coordinando sobre "la niña".Hoy, después de 9 años preso, reflexiona sobre su arrepentimiento de haber dejado su pueblo y carga con una sentencia por un crimen que dice le es ajeno.--------------------Diego was arrested and sentenced to 60 years in prison for this crime he insists he didn't commit. While serving his sentence, his father died from diabetes without being able to say goodbye.Diego claims he found out about the kidnapping through a text message and confronted his cousin, but authorities found conversations on his phone coordinating about "the girl."Today, after 9 years in prison, he reflects on his regret for leaving his hometown and carries the weight of a sentence for a crime he says wasn't his.Para ver episodios exclusivos, entra aquí: https://www.patreon.com/Penitencia_mx¿Quieres ver los episodios antes que nadie? Obtén acceso 24 horas antes aquí: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6rh4_O86hGLVPdUhwroxtw/joinVisita penitencia.comSíguenos en:https://instagram.com/penitencia_mx  https://tiktok.com/@penitencia_mx  https://facebook.com/penitencia.mx  https://x.com/penitencia_mx  Spotify: https://spotify.link/jFvOuTtseDbApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/mx/podcast/penitencia/id1707298050Amazon: https://music.amazon.com.mx/podcasts/860c4127-6a3b-4e8f-a5fd-b61258de9643/penitenciaRedes Saskia:https://www.youtube.com/@saskiandr - suscríbete a su canalhttps://instagram.com/saskianino  https://tiktok.com/@saskianino  https://x.com/saskianino

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Andy’s Brave New World: Part 2 The group leaves Yosemite, encounters Crystal. Based on a post by the hospital. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Day 7, Morning The morning sun caught the fresh paint scratches on the two Ford F-350 Super Duty trucks as they pulled out of the Yosemite Valley maintenance yard. Both were recent-model crew cabs in dark green, commandeered from the park's heavy maintenance fleet, their diesel engines rumbling with carefully checked fluid levels and fresh filters. Andy drove the lead vehicle, while Daniela rode shotgun, her Remington propped against the center console within easy reach and the binoculars Andy had found yesterday hanging around her neck. She sat at attention, eyes sweeping the tree line. Despite the A/C, they were sweating a little under their body armor. In the truck's bed, they'd packed their supplies with care. Multiple jerry cans of diesel fuel secured in metal racks, the heavy weapons cache (including the RPG and its rockets, carefully cushioned), cases of ammunition, tactical gear, and the most essential survival equipment. The rear seats held their medical supplies, communications gear including the Starlink array, and several days of ready-to-eat food and water. Sarah followed close behind in the second truck, its bed loaded with the bulk of their food stores, camping equipment, tools, and additional fuel. She'd gotten her way about the clothing, she wore a matching set in a striking deep purple: high-waisted Alo Yoga leggings that hugged every curve and a longline sports bra under a cropped zip-up jacket. Her highlighted hair was styled in loose waves, and she'd even put on light makeup. "If we get into any actual fighting, I'll be useless anyway," she had insisted, gesturing at Andy and Daniela's tactical loadouts. "You two are the ones with the training. I'm just a driver." She gave one of her practiced smiles. "Besides, first impressions matter. When we meet other survivors, one of us should look; approachable." Andy had started to argue, but Daniela simply shrugged. "She's right. We look scary. It'd be good to have someone look not scary." The conversation had ended there. Now, as they passed the park boundaries, Daniela pulled out their carefully annotated road atlas. Their route would take them west on Highway 140, then north on 99 through the Central Valley, avoiding both Fresno and Modesto. They'd skirt Sacramento to the east, then cut west to the Bay Area through the Delta region. The path balanced speed with security, staying on main roads for ease of travel while avoiding major population centers. "Time check," Daniela's tense voice crackled over their handhelds. "0700 hours. Three hours to the first waypoint." "Have you spent much time outside of the park?" Andy asked, trying to see if conversation might help her relax. Daniela shook her head, staring out the window at the wooded hills. "No, not really. Just for track meets. Dad hates cities. He'd always complain to the school that our trips weren't secure enough." Andy had a sudden mental image of Miguel lecturing an exasperated school bus driver on sight lines and evasive maneuvers. He chuckled slightly. "Yeah, that sounds like him." Noticing Daniela still looking somber, he tried to pivot. "Well, are you excited to see San Francisco?" A pause. "I don't know. I know it's the right place to go, but I'm a little scared to leave Yosemite behind." She looked off into the distance. "I'll definitely miss being in nature." "You might be surprised, SF has a lot of parks and green spaces. Maybe we'll end up somewhere nice." Day 7, Midday The Sierra foothills gave way to the Central Valley floor, and with it came the strange emptiness of abandoned agriculture. Vast almond orchards stretched to the horizon, their spring blossoms still clinging to the branches. A dairy farm's holding pens still contained its imprisoned casualties, forcing them to detour around the sprawling facility to avoid the smell. In an adjacent field, a small herd of escaped cattle grazed freely, looking up at the trucks' passage with mild curiosity. They passed a tomato field where harvesting machines stood frozen mid-row, the ripe fruit beginning to soften on the vine. "Movement, two o'clock, approximately two miles out," Daniela reported suddenly, her binoculars trained on the horizon. "Vehicle heading north." She tracked it for a moment, dust trail visible against the morning sky. "Pickup truck, moving fast. Can't make out details at this distance." Her voice remained neutral, but her grip tightened slightly on the Remington. Andy glanced in the indicated direction but kept the truck steadily on course. In the rearview mirror, he saw Sarah's truck maintain its careful following distance. After a few minutes, Daniela lowered the binoculars. "Vehicle has maintained its course northward. No change in direction." The radio crackled. "Everything okay up there?" Sarah's voice carried a hint of nerves. "Just another survivor," Andy replied. "They're heading away from us. Nothing to worry about." They passed through Merced without incident. The smaller city was eerily still, traffic signals dark at every intersection. A home security alarm wailed somewhere in the distance, its battery backup still functioning after a week without power. The highway was mostly clear, the outbreak had moved too quickly for large-scale evacuation traffic. Sarah's voice crackled over the radio: "Hey, I've had cell signal for the last few minutes, must be near a tower that's still running. There's a Beacon post from yesterday, someone near Turlock warning about a big pileup blocking the 99 around Keyes Road. They've been detouring around it on country roads." "Noted," Daniela responded crisply, already marking the atlas. "OK, here's the alternate route. We'll exit at Pueblo Avenue, rejoin the 99 past the blockage." She paused, then added with mechanical precision: "Adding fifteen minutes to estimated arrival time. Let us know if you see any other posts while you have signal." "Actually, let's stop real quick so I can give you my phone, it looks like I'm more likely to get signal than you, and I shouldn't be looking at this while trying to drive this thing." The valley heat was building as the day wore on. The radio stayed quiet. Each member of their small convoy seemed lost in their own thoughts, processing the scale of the abandonment around them. Occasionally they'd pass a house or farm with a hastily painted "Help" sign. Once they saw a pickup truck that had crashed into a pole, its driver still sitting upright behind the wheel, succumbing to the virus before the accident could kill them. As they approached the outskirts of Modesto, Daniela began scanning the atlas with renewed intensity, plotting their route around the city center. The midday sun cast a strong heat, and in the distance a thin column of smoke rose from somewhere in the city's north- whether from an electrical fire or something else, they couldn't tell. "Contact ahead, approximately one mile south," Daniela reported suddenly, binoculars trained on the distant road. "Single vehicle, silver Mercedes sedan. One subject visible outside the vehicle." She paused as she assessed the scene. "Vehicle appears to have front-end damage. Subject is; actively signaling for assistance." Andy keyed his radio. "Sarah, hang back for as sec." Through the windshield, he could just barely make out a glint of metal on the horizon. "Copy that," Sarah responded, as she let her truck slow to a stop behind them. "Update on subject?" Andy asked. Daniela adjusted her optics slightly. "Female, white. Light-colored hair. No visible weapons. Standing clear of the vehicle, continuing to wave." She swept her view across the surrounding terrain. "I don't see any other movement." They approached slowly, staying in the northbound lane, until they were about a hundred yards from the Mercedes. Andy could now make out a figure in light-colored clothing standing near the disabled vehicle's front end, still waving periodically. "Hello!" a woman's voice carried across the distance. "Please, I could really use some help!" "Stay where you are!" Andy called back through his opened window. "Are you alone?" "Yes! Just me! My car hit something back there, I think the suspension's broken!" Andy glanced at Daniela, who gave a slight nod. "Could be a trap," Daniela said quietly, though her tone suggested she didn't really believe it. "Though; it's a really crappy location for an ambush. A random gravel side-road in the middle of the fields? Plus you have poor sight lines, no cover, and multiple escape routes for potential targets." "Agreed," Andy said. He keyed his radio again. "Sarah, we're going to pull up closer. Stay a little bit behind us." They rolled forward slowly, closing the distance to the disabled Mercedes. As they got closer, the woman took a few steps back from her car, keeping her hands visible. Andy's breath caught slightly as her features came into focus. Even disheveled and stressed, she was stunning, the kind of beauty that belonged in magazines, not stranded on an abandoned highway. Tall and gracefully built, probably 5'9", with the kind of natural curves that didn't need strategic athletic wear to enhance them. Her light red-orange hair fell past her shoulders in natural waves, gleaming in the midday sun despite the obvious lack of styling products. Her face was a study in classical proportions, high cheekbones, full lips, straight nose, and large bright blue eyes framed by naturally long lashes. Even with smudged makeup and a light sheen of sweat on her forehead, her beauty remained striking. She wore form-fitting designer jeans that accentuated her long, slender legs, paired with an ivory silk blouse that was wrinkled and stained with grease from her attempted car repair. Impractical Italian leather boots completed the ensemble, the kind meant for Los Angeles sidewalks rather than Central Valley backroads. Despite her obvious exhaustion and the stress evident in her expression, there was something magnetic about her presence, an effortless grace that made even her nervous fidgeting seem elegant. Andy keyed his radio. "Sarah, we're going to talk to her. She's almost certainly not a threat. Your call whether to stay in your truck or join us." "Come with me," he said quietly to Daniela. "Stay alert." He opened his door and stepped out, Daniela following smoothly with her rifle held low but ready. The woman's face brightened with a nervous but dazzling smile as they approached. She took a step forward with her hand extended, but stopped when Andy halted several paces away. "Thank you so much for stopping," she said, letting her hand drop gracefully to her side. "I'm Crystal. Crystal Parker." Andy kept his stance neutral but ready. "Where are you coming from? Where are you headed?" "I'm from Manteca," she replied, her eyes flicking briefly to Daniela's rifle before returning to Andy. "I was trying to get back to my apartment in L A, but;" She gestured at her car with a delicate wave. "The highways were so crowded with abandoned cars, I thought the back roads would be safer." "Did you get sick?" Andy asked directly. "During the outbreak?" Crystal nodded. "Yes, but just a mild fever for a day or two. Not like;" Her voice caught slightly. "Not like everyone else, like my parents." She stopped, composing herself with visible effort. Behind them, Andy heard Sarah's truck pull up. Crystal's eyes shifted to watch Sarah's approach, something subtle changing in her expression. "What happened to your car?" Andy pressed. "I hit something; maybe a pothole or debris, I'm not sure. There was this awful noise and then;" She gestured helplessly at the front end. "I don't know anything about cars. I tried looking at it, but;" "Why are you going to L A? Are there people waiting for you there?" Andy asked. "Anyone you know who survived?" Crystal's shoulders dropped slightly. "No, I; I haven't been able to contact anyone. I just;" She gave a small, elegant shrug, simultaneously helpless and dignified. "I didn't know what else to do. Where else to go. I thought maybe; maybe going home made sense?" The last part came out as almost a question, like she was realizing for the first time how little sense it made. A pause, then, "If you don't mind me asking; what's your name? Where are you all headed?" "I'm Andy," he answered. "That's Sarah and Daniela. We're heading north to San Francisco." Crystal took this as permission to step closer, extending her hand again. This time Andy accepted it, noting the contrast between her dainty fingers and the engine grease on her fingertips from her attempted repairs. Their eyes met as they shook hands, and Andy found himself momentarily stunned by her beauty up close; the perfect symmetry of her features, the remarkable clarity of her blue eyes, the way the midday sun caught golden highlights in her hair. She gave a small wave to Sarah and Daniela behind him, her smile warm and practiced. "Nice to meet you all. Sarah, I love your jacket." "Thanks" mumbled Sarah, briefly taken aback by the brief change in topic. "I hate to ask, but;" Crystal glanced back at her Mercedes. "Is there any chance you could take a look at my car? Or;" She hesitated, then continued with careful tact, "Or maybe give me a ride somewhere I could find another car? I know it's a lot to ask, but I'm really not sure what to do out here." "Give us a second to discuss it," Andy said. He gestured for Sarah and Daniela to follow him a few paces away, out of earshot. "Looking at the front end damage and the way it's sitting, could be a broken control arm, maybe the sub frame," Daniela said quietly. "Either way, we'd need a lift and replacement parts. Not something we can fix on the road." "So the car's done," Andy summarized. "Question is, do we give her a ride?" "To L A?" Sarah asked skeptically. "That's like three hours away, more like six at the speed we've been going, and totally the wrong direction. To another car, maybe. Honestly;" She glanced back at Crystal, who stood waiting with perfect posture. "I know I'm not exactly Rambo here, but at least I can handle myself OK. She looks totally clueless." Sarah paused, then added with careful casualness, "She is, uh, gorgeous, though." Her eyes flicked to Andy's face, studying his reaction. Andy kept his expression neutral, though his heart raced slightly at just the thought of Crystal's striking features. The idea of leaving her stranded here seemed unthinkable, but he didn't want to appear too eager. "We could offer to let her come with us to San Francisco," he suggested, trying to sound logical rather than hopeful. "She'd never make it to L A alone anyway." "Well, she has no supplies, no useful skills;" Sarah started. "We don't know that," Daniela interjected, then paused. "Well, yeah, she probably doesn't. But still, we should help her," the younger girl said firmly. Her voice softened. "Dad always said the whole point of our preparations was so we could help others when the time came. That's why we trained so hard, why we stored so much." She glanced at Crystal, then back at the group. "Someone like her, no survival skills, no supplies, no real plan; that's exactly who he meant. We have room in the trucks. It's not that much further to San Francisco." Sarah sighed. "Fine. We can give her a ride to San Francisco. But that doesn't mean she is a part of our group." Andy raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing at his lips. "Oh, we're officially a group now?" "Yes," Sarah said defensively. "We are. The three of us." Andy's smile faded as he recognized her genuine concern. He raised a hand and gently touched her arm. "Hey, I get it. Don't worry, I was kidding. We'll stick together, I promise." Daniela nodded, and Sarah relaxed slightly. "Okay." Andy turned and walked back to Crystal, who had been waiting with patience. "To us, it looks like the damage here isn't something we can fix, it needs replacement parts and proper equipment." Crystal's shoulders dropped again. "Also;" Andy continued carefully, "L A isn't a good place to go, now that we don't have working agriculture." He gestured vaguely around them at the quiet, empty fields. "They're gonna have real trouble with food after they scavenge everything already there." He paused to let that sink in. "We can give you a ride to somewhere you can find another car if you want. But you're also welcome to come with us to San Francisco. The Bay Area is better for a lot of reasons; it has better natural resources, direct access to farmland, etcetera. Your choice." Crystal bit her lower lip, considering. "Could I; could I think about it on the way back to a main highway?" Andy nodded. "Of course. No rush to decide." "Okay," Crystal smiled warmly. "Thank you again, I really appreciate this. Let me just grab my things." Sarah and Daniela headed back to the trucks while Andy accompanied Crystal to her Mercedes. She popped the trunk, revealing a large designer suitcase. As Andy reached for it, she gave him another dazzling smile. "You all seem so; prepared," she said softly. "I've been feeling so lost, but watching how organized you are, how you think everything through;" She trailed off as Andy lifted her suitcase. "It's impressive. Makes me feel a little less scared, you know?" To everyone's surprise, Crystal walked to the front of Andy's truck, opening the passenger door. "Oh, I;" Andy started, but Crystal was already sliding smoothly into the middle seat between the driver and passenger positions. "I hope you don't mind," she said. "I'd love to hear more about your plans, and why you think L A isn't safe. If I'm going to change my whole direction, I should probably understand why, right?" The back row was too full of equipment to sit there, so she settled in next to Daniela, the tight fit of three people in the front inevitable. Sarah caught Andy's eye, rolled hers, and shrugged before silently getting into her truck. Andy's mouth went briefly dry at the thought of Crystal pressed against him in the cramped space, but he climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine. Day 7, Early Afternoon The abandoned fruit stand provided a welcome break from driving, its weathered picnic tables shaded by an old oak tree. Fresh peaches and plums, barely starting to over-ripen, made a sweet complement to their rehydrated camping meals. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across their impromptu lunch setup. It hadn't taken much to convince Crystal to change her plans and head to San Francisco instead of Los Angeles. Though Andy wasn't entirely sure she'd fully grasped the strategic reasoning behind why L A was a poor choice, she seemed to have quickly intuited that his group knew what they were doing and that she'd be better off following their lead. Daniela had grown surprisingly talkative during the drive, opening up to Crystal about her father's training regimen after Crystal had shown genuine interest in her rifle. Now she sat quietly eating her peach, some of her usual tension eased. "So," Sarah asked, casually as she picked at her meal, "Have you thought about what you'll do once we reach San Francisco?" Crystal dabbed delicately at her mouth with a napkin. "I suppose I'll need to find my place, see where I can be useful." She pretended not to notice the implication of separation behind Sarah's question. "What kind of work do you do?" Sarah pressed. "I'm a receptionist at an investment firm," Crystal admitted with a small, self-deprecating smile. "And before that I was a model. Neither are exactly critical post-apocalyptic skill sets." She straightened slightly, her natural poise asserting itself. "But I used to babysit for some of the executives' children. I'm good with kids, really good, actually. I've been thinking maybe I could help set up some kind of care center, for orphans or children who've lost their families." Her voice softened. "There must be so many of them now." Andy stood, brushing crumbs from his pants. "Need to hit the head," he said, heading toward the small concrete building at the edge of the property. When Andy emerged from the bathroom, he was startled to find Crystal standing outside, her sudden presence making him take a quick step back. Her beauty was striking. She stood with her arms clasped behind her back, the posture naturally thrusting her full, pert tits forward against her silk blouse. Her head was tilted slightly to one side, a delicate smile playing across her full lips as she looked up at him through long lashes. She'd deliberately left the top few buttons of her blouse undone, the thin fabric draping open to reveal tantalizing glimpses of lace-trimmed cleavage and smooth, flawless skin. The silk draped enticingly over her narrow waist, and her entire stance radiated a calculated vulnerability that made her seem both alluring and in need of protection. "I'm sorry," she said softly, raising a hand gently in hello. "I just wanted to talk. Privately." She stepped closer, close enough that Andy could smell her perfume, something light and expensive that she must have brought with her despite the apocalypse. Her proximity was dizzying, making it hard for him to focus. Andy was glad that the bathroom building hid them from view of the others. "I can tell Sarah wants me to find my own way once we reach the city," she said, her voice gentle, her blue eyes meeting his. "And I understand, I'm not trained like Daniela or resourceful like her. But;" She took another small step closer, her voice dropping. "I'd much rather stay with your group. With you." Andy started to respond, but Crystal continued, her voice taking on a subtle warmth. "I know I'm not useful in the traditional sense, but;" She glanced down, then back up through her lashes. "I could make it worth your while. In other ways." Her lips curved in a small, knowing smile. "And I wouldn't be reluctant about it at all. You're very attractive, and I'd be happy to show you my appreciation. Very happy." She placed a delicate hand against his chest, then slowly slid it down his torso until she found his hardening shaft through his tactical pants, giving it a gentle squeeze and rub that made his breath catch. Her breath was hot against his neck as she whispered, "I think I could make you feel really good. And I'm not jealous. I've seen the way you look at Sarah. If you also wanted her too, I wouldn't mind at all." She turned smoothly and pressed her round ass against his crotch with practiced ease, grinding against him in a way that made his hand instinctively slide from her arm to her tit, squeezing the soft fullness through her silk blouse. She threw him a knowing wink as she pulled away, fixing her blouse. "Just think about it, please, sir" she said, then walked back toward the picnic area with her natural model's grace. Andy leaned against the concrete wall, his heart racing and body still responding to Crystal's touch. The fantasy was immediate and overwhelming, Crystal's skilled hands and mouth pleasuring him, her full lips on his, while Sarah rode his cock, both women competing for his attention. He'd already decided he wanted Crystal to stay with them even before her proposition, though he'd need to find a way to present it to Sarah. Taking several deep breaths, he straightened his uniform and walked back to the group. "I've been lots of times." Sarah said, as Andy caught the tail end of their conversation. "Recently for photoshoots at the famous spots, the Golden Gate, Lombard Street, Palace of Fine Arts. So mostly tourist spots I guess." Andy grabbed a few apples from a nearby crate, tossing one to each of them. "These look good," he said, trying to keep his tone casual, though his mind was still swimming with erotic possibilities. "We should take a few crates for the road." As he distributed the fruit, he noticed Sarah's quick glance between him and Crystal. "I've only been twice, for track meets. We mostly stayed near the Golden Gate Park." said Daniela. I used to go pretty often." Crystal chimed in. "The modeling agency I was with was actually headquartered in San Francisco rather than L A. They claimed it was part of them being a more realistic, less superficial brand." She looked to Sarah. "We also did photoshoots at those spots, I wonder if we ever overlapped and just didn't know it." she said sweetly. "You're a model? I mean you look amazing." "Oh, thanks, no, just Instagram" said Sarah self-deprecatingly. "Nothing legit. I had like, a decent following, good for free gear from sponsors and stuff but not really enough for a living." "No, that's cool! I could never, too much effort to post and make hashtags and plan everything out. I was always better when people told me where to go, what to wear, how to pose, you know. But, it sounds empowering to be in control of your content. Although I guess then you've gotta cater to your audience more directly. Did you ever think about Only Fans?" Andy raised an eyebrow, while Daniela chomped on her apple only half attentive. "No, never." said Sarah firmly. "Not my thing." Her cheeks took on some color as she bristled at the suggestion. Crystal raised a hand in graceful apology. "I didn't mean any offense, sorry. We didn't have much money growing up, and I wasn't great at school. I don't think there's anything wrong with using what you have. She turned to Andy. "What about you, Andy? Have you been to San Francisco before? Where are you from actually? You haven't said much." There was a brief pause at the table. Crystal had just broken the unspoken post-apocalypse rule against asking people about their past if they didn't volunteer it. Perhaps in realization of this, Crystal slid a hand surreptitiously under the table and rested it gently against Andy's thigh. "I'm from Seattle." he said, in a stiff tone. He thought to his parents and brother, back in Korea, probably dead. "I've been to San Francisco a few times." he said curtly. Crystal gave him an understanding, apologetic smile, which he tried to return. "Are we done?" he said, glancing around the table. "Go to the bathroom if you guys need, and we should head out." Day 7, Afternoon The early afternoon sun cast shadows across Interstate 580 as their two-truck convoy approached Oakland. Traffic thinned out considerably after they'd managed to navigate around several major blockages, but abandoned vehicles still dotted the shoulder sporadically, silent witnesses to the chaos of those final days. Andy kept one eye on his rearview mirror, checking that Sarah was following OK. Crystal had switched to riding with Sarah after their lunch stop, the two women seemingly settling into an uneasy quiet, while Daniela maintained her vigilant watch of their surroundings from his passenger seat. The highway curved sharply around a hill, and suddenly there was movement, a pickup truck appearing from the opposite direction. Both vehicles slammed to a stop instinctively, tires screeching on the asphalt. "Contact front!" Daniela called sharply, already reaching for her Remington. "Armed individual, driver's side!" Andy killed the engine and was out of the truck in one fluid motion, his ranger training taking over. He reached through the rear window of the cab, grabbing the AR-15 mounted behind the seats. Daniela mirrored his movement on the passenger side, her rifle trained steadily on the other vehicle. Andy keyed his radio quickly: "Sarah, Crystal, stay in the truck, get down below the windows. Now!" The man from the other truck had taken cover behind his own door, his rifle held ready but not directly aimed. He was middle-aged, wearing casual clothes and looking almost as startled as they were. "Identify yourself!" Andy shouted, his voice carrying the authority of his ranger training. "Hey, easy!" the man called back, his voice strained but not aggressive. "I don't want any trouble! My name's Mike Peterson, I'm just trying to get to my mom up north. She's alive, I got a message from her yesterday!" "Keep your hands visible!" Daniela commanded, her young voice carrying surprising authority. "Look, I'm sorry!" Mike responded. "You scared me as much as I scared you, wasn't expecting anyone on this road!" He carefully kept his rifle pointed down. "I swear I mean no harm!" Andy studied the man's body language. "Alright," he called out. "Let's both put our weapons back in our vehicles. Show of good faith. Then we can talk!" There was a moment of tense silence before Mike nodded. "Okay! On three?" "On three," Andy confirmed. "One; two; three!" Both men slowly placed their weapons back in their vehicles, movements deliberate and visible. After a moment's hesitation, Daniela followed suit, carefully placing her Remington back in the cab. Andy let out a deep sigh of relief and keyed his radio again. "Sarah, Crystal, you can come out now. Stand a few paces from the truck, hands where he can see them." He raised his voice to Mike: "We've got two more people in the second truck. They're coming out now, no weapons!" The rear doors of the second truck opened cautiously. Sarah emerged first, her designer athletic wear incongruous against the tension of the moment. Crystal followed, her beauty drawing Mike's attention momentarily before he caught himself and returned his focus to Andy. The two men walked toward each other, meeting roughly halfway between their vehicles. The late afternoon breeze carried the salt smell of the nearby bay, rustling through the wild grass growing between the highway directions. "I'm Andy Rhee," Andy offered, his posture relaxed but alert. "We're coming from Yosemite, heading to San Francisco. You?" "Gilroy," Mike replied, running a hand through his graying hair. "Been on the road since yesterday. My mother's up near Mount Shasta, finally got a message through on Beacon that she made it." He glanced at their trucks. "Any trouble on the roads?" Andy shook his head. "We've been checking Beacon for updates about blocked sections. Had to detour around a big pileup between exits 234 and 236, and there was another rough stretch near the 99-120 interchange, but otherwise it's been quiet. You?" "Seen a few other people on the move," Mike said. "Most heading either to San Jose State or the Presidio. Stopped at SJSU myself, they gave me some medical supplies, antibiotics." He patted the bag at his hip. "What's the situation like at San Jose State?" Andy asked. Mike shrugged, his expression uncertain. "Pretty loose organization, if you can call it that. There's a professor trying to coordinate things, but;" He paused, searching for words. "Nobody's really in charge. Most folks are just passing through, or locals coming out of their homes to get supplies when they need to. Everyone's still pretty shell-shocked, you know? Scared. Confused about what to do next." "I see," Andy nodded. "You need any supplies? We've got two full trucks here." "Thanks, but I'm good," Mike replied. "Stopped at a Walmart on the way up, loaded up pretty good. What's your plan?" he asked. "We're heading to the Presidio to check things out, probably look to settle there," Andy replied. He explained the logic that made San Francisco an ideal place to settle. Mike nodded thoughtfully. "I've been debating between heading there myself or maybe taking over a farm somewhere. My dad was a farmer, I grew up on a ranch, so I know the basics at least." "If you're thinking farming, the San Joaquin delta would be your best bet," Andy suggested. "Close enough to the Bay to stay connected, and the river means you won't need complex irrigation systems." He paused. "Though once people get more organized, there might be competition for that land." "Makes sense," Mike said, considering. "Hey, we should share Beacon handles, keep each other updated on how things are going." "Good idea," Andy agreed. They quickly exchanged their information. "Alright then. Good luck," Mike said with a final nod. "You too," Andy replied, turning back toward his truck. They watched Mike's truck shrink into the distance before Andy walked back to where the others waited. The late afternoon sun cast their shadows long across the asphalt as he summarized the encounter. "He's heading up to Mount Shasta, his mom survived, managed to get a message to him," Andy explained. He saw the brief flickers of pain cross their faces at the mention of family, each of them carrying their own weight of loss. Sarah's hand moved unconsciously to the delicate necklace she wore. Daniela's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, while Crystal wrapped her arms around herself, as if suddenly cold. "He stopped at San Jose State," Andy continued quickly, pushing past the moment. "Says there's some professor trying to coordinate things, but it's pretty disorganized. Mostly just people passing through, getting supplies when they need them." "God, I was so scared when he first stopped," Crystal admitted, her voice still slightly shaky. "But he seemed nice! I hope he finds his mom." She brightened slightly. "It's kind of encouraging, right? Making new friends already?" "We're getting close to Oakland now," Andy said, his tone growing more serious. "This will be the most populated area we've been through. We should pull off somewhere, check Beacon for updates." He glanced at their loaded trucks. "And we need to cover those beds with tarps, don't want to advertise how much supplies we're carrying." Daniela was already moving toward the trucks. "There's an exit about a quarter mile ahead," she said, consulting their marked-up atlas. "Looks like it leads to some kind of business park. Should be good cover, and easy access back to the highway." The Business Park. The business park was quiet, its empty parking lot offering a clear view of the approach. Sarah and Crystal worked on setting up the Starlink array while Andy and Daniela methodically secured heavy tarps over the truck beds, their practiced movements suggesting they'd done this before. "I've been thinking about where to set up initially," Andy said, pulling the tarp tight before securing another tie-down. "There's a Korean consulate building in Presidio Heights I've visited before. It would make a good temporary base." Daniela paused in her work, considering. "Security features?" "Yeah, it's built for diplomatic security," Andy confirmed, testing the tarp's tension. "Reinforced doors, security windows, probably some basic defensive architecture. It's in a quiet residential area, but walking distance from the Presidio." He moved to secure another corner. "Plus it's designed to be relatively self-contained, might have backup generators, water storage." "Got signal," Sarah called from where she knelt by the array, her designer leggings collecting dust from the pavement. Crystal leaned over her shoulder, their phones illuminating their faces as they scrolled through Beacon updates. "The building, is it big enough for all of us?" Daniela asked practically, her young voice carrying that familiar tactical edge. "Three stories, if I recall correctly, and lots of office space we can convert," Andy replied. "And importantly, it's far enough from Downtown that we'll be far from the chaos there, and we won't be right in the middle of whatever organization efforts are happening at the Presidio, but close enough to stay connected." Crystal fidgeted with the hem of her silk blouse. "About that;" she began softly. "I was wondering if; if maybe I could stay with you all?" Her blue eyes flickered between them, settling briefly on Andy before dropping to the ground. "I know I'd be another mouth to feed, and I'm not exactly survival-trained, but I could help out. I could handle the cooking, cleaning, keep watch at night;" She trailed off, her offer hanging in the air. Sarah and Daniela both turned to Andy, waiting for his response. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the parking lot as he made a show of considering the request, though his mind was already made up. "We packed about three months of food for the three of us," he said thoughtfully, watching Crystal's face fall slightly before continuing. "But getting more shouldn't be too hard at this point. There are probably plenty of places we can scavenge from once we're in the city." He adjusted the tarp's final tie-down. "As long as you're willing to help with some scavenging runs, which we should do anyway to build up our supplies, it should work out fine. I can go with you, show you the ropes." Daniela's face brightened with obvious approval, while Sarah maintained a carefully neutral expression, offering a small nod of agreement. Crystal's relief was palpable, her usual poise returning as she straightened up. "Thank you," she said softly. "I promise I'll pull my weight." Arriving at the consulate. Andy and Sarah. Day 7, Late Afternoon The late afternoon shadows stretched across the quiet streets of Presidio Heights as their little convoy approached the Korean consulate. The building stood stolid and official-looking among the surrounding residences, its windows dark but intact. As they drove through the SF neighborhoods, they'd seen scattered survivors, mostly women. Most kept their distance, watching the trucks pass with wary curiosity before returning to whatever tasks occupied them in this new world. Andy pulled up to the front of the consulate, studying the building's facade. The American and Korean flags still hung limply from their poles. The front entrance featured heavy double doors with reinforced glass flanked by simple columns and dotted with CCTV equipment, now nonfunctional. "Stay in the trucks," Andy instructed over the radio. "Daniela and I will check the entrance first." They approached the front doors cautiously, Daniela's hand resting near her holstered Glock. Andy tried the handle, locked, as expected. He knocked firmly, the sound echoing through the empty building. "I don't see any signs of forced entry," Daniela observed, examining the door frame. "Any electronic security would be disabled when the power went out. Probably a pretty heavy deadbolt though." Andy nodded. "Let's try the back. No point destroying the front entrance if we don't have to." He keyed his radio: "We're going to check the rear access." The fence around the property's perimeter was tall but manageable. Andy went first, scaling it smoothly before dropping to the other side. Daniela followed with the grace of someone who'd trained for exactly this kind of situation, her feet barely making a sound as she landed. The back door was similarly secure, but its handle was less robust than the front entrance. Andy retrieved the fire axe from his pack, testing its weight before taking a controlled swing at the handle mechanism. The sound of splintering metal seemed impossibly loud in the quiet neighborhood. Two more precise strikes, and the handle fell away entirely. A careful push revealed an empty hallway beyond. Andy did a quick sweep before returning to the door. "Clear," he called softly. "We'll open the garage from inside." He radioed. "Gimme a sec." Minutes later, Andy and Daniela manually hauled the heavy garage door upward, revealing a spacious underground parking area. Sarah and Crystal guided the trucks inside, the engines' echoes filling the concrete space before falling silent. As the door lowered behind them, sealing them into their new sanctuary, Crystal's voice carried a mix of relief and uncertainty. "Home sweet home?" After securing the trucks, Andy pulled one of the Glock 19s from their equipment and checked the magazine. "We should clear the building together," he said, tucking a couple of flashbangs into his tactical vest. "No splitting up." Daniela nodded, already holding her father's Mossberg with practiced ease. "Standard sweep pattern?" "Sure. Let's trade" he said, handing her the pistol and flashlight. "I'll take point." The basement level revealed its first surprise in a mechanical room, a commercial-grade backup generator system connected to substantial fuel storage. Daniela examined the setup with interest, her usually sober expression breaking into a rare smile. "Looks like there's about three hundred hours of runtime with the current fuel," she calculated, sweeping her flashlight across the gauge. "If we're careful about power usage, could stretch that a while." "That would be amazing." Sarah breathed, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah, let's leave it off for now though." said Andy. Adjacent to the generator room, they discovered a significant water storage system and septic setup. "Diplomatic buildings always plan for siege scenarios," Andy explained, his own relief evident in his voice. "Four, maybe five months of water," Daniela estimated. "If we're careful." "Gosh" Crystal whispered, touching one of the tanks, almost reverently. "I never thought I'd be so happy to see plumbing equipment." "Me neither" said Sarah. "I need a shower so bad." They continued their sweep, finding a heavy steel door marked 'Security' that refused to budge. "Probably need specialized tools for that one," Andy noted, making a mental note to return later. The next door revealed a surprisingly well-equipped gym, free weights, cardio machines, and resistance training equipment. Sarah's eyes lit up immediately. "Oh thank god," she breathed, running her hand along a rowing machine. "I was terrified of losing this." She gestured winsomely at her meticulously crafted curves. "Do you know how many years it took to get my body like this?" Crystal watched her uncertainly. "You're worried about that? I'm barely holding it together right now, I couldn't imagine making myself more tired and exhausted on purpose." "I'd literally rather die than lose this body," Sarah replied firmly, her hand trailing along her flat, gently muscled abs. The seriousness in her voice made it impossible to tell if she was exaggerating. Andy watched this exchange with raised eyebrows, then noticed something else. "There's a sauna in here too," he noted, pleased. "Would be a real luxury to turn on some day." The main floor revealed a layout typical of diplomatic buildings, a reception area leading to various offices, with a modest break room and a more formal dining space clearly meant for official functions. The kitchen behind it was industrial-grade, though smaller than what you'd find in a restaurant. The second floor held more offices, their doors standing open to reveal desks still covered in papers and family photos, frozen in time. To be continued. Based on a post by the hospital, for Literotica.

ClevelandMoto Podcast 527 Show Notes:Triumph knows there are still people with $$$ out there, $22,995 for a Tiger 1200 Rally Pro Desert. Arriving at dealers in January. https://www.advrider.com/triumph-offers-desert-alpine-tigers-for-2026/Ducati promised this Road-Legal Desmo 450 Enduro for 2027, but it looks like it's coming in early. Will people pay over $12,000 for a Street-Legal Desmo 450 MX? 63HP and 39 Torques is 20 HP more than any of the Chinese offerings. https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2025/november/ducati-desmo450-enduro/Hey Look! Another Brit who wants to build a bespoke 300 HP motorcycle. He's getting his motors from Buell, https://www.langenmotorcycles.co.uk/news/langen-turboPeople are calling about this thing. Unfortunately the 2 who have called don't have a 500 credit score.https://bendamoto.com/product/lfc-700/ROYAL ENFIELD (Eicher Motors) has a lot to celebrate: https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L4N3WP0NT:0-india-s-royal-enfield-motorcycle-maker-posts-higher-second-quarter-profit/Voge (More China) is killing it in the UK's ADV 750-1000cc market. Voge is Loncin, BMW's partner for about 20 years. https://www.visordown.com/news/china-made-voge-ds800x-uks-best-selling-adventure-bikeSupport the showRemember folks...Ride Fast and Take Chances! check out our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/ClevelandMoto

 Why 'wonder' is the final point on our journey. Support the show

Brief episode overview:Arriving at the mine with Jet and Mortimer in tow, the players defuse a violent situation in the usual manner.Copyright and License information:Music by Epidemic Sound, remixed by MaestroCast:Craenos as "Ze-Tash"Crow as "Steez Dibb"Digs as "Dunu Doa"Frank as "The GM"MadAsgardian as "Kayvid Darradeen"Pablo as "Lars"Tex as "Rix-66"

On this edition of The Blazers Balcony, Brooke Olzendam and Casey Holdahl discuss...• Arriving in Oklahoma City for a Sunday game versus the Thunder• The ridiculousness of having a five-game road trip, returning home to play a back-to-back, then heading back out for three more games• Finally winning a game in San Francisco Friday night versus the Warriors and whether it's the end of an era• Needing everyone to contribute when you're trying to break losing streaks when you're incredibly shorthanded • Donovan Clingan going beast mode• Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko making a difference on two-way contracts• Deni Avdija Most Improved AND a first-time All-Star? • Toumani Camara taking on off-court responsibilities and having is best game of the season versus Golden State• Sidy shouts out Shae, Brooke's boutique shuts down, big glasses, Duop the Sweetest, a different brand of leadership and old boyfriends catching strays

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hypnosis-and-relaxation-sound-therapy9715/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hypnosis-and-relaxation-sound-therapy9715/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

John has faced many monsters in his day, but none like the insidiously creepy ones that prowl America's highways. Arriving in Doglick, West Virginia, John Constantine encounters a family so nasty they make even him flinch.

6 years ago Chelsea Pottenger found herself in a psychiatric hospital. Deep in the throes of severe PostNatal Depression following the birth of her daughter,Chelsea in many ways was fighting for her life and at the beginning of a long road toward healing, and ultimately post traumatic growth. Along the way she found herself in a monastery learning and practicing meditation,Arriving at new insights about how she wanted to live, And eventually choosing to leave a very successful corporate career to found EQ Minds - a company on a mission to reset the corporate agenda. Chelsea and her team work with some of the world's most iconic businesses to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of their employees first. In addition to founding and directing EQ Minds, Chelsea is now a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author of the Mindful High Performer, and was just nominated for Australian of the Year. Today she will share some of this journey.Her heart wrenching, and inspiring story of transforming pain into purpose. A story that in many ways offers us a beautiful reminder:There is a deeper and richer experience of life available to us.An experience that often begins with coming home to who we truly are. For more on Chelsea, her book, speaking and the incredible work they are doing at EQ Minds, please visit: https://www.eqminds.comEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts!Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On Listening and Attending to the Soul | James HollisOn Heartbreak, Healing, and Transformation | Sara Avant StoverOn Learning to Be a Better Friend to Ourselves | Megan PragerJoin Joshua on a NEW 6-month journey in uncovering how we can open our hearts and minds to live a more expansive life. A life that brings us alive. A life that is driven primarily by curiosity, wonder, and love (vs. certainty, control, and fear).Learn more about and register for "From Fear to Love: A 6 Month Journey" here. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Chad's full show includes topics both serious and light plus interviews with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Star Tribune investigator Andy Mannix, and our weekly extended chat with Jason DeRusha.

A sub-Antarctic white-headed petrel found in Auckland's Muriwai Beach carpark has been released back into the wild after weeks of recovery. BirdCare Aotearoa fundraising manager, Dr Rashi Parker spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A lesson in "diva house and horniness" from a modern New York darling. Ask Kilopatrah Jones who their favourite DJ is, and they'll give you an unequivocal answer: Junior Vasquez. And the influence is telling. Both born and raised in Queens, the two share a sense of house as a life force. Not in a new-age, spiritual sense. For Jones, it means being "sweaty, panting and free." The NYC DJ can play anything from techno to drum & bass, but when playing house, there's a particular sense of clarity: they understand the genre in the same lineage as Vasquez, Larry Levan and his peers, as the sound of reinvention, transgression, glamour and joy. Across the following two hours, RA.1013 immerses you in that world. It feels like walking into the Sound Factory at peak-time, bodies in glorious motion, fog thick in the air. The Lot Radio resident runs through familiar classics, bringing it home with a gag-inducing sweep of Donna Summer, Celine Dion, CeCe Peniston—and fittingly ends with Madonna, a wink to Jones's hero and his defining moment, "If Madonna Calls." Jones' RA Mix also reasserts the idea that clubs should be a place of joy. Not only for our individual needs and fulfillment, but as a political act—especially for marginalised folk. Arriving at a time when systemic regression and cultural decay feels increasingly pervasive, they is a model for what DJs and dance floors can, and arguably should be. As they put it, "I'm just so happy and grateful to be alive and in this body." Find the tracklist and Q&A at ra.co/podcast/1032

In this episode of Louisiana Unfiltered, Kiran Chawla sits down with the parents of Blakeleigh Weems, Chasity and Nelson as they discuss the sentencing of Shawn Robertson who pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, second-offense DWI, reckless operation of a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and no seat belt. Blakeleigh Weems was tragically killed less than an hour into 2024 when her vehicle was struck by the vehicle Shawn Robertson was driving as she was exiting an off-ramp in Denham Springs.Chapters05:03 A Unique Mother-Daughter Bond06:37 The Horrific Night 14:12 Arriving at the Hospital16:22 The Fight for Blakeleigh's Name21:41 Justice and Legal Battles34:02 Confronting the Accused42:35 Signs from Above44:34 Moving Forward Together Local Sponsors for this episode include:Neighbors Federal Credit Union:Another Chance Bail Bonds:Dudley DeBosier Injury LawyersSound and Editing for this audio podcast by Envision Podcast Production:

Lord Sebastian Coe joins the Experts in Sport podcast for a wide-ranging conversation tracing his journey from Loughborough student-athlete to one of the most influential figures in global sport. In this compelling episode, he reflects on the lessons learned from his legendary athletics career, shares untold stories and the immense pressure behind delivering London 2012, and offers his vision for the future of athletics in an increasingly complex world. With candid advice for the next generation of sports leaders, this is a rare and inspiring insight into the mind of a true sporting icon.Arriving at Loughborugh 1:06 Chancellor 11:16 Life after athletics 16:10 London 2012 23:33Spirit of 2012 37:08 Navigating challenges 41:55 Opportunity in athletics 49:13 #loughborough #university #loughborough university #education #student #Expertsinsport #podcast #experts #sport #research #expertsinhealth #fitness #history #sebcoe

When Vietnamese refugee Senh Duong fled after the fall of Saigon, he could never have imagined he'd one day co-found one of the most influential movie sites in the world - Rotten Tomatoes.A kid who grew up on Hong Kong kung fu flicks, Senh was obsessed with Jackie Chan. So when Jackie tried to break into Hollywood again, Senh went looking for honest reviews... But couldn't find any. Every critic said the movies were great (even when they weren't).So Senh decided to build a site that told the truth.What began as a side project coded through sleepless nights turned into a cultural phenomenon - one that raised $1 million (2 months before the dot com bubble burst!!), sold for $10 million, and changed how audiences everywhere judge movies.In this episode, Senh opens up about:

Caleb Drahosh Upon traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus found a fig tree that gave the appearance of having fruit, but none was present. As a result, He cursed the fig tree. Arriving at the temple, He found all sorts of economic activity going on. He cleared the temple, teaching about the true purpose of the temple. The next day the disciples see the fig tree withered and ask Jesus about it. Hypocrisy gives the appearance of fruit, but none is truly present, which leads to ignoring the basic functions of faith.

Send us a textOn today's Out In The Garage podcast we discuss the journey of the Christian faith, what causes us to need to pull over and what we can do to make sure we arrive at our intended destination. To secure your spot at next years retreat click here: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2026-mens-retreatSupport The Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribeRegister for our next session of Tribe: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-xviiRegister for 90 Days of Discipline: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/90-days-2026Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderSupport the show

Too Tall Tom Szymanski discusses the chances of winter weather moving into our region and the potential for snow. Also, an update about the snow predictions Amy, JJ and Tom made before Fall hit!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Old Dominion Hall of Famer Thomas DeMarco joins The Monarchists Podcast to take a trip down memory lane — from his recruitment to ODU's first-ever football team, to that unforgettable first touchdown, comeback wins, the bond among the original Monarchs, and his post-football life.DeMarco opens up about the challenges of starting a brand-new program, his time in the CFL, lessons learned as a student-athlete, and how those experiences shaped his life and career today. It's a funny, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation about leadership, loyalty, and the early days of Old Dominion football.

Episode 67: Show Notes When longtime traveler Michael Rubiano arrived in Kathmandu, he expected another bucket-list trip built on miles, status perks, and curiosity. Instead, he found himself trapped in a city on fire. In this unforgettable Travel Stories episode, Michael retraces how a points-fueled getaway turned into a life-threatening crisis as political protests erupted across Nepal. He shares the eerie calm before the chaos, the moment hotel staff fled the kitchen, and the tension of watching fires burn from his 14th-floor room. Michael also reflects on the experiences that shaped his calm under pressure, what it was like being in a hotel under lockdown, his harrowing trip to the airport, and how he navigated the escalating danger. From the professionalism of Hyatt staff who sheltered guests, to the quiet fear of watching smoke rise from his window, his story reveals how trust, adaptability, and human kindness can carry us through the unexpected. Tune in to hear about Michael's unbelievable experience and a powerful reminder of how fragile and profound travel can be. Key Points From This Episode: [00:42] Introducing Michael Rubiano, the concept of a MegaDo (an in-person gathering of travel aficionados), and the type of trips they do together. [04:13] An overview of Flyertalk, its history, and how it was created for flyer communities. [08:01] Reaching lifetime elite status, Michael's first experiences of MegaDos, the most valuable loyalty programs, and how being on the West Coast influences his travel choices. [15:52] What drove Michael's decision to travel to Nepal, including Hyatt loyalty incentives and his four travel principles. [20:14] He explains his route via Cathay Pacific and how Nepal fit all his travel criteria. [24:29] Arriving in Kathmandu and reflections on privilege and safety abroad. [29:56] Michael's experience exploring Kathmandu, getting a feel of the city, and taking a flight over the Himalayas, before the crisis. [36:23] A timeline of the protests in Nepal: Michael recounts the start of the unrest, how the protests quickly escalated, fires erupted, and curfews began. [45:59] Michael's hotel lockdown experience, the escalating crisis, and his mindset throughout. [51:53] Preparations to evacuate and his detailed planning of what to carry and what to leave. [58:29] Rebooking his flight, his failed attempts to leave, and his tense journey to the airport. [01:10:50] The exceptional support shown by the Hyatt staff during the crisis, the relief Michael felt when he was in the air, and his surreal experience in Bangkok. [01:13:16] Reflections on the human side of travel and how crises like these reshape your perspective. [01:19:34] Learn about Michael's work as a luxury travel advisor and how to get in touch. Quotes: “[A MegaDo] is a gathering of frequent flyer aficionados talking about miles points and going behind the scenes in places that you don't normally get to see in an airplane, in an airport, in a hotel.” — Michael Rubiano [03:51] “I've been lots of places, not everywhere, but lots of places, and I'm always seeking the new and the novel.” — Michael Rubiano [18:03] “I get an email from the STEP program, saying, ‘Beware that there are protests in the southern part of the city, near Parliament, and you might want to avoid the area.' Okay, I wasn't anywhere near there. I was in the southwest part of the city. I wasn't getting involved in any protests.” — Michael Rubiano [40:58] “In the protests that were taking place on that Monday, — 19 people were killed, which set everything ablaze.” — Michael Rubiano [42:30] “A mob mentality takes on a life of its own. What started out as protests about corruption and nepotism and lack of job opportunities, lack of economic opportunity blew up, and all of a sudden you don't know which end is up.” — Michael Rubiano [48:53] “In my mind, if hotel staff are bolting out of the kitchen, I'd better get up back to my 14th-floor room. That is the first time that I said, ‘Okay, the danger is getting close to home.'” — Michael Rubiano [49:59] “When I went down to breakfast the next day at the hotel, I made sure to take my backpack, because what happens if something happens and I can't get back up to the 14th floor? So that backpack went with me everywhere.” — Michael Rubiano [58:14] “The hotel staff of the Hyatt Centric [were still] taking care of us when they had their own families and other worries to be concerned with. They were always making sure that we had food. They were still doing room service!” — Michael Rubiano [01:11:07] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Michael Rubiano email Michael Rubiano on Instagram Flyertalk The Flight Deal Hyatt Centric Cathay Pacific Thomas Kim on X Trevor Mountcastle on X The Milenomics Podcast Network

Chris Curtin arrived as chief marketing officer of Sam's Club in May just after the retailer, little sibling of Walmart, finished an agency review. But the veteran of Bank of America was familiar with his new agency, Publicis Groupe, from his old job. And he hit the ground running by overseeing a new holiday campaign starring Chris Pratt. Here, Curtin talks about what it's like coming in right after an agency review and just before Sam's Club's biggest season in retail, as well as how he's bringing finance and fintech experience to retail.

In this heartwarming episode of "Discovering Grayslake," host Dave sits down at The Loop Marketing with 13-year-old Chase McGann, a local student and aspiring DJ. Chase shares his journey from announcing at his sister's softball games to DJing community events, and his involvement in school theater and band. The conversation highlights Chase's passion for music, public speaking, and community service, reflecting Grayslake's supportive spirit. Listeners are treated to rapid-fire questions, local stories, and encouragement to support young talent, all wrapped in the friendly, hometown charm that makes Grayslake special. Contact: djchase795@gmail.com Nurturing Young Talent in Grayslake: Lessons from Chase McGann's Journey into DJing and Community Involvement Discovering Grayslake is more than just a podcast—it's a celebration of the people, stories, and spirit that make our hometown special. In a recent episode, host Dave (an experienced DJ and community mainstay) sat down with 13-year-old Chase McGann at The Loop Marketing, right at the heart of Center Street and Lake Street. Their conversation is a masterclass in how young people can find their voice, build confidence, and make a real impact in their community. This blog post dives deep into the main themes and actionable insights from the episode, offering guidance for parents, educators, and aspiring young leaders. Whether you're a Grayslake local or simply passionate about youth empowerment, you'll find plenty of inspiration and practical advice here. Table of Contents Spotlighting Youth: Why Community Involvement Matters Building Confidence Through Public Speaking and DJing Mentorship: The Power of Local Role Models Investing in the Right Tools: A Young DJ's Equipment Guide Balancing School, Hobbies, and Community Service The Value of Supportive Teachers and Family Actionable Tips for Young Announcers and DJs Fostering Kindness and Community Spirit Final Thoughts: Growing Up Grayslake Strong 1. Spotlighting Youth: Why Community Involvement Matters  Chase's story is a testament to the power of getting involved early. From announcing at his sister's softball games to DJing block parties and working with the PTO, Chase has found ways to contribute meaningfully to Grayslake's vibrant community life. Key Takeaways: Early involvement builds lifelong skills.** Chase's comfort on the mic and his organizational abilities are direct results of hands-on experience. Community events are gateways.** Local block parties, school events, and PTO activities offer safe, supportive spaces for youth to try new roles. Visibility matters.** When young people are given the spotlight, it encourages others to step up and participate. Actionable Advice: Encourage your child or student to volunteer at local events, even in small roles. Look for opportunities where youth can take the lead—announcing, organizing, or even running games. 2. Building Confidence Through Public Speaking and DJing  Public speaking is often cited as America's number one fear, but for Chase, it's a source of excitement. His journey shows that confidence is built through practice, positive feedback, and a willingness to embrace the spotlight. Nuanced Insights: Start small, build up.** Chase's first announcement was simply saying goodbye at a block party. Small wins lead to bigger opportunities. Preparation is key.** Arriving early, setting up equipment, and knowing your material reduces anxiety. Embrace mistakes.** Locker jams and tech hiccups are part of the process—laugh them off and keep going. Expert Advice: Practice public speaking at home—announce dinner, host family games, or narrate daily activities. Use tools like Kahoot, Canva, or even simple PowerPoint to create interactive presentations for family and friends. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement. 3. Mentorship: The Power of Local Role Models  Chase credits a local dad for teaching him the ropes—how to use a microphone, manage playlists, and engage a crowd. This mentorship was pivotal in his development. Key Points: Mentors provide both skills and confidence.** Learning from someone experienced demystifies the process. Community connections matter.** Local mentors understand the unique needs and culture of the area. How to Find or Become a Mentor: Reach out to local schools, PTOs, or community centers to connect youth with experienced volunteers. If you have a skill, offer to teach or co-host an event with a young person. Encourage a "shadowing" approach—let youth observe and then gradually take on more responsibility. 4. Investing in the Right Tools: A Young DJ's Equipment Guide  Chase's journey into DJing was made possible by thoughtful investment in equipment, much of it funded by family gifts and careful planning. Detailed Breakdown: Budgeting:** Chase spent about $400 on a speaker, microphones, lights, and a fog machine—showing that quality setups are possible without breaking the bank. Organization:** Keeping equipment organized and well-maintained is crucial for smooth events. Platform Choice:** Chase uses both Spotify and Apple Music, noting the unique features of each (like Apple's karaoke mode). Recommendations: Start with a reliable speaker and microphone—these are the backbone of any DJ setup. Add lights and effects (like a fog machine) as you gain experience and confidence. Use gift cards or holiday gifts to gradually build your setup. Explore both Spotify and Apple Music to see which fits your style and event needs. 5. Balancing School, Hobbies, and Community Service  Chase is not just a DJ—he's involved in theater (Annie Junior), band (playing tambourine in the symphonic band), and school clubs. Balancing these commitments is a challenge, but also a source of growth. Insights: Time management is a learned skill.** Chase juggles set-building, rehearsals, and DJ gigs by staying organized and prioritizing. Flexibility is important.** When play rehearsals ramped up, he adjusted his schedule to accommodate extra sessions. Diverse interests build resilience.** Exposure to different activities helps youth discover their strengths and passions. Actionable Tips: Use a planner or digital calendar to track commitments. Don't be afraid to say no or ask for help when overwhelmed. Try new activities—even if you don't get your first-choice role, there's value in every experience. 6. The Value of Supportive Teachers and Family  Chase's journey is supported by a network of encouraging teachers and family members. From his social studies teacher Ms. Corey to his band director Mr. Thomas, positive adult influences make a world of difference. Key Takeaways: Teachers who make learning fun inspire lifelong curiosity.** Family support—whether it's buying equipment or simply cheering from the sidelines—empowers youth to take risks.** Open communication with adults helps youth navigate challenges, from tech issues to school transitions.** How to Build a Support System: Celebrate small wins—acknowledge effort, not just results. Encourage open dialogue about challenges and successes. Connect with other families to share resources and advice. 7. Actionable Tips for Young Announcers and DJs  Drawing from Chase's experience and the host's expert advice, here are practical steps for aspiring young announcers and DJs: 1. Start Where You Are Volunteer to announce at family gatherings, school events, or local sports games. Use free or low-cost tools to practice—your phone's voice recorder is a great start. 2. Build Your Brand Create playlists and share them with friends, family, or on platforms like Spotify (as Chase does with "Chase's Entertainment Services"). Develop a simple website or social media page to showcase your work. 3. Stay Organized Keep your equipment in labeled cases or bins. Make checklists for setup and teardown to avoid forgetting key items. 4. Engage Your Audience Learn to read the room—play music that fits the mood and age group. Use the microphone to make safety and fun announcements, just like Chase does at foam parties. 5. Keep Learning Watch YouTube tutorials on DJing, public speaking, and event management. Ask for feedback after each event—what went well, and what could improve? 8. Fostering Kindness and Community Spirit  The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder: "We never know what our friends or family or anybody is going through… do one or two random acts of kindness today." This ethos is at the heart of Grayslake's community spirit. Ways to Spread Kindness: Hold the door for someone. Smile and greet neighbors. Volunteer for local events or help a classmate with homework. Why It Matters: Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect, making the community stronger and more welcoming for everyone—especially young people finding their way. 9. Final Thoughts: Growing Up Grayslake Strong  Chase McGann's story is a shining example of what's possible when young people are encouraged to pursue their passions, supported by family, teachers, and a caring community. Whether you're a parent, educator, or young person yourself,

On the 147th episode of What is a Good Life?, I'm delighted to welcome Karimu Samuels. Karimu is a movement expert whose journey from exhaustion to ease led him to discover the power of moving through life with flow. With years of studying body functionality and coaching athletes worldwide, he teaches holistic movement that unites body, mind, and emotion — guiding others toward balance and the joy of movement. He embodies the belief that through movement, we can master not only our bodies but also ourselves.In this conversation, Karimu invites us to explore what happens when we stop striving and start listening — to our bodies, our intuition, and the quieter signals of life. From learning to move through the world with less control and more awareness, to discovering movement as a mirror for self-understanding, he shares how trust, honesty, and softness became the foundation of his work and his peace.This episode invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and tune into what your body is trying to tell you.For more of Karimu's work:https://www.instagram.com/karimu_samuels/www.karimusamuels.comcontact@karimusamuels.comContact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own lines of self-inquiry through 1-on-1 coaching, my 5-week group courses, or to discuss team coaching to stimulate greater trust, communication, and connection, amongst your leadership teams.- For the What is a Good Life? podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/- My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/00:00–03:09 — “Who am I?” as the guiding question03:09–04:48 — Movement as universal; finding your gift04:48–07:40 — From ego goals to service; discovering movement07:50–12:36 — “Arriving / home” = inner peace12:36–15:17 — Trust → authenticity; speak your own reality16:10–18:40 — Radical honesty18:40–24:48 — Listening to the body: asthma & throat story24:48–28:03 — Practice and mastering mindset28:03–32:41 — Shaped by experience; learning to show up32:41–38:59 — Movement is a mirror; five components38:59–42:58 — Broken wrist; adapting without compensating42:58–47:33 — Softening: control vs. letting go47:33–52:05 — Love as a tool; co-creating safe space52:05–56:36 — “What is a good life?” Three pillars

Success is built through clear vision, consistent action, and resilience in the face of challenge. Every small step forward compounds into lasting results. Use these affirmations to help create your success. Listen to "Creating Success." This episode is brought to you by AquaTru. AquaTru is a water purifier that transforms your tap water!  AquaTru removes 15x more contaminants than ordinary pitcher filters and AquaTru filters last from 6 months to 2 years!  I use mine daily for drinking and cooking!AquaTru also comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee. Use promo code AFFIRMATION to get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier at AquaTru.comThe sister episode to this one is Episode 203 Affirmations for Success https://AffirmationPod.com/ForSuccess If this episode was helpful and you want to leave a tip, simply go to AffirmationPod.com/TipJarThinking of one-on-one coaching?Looking to change your mindset and empower yourself to a better you?Sign up for an affirmations coaching session and let's get to work at AffirmationPod.com/CoachingWANT MORE EPISODES LIKE THIS ONE? Episode 430 I am Successful https://AffirmationPod.com/IAmSuccessful Episode 393 I've turned my life around https://AffirmationPod.com/TurnedMyLifeAround Episode 336 Arriving at a New Level https://AffirmationPod.com/NewLevel LISTENER LOVE

This week on Shat the Movies, it's alive! We're dusting off Young Frankenstein (1974), Mel Brooks' black-and-white masterpiece that parodies horror classics with heart, brains, and a healthy dose of innuendo. Gene Wilder leads a pitch-perfect cast including Teri Garr, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and Cloris Leachman in one of the most quotable comedies of all time. Gene and Big D dive into the film's legacy, brilliant performances, and whether this monster still has life in 2024. Movie Summary:Respected medical lecturer Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) learns that he has inherited his infamous grandfather's estate in Transylvania. Arriving at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein soon begins to recreate his grandfather's experiments with the help of servants Igor (Marty Feldman), Inga (Teri Garr) and the fearsome Frau Blücher (Cloris Leachman). After he creates his own monster (Peter Boyle), new complications ensue with the arrival of the doctor's fiancée, Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn). Commissioned by Emmett C. Support the Walk to Save Animals Donation link: http://www.tinyurl.com/shatpod Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we dive back into the Vision Pro. Apple's new Vision Pro headset features the M5 chip for better performance and efficiency, 10% more rendered pixels, a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, longer battery life, and an all-new counterweighted Dual Knit headband with a focus on improved comfort. Arriving 20 months after the original model, the Vision Pro now runs visionOS 26 and offers widgets, hands-free scrolling, enhanced Mac Virtual Display mode, significantly improved Personas, a broader selection of immersive content, and more. We discuss how much better the new version really is and whether it's finally time to give Apple's spatial computing device another chance. Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at notion.com/macrumors

This is a practice of grounding in the physicality of here and now in a way that naturally allows a connecting with our experience in alignment with our deepest values.  This basic practice of the Arriving Sequence comes from Phillip Moffit. It is a beautiful practice, useful not only in formal meditation but also as a means of re-grounding in all of life.

Give my spoilers liiiiiife!!!! Thanks to Abigail, Bryan and Teddy for recommending this Spooky Spoiler! ********* Respected medical lecturer Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) learns that he has inherited his infamous grandfather's estate in Transylvania. Arriving at the castle, Dr. Frankenstein soon begins to recreate his grandfather's experiments with the help of servants Igor (Marty Feldman), Inga (Teri Garr) and the fearsome Frau Blücher (Cloris Leachman). After he creates his own monster (Peter Boyle), new complications ensue with the arrival of the doctor's fiancée, Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn). Release date: December 15, 1974 (USA) Director: Mel Brooks Story by: Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder, Mary Shelley Screenplay: Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder Producer: Michael Gruskoff Running time: 1h 46m

“10/25/15- Arriving at the Blood Line” from Grace Anglican Church Podcast. Released: 2015. Genre: Podcast.

In this episode of The Brain Crops Podcast, Chelsea Myers and Markus Kaulius explore what it truly means to live a successful and fulfilling life. Together they unpack how to redefine the journey of success—shifting focus from the illusion of “arrival” to the joy of becoming.Markus shares powerful insights on emotional health, spiritual connection, and long-term habits that sustain real growth. The conversation dives into overcoming addictions like pornography, drinking, or overworking, and reframing fear as misplaced faith. They discuss how to surround yourself with grounded mentors, stay connected to divine guidance, and cultivate consistency in habits that create lasting transformation.If you're ready to elevate your mindset, deepen your faith, and grow into the person you're meant to become, this episode will move you.Markus Kaulius is an entrepreneur, speaker, and transformation coach dedicated to helping people unlock their full potential. Through his mission-driven work, he inspires others to live with purpose, discipline, and faith—empowering them to rise above fear and become who they're truly meant to be.Chelsea Myers is a trusted confidant and growth architect for visionaries, change-makers, and high-performing leaders. As the founder of Brain Crops and mediTEAtion®, Chelsea blends deep expertise in human behavior, motivation, and healing with decades of practical experience in leadership, wellness, and neurodivergent advocacy. Her conversations open hearts and minds, revealing what's possible when personal evolution and world-changing ideas meet.Connect with Chelsea on social and follow her work at chelseamyers.courses and mediTEAtion.app#BrainCropsPodcast #MarkusKaulius #ChelseaMyers #EmotionalHealth #FaithOverFear #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift #HabitsThatStick #BecomingNotArriving #LeadershipGrowth #HealingJourney #SelfMastery #TransformationJourney #PurposeDrivenLife

Ballots are on their way to voters' mailboxes. Local elections around the state will take place November 4.

In the 2011 summer movie season overcrowded with sequels and IP, J.J. Abrams' Super 8 stood out as an original event film. Arriving with a mysterious marketing campaign that was the Abrams signature, the film follows a group of kids in the late 1970s who capture footage of an alien while shooting a monster movie in their … Continue reading "363 – Super 8"

Let's fire up the wayback machine and head to 1995, a simpler time, no doubt. Back when commuting by bus, trying to meet girls, and rapping about rapping were all viable rap song topics. Hell, this was still an era when rap groups were still a thing. Enter The Nonce (stop giggling, UK heads): the Project Blowed–affiliated duo of Yousef Afloat and Nouka Basetype, who dropped their underrated debut World Ultimate on Rick Rubin's American Recordings in the year of our lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five. Their breakout track “Mixtapes” became an underground classic, while the laid-back single “Bus Stops” got some well-deserved shine in the final moments before hip-hop's harder elements took over. Arriving at the tail end of rap's second (or maybe third) golden era, World Ultimate fused the jazzy, head-nodding vibes of the Native Tongues with the sharp, freestyle freneticism of the L.A.'s Project Blowed scene. On this week's episode, the bros take a deep dive into World Ultimate to see how it holds up three decades later. Tune in, turn up, and decide for yourself if their takes are on point. 

Today's poem is At Last the New Arriving by Gabrielle Calvocoressi. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “I don't know what might happen tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. I can't know! That can be a source of stress, but it can also be a source of hope and excitement. The future is full of possibility. Some of life's surprises are heartbreaking, yes—but some are heart-repairing. Heart filling. Heart strengthening. I try to remind myself of that.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp