Podcasts about authentically

Authentically ADHD – ADHD, Alexithymia, and Anhedonia: Understanding Emotions and MotivationHello and welcome to Authentically ADHD! I'm Carmen, your host. Today, we're diving into a topic that might hit very close to home for a lot of us: the confusing intersection of ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia. Now, those are some big, clinical-sounding words – but don't worry. We're going to break them down in plain language and talk about how they can overlap in real life. If you've ever thought, “Why can't I figure out what I'm feeling?” or “Why don't I enjoy things the way I used to?”, or if you find yourself emotionally drained after a long day of masking your ADHD traits, then this episode is for you.In this 25–30 minute journey, we'll mix a bit of neuroscience (in a friendly, non-intimidating way) with personal storytelling. I'll share some of my own experiences, and we'll explore what research says about why these experiences happen. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of what ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia really mean, why they often go hand-in-hand (especially in neurodivergent folks like us), and what we can do to cope and thrive. We'll also bust some common myths and misunderstandings – including why these issues often get overlooked or dismissed, especially in women and people diagnosed later in life. And as always, we'll wrap up with strategies and a big dose of validation and hope. So, get comfy (or start that task you've been putting off and take us along!), and let's get started.Understanding ADHD, Alexithymia, and AnhedoniaBefore we delve into how these things intersect, let's clearly define each of these terms. They each describe a different piece of the puzzle of our emotional and mental life. Understanding what they are will help us see how they connect. In a nutshell:ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention (difficulty focusing, forgetfulness), hyperactivity (restlessness, fidgeting), and impulsivity (acting without thinking) that interfere with daily functioningneurolaunch.com. In adults, ADHD can look like struggling to stay organized, constantly losing your keys, jumping from one idea to another, or even feeling emotionally impulsive. It's not just “kids being hyper” – it's a lifelong brain-based condition affecting how we concentrate, manage time, and regulate behavior and emotions.Alexithymia: Alexithymia is not a disorder but a personality trait or profile, often described as having difficulty identifying and describing your emotionsneurodivergentinsights.com. The word literally means “without words for emotion.” If you have alexithymia, you might feel strong emotions physically (like a racing heart or a knot in your stomach) but struggle to pinpoint what the emotion is (is it anxiety? anger? hunger?) and find words to express it. Alexithymia exists on a spectrum – some people have mild trouble with emotions, others have it to a more severe degreeneurodivergentinsights.com. It frequently co-occurs with neurodivergent conditions; in fact, research suggests that a significant subset of people with ADHD (estimates range from about 20% to over 40%) also have alexithymianeurodivergentinsights.combhcsmt.com. So, if you have ADHD and you've always felt “out of touch” with your emotions, alexithymia might be a concept that resonates with you.Anhedonia: Anhedonia means an inability or reduced ability to experience pleasure. It's like the volume knob for enjoyment is turned way down. People with anhedonia struggle to feel joy or interest in activities that used to be fun or rewardingneurolaunch.com. This term is often discussed in the context of depression (since losing pleasure is a core symptom of depressive episodes), but it's not exclusive to depression. As we'll explore, anhedonia can also show up in ADHD. If you find that hobbies, socializing, or accomplishments don't light you up the way they do for others (or the way they once did for you), anhedonia could be at play. It can feel like emotional flatness or being chronically “uninspired” – you want to want things, but the feeling isn't there.Each of these three – ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia – is distinct. ADHD is an officially recognized neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention and self-regulation. Alexithymia is a descriptive trait about emotional awareness. Anhedonia is a symptom state of not experiencing pleasure. Yet, despite their differences, these experiences often overlap and tangle together, especially for neurodivergent individuals. When someone has ADHD, they're more likely to also experience traits of alexithymianeurodivergentinsights.com, and they may be more prone to anhedonia or “low hedonic tone” (low baseline ability to feel reward) than the general populationen.wikipedia.org. Why is that? Let's dig into the brain science to find out.The Neuroscience Behind the OverlapSo, why do ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia so often form a trio? To answer that, we need to talk about how our brains process emotions and rewards. Don't worry – we'll keep it conversational. Imagine your brain as an orchestra: different sections handle different parts of the music. When everything's in tune, you get a harmonious experience of life – you feel emotions, you find joy in activities, you focus when you need to. With ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia, some sections of the orchestra are either playing off-key or playing too quietly to hear.One key player here is dopamine, a neurotransmitter often nicknamed the “reward chemical.” Dopamine is heavily involved in motivation, pleasure, and attention – basically the brain's way of saying “Hey, this is important/fun, focus on this!” In ADHD brains, dopamine signaling doesn't work typically; it can be underactive or dysregulatedneurolaunch.comneurolaunch.com. Think of it like a weak Wi-Fi signal in the reward circuits of the brain – messages about reward and pleasure just aren't getting through fast or strong enough. Because of this, everyday tasks might not feel as rewarding to someone with ADHD as they do to someone without ADHD. Science actually shows that ADHD-related dopamine impairments can dysregulate the brain's reward processing and lead to anhedonia (difficulty feeling pleasure) in some individualsen.wikipedia.org. In other words, the same brain chemistry quirk that makes it hard to concentrate can also turn down the volume on enjoyment and motivation.Now, what about alexithymia? While dopamine is more about the reward system, alexithymia has a lot to do with our brain's emotional awareness and interoception (a fancy word for sensing the internal state of your body). Some researchers believe alexithymia is essentially a problem with how the brain's insula and related regions process internal signalsbhcsmt.com. The insula is like the brain's monitor for bodily and emotional sensations – it helps you notice a fast heartbeat and connect it to “I feel anxious,” for example. In alexithymia, that monitoring system might be glitchy. Emotions are still happening under the hood (we still produce the bodily reactions and basic emotional responses), but the translation of those signals into conscious awareness and labels doesn't work well. It's as if the brain doesn't label the emotions correctly or at all. This is why someone with alexithymia can seem calm or unaffected externally while internally their heart is pounding – they truly might not recognize what they're feeling, or they might just register a vague discomfort without an emotional label. Interestingly, alexithymia has been called a “disconnect between the emotional and thinking parts of the brain.” The emotional signals are there, but the cortex (thinking brain) can't interpret them properly.So, how do these tie together? ADHD and alexithymia share some overlapping brain differences. For one, both are linked to difficulties in emotional regulation. ADHD isn't just about attention – many experts now recognize that emotional impulsivity and difficulty regulating feelings are core aspects of ADHD for many peopleneurodivergentinsights.com. If you have ADHD, you might feel things more intensely but also more fleetingly, and you can struggle to manage those feelings (for example, quick frustration, or being easily hurt by criticism, then rapidly switching to another mood). Now add alexithymia into the mix: you have big emotions (possibly ADHD-related) but poor insight into them. That's a challenging combo! In fact, having alexithymia can make it even harder for ADHDers to understand and regulate their emotional ups and downsneurodivergentinsights.comneurodivergentinsights.com. It's like trying to drive a car with a super sensitive gas pedal (ADHD emotions) but a foggy windshield (alexithymia blocking your view of what's happening inside you).Neuroscience also hints at other overlaps. Both ADHD and alexithymia have been associated with atypical functioning in the prefrontal cortex (the brain's executive control center) and in connections between the cortex and deeper emotional brain regions. ADHD's executive function challenges mean the brain can struggle to pause and reflect – which might also affect the ability to reflect on and name emotions. If you're constantly chasing the next stimulus or fighting to focus, you might not have the bandwidth to analyze “What am I feeling right now?” Similarly, alexithymia may involve less activation or connectivity in areas that integrate bodily states into emotional awareness (like the anterior insula, for those who love brain specifics). There's even some evidence pointing to dopamine's role in emotional awareness: conditions with dopamine dysfunction (like Parkinson's disease and yes, ADHD) show high rates of alexithymiabhcsmt.com. Fascinatingly, one study found that when ADHD patients with alexithymia were treated with stimulant medication (which boosts dopamine), their alexithymia scores improved and they became more emotionally aware over six monthsbhcsmt.combhcsmt.com. That's a neat clue that brain chemistry ties these experiences together. Dopamine doesn't just help you focus; it also might help you feel.In summary, the brain's reward and emotion systems are interconnected. ADHD's neurochemistry (like low dopamine) can set the stage for anhedonia – the brain isn't signaling “reward!” as it should, so you might not feel the pleasure or motivation that others do from the same eventneurolaunch.comen.wikipedia.org. Meanwhile, ADHD's cognitive and emotional dysregulation can set the stage for alexithymia – life is fast, attention is scattered, emotions swing, and the self-reflection wires get crossed, leaving you unsure of what you feel. And of course, alexithymia itself can contribute to anhedonia: if you struggle to recognize feelings, you might also have trouble recognizing pleasure or excitement. In fact, one hallmark of alexithymia is an externally oriented thinking style and little attention to inner feelings, which has been linked to a reduced ability to experience positive emotionsneurodivergentinsights.com. That sounds an awful lot like blunted pleasure. So these three concepts feed into each other in a cycle. Next, let's talk about what that cycle feels like in everyday life.When These Worlds Collide: Emotional Regulation, Motivation, and Daily LifeLiving with any one of these — ADHD, alexithymia, or anhedonia — can be challenging. But when they overlap, it can feel like a perfect storm. Let's paint a picture of how that overlap can complicate emotional regulation, motivation, and just day-to-day functioning:1. Emotional Regulation Woes: With ADHD, emotions can be intense and quick to change, but also quick to be forgotten. Add alexithymia, and you might not even know what you're feeling until it boils over. Many of us with ADHD have been told we're “too sensitive” or “overreacting,” when in reality we felt an emotion suddenly and strongly, and it was hard to modulate it. Now imagine not having a good handle on what that emotion was – that's the alexithymia piece. You might go from zero to sixty (calm to furious or panicked) without recognizing, “I'm getting upset” until you're at the breaking point. Afterwards, you might struggle to explain to someone (or to yourself) why you reacted that way, because you lack words for those internal states. This overlap often leads to feeling out of control or ashamed of one's emotions. It can also lead to something I call emotional whiplash: you're overwhelmed by feelings in one moment, and utterly numb the next. That numbness can be a form of anhedonia or emotional shutdown – a brain response where, after so much intense feeling and confusion, you kind of just go blank. Over time, experiencing this rollercoaster can make you anxious about your own emotional reactions (“What if I explode or break down and I don't even know why?”).2. Motivation and Reward: A common ADHD experience is struggling to start or finish tasks that aren't inherently interesting – our brains crave stimulation (the “interest-based nervous system,” as it's sometimes called). Now tack on anhedonia. If you don't feel much pleasure or reward even when you complete something or do something fun, it's doubly hard to motivate yourself. It becomes a vicious cycleneurolaunch.comneurolaunch.com: ADHD makes it hard to stick with activities (so you might impulsively seek something new or get distracted), and anhedonia makes it unrewarding to do so (so even if you stick to it, you feel like “meh, that was pointless”). Picture trying to play a video game where every time you accomplish a mission, the game doesn't give you any points or fanfare – you'd probably lose interest quickly! That's what the ADHD-anhedonia combo can feel like in real life. Even hobbies you know you used to love might not give you the dopamine hit they once did, which is deeply frustrating. You might cycle through activities or careers or relationships, always searching for that spark of joy or interest, but finding that your brain's reward system isn't lighting up as expected. People around you might label you as flaky or lazy, when in truth your brain is under-stimulated and under-rewarded, making sustained effort feel like running a marathon with ankle weights on.3. Daily Functioning and Executive Function: Executive functions (things like planning, organizing, time management) are already a challenge in ADHD. Combine that with these emotional and motivational difficulties, and daily life can get chaotic. For instance, say you have an important project to do. ADHD might have you procrastinating until the last minute because, well, focus is hard until urgency kicks in. Anhedonia means even the reward of “I'll feel proud when this is done” or “I'll enjoy doing this piece I usually like” doesn't register strongly, so there's not much internal pull to start the task. Meanwhile, alexithymia means you might not realize how anxious it's making you to leave it so late – you just feel a vague tension or you get irritable without connecting it to stress. All of this might result in a last-minute panic, tears of frustration you didn't see coming, or even a shutdown where you just can't do it at all. Daily tasks like household chores or self-care can similarly fall apart. You know on some level that you'll feel better if you shower or clean the kitchen, but you don't feel that reward normally (anhedonia), and you don't really register how crummy it feels to be unwashed or in a mess until it's extreme (alexithymia's lack of internal cues), and ADHD has you distracted by a million other more interesting things in the moment. It's easy to see how this trio can impact routines, health, work performance – basically any aspect of daily living.4. Social and Relationship Impact: Emotions and enjoyment are huge parts of how we connect with others. When you have alexithymia, people might perceive you as distant, cold, or uninterested because you don't express emotions in a typical way or struggle to empathize verbally. You might care deeply, but you don't show it with “I'm so happy for you” or “I'm upset about this” because you can't quite identify those feelings in the first place. With ADHD, you might interrupt or space out in conversations, or you feel emotions so strongly that you come on too intense, which can be hard for others to navigate. Now, add anhedonia – maybe you stop wanting to go out with friends or initiate activities because you just don't find joy in them, so people think you're avoiding them or being negative. Misunderstandings abound. A friend might think you don't care about their troubles because you didn't show much emotion when they were sad (when in fact you did care but couldn't express it). A partner might feel hurt that you never seem excited about doing things together anymore, or that you're disengaged. Daily life with others becomes a minefield of potential misinterpretations, where your internal state and your outward actions don't line up in the “expected” way.Everything we just described can seriously affect one's self-esteem and mental health, too. It's common for people in this overlap to start thinking, “What's wrong with me?” or to assume they're just bad at life or broken. Let me assure you right now: you are not broken, and you're not alone in this. There are explanations for why you feel the way you do, and with understanding comes the ability to find new strategies. But before we get to coping strategies, it's important to address some of those misunderstandings from the outside world in a bit more detail – especially how they play out for women and late-diagnosed adults.Misunderstandings and Missed DiagnosesWhen you're dealing with ADHD, alexithymia, and anhedonia, other people in your life (and even some professionals) might not “get it.” These conditions – particularly alexithymia and anhedonia – are often invisible. To someone on the outside, your behaviors might be misread in a bunch of uncharitable ways. Let's clear the air on some common misunderstandings:“You're just being lazy/unmotivated.” How many of us with ADHD have heard that one?

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the very thing you're most passionate about is the one thing everyone tells you to walk away from?Have you ever felt the pressure to “have it all figured out” by 18—or even 28? Or questioned whether it's too late to chase that dream burning quietly inside you?In this episode, we dive deep into those very questions with recording artist and creative powerhouse Cassy London. From walking away from a traditional journalism path to pursuing music full-time without any family connections in the industry, Cassy's story is raw, real, and incredibly inspiring. She opens up about the lonely moments, the doubts, the pushback—and what it truly means to choose yourself, even when it's terrifying. With a voice that moves hearts and lyrics rooted in purpose, Cassy doesn't just create music—she creates movements. A fierce advocate for authenticity and artistic integrity, Cassy shares how her faith, her upbringing, and her inner compass helped her navigate rejection, rebranding, and the emotional rollercoaster of building a career in one of the toughest industries in the world.Whether you're 13 or 53, standing at the crossroads of comfort and calling—this conversation will challenge you, ground you, and remind you that growth is messy, but worth it.This one's not just for the aspiring musicians—it's for anyone ready to embrace the unknown with courage and confidence.Quotes:"Confidence truly comes from within. There's no item, there's no look, there's no anything tangible that can make you feel confident, it truly comes from within, and that takes hard work to create." - Cassy London"If you're not growing, what the heck are you doing? Growth should be celebrated." - Cassy London"Trust the process. Truly, truly trust the process and remember that no bad day, bad situation, it's temporary. Things will pass." - Cassy LondonKey Takeaways:Re-evaluate Your Current Path: Ask yourself: Is what I'm doing now aligned with who I truly am or what I genuinely love? Assignment: Journal for 10 minutes about what you would pursue if fear, judgment, or expectations weren't in the way.Audit Your Inner Circle: Cassy emphasized the power of having people around who truly know and support you. Assignment: List your top 5 closest relationships. Do they help you grow, challenge you lovingly, or hold you back?Take a Creative Risk This Week: Whether it's writing, posting something personal, or pursuing a passion project, take one bold action that stretches your creative comfort zone. Task: Share a small piece of your creative work with someone you trust or on social media, even if it scares you.Redefine Confidence as Inner Work, Not Outer Image: Remember, confidence isn't something you wear—it's something you build. Reflection Prompt: What's one area where you've been waiting to “look ready” before acting? How can you start anyway, from the inside out?Celebrate Your Growth and Give Yourself Permission to Evolve: Cassy's journey reminds us: you're allowed to outgrow your past identity. Assignment: Write down 3 ways you've changed over the past year—and give yourself credit for the transformation.Conclusion:Cassy London's story is a powerful reminder that the path to purpose isn't always clear—but it's always worth pursuing. Whether you're discovering who you are or rediscovering what you love, this episode encourages you to choose courage over comfort, authenticity over approval, and growth over fear.

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever felt the rumblings of discomfort inside of you?  Like something is off?  Or emotions you're experiencing are big?  Or perhaps there's some strangeness with a relationship in your life?  Or a situation just makes you feel uneasy?  These are all signs to alert us that we are out of alignment.  That something on our inside world is not matched with what we're experiencing in our outside world.  Many of us have learned to live with this mis-alignment...often told that it's the norm or part of an expected script.  But what if you used this alert to go deeper within yourself?  To explore the mis-match of energies?  And to allow that exploration to unravel what's there so you can become ALIGNED? Today's meditation will guide you through this process...because when we are aligned, we are living our lives AUTHENTICALLY...our inside world matches our outside world and life is full, rich and OURS. Come join me live!  Every Monday at 11:30am EST, I do a live Meditation Monday on our Facebook Page...come follow and join me! https://www.facebook.com/womensmeditationnetwork/ Namaste, Beautiful... Katie ❤️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount!❤️ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donna delves into the concept of showing up authentically in business by harnessing high vibrational energy. She discusses her personal approach to work, which includes integrating daily walks along the beach for energy and inspiration, and how these practices can enhance productivity and creativity. Emphasizing the importance of intuition and joy in work, Donna encourages us to find and follow our unique flow, whether it's through nature, creativity, or non-traditional work methods. Strategies to align work with personal energy and preferences are also shared, advocating for an approach where business practices are tailored to individual needs and passions for optimal results.00:00 Introduction: The Essence of Showing Up01:10 Embracing a New Way of Doing Business03:13 Finding Inspiration in Nature05:06 Redefining Work and Productivity06:08 Aligning Business with Personal Energy07:57 Leveraging Your Strengths and Preferences10:28 Creating Simple and Effective Business Systems11:16 Conclusion: Creating Experiences and Following Your PassionDonna's Sacred Business Ascension program helps established solopreneurs align their business energy so they can make more money with less effort while staying true to who they are.Learn more at https://www.donnaashton.com or connect on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/donnaashtonJoin me the FUN & Worthwhile Networking: Full Moon Collaborations> https://www.donnaashton.com/collaborationsBook Study: Summer It's Not Your Money: Tosha Silver> https://www.donnaashton.com/bookjulyAbout Donna AshtonDonna Ashton is a Human Design Projector and Business Priestess (she works with a lot with Manifesting Generators.) As host of the podcast "4 Day Weekends," she helps established spiritually minded entrepreneurs leverage their businesses with their natural energy so they attract clients with less effort.With over 15 years of experience running her own 3-day workweek business, Donna intuitively guides entrepreneurs to transform scattered energy into focused prosperity through ancient rhythms, sacred wisdom, and aligned business practices.

Guest: Katie Boyd | Author of Ambitchious, Host of the Ambitchious PodcastEpisode Summary:In this soul-stirring episode, Katarina Forster is joined by wellness powerhouse Katie Boyd for an honest conversation about what it really means to live authentically, create from abundance, and value yourself beyond what you do.Together, they unpack the deep societal conditioning that ties women's worth to productivity and overachievement—often at the cost of our health, joy, and relationships. Katie shares the burnout she sees in women across all walks of life, and how setting boundaries, trusting the universe, and embracing your feminine energy are keys to sustainable success.Whether you're a beauty pro, healer, entrepreneur, or navigating your own self-growth journey, this conversation will inspire you to protect your time, honor your energy, and let go of burnout as a badge of honor.

Do you ever struggle to live authentically? Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce teaches how to embrace your strengths and weaknesses, and how to live authentically with His purpose in mind.

Tommy Milburn fell in love with tiki when he was a kid on vacation in Hawaii, and became a bartender to support his other creative endeavors but always checked in with tropical bars wherever he was. A musical theater kid in Canada who played piano and grew up to run off to L.A. to be an actor, he eventually decided to embrace the dream of buying a spot in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, and open up his bar, Tiki Grove. Authentically decorated in classic tiki decor, he offers traditional tiki drinks as well as home grown aloe to soothe the sunburns of those wandering up from the beach. Now that's hospitality! Check out his tropical tunes playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3UkjLcu5wx9S4IssVvgw4S?si=Lu01VY73QpqqjyjPPgu1VA

Are you an introvert or highly sensitive person (HSP) who's ever wondered how to thrive as a leader while staying true to yourself? In this episode of The Quiet And Strong Podcast, host David Hall sits down with Clare Emma Wild—certified coach, quiet leader, and expert in helping introverts and HSPs step into leadership with authenticity and strength. Together, they unpack how you can stop people pleasing, overcome imposter syndrome, and embrace your natural strengths as a quieter leader.Listen in to discover practical strategies for harnessing your empathy and intuition as superpowers, learn steps to stop people-pleasing, and find the best ways to recharge and process after high-energy days. Clare also shares her journey from burnout to self-acceptance, highlights the unique strengths that introverts and HSPs bring to the workplace, and busts common myths—like the idea that introverts can't be effective leaders or that enjoying people is exclusive to extroverts.If you're ready to learn how to lead authentically, gain actionable advice for managing your energy, and unlock ways to celebrate your accomplishments without falling prey to imposter syndrome, this episode is for you. Tune in and be strong.Episode Link: QuietandStrong.com/229 Clare Emma Wild is a certified and accredited coach for Quiet Leaders, helping them to stop people pleasing and overcome their imposter syndrome, so they can take action and enjoy the success they deserve. As well as leading senior teams and winning awards she has bounced back from two periods of burnout, so she understands the importance of not trying to lead as others do, Instead use your strengths, and support yourself. She blends mindset coaching with a somatic approach, tailored for the introverted, sensitive and empathic, and this is why her coaching is powerful for quieter people.Connect with Emma on LinkedIn- - -Contact the Host of the Quiet and Strong Podcast:David Hall Author, Speaker, Educator, Podcaster quietandstrong.comGobio.link/quietandstrongdavid [at] quietandstrong.com Take the FREE Personality Assessment: Typefinder Personality Assessment Follow David on your favorite social platform: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube Get David's book:Minding Your Time: Time Management, Productivity, and Success, Especially for Introverts You may also like:Quiet & Strong Merchandise

Do you ever struggle to live authentically? Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce teaches how to embrace your strengths and weaknesses, and how to live authentically with His purpose in mind.

In this wide-ranging and direct conversation, Bill George, former Medtronic CEO and Harvard Business School professor, offers a disciplined framework for leading in conditions of persistent volatility. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and research, George emphasizes that leadership today is no longer about managing processes, it is about confronting ambiguity, enabling experimentation, and sustaining purpose across shifting conditions.   Five themes stand out: Opportunity Must Be Created, Not Awaited. George argues that emerging leaders should not wait for promotions or formal permission. Instead, they should identify unaddressed problems, volunteer to lead, and deliver results without demanding titles. Career growth, he suggests, is a function of action, not seniority. Innovation Begins at the Front Lines. Whether referencing his early decision to cancel a Medtronic pacemaker program that lacked patient benefit, or urging leaders to spend less time in conference rooms and more with customers and staff, George insists that enduring breakthroughs stem from direct observation and empathy, not from internal data analysis alone. Risk Tolerance Determines Strategic Renewal. George contrasts firms that institutionalize risk such as Medtronic's venture incubation model, with those that allow internal resistance to block change. Innovation, he asserts, must be structurally protected from corporate inertia, and leaders should be judged on the courage to champion unpopular ideas that later prove transformative. Culture Must Reward Learning Over Defensiveness. Drawing parallels between U.S., European, and Japanese innovation cultures, George critiques over-regulated, failure-averse systems that suppress experimentation. True progress, he says, requires the willingness to learn through trial, adaptation, and even initial failure. AI Is a Strategic Imperative, Not a Cost Play. Rather than using AI to drive out labor costs, George advocates for using it to rethink business models entirely, supporting frontline autonomy, enabling new services, and unlocking unmet needs. He cautions leaders against adopting a defensive posture and urges them to fund experiments that explore the true potential of the technology. Throughout, George offers a leadership mindset anchored in authenticity, courage, and customer-centric design. His advice is clear: future leaders must raise their hands, operate at the edge, and move fast before the window of relevance closes.   Get Bill's book here: https://shorturl.at/3iHRb True North, Emerging Leader Edition: Leading Authentically in Today's Workplace   Here are some free gifts for you:   Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo  

Send us a textIn this episode we interview Ritvij Gautam, Head of Growth at Glencoco.Rit shares his journey from a physics-philosophy undergrad to building and exiting a UX startup, and now scaling B2B sales with Glencoco. But the heart of this episode? Crafting content with AI—without losing soul.What you'll learn in this episode:Why authenticity matters more than ever in AI-written contentHow to start your article with emotional impact and work backwardThe exact prompts and workflows Rit uses with ChatGPTThe value of training AI on your personal tone and styleWhy modular writing beats monolithic content generationHow human intuition must remain in the AI loopWhy good SEO is a byproduct—not the goal—of great contentThe difference between hollow AI output and refined, high-impact messaging

In this powerhouse episode of the Passive Prospecting Podcast, Justin Berry sits down with real estate content marketing expert Levi Lascsak, co-founder of Passive Prospecting and the force behind the top-performing YouTube real estate channel, Living in Dallas Texas. Levi shares how he scaled his business to over $300 million in real estate sales using organic YouTube videos, without spending a dollar on ads.Levi breaks down how authenticity and consistency in content creation are the secret weapons for real estate agents navigating any market — including the challenges of high interest rates and shifting buyer behavior. He dives deep into the strategy of treating YouTube like a one-sided sales conversation, and how he built trust in his community by simply showcasing local neighborhoods, model homes, and relatable commentary.If you're a real estate agent, entrepreneur, or content creator looking to dominate your niche and generate leads without cold calling, this interview is packed with actionable insights. Subscribe now and learn how to build a scalable business through the power of YouTube.======Join us for a 2-Day Virtual Event to Learn About YouTube for Real Estate! https://backstage.passiveprospecting.com/optin-604313321694404166517Schedule a Call With Us to Discuss Partnering With eXp - https://bit.ly/PassiveProspectingPartnershipGet Our New Book - https://bit.ly/PassiveProspectingBookJoin Our Community for Free!: https://join.passiveprospecting.com/?utm_source=podcastWork With Our Video Editing Team - https://www.passiveproductionsagency.com/done-for-you-lead-machine-system

ATTN!!!Friendfest is taking place September 26th in Los Angeles! Tickets for FriendFest are going live next week! Grab your girlfriends and get ready for the Early Bird pricing!

Style is a language. It speaks volumes about the identity and values of the wearer. In this solo episode, I share the journey I've been on to redefine my personal style in a way that feels more authentic, aligned, and—honestly—simpler. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by trends or tired of staring at your closet each morning, you're not alone.After leaving corporate life and shifting into entrepreneurship, my lifestyle changed dramatically—and so did what I needed from my wardrobe. I started asking new questions: What does ease look like when getting dressed? How do I want to feel in my clothes? And how can I make this process reflect who I am now, not who I used to be?In this episode, I offer the tools and mindset shifts that helped me reconnect with my style on my own terms—from following Allison Bornstein's Three-Word Method to cataloging my closet in the Indyx app–to reimagine and organize my closet. Whether you're navigating a career change, reevaluating your relationship with consumerism, exploring a simpler lifestyle, or just looking for more clarity in how you get dressed each day, this episode is an invitation to bring more intention—and less noise—into your style.Resources:Wear It Well by Alison BornsteinAlison Bornstein on YouTube or TikTokThe Indyx AppDevon Rule on TikTok (co-founder of Indyx)Interrupting Everything Podcast: Interrupting Consumerism with Aja BarberConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

On today's episode, I have a fascinating chat with Landi Jac, a world-recognized keynote speaker and consultant who, alongside her husband Mike, has designed a life of global travel and impactful work. We delve into Landi's journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting key pivots such as rejecting a surprising career as an industrial spy. Landi shares her philosophy of building a business around life values rather than conforming life to professional demands. The conversation covers trends in the marketplace, the significance of mindset, and the crucial role of authenticity and core values in leadership. We also discuss emerging trends for 2035, the revolutionary potential of AI, and the importance of human connection amidst technological advances. This episode emphasizes the power of living authentically and the profound impact of building trust and community. Episode Minutes:  Minute 2: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship Minute 5: Core Values and Personal Philosophy Minute 11: Mindset and Authentic Leadership Minute 15: Transformational Coaching and Client Success Minute 20: Future Trends and Technology To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting. LinkedIn Instagram Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Stunning pyramids and well-preserved ancient artifacts are reason enough to make Egypt a bucket-list destination. But Egypt offers a rich tapestry of experiences that stretches far beyond its iconic monuments. Pristine coral gardens bloom in the waters of the Red Sea, and young craftmakers and artisans make their mark in Cairo boutiques. Truly experiencing Egypt requires merging ancient adventure-seeking with a touch of modern-day authenticity.Today, host Angie Orth is back with travel writer Lauren Keith, who's written about her experiences in Egypt and throughout the Middle East for Lonely Planet, Fodor's, National Geographic, Afar, Travel + Leisure, and Smithsonian Magazine. You'll hear about the lesser-known aspects of visiting Egypt, such as its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich culinary traditions. You'll take a journey beyond ancient history to discover modern-day Egypt. You'll hear about breathtaking diving experiences in the Red Sea and explore the bustling streets of Cairo filled with artisan crafts. You'll also hear about must-try local cuisine and learn how to experience Egypt in a more intimate and authentic way.What You'll Learn:(1:11) Diving into the Red Sea(3:47) Hub of modern Egyptian culture(6:22) How to seek out authentic Egyptian souvenirs(7:34) Where to shop(9:47) Foods to tryConnect with Lauren Keith:Website: https://noplacelike.it/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noplacelike_it/Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

In today's business world, leaders need to be “authentic” leaders. We have all come across this somewhere, endorsed by self-proclaimed gurus and prophets.  I often ponder what does that actually mean?  I am sure all of those Japanese leaders screaming abuse at their staff, when they make mistakes, are being authentic.  They are authentically terrible, dictatorial, abusive leaders.  Actually this worked like a charm for a very long time in postwar Japan.  You joined a company for life and there was only one route for those who changed jobs and that was down into a netherworld of strife, insecurity and lower salary.  In the goode olde days you had to dodge the flying ashtrays thrown at you by your authentically enraged boss, endure their publicly delivered abuse and keep going. Yamaichi Securities going down in 1997, made changing jobs mid-career respectable for the first time for those who became unemployed through no fault of their own.  Can a boss be passive at the other end of the scale? No.  Bosses have to lead the charge, set the direction, check on the milestones, monitor the performance and drive results.  They have to praise those who are doing a fantastic job or have a difficult conversation with those who are failing.  Where is the line between aggression and assertion though.  One boss's idea of assertion is aggressive power harassment from an employee's perspective.  In years past this didn't matter much, because there were plenty of people to go around and it was “my way or the highway”.  Today, we are rapidly running out of young people. There is a temporary pause in hostilities in the talent war here in Japan, which will shortly resume, once Covid is brought under control. Aggressive bosses are self centered, concerned about their career and how they look to their bosses.  Assertive bosses will stand up for their team and themselves vis-à-vis the big bosses and sharp elbowed thrusting rivals.  They have a 360 degree view of what is going on and how actions affect the whole organisation, rather than focused on the needs of one aggressive individual. Aggressive bosses are often lashing out because they cannot control the stress and pressure they are under.  They play a toxic version of “pass the parcel” and take it out on their subordinates.  Assertive leaders know how to keep calm. They have techniques for handling the stress. They realise that their dark, erratic, satanic moods can destroy the motivation and equilibrium of the team.  They are the swan bosses paddling like crazy under the waterline but moving elegantly through the days no matter what is on. Aggressive bosses believe their job is to tell errant staff “how it is” and be very blunt and direct in their speech.  Assertive bosses can be honest and direct with subordinates but the language they choose doesn't become inappropriate or demotivating.  They know they need this person to recover and get back into the fray and try again, even though their self-confidence is shattered by their poor work output.  When your young staff are useless you can't easily replace them, so your job becomes to help them become useful. Aggressive bosses often have deep underlying poor self esteem, which is why they lash out and whip people verbally.  They need to establish their supreme dominance over the team and fear is their weapon of choice.  Assertive leaders have a confident self-image and good awareness of their strengths and weakness.  They are at home in their own skin and don't feel the need to constantly prove themselves or beat up their staff.  Rather they are looking for ways to further develop their team.  They know they are stuck right where they are, until they can groom successors which will free them up for promotion to bigger jobs.  Every firm needs leaders. The person who is the leadership factory is going to be given more accountability within the organisation. I think words like “authentic” need to have more nuanced meanings.  What we are really talking about is someone who is honest, transparent, confident, considerate and a builder of people, because they believe that is the best thing for everyone.  Being an “authentic “bully in this era in Japan, will be a career ender once the top leadership work out this person is a sieve, rapidly leaking talent out of the organisation to rival firms.

3 big ideas discussed in this episode: BIG IDEA #1: Learn the three pillars for generating consistent results BIG IDEA #2: Understand how to audit and improve your customer value journey BIG IDEA #3: Identify common mistakes and how to avoid them Get the show notes for this episode here: https://AskJeremyJones.com/podcast

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames is joined by Cassidy, aka The Copywriting Mama, a messaging strategist and copywriter who helps mompreneurs and bold business owners find their authentic voice—and use it to build profitable brands. Cassidy shares her powerful approach to brand voice, the difference between messaging strategy and copywriting, and why every business needs a clear messaging foundation before writing a single word. Whether you're struggling to stand out in a saturated market or feeling stuck with your content, this episode will show you how to write with more clarity, confidence, and conversion power. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What a brand voice really is (and why it's your business's secret sauce) The difference between messaging strategy and copywriting How to write content that sounds like you AND attracts ideal clients Tips for finding your voice—even if you don't feel like a “natural” writer Why oversaturation is a myth—and how to embrace what makes you unique Resources & Links Mentioned:

Welcome back dear listeners, today we're diving into a topic that so many of us wrestle with—visibility. The desire to be seen, to share our creative work with the world, and to make an impact… all while battling the fear of putting ourselves out there. If you've ever felt that tension, you are not alone.My guest today, Shelby Leigh, knows this struggle intimately—not just as a bestselling author and mental health advocate, but as someone who has helped thousands of creatives navigate the often-intimidating world of marketing and visibility. Through her work as a marketing coach, she's supported over 7,000 writers, artists, and entrepreneurs in finding ways to share their work with confidence—and even enjoy the process.In this conversation, we talk about:✨ Shelby's own journey with visibility and self-trust✨ How to market your creative work in a way that feels good (not cringey)✨ The biggest mindset shifts that help authors and creatives show up authentically✨ What Shelby is still learning and growing into when it comes to being seenWhether you're an author, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to trust yourself more as you step into your next chapter, this episode is for you.Let's get into it!You can find Shelby at:www.marketingbyshelby.comwww.instagram.com/marketingbyshelbywww.youtube.com/@marketingbyshelbyAnd you can find me at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@anna_holtzman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: anna@annaholtzman.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.annaholtzman.com⁠

Growing pains are an inevitable part of any organization's journey, whether you're a nonprofit or a tech startup. In this episode, I sit down with Deirdre Tshien, co-founder and CEO of Capsho, to explore the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business in the ever-evolving AI landscape. Navigating the Ups and Downs of Growth Deirdre shares her candid experiences of: - Pivoting and refining Capsho's focus in response to market changes - Balancing innovation with staying true to the company's core mission - Overcoming the temptation to please everyone and learning to say “no” The Power of Listening to Your Audience Discover why tuning into your community's needs is crucial for sustainable growth: - How Capsho uses customer feedback to guide product development - The importance of validating ideas before investing resources - Strategies for prioritizing features that truly serve your audience Staying Focused in a Competitive Landscape Deirdre offers insights on: - Managing imposter syndrome when faced with new competitors - The value of “staying in your own lane” and focusing on your unique strengths - Cultivating an abundance mindset in a crowded market Lessons for Nonprofits While Capsho isn't a nonprofit, Deirdre's experiences offer valuable takeaways for mission-driven organizations: - The importance of setting clear priorities and avoiding mission drift - How to approach growth opportunities with a critical eye - Balancing innovation with staying true to your core purpose Whether you're considering a new initiative, struggling with decision-making, or feeling overwhelmed by competition, this conversation will inspire you to approach growth with intention and confidence. Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways. 04:40 Mindset for Growth and Scalability Explore the mindset needed for business growth, focusing on setting immediate, achievable goals rather than long-term projections. It is import to stay adaptable in rapidly changing industries and maintain focus on core objectives while managing growth. 09:20 Focusing on Core Mission and Adapting to Market Changes Capsho when through a journey of refining its product and target audience. It's always important to stay true to the company's mission while being responsive to market changes and customer needs. Discusses strategies for prioritizing development and expansion decisions. 17:57 Validating Ideas and Prioritizing Resources It's Important to validate new ideas through customer willingness to pay. Explore strategies for prioritizing limited resources and the challenges of saying no to seemingly good opportunities that don't align with core objectives. 24:09 Listening to Users and Managing Competition Listen to paying customers for product development decisions. Manage imposter syndrome and stay focused on your own goals in a competitive market. Tune out the noise and stay true to your mission. Deirdre Tshien Deirdre Tshien is the Co-founder & CEO of Capsho, the fastest way to get clients from your content! Capsho is an AI-Powered Content Marketer that helps entrepreneurs who podcast, vlog and livestream create repurposed content that converts. From one audio or video upload, Capsho helps create title & description, social media posts, blog post, lead magnet checklist, LinkedIn Newsletters, images and short video clips. She is the creator of The Honey Trap Method, author of Honey Trap Marketing and host of the Win the Content Game. She is a 2023 Honoree of the 100 Women to KNOW in America. Learn more at capsho.com Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

In this engaging episode of "Shark Theory," Baylor Barbee discusses the transformative power of action and the importance of moving forward even when life's challenges seem insurmountable. Using the iconic Forrest Gump running scene as an allegory, Baylor explores how taking action, regardless of how small, can lead to significant personal growth and community influence. He emphasizes that the real change begins when individuals take responsibility for their own lives and stop waiting for external solutions. Baylor skillfully draws parallels between Forrest Gump's seemingly aimless run and the journeys we undertake in our own lives. He stresses that the first step is often the most crucial, whether it's improving finances, health, or any personal goal. Reflecting on his own experiences, Baylor notes that momentum attracts support and followers, and that true leadership is about consistent and disciplined action, not about the number of followers. He encourages listeners to focus on solving their own problems first, as this can inadvertently help others facing similar challenges. Key Takeaways: Take Action: Baylor highlights the importance of starting any journey with a single, decisive action, even if it seems small or insignificant. Self-Reliance: Emphasizing self-determination, the episode underlines that the solutions to our problems often lie within ourselves. Consistency and Leadership: True leadership stems from consistent, disciplined action without worrying about external validation or following. Impact Over Numbers: The real measure of influence is impacting one person meaningfully, not just amassing a large following. Knowing When to Move On: Recognizing when a journey, job, or relationship has reached its end is crucial for personal growth and avoiding stagnation. Notable Quotes: "The helping hand that you need is attached to the end of your own arm." "People want to help people that are in motion." "True leaders start by just taking action, day in and day out, not worrying about who's following." "If you are solving your own problem, then you are also solving the problems of so many other people." "My identity is not what I do; it's who I am."

Dora talks about how mindfulness can help us stay true to our values when we're on the clock. Dora Kamau holds a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Psychiatric Nursing. She is a certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and is working to complete her Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher training this fall. Before joining forces at Headspace, Dora worked as a psychiatric nurse in a women's addictions facility and organized community events for BIPOC women in Vancouver, BC, Canada. You can reach out to Dora on Instagram here! Try the Headspace app free for 30 days here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this info-packed episode, Caterina shares seven guiding principles to help you show up authentically in your business. She reminds us that business is supposed to feel good, and when we act in alignment with our values, the more the clients that resonate with us will step forward.  You might be dimming your light and not even be aware of it! Listen to this important episode to be your authentic self!

In this raw episode, we're diving deep into authentic marketing and why showing up online as yourself isn't optional, it's essential. Whether you're a boutique founder, or service provider, one truth applies across the board: if you're not talking about your business, how can you expect anyone to support it?I'm sharing a story from a recent crawfish boil that perfectly sums up what's holding so many people back. Spoiler alert: it's not lack of time, tools, or knowledge. It's the fear of being seen. The fear of being “too much.” The fear of being judged.But here's the truth visibility isn't vanity. It's strategy. There's never too much of you advertising your business when you're leading with value, authority, and authenticity. If you're educating, solving problems, sharing your why, and showing the behind-the-scenes of your day-to-day you're building trust. And trust is what builds brands.From my black coffee story to a moment of vulnerability before a leadership retreat, I walk you through what it really means to connect with your audience. We talk about how to create content that actually resonates, how to become the go-to person in your industry, and how to stop letting other people's opinions dictate your next move.Because the truth is: people buy from people. Not perfect, filtered robots. But real, messy, passionate humans who believe in what they're doing.And to wrap it all up. I'm dropping an invite to Damn Good Marketing Live 2025, where we're taking this conversation to the next level. You'll get real strategy, high-level community, and the push you've been waiting for. Only 10 tickets left at $999 before the price jumps—so if you've been waiting for a sign, this is it.Follow Shelby & Stay Plugged In:

Here at Flagrant we are always ourselves, for better or worse! Ciara, Alex, and Ashtyn are chatting the Warriors off-season antics, Dame's IG, Donte DiVincenzo's hand acting, and a bunch of little basketball things :) Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Being who you are is a blessing so don't condense yourself to be anything lessor for someone else. Walk in your truth daily to be who God made you. SB Favor's inspirational quote is a reminder to simply stay inspired with just being you.

Jon aka HiThereCatsuit, has been hosting the Authentically Kinky podcast since September of 2020 with nearly 300 episodes. Previously a 7 time Emmy Award television presenter and producer, Jon has taken their talents to promote people within the kink and fetish community. His interviews are highly regarded among his guests as respectful, professional and insightful. They are also an accomplished educator known for their class “Kindness and other Kinks” In the scene, they are a bottom/submissive known for their trademark colorful catsuits and Kindness notebooks given to class attendees. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. This episode is brought to you by Olipop, a new healthy brand of soda. Go to https://drinkolipop.com/ and use code Marcela15 at checkout to get 15% off your first order. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Shopify can help you take your business to the next level. Click HERE to set up your Shopify shop today and watch your business soar! This episode is brought to you by BranditScan, the best defese you have against social media fraud. Click HERE to get started with BranditScan today and get your first month for free. There is no better service to protect your social media accounts and your name and likeness. This episode is brought to you by Playboy. Click HERE to get a membership today and unlock a premium Playboy experience like no other. This episode is brought to you by Skillshare. Click HERE to start exploring all the courses Skillshare has to offer, from drawing and music, to graphic design and marketing, start expanding your knowledge today. This episode is brought to you by Fiverr. Click HERE to start hiring professionals to help you in various areas and take your business to the next level. This episode is brought to you by PodMatch. Click HERE to bring your podcasting journey to the next level by getting set up's Only Fans  VIP Membership HERE Free Membership HERE

If you're raising girls, this episode is a must-listen.Because the world they're growing up in? It's not the one we were raised in.In this powerful conversation with therapist, parenting coach, and Restoring Our Girls author Cathy Cassani Adams, we unpack what girls are really asking for—and why so many parents miss it.Cathy brings decades of experience (and her perspective as a mom of three daughters) to shed light on how we can parent with emotional attunement, clarity, and deep connection—even through the messiness of adolescence.You'll learn: ✨ What girls actually wish we'd stop doing (it's not what you think) ✨ Why “well-meaning” labels like “the smart one” or “the shy one” can cause harm ✨ How to foster critical thinking, confidence, and emotional safety with your daughterIf you want your daughter to know she's safe to be fully herself—with you and with the world—this is the episode you've been waiting for.

Want to start, grow, and monetize your own podcast? Watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Success Secrets⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Welcome to the optYOUmize Podcast where we help entrepreneurs build the business AND life of their dreams. Get tips, tactics, stories, and inspiration from interviews with business and personal development experts and lessons from my own successes and failures so you can make more, work less, and live better. You don't have to go it alone--we're here to support and motivate you, and encourage you to keep going until you reach your goals. Follow optYOUmize Podcast with Brett Ingram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Summary Brett Ingram speaks with Chrissy Conner, a visibility strategist and creator of the Visible CEO movement. They discuss the importance of visibility for entrepreneurs, particularly women, and how overcoming fear can lead to greater impact and income. Chrissy shares her personal journey from struggling with visibility to empowering others to embrace their authentic selves through video and social media. The conversation also covers strategies for creating authentic content that connects with audiences and the significance of serving others in business. In this conversation, Brett Ingram and Crissy Conner explore the importance of emotional connection in marketing, the journey to visibility, and the challenges faced by introverts and women in the business world. They discuss practical steps for starting video content, the significance of authenticity, and the value of building relationships in entrepreneurship. Crissy shares her personal experiences and insights on overcoming fears and embracing discomfort to grow both personally and professionally. Visit https://thevisibleceo.com/podmatchguest to discover how visible you REALLY are in your business—and what to do next to step into your power. This quiz will help you assess your mindset, messaging, visibility strategy, and leadership presence so you can identify where you're thriving and where you need to step up your CEO visibility game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Visibility and Entrepreneurship 05:10 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Visibility 11:33 The Birth of the Visible CEO Movement 17:08 Strategies for Authentic Content Creation 21:07 The Power of Emotional Connection in Marketing 22:28 Starting Your Journey: Baby Steps to Visibility 25:37 Embracing Authenticity in Video Content 28:34 Overcoming Introversion: Tips for Visibility 30:54 Gender Dynamics in Visibility and Confidence 34:48 Lessons Learned: The Importance of Repetition 38:44 Building Relationships for Business Success #visibility #authenticity #digitalmarketing #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #optyoumize #brettingram #entrepreneurpodcast #podmatch

Hello Creative Cutie! Today, in honor of our THREE Webby Wins, I am back with our third and last episode in a trip down unleash memory lane. This one is very special to me, because it's a coaching session.  I really came into myself as a coach during this episode and discovered how much I can trust myself and how my intuition is a big part of how I coach people. It's also a VERY important episode for anyone out there considering sharing a hidden dream, pursuing a new career or figuring out how to balance being a multi-passionate creative! Check it out and if you're interested in a FREE Coaching session with me on-air, reach out via my website or email below! Original Description: Today I'm taking you inside a coaching session with Caroline Stokes. Caroline is a comedian, dancer, visual artist, musician, and self-expression expert who has who has been lighting up the internet with her hilarious content for years now…Building an organic audience of 111k followers on TikTok and almost 20 thousand people on Instagram. This is actually Caroline's third time being on Unleash! I was quite honored that she, someone who I see as a fully unleashed person, wanted to be coached. It's a reminder that everyone needs someone to see, guide and believe in them--that often times, that's how they got there in the first place, and that's how they continue to grow. This coaching session helped Caroline figure out a part of her creativity she didn't even know she desired so deeply. It also was illuminating for me, as I discovered a whole new way to guide fellow multi-passionates (and honestly, myself) on how to allocate our time and creative energy. It was honestly pretty revolutionary.From today's episode, you'll learn: How to honor your authentic self -even if it's uncomfortableHow to discover the creative life you've been afraid to let yourself wantThe power of being an introvert The importance of saying what you want out LoudHow to introduce new endeavors to your audienceHow to run a relay race with yourself 

Ever feel like you're trying to lead in a room that just wasn't built for you? Like you have to shrink, dim your light, or ditch the very things that make you you just to be taken seriously?Been there. Done with that.In this Badass Debrief, Marie Sonneman gets real about the trap of conformity—especially for women in male-dominated industries—and why it's time to ditch the old rules and build your own damn table.

You know her as the queen of poise and pranks, but how did Arasha become the Arasha we know today?  How I Met Your Masi LIVE at Dynasty Typewriter 5/30/2025 @ 7:30PM PST In-person tickets: https://www.squadup.com/events/how-i-met-your-masi Livestream: https://www.dynasty.tv/products/how-i-met-your-masi PODCASTS: https://bit.ly/ISADWSpotify https://bit.ly/ISADWApple 0:00 Intro 0:30 The slap 3:41 Class clown era 5:41 Feeling like an outcast 12:09 Expectations 15:01 Arasha and Smosh 16:45 Finding confidence 23:45 Authentically herself 26:15 Arasha's outside projects 31:40 Bloopers SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/Sub2SmoshAlike WEAR OUR JOKES: https://smosh.com WHO YOU HEAR Anthony Padilla // https://www.instagram.com/anthonypadilla/ Arasha // https://www.instagram.com/arashalalani_/ WHO YOU DON'T HEAR (usually) Executive Producer: Anthony Padilla Executive Producer: Alessandra Catanese Executive Vice President of Production: Amanda Barnes Channel Director/Creative Director: Mike Criscimagna Producer/Director: Nicole Blacklock Director of Photography: Matthew Faulkner Camera Operator: Christina Campagnola Social Media: Tommy Bowe Post Manager: Luke Baker Editor: Patrick Horba Sound Mixing: Kevin Bazell Sound Editor: Gareth Hird DIT: Beni Kimuene  Production Assistant: Caroline Smith Senior Manager, Channel & Strategy: Lizzy Jones Channel Operations Coordinator: Audrey Carganilla OTHER SMOSHES: Smosh: https://smo.sh/Sub2Smosh Smosh Pit: https://smo.sh/Sub2SmoshPit Smosh Games: https://smo.sh/Sub2SmoshGames SmoshCast: https://smo.sh/Sub2SmoshCast FOLLOW US: TikTok: https://smo.sh/TikTok Instagram: https://instagram.com/smoshalike Facebook: https://facebook.com/smosh

Buy Thomas a Coffee!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/funastrologyThank you!Join the Fun Astrology Lucky Stars Club Here!"One of the top audio Astrology Podcasts - Thank You!"

This week, Jason is joined by content creator, podcast host, and Philadelphia's favorite influencer, Brandon Edelman aka Bran Flakezz! Bran gained recognition after being cast on Barstool Sports inaugural reality TV show, Project Verified, after having initial success with his TikTok content. Since being a runner up on the show, Bran has continued to grow his brand on social media, add the title podcast host to his resume, and increase his gross annual income by almost 20x from when he was primarily working in retail.  In this episode, Bran opens up about his journey navigating imposter syndrome and staying authentic in the digital space. He reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his life—from high school struggles with popularity to finding his true self in college. Bran breaks down his approach to content creation, including how he uses TikTok analytics, the power of a strong “hook,” and applying an MLA-style formula to videos. He also shares what it felt like to hit 1 million followers and the deeper motivation behind his content: supporting local businesses. The conversation spans his background in retail, platform-by-platform differences, and why he champions salary transparency and acknowledges privilege. Bran also dives into staying frugal, the value of genuine apologies, what meaningful collaborations look like to him, why convenience should never be underestimated, and protecting your mental health. Bran reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can't afford to miss! Host: Jason Tartick Co-Host: David Arduin Audio: John Gurney Guest: Bran Flakezz Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!  Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast  Youtube: Trading Secrets Facebook: Join the Group All Access: Free 30-Day Trial  Trading Secrets Steals & Deals! Indeed: When it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. There's no need to wait any longer-speed up your hiring right now with Indeed. For a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to get your jobs more visibility, visit Indeed.com/SECRETS Northwestern Registered Agent: Northwest Registered Agent has been helping businesses launch and grow for nearly 30 years. Don't wait, protect your privacy, build your brand and set up your business in just 10 clicks in 10 minutes! Visit www.northwestregisteredagent.com/tradingsecrets and start building something amazing! Booking.com: Whether you're looking to earn that extra income, fill those vacant weekends, or grow your business, head over to Booking.com to see how you can get started today. The reach is global, the bookings are consistent, and the control is yours. For the bookings you've dreamed of, list your property on Booking.com 

Braeden Jensen is a Mental Health Counselor and previously worked as a full-time Seminary teacher. Spending seven years in a high school classroom opened his eyes to a number of things. It changed his ability to listen and sharpened his aptitude for empathy. The more he sat with and listened to students, the more he saw and felt how many people are hurting in very real ways. At the same time, Braeden considered how therapy had helped him find hope and healing. The puzzle pieces quickly came together: "You can help more people in some tangible, substantial ways." After pursuing his Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, he recently left the classroom full-time to find more fulfillment in helping others enjoy freedom, peace, and healing. He loves seeing people overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction, and heal their relationships along the way. Links BraedenJensen.com @braejensen on Instagram Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Coming soon The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes. Discover podcasts, articles, virtual conferences, and live events related to callings such as the bishopric, Relief Society, elders quorum, Primary, youth leadership, stake leadership, ward mission, ward council, young adults, ministering, and teaching.