Podcasts about Authenticity

PR is NOT a luxury. It's survival.In this episode, global PR strategist Ebony Porter Eay reveals the truth about being seen, being trusted, and being remembered in an overcrowded digital world.If you've ever wondered why your business isn't growing… why your following doesn't convert… or why your story isn't landing the way it should — this conversation gives you the blueprint.Ebony breaks down the difference between being visible and being strategically visible, how to build trust in the media, how to protect your reputation, and how to rebuild after a public setback.She also shares the mindset shifts behind crisis management, authorship, credibility, and longevity in business.This is a masterclass in perception, brand leadership, and protecting your peace while pursuing your purpose.Timestamps00:00 — “It's Okay Not to Have a Million Followers”00:07 — PR vs Publicity: What Being “Strategically Seen” Really Means00:14 — Why PR Is NOT Optional Anymore00:20 — Bill Gates' PR Philosophy00:32 — The Diddy Question00:49 — Authenticity vs What's Best for Your Business00:56 — Stop Comparing Yourself to Social Media02:02 — Welcome to Inside the Vault02:15 — Visibility: The Currency Money Can't Buy02:43 — Meet Ebony Porter Ike03:31 — Why Most Entrepreneurs Misunderstand PR04:10 — What PR Really Does for a Business04:49 — Every Major Company Has a PR Partner — Here's Why05:05 — Who Is Ebony Porter Ike?06:00 — PR Isn't Optional: The Real Reason07:01 — Why People Think PR Is a Luxury08:00 — Why Ebony Rejects Clients Who Aren't Ready08:48 — Strategy vs Vanity PR09:35 — The Problem With Wanting “Looks” but Having No Offer10:23 — How to Stay Ready for Major Media Opportunities11:02 — The #1 Mistake in Visibility12:00 — Authenticity vs Professionalism in the Spotlight13:08 — How Public Figures Must Move Differently14:02 — Why Public Figures Need Counsel Before Speaking14:46 — Coinology: Money, Media & Mindset15:25 — Your Pain Is Where Your Millions Hide16:14 — The “Talented Tenth” of Today17:02 — Studying the DNA of Success18:10 — Failing in Public vs Failing in Private19:08 — Crisis Management 101 20:15 — Why Every Successful Person Needs a Crisis Manager21:05 — Turning Visibility Into Financial Success21:45 — The Biggest Interview Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make22:58 — Relatability > Perfection24:07 — How Beyoncé's Transparency Shifted Her Brand25:22 — Can the “It Factor” Be Bought?26:04 — Mastery Over Popularity27:06 — Credibility After the Pandemic28:02 — Why Books Are Still the Ultimate Credibility Tool29:17 — How to Launch a Book the Right Way30:08 — Why Authors Fail (and How to Fix It)31:01 — The Real Purpose of a Book in Business32:00 — How to Relaunch a Book That Flopped33:17 — Ebony's Biggest Brand Deals34:12 — The DNA of Closing Multi-Million Dollar Deals35:41 — The Real “It Factor” Explained37:10 — When Founders Aren't the Face: How to Pivot38:36 — Ebony's Personal Story: Leaving Corporate40:01 — When Your Dream Doesn't Match Your Life41:04 — Surviving Betrayals and Staying the Course42:05 — Faith, Purpose & Calling43:21 — Legacy, Family & Global Expansion45:00 — What Wealth Really Looks Like46:18 — Peace > Money47:11 — How to Break Into PR the Right Way48:36 — Create What People Need — Not What You Want to Sell49:43 — Ebony's Biggest Money Mistake50:30 — The Danger of Scaling Too Fast52:02 — The #1 Hire Every Business Needs53:06 — The Best Money Ebony Ever Spent54:12 — Faith as the Foundation of Entrepreneurship56:02 — How to Know If You're Ready for PR57:33 — Why Ebony Loves Working With Underdogs58:42 — The Diddy Question (Part Two)1:02:05 — Can We Restore People Instead of Cancelling Them?1:05:08 — Advice to 18-Year-Old Ebony1:07:08 — Final Wisdom: Go at Your Own Pace1:08:03 — Where to Find Ebony Porter Ike1:09:24 — Closing the VaultAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jaclyn Zukerman Delory recounts a college night involving a fake ID, an arrest, and the lasting lessons about authenticity, growth, and not changing yourself to fit in. On Next On Scene, she explores how vulnerability builds visibility and shares practical takeaways for personal and brand growth while inviting listeners to join her weekly conversations about the real stories behind success.

This episode, we're joined by Marc Lopes — powerhouse heavy metal vocalist known for his work with Metal Church, Ross the Boss, and Let Us Prey. We dig into Marc's path through the underground and professional metal worlds — from paying dues, finding his voice, and surviving the realities of the modern music industry, to what it actually takes to keep heavy music alive in an era dominated by algorithms and trends. But this is The Big Truth, so it doesn't stop at music. Marc and I also veer off into: ·       Control structures within the music industry ·       Gatekeepers, narratives, and who really decides what rises ·       The fine line between art, rebellion, and manipulation ·       Why questioning authority isn't optional — it's essential This is a raw conversation about music, truth, independence, and staying dangerous in a world that rewards conformity. If you're into heavy metal, underground culture, or questioning the systems behind the curtain — this one's for you.

Danielle McWaters is the creative force behind Designsake Studio and co-founder of Sardine Eyewear, building brands with intention, strategy, and joy. In this episode, she joins Kara to share how she's creating meaningful, lasting brands while navigating the challenges of launching product-based businesses. They dive into brand positioning, strategy, customer experience, and how to grow sustainably without losing integrity. Danielle also explores personal evolution, reconnecting with your creativity, and embracing whimsy in life and work. If you're building a brand, craving more creativity, or leading with purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Danielle McWaters and Her Ventures 03:12 Career Path and the Launch of Designsake Studio 05:59 Transitioning to Eyewear: The Birth of Sardin 08:52 The Importance of Positioning in Branding 12:07 The Role of Strategy in Business Success 14:59 Navigating Brand Identity and Consumer Connection 18:01 The Challenge of Balancing Sales and Strategy 21:03 The Essence of Brand Purpose and Integrity 23:55 The Need for Whimsy and Individuality in Fashion 26:53 Embracing Change and Self-Expression 29:43 Reflecting on Childhood Imagination and Creativity 31:28 Embracing Whimsy and Authenticity in Style 33:13 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Identity 36:38 The Importance of Internal Validation 39:49 Choosing Agency and Direction in Life 41:34 Building a Purpose-Driven Business 47:01 Navigating Product Development and Sustainability 54:50 Rapid Fire Reflections and Personal Insights he Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sat down with Bob Regular to unpack the real evolution of digital media and why authenticity and trust have become the most valuable currency in business today. We talked about everything from the early days of dial-up internet and performance advertising to TikTok Shops, walled gardens, and the explosion of digital noise. Bob broke down how both big brands and small businesses play the same marketing game with different budgets, why brand still matters more than ever, and how entrepreneurs can stand out by being human, transparent, and real. This conversation was a powerful reminder that cutting through the noise isn't about better ads. It's about clarity, trust, and building something truly unique. About Bob Regular: Bob Regular is a digital media pioneer and seasoned entrepreneur with decades of experience building, scaling, and monetizing online platforms. He entered the digital space in the mid-1990s, helping businesses get online before websites and e-commerce were widely adopted. Over his career, Bob has been at the forefront of digital advertising, performance marketing, and ad technology, successfully leading and exiting multiple companies. Today, Bob is the CEO of Infolinks, where he works with global brands and publishers to deliver performance-driven advertising at scale. His expertise spans brand marketing, programmatic advertising, native media, and building sustainable competitive advantages in highly competitive markets. Bob is also a strong advocate for authenticity, trust, and mentorship as core pillars of long-term business success. Connect with Bob Regular Website: https://www.infolinks.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infolinksCompany: Infolinks About Justin: After investing in real estate for over 18 years and almost 3000 deals done, Justin has created a business that generates 7 figures in active income through wholesaling and fix and flipping as well as accumulating millions of dollars of rental properties including 5 apartment buildings, 50+ single family homes, and 1 storage facility Justins longevity in real estate is due to his ability to look around the corners, adapt to changing markets, perfecting Raising private capital, and focusing on lead generation which allows him to not just wholesale and fix & flip, but also accumulate wealth through long term holds. His success in real estate led him to start The Entrepreneur DNA podcast and The Science Of Flipping podcast and education company, and REI LIVE where he's actively doing deals with members. He has coached and mentored thousands of aspiring and active investors over the last decade. Connect with Justin: Instagram: @thejustincolby YouTube: Justin Colby TikTok: @justincolbytsof LinkedIn: Justin Colby Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This conversation offers an intimate look into ‪@MarinaValmont's‬ personal and professional transformation as she rose from anchor to executive producer! Marina describes how her role expanded beyond performance into leadership, strategy, and mentorship, allowing her to influence both creative direction and workplace culture. Her background in taekwondo emerges as a defining force, helping her build mental toughness, confidence, and the ability to stand firm in environments that demand constant self-advocacy. A playful yet insightful debate around Marvel versus DC becomes a gateway into discussing storytelling, archetypes, and the way fictional universes shape real-world identity.Marina connects these narratives to her lived experience in the adult entertainment industry, where navigating public perception is a daily reality. She explains how digital platforms have revolutionized the industry, empowering creators while also demanding stronger boundaries and self-awareness. Dating & relationships in the profession she's in present unique challenges, particularly when stigma and assumptions interfere with genuine connection. Marina speaks honestly about learning to protect her energy and prioritize emotional safety. Her journey to sobriety becomes a central theme, one marked by clarity, discipline, and renewed self-respect. Ultimately, Marina underscores the value of authenticity, community, and intentional growth, framing success not as visibility but as alignment between personal values and public life. TakeawaysThe journey from being an anchor to an executive producer.The debate between Marvel and DC highlights different storytelling styles.Marina's background in taekwondo helped her build confidence.Navigating adult entertainment requires setting clear boundaries.Digital platforms have transformed the creator landscape.Dating in the adult industry presents unique challenges.Public perception can impact personal relationships significantly.Building a supportive network is crucial for success.Marina's journey to sobriety has been empowering and transformative.Authenticity is key in content creation and personal branding.Connect with Marina Valmont INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/MarinaValmontYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarinaValmontTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@MarinavalmontTWITCH: https://www.twitch.tv/MarinaValmontX: https://x.com/MarinaValmont

Are you self-aware? Thankfully, it's not a yes or no question. Self-awareness is the practice of knowing yourself without judgment and it isn't a one-and-done achievement. It's a lifelong practice that exists on a spectrum, varies across different domains of your life, and requires us to embrace all our multitudes—even the parts we'd rather push away. The truth is that you are worth knowing. All of you. We'll dig into some of the obstacles and superpowers that self-awareness brings, including its foundation for psychological health, wellbeing, and ultimately, living a more inspired life. About: The Joy Lab Podcast blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!   Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials:  Instagram TikTok Linkedin Watch on YouTube    Sources and Notes: Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. Related Joy Lab Podcast Episodes Unmasking Your True Self: Exploring Authenticity and Awe [ep. 216] Embrace Your True Self: Accepted, Connected, & In The Game [ep. 217] The Road Most Travelled: Awakening Through Suffering [ep. 218]  Follow Your Bliss: Awakening to Joy [ep. 219] The Still Small Voice: Awakening with Soulfulness [ep. 220] Equanimity: A Tool for Emotional Reactivity & the Power of Grounding [ep. 48] Equanimity: When an Emotional Storm Hits & Thoughts Start Spiraling [ep. 49] Equanimity: Seeing our Storylines and Changing Course [ep. 50] Equanimity: Emotional Reactivity and Damage Control [ep. 51] Equanimity: Cleaning Up After the Storm with Self-Compassion [ep. 52] Self love is not narcissism [ep. 227] Authenticity series: Weathering emotional storms series: "They who have not looked on sorrow will never see joy." - Khalil Gibran "Once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what the storm's all about." - Haruki Murakami "We are not nouns. We are verbs. I am not a thing, an actor or writer. I am a person who does things. I write, I act, and I never know what I'm gonna do next. I think you can be imprisoned if you think of yourself as a noun." - Stephen Fry "The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself. Everything that you want, you already are." - Rumi Full transcript and show notes here Coming This Month on Joy Lab January's series on Self-Connection will explore: Self-Awareness practices and principles Self-Acceptance techniques for compassionate inner dialogue Self-Alignment strategies for living in integrity with your values Self-Concordant Goals: a powerful alternative to traditional goal-setting Applied mindfulness practices to deepen each component Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Watch the YouTube version of this episode HEREAre you a lawyer looking to learn about personal and professional growth? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, host Tyson Mutrux interviews Chris Earley about his unconventional path to founding a law firm, the challenges he faced in the legal profession, and his journey of personal growth. He discusses the pivotal role of mentorship, mindset shifts, and self-care practices like meditation. Chris shares his insights on the need to address personal issues while running a law firm to ensure they don't interfere with professional responsibilities. Being a lawyer can be very tough, especially with the types of cases seen and it can lead to irrational and heated behaviour that can affect other people. Chris tells listeners to pause and really take some time to think about your feelings before you potentially make a mistake, like sending a fiery email. It is also important to think about healthy alternatives like therapy to work through your issues.It is really important for lawyers to be authentic. Being real and vulnerable is the best way to connect with people and network with others in the industry. For Chris, he uses LinkedIn as a platform to share real, vulnerable moments with followers. It is the perfect place to share successes and failures so others can learn, especially for fellow lawyers who are looking to learn from those who are more seasoned.Listen in to learn more!3:52 Lessons on Mindset Shifts5:48 Navigating the Overload of Legal Experts 16:45 Addressing Personal Issues33:37 Vulnerability as a Superpower38:10 Authenticity for LawyersConnect with Christopher:Website InstagramLinkedin717-956-2501Tune in to today's episode and checkout the full show notes here. 

After a long pause, The Art of Authenticity returns. In this episode, Laura shares why she stepped away — and what called her back. What began as an exploration of authenticity through mind, heart, and lived experience expanded into something deeper: A multi-year journey into the Akashic Records challenged everything she thought she had “figured out” and revealed a systematic, teachable way of accessing a deeper knowing of self. This conversation traces that evolution. From success and self-inquiry, to skepticism and direct experience, to discovering a method that others could reliably access for themselves. This is not about belief. It's about experience. Laura shares how this work moved from private curiosity to global teaching — and why the podcast is continuing as a space to explore the embodied, lived experience of the infinite nature of self. A new chapter begins here.

Send us a textThis video shares how authentic brand-building starts with being your own customer. Learn how UltraPoi grew from music festivals to Amazon through real passion and product design. This is a full breakdown of niche product development, ecommerce challenges, and startup survival.We discuss the importance of a strong mindset and motivation music to navigate the challenges of building a brand. This video offers key business tips and insights into effective business strategy, emphasizing how passion drives business development. It's all about finding that flow state and embracing ideation to create something truly impactful.Ready to scale your brand with strategy, not guesswork? Schedule a call and get real support: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#BrandBuilding #EcommerceTips #NicheProducts #ProductDevelopment #AmazonSeller--------------------------------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Amazon SEO Toolkit 2026: https://bit.ly/4oC2ClTQ4 Selling Playbook: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm32025 Ecommerce Holiday Playbook: https://bit.ly/4hbygovAmazon PPC Guide 2025: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXAmazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Passion is What Gets You Through the Dark Times  01:15 - UltraPoi Founder Intro and Brand Start  02:30 - What Is Poi and Flow Arts?  04:40 - Learning Curve: From Hobby to Flow State  06:00 - Pandemic Growth and Hobby Culture  07:35 - Selling What You Know vs. Just Selling  08:30 - The Struggles of Outsourcing Brand Understanding  10:00 - Authenticity and Lifestyle Brands Matter  12:00 - The Danger of Trend-Only Products  13:30 - Real Problems Ecommerce Brands Face  15:00 - Amazon Effects on Small Brands  16:30 - Website vs. Amazon Balance for Brands  17:30 - How Amazon Raised the Ecom Standard  18:15 - The Garage Origin Story of UltraPoi  20:00 - Customer Journey: Cheap First, Quality Next  22:00 - Inventing Better Products as a User  23:15 - From LED Hacking to Real Product Dev  25:10 - Reaction at Music Festivals to Product  27:00 - UltraPoi's Unplanned Demand Surge  28:10 - Starting Small With One Hero Product  30:00 - Scaling Slowly and Building Customer Base  31:40 - Hype Before You Launch: Tease the Product  33:10 - Words of Wisdom for Brand Owners________________________________Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast:My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

In this episode of the Tired Dad and Tired Mom Podcast, we welcome 2026 by reflecting on how quickly time moves and how much we've grown along the way. We talk about what it's taken to strengthen our communication, how outside negativity can quietly affect a relationship if you let it, and why learning to let go of resentment has mattered so much for us. We share why pursuing what lights us up isn't selfish, how creativity plays a big role in the way we're raising our kids, and what we're focusing on in the year ahead. More connection. More authenticity. And building a community that feels honest, supportive, and real.Chapters00:00 Welcome to 2026: Reflections on Time02:54 Navigating Life Changes and Personal Growth05:51 Yucking Your Yum: Overcoming Negativity08:45 The Importance of Communication in Relationships11:36 Letting Go of Resentment and Embracing Change14:51 Finding Your Passion and Purpose17:57 The Journey of Self-Discovery20:52 Raising Creative Kids: Supporting Their Interests23:51 Setting Goals for 2026: A Year of Connection26:45 Embracing Aging: The Wisdom of Experience29:42 Creating a Family Culture of Connection32:33 The Power of Authenticity in Storytelling35:35 Building a Community of Support38:24 The Value of Vulnerability and Real Conversations41:32 Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations for the Future Subscribe to my weekly reflections on SubstackFollow The Tired Dad on InstagramFollow The Tired Mom on InstagramSubscribe to Youtube Follow on TikTokFollow on FacebookFor partnerships, email collabs@tireddad.com 

Do you feel disconnected from your true self? In this episode, I talk with Giulietta Madrigal-Pingol, CST, LMFT about finding your authentic self through myth and archetypes and:  • What myths can teach you about healing and acceptance of all your parts • Finding stories from popular culture or your own lineage to feel less alone  • Surviving a dark night of the soul through introspection  Giulietta is a licensed therapist, certified sex therapist, HSP, and founder of Aphrodite Counseling, a practice devoted to sexual healing, deepening relationships, and embracing authenticity. She's also the host of Psyche Meets Mystic, a podcast that explores how myth, magic, and psychology can come together to support deeper healing and self-discovery. Keep in touch with Giulietta: • Website: https://www.aphroditecounseling.com  Resources Mentioned: • Free Guided Persephone Meditation: http://www.psychemeetsmystic.com   Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengths Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengths And for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional. Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.

Episode 220 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  This week we are joined by the Owner of Synced Up Designs, Program Coordinator, Visual Designer, and Battery Arranger in the Music and Visual Arts, Shane Gwaltney!Episode in a Glance:In this episode of The Hitstreak, I get to talk with Shane Gwaltney, a multifaceted musician and entrepreneur, discussing the importance of community in business, the journey of a musician, and the impact of technology on music education. We explore the challenges and triumphs of building a career in music, the significance of mentorship, and the evolution of the music industry. Shane shares insights from his experiences with the Music City Drum Corps and Music City Mystique, as well as the growth of his podcast, End Zone to End Zone. This episode emphasizes the value of music education and the need for businesses to create authentic connections with their audiences.Key Points:- Businesses must create a community around their product.- Passion is essential in pursuing a career in music.- Mentorship plays a crucial role in the music industry.- Technology can enhance music education and engagement.- Podcasts can serve as valuable marketing tools for businesses.- Scaling a business requires a focus on community and added value.- Time is the most valuable resource for educators and musicians.- Authenticity in marketing is key to connecting with audiences.About our guest: Shane Gwaltney is a nationally respected Program Coordinator, Battery Arranger, and Visual Designer with over 30 years of experience shaping the marching arts. A charter member of Music City Mystique, he spent 25 years as its Program Coordinator, Battery Arranger, and Visual Designer—helping define the ensemble's legacy as one of the most innovative in the activity. Shane has also designed and arranged for Southwind, Spirit of Atlanta, and the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, earning recognition for his emotionally powerful and inventive productions. Currently, he serves as Program Coordinator and Battery Arranger for Music City Drum and Bugle Corps and consults for ensembles nationwide across WGI, BOA, and DCI circuits. As co-founder and Lead Designer of Synced Up Designs, Shane has led hundreds of custom productions for scholastic and independent groups, solidifying the company as a creative leader in the marching arts. He proudly endorses Innovative Percussion, Pearl Drums, Evans Drumheads/Planet Waves, and Zildjian Cymbals, continuing to push artistic boundaries while inspiring the next generation of performers and educators.Follow and contact:Instagram: @baldncrazysyncedupdesigns.comSubscribe to Nick's top-rated podcast The Hitstreak on Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/NickHite⁠rFollow and Rate us on Spotify: ⁠https://spotify.com/NickHiter⁠Follow and Rate us on Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/NickHiter⁠Follow and Rate us on iHeartRadio: ⁠https://www.iheart.com/NickHiter

Welcome to the Daily Disciple Podcast. As daily disciples, we seek to adore and follow Jesus, our teacher, into the abundant life that he offers. Because we find Jesus irresistible, fascinating, and incredibly practical, we want to be students of his scripture. Today's episode is found in Acts 5 "Authenticity."

Have you ever felt that quiet tug? It feels like an unshakable nudge that you're meant to use your voice in a more visible way… but you keep circling the same hesitation loop? In this conversation, host Lisa McGuire sits down with Cheryl Tan, former news anchor turned media coach and show launch strategist, to unravel the REAL reasons we hold back from stepping into the spotlight. This episode isn't about hyping up podcasting or video content. It's about naming the fears, the friction, and the unspoken stories that keep so many gifted leaders successfully stuck. Whether you're dreaming of a podcast, exploring LinkedIn video, or just trying to feel more present and confident on camera, this episode is your permission slip to begin before you're ready...and your roadmap for doing it with purpose, presence, and peace. Because showing up isn't about being perfect. It's about being real. Key Takeaways The biggest block isn't tech. It's your message clarity. Visibility reluctance is normal, but it doesn't have to be permanent. You don't need fancy equipment. Your phone and a window will do. Presence always trumps performance. You are not the hero of your show. Your audience is. Storytelling is still the most powerful tool for human connection, even in an AI-driven world. Consistency and small reps build confidence, not over-preparation. You'll never "feel" fully ready. Start anyway. Authenticity is your strategy. Podcasts and videos aren't marketing tools. They're mirrors for your message.   CONNECT WITH CHERYL  LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryltanmedia/ NEWSLETTER: https://cheryltanmedia.com/newsletter/ JOIN THE VIDEO CHALLENGE: https://mastervideotoday.com/   CONNECT WITH LISA LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mcguire/  Beyond the Transaction Mastermind -  Apply to join the group: https://beyondthetransactionmm.com/register Sign up for Lisa's "so much more" newsletter: https://www.thediyframework.com/so-much-more-subscribe  Freedom Reset: Your Next Steps to Realignment  Register: https://go.lisamcguire.com/freedom-reset  Human Design Masterclass Waitlist: https://go.lisamcguire.com/human-design-masterclass-waitlist  Ideal Client Workshop Waitlist: https://go.lisamcguire.com/ideal-client-workshop-waitlist-icww785155  Get your free Human Design Bodygraph: https://lisamcguire.com/get-your-free-chart/   

Send us a textImpactful personal EVOLUTION around the importance of authenticity in communication and the political implications of recent events, particularly the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro. The conversation culminates in a positive story about a community initiative in New York City, emphasizing hope and connection as they look forward to 2026. TakeawaysThank you for being with us this year!The more I share, the more I grow.Authenticity allows creative energy to flow.Personal evolution is key to spiritual growth.We attract what happens to us.Opportunity is the essence of living in the now.People will rise if given the space.I can only influence by changing myself first.What do you wish for 2026?Happy New Year!Discover spiritual truths delivered in a practical way in these three e-books created by The Wayshowers College. Use discount code TNT2025 to receive 20% off the set. Ready to FEEL more FREEDOM within? Access the FREE video series created by The Wayshowers College here! Enjoy the first chapter of The Soul Quake Survival Guide here!Support the showHi! I'm Teresa. I have created this podcast to support "unseen" aspects of your life. You can call this the spiritual side. The podcast offers interviews of authors, healers, and thought leaders, for a positive higher spiritual perspective. Including ourselves! Our mission is to stimulate your inner wisdom, meaning, and enthusiasm for your unique journey. My husband Tom and I are also certified Spiritual Educators, and Consultants, who help make spirituality practical. We work spiritual awareness and sensitivity in all areas of our life for positive living. Through TNT ( Teresa n' Tom :) SpiritWorks, we can help you tap into your own Inner Guidance system on a daily basis, create a healthy balance between Thought and Feeling, and discover a stronger connection between you and your personal Spirit Guides through your Inner and Outer communication system: your Four Spiritual Gifts. Unlock ways to make the spiritual part of life practical. Connect with us at TNT SpiritWorks today! Follow us on:

We sit down for our annual year-end conversation, reflecting on 2025 and mapping out intentions for 2026. The discussion moves between practical revenue planning and deeper questions about identity, authenticity, and what it means to build a creative life without losing yourself in the process.We explore the tension between chasing grandiose visions of success and learning to be present with who we actually are—people who source vintage records, make photographs, create videos, and build websites. The conversation touches on the difference between "playing the part" of a successful creator versus doing work that genuinely reflects our interests and values. We discuss building infrastructure: getting websites live, returning to photography, potentially publishing short stories, and establishing outlets for work that's been internal for too long. Both of us grapple with the pull of consumption and distraction versus the slower work of being present, disciplined, and engaged with the actual world.The episode ends on the idea of returning to being generalists rather than specialists—people with broad interests and connections across different areas of life, people who haven't traded their souls for narrow visions of achievement. -Ai If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode. Links To Everything: Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT Matt's YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT Matt's 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT Alex's YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT Matt's Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG Alex's Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

In this conversation, Jason Cochran speaks with Tanya and Tony Thorson about the evolving landscape of marketing psychology, particularly in the context of B2B and B2C interactions. They discuss their book, 'Get Off Your Mask', which emphasizes the importance of personalization, authenticity, and the human connection in marketing. The Thorsons introduce their POISE framework, which focuses on personalization, omnichannel strategies, and emotional intelligence. They also share real-world examples of effective marketing strategies and predict future trends in the industry. Additional Resources: Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyathorson/ Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-thorson-96878b10/ Join the PFN Community! Watch the Working Forward Podcast on YouTube! Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-d-cochran/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/ Key Takeaways: Marketing is evolving with the integration of AI. The human connection is paramount in B2B and B2C. Personalization goes beyond just addressing the consumer by name. Authenticity in marketing builds trust and loyalty. Curiosity drives effective marketing strategies.  

If you're curious as to whether you have any stored emotions or trauma that might be causing your illness, preventing you from achieving your goals, or even just showing up as the best, authentic version of yourself, I invite you to take my free Stored Emotions and Trauma QuizPushing through stress works… until it doesn't.Chronic stress doesn't always show up as burnout right away. More often, it surfaces quietly through things like physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, and a slow erosion of joy. This episode centers on how living out of alignment impacts the nervous system, the body, and long-term wellbeing, especially for high-functioning, purpose-driven people.A real world story illustrates how mental and emotional strain can accumulate beneath the surface, eventually manifesting as physical consequences that can no longer be ignored. The pattern is familiar: years of “shoulds,” pushing, and over-leveraging… followed by a moment when the body draws a hard line.This conversation is especially relevant for anyone interested in nervous system regulation, mind-body medicine, integrative health, or understanding how unresolved stress and trauma affect the body over time. Alignment isn't about perfection. It's about honesty, awareness, and choosing a path that supports both health and life.You'll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[04:52] The hidden cost of living by “shoulds” instead of what actually feels aligned[09:14] What happens when stress and misalignment start showing up in the body[12:01] The moment making money quietly replaces fulfillment without you noticing[17:08] What changes when you stop outsourcing your intuition to experts and templates[21:36] The slow erosion of confidence that comes from not trusting yourself[27:45] The role identity confusion plays in burnout, anxiety, and feeling stuck[34:12] What real self-honesty looks like before alignment can return[39:58] Why surface-level mindset work can't resolve deeper misalignment[46:41] The warning signs of unhealthy power dynamics with coaches or gurus[52:14] The skill of taking advice without giving away your authorityFind More From Dr. Stephanie Davis:Dr. Stephanie Davis | WebsiteQuantum Rx | InstagramQuantum Rx | Skool

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

What does 2026 hold for indie authors and the publishing industry? I give my thoughts on trends and predictions for the year ahead. In the intro, Quitting the right stuff; how to edit your author business in 2026; Is SubStack Good for Indie Authors?; Business for Authors webinars. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. (1) More indie authors will sell direct through Shopify, Kickstarter, and local in-person events (2) AI-powered search will start to shift elements of book discoverability (3) The start of Agentic Commerce (4) AI-assisted audiobook narration will go mainstream (5) AI-assisted translation will start to take off beyond the early adopters (6) AI video becomes ubiquitous. ‘Live selling' becomes the next trend in social sales. (7) AI will create, run, and optimise ads without the need for human intervention (8) 1000 True Fans becomes more important than ever You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. 2026 Trends and Predictions for Indie Authors and Book Publishing (1) More indie authors will sell direct through Shopify, Kickstarter, and local in-person events — and more companies like BookVault will offer even more beautiful physical books and products to support this. This trend will not be a surprise to most of you! Selling direct has been a trend for the last few years, but in 2026, it will continue to grow as a way that independent authors become even more independent. The recent Written Word Media survey from Dec 2025 noted that 30% of authors surveyed are selling direct already and 30% say they plan to start in 2026. Among authors earning over $10,000 per month, roughly half sell direct. In my opinion, selling direct is an advanced author strategy, meaning that you have multiple books and you understand book marketing and have an email list already or some guaranteed way to reach readers. In fact, Kindlepreneur reports that 66% of authors selling direct have more than 5 books, and 46% have more than 10 books. Of course, you can start with the something small, like a table at a local event with a limited number of books for sale, but if you want to consistently sell direct for years to come, you need to consider all the business aspects. Selling direct is not a silver bullet. It's much harder work to sell direct than it is to just upload an ebook to Amazon, whether you choose a Kickstarter campaign, or Shopify/Payhip or other online stores, or regular in-person sales at events/conferences/fairs. You need a business mindset and business practices, for example, you need to pay upfront for setup as well as ongoing management, and bulk printing in some cases. You need to manage taxes and cashflow. You need to be a lot more proactive about marketing, as you won't sell anything if you don't bring readers to your books/products. But selling direct also brings advantages. It sets you apart from the bulk of digital only authors who still only upload ebooks to Amazon, or maybe add a print on demand book, and in an era of AI rapid creation, that number is growing all the time. If you sell direct, you get your customer data and you can reach those customers next time, through your email list. If you don't know who bought your books and don't have a guaranteed way to reach them, you will more easily be disrupted when things change — and they always change eventually. Kindlepreneur notes that “45% of the successful direct selling authors had over 1,000 subscribers on their email lists,” with “a clear, positive correlation between email list size and monthly direct sales income — with authors having an email list of over 15,000 subscribers earning 20X more than authors with email lists under 100 subscribers.” Selling direct means faster money, sometimes the same day or the same week in many cases, or a few weeks after a campaign finishes, as with Kickstarter. And remember, you don't have to sell all your formats directly. You can keep your ebooks in KU, do whatever you like with audiobooks, and just have premium print products direct, or start with a very basic Kickstarter campaign, or a table at a local fair. Lots more tips for Shopify and Kickstarter at https://www.thecreativepenn.com/selldirectresources/ I also recommend the Novel Marketing Podcast on The Shopify Trap: Why authors keep losing money as it is a great counterpoint to my positive endorsement of selling direct on Shopify! Among other things, Thomas notes that a fixed monthly fee for a store doesn't match how most authors make money from books which is more in spikes, the complexity and hassle eats time and can cost more money if you pay for help, and it can reduce sales on Amazon and weaken your ranking. Basically, if you haven't figured out marketing direct to your store, it can hurt you.All true for some authors, for some genres, and for some people's lifestyle. But for authors who don't want to be on the hamster wheel of the Amazon algorithm and who want more diversity and control in income, as well as the incredible creative benefits of what you can do selling direct, then I would say, consider your options in 2025, even if that is trying out a low-financial-goal Kickstarter campaign, or selling some print books at a local fair. Interestingly, traditional publishers are also experimenting with direct sales. Kate Elton, the new CEO of Harper Collins notes in The Bookseller's 2026 trend article, “we are seeing global success with responsive, reader-driven publishing, subscription boxes and TikTok Shop and – crucially – developing strategies that are founded on a comprehensive understanding of the reader.” She also notes, “AI enables us to dramatically change the way we interact with and grow audiences. The opportunities are genuinely exciting – finding new ways to help readers discover books they will love, innovating in the ways we market and reach audiences, building new channels and adapting to new methods of consuming content.” (2) AI-powered search will start to shift elements of book discoverability From LinkedIn's 2026 Big Ideas: “Generative engine optimization (GEO) is set to replace search engine optimization (SEO) as the way brands get discovered in the year ahead. As consumers turn to AI chatbots, agentic workflows and answer engines, appearing prominently in generative outputs will matter more than ranking in search engines.” Google has been rolling out AI Mode with its AI Overviews and is beginning to push it within Google.com itself in some countries, which means the start of a fundamental change in how people discover content online. I first posted about GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) in 2023, and it's going to change how readers find books. For years, we've talked about the long tail of search. Now, with AI-powered search, that tail is getting even longer and more nuanced. AI can understand complex, conversational queries that traditional search engines struggled with. Someone might ask, “What's a good thriller set in a small town with a female protagonist who's a journalist investigating a cold case?” and get highly specific recommendations. This means your book metadata, your website content, and your online presence need to be more detailed and conversational. AI search engines understand context in ways that go far beyond simple keywords. The authors who win in this new landscape will be those who create rich, authentic content about their books and themselves, not just promotional copy. As economist Tyler Cowen has said, “Consider the AIs as part of your audience. Because they are already reading your words and listening to your voice.” We're in the ‘organic' traffic phase right now, where these AI engines are surfacing content for ‘free,' but paid ads are inevitably on the way, and even rumoured to be coming this year to ChatGPT. By the end of 2026, I expect some authors and publishers to be paying for AI traffic, rather than blocking and protesting them. For now, I recommend checking that your author name/s and your books are surfaced when you search on ChatGPT.com as well as Google.com AI Mode (powered by Gemini). You want to make sure your work comes up in some way. I found that Joanna Penn and J.F. Penn searches brought up my Shopify stores, my website, podcast, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even my Patreon page, but did not bring up links to Amazon. If you only have an author presence on Amazon, does it appear in AI search at all? Do you need to improve anything about what the AI search brings up? Traditional publishers are also looking at this, with PublishersWeekly doing webinars on various aspects of AI in early 2026, including sessions on GEO and how book sales are changing, AI agents, and book marketing. In a 2026 predictions article on The Bookseller, the CEO of Bloomsbury Publishing noted, “The boundaries of artificial intelligence will become clearer, enabling publishers to harness its benefits while seeking to safeguard the intellectual property rights of authors, illustrators and publishers.” “AI will be deeply embedded in our workflows, automating tasks such as metadata tagging, freeing teams to focus on creativity and strategy. Challenges will persist. Generative AI threatens traditional web traffic and ad revenue models, making metadata optimisation and SEO critical for visibility as we adjust to this new reality online.” (3) The start of Agentic Commerce AI researches what you want to buy and may even buy on your behalf. Plus, I predict that Amazon does a commerce deal with OpenAI for shopping within ChatGPT by the end of 2026. In September 2025, ChatGPT launched Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol, which will enable bots to buy on websites in the background if authorised by the human with the credit card. VISA is getting on board with this, so is PayPal, with no doubt more payment options to come. In the USA, ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Free users can now buy directly from US Etsy sellers inside the chat interface, with over a million Shopify merchants coming soon. Shopify and OpenAI have also announced a partnership to bring commerce to ChatGPT. I am insanely excited about this as it could represent the first time we have been able to more easily find and surface books in a much more nuanced way than the 7 keywords and 3 categories we have relied on for so long! I've been using ChatGPT for at least the last year to find fiction and non-fiction books as I find the Amazon interface is ‘polluted' by ads. I've discovered fascinating books from authors I've never heard of, most in very long tail areas. For example, Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby, recommended by ChatGPT as I am interested in medical anatomy and anatomical Venuses, and The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson, recommended as I like art history and the supernatural. I don't think I would have found either of these within a nuanced discussion with ChatGPT. Even without these direct purchase integrations, ChatGPT now has Shopping Research, which I have found links directly to my Shopify store when I search for my books specifically. Walmart has partnered with OpenAI to create AI-first shopping experiences, and you have to wonder what Amazon might be doing? In Nov 2025, Amazon signed a “strategic partnership” with OpenAI, and even though it's focused on the technical side of AI, those two companies in a room together might also be working on other plans … I'm calling it for 2026. I think Amazon will sign a commerce agreement with OpenAI sometime before the end of the year. This will enable at least recommendation and shopping links into Amazon stores (presumably using an OpenAI affiliate link), or perhaps even Instant Checkout with ChatGPT for Amazon. It will also enable a new marketing angle, especially if paid ads arrive in ChatGPT, perhaps even integrating with Amazon Ads in some way as part of any possible agreement, since ads are such a good revenue stream for Amazon anyway. The line between discovery, engagement, and purchase is collapsing. Someone could be having a conversation with an AI about what to read next, and within that same conversation, purchase a bookwithout ever leaving the chat interface. This already happens within TikTok and social commerce clearly works for many authors. It's possible that the next development for book discoverability and sales might be within AI chats. This will likely stratify the already fragmented book eco-system even more. Some readers will continue to live only within the Amazon ecosystem and (maybe) use their Rufus chatbot to buy, and others will be much wider in their exploration of how to find and discover books (and other products and services). If you haven't tried it yet, try ChatGPT.com Shopping Research for a book. You can do this on the free tier. Use the drop down in the main chat box and select Shopping Research. It doesn't have to be for your book. It can be any book or product, for example, our microwave died just before Christmas so I used it to find a new one. But do a really nuanced search with multiple requirements. Go far beyond what you would search for on Amazon. In the results, notice that (at the time of writing) it does not generally link to Amazon, but to independent sites and stores. As above, I think this will change by the end of 2026, as some kind of commerce deal with Amazon seems inevitable. (4) AI-assisted audiobook narration will go mainstream I've been talking about AI narration of audiobooks since 2019, and over the years, I've tried various different options. In 2025, the technology reached a level of emotional nuance that made it much easier to create satisfying fiction audio as well as non-fiction. It also super-charges accessibility, making audio available in more languages and more accents than ever before. Of course, human narration remains the gold standard, but the cost makes it prohibitive for many authors, and indeed many small traditional publishers, for all books. If it costs $2000 – $10,000 to create an audiobook, you have to sell a lot to make a profit, and the dominance of subscription models have made it harder to recoup the costs. Famous narrators and voice artists who have an audience may still be worth investing in, as well as premium production, but require an even higher upfront cost and therefore higher sales and streams in return. AI voice/audio models are continuing to improve, and even as this goes out, there are rumours on TechCrunch that OpenAI's new device, designed by Jony Ive who designed the iPhone, will be audio first and OpenAI are improving their voice models even more in preparation for that launch. In 2026, I think AI-narrated audio will go mainstream with far-reaching adoption across publishing and the indie author world in many different languages and accents. This will mean a further stratification of audiobooks, with high quality, high production, high cost human narrated audio for a small percentage of books, and then mass market, affordable AI-narrated audio for the rest. AI-narrated audiobooks will make audio ubiquitous, and just as (almost) every print book has an ebook format, in 2026, they will also have an audio format. I straddle both these worlds, as I am still a human audiobook narrator for my own work. I human-narrated Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition (free audiobook) and The Buried and the Drowned, my short story collection. I also use AI narration for some books. ElevenLabs remains my preferred service and in 2025, I used my J.F. Penn voice clone for Death Valley and also Blood Vintage, while using a male voice for Catacomb. I clearly label my AI-narration in the sales description and also on the cover, which I think is important, although it is not always required by the various services. You can distribute ElevenLabs narrated audiobooks on Spotify, Kobo Writing Life, YouTube, ElevenReader, and of course your own store if you use Shopify with Bookfunnel. There are many other services springing up all the time, so make sure you check the rights you have over the finished audio, as well as where you can sell and distribute the final files. If they are just using ElevenLabs models in the back-end, then why not just do that directly? (Most services will be using someone's model in the back-end, since most companies do not train their own models.) Of course, you can use Amazon's own narration. While Amazon originally launched Audible audiobooks with Virtual Voice (AVV) in November 2023, it was rolled out to more authors and territories in 2025. If your book is eligible, the option to create an audiobook will appear on your KDP dashboard. With just a few clicks, you can create an audiobook from a range of voices and accents, and publish it on Amazon and Audible. However, the files are not yours. They are exclusive to Amazon and you cannot use them on other platforms or sell them direct yourself. But they are also free, so of course, many authors, especially those in KU, will use this option. I have done some for my mum's sweet romance books as Penny Appleton and I will likely use them for my books in translation when the option becomes available. Traditional publishers are experimenting with AI-assisted audiobook narration as well. MacMillan is selling digital audiobooks read by AI directly on their store. PublishersWeekly reports that PRH Audio “has experimented with artificial voice in specific instances, such as entrepreneur Ely Callaway's posthumous memoir The Unconquerable Game,” when an “authorized voice replica” was created for the audiobook. The article also notes that PRH Audio “embrace artificial intelligence across business operations—my entire department [PRH Audio] is using AI for business applications.” And while indie authors can't use AI voices on ACX right now, Audible have over 100 voices available to selected publishing partnerships, as reported by The Guardian with “two options for publishers wishing to make use of the technology: “Audible-managed” production, or “self-service” whereby publishers produce their own audiobooks with the help of Audible's AI technology.” In 2026, it's likely that more traditional publishers — as well as indie authors — will get their backlist into audio with AI narration. (5) AI-assisted translation will start to take off beyond the early adopters Over the years, I've done translation deals with traditional publishers in different languages (German, French, Spanish, Korean, Italian) for some fiction and non-fiction books. But of course, to get these kinds of deals, you have to be proactive about pitching, or work with an agent for foreign rights only, and those are few and far between! There are also lots of languages and territories worldwide, and most deals are for the bigger markets, leaving a LOT of blue water for books in translation, even if you have licensed some of the bigger markets. I did my first partially AI-translated books in 2019 when I used Deepl.com for the first draft and then worked with a German editor to do 3 non-fiction books in German. While the first draft was cheap, the editing was pretty expensive, so I stopped after only doing a couple. I have made the money back now, but it took years. In 2025, AI Translation began to take off with ScribeShadow, GlobeScribe.ai, and more recently, in November 2025, Kindle Translate boosting the number of translated books available. Kindle Translate is (currently) only available to US authors for English into Spanish and also German into English, but in 2026, this will likely roll out to more languages and more authors, making it easier than ever to produce translations for free. Of course, once again, the gold standard is human translation, or at least human-edited translations, but the cost is prohibitive even just for proof-reading, and if there is a cheap or even free option, like Kindle Translate, then of course, authors are going to try it. If the translation gets bad reviews, they can just un-publish. There are many anecdotal stories of indie success in 2025 with AI-translated genre fiction sales (in series) in under-served markets like Italian, French, and Spanish, as well as more mainstream adoption in German. I was around in the Kindle gold-rush days of 2009-2012 and the AI-translation energy right now feels like that. There are hardly any Kindle ebooks in many of these languages compared to how many there are in English, so inevitably, the rush is on to fill the void, especially in genres that are under-served by traditional publishers in those markets. Yes, some of these AI translated books will be ‘AI-slop,' but readers are not stupid. Those books will get bad reviews and thus will sink to the bottom of the store, never to be seen again. The AI translation models are also improving rapidly, and Amazon's Kindle Translate may improve faster than most, for books specifically, since they will be able to get feedback in terms of page reads. Amazon is also a major investor in Anthropic, which makes Claude.ai, widely considered the best quality for creative writing and translation, so it's likely that is used somewhere in the mix. Some traditional publishers are also experimenting with AI-assisted translation, with Harlequin France reportedly using AI translation and human proofreaders, as reported by the European Council of Literary Translators' Associations in December 2025. Academic publisher Taylor and Francis is also using AI for book translation, noting: “Following a program of rigorous testing, Taylor & Francis has announced plans to use AI translation tools to publish books that would otherwise be unavailable to English-language readers, bringing the latest knowledge to a vastly expanded readership.” “Until now, the time and resources required to translate books has meant that the majority remained accessible only to those who could read them in the original language. Books that were translated often only became available after a significant delay. Today, with the development of sophisticated AI translation tools, it has become possible to make these important texts available to a broad readership at speed, without compromising on accuracy.” (6) AI video becomes ubiquitous. ‘Live selling' becomes the next trend in social sales. In 2025, short form AI-generated video became very high quality. OpenAI released Sora 2, and YouTube announced new Shorts creation tools with Veo 3, which you can also use directly within Gemini. There are tons of different AI video apps now, including those within the social media sites themselves. There is more video than ever and it's much easier to create. I am not a fan of short form video! I don't make it and I don't consume it, but I do love making book trailers for my Kickstarter campaigns and for adding to my book pages and using on social media. I made a trailer for The Buried and the Drowned using Midjourney for images and then animation of those images, and Canva to put them together along with ElevenLabs to generate the music. But despite the AI tools getting so much easier to use, you still have to prompt them with exactly what you want. I can't just upload my book and say, “Make a book trailer,” or “Make a short film.” This may change with generative video ads, which are likely to become more common in 2026, as video turns specifically commercial. Video ads may even be generated specifically for the user, with an audience of one, maybe even holding your book in their hands (using something like Cameos on Sora), in the same way that some AI-powered clothing stores do virtual try-ons. This might also up-end the way we discover and buy things, as the AI for eCommerce and Amazon Sellers newsletter says about OpenAI's Sora app, “OpenAI isn't just trying to build a TikTok competitor. They're building a complete reimagining of how we discover and buy things …” “The combination of ChatGPT's research capabilities and Sora's potential for emotional manipulation—I mean, “engagement”—could create something we've never seen before: an AI ecosystem that might eventually guide you through every type of purchase, from the most considered to the most impulsive.” In 2026, there will be A LOT more AI-generated video, but that also leads to the human trend of more live video. While you can use an AI avatar that looks and sounds like you using tools like HeyGen or Synthesia, live video has all the imperfect human elements that make it stand-out, plus the scarcity element which leads to the purchase decision within a countdown period. Live video is nothing new in terms of brand building and content in general, but it seems that live events primarily for direct sales might be a thing in 2026. Kim Kardashian hosted Kimsmas Live in December 2025 with a 45 minute live shopping event with special guests, described as entertainment but designed to be a sales extravaganza. Indie authors are doing a similar thing on TikTok with their books, so this is a trend to watch in 2026, especially if you feel that live selling might fit with your personality and author business goals. It's certainly not for everyone, but I suspect it will suit a different kind of creator to those who prefer ‘no face' video, or no video at all! On other aspects of the human side of social media, Adam Mosseri the CEO of Instagram put a post on Threads called Authenticity after Abundance. He said, “Everything that made creators matter—the ability to be real, to connect, to have a voice that couldn't be faked—is now suddenly accessible to anyone with the right tools.” “Deepfakes are getting better and better. AI is generating photographs and videos indistinguishable from captured media. The feeds are starting to fill up with synthetic everything. And in that world, here's what I think happens.Creators matter more.” It's a long article so just to pick a few things from it: “We like to talk about “AI slop,” but there is a lot of amazing AI content … we are going to start to see more and more realistic AI content.” I've talked to my Patreon Community about this ‘tsunami of excellence' as these tools are just getting better and better and the word ‘slop' can also be applied to purely human output, too. If you think that AI content is ‘worse' than wholly human content, in 2026, you are wrong. It is now very very good, especially in the hands of people who can drive the AI tools. Back to Adam's post: “Authenticity is fast becoming a scarce resource, …The creators who succeed will be those who figure out how to maintain their authenticity [even when it can be simulated] …” “The bar is going to shift from “can you create?” to “can you make something that only you could create?” He talks about how the personal content on Instagram now is: “unpolished; it's blurry photos and shaky videos of people's daily experiences … flattering imagery is cheap to produce and boring to consume. People want content that feels real… Savvy creators are going to lean into explicitly unproduced and unflattering images of themselves. In a world where everything can be perfected, imperfection becomes a signal. Rawness isn't just aesthetic preference anymore—it's proof. It's defensive. A way of saying: this is real because it's imperfect.” While I partially love this, and I really hope it's true, as in I hope we don't need to look good for the camera anymore I would also challenge Adam on this, because pretty much every woman I know on social media has been sent sexual messages, and/or told they are ugly and/or fat when posting anything unflattering. I've certainly had both even for the same content, but I don't expect Adam has been the target for such posting! But I get his point. He goes on:“Labeling content as authentic or AI-generated is only part of the solution though. We, as an industry, are going to need to surface much more context about not only the media on our platforms, but the accounts that are sharing it in order for people to be able to make informed decisions about what to believe. Where is the account? When was it created? What else have they posted?” This is exactly what I've been saying for a while under my double down on being human focus. I use my Instagram @jfpennauthor as evidence of humanity, not as a sales channel. You can do both of course, but increasingly, you need to make sure your accounts at places have longevity and trust, even by the platforms themselves. Adam finishes: “In a world of infinite abundance and infinite doubt, the creators who can maintain trust and signal authenticity—by being real, transparent, and consistent—will stand out.” For other marketing trends for 2026, I recommend publicist Kathleen Schmidt's SubStack which is mostly focused on traditional publishing but still interesting for indies. In her 2026 article, she notes: “We have reached a social media saturation point where going viral can be meaningless and should not be the goal; authenticity and creativity should. She also says, “In-person events are important again,” and, “Social media marketing takes a nosedive… we have reached a saturation point … What publishers must figure out is how to make their social media campaigns stand out. If they remain somewhat uninspired, the money spent on social ads won't convert into book sales.” I think this is part of the rise of live selling as above, which can stand out above more ‘produced' videos. Kathleen also talks about AI usage. “AI can help lighten the burden of publicity and marketing.” “A lot of AI tools are coming to market to lessen the load: they can write pitches, create media lists for you, send pitches for you, and more. I know the industry is grappling with all things AI, but some of these tools are huge time savers and may help a book more than hurt it.” On that note … (7) AI will create, run, and optimise ads without the need for human intervention Many authors will be very happy about this as marketing is often the bane of our author business lives! As I noted in my 2026 goals, I would love to outsource more marketing tasks to AI. I want an “AI book marketing assistant” where I can upload a book and specify a budget and say, ‘Go market this,' then the AI will action the marketing, without me having to cobble together workflows between systems. Of course, it will present plans for me to approve but it will do the work itself on the various platforms and monitor and optimize things for me. I really hope 2026 is the year this becomes possible, because we are on the edge of it already in some areas. Amazon Ads launched a new agentic AI tool in September 2025 that creates professional-quality ads. I've also been working with Claude in Chrome browser to help me analyse my Amazon Ad data and suggest which keywords/products to turn off and what to put more budget into. I'll do a Patreon video on that soon. Meta announced it will enable AI ad creation by the end of 2026 for Facebook and Instagram. For authors who find ad creation overwhelming or time-consuming, this could be a game-changer. Of course, you will still need a budget! (8) 1000 True Fans becomes more important than ever Lots of authors and publishers are moaning about the difficulty of reaching readers in an era of ‘AI slop' but there is no shortage of excellent content created by humans, or humans using AI tools. As ever, our competition is less about other authors, or even authors using AI-assisted creation, we're competing against everything else that jostles for people's attention, and the volume of that is also growing exponentially. I've never been a fan of rapid release, and have said for years that you can't keep up with the pace of the machines. So play a different game. As Kevin Kelly wrote in 2008, If you have 1000 true fans, (also known as super fans), “you can make a living — if you are content to make a living but not a fortune.” [Kevin Kelly was on this show in 2023 talking about Excellent Advice for Living.] Many authors and the publishing industry are stuck in the old model of aiming to sell huge volumes of books at a low profit margin to a massive number of readers, many of them releasing ever faster to try and keep the algorithms moving. But the maths can work for the smaller audience of more invested readers and fans. If you only make $2 profit on an ebook, you need to sell 500 ebooks to make $1000, and then do it again next month. Or you can have a small community like my patreon.com/thecreativepenn where people pay $2 (or more) a month, so even a small revenue per person results in a better outcome over the year, as it is consistent monthly income with no advertising. But what if you could make $20 profit per book? That is entirely possible if you're producing high quality hardbacks on Kickstarter, or bundle deals of audiobooks, or whole series of ebooks. You would only need to sell to 50 people to make $1000. What about $100 profit per sale, which you can do with a small course or live event? You only need 10 people to make $1000, and this in-person focus also amplifies trust and fosters human connection. I've found the intimacy of my live Patreon Office Hours and also my webinars have been rewarding personally, but also financially, and are far more memorable — and potentially transformative — than a pre-recorded video or even another book. From the LinkedIn 2026 Big Ideas article: “In an AI-optimized world, intentional human connection will become the ultimate luxury.” The 1000 True Fans model is about serving a smaller, more personal audience with higher value products (and maybe services if that's your thing). As ever, its about niche and where you fit in the long long long long long tail. It's also about trust. Because there is definitely a shortage of that in so many areas, and as Adam Mosseri of Instagram has said, trust will be increasingly important. Trust takes time to build, but if you focus on serving your audience consistently, and delivering a high quality, and being authentic, this emerges as part of being human. In an echo of what happened when online commerce first took off, we are back to talking about trust. Back in 2010, I read Trust Agents: by Julien Smith and Chris Brogan, which clearly needs a comeback. There was a 10th anniversary edition published in 2020, so that's worth a read/listen. Chris Brogan was also on this show in 2017 when we talked about finding and serving your niche for the long term. That interview is still relevant, here's a quick excerpt, where I have (lightly edited) his response to my question on this topic back in 2017: Jo: The principle of know, like, and trust, why is that still important or perhaps even more important these days? Chris: There are a few things that at play there, Joanna. One is that the same tools that make it so easy for any of us to start and run a business also allow certain elements to decide whether or not they want to do something dubious. And with all new technologies that come, you know, there's nothing unique about these new technologies. In the 1800s, anyone could put anything in a bottle and sell it to you and say, this is gonna cure everything. Cancer — gone. And the bottle could have nothing in. You know, it could be Kool-Aid. And so, the idea of trying to understand what's behind the business though, one beautiful thing that's come is that we can see in much more dimensions who we're dealing with. We can understand better who's the face behind the brand. I really want people to try their best to be a lot clearer on what they stand for or what they say. And I don't really mean a tagline. I mean, humans don't really talk like that. They don't throw some sentence out as often as they can that you remember them for that phrase. But I would say that, we have so many media available to us — the plural of mediums — where we can be more of ourselves. And I think that there's a great opportunity to share the ‘you' behind the scenes, and some people get immediately terrified about this, ‘Ah, the last thing I want is for people to know more about me,' but I think we have such an opportunity. We have such an opportunity to voice our thoughts on something, to talk about the story that goes behind the product. We were all raised on overly produced material, but I think we don't want that anymore. We really want clarity, brevity, simplicity. We want the ability for what we feel is connection and then access. And so I think it's vital that we connect and show people our accessibility, not so that they can pester us with strange questions, but more so that you can say, this person stands with their product and their service and this person believes these things, and I feel something when I hear them and I wanna be part of that.” That's from Chris Brogan's interview here in 2017, and he is still blogging and speaking at writing at ChrisBrogan.com and I'm going to re-listen to the audiobook of Trust Agents again myself as I think it's more relevant than ever. The original quote comes from Bob Burg in his 1994 book, Endless Referrals, “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.” That still applies, and absolutely fits with the 1000 True Fans model of aiming to serve a smaller audience. As Kevin Kelly says in 1000 True Fans, “Instead of trying to reach the narrow and unlikely peaks of platinum bestseller hits, blockbusters, and celebrity status, you can aim for direct connection with a thousand true fans.” “On your way, no matter how many fans you actually succeed in gaining, you'll be surrounded not by faddish infatuation, but by genuine and true appreciation. It's a much saner destiny to hope for. And you are much more likely to actually arrive there.” In 2026, I hope that more authors (including me!) let go of ego goals and vanity metrics like ranking, gross sales (income before you take away costs), subscribers, followers, and likes, and consider important business numbers like profit (which is the money you have after costs like marketing are taken out), as well as number of true fans — and also lifestyle elements like number of weekends off, or days spent enjoying life and not just working! OK, that's my list of trends and predictions for 2026. Let me know what you think in the comments. Do you agree? Am I wrong? What have I missed? The post 2026 Trends And Predictions For Indie Authors And The Book Publishing Industry with Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

The Comedy Journey: Insights from Erika Rhodes In this episode Keith welcomes Erika Rhodes as they delve into the intricacies of the comedy world, sharing personal anecdotes and insights about their experiences in stand-up. They discuss the challenges of organizing schedules, the nuances of air travel, and the evolution of their comedic material. The conversation also touches on the business side of comedy, audience expectations, and the importance of authenticity in their performances. As they reflect on their growth as comedians, they explore the role of failure in the creative process and the challenges they face in the industry. The discussion concludes with light-hearted banter about personal aspirations and a whimsical ice cream analogy. Get In Touch WIth Erica IG @ericarhodes ... https://www.instagram.com/ericarhodes/?hl=en  Website ericarhodescomedy.com ... https://www.ericarhodescomedy.com/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:13 Navigating the Comedy Scene 04:44 Air Travel Anecdotes 07:39 Comedy Specials and Material Development 10:22 The Business of Comedy 13:15 Personal Growth and Comedy Evolution 16:12 Audience Expectations and Performance 19:00 Authenticity in Comedy 21:59 The Role of Failure in Stand-Up 24:45 Future Aspirations and Industry Challenges 27:35 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections   #standupcomedy #ericarhodes #podcasting    

Mike Austin's journey as a devoted father and respected radio host reveals the power of sacrifice, leadership, and genuine connection. From navigating the challenges of divorce and adoption to mastering the morning airwaves, Mike shares candid stories that illuminate how parenting shapes leadership—and vice versa. His authentic voice and heartfelt lessons inspire listeners to lead with love and integrity in all areas of life.Top Takeaways:-You don't have to tell everyone your life story. Listen more than you talk.-If you see something that needs to be done, don't wait to be asked or told... just do it!-Don't overthink a decision. Give it some thought, ask advice, then take action and live with the results.-LAUGH - at yourself and your situation(s).-Sing - sometimes just to yourself. It is ok to be goofy.LET ME KNOW WHAT FUTURE TOPICS YOU'D LOVE TO EXPLORE!FREE!! —JOIN THOUSANDS WHO GET VALERIE'S BEST INSIGHTS ONPROFESSIONALISM AND EXECUTIVE PRESENCE www.valerieandcompany.comFollow her journey and expert insights:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriesokolosky/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieAndCompanyX: https://twitter.com/valsokolosky?lang=enSubscribe, rate, and write a review on Apple Podcast- https://apple.co/2SHDDmoSubscribe to Doing it Right vlog cast: youtube.com/valerieandcompanyListen and watch Doing it Right the Stories that Make Us:https://www.valerieandcompany.com/Podcast

Connect with Tim Maynard: https://www.copperlineequestrian.comGet a Copy of the Book: Starting in the MiddleConnect with Travis: www.travisstock.comIG: travers03Support the show: www.patreon.com/thenewmasculineT

Judge Scott Schlegel of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal joins The Geek in Review for a candid, funny, and unflinchingly practical conversation about AI inside the judicial system. Schlegel wears multiple hats, appellate judge, former prosecutor, reform-minded builder, plus a podcaster and Substack writer who speaks plainly about what works and what fails when technology hits real people on real timelines. The throughline stays consistent, courts do not need more hype, courts need competence, guardrails, and a process mindset.Judge Schlegel tackles the messy reality of AI disclosures, certifications, and uneven court rules across jurisdictions. His core message lands fast, judicial authority lives with the judge, not an AI system. From there, he outlines why chambers guidance matters, along with a structured, step-by-step approach for responsible drafting support, including prompt discipline and workflow thinking. The goal stays simple, faster decisions without surrendering judgment to “bot overlords.”The discussion then shifts to constraints judges live with every day, budgets, procurement rules, security anxiety, and the gap between shiny vendor demos and courthouse reality. Schlegel argues for a scrappy, process-first approach using small pilots, one chambers, one workflow, one measurable result. He compares the moment to early “cloud” adoption lessons, pay for the right security, avoid free tools where the user becomes the product, and treat sensitive records with strict care. Courts will see broader adoption as enterprise-grade options become attainable and baked into trusted platforms.Then comes the part that lingers in your head after the episode ends, deepfakes and voice cloning as a near-term threat to due process, especially in domestic violence and protective order contexts. Schlegel explains why judges tend to err on the side of safety, and why “damage done” shows up long before expert testimony arrives. His practical recommendation focuses on pretrial practice, require disclosure, surface manipulation concerns early, and reduce surprises at trial. He even shares a simple family safety habit, a private “secret word” to confirm identity during urgent calls, since voice cloning tools lower the barrier for fraud.Finally, Schlegel offers a sharp warning about confirmation bias, large language models often aim to please the user, which benefits advocates and harms neutral decision-making. His answer: an “AI alignment test” mindset, deliberate prompting, and refusal to outsource the white-page moment to a model. For the future, he points toward structural change courts rarely receive funding for, true legal technologists who redesign case management and public-facing guidance at scale. If courts stop printing emails and living in wire baskets, progress follows, and yes, somewhere in a parallel universe, Schlegel still wants a hologram machine.Judge Schlegel, his court, and his workJudge Schlegel bio page. Judge Scott SchlegelLouisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal profile page for Judge Schlegel. Fifth Circuit Court of AppealJudge Schlegel's Tech & Gavel landing page. Judge Scott SchlegelTech & Gavel on Apple Podcasts. Apple PodcastsAI-in-courts guidance, plus his newsletter“AI in Chambers: A Framework for Judicial AI Use” (includes the download link). Judge Scott SchlegelSchlegel Tech Substack newsletter. [sch]Legal Tech SubstackDeepfakes, provenance, and content credentialsC2PA, Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, “About” page. C2PAListen on mobile platforms:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[Special Thanks to ⁠Legal Technology Hub⁠ for their sponsoring this episode.] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: geekinreviewpodcast@gmail.comMusic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: The Day Authenticity Shone Brighter than Royalty Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-05-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Les llums del mercat brillaven amb força aquell matí fred d'hivern.En: The market lights shone brightly that cold winter morning.Ca: La plaça era plena de gent, amb estands de colors i rialles que omplien l'aire.En: The plaza was full of people, with colorful stands and laughter filling the air.Ca: Era el Dia de l'Epifania, i tothom estava preparat per veure la desfilada dels Reis Mags.En: It was the Day of Epiphany, and everyone was ready to see the parade of the Reis Mags.Ca: Martí, un home sempre disposat a un somriure, duia una capa blava llarga i una corona resplendent sobre el cap.En: Martí, a man always ready with a smile, wore a long blue cloak and a shining crown on his head.Ca: Avui es convertia en un dels famosos tres Reis Mags.En: Today he was becoming one of the famous three Reis Mags.Ca: Secretament, Martí esperava que Ana, la noia que treballava al mercat, el veiés i quedés impressionada.En: Secretly, Martí hoped that Ana, the girl who worked at the market, would see him and be impressed.Ca: Ana estava ocupada venent fruites al seu estand, però Martí sempre la podia veure des de la seva posició.En: Ana was busy selling fruits at her stand, but Martí could always see her from his position.Ca: Buscava moments per creuar la mirada amb ella entre la multitud.En: He looked for moments to lock eyes with her amidst the crowd.Ca: Darrere seu, Ferrán, un altre dels Reis, es preparava amb el camell de cartró.En: Behind him, Ferrán, another of the Reis, was preparing with the cardboard camel.Ca: Martí estava nerviós però decidit a donar el millor de si mateix.En: Martí was nervous but determined to give his best.Ca: Mentre caminava amb gràcia per entre la gent, Martí va sentir un estirament sobtat.En: As he walked gracefully through the people, Martí felt a sudden tug.Ca: La seva capa reial s'havia enganxat a un carro ple de taronges.En: His royal cloak had gotten caught on a cart full of oranges.Ca: En un instant, les taronges començaren a rodolar per tot arreu, i les persones al seu voltant intentaven evitar el petit desastre.En: In an instant, the oranges began to roll everywhere, and the people around him tried to avoid the small disaster.Ca: Va ser un caos però també molt divertit.En: It was chaos but also very amusing.Ca: La gent relliscava i reia, i les rialles es multiplicaven.En: People slipped and laughed, and the laughter multiplied.Ca: Encara atrapat, Martí va decidir somriure i continuar amb el seu paper de Rei.En: Still trapped, Martí decided to smile and continue his role as the Rei.Ca: Mirava a la llunyania, intentant actuar com si res hagués passat.En: He looked into the distance, trying to act as if nothing had happened.Ca: Finalment, Ferrán va apropar-se per ajudar-lo, i amb habilitat i molta paciència va aconseguir alliberar la capa de Martí.En: Finally, Ferrán approached to help him, and with skill and much patience, managed to free Martí's cloak.Ca: El mercat es va omplir d'aplaudiments espontanis, i Martí, amb les galtes enceses, va deixar anar una rialla que va contagiar tots els presents.En: The market filled with spontaneous applause, and Martí, with flushed cheeks, let out a laugh that was contagious to everyone present.Ca: Ana, que ho havia vist tot des del seu estand, es va apropar rient.En: Ana, who had seen everything from her stand, approached laughing.Ca: Les seves galtes eren d'un vermell suau pel fred i les rialles.En: Her cheeks were a soft red from the cold and the laughter.Ca: Va mirar a Martí amb els ulls brillants.En: She looked at Martí with shining eyes.Ca: "Has fet que aquest sigui el millor espectacle que he vist mai," va dir, amb una calidesa especial.En: "You've made this the best show I've ever seen," she said, with a special warmth.Ca: Martí, alleujat, se'n va adonar que el seu desig s'havia complert, però d'una manera que mai hauria imaginat.En: Relieved, Martí realized that his wish had come true, but in a way he never would have imagined.Ca: Havia après que ser un mateix, acceptar els errors i trobar el costat còmic de les coses sempre és més encantador que intentar ser perfecte.En: He had learned that being oneself, accepting mistakes, and finding the funny side of things is always more charming than trying to be perfect.Ca: Amb el cor ple d'alegria, Martí va somriure a Ana, sabent que aquell dia, l'autenticitat havia guanyat.En: With his heart full of joy, Martí smiled at Ana, knowing that that day, authenticity had won. Vocabulary Words:the market: el mercatthe lights: les llumsthe cloak: la capathe crown: la coronato shine: brillarthe parade: la desfiladathe laughter: les riallesthe crowd: la multitudthe plaza: la plaçathe orange: la taronjathe chaos: el caosto slip: relliscarsudden: sobtatto roll: rodolarto get caught: enganxar-sethe stand: l'estandthe distance: la llunyaniato approach: apropar-sethe applause: l'aplaudimentto release/free: alliberarto laugh: riurethe cheek: la galtacontagious: contagiarto sell: vendreto hope: esperarsecretly: secretamentthe heart: el corto realize: adonar-seto stop: deixar despontaneous: espontani

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Links & Mentions: Consult booking link: www.dryazdancoaching.com/consult Email me: DrDYazdan@gmail.com Make more money video: www.dryazdancoaching.com/MDM Follow me for more tips: (@DrYazdan) www.instagram.com/dryazdan and (@DrYazdanCoaching) www.Instagram.com/dryazdancoaching Episode Summary: Instagram has changed — and so has your audience. In this episode, Dr. Yazdan breaks down exactly what kind of content will actually grow your account in 2026. Whether you're new to social media or you've been posting consistently without seeing results, this episode will help you reconnect with your purpose, attract the right patients, and turn your practice into a powerful personal brand. Dr. Yazdan shares what's working now — from storytelling and authenticity to short-form video strategies — and explains why the secret to Instagram growth isn't hacks or algorithms… it's connection.

Foster Alumni Share What They Listen For When They  Interview Job Candidates Every fall and winter, MBA students gear up for behavioral interviews with an understandable mix of anticipation and anxiety. We spend hours coaching them on frameworks, stories, and delivery. But nothing beats hearing directly from the people on the other side of the table. On this encore episode of Conversations on Careers and Professional Life, I brought together four Foster MBA alumni—now at Accenture, Google, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs—to share what they actually listen for when evaluating candidates. I spoke with each of them separately, but their messages converged with remarkable clarity.  Here are the big themes. 1. Preparation isn't optional—it's the floor, not the ceiling. Every alum highlighted the same point: the "Tell me about yourself" question is guaranteed. If you can't deliver a clear, structured, thoughtful answer, it signals a lack of intention. Adam Schmidt (Accenture) put it plainly: "This is a question you know is coming." Preparation demonstrates respect for the interviewer's time and respect for your own story. It's the discipline before the performance. 2. Authenticity beats perfection. Several alumni talked about sensing whether an answer felt honest, grounded, and human. Authenticity arises from knowing your stories well enough that you can speak naturally—not recite. Skylar Brown (Goldman Sachs) shared that authenticity often shows up in how candidates pause, think, and connect their experiences to the role. Over-scripted answers flatten your personality; thoughtful ones reveal how you'll show up as a colleague. Stoic reminder: focus on what is within your control—your preparation and your presence—not the outcome. 3. Your impact matters more than the résumé lines. At Google, Sam Eid looks for patterns that reveal how a candidate operates on a team. One of his sharpest insights: candidates who talk only in "I" form look self-centered, but candidates who talk only in "we" form leave interviewers wondering what they actually did. He advises framing a story around: The opportunity or challenge What the team achieved Your specific contribution What wouldn't have happened without you That last piece is gold. It's also how Google evaluates internal performance. 4. "Why this company?" must show you've done real homework. The alumni were unanimous: generic answers tank candidates. You should be able to articulate: What differentiates the company How its mission or values connect to you Who you've spoken with and what you learned Why this role aligns with your future trajectory Claire Herting (Nintendo, ex-Walmart) noted that specific, thought-out answers signal maturity and genuine motivation—not simply chasing the brand name. 5. Cultural fit isn't code for conformity—it's awareness. Companies want to see that you understand the environment you're entering and how you'd contribute to it. Whether it's humility, customer obsession, collaboration, or intellectual curiosity, your stories should reflect the behaviors that matter most at that organization. Not by forcing it, but by choosing experiences that naturally align. 6. The biggest mistakes happen before the interview. One of the most useful insights came from Skylar Brown: many candidates cast too wide a net. When you're interviewing for 20–40 roles you don't genuinely want, your answers sound hollow. Depth beats breadth. Focus creates authenticity. The bottom line Across industries and roles, alumni interviewers value the same things: Clear thinking Genuine enthusiasm Self-awareness A structured approach to storytelling A real understanding of the company and role Behavioral interviews aren't about trick questions—they're about surfacing who you are, how you work with others, and how you make an impact. If you're preparing for interviews this season, the wisdom from these alumni is a powerful compass.

What if the melodies of life could heal our deepest wounds? Join host Lynn Hoffman as she dives into a profound conversation with singer-songwriter William Fitzsimmons on this replay episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast. With a rich background in mental health therapy, Fitzsimmons brings a unique perspective on how music serves as a universal connector, especially shaped by his upbringing with blind parents. This episode explores the healing power of music and its ability to foster emotional healing through music, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of musicians and mental health. William Fitzsimmons candidly shares his personal journey through depression and grief, revealing how songwriting has become his therapeutic outlet. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in music, stating that addressing difficult topics not only cultivates connection but also promotes healing for both the artist and the listener. As he reflects on his experiences, Fitzsimmons illustrates how music can convey emotions that words alone often fail to express, making it a powerful tool for emotional exploration. Throughout this engaging interview, listeners will discover Fitzsimmons’ musical influences and insights into his latest album, Incidental Contact. He navigates the delicate balance between personal expression and the perceived exploitation of pain, offering valuable lessons for independent musicians and anyone passionate about the music industry insights. The conversation is rich with stories of musicians and their journeys, making it a compelling episode for fans of the music history podcast genre. As the episode unfolds, William Fitzsimmons and Lynn Hoffman delve into the profound impact of music on mental health, exploring themes of resilience and emotional connection. This episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast not only celebrates the transformative power of music but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing our stories. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a fan of new music, or simply someone seeking solace in the melodies of life, this episode is sure to resonate. Join us for an enlightening discussion that underscores the vital role of music in our lives. Tune in to the Music Saved Me Podcast and discover how the healing power of music can change our narratives, one note at a time. Support the show: https://musicsavedme.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textIP attorney Massimo SterpiMassimo Sterpi photo by Eolo Perfido Show Notes:1:30 Sterpi's work with emerging tech2:30 shift in use of emerging tech/arts issues3:55 Brazilian artist Eduardo Kac's transgenic work4:30 blockchain / NFT as a testing area5:10 generative AI and copyright6:20 copyrighted works as training data 12:25 11 Nov 2025 judgment by Munich Regional Court in GEMA v. OpenAI (Case No. 42 O 14139/24)14:20 fair use in the US17:05 copyright of outputs23:55 "A Single Piece of American Cheese"26:00 Gema decision's impact on OpenAI's business model29:00 UK decision in Getty v. Stability AI32:30 harmonisation 34:20 collective licensing as a solution for AI training36:20 view of justice/injustice with emerging tech in the arts38:40 cultural impact of emerging tech42:00 Christie's auction of "Portrait of Edmond de Belamy"43:40 2024 Venice Biennale - The Conference on Art and AI's “The Neo-Synthetic: A Dialogue on Art, A.I., and Emergent Aesthetics”44:30 expanding area regarding the roles involved in outputs46:40 authenticity becoming enigmatic47:00 attempts to create digital scarcity47:55 different standards of creativity 48:30 neighboring rights for AI50:00 Italy's protection of “simple photographs” versus “photographic works”50:40 UK's Section 9(3) copyright of outputs fictionally attributed to human involved52:40 Agentic AI  Please share your comments and/or questions at stephanie@warfareofartandlaw.comMusic by Toulme.To hear more episodes, please visit Warfare of Art and Law podcast's website.To leave questions or comments about this or other episodes of the podcast and/or for information about joining the 2ND Saturday discussion on art, culture and justice, please message me at stephanie@warfareofartandlaw.com. Thanks so much for listening!© Stephanie Drawdy [2025]

In this episode, I break down the myth of authenticity and why “just be authentic” is often bad advice. Too many people use authenticity as an excuse to stay comfortable, unpolished, and unaccountable. Being natural is not the same as being unrefined, and raw authenticity by itself is not impressive. What actually earns respect is evolved authenticity, showing up with control, intention, and presence, not just comfort. Show Notes: [02:41]#1 The concept of authenticity has been hijacked by laziness [07:33]#2 The reason most people's authentic selves do not work in high performance  environments is because authenticity without a system becomes unpredictable. [18:54]#3 Authenticity is not found or located. Authenticity is built. [23:35] Recap Episodes Mentioned: 205: Staying Authentic In Your Brand Message 1644: Developing Your AUTHENTIC Voice 1239: What People Crave From Your Brand: AUTHENTICITY 3330: On Using The N-Word 1400: FUCK ALL INFLUENCERS Next Steps: --- Power Presence is not taught. It is enforced. If you are operating in environments where hesitation costs money, authority, or leverage, the Power Presence Mastermind exists as a controlled setting for discipline, execution, and consequence-based decision-making. Details live here: http://PowerPresenceProtocol.com/Mastermind  This Masterclass is the public record of standards. Private enforcement happens elsewhere. All episodes and the complete archive: → WorkOnYourGamePodcast.com 

Forget fancy funnels and over-edited branding — authenticity is the real power move.In this episode of The PelviBiz Podcast, we're breaking down why showing up as you is the smartest strategy for growth, connection, and long-term success.You'll discover:Why people buy you before they ever buy your offerHow fake “perfection” is killing your brand's trust and momentumThe simple shift that turns your story into your strongest marketing toolIf you've been trying to “look” like a successful entrepreneur instead of being one — this is your wake-up call.

Feeling stuck or lost? Want to know how you can get #crystalclear on the #bestway forward for you... with #funandease? Listen now to this interview with Colby Wilk, Intuitive Guide, a Psychic #Healer and a  #Wayfinder. Colby helps people #breakfree and #livefully —by tuning into the life that's calling them. His work blends #energywork, #spiritualinsight with grounded, actionable tools you can use. In this episode, we dig into: -- the real difference between #intuition and projection-- a relatable, honest look at self-sabotage and #innerwisdom -- how #calm acceptance is the true marker of a real intuitive hit-- intuition as a sacred guide toward becoming more of who you truly are-- the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs pointing you toward the life that wants you-- and so much more!Connect with Colby now at:https://colbywilk.com/PLUS, A FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS!!There's a secret, a hidden block that keeps you from having what you want. The First Secret to Finding Your Way is a FREE VIDEO that reveals what's really in your way and how to finally move past it.Watch now and start living from your true power and possibility.https://colbywilk.com/the-first-secret-to-finding-your-way/You can also connect with Colby on these social media platforms:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiFhSvhz8pDxK1ImoqnB9aQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Colby-Wilk-Wayfinder-100063704523871/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colbyswilk/#Intuition #SpiritualGrowth #InnerGuidance #SelfAwareness #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #InnerPeace #ConsciousLiving #EmotionalIntelligence #JoyfulLiving #LifePurpose #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #MindsetShift #SelfGrowth #SpiritualWisdom #WellnessJourney #SoulJourney #HigherConsciousness #InnerPeaceJourney #InnerStrength #SelfReflection #PositiveMindset #GrowthMindset #HumanPotential #SpiritualAwakening #MeaningfulLife #intutiveguidance _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness.  Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently.  Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ

Feeling stuck or lost? Want to know how you can get #crystalclear on the #bestway forward for you... with #funandease? Listen now to this interview with Colby Wilk, Intuitive Guide, a Psychic #Healer and a  #Wayfinder. Colby helps people #breakfree and #livefully —by tuning into the life that's calling them. His work blends #energywork, #spiritualinsight with grounded, actionable tools you can use. In this episode, we dig into: -- the real difference between #intuition and projection-- a relatable, honest look at self-sabotage and #innerwisdom -- how #calm acceptance is the true marker of a real intuitive hit-- intuition as a sacred guide toward becoming more of who you truly are-- the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs pointing you toward the life that wants you-- and so much more!Connect with Colby now at:https://colbywilk.com/PLUS, A FREE GIFT FOR LISTENERS!!There's a secret, a hidden block that keeps you from having what you want. The First Secret to Finding Your Way is a FREE VIDEO that reveals what's really in your way and how to finally move past it.Watch now and start living from your true power and possibility.https://colbywilk.com/the-first-secret-to-finding-your-way/You can also connect with Colby on these social media platforms:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiFhSvhz8pDxK1ImoqnB9aQFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Colby-Wilk-Wayfinder-100063704523871/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colbyswilk/#Intuition #SpiritualGrowth #InnerGuidance #SelfAwareness #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #InnerPeace #ConsciousLiving #EmotionalIntelligence #JoyfulLiving #LifePurpose #SelfDiscovery #Authenticity #MindsetShift #SelfGrowth #SpiritualWisdom #WellnessJourney #SoulJourney #HigherConsciousness #InnerPeaceJourney #InnerStrength #SelfReflection #PositiveMindset #GrowthMindset #HumanPotential #SpiritualAwakening #MeaningfulLife #intutiveguidance _____________________________________ABOUT SAMIA:Samia Bano is the #HappinessExpert, author, speaker, podcaster & coach for coaches and healers. Samia is most known for her book, 'Make Change Fun and Easy' and her #podcast of the same name. With the help of her signature Follow Your Heart Process™, a unique combination of #PositivePsychology and the #spiritual wisdom of our most effective #ChangeMakers, Samia helps you overcome #LimitingBeliefs, your chains of fear, to develop a #PositiveMindset and create the impact and income you desire with fun and ease…Samia's advanced signature programs include the Happiness 101 Class and the Transformative Action Training.Samia is also a Certified #ReikiHealer and Crisis Counselor working to promote #MentalHealthAwareness.  Samia models #HeartCenteredLeadership and business that is both #SociallyResponsible and #EnvironmentallyFriendly.Samia is a practicing #Muslim with an inter-spiritual approach. As someone who has a love and appreciation for diversity, she is a #BridgeBuilder between people of different faiths and cultures. Although Samia currently lives in California, USA, she has lived in 3 other countries and speaks Hindi, Urdu, and English fluently.  Want to learn even more about Samia? Visit www.academyofthriving.com :)To Book your Free HAPPINESS 101 EXPLORATION CALL with Samia, click: https://my.timetrade.com/book/JX9XJ

"Authenticity is really the new currency in our world everywhere."  Join the audience on this special episode. I was given the opportunity to speak about the power of podcast guesting on the stage of Jack Canfield's Transformational Leadership Council. I was invited to teh stage by my good friend, Raymond Aaron. I shared how many treat podcast appearances as a branding exercise but the real value comes from long-form conversations where you can demonstrate your authenticity, creating trust and meaningful connection. Podcast guesting allows people to be heard in context, not soundbites, and to communicate ideas without the noise and friction of traditional marketing.  Build strong relationships with hosts while getting direct access to their engaged audiences, potentially high-income listeners, and decision-makers who already trust the host. It's a rare opportunity to build familiarity that short-form media can't replicate. When done well, podcast guesting leads to inbound conversations, collaborations, and qualified business opportunities.  Also in this episode:  The Transformational Leadership Council is a caring community of transformational leaders who support each other in personal growth and contributions to the world.  https://www.transformationalleadershipcouncil.com/  Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

Send us a textMitochondrial dysfunction affects overall energy production and is linked to chronic conditions including fatigue, brain fog, and inflammatory disorders. We explore how to support cellular energy through nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset transformation.• Mitochondria are the cell's powerhouse, affecting metabolism, oxidative stress, and cellular signaling• Poor diet, medications, toxins, chronic stress, and inadequate exercise can disrupt mitochondrial function• Key supplements for energy support include CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, magnesium, and B vitamins• Lifestyle interventions like intermittent fasting, red light therapy, grounding, and quality sleep improve energy production• Heavy metals including lead, arsenic, and mercury can directly poison mitochondria and decrease energy• Energy production requires proper macronutrients (carbs, fats, proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, cofactors)• The "10 A's of Transformation" provide a holistic framework for energy enhancement: Awareness, Action, Alignment, Accountability, Acceptance, Authenticity, Attention, Adaptability, Appreciation, and Abundance Support the show Sponsor Affiliates Empowering Your Health https://www.atecam.com/ Get YOUR Own Joburg Protein Snacks Discount Code: Damaris15 Or Damaris18 Feeling need to Lose Weight & Become metabolically Healthy GET METABOLIC COURSE GLP 1 REseT This course is designed for individuals looking to optimize their metabolic health through integrative and functional medicine approaches. Whether you're on a GLP-1 medication or seeking natural ways to enhance your metabolic function, this course provides actionable steps, expert insights, and a personalized roadmap sustainable wellness. Are you feeling stressed, tired, or Metabolism imbalanced? Take advantage of our free mindful steps to help improve your well-being.ENJOY ONE OF our Books Mindful Ways Health Wealth & Life https://stan.store/Mindfullyintegrative Join Yearly membership ALL IN ONE FUNCTION HEALTH Ask Us for help...

Happy New Year! This special compilation episode of Demystifying Mental Toughness brings together powerful reflections from multiple experts across sport, performance, and personal development. Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly underpins sustainable performance: self-awareness, authenticity, focus, and self-trust. A recurring theme throughout the episode is the importance of the internal narrative. The conversations we have with ourselves shape confidence, behaviour, and decision-making under pressure. Listeners are encouraged to question unhelpful self-talk, recognise vulnerability as a strength, and understand that mental toughness is not about being "bulletproof", but about knowing yourself and responding wisely. The episode also explores the value of building a support network a "board of directors" made up of real or imagined mentors who guide thinking, perspective, and behaviour. Alongside this, the myth of multitasking is challenged, reinforcing the power of focus, presence, and committing fully to the one thing that matters most. Fear, mistakes, motivation, and setbacks are reframed not as barriers, but as essential ingredients for growth. Listeners are reminded that action often comes before motivation, progress is rarely linear, and joy and creativity are vital for long-term engagement in sport and life. This episode is a timely reminder that mental toughness is human, flexible, and deeply personal and that rediscovering enjoyment, trust, and purpose is just as important as striving for results. Key Takeaways You are the thinker, not the thought, self-talk can be shaped and trained Mental toughness exists on a spectrum; sensitivity is not weakness Authenticity matters more than approval or fitting in Build a "board of directors" to guide perspective and decision-making Multitasking is a myth, focus deeply on one thing at a time Fear can be used as fuel when recognised and harnessed Motivation is cyclical; action often comes before motivation Vulnerability and self-compassion support long-term performance Mistakes and setbacks are essential for learning and growth Joy, creativity, and presence reconnect performers with why they started Connect with David Charlton ·         Sign Up To The Mental Edge ·         LinkedIn   Relevant Podcast Episodes To Improve Your Mental Toughness as Relayed in Episode 301 Ep001: Doug Strycharczyk – The Importance of Mental Toughness Ep028: Peter Clough MBE – Why is Mental Toughness Important? Ep035: Dr John Perry – Thrive, Don't Just Survive 2021 Ep037: Penny Mallory – World Class Thinking, World Class Behaviour Ep041: Paul McGee – How to Develop Interpersonal Confidence Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport Ep066: Marilyn Okoro – Mental Health and Resilience: Lessons from an Olympic Medalist Ep068: Andrew Nicholson – How Hard Is It To Become A Tour Professional Golfer?  Ep075: Grant Phyphers – How to Rebuild Your Identity Ep098: Jon Bartlett – Do You Know Your Why?

What does it take to turn a childhood passion for music into a remarkable career that resonates with millions? Join host Buzz Knight on this replay episode of takin' a walk as he dives deep into the inspiring journey of musician Sam Ryder. From his early days singing along to Freddie Mercury in the family car to his recent triumphs, including the release of his new single, "Feeling Never Went Away," Ryder shares his heartfelt experiences navigating the vibrant landscape of the music industry and his viral music success. As the conversation unfolds, Sam Ryder reveals the emotional challenges that come with success, including battles with panic attacks and self-doubt. He emphasizes the significance of authenticity, gratitude, and passion in music—a philosophy that has not only shaped his career but also serves as a beacon for aspiring artists. With a headlining show at Wembley Arena on the horizon and an upcoming album that fans eagerly anticipate, Ryder reflects on the therapeutic power of music and the profound connections it fosters among people. Buzz Knight, a seasoned podcaster known for his engaging storytelling and insightful interviews, guides this discussion with a genuine curiosity that makes every moment feel like a personal conversation. Listeners will find themselves not only captivated by Ryder's journey but also inspired by his perspective on embracing all emotions and practicing gratitude as a means of navigating life's ups and downs. This episode of takin' a walk is a testament to how music can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing and resilience. Whether you’re a fan of indie music, classic rock history, or simply enjoy compelling stories behind songs, this episode is packed with insights that resonate across genres. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of music history and culture, celebrating the legendary musicians and songwriters who have shaped our lives. With Buzz Knight at the helm, prepare for an enlightening journey filled with laughter, inspiration, and the stories that make music a universal language. Don’t miss out on this captivating episode of takin' a walk with Sam Ryder—where every step leads to a deeper understanding of the music we love.Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 331 hosts Dr Bita Farrell (Anaesthesiologist from California, USA) & Dr Roni Munk (Dermatologist from Montreal, Canada) Back in September 2025 Dr Jake and David were attendance as speakers at the Canadian Aesthetic Expo. They took the opportunity to record with two other leading KOL speakers; Bita (previously on Episode 283) & Roni. We first get an understanding of our guests own patient demographics and their recent experiences of dealing with filler anxiety expressed by their patients. We explore the nuances of an effective patient consultations and cover the aspects of winning trust, education and the role of personalised consultations. We then discuss the growing prominence of regenerative medicine including insights into exosomes, PRP, PDGF and effective combination therapies. Our guests share their own experiences, philosophies, emphasize a patient-centric approach and the role of lifelong learning to achieve success. 00:00 Introduction  01:03 Meet the Guests: Dr Bita Farrell and Dr Roni Munk 01:43 Roni's Practice and Insights 02:32 Bita's Background 04:39 Trends and Challenges in Aesthetic Treatments 08:13 Exosomes, PRP, and Regenerative Medicine 15:18 Consultation and Building Trust with Patients 18:02 The Life of a Speaker and Live Injecting 19:33 The Challenges of On-Stage Consultations 20:25 The Importance of Authenticity and Preparation 20:49 Building Trust Through Pre-Consultations 23:18 The Role of Consultation in Treatment Success 24:53 Training and Continuous Learning in Aesthetics 31:15 The Evolution of Practice and Learning from Peers 34:29 Closing Remarks and Future Plans ALL IA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Send us a textMartin Foster hosts a candid conversation with Katherine Torres-Pummill, the dynamic General Manager of Recurrent's Military Vertical. Katherine shares her journey from growing up in New York City as a first-generation American to leading some of the most influential military-focused media brands—including Task and Purpose, The War Zone, and We Are the Mighty.-Quick Episode Summary:Katherine Torres-Pummill shares leadership lessons, military community insights, and inspiration.-SEO Description:Passing The Torch podcast: Katherine Torres-Pummill shares leadership lessons, military family insights, and her journey in media and public service.-

Authenticity Beats Production Value

Change has a way of forcing clarity, even when it arrives through uncertainty, loss, or exhaustion. In this reflective year-end episode, you're invited to pause and take stock of what it really took to keep going. Through honest stories from senior leaders who navigated layoffs, reinvention, and rapid transformation, you'll hear how resilience isn't something you either have or don't, it's something you practice. And adaptation isn't about having all the answers; it's about staying willing to move before certainty arrives. Guests share deeply personal moments, being laid off after giving everything to a role, rebuilding confidence after broken trust, and redefining leadership in a world reshaped by AI and constant change. You're reminded that growth doesn't always look like progress in the moment, and that community, integrity, and self-awareness often carry you forward when strategy alone isn't enough. In this episode, reflect on what this year demanded of you and what you're ready to carry into what's next. Visit our website where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with our special guest. The key moments in this episode are: [00:54] The Power of Resilience [01:45] Personal Stories of Overcoming Challenges [03:41] Mentorship and Midlife Wisdom [05:43] Adaptation: The Key to Moving Forward [04:00] The Power of Authenticity [07:45] The Importance of Community [08:51] Conclusion and Moving Forward

Think alcohol helped you be your "authentic self"? Head Coach Matt reveals the truth: Alcohol use disorder actively disrupts the brain circuits (like the Insula and Prefrontal Cortex) necessary for genuine self-expression. Learn why authenticity is defined as the alignment of your values, beliefs, and actions, and how living out of alignment leads to painful cognitive dissonance. This episode provides probing questions to help you clarify your core values and shows how finding supportive community builds the self-trust needed to live authentically and confidently.   Download my FREE guide: The Alcohol Freedom Formula For Over 30s Entrepreneurs & High Performers: https://social.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/podcast ★ - Learn more about Project 90: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/Project90 ★ - (Accountability & Support) Speak verbally to a certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle coach to see if, or how, we could support you having a better relationship with alcohol: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/schedule ★ - The wait is over – My new book "CLEAR" is now available. Get your copy here: https://www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clear

Why does it feel like the world is standing at the edge of something new? In this episode, professional astrologer Helena Woods returns to explore 2026! Discover the major themes, planetary shifts, and turning points shaping the year ahead. The conversation moves through the rise of new technology, changes in culture and leadership, key dates to watch, and why personal sovereignty, intuition, and grounded self-trust will matter more than ever. You are invited to feel your way through what's coming and consider how you want to meet this new chapter of change.Episode Timestamps 00:00:00 — Helena introduces the lunar nodes and the major life lessons shaping the years ahead. 00:01:00 — Andrea welcomes Helena back and frames the episode as a look ahead to 2026. 00:03:00 — Helena's headline for 2026: innovation, technology, change, and new horizons. 00:04:00 — Why 2025 was the “trailer” and 2026 is the real beginning of a new era. 00:05:00 — AI, technology, and humanity's capacity to adapt to rapid change. 00:07:00 — Uranus entering Gemini and what it means for communication, education, and transportation. 00:09:00 — Seeing two perspectives: why disagreement and duality increase during this cycle. 00:11:00 — A beginner-friendly breakdown of the Sun, Moon, and personal planets in astrology. 00:13:00 — Why AI isn't reliable for astrology (yet) and how to access accurate birth charts. 00:14:00 — The most important dates of 2026: February 15–March 3 and the Saturn–Neptune shift. 00:16:00 — Inner authority, autonomy, and a collective move away from influencers and gurus. 00:21:00 — The lunar node shift into Aquarius and Leo and its impact on power and the collective. 00:27:00 — Pluto in Aquarius and the decline of celebrity culture in favor of everyday authenticity. 00:33:00 — Staying grounded during “information wars” and cultivating intuition as a compass. 00:36:00 — Venus retrograde and Mercury retrogrades: reflection, values, and slowing down to grow. 00:45:00 — Using astrology intentionally to ride energetic waves and accelerate growth. 00:51:00 — Authenticity, selStep Into Clear, Confident ChannelingDiscover a safe and sovereign path to your natural source of higher guidance.This 6-week live course is your foundation for all channeling — a guided journey with Andrea Kennedy and the Emissaries of Light to help you release doubt, anchor trust, and live in alignment with higher wisdom.https://www.mainstreamreiki.com/channel-your-divine-selfAndrea's Links: https://beacons.ai/andrea_kennedy Andrea's Reiki Business Success Course:https://www.mainstreamreiki.com/reiki-business-success-course Visit our website Visit our Amazon Shop Sponsored by The Mainstream Reiki Community https://members.mainstreamreiki.com/ HealthyLine offers revolutionary PEMF and far-infrared mats. Get 10% off and free shipping in the continental US with code "Mainstream10FS". What Resonates? is produced by Twisted Spur MediaAndrea may earn money through Amazon for qualifying purchases.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program do not reflect those of the podcast or anyone affiliated with its production. This program is presented for entertainment purposes only. The utilization of the information provided is at the listener's own discretion.

Today I'm joined by Whitney Faires, internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and executive leader, for a powerful conversation about magnetic presence, authenticity, and real connection. We unpack why being magnetic is not about being loud, why authenticity is not the same as being unfiltered, and how vulnerability builds trust in leadership, sales, and life. We talk relational drift, emotional intelligence, and the small, intentional moments that create loyalty, influence, and impact. You'll leave rethinking how you show up, how you lead, and how connection truly changes everything.https://whitneyfaires.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-faires-14955a38/Let's Stay in Touch! Sign up HERE today!Connect with Barb BettsInstagram: @barbbettsLinkedin: @barbbettsFacebook: @barbarambettsYouTube: youtube/@barbbettsWebsite: www.barbbetts.comBarb Betts is a keynote speaker, CEO, and author who teaches leaders and professionals how to drive growth through authentic, trust-based relationships. With over 23 years of success building multi-million-dollar businesses and leading top-performing sales teams, Barb brings real-world experience and a proven approach to human connection in business. A respected industry leader for more than a decade within the largest trade association in North America, she offers powerful insight into how relationships fuel performance, retention, and results. Barb has worked with top organizations including Fidelity, Fairway Mortgage, Horsepower Brands, LVMH, and Thelios. Her high-energy, actionable keynotes inspire professionals to connect with confidence, lead with authenticity, and transform how they do business—proving that relationships aren't just a soft skill, they're your greatest advantage.

Visit John's website here: https://www.johnkippen.com/View his coaching program here: https://kippencoaching.com/

"Every time I hear the word authentic, I throw up in my mouth a little." That's how Rory Vaden opens this raw and riveting conversation about one of personal branding's most overused—and misunderstood—buzzwords: authenticity. Alongside AJ Vaden, the two co-founders of Brand Builders Group debate, dissect, and redefine what it really means to be authentic in today's digital-first world. Is authenticity just curated vulnerability? Where's the line between connection and oversharing? And how do you know when it's finally time to tell the hard parts of your story? This episode isn't just talk—it's transformation. You'll leave with a practical, powerful framework for sharing your truth with courage, integrity, and intention—without damaging your brand or your relationships. In this episode, you'll discover: The real reason we're all obsessed with "authenticity" (and where it went off track) How to know if you're being honest… or just strategically vulnerable A simple two-rule test to decide if you're ready to share a story publicly Why your hard moments may be your most valuable brand assets The difference between transparency and privacy—and how to protect both If you're building a personal brand in a world full of filters, this episode is your clarity check.   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AUDIOBOOK!

This episode feels like a full-circle moment as I wrap up the final episode of 2025. Before we step into a new year, I take some time to share what's coming up in 2026 for the Let's Talk Yoga and Aham Yoga community. There's a lot unfolding, from a brand-new 300-hour online yoga teacher training to in-person study and international travel, and I wanted to lay it all out clearly so you know what's ahead and how to be part of it.After the updates, I'm joined by Rebecca from the Working in Yoga podcast for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation on creativity in yoga teaching. We explore how teachers can stay innovative without crossing into performance, why reverence still matters, and how professionalism, boundaries, and self-inquiry shape longevity in this work. It's a reflective conversation about teaching, aging, motivation, and remembering why we came to yoga in the first place.Episode Highlights:Exciting Announcements for 2026300 Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training200 Hour In-Person TrainingInternational Yoga Retreat in ItalyTime-Sensitive Updates RecapCreativity in Yoga TeachingBalancing Tradition and CreativityEngagement vs. Entertainment in YogaEvolving Yoga Teaching MethodsStudent Agency and Teacher GuidanceLearning and Teaching YogaExploring Cultural Appropriation in YogaFinding Your 'Why' in Teaching YogaMarkers of Success in Yoga PracticePersonal Motivations and Aging GracefullyThe Importance of Professional BoundariesReverence and Cultural Differences in YogaNavigating Marketing and Authenticity in YogaFinal Thoughts and Upcoming TrainingsWaitlist for the Online 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (launching January)Sequence Smarter – The Living Body of AsanaFor teachers living in India, reach out to Janessa at admin@ahamyoga.com for special local pricingJoin our mailing listFind all the resources mentioned in this episodeConnect with us on Instagram

*Previously aired episode* Ash Patel goes full-send on authenticity in real estate and social media, calling out clickbait growth hacks and the hollow vanity metrics behind them. He unpacks why “generational funds” and decade-long holds often mask weak deals, and why infinite banking is just expensive life insurance dressed up with fancy marketing. Ash also takes aim at sloppy capital raising, urges investors to prioritize net worth over door count or passive-income theatrics, and shares how being real on LinkedIn helped him move capital quickly. The throughline is simple and spicy: authenticity wins, and anything less will cost you. Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/  Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠⁠ Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices