Podcasts about Authenticity

You May Think You have Authentic Leadership… But Reality is You and I are Hiding Things We Don’t Want to Look At What are you hiding — and what is it actually costing you? Not just in your business, but in your marriage, your friendships, the relationship with your own kids. That’s the question at the center of my conversation tomorrow at 5pm Eastern, LIVE on A New Direction, with Tyler Dickerhoof, author of the brand-new book The Things We Hide. If you’ve ever wondered why so many high performers still feel alone at the top, this is a conversation about the hidden barriers to authentic leadership — and how to finally tear them down. Tyler isn’t theorizing about authentic leadership from the sidelines. He built businesses generating over $500 million in combined sales, and sat on John Maxwell’s Network Marketing Advisory Council. But he’ll tell you the whole time he was doing it, he was hiding — behind the results, behind the intensity, behind the belief that his worth was tied to how much he knew and how hard he could push. It took losing his younger brother Joel as a teenager, and decades of pushing people away while pushing through everything alone, before Tyler finally turned around and faced what he’d spent 25 years running from. That turn is exactly what separates performance from authentic leadership.Shorten with AI That’s the real subject of The Things We Hide: the hidden barriers that keep capable, driven people from ever leading — or living — authentically. Tyler breaks it down into what he calls the Four Walls of Insecurity: Intensity, Inactivity, Insensitivity, and Isolation. These are the defense mechanisms so many high achievers mistake for strengths. We’re going to talk about why “intensity is a bulldozer” that clears a path for success but leaves relationships in the wreckage. We’re going to talk about the lie that leadership has to be lonely. And we’re going to unpack his core message, one every leader chasing authentic leadership needs to hear: what you hide controls you, what you face transforms you. So clear your schedule, and join us for a real conversation about hidden barriers, vulnerability, and what authentic leadership actually looks like once the performance drops away. Bring your questions, bring your comments, and bring whatever wall you’ve been hiding behind — because Tyler and I are going to talk about how to tear it down without tearing yourself apart in the process. This isn’t just another leadership interview. Tyler Dickerhoof’s book, “The Things We Hide: A Guide to Identifying Hidden Barriers and Leading with Authenticity” is a deep, insightful view into ourselves that most of us do not want to look at.  And yet, is fundamentally required if we want to achieve both true significance and success. We all have walls.  We all have fears and insecurities.  For most of us we will never admit them throughout our lifetime.  Instead, when our insecurities are triggered, we become intense, maybe we become inactive hoping this will just go away, perhaps it we resort to becoming insensitive because the more calluses that we have we don’t have to feel others’ pain, or maybe we just isolate and disappear.  Maybe it is some combination of all of these. The point is…our insecurities will show up. So what do we do about it?  Well this is where this book separates itself from so many others.  Tyler includes exercises and free assessments in the book that if you choose to take on the mission can start moving you onto the path of true significance, success, and real authentic leadership. This book is not going to be easy.  It is going to challenge you. It is going to make you uncomfortable, but growth comes from being comfortable getting uncomfortable. This book will make you think and help you grow if you choose to follow his guidelines.  I loved every page! Get your copy of The Things We Hide by clicking here! Please reach out to our sponsors and LIKE their social media pages as their financial contributions help keep A New Direction on the air and bring us great guests. Linda Craft Team, REALTORs for more than 40 years their clients and friends have said when it comes to real estate they have “legendary customer service”. Locally owned, and independent of any national brand, they have literally helped people all over the world by finding the best real estate professional in your area.  And because they are independent they are unbiased who they choose because they have relationships with the best agents regardless of company. So, if you live somewhere else, or you live in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, before you sell or buy your home, start with the “legends” that know the local market, and stay on the bleeding edge of technology at Linda Craft Team, REALTORS…you can learn more by going to www.LindaCraft.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Meet Jay Izso Executive Performance Coach  |  Host of A New Direction Every week on A New Direction, I sit down with CEOs, founders, and the researchers behind the science of leadership performance. The conversations go deep. We talk about the decisions that built companies, the mistakes that nearly destroyed them, and the personal breakthroughs that changed everything. But here's what most people don't know about me: the show is an extension of the work I do every day with executives behind closed doors. Who I Am I'm an Executive Performance Coach. I work with CEOs and founders of $5M-$50M companies who have hit a wall they can't explain. The marketing looks fine. The team is capable. The market is there. But the business won't move. The problem, almost every time, is the person running it. I find the personal behavioral patterns that are driving the business dysfunction. Then I help the CEO disrupt those patterns so the company can grow. That's it. No motivational platitudes. No vision boards. Diagnostics, intervention, results. Where This Comes From My approach comes from two places most coaches never set foot in. The farm. I grew up as a farmhand in Ithaca, Nebraska—population 100. I started working at nine years old. By the time I left for college, I'd spent a decade learning that you can't cheat the harvest, pain is part of the job, and the work has to get done whether you feel like it or not. I was fourteen the first time I had to castrate boars. Nobody was going to do it for me. That lesson never left: sometimes you have to do things afraid. The forensic psychology unit. In graduate school at Washington State University, I trained under Dr. Thomas Brigham—co-author of the Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis—in a human behavior lab focused on real-world problems. I then served in a Clinical Psych II role at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington, a forensic setting where I conducted psychological evaluations of individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses. Sixteen months assessing human behavior at its most extreme taught me how to cut through defenses, identify what's really driving someone's decisions, and see what they can't see in themselves.

How do you lead through the ultimate crisis while staying true to yourself?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Meisha Porter—lifelong educator and former NYC Schools Chancellor. Meisha was the first Black woman to lead the nation's largest school district, navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and a mayoral transition.   A proud Black woman and "nurturer of community," Meisha shares the raw truth about the costs of high-level leadership and why "having it all" is a myth.   She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Reject the "Have It All" myth. Success without rest leads to burnout. You must pour back into yourself to stay in the game. •Lead with one version of you. Authenticity is a superpower. Whether on a keynote stage or in the grocery store, Meisha was the same Meisha. •Don't read the comments. Not everyone will like your decisions. Trust your integrity and the love of those who truly know you. •Practice radical self-care. As Audre Lordes shared, self-care is an act of political warfare. Do something selfishly for yourself today.   Through her journey, Meisha reminds us that the most important person to like and love you is you.  

232. Key Differences Between Visibility and Self-Promotion   In this episode of the Visibility Factor Podcast, Sue Barber discusses the critical distinction between visibility and self-promotion, emphasizing the importance of strategic visibility in leadership. She explores how individuals can authentically communicate their value and capabilities to enhance their visibility within their organizations. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to demonstrate their decision-making processes, collaboration, and business impact to gain recognition and trust from their leadership teams. Sue encourages listeners to take actionable steps to improve their visibility and prepare for future opportunities.   Key Takeaways Self-promotion focuses on getting noticed, while visibility is about demonstrating value. Strategic visibility is essential for career advancement and organizational clarity. Authenticity in communication is crucial for effective visibility. Leaders must communicate how they achieve results and why they matter. Demonstrating decision-making and collaboration is key to visibility. Visibility is not about seeking attention but about creating understanding. Preparation for unexpected challenges enhances visibility. Transparency in leadership behaviors fosters trust and recognition. Regularly sharing insights and processes can improve visibility. Taking small steps can lead to significant improvements in visibility.   Connect with Susan M. Barber If this episode resonated with you, share it with another leader who would benefit! You can connect with Susan M. Barber for coaching, leadership development, speaking engagements, and visibility strategy work focused on helping leaders become more influential, trusted, and impactful inside organizations. Check out my books, The Visibility Factor and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook! https://susanmbarber.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching/

Send us Fan MailDave is a former navy SEAL and classically trained actor. He is currently Acting and modeling in NYC, LA and the Southeast.-Podcast Chapters:00:00 Importance of grit in life05:40 Military service and personal growth07:26 Authenticity and self-discovery in acting-More about David MeadowsIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3690667/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdavidbmeadows/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.davidbmeadows.com/-Podcast Summary:Passing The Torch – David MeadowsIn this red carpet edition of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster interviews Navy SEAL and actor David Meadows at the Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The conversation centers on David Meadows's role in the film "Hollywood Grit," which is nominated in multiple categories at the event, including Best Supporting Actor for himself.Key Discussion TopicsTeamwork and Recognition: David Meadows emphasizes his pride in the "Hollywood Grit" team, highlighting that the production involved over 220 people, including 70+ veterans, and expresses deep gratitude for the recognition from the MV Awards 00:46.The Meaning of Grit: Explaining what grit means personally, David Meadows connects it to perseverance through setbacks, adaptability, and continuous growth, noting that these qualities are vital in both military and entertainment fields 01:46.Authenticity and Respect: The discussion explores the challenges of earning respect in both the SEAL Teams and Hollywood. David Meadows identifies authenticity, honor, doing what you say, and treating others well as universal drivers of respect 02:43.Acting Challenges: Reflecting on the roles that pushed him most, David Meadows describes acting as a journey inward, finding and sharing authentic parts of oneself—even those that are vulnerable or unappealing. He shares that his "Hollywood Grit" character, Logan Cowboy, is a particularly close-to-home and demanding portrayal 03:25.Identity and Military Service: David Meadows credits his military service—particularly his time in Special Operations—with fostering personal growth, self-discovery, grit, and authenticity, lessons that prepared him to navigate Hollywood's pressures 05:40.Staying Grounded: On avoiding getting labeled or losing oneself in either the military or entertainment industry, David Meadows stresses the importance of self-awareness, studying oneself, and striving to be an authentic first-rate version of oneself rather than a second-rate imitation of someone else 07:26.The episode closes with mutual appreciation between the host and guest, reinforcing the importance of honoring veterans' contributions to both their country and the entertainment industry.Support the showConnect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartinMore Amazing Stories:Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel------------© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

Do you often mask your true feelings by saying “I'm fine”? Maurice discusses the dangers of falling into robotic routines and explains why honesty, rather than silence, is the true source of professional and personal strength.In This Episode:00:00:00 The Dishonesty of Being Fine00:06:26 Finding Purpose Through ChallengesKey Takeaways:Recognize the signs of living on autopilot to regain your genuine self.Practice radical honesty to build respect and connection with colleagues.Challenge your daily routine by finding small ways to add value and human connection.Embrace vulnerability as a pathway to purpose rather than a sign of weaknes

Join Rob McConnell as he welcomes Cindy Herb, author of Awakening the Spirit: The Open Wide Like a Floozy Chronicles, for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, rediscovering personal strength, and transforming difficult experiences into opportunities for growth. Cindy's story explores the journey from emotional struggle toward greater self-awareness, freedom, and empowerment, demonstrating how dramatically life can change when we begin questioning the beliefs and patterns that have shaped us. With candor, humor, and an unconventional approach to spirituality, Cindy explores what it means to "open wide" to life—becoming receptive to new experiences, possibilities, and ways of understanding ourselves. Her work examines relationships, self-esteem, personal responsibility, forgiveness, and the process of releasing emotional baggage from the past. Rather than allowing previous experiences to define the future, Cindy encourages people to recognize their ability to choose a different direction. During this engaging conversation, Rob and Cindy discuss spiritual awakening, personal transformation, intuition, relationships, self-discovery, healing, and finding purpose after adversity. They explore how humor can help us navigate life's difficult moments, why changing our perspective can transform our experiences, and how becoming more authentic can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. Whether you're facing a major life transition, exploring your spiritual path, or simply wondering how to leave the past behind and embrace new possibilities, this episode of The 'X' Zone Radio Show offers an uplifting and entertaining conversation about resilience and transformation. Join Rob McConnell and Cindy Herb as they explore what happens when we awaken the spirit and learn to open wide to everything life has to offer.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all CANCOM/XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Brent LaJeunesse, a former street cop, entrepreneur, and corporate director of special investigations. They dig into adversity, physical reinvention after 50, and what genuine leadership looks like across three high-stakes careers. Brent shares the frameworks he developed along the way and explains why forging yourself first is the foundation for everything else. Episode Highlights: 2:40 – Brent recounts a harrowing suicide-by-cop incident from his years as a street officer in Edmonton. 1:20 – Breaking down the FORGE framework: Foundation, Ownership, Resilience, Guidance, and Execution. 28:29 – How Brent let his physical fitness slip while building his company and how he rebuilt his edge after 50. 42:09 – Why keeping a quiet promise to yourself is the most powerful first step toward lasting change. Brent LaJeunesse is a former street cop, entrepreneur, and corporate director of special investigations with decades of experience in high-pressure environments. After ten years on the Edmonton Police Service, Brent immigrated to the United States, built two investigation firms, and rose to VP at a national risk management company. At 50, he rebuilt his body and his mindset and channeled those lessons into his FORGE framework and his book Forge After 50. His forthcoming book, Badge to the Boardroom, is available for pre-order. Connect with Brent at brentlajunesse.com. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A two-hour wait in the summer heat. Overpriced churros. A parking lot that takes 45 minutes to escape. And yet - you remember every single ride, every firework, every detail. That's not an accident. That's Disneyland. Disney doesn't create magic through one big moment. They create it through thousands of tiny, intentional details working together. And in this episode, we dig into what that means for B2B marketers with our special guest Kris Lande, CMO at OutSystems. Together, we explore how to design end-to-end customer experiences that people actually remember, why the last impression is the lasting impression, and how to build community into your content strategy in a way no AI-generated campaign can replicate. About our guest, Kris Lande Kris Lande is Chief Marketing Officer of OutSystems, where she leads global marketing strategy and brand growth. With more than two decades of experience driving marketing for high-growth SaaS companies, Kris brings deep expertise in product marketing, category creation, and community-led growth. Before joining OutSystems, Kris spent over 13 years at Salesforce, where she led teams across product marketing, developer relations, and Trailhead. Earlier in her career, she led marketing at Escapia, a SaaS startup later acquired by Expedia. Kris holds a degree in Business Administration and International Business from Washington State University. About OutSystems OutSystems is the Agentic Systems Platform for companies who need to build governed AI apps and agents, fast. Global brands like Heineken and Bosch trust OutSystems every day to build everything from mission-critical life-saving apps to  AI agents that can automate their oldest, clunkiest legacy processes. Essentially, OutSystems gives our customers comprehensive AI tools under one secure roof, turning IT into a fast-moving innovation engine. What B2B Marketers Can Learn From Disneyland: The last impression is the lasting impression. Disney doesn't just nail the opening - they engineer the ending. Kris applies this directly to her event strategy: at OutSystems ONE, their annual conference in Amsterdam, the closing session ended with a full spirit tunnel - staff lining the exit with music, dancing, and high fives. "I want them to walk away feeling gratitude and feeling celebrated and feeling energized as they walked out that door." In B2B, most experiences just... end. The brands that create magic are the ones that design the goodbye. Identify friction points - then design around them, not away from them. Disney doesn't eliminate the wait. They make the queue part of the experience. Kris takes the same approach to events: knowing that European attendees tend to arrive late, her team put a mobile DJ, a saxophone player, and stroopwafels outside the doors before the morning keynote. "We made it a party outside because we knew that was going to be a friction point." The lesson: don't pretend friction doesn't exist. Find it, name it, and design something remarkable around it. Everyone's in marketing - culture is how you deliver on the brand promise. Disney's magic doesn't live in one department. It lives in every cast member, every queue, every trash can placement. Kris ties this to a principle she carries into every team: "Brand is a promise to the customer, and culture is how you actually deliver on that promise." That culture comes through in the SDR call, the webinar, the email copy - everywhere. "I believe everyone's in marketing. As employees, we are representatives of the culture." Quote"When you care and you're passionate about the details, your customers are gonna feel that. They can feel when you care about something. They can feel when you brought fun into something. And if you care, they will care." - Kris Lande Time Stamps [1:35] Meet Kris Lande, CMO at OutSystems [2:08] Why Disneyland? A Non-Disney Adult Makes the Case [4:06] What Is Disneyland? A Brief History of Intentional Experience Design [9:21] The Details That Make the Magic - And What Marketers Can Learn [13:42] Evolving Without Losing What Makes You, You [18:40] The Last Impression Is the Lasting Impression [22:11] Designing Around Friction Points [24:07] Building for the 10th Version, Not Just the First [28:31] Disney's Weenies - And Why Marketers Need Them Too [40:14] Community as Content Strategy [42:38] Authenticity in the Age of AI [45:48] Top Tips for Better Events [48:10] Final Thoughts and Takeaways LinksConnect with Kris on LinkedInLearn more about OutSystems About Remarkable! Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is "Solomon" by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if wellbeing isn't something you find once and hold onto forever, but something you practice—quietly, imperfectly, day by day? In Lasting Wellbeing: Science-Based Practices for Tranquility, Authenticity, Meaning, and Joy, Matt Bloom shares simple, evidence-based ways to build a life with more calm, meaning, and connection. And in Rise and Shine: How to Transform Your Life, Morning by Morning, Kate Oliver and Toby Oliver show how the first few minutes after waking can shape the mood, energy, and intention of the day ahead. Together, these books offer a practical reminder: big change often starts small—and sometimes before breakfast.

What if the life you're living isn't truly your own? In this episode of Coaching In Session, Michael Rearden sits down with Lynda Leonce, authenticity coach, parenting coach, and author of Inside Out Creation, to explore how societal conditioning can disconnect us from who we truly are and how we can begin living from our authentic selves.Lynda shares why authenticity isn't something we create but something we uncover. Together, they discuss how self-awareness, curiosity, and intentional reflection help us peel away limiting beliefs, reconnect with our inner truth, and become more present in every area of life. They also explore the role parents play in helping children develop authenticity instead of conformity and why the journey inward is one of the most rewarding paths we can take.If you're ready to stop living by other people's expectations and start living with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose, this conversation will help you begin that journey.What You'll Learn What authenticity really means  How societal conditioning shapes our identity  Why self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth  Helping children develop authentic confidence  The role of curiosity in self-discovery  How journaling supports authentic living  Why perfectionism blocks authenticity  Practical ways to reconnect with your true self Key Takeaways✅ Authenticity is discovered by removing layers not creating a new identity.✅ Self-awareness helps reveal limiting beliefs and conditioned thinking.✅ Parents can help children embrace authenticity instead of conformity.✅ Curiosity is one of the greatest tools for personal transformation.✅ Living from your truth creates greater fulfillment and inner peace.Lynda Leonce's Guest LinksWebsite – https://www.livefromyourtruth.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LiveFromYourTruthYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@LiveFromYourTruthInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/livefromyourtruth/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynda-leonce/TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@livefromyourtruthLive From Your Truth - https://www.livefromyourtruth.com/(Learn more about Lynda Leonce's authenticity coaching, mentorship programs, workshops, and her book Inside Out Creation. Explore resources designed to help you reconnect with your authentic self, strengthen self-awareness, and begin living from your truth.) Explore More With Michael ReardenWebsite – https://revenconcepts.com/Podcast – https://coachinginsession.buzzsprout.com/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/revenconcepts/Work With Michael Rearden - https://www.revenconcepts.com/Listen for more conversations that help you strengthen your mindset, deepen your self-awareness, build authentic confidence, and create lasting personal and professional growth. Send us a MessageSupport the showWebsite: www.Revenconcepts.comEmail: Coachinginsession@gmail.comYoutube: @RevenconceptsDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with others who would benefit from it!

With just a little over a month away from the 2026 Independent Hotel Show Miami taking place, special guest and President of Staypineapple Hotels Inc., Dina Belon, joins the Suite Spot to discuss the Stayepineapple brand, the independent hotel industry, and what she is looking forward to from IHS Miami 2026! Ryan Embree: Welcome to Suite Spot, where hoteliers check in and we check out what’s trending in hotel marketing. I’m your host, Ryan Embree. Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Suite Spot. This is your host, Ryan Embree. Back for another edition of season two of our independent hotel show series, where we are getting geared up and ready for that annual tradition down in Miami Beach at the Independent Hotel Show. We cannot wait. We’re gonna talk a little bit about it with our guests. We actually met for the first time in person last year at this event. We’re able to spend some time with her. Dina Belon, president at Staypineapple Hotels. Dina, thank you so much for joining me back on The Suite Spot. Dina Belon: Oh, thank you so much for inviting me, Ryan. This is amazing. I’m so excited. We had such a good time in Miami last year, it was a blast and, uh, talking to you felt like I was talking to a friend. Ryan Embree: Well, I appreciate it. I feel the same. Just honored to be speaking with you here. And I can’t believe we’re here. It’s we’re just months away from the Independent Hotel Show. It’s gonna be bigger, better than ever. We’re excited about it. We’re gonna talk about it. But we did have you on for the first time, so we had the opportunity. Usually, I start these episodes by a little bit of a background and kind of an introduction, but I’m gonna start a little unorthodox today. There was a post that I saw on LinkedIn, which by the way, for our Suite Spot listeners, make sure you say, uh, you follow Staypineapple Hotels and Dina. Great follows on LinkedIn. But there’s an, an article called Everything Staypineapple Hotels Dina Belon Does in a Day. And I thought that was such a cool and creative idea and concept. Talk to us a little bit about how that idea originated and give us a day in life. What is it like to be Dina Belon? Dina Belon: Well, I tried to be very honest. Hopefully it was fun too. I, there’s a lot of humor in my day, and so hopefully that came across. Um, the magazine, uh, that’s a local magazine here in, uh, east, the east side of Seattle and Bellevue and Kirkland area of Washington does those highlights of leaders in the area, um, on a regular basis. So it was fun, uh, a little stressful because you had to, like, take photographs and, you know, kind of just walk through your day. Um, I loved, though, really integrating my pets, because they’re a big part of my life. And so it started off with Molly waking me up at 5:45, which is actually what she does every morning. About 15 minutes before my alarm goes off, my little kitty cat starts yelling at me about wanting water. Um, so yeah, all the way until, you know, 8:00 at night and a lovely glass of wine with my husband. And all the shenanigans in the middle. Ryan Embree: Yeah. And I think it’s so cool because I think it, you know, we obviously work in the people business, right? In hospitality. Uh, we host people from all over the world, all different walks of life. Um, but to see, you know, sometimes, uh, I think right now, especially right now, right, when there’s all this talk of AI and technology and stuff like that, it’s really refreshing to see our industry leaders. And I get that. I have the, the privilege of getting that, interviewing some of the industry leaders when they talk to me about their, you know, beginnings and, and how maybe they started as a bellman or a front desk agent or fell into the industry. And I think the more that we can kind of humanize and show that these are people that really have a true passion for serving other people. Um, and then on the other side of the front desk, the guests that come into our lobbies, they are people too, whether they’re on a work trip, where they’re trying to escape. You know, sometimes it, it’s refreshing to take, take a beat and think about that. And that’s exactly what this article did for me because it is, you know, even though we’re hospitality, we’re in it, the hustle bustle, 365, twenty four seven. We’re still people, right? Yeah. We’re still people with our pets and, and, and our, uh, you know, what we like to do. Um, so it was a really cool, I think, uh, refreshing look. I wa – I definitely wanted to bring that in. Br – um, and, and your love of pets, it goes right along with your brand, uh, Staypineapples Hotel. And, you know, I’ve come to know and love through your content, your keynotes at the Independent Hotel Show, uh, following you on LinkedIn. For those audience members that might not be as familiar, uh, share with us, uh, a little bit about what makes Staypineapple Hotels so unique and one of a kind. Dina Belon: Yeah. So we are the opposite of corporate uniformity, uniformity. Uh, we’re really about, you know, a boutique sp – hotel experience with a lot of personality. Um, so one of the things that we’re well known for is the naked experience, um, which is, uh, a little eye-opening to a lot of people, but all it really is, is a fun, cheeky, which we like to do, uh, marketing way to talk about our bed and our bedding and our linen and our terry is so comfy, cozy and amazing, you’ll wanna sleep naked. Um, so it, and we give you an, a big cuddly robe so that you don’t come to the door naked. Ryan Embree: There you go. Dina Belon: Um, so that, that’s, that’s very indicative of the Staypineapple personality. Um, we’re also, um, not just pet friendly, we’re dog obsessed. Um, so we, uh, really go over the top with our pet program. We have a partnership with Soundz, S-O-U-N-D-Z, uh, that is, um, uh, sounds, uh, in music – Sure. That, um, pets like and that calm them when they feel nervous, um, that is available for guests, uh, at no cost, a 14-day, uh, free trial. And then, um, we have a partnership with, uh, an emergency veterinary, uh, service called Veg. Um, of course, you get beds and bowls and treats and, um, water bottles and poop bags and all kinds of stuff when you bring, uh, your furry friend. Although we’re dog obsessed, we also love kitty cats too. I have two kitty cats and two dogs. So, um, we, yeah, we’re, we’re pretty over the top with the pet thing. And then we have a, we have a number of the properties that have, uh, hotel dogs as well. Um, so one of the management staff ha – brings their dog to work every day and has really become a, a core team member. Um, you wouldn’t believe how many reviews we get, uh, with our, our furry, uh, friends being, uh, listed as their favorite part of the hotel. Ryan Embree: Yeah. I’ve seen them at trade show nows at industry trade shows. Yeah. You’ll have, like, a puppy break. Uh, brilliant. Brilliant. Dina Belon: It’s my favorite thing. Ryan Embree: Yeah. It just gets people in, in, in a happy mood. People love it. So, uh, and, and the focus of, of the dog obs – dog obsessed, um, i- i- is, is so smart. I mean, p – you know, people. We always think about how stressful travel is, obviously, from a logistics and s – and people standpoint, but obviously on our pets too. They’re in a place that they’ve never been before. Um, they don’t know that they’re heading across the country or even down the road. They’re in somewhere unnatural. So that’s really, really cool that you can kind of make them feel at ease there. And, and I’m sure the guest feedback, uh, from that has been really, really great to see. Um, now, you talked about, um, Staypineapple being a, a very unique boutique brand. Um, I noticed one word you didn’t mention in there, which is, uh, independent or non-branded. Uh, you prefer the term unchained. And I wanna explore that a little bit. I don’t wanna give you too much, uh, of a question. I, I’d like, like you to kinda run with that. Why do you prefer unchained to maybe independent segment or non-branded? Dina Belon: So to me, independent, non-branded, um, you know, indicates that we’re small or we’re isolated or, um. And, and I think it’s, um, diminishing to 30% of the hotel sector, which is truly unchained in both term, both ways that that term can be used. One, we are not attached to a chain in literal terms, but we’re also unchained from a limitation perspective. I think what is so amazing about the independent or the in – the unchained sector of the market to the guest is the founders, the visionaries, the leadership teams, the hotel teams at these hotels put their lifeblood and their passion and their vision and their belief in hospitality into these properties and into the experiences guests are gonna get. It is not a corporate ownership that is managed by a brand that has 5,000 other w – hotels just like it. And, you know, the onsite hotel team has reams of binders to tell them how to do their job. Um, we believe very much in no SOPs. Um, we have, uh, ultimate SOP. It’s do the next right thing. That’s the SOP for Staypineapple. It’s that simple. Just do the next right thing. We help the team understand that a little bit with kind of some guidelines, which is what is the best thing for you and your colleagues? What is the best thing for the guests? And what is the best thing for the business? And if you frame that question, those questions under do the next right thing, anybody can make the right decision at any moment, at every level of the organization. When we talk about empowerment, it isn’t, you know, we’ve given you a toolkit. I always loved this, because I worked in, in the brands. Um, and we always had a toolkit. You had a toolbox full of things that you could use to solve a problem. Well, I don’t need to give you a toolbox. You are a grown person that is a professional in the hospitality industry and you’ve entered this industry with a passion for people. Why would I tell you how to do your job, um, in every aspect with books of SOPs? Instead, I should get out of your way and let you be who you are in an authentic way. Because that connects with people. If, uh, you know, we put, we put people in our industry in a blazer, a Navy blazer, and a name tag, and tell them, “This is how you answer the phone. This is how you greet somebody. This is how you do this.” Basically, you’re a representation of the brand, so you need to fit in this box. Well, I believe in a different hospitality, in a hospitality that is, um, grounded in, um, real people and real human beings and, and mistakes even, and quirkiness, and stuff that you wouldn’t necessarily, uh, engage in or experience in your normal life. That’s why you’re traveling. You wanna experience different things and new things. You’re going to a new place. And so we don’t have, um, dress. We don’t have uniforms for our front of house team members. We do for back of house simply because we don’t want the back of house team to have to ruin their own clothes because the engineers get their clothes snagged and the housekeepers get their clothes dirty and, you know, so it’s more just to take care of our team. But, um, the front of house team doesn’t have uniforms. They get to wear their own clothes to work. That’s another idea. It’s like, I want you to be you, but wear this black polo shirt that makes you look like everybody else. Or Navy Blazer that makes you look everybody, right? Like the entire concept of what we think is normal and standard in our industry is the antithesis of what we’re trying to create as an experience for a guest. Um, so it’s really important to us, you know, you can have colored hair and ear piercings and tattoos. And I remember early in my career, it was always, um, I love to tell this story. Um, the, the dress code, because I was a manager, so I was allowed to wear my own clothes, but the dress code was, had to have, um, pants or a skirt, uh, a, a jacket, had to have a blazer, and it had to be of solid color. So what I’ve got on today would not have applied. Um, my shoes could not have open toes and an open heel, one or the other. And I had to have pantyhose on. So I lived in Florida. I remember I stopped wearing pantyhose at some point because they were hot. And so I, I actually had an HR person, uh, come up to me and say, “By the way, um, we’ve, we’ve noticed that you’re not meeting the dress code.” And I just turned around and looked at her and I was like, “Those things make me sweat. I have to be out by the pool sometimes. I have to be outside. It’s too hot. I’m not wearing them. Fire me.” Ryan Embree: Yeah. Yeah. Dina Belon: That was the end of pantyhose in our dress code. I was like, “Good luck with that.” Ryan Embree: Right. And I’m sure the person on the other side, you know, it, it, they were just obviously following the guidelines – Right. And the standards of what was put before them. And you’re absolutely right, Dina. You know, the, the one thing that we talk about all the time, and you talk to. Uh, I’ve talked to industry leaders about is, you know, what makes your management company brand property so great? Usually the first thing they say is they’re people. Yet, when you’re putting those people in a box, how great can they actually be, right? Every property is so different because of the individuals that make up that property. Um, so, you know, that thought process is, is so brilliant to, to think of the individualism and the passion can kind of shine through because it’s those stories that you talked about in the unchained or the independent sector that, that reason why I, this is one of my favorite series, because I get to sit and talk to independent hoteliers and, and hear their stories, their struggles, their challenges, but also their successes, their passions, where they built this, this property that has been, you know, where they’ve had these struggles, but they’ve gotten over the hump and they just love it so much and you can just see it come out in that, that, uh, conversation. It’s, and sometimes very different. Nothing to knock the brands, but sometimes very different when you’re talking to a GM of a branded hotel. Um, and it’s m- maybe just a stop on, on their way to the career. So it is one piece of advice I hear all the time is if you’re a hospitality professional out there, you know, maybe explore the independent hotel down the road. You know, get some good experience there. It’ll, you’re definitely gonna learn a lot, that’s for sure. Yeah. Um, you’re gonna get a lot of – Well, it depends on – Yeah. Dina Belon: Yeah, what you like, right? And I agree with you. One isn’t right or wrong. I spent the vast majority of my career in the, in the branded hotel space. Um, and I just found my happy place in – Sure. In the independent space, right? I, because I was always bucking the rules when I worked in the brands. And I didn’t, I didn’t even know what boutique and. I, I though boutique hotels were just little. Like, I literally, when I started at Staypineapple, I love the story too. ‘Cause when I started, I was like, “I’m gonna come in and show them how to write SOPs and, and brand standards, and we’re gonna standardize this, and we’re gonna scale it, and it’s gonna be, you know, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.” I had, I told, because I had spent my whole career in that space. Um, I believed passionately in brand standards when I started at Staypineapple. And I remember, um, our CFO telling me, “Do not say the word brand standard. You will send Michelle off the deep end.” Michelle is our founder. Yeah. And I was like, “What? I don’t understand.” Yeah. “How could you not have brand standards? How do you even operate this place without brand standards?” Right? Right. Um, and, and it took me a couple of years to really internalize what the difference in the business model is. Again, one is not right or wrong. They both have their strengths. But if you’re, uh, a free spirit, if you’re somebody. Like we hire for three things. Authenticity. Like your. First of all, people underestimate the willingness to be authentic. If you have been trained to put on a mask when you go to work and, and almost be an actor and play a part at the hotel, it’s very difficult to take that mask off and, and allow the vulnerability of being yourself. ‘Cause if somebody rejects you when you’re being yourself, it hurts a lot more than if a guest rejects you and yells at you when you have a mask on. That’s a Ryan Embree: Great point. Dina Belon: You’re being somebody else, right? Yeah. So it’s a harder position for our team members, I think, to be their authentic selves. Um, the next is really critical thinking. The ability to problem solve and, and, and be creative and figure out ways to, um. We know to say yes. That’s one of our sayings. We notice. We know how to say yes. Yes is not always a direct yes. Sometimes you have to go around to get to yes, but we know how to do that. And that’s all about creativity and critical thinking. And then really, the last one, um, I think is underserved in our industry, which is emotional intelligence. Um, that ability to read people. And, and it connects to that critical thinking, right? If I can, if I can, uh, connect with you on an emotional level and understand you better, understand your psychographics as a person, which is much deeper than that you like Diet Coke, right? I want to know things deeper than that about you. Then I can use that emotional intelligence to be creative and create, create hyper-personalized experiences for you. That is something that I think isn’t. It. The industry in general, particularly on the branded side, does not foster in our industry. If those things are interesting to you, then go check out the independent or unchained space, because I think you’ll be a lot happier coming from a recovering brand employee. Ryan Embree: Ryan Embree: Yeah. I, I love that. I love everything about that. I mean, those skills are. I mean, it’s, it’s at the core of hospitality, um, especially the emotional intelligence. And I think y- you’re absolutely right. It’s a skill needed now more than ever, by the way. Um, and it’s gonna get trickier to navigate. So we’ll be those, those younger, um, hospitality professionals and, you know, at, at, at any age, really, that invest that time and effort into honing in that skill that are gonna, that are gonna see successes there. Um, I wanna, I wanna take, uh, a step back, Dina, and kinda look at the hospitality landscape right now for independent and, or unchained, uh, uh, hotels. Where do you see opportunity in today’s landscape? And then maybe where are some of the bigger challenges that, that they’re coming up against? Dina Belon: Sure. So I think one of our biggest opportunities I just mentioned, which is hyper-personalization, um, we really look at this, i- if you kinda start at the beginning of the process of how you do hyperpersonalization. Um, it really starts with zero-party data for us. Uh, every brand or every group or every, you know, independent hotel is different, um, in their philosophy on this. I’ve certainly, um, experienced and, um, met with people that do research on their guests online. They look up your Facebook page. They check you out and see what you might be talking about. Um, we have decided to take the approach that we only wanna use data that you have freely and willingly given us. Um, so we communicate with our guests a lot, um, when we can. So there’s a little bit of a differentiator here when we talk about this. Um, if you’re coming in as an Expedia or a Booking.com guest, probably not getting this experience because we don’t have, we don’t have much information about you, and those OTAs don’t like to share. So, but if, uh, you’ve stayed with us before or it’s a direct booking, then we have communicated with you, um, in a way that is fun and cheeky and kinda starts to get you. Um, w- we like to, we like to encourage kind of a pre-arrival experience that is, um, engaging and, and, and gets you kind of primed for what Staypineapple is gonna be like. So you’re not, like, smacked in the fa – you know, you’re expecting a Marriott courtyard and you’re smacked in the face with Staypineapple. Ryan Embree: Right. You got a dog running up to you and yeah. Um, Dina Belon: So one of the things we do is ask a very open-ended question, um, in a pre-arrival email to all of our, uh, direct booking guests. And it says, um, basically in a cheeky way, I don’t remember exactly how it’s phrased, but it’s why you come in to stay with us. And you would be shocked at the amount of information that people share with us and, like, get into deep personal things and tell us all kinds of stuff. That is a trevor – treasure trove of information. Again, that’s stuff that matters. Not whether Jack Daniels is your favorite, you know, liquor. Uh, like, I wanna know that you’re. What, what do you volunteer for? What, what are you passionate about? What do you care about? Are you married? Do you have kids? You know, like, the things that, that you really, really make you who you are, right? That’s, that’s what we really look at for hyper-personalization and allows our team to use their creativity. So that’s just step one, right? Gotta have the information. And then two, you have to have a culture of people that are encouraged and inspired to be creative, to do fun, interesting things, not just deliver a bottle of wine to your room. What? Ryan Embree: Yeah. Dina Belon: Right? Um, like, do something that’s about me, not about you. It, like, that’s what I always say. To me, the bottle of wine in the room is about you buying my loyalty. It’s about you as a hotel. It’s not about me as an individual. So everything should be about the individual and about what makes them excited or happy or feel welcome or feel like they belong, um, there. How many times have you walked into a hotel and you felt like there was a cool club and you didn’t belong? Ryan Embree: Mm. Yeah. Dina Belon: So awful. It is the worst thing about hotels, I think. One of the other things that I just find, um, disheartening about our, our industry is that many people that are not related to the hotel business think you can’t go in a hotel if you’re not a guest. That’s so sad to me, right? Like, there’s, there’s this perception of a barrier, and it’s the opposite of what we should be. Like, we believe our hotels are very much a community hub. And so we encourage the community to come into the hotel. And we don’t even, we don’t have a lot of food and beverage. And some of our properties don’t have any. Some have just limited. We have a few full-service restaurants, but it’s not about us wanting to make money in our restaurants. It’s about us wanting to create an atmosphere in the hotel that is engaging and activating for the guests that are coming. ‘Cause the guests wanna interact with locals. They don’t want to interact with somebody from New York – Right. When they’re in Seattle. They wanna hang out with Seattle people, right? Yeah. So it’s, it’s a real win-win model, but you have to turn, you have to turn that barrier so many people think exists. Ryan Embree: Well, you touched on two things there, Dina, that at the core of this independent hotel show series, it really comes back to, which is loyalty, you know, just fierce, fierce loyalty for inde – I mean, the type of loyalty that I hear from guests talking about independent hotels is very different from the other points or nights that I’m, that I’m hearing in, on the other side of it. And, and it’s a depth that will be word of mouth. I mean, when you talk about word of mouth, like, that is the ultimate s – what marketing can’t buy, right? That storytelling that they’re going to be able to provide you champions of your brand and advocates for your hotel. Uh, the second thing is local community engagement and getting the community on board with what you do. I see it no greater place than Miami when we’re at, at the independent hotel show. And they talk about trying to just infuse that Miami culture into their own properties. And it does attracts a lot of locals. And, and you’re absolutely right. It’s, there’s a parallel where probably somewhere where you, where we talk a lot about reputation and people being scared of those one-star, two-star, or even negative feedback in any sense of it, embracing that and saying, “I don’t want one-star reviews, but I wanna see the negative feedback so that I can fix it, right? I want those, I want those locals to come into my hotel. Um, I don’t wanna put that barrier up because I wanna be that community hub. I love that. So what about any challenges you think right now? Dina Belon: Yeah, I think, um, the, there’s, there’s a number of challenges. I mean, I can, I can talk about the obvious, the headwinds on inflation, the cost of human and financial capital, maintaining service quality while we’re trying to maximize profit. Yeah. I like all of the blah, blah, blah. All of the, Ryan Embree: Yeah. All those talking points. Dina Belon: Yeah. They’re not very fun topics though. Um, honestly, I think the most interesting topic right now is really AI. And I do think it’s our biggest risk, particularly in our, our world of this unchained or independent hotel space. It’s the biggest risk we have, and it’s also the biggest opportunity. And it could go either way. And I think it will probably go hard one way or the other. It won’t be somewhere in the middle. And the reality is, is AI, AI search, which is kind of where we’re at right now, not, we’re not really to the point of bookings starting a little tiny bit. But, um, AI search is focused on very deep, complex, broad data about a hotel. So a, a person, and it really starts with the search parameters. You’re going from keyword search, like, I’m going to Seattle and I wanna be near Pioneer Square, to, I’m interested in a boutique hotel with a cool vibe that has a restaurant and provides a great sleep experience. Those two searches are completely different and is where the threat and the opportunity comes from. The opportunity is, as the hotel owner, operator, you have the best opportunity to create very deep content that is searchable by an AI. Compared to Booking.com and Expedia and all the others, their scale just does not allow them to create that kind of deep content for every hotel on their site, right? So you can create a higher value for the AI search to go to your website over somewhere else that it can go find your hotel. You might still find your hotel, but you’d rather get the booking. Um, direct and get the AI sending the guests to your website to check out the hotel than to booking.com ‘s website to check out. So that’s where the opportunity is. Threat is very real that the big brands and the OTAs have the pocketbooks, bandwidth, the resources to win at this fight and come in and put themselves between us and our guests. And so I think both at a legislative level, all the way down to individual property advocacy and elevating your voice online and everything in between, every hoteler, hotelier needs to be paying attention to. Because in the next five years, you could lose, you could lose the connection to your guests prior to arriving. And that, for us, that would ruin a huge part of our experience. Like we have pre-arrival concierge that helps you curate and plan your experience for your whole trip, not just your hotel stay. All of that would be for naught if I can’t communicate with my guests. Ryan Embree: 100%. Yeah. Uh, seismic shift happening, technologics pl – like shifting beneath us. Uh, I think you’re absolutely where it’s gonna impact everyone from the big brands all the way down to the small independent hotel who, who thinks, “Oh, this is, this isn’t coming for me. It’s gonna have wide ranging effects. It’ll be very, very interesting to see.” But share your concern, but also hopefully that little bit of hope there too, that it, it does go that right way and hospitality stays in, in somewhere where we come to know and, and love our industry. I wanna shift gears. Another thing I’ve, uh, learned about you over the years following your content and your career is your work, uh, inspiring, empowering the next generation of female hospitality professionals. Dina, I’ve seen you on stage at, at multiple panels, uh, a- a- around this subject. Tell us a little bit about the work you do behind the scenes and any tips you would share for up and coming Suite Spot female listeners or just the listeners in general here. Dina Belon: Yeah, I do. I love this topic. I, I love to empower women. Um, I think, uh, uh, we’re, we’re a force in this industry, um, and our voice should be heard. Um, so I, I like to support other women by a couple of things. Um, you’ll, you’ll, you’ll start to notice, I like to simplify things down to like one, two, three points at most. Yeah, I like it. Um, because I think it’s the way the human brain works. Sure. And the best way we can kind of, uh, create change – Yeah. Is by having a very focused, uh, approach to it. I really like self-advocacy, um, and encouraging women to self-advocate, because I think in general, this is a generalization because it’s not all women, but in general, we’re not great at it. Um, men are much better at self-advocacy than women. There’s been all kinds of study and research done on that. Um, and it’s a huge part of why women are paid less, why women are promoted less, because they just don’t ask. They don’t raise their hand. Um, and so I. And then the, the second point kind of ties in, which is leading by example. And so I think I love to tell stories about my career when self-advocacy was a benefit to me and how I got to where I am. And I’m afraid of it too. Let me tell all the female listeners I am not great at self-advocacy. Um, I’ve learned to do it over the years while I’m kind of gritting my teeth in the back of my mouth. Um, but I, there’s been a number of times when, you know, the really, the places where my career really took off, um, I stood up for myself and I raised my hand and I said, “I can do that.” Or, “I can even do more than what you asked me for.” So I’ll give you an example. Um, when I was at Wyndham, um, we, we acquired another company that did the same thing as we did. Um, and we were looking at how to create efficiency and blah, blah, blah. One was in Seattle and one was in Florida. And I was in the Florida office and I was asked, and we were the acquirer, so we acquired the company in Seattle. And so I was asked to fly out to Seattle and check out how my division, which we did all the renovation work and capital improvements and stuff like that, how my division would work with the group in Seattle. And so off I went on a plane and met with them and talked to them and figured out how they did things and figured out how we did things. Um, and so the ask was like, how do we merge the two and how do we create some efficiency? And I came back with a combined team that had me at the top of it with a promotion to vice president. It was really hard for me to do. It was a little bit easier because I gotta do it in writing and send it in and I didn’t have to say it out loud. Um, but it worked. And it was the first VP role I ever had. I was one of the youngest vice presidents at Wyndham. I remember the first time I went to the all leadership meeting, which was, happened once a year at Wyndham. There was 500 people there. This is vice presidents and above. Um, that’s how large the organization is. Um, that’s less than 5% of the employment base of the company. Um, and I was one of the youngest and I was one of the few women that were in the room. And I was blown away by that factor. And I went, “I, I need to work at do- doing something about this. I need to help other women.” ‘Cause particularly 20 years ago probably, um, there was a little bit more sharp elbows among women. There were so few seats in leadership that we were competing for them. And I think women weren’t as good as we are today at lifting everybody up instead of competing with each other. Adding more chairs at the table instead of competing for the one that a woman is gonna fail, fill. Um, so those, I think, are really my biggest things that I recommend younger women focus on is be an example to other women around you, above you, below you, beside you, I don’t care. Advocate for yourself. Advocate for other women and support each other. Um, don’t compete with each other. Ryan Embree: Yeah, I love that. I love that story. And I think we, you know, it’s inspiring to hear those, right? Because it, it can be scary sometimes. Um, but to hear those, those stories, those real life, um, you know, personal, uh, examples in front of you, those are the things that maybe get you that extra bit of confidence there. And it’s, it’s very, very cool to see. So, uh, appreciate your work there. And, um, you know, ex- excited to, to share that with those tips for the audience. Definitely wanted to, to, um, go into that topic a little bit. Um, but this is the Independent Hotel Show series. We might change your episode to say Unchained Hotel Series. But, uh, we’ll, we’re gonna. This is. We’re talking today about the Independent Hotel Show happening this year, September 16th and 17th. Uh, Miami Beach. Remember, listeners, uh, don’t forget to use promo code Ryan26. That’s for a complimentary, uh, registration. Dina, you’re on the advisory board. You’ve been a long time supporter of this show. What inspired you? Take me back to when you were first kind of asked to get involved with the show. Uh, what inspired you to get in, like, first involved with it? And how do you see it supporting independent hoteliers? Dina Belon: Yeah. I was, uh, introduced to it before the very first one and asked to be on the advisory board. And it was an immediate yes, and yes, what can I, what can I do to help? Because I knew that there was a gap in our industry in the independent space for a place for independents to get together and have real conversations and real opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. We’re so isolated, um, in, in many ways. Like, we don’t have a mothership to create all of the stuff, the, you know, programs or education or philosophy or how do you do this? Or what do you do with that? Or, you know, how do you get mustard stains out of the towels? You know, like, anything. Like, we don’t have a mothership that helps us, that hands us a bunch of stuff and tells us how to do it. Each of us are creating all of this on our own. And that’s part of what makes our sector of the industry so unique and great, is that you get a different experience at every property because they’re all created through a visionary process. But there’s also a lot that we could share best practices and adapt what somebody else is doing to what we’re doing. I, like, I love to talk to, um, suppliers and vendors and tech companies, um, that reach out to me all the time because I learn from them. I learn what they’re doing, um, how one of their customers is doing something. You know, like, we constantly have a need for new knowledge and collaboration in our space that didn’t exist. And so this show is one of the only things that are really in our space focused on us and give us the opportunity to do that. It is an incredibly good show. It’s so well curated from, uh, an educational perspective, from the sessions. There’s multiple stages. Um, everything is in one room, which I love. Um, you can, you know, you can be listening to a panel discussion that’s really energizing, and then you’ve got a 10-minute break and you can run over and see a vendor that you wanted to talk to because you’ve only got 10 minutes. And then you get, you know, it’s not spread out. It’s not like the big shows where, you know, you’re gonna have to walk 10 miles to get to something. And the people that are there care and are focused on the independent space. So you’re also not gonna get the eye rolls and the you’re too small and we don’t care about you, and oh, you’re not part of Marriott, uh, you know, conversation, whether with vendors or with anybody, right? The, the people that are here are passionate about this part of the industry and are ready and willing to help anybody that comes to the show improve what they’re doing. Uh, like, I love helping other independent hoteliers, uh, in any way I can. In any context, talking about distribution, talking about guest service, talking about, you know, any, any part, because there are enough customers out there for all of us. I know we’re competitors, but, um, helping, helping everybody lift is a much better strategy than trying to elbow somebody out. Ryan Embree: Absolutely. We’re all in it together. 100% agree. And it’s funny, you know, you were mentioning at the, at the top of the answer about, you know, how independent hotels don’t have some of these resources that the big brands do. Uh, you know, one of the, one of the common things that big brands do is have an annual conference, right? And they get everybody together and, and share ideas and challenges. This is like the annual conference for independent hotel shows. So it’s a sense of belonging. Um, it’s a different energy. It’s a different. It’s, it’s a different type of, uh, uh, of event. Um, it. So real quick, first, uh, tip for any first time attendees that, uh, might be going. Dina Belon: Yeah. Um, I think two. Again, I love my, my two or three points. Um, be curious. So show up curious, um, and, and open and willing to share. Um, because that’s what your, your analogy to a brand conference is perfect because, um, that’s what we’re there to do is help each other. Um, and being curious will help you just be a sponge and take things in. Um, use, use AI in this scenario, um, and help have an AI assistant help you, an electronic one in your pocket, help you remember all the stuff that is gonna come at you because it’s gonna come like a fire hose and it’s gonna be really hard to remember it all when you get home. Um, I use Pocket for anybody who cares. It’s a little tiny device that I literally keep in my pocket. And I push it anytime I have an idea, I can just talk into it. Or I can push it if I’m having an interesting conversation with somebody and it’ll record that conversation. Of course, I ask the person before I do it. Um, but right? So that it, so that you’re, you’re capturing all of that interesting, cool ideas and, um, vendors and sup – you know, people that can support you. Um, it, walk away from an interaction with somebody and they’ve handed you their business card. Take your little device. It can be your phone too, but however you wanna do it and say, “I just met Ryan with Suite Spot and I really wanna be on his podcast. I need to reach out to him after when I get back.” And then your little AI will give you a to-do when you get back, uh, home. So that’s, that’s my number one tech tip. Um, and then I think the other, the opposite of that, which is a little challenging sometimes, is set the technology down and be present and be aware and pay attention. And don’t be on your phone answering emails from your staff back at your hotel. Like, I know it’s super hard to disconnect and, and be present while you’re at the conference, but you’ll gain a lot more if you’re there and you’re listening and you’re talking. Like, if you go to some of the educational sessions, raise your hand, ask questions. Make a point. Don’t even ask a question. If you’ve got an idea that the panel needs to hear, raise your hand and say it. Um, because it’s a, it’s a dialogue. This isn’t a. There’s, you know, we don’t have the president of Marriott and the president of Wyndham sitting on a panel telling us all how to do things. We’re all collaborators that are telling how we’re doing things and wanting to hear how you’re doing it and figuring out how we can share, share those ideas. So be present. Ryan Embree: That, that’s a great. Yeah, that’s a great mindset to, to enter this show into. My tip is gonna be make sure you see Dina Bellin on stage, uh, because she’s gonna be there once again. You’re gonna be moderating a powerhouse panel. Hospitality is not a department. Um, give us a sneak preview, if you can, of what that discussion might unpack and maybe your thoughts on the topic. Dina Belon: Yeah. It’s really gonna be, you know, about how hospitality is a culture. It’s not a silo. It’s, um, it’s really formed over time through behavior and modeling. Um, it’s not training manuals. It’s not a poster on the wall. It’s values. Um, it’s about, um, really taking everybody in your organization, whether it’s ops, which always seems obvious, but the finance departments, you know, HR, uh, the marketing team. Like, is everybody aligned to your mission and values as an organization? And you as a leader, are you practicing, as a lifestyle, the culture of your organization? So hospitality is not about the ops department. It is about the entire organization following a. Identifying first, have you identified? Right? So, like, our mission at Staypineapple is where stays become stories. Um, it’s a cute, cute way to say it, but it is in very real terms. We want your stay to be so impactful and so memorable that it becomes a lifetime story for you and your family. That kind of connection, that kind of sense of belonging, that kind of emotional feeling, um, is what we’re after, and that’s our mission. And so, if I’m not living that lifestyle every day as the leader of the organization, and our CFO, and our accountant, and our HR, uh, manager aren’t living that lifestyle, how can we ask the hotel teams to live it? Ryan Embree: Yeah. Great point. Yeah, it’s, I mean, it’s hospitality, right? And what we’re always trying to, to try to accomplish, uh, at the end of a guest day is to really, uh, not just, not just feel, feel the, the hospitality, feel the s – the, uh, uh, the, the service that we were providing them. Uh, not just feeling like they, they stayed in, you know, four rooms in a, four rooms in a box, right? That’s, that’s what – Yeah. The old saying. Dina Belon: How many hotels have you forgotten – Ryan Embree: Right. That’s a wonderful point. Wonderful point. And a great segue into our next, because I think you’ve got an unforgettable, um, uh, portfolio over there. So we’re gonna do some rapid fire here, Dina, to get to know you and your, uh, portfolio a little better at Staypineapple Hotel. So, uh, we always like to start with our favorite view from one of your hotels. Dina Belon: Definitely Chicago. So we’re in the loop and we look right at the Chicago Theater sign. And then three blocks down the other way, you can see the edge of the bean. And then there’s this amazing jazz mural, uh, from the corner rooms of the building. The, the incredible view. And we’re an urban city center, so views are not generally our vibe. Um, right? It’s usually another building next door. Um, but that one, that is really incredible. Ryan Embree: That makes for a good one. Uh, favorite fun fact about one of your properties? Dina Belon: Oh, uh, this is personal. Uh, uh, Fetch, which is our recycling program, is, um, all built around our dog obsessed culture. Uh, again, we like to be, you know, funny and cheeky. Um, so Dash, who’s our, um, our mascot, um, the pineapple pup. Um, he helps with waste reduction education, the Fetch program. Get it? Fetch, dog. Ryan Embree: Oh, I love it. Yeah. There you go. Uh, favorite signature dish, um, or amenity? Dina Belon: Hmm. Um, there’s a couple. Oh, goodness. These, this is hard. This is really hard. I, I mentioned the naked experience already, so I’ll let that one go, though that is one of my favorites. Again, personal. So you might start to see, I have a little bit of slant towards sustainability. Um, I am. It’s a, it’s a personal topic that I’m very passionate about. Um, our water bottles. Um, it was a huge lift for us to figure out. So, uh, what, I don’t know, five years ago, we used to have, um, unlimited water bottles available to our guests. Um, it’s part of our health and wellness program. We believe that, you know, hydration is a big part of health and wellness, particularly in en – urban environments when you’re walking a lot, you need to stay hydrated. It gave me a lot of heartburn. We were, we were, we were selling, or not selling, giving away a half a million water bottles, plastic water bottles a year. And it just, it hurt my heart. Um, so we were able to partner, um, with Path Water to do a custom 20-ounce aluminum water bottle pre-filled. Um, and we leave that in the guest room complimentary for every guest. And we put a water bar in our lobbies, um, for, to refill those bottles. Um, and that replaced all the plastic water bottles. And so, so now you see really fun, cute, steak pineapple aluminum water bottles all over the airport all the time in our city. Ryan Embree: Hey, there you go. Great marketing goes along with it. Uh, favorite guest experience? Dina Belon: Um, definitely Surprise and Delight, which is our, uh, strategy around that creative, uh, you know, hyper-personalization for guests. Uh, really creating those moments that create memories and stories. Ryan Embree: And then last favorite piece of art. Ryan Embree: That’s funny. Um, we, we happen to have our owner, our founder, Michelle, is a huge art collector. So that is really hard. We have a lot of original art in our hotels that’s from her personal collection. She regularly emails me and says, “Hey, I just bought a new piece, and can you find a place to put it in one of the hotels?” And I’m always like, “Oh my God, I’m running out of walls, Michelle.” But I think my favorite that she has, um, bought for every single hotel is, um, a Martin Goldstein original dog sculpture. Um, he is famous for creating these whimsical, limited edition bronze dogs that are known as Harvey Dogs. Um, and they’re just super cute. Um, and you can find one at every hotel. It’s, it’s one of those, like, Disney where you have to find the Mickey Mouse and Everything. Ryan Embree: Yeah, like a little Easter egg, yeah. Dina Belon: Exactly. An Easter egg hunt at any Staypineapple is go find the Marty Goldstein, uh, Harvey dog. Ryan Embree: All right. Well, there it, there it is. Challenge, um, put out there for our Suite Spot listeners, uh, visiting Staypineapple Hotels. Well, Dina, thank you. You’ve spent, um, quite, uh, some time with us. Um, thank you so much for sitting down. As we wrap up today, we do like to look into kind of our hospitality crystal ball. Uh, try to predict the future, which is becoming more difficult to do every single day, uh, now with every, the technology and AI. But, you know, as president of Staypineapple Hotels, what’s your vision for the future of, uh, the brand? Dina Belon: Yeah. You know, I think we’re gonna continue to expand on our ability to connect with guests and make them feel like they belong when they’re at Staypineapple, that they’re part of the family. And I know that sounds kitschy, but it’s, it’s a very real emotional, uh, mission for us. And, and in the broader context, what we believe the hospitality’s, hospitality industry’s role and responsibility in society is, and will become even more important as robots take over the world. That human connection that a hospitality industry can create, um, becomes an imperative for us to stay connected as a society. Ryan Embree: I agree. Yeah, that was just gonna echo that same sentiment. I think it’s gonna become more and more im- important. So we need, uh, brands like Staypineapple Hotels to, to keep true to that hospitality mission statement. So Dina, thank you again, uh, for taking the time to join us here on The Suite Spot. Any final thoughts before we wrap up? Dina Belon: Just go out there and be you, you know? Uh, don’t be afraid to, uh, come play in the independent space and definitely come to the Independent Hotel Show in Miami and, uh, let’s have a cocktail. Ryan Embree: Let’s do it. Uh, both Dina and I will have the privilege of being down there in Miami. We hope to see you in person. Dina, thank you so much for joining us here on The Suite Spot, and we hope to see you at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami. Thank you. And thank you for listening. We’ll talk to you next time here on The Suite Spot. To join our loyalty program, be sure to subscribe and give us a five-star rating on iTunes. Suite Spot is produced by Travel Media Group. Our editor is Brandon Bell with cover art by Bary Gordon. I’m your host, Ryan Embree and we hope you enjoyed your stay.  

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when your life looks successful on the outside, but inside you feel anxious, disconnected, ashamed, or exhausted from trying to hold it all together?In this episode of Spiritual Spotlight Series, Rachel Garrett sits down with Meghann Dawson, certified empowerment coach, transformational speaker, host of Becoming Is Messy, and founder of the Unperfect Life Company, for an honest conversation about perfectionism, high-functioning anxiety, trauma healing, nervous system regulation, self-trust, and authentic living.Meghann shares how survival patterns can look like achievement, people-pleasing, over-functioning, and perfectionism—and why the very behaviors that once helped us feel safe can eventually keep us disconnected from ourselves.We explore the powerful turning point Meghann experienced in her daughter's nursery, how she began rebuilding trust with herself, and why healing isn't about becoming a “better” or more polished version of yourself. It's about becoming more honest about who you actually are.You'll also hear how to distinguish intuition from the inner critic, why slowing down can help you hear your own inner knowing, and how modalities including talk therapy, somatic work, body-based healing, and energy healing can support different layers of trauma recovery.Meghann also shares what living an “unperfect life” really means: choosing goals that genuinely belong to you, creating boundaries that protect your peace, releasing the need for approval, and redefining success through authenticity.If you've ever wondered, “Why does my life look fine but not feel like mine?”, this conversation may give you permission to ask a different question:Does my life actually feel true to me? Support the showSpiritual Spotlight Series is hosted by Rachel Garrett, RN, CCH — Akashic Records Practitioner, Master Energy Healer, and Certified Crystal Healer.Conversations about the things we almost don't say out loud. For the ones who feel everything — but question it.Each episode features real stories of spiritual awakening, healing, and transformation from guests across all walks of life, alongside solo teachings on Akashic Records, crystal healing, nervous system support, and intuitive development.Healing doesn't have to be heavy.New: Join the monthly live Akashic reading → YouTube membership at $4.99/month → youtube.com/@rachelgarrett/membership✨ Explore More Spiritual Wisdom & Stay Connected

Science has long suggested that love is one of the highest emotional states we can experience. Yet recently, a different conversation has been making its way across social media: What if authenticity is the highest vibration?In this episode, Emily explores both perspectives, sharing the research alongside the channeled insights that came through from Spirit, so you can reflect on what feels most true for your own experience.✨ If you enjoy the podcast, the greatest way to support Emily is by following the show and sharing this episode with a friend or on social media. Be sure to tag @emilymarie.energy so she can thank you personally!

Welcome back to your favorite girls!!!! Matty was on earlier this year (January) and we have some MAJOR catching up to do, life things to cover, and so much more. Find our amazing guest here: https://www.instagram.com/mattydurkin/ https://www.instagram.com/thepopcornerpod/ Make sure to give Maddy some love on her collaboration with her favorite jewelry brand: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbQkdHEjsit/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Maddy's favorite redlight here and save: https://tinyurl.com/kindahot-hooga Maddy's favorite Matcha brand: https://tinyurl.com/kindahot-matcha Maddy's favorite makeup: https://tinyurl.com/kindahot-subtlbeauty Follow maddy's dating page here: https://www.instagram.com/its.maddymartinez?igsh=MXNvODZkNndlem5haA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Message Ali MOMBUTT to get the mom butt guide or AUTOPILOT to get the meals you can make on autopilot Find Ali here on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aliwagnercoaching/ Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and send us your health / relationship / life / just need advice on, submit your questions here: https://bit.ly/KHKH-ask-my-question Find us on all streaming platforms here, including the full video experience on our YouTube channel

Fluent Fiction - Spanish: Unveiling Mayan Mysteries: A Traveler's Quest for Authenticity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/es/episode/2026-08-12-22-34-02-es Story Transcript:Es: El sol comenzaba a asomarse detrás de las majestuosas ruinas mayas, iluminando el bullicioso mercado al aire libre.En: The sun began to peek behind the majestic ruinas mayas, illuminating the bustling open-air market.Es: Los colores vibrantes de los puestos contrastaban con las piedras grises de los antiguos templos.En: The vibrant colors of the stalls contrasted with the gray stones of the ancient temples.Es: El aire estaba lleno del aroma tentador de las empanadas y del sonido de los vendedores ofreciendo sus productos.En: The air was filled with the tempting aroma of empanadas and the sound of vendors offering their wares.Es: Esteban, un viajero curioso de Buenos Aires, caminaba entre los puestos, buscando un objeto especial.En: Esteban, a curious traveler from Buenos Aires, walked among the stalls, searching for a special item.Es: Su deseo era encontrar una pieza de arte auténtica, algo con historia que le recordara sus aventuras.En: His desire was to find an authentic piece of art, something with history that would remind him of his adventures.Es: Sin embargo, cada vez que veía una figura tallada o un textil colorido, dudaba de su autenticidad.En: However, every time he saw a carved figure or a colorful textile, he doubted its authenticity.Es: Había muchas réplicas baratas, y no sabía cómo encontrar algo genuino.En: There were many cheap replicas, and he didn't know how to find something genuine.Es: Mientras paseaba, encontró un pequeño puesto decorado con hermosos trabajos de artesanía.En: As he strolled, he found a small stall decorated with beautiful craftwork.Es: Una artesana, Lucía, atendía a los clientes con una sonrisa cálida.En: A craftswoman, Lucía, attended to the customers with a warm smile.Es: Esteban se acercó, atraído por la belleza única de las piezas.En: Esteban approached, drawn by the unique beauty of the pieces.Es: —Hola —dijo Esteban, admirando las figuras de arcilla en la mesa—.En: "Hello," said Esteban, admiring the clay figures on the table.Es: ¿Puedes contarme más sobre estas obras?En: "Can you tell me more about these works?"Es: Lucía sonrió y asintió, feliz de compartir su conocimiento.En: Lucía smiled and nodded, happy to share her knowledge.Es: —Por supuesto. Estas figuras están hechas a mano y representan antiguos símbolos espirituales mayas.En: "Of course. These figures are handmade and represent ancient símbolos espirituales mayas.Es: Cada una cuenta una historia de nuestra cultura.En: Each one tells a story of our culture."Es: Escuchando a Lucía, Esteban aprendió sobre las antiguas creencias y tradiciones de la región.En: Listening to Lucía, Esteban learned about the ancient beliefs and traditions of the region.Es: La historia detrás de cada figura de arcilla cobró vida con sus palabras.En: The story behind each clay figure came to life with her words.Es: Una de aquellas figuras, en particular, llamó su atención.En: One of those figures, in particular, caught his attention.Es: Representaba al dios del maíz, símbolo de vida y fertilidad.En: It represented the maize god, a symbol of life and fertility.Es: Lucía levantó la figura y explicó. —Esta es una representación del dios Yum Kaax.En: Lucía lifted the figure and explained, "This is a representation of the god Yum Kaax.Es: Para nosotros, el maíz es muy importante.En: For us, maize is very important.Es: Esta figura nos recuerda cuidar nuestra tierra y nuestras tradiciones.En: This figure reminds us to care for our land and our traditions."Es: Después de escuchar la historia, Esteban sonrió.En: After hearing the story, Esteban smiled.Es: Sabía que había encontrado la pieza perfecta.En: He knew he had found the perfect piece.Es: Era más que un simple recuerdo; era un fragmento de una cultura rica y llena de historia.En: It was more than just a souvenir; it was a fragment of a rich and full history.Es: Decidió comprar la figura.En: He decided to buy the figure.Es: Esteban se fue del mercado, satisfecho.En: Esteban left the market, satisfied.Es: No solo llevaba un hermoso objeto, sino también un conocimiento y una apreciación más profunda por la artesanía auténtica.En: He not only carried a beautiful object but also a deeper knowledge and appreciation for authentic craftsmanship.Es: De regreso a su hogar, prometió valorar y compartir las historias que aprendió, conectando sus experiencias de viaje con las raíces culturales de los lugares que visitaba.En: Returning to his home, he promised to value and share the stories he had learned, connecting his travel experiences with the cultural roots of the places he visited. Vocabulary Words:the sun: el solmajestic: majestuosasthe ruins: las ruinasthe market: el mercadobustling: bulliciosothe stalls: los puestosthe stones: las piedrastempting: tentadorthe vendors: los vendedorescurious: curiosoa traveler: un viajerothe item: el objetothe desire: el deseogenuine: genuinocheap: baratasa craftswoman: una artesanaclay: arcillahandmade: hechas a manothe symbols: los símbolosspiritual: espiritualesfertility: la fertilidadto remind: recordarto care for: cuidarthe land: la tierrato share: compartirthe roots: las raícesthe beliefs: las creenciassatisfied: satisfechoauthentic: auténticathe knowledge: el conocimiento

Special thanks to Triangle for sponsoring this episode. Triangle's founder, Matt, is offering a complimentary one-hour strategy session for founders seeking to grow their personal brand. I can't recommend this service enough, and get in quick as there are only three remaining slots available this month! Get in touch at matt@mattswain.com or book directly at https://www.triangle-branding.com/book-a-call   What if the future of business isn't about spotting trends, but understanding the deep cultural currents shaping them? In this episode of World's Greatest Business Thinkers, Nick Hague is joined by Grant McCracken, Cultural Anthropologist, author, and Founder and CEO of Tailwind Radar, to explore the cultural forces shaping the future of business. Drawing on decades of work in anthropology and consumer culture, Grant explains why cultural intelligence is a more powerful predictor of success than traditional trend analysis.  He unpacks the return of the artisan, the rise of the craft economy, and the importance of authentic branding in an era of increasing skepticism. The conversation also examines the micropolitan movement, AI-driven disruption, and how businesses can identify emerging cultural trends before competitors. From Alice Waters' influence on foodie culture to the dangers of craft washing and the growing desire for community-driven business, Grant explains how leaders can turn anthropology into a competitive advantage. What You Will Learn: How to read culture as a leading indicator of market opportunity Why "Tailwind Radar" beats traditional trend spotting for navigating chaos The critical difference between authentic artisanal engagement and "craftwashing" How the "micropolitan movement" will reshape where opportunity concentrates Why code-switching masculinity resolves the "failure to launch" crisis How to spot emerging cultural bubbles before they reach mainstream awareness   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts.   About the Guest: Grant McCracken is the Founder and CEO of Tailwind Radar and a renowned cultural anthropologist, author, and thought leader specializing in cultural trends and consumer behavior. With a PhD in anthropology from the University of Chicago, he has advised organizations including Google, Netflix, Nike, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and the Obama White House. Grant is the author of fourteen books, including Chief Culture Officer and The Return of the Artisan, which explores the shift toward a more artisanal and community-driven economy.  A former affiliate of Harvard Business School and MIT, he helps businesses uncover emerging cultural signals and turn them into strategic opportunities through his seminars, Culture Camp and Ethno Camp.  Quotes: "I got my PhD at a time that anthropology was contemplating the possibility of studying its contemporary culture. American culture has changed so often, and so violently in the years I've been watching it that it has been a challenge. Everything's a motion picture, and unless you're using theory capable of capturing motion pictures, you're in real trouble." "Everything that was so successfully anonymous about capitalism was being taken down and replaced by small batches and personal connections. As we climb Maslow's hierarchy, we begin to say, wait, something is missing from the capitalist proposition. Those things are a very personal and intimate connection to our communities and to our commerce, which are accomplished more surely by the artisanal than by conventional markets." "There's a special place in hell marked for people who engage in craft washing. Taking a notion as powerfully transformative as this one and using it for very commercial purposes is especially cynical. Authenticity is too often something that acts like a confinement, which says there's only one way to be artisanal." "For the first time, I heard someone talk about the home and the importance of fortification. People are capturing rainwater, building victory gardens, allowing themselves to feel freestanding. When Ford came out with an armored car selling as a domestic SUV, you could tell they were speaking to people who thought, what if, what if, what if."   Keywords: Primary Keywords (Core Themes): artisan economy, return of the artisan, cultural trends, anthropology business, consumer culture, craft economy, artisanal movement, cultural intelligence, business strategy, consumer behavior analysis Secondary Keywords (Related Subtopics): Alice Waters foodie culture, authentic branding, craft washing, artisanal goods, micropolitan movement, small batch production, local commerce, community-driven business, handmade products, cultural shift capitalism   Episode Resources: Grant McCracken on LinkedIn Tailwind Radar Website World's Greatest Business Thinkers on Apple Podcasts World's Greatest Business Thinkers on Spotify World's Greatest Business Thinkers on YouTube  

Welcome Back to The Aligned Life Podcast — Embracing Deep Growth and Authenticity. In this episode, Malika shares her journey of returning to podcasting after a multi-year hiatus. She discusses the challenges of personal transformation, the importance of grief, and the value of embracing an evolving, authentic spiritual path. This episode is a candid reflection on growth, the void, and finding community in truth.Key Topics:Malika's personal hiatus and reasons for returning to podcastingThe deep process of grief and transformation beyond physical lossEmbracing change — shifting beliefs and perspectives over yearsThe significance of the "dark night of the soul" and spiritual rebirthMoving past spiritual bypassing and superficial spiritualityCultivating inner strength through stillness, patience, and trustBuilding a trauma-informed space for honesty, growth, and communityCreativity as a tool for healing, not just artistic expressionThe importance of authenticity and vulnerability in spiritual journeysFuture plans for the podcast — audio, video, and evolving topicsThe Aligned Life with Malika (YouTube channel) — for wellness, spirituality, and psychological insightsInstagramTimestamps:00:43 - Malika's return and intro to her journey1:07 - Her background in wellness, spirituality, and psychology1:31 - The reasons behind taking a break from the podcast1:54 - Personal growth and shifting perspectives2:19 - Grief and the emotional journey of change2:42 - The struggles of feeling alone and shedding masks3:05 - Understanding divergence and inner authenticity3:15 - Lessons on self-love, faith, and the journey inside the void3:40 - The experience of the dark night of the soul4:06 - Moving beyond superficial spiritual practices4:25 - Creating a space for trauma-informed, honest dialogue4:46 - The importance of community and authentic expression5:11 - Invitation to join her evolving journey and future content plans

Strong multifamily branding isn't built through campaigns alone. In today's apartment industry, long-term success depends on understanding changing renter expectations, listening to resident feedback and delivering a consistent brand experience across every touchpoint—from digital interactions to everyday life inside the community.This episode of Multi-Housing News' Top Marketers podcast explores how a hospitality-driven multifamily brand scales its marketing and communications while preserving a consistent voice and resident-first culture across expanding markets.Joining us is Ashley Cerasaro, executive vice president of Communications at AVE, the hospitality-inspired apartment brand from Korman Communities, a fifth-generation family-owned real estate company. Today, AVE's portfolio spans more than 6,000 apartments across 20-plus communities nationwide. Over the past 14 years, Cerasaro has helped shape the company's multifamily brand strategy, overseeing public relations, resident communications, online reputation management, social media, corporate messaging and brand positioning.Most recently, she played a leading role in AVE's national brand evolution and redesigned digital platform, initiatives that reflect the company's rapid expansion and the growing demand for flexible apartment living. She also helped develop AVE's resident survey program, which has contributed to the company's industry-leading resident satisfaction rankings for four consecutive years.Key topics include maintaining brand integrity across many touchpoints, aligning communications with on-site operations through training and cultural leadership, using resident feedback and survey data to shape amenities and messaging, redesigning a digital platform to support seamless search and adopting AI for efficiency and faster insights without losing authenticity.From Journalism to "The Voice of Ave" (1:18)Shift from Persuasion to Trust (6:34)Service is the New Marketing (13:12)Listening That Changed Design (18:57)AI vs. Authenticity (20:35)

What happens when a random creative idea turns into a viral series, a thriving online community, a book, a podcast, and eventually an entire business?In this episode of Badass Basic Bitch, Brianna sits down with Christa Innis, an author, podcast host, content creator, wife, and toddler mom who has built a community around storytelling, humor, and navigating some of life's messiest moments.Christa is the author of Here Comes the Drama and host of the Here Comes the Drama podcast, where she dives into relationships, family dynamics, and the stories that remind us we're never alone in our chaos. Through her viral skits and relatable content, Christa encourages women to set boundaries, embrace authenticity, and find laughter even in the drama.Christa's journey started with a seemingly random idea for a wedding skit on TikTok. What began as a creative outlet while she was on maternity leave quickly took off, eventually becoming multiple seasons of viral content and inspiring an entirely new chapter of her career.Brianna and Christa talk about what it really takes to turn content creation into a business, grow an engaged audience, stay authentic online, and protect your personal life when your job exists on your phone. Christa also takes us behind the scenes of writing and self-publishing Here Comes the Drama, what she learned from doing it herself, and what's next as she continues writing the series.They also get into the reality of building a business while being a wife and working mom—and why success isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about knowing what matters, creating boundaries, staying consistent, and being willing to put yourself out there before you know exactly where it's going.In This Episode, We Discuss:How a spontaneous wedding skit turned into viral content and an unexpected careerStarting to create content while on maternity leaveChrista's background in social media marketing and how it influenced her approachWhy she initially kept her growing TikTok account a secretThe moment she realized content creation could become a legitimate businessGrowing an audience through consistency, authenticity, and genuine engagementBuilding a community instead of simply chasing followersWhy relatable, imperfect content can be more powerful than polished productionWhat actually happens behind the scenes of scripting, filming, editing, and posting viral contentTurning a creative outlet into a full-time businessExpanding into brand partnerships and social media coachingBalancing entrepreneurship, content creation, marriage, and motherhoodCreating boundaries when your entire business lives on your phoneProtecting family time and keeping parts of your life offlineTurning viral wedding drama into her book, Here Comes the DramaWhy Christa decided to self-publish her first bookWhat nobody tells you about writing, editing, publishing, and marketing your own bookThe importance of having multiple people review your work before publishingWhat Christa learned from self-publishing and how she's applying it to her next bookHer advice for aspiring creators, authors, and entrepreneurs who are afraid to startMemorable Quote"Don't overcomplicate it. Focus on what you're passionate about, stay authentic, and keep showing up consistently." — Christa InnisKey TakeawaysYou Don't Need to Know Where an Idea Will LeadChrista didn't start making wedding skits because she had a perfectly constructed business plan. She had an idea, followed her creativity, and gave herself permission to experiment. That one decision eventually grew into an audience, business, podcast, and book.Sometimes you don't need to know what step ten looks like. You just need to be willing to take step one.Authenticity Will Take You Further Than PerfectionYou don't need the perfect camera, elaborate production, or meticulously curated life to connect with people online. Christa's success reinforces something creators often forget: people connect with people.Relatable, authentic content gives your audience a reason to see themselves in your stories—and a reason to keep coming back.Build a Community, Not Just a FollowingGrowing on social media isn't only about posting consistently. Christa actively engages with the people consuming her content, responds to comments, listens to feedback, and makes her audience feel like they're part of the experience.Followers are a number. Community is a relationship.Your Business Needs Boundaries TooWhen your career revolves around social media, your workplace is always within reach. There is no office door to close at the end of the day.As a wife and toddler mom, Christa has had to intentionally establish boundaries between her work, content, and family life. Building something successful shouldn't require sacrificing your ability to actually be present for the life you're building it around.Writing the Book Is Only Part of Self-PublishingChrista chose to self-publish Here Comes the Drama, giving her firsthand experience with everything that happens after the manuscript is written.Editing, feedback, marketing, promotion, and getting the book in front of readers all matter. One of her biggest lessons is the importance of having multiple eyes on your work and recognizing that a great book still needs a strong strategy behind it.Stop Overcomplicating Content CreationFor anyone waiting for the right idea, equipment, strategy, or moment to start creating, Christa's advice is simple: focus on what you genuinely care about and start.Consistency matters. Authenticity matters. Connecting with your audience matters. Perfection doesn't.And when you need a break? Take one.Connect with Christa Innis

Shame might be the silent architect behind our biggest relationship struggles—fueling secrecy, driving distance, and making genuine intimacy feel just out of reach. When the fear of rejection or not being enough sneaks in, it often keeps us locked in painful cycles of criticism, defensiveness, and disconnect. But what if the way we react to shame is the very thing sabotaging our deepest connections? In this episode, the discussion dives into how shame operates beneath the surface of issues like betrayal, addiction, and disconnection, and offers concrete strategies for transforming these patterns. Through personal stories, therapeutic insights, and powerful principles such as courage, context, and compassion, listeners are guided in breaking free from shame's grip. The conversation also explores practical ways to practice vulnerability, build safety, and foster more authentic connections—both with ourselves and our partners. Brannon Patrick, LCSW, and Tyler Patrick, LMFT, are brothers and licensed clinicians who help individuals and couples heal after infidelity, addiction, and the trust rupture that follows. With 20+ years each in addiction and trauma work, they bring both depth and straight talk, translating complex psychology into practical next steps people can use immediately. Together, they host The Therapy Brothers, a weekly call-in show where real people work through betrayal, shame, trauma, and addiction in real time, with over 500 episodes and nearly 2 million downloads. Their approach centers on heart work: healing the underlying trauma and shame so couples can rebuild trust with honesty, accountability, empathy, and healthy strength.   Episode Highlights 03:25 Overcoming betrayal and rebuilding trust. 07:34 Authenticity vs connection in relationships. 12:17 Shame's hidden impact on self-image. 15:35 Using IFS to overcome shame. 18:39 Choosing love and self-awareness. 21:10 Navigating shame's impact on relationships. 24:13 Navigating vulnerability in relationships. 28:28 Embracing compassion over self-criticism. 31:52 Exploring EFT and emotional connectivity. 34:48 Recovering trust after betrayal. 36:45 The trust equation and lasting love. 41:54 Beginning your healing journey.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Practice Courage: Begin sharing your personal story and feelings with people you trust, focusing on authenticity and vulnerability. Build Context: Remind yourself you are not alone in your struggles; seek out others with similar experiences to normalize your feelings and reduce shame. Cultivate Compassion: Replace self-criticism with curiosity and kindness; when you notice a harsh inner voice, intentionally respond with understanding instead. Separate Your Parts: Use parts work or Internal Family Systems (IFS) to identify shame-driven and protective parts within yourself, then approach them with gratitude rather than rejection. Join a Support Group: Find or create safe spaces such as group therapy or support circles where you can practice vulnerability and receive nonjudgmental feedback. Create Boundaries: Establish healthy internal and external boundaries so you can engage with others' emotions without absorbing attacks or losing your sense of self. Get Professional Help: Explore modalities such as IFS, EMDR, ART, or DBT to address entrenched patterns and trauma that reinforce shame. Work on Relationship Recovery: If healing from betrayal, prioritize establishing safety and consistency, then focus on individual growth alongside nurturing relationship trust and intimacy.   Mentioned The Therapy Brothers (podcast) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free relationship guide)   Connect with Tyler and Brannon Patrick Website: therapybrothers.org YouTube: youtube.com/@lovestrong | youtube.com/@therapy.brothers  Facebook: facebook.com/love.strong.org | facebook.com/ExpertBrannon  Instagram: instagram.com/therapy.brothers/ | instagram.com/sunrisegoal LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brannon-patrick/ | linkedin.com/in/tyler-patrick-lmft-24488366/ | linkedin.com/in/chase-jones-b63368128  

Why This Episode MattersItalian food isn't one cuisine. Vincenzo Prosperi explains why Italy's regional traditions matter—and what gets lost when everything is reduced to pizza, pasta and red sauce.Authenticity and innovation can coexist. The question isn't whether chefs should create new dishes, but whether classics should be changed beyond recognition and still carry the old name.Social media is changing restaurants. Vincenzo, Mark and Francis dig into influencer culture, food designed for photographs and the pressure on restaurants to pay for attention.Preserving tradition means supporting the people still cooking it. Vincenzo is shifting his platform toward regional chefs, family restaurants and food traditions that might otherwise disappear.BanterMark Pascal and Francis Schott talk about why their restaurant events have never come from a marketing plan. They come from things they, their staff, and their guests can all get excited about.They look ahead to their annual Big Night dinner and revisit the early days of their table-to-farm dinners, including one memorable attempt that involved hauling restaurant tables and a wood-burning grill to a farm... just in time for the rain.The ConversationVincenzo Prosperi grew up in Abruzzo surrounded by his grandparents, great-grandparents and the food traditions that came with them. After moving to Australia, he saw the distance between the Italian cooking he knew and much of the “Italian” food being served around the world. His wife suggested he turn that frustration—and his passion—into what became Vincenzo's Plate.Vincenzo talks with Mark and Francis about the reaction videos that helped build his audience, from cream-laden carbonara to celebrity chefs taking liberties with Italian classics. But as reaction content became increasingly negative and crowded, he changed direction. Today, his focus is on teaching, ranking Italian products and using his audience to introduce viewers to regional Italian chefs and traditions.The conversation expands into a bigger question: What happens to traditional food in a culture built around clicks, trends and influencers?Vincenzo worries that regional Italian cooking is being replaced by a more standardized version of fine dining while small family restaurants struggle for attention. Mark and Francis see a similar problem in restaurants designed around what photographs well rather than what tastes good.They also tackle the line between preservation and creativity. Vincenzo isn't against innovation—quite the opposite. But before you riff on a cuisine, you should understand what you're riffing on. A new dish can be anything you want it to be. Carbonara, however, has a history.And yes, peas remain under suspicion.Guest BioVincenzo Prosperi is the creator of Vincenzo's Plate, devoted to authentic Italian cooking and the traditions behind it. Born in Pescara in Italy's Abruzzo region and now based in Australia, Vincenzo has built a worldwide audience through recipes, food education, product rankings and collaborations with chefs throughout Italy.Timestamps00:00 Great restaurant events are about creating memorable experiences09:30 Meet Vincenzo Prosperi of Vincenzo's Plate11:30 Growing up with Italian food traditions in Abruzzo18:00 Celebrity chefs, reaction videos and crimes against carbonara25:00 Why Vincenzo moved beyond reaction content28:00 Trust, sponsorships and building an audience without selling out35:00 Is fine dining erasing Italy's regional food traditions?38:00 Influencers, restaurant economics and food made for Instagram43:00 Innovation vs. tradition: when should a classic be left alone?47:00 Mark and Francis remember an old-school trattoria in Italy InfoVincenzo's Plate https://www.vincenzosplate.com/Vincenzo's Plate on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@vincenzosplateEvents @ The Guys' Places https://www.stageleft.com/events/Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com

What makes a voiceover performance truly connect with an audience? In this VO BOSS conversation, Jim Meskimen and Anne Ganguzza talk about what happens when voice actors stop simply reading the words and start communicating the thought behind them. Jim shares insights from his extensive career in voiceover, acting, improv, impressions, animation, audiobooks, television, film, and more. They discuss why the script is a path rather than a set of instructions, how preparation creates freedom, why improv makes you a stronger performer, and what it really means to be directable. The conversation also explores auditions, rejection, stage fright, building confidence, creating authentic content, and continuing to grow as a performer throughout your career. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the words are only part of the performance How to bring your own point of view to a script Why preparation can actually make you more spontaneous How improv strengthens voiceover skills What directors really mean when they ask you to be "directable" How to approach auditions and rejection Why communication has no finish line How Jim has continued to reinvent himself throughout his career Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Jim Meskimen: A Career Built on Versatility 07:20 – Overcoming Stage Fright and Building Confidence 11:00 – How Improv Strengthens Voiceover Performance 13:30 – Authenticity, Impressions, and Bringing Yourself to the Work 15:30 – Why Voice Actors Shouldn't Become Servants to the Words 21:30 – What Unexpected Moments on Set Can Teach an Actor 25:00 – Directability, Flexibility, and Creative Collaboration 27:30 – Auditions, Rejection, and Recognizing the Small Wins 33:00 – Reinvention and Creating a Sustainable Acting Career 37:30 – Content Creation as an Authentic Marketing Strategy 40:50 – Finding Freedom Within the Script Listen to the full conversation for Jim's stories, insights, and lessons from an extraordinary career in performance.  

In this episode of Divine Union™, Nicola explores why authenticity can feel risky in relationships and how being fully yourself can actually create deeper intimacy, trust, and emotional safety.She shares how early experiences can teach us to suppress our truth to avoid conflict or disconnection, and why healthy relationships are often more resilient than we believe. Nicola also explores how conscious communication can help us express ourselves honestly without creating unnecessary rupture.The episode closes with a guided meditation to revisit a moment when you held back your truth, reconnect with what you wanted to express, and practice approaching that situation from a more authentic place.Subscribe to Nicola's Newsletter for intimacy and communication content, along with exclusive special offers.Connect with Nicola on InstagramSubscribe to Nicola's YouTube Channel  Browse Nicola's offerings on her WebsiteBecause we love to reward effort, email a screenshot of your review of Divine Union to info@nicolanavon.com to receive a free gift. Looking to start your own podcast?Nicola's Top Podcast Tools:Power Up Podcasting CourseBuzzsprout Podcast Hosting Platform*Nicola is an Affiliate for these productsBy accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of Nicole Navon, or used by Nicole Navon with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use of this Podcast may be made, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing.This podcast is for educationa...

Send us Fan MailWhen Connor Schoen co-founded Breaktime at just 19 years old, he set out to change the lives of young adults experiencing homelessness. Years later, after leading one of Boston's most influential nonprofits, receiving national recognition, and navigating the pressures of leadership, he found himself confronting a different question: Who am I becoming?In this episode of At the Podium, Connor reflects on the hidden cost of leadership, learning to embrace rather than hide his youth, coming out as pansexual, and discovering that authentic leadership begins when the person you are in public and the person you are in private become one.This conversation isn't simply about running a nonprofit. It's about identity, integrity, purpose, and the freedom to keep evolving. Together, we explore what it means to lead without performing, to hold power with humility, and to build a life that remains open to whatever comes next.Whether you're leading a company, building a career, navigating your own identity, or simply wondering who you're becoming, Connor's story is a thoughtful reminder that the greatest leadership journey is often the one taking place within ourselves.Connor Schoen is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Breaktime, a Boston-based nonprofit working to end young adult homelessness. He has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Changemaker Award recipient, and one of Boston's Ten Outstanding Young Leaders by City Awake.Listen. Reflect. Become.PodMatchPodMatch Automatically Matches Ideal Podcast Guests and Hosts For InterviewsFor more information contact Patrick at patrick@patrickhueyleadership.com

The Leadership on the Links Summit takes place October 12, 2026 at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. The one day program runs from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and is built for golf course superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of agronomy, equipment managers, and club leaders, with industry partners, vendors, and consultants also welcome. The day includes breakfast, lunch, education credits, and a mix of speakers, panel discussion, and attendee engagement, with an evening networking element under consideration. Registration is $197.   The first twenty sign-ups pay $147 with code SUMMIT50 at checkout, and each attendee registers individually with their own email address. Lodging details and sponsorship opportunities are available on request. Full details are at https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ and registration is at https://bloom-golf-partners.circle.so/checkout/leadership-on-the-links-summit-2026.   Most conversations about hiring focus on the candidate, yet the outcome of a search is shaped just as much by how clearly a club defines what it actually needs. Mitch Rupert has spent five years on the other side of that table as Communications Manager at Bloom Golf Partners, conducting candidate interviews and due diligence for searches ranging from assistant superintendent roles to director of agronomy positions. He came to the work after two decades as an award winning sports journalist, and that outside vantage point shapes how he reads hiring committees that change direction midway through a search, strong candidates who withdraw late, and the difference between a prepared candidate and a rehearsed one.   In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom speaks with Mitch Rupert about the mechanics of a superintendent search, the education gap between agronomy teams and club leadership, and the next phase of professional development at Bloom Golf Partners.   What You'll Learn in This Episode ●      Hiring committees frequently adjust their criteria partway through a search, and Rupert explains why communicating those shifts early prevents frustration for the club, the search firm, and the candidate. ●      Candidates who withdraw after learning more about a role are making a defensible decision, and Rupert argues that taking the wrong job is far worse than not getting the job at all. ●      Clubs generally understand the financial requirements of maintaining a golf course but often underestimate the human side of it, the staffing and leadership investment behind those conditions, a gap Bloom Golf Partners is working to close with general managers, hiring teams, and green committees. ●      Rupert offers feedback to candidates who did not get the job, and roughly sixty to seventy percent take him up on it, conversations that help professionals identify skill gaps before their next opportunity. ●      Authenticity outperforms rehearsal in an interview setting, and Rupert compares the process to poker, a process-oriented game rather than a results-oriented one, where sound decisions matter more than the outcome of any single hand. ●      Bloom Golf Partners will launch a professional development platform following the Summit, offering monthly engagement and ongoing career and team development support in the months between annual industry gatherings. ●      The firm's inaugural turfgrass management scholarship drew thirty to forty applicants from across the country and led to an introduction to The Outpost Foundation, which funds club employees pursuing turf management education such as online and advanced certificate programs.   Links and Resources Mitch Rupert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchrupert/ Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com Leadership on the Links Summit: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ Summit Registration, code SUMMIT50 for the first twenty: https://bloom-golf-partners.circle.so/checkout/leadership-on-the-links-summit-2026 Bloom Golf Partners Turfgrass Management Scholarship: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/scholarship-program/ The Outpost Foundation: https://outpostfoundation.org Toftrees Golf Resort: https://www.toftrees.com

In this episode, Ryan Steuer explores the misconception that resources and materials are the key factors in implementing effective project based learning (PBL). He addresses common reasons why PBL initiatives may fail in schools and explains why lasting change depends on more than just having the right tools. By highlighting the essential roles of skills, mindset, and systems, Ryan Steuer provides insights for administrators and educational leaders looking to create authentic and sustainable PBL environments.Main PointsResources Alone Are Not Enough: While customized forms, rubrics, and tools are helpful, they do not drive successful PBL without a foundation of proper training and school-wide understanding.Importance of Skills, Mindset, and System: True PBL success comes from systematically building teachers' facilitation skills, fostering a growth mindset, and establishing routines and processes that persist beyond individual leadership efforts.The Role of Leadership: School leaders must be equipped to model and support PBL strategies; without leadership that understands and champions these changes, PBL cannot gain lasting traction.Authenticity and Innovation: Effective PBL must involve real-world learning, client-connected projects, and a continuous cycle of reflection and innovation within the staff and student body.Notable Quotes"Resources amplify a strong system; they don't replace one.""You need a system that keeps those things going... so that reflection and innovation are happening without you.""It's about building skills, mindsets, and really a system of internal innovation, reflection and internal innovation where you have a system within your teachers, your coaches, your administrative staff, that leadership team that knows how to keep these things running."Call to ActionDiscover more insights and practical resources to strengthen your PBL journey—visit magnifypbl.com.

What would you say online if you weren't afraid of being judged?In this episode of Mama's House To Penthouse, Prinston Hicks and Country Cowboy tackle the fear that keeps many entrepreneurs and creators from building an authentic personal brand: worrying about what everyone else will think.The conversation explores:• Overcoming the fear of judgment• Sharing your real opinions online• Authenticity vs controversy• Building confidence in yourself• Why you can't control other people's perception of you• Creating content around what you actually believe• Making your own decisions instead of seeking approval• Why your message has to become more important than your fear• Becoming comfortable with being misunderstoodThe guys also break down current business opportunities involving experiential retail, the changing job market, entrepreneurship, brand momentum, and why businesses need to continuously adapt.If you've been holding back online because you're worried about criticism from friends, family, customers, or strangers, this episode challenges you to stop building your life around other people's expectations.Follow Mama's House To Penthouse for weekly conversations about entrepreneurship, business, personal development, marketing, AI, leadership, and building a life of freedom.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:27 Can Posting 33 Times A Day Grow Your Business?02:04 Penthouse Plays02:11 The Future Of Retail Is Experiences04:48 Should Content Be Controversial?06:03 The Job Market Is Sending Warning Signs08:47 Burger King vs Wendy's: The Comeback11:28 Why Forced Controversy Feels Fake15:02 Controversy For The Sake Of Attention16:17 Juicing, Health & Changing Your Habits20:12 Mama's House Mail20:40 "I'm Terrified To Put My Real Opinions Online"22:35 Why You Can't Control What People Think25:00 Stop Seeking Validation From Everyone Else29:45 Choosing Your Own Path In Life34:04 Why Online Criticism Feels So Powerful39:49 Your Message Has To Matter More Than Your Fear41:40 Share Your Perspective — Don't Force It On People45:26 Everyone Sees The World From A Different Perspective50:15 Stop Trying To Prove Yourself55:48 Learning To Be Yourself In Different Environments1:00:00 Why Your Environment Changes You1:05:00 Protecting The Energy In Your Home1:10:00 Stop Taking Advice From People Who Don't Have What You Want1:15:00 Being Okay When People Don't Understand Your Vision1:19:35 Outro

A dynamic communicator and transformational speaker, Nicole Stephenson, IOM empowers audiences to rethink success and step boldly into their full potential. Known for blending real-world experience with compelling storytelling and practical strategies, she delivers content that inspires immediate action and lasting growth. As Founder of Narrativa Consulting and a part-time Lecturer at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Nicole equips leaders, teams, and emerging professionals with the communication and organizational tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Her passion for building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for connection drives her mission to help others succeed. Her first book, Unapologetic: Boldly Lead the Life and Career You Deserve, is a roadmap to authenticity, courage, and sustainable personal and professional development and growth. With more than 15 years of experience across marketing, promotions, sales, operations, and events, she brings a rare combination of strategic insight and human-centered leadership to every engagement opportunity. She has been widely recognized for her influence and impact, including being named one of Main Line Today Magazine's 2024 Power Women, receiving the Woman's Achievement Award from the Delaware County Women's Commission, the Rebecca Gross Alumni Award from Lock Haven University, and Sigma Kappa Sorority's 35 Under 35 Award. Proudly shaped by her Italian American upbringing in Philadelphia, Nicole brings authenticity, tenacity, and heart to everyone she serves. As the mother of her daughter, Lilliana, she is deeply committed to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Nicole inspires people not just to imagine what is possible, but to confidently pursue it.Nicole Stephenson!Website – https://narrativaconsulting.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-stephenson/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_nicole_stephenson/Amazon -- Unapologetic -- https://www.amazon.com/UNAPOLOGETIC-Boldly-Lead-Career-Deserve/dp/B0GP3RZ4SR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18RIW6SLLEJVT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z0jcrR9h-bxTHpyIGMVsqQ.D3BuwZcy9ngAsOWQTyhCzPPJCggnO4PTVie0zMTyTHg&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicole+stephenson+unapologetic&qid=1786239228&sprefix=nicole+stephenson+unapologic%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1Anne Zuckerman!Website -- https://annezuckerman.com/ Website -- https://justwantedtoask.com/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/AnneInPinkInstagram -- https://www.instagram.com/annezuckerman/LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/annezuckerman/Bezi Woman -- https://beziwoman.com/ | https://www.beziwoman.shop/two-step-order1591558404525Bezi Bra Discs - Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/bezibradiscs

Recorded live at Identiverse 2026, Jeff and Jim sit down with returning guest Mike Kiser, Director of Strategy and Standards at SailPoint, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans two of the standards world's most active frontiers. The first half breaks down C2PA, the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, explaining how it differs from digital watermarking, how metadata and cryptographic signatures build a chain of custody for media, and why this work connects directly back to identity. The conversation then shifts to AI agents and the challenge of defining and governing intent, with Mike drawing an extended analogy to the early, under-regulated days of space exploration. The episode closes with reflections on the value of hallway conversations and community at Identiverse.Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kiser/Connect with us on LinkedIn:Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.com00:00 Introduction from Identiverse 202601:00 Mike previews his two Identiverse talks01:35 What C2PA is and how chain of custody works06:51 Watermarks versus C2PA explained10:06 Why content provenance matters for identity14:22 Is C2PA a standard or a working group16:23 The SpaceX and space debris analogy for agent intent20:13 Governing agent publishing without stifling innovation22:00 Action Identification Theory and the how versus the why27:47 Can an AI actually have intent32:34 Why people humanize and fall in love with chatbots38:37 The case for locking down intent early39:39 Does intent change, or is it a new intent46:19 Favorite hallway conversations at Identiverse51:03 Wrap up and where to find MikeIDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald, Mike Kiser, SailPoint, C2PA, Content Provenance and Authenticity, Identiverse 2026, Shared Signals Framework, AI Agents, Agentic Identity, Digital Watermarking, Decentralized Identity Foundation, Intent-Based Access Control

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Ann Cloyd. The two talk about building a technology solutions company from the ground up, the importance of authentic leadership and long-term relationships in business, and navigating the challenges and surprises of being a woman leader in the tech industry—all while delivering innovative IT services and fostering a supportive, growth-oriented culture at Deep Tech. In this episode, we discuss: How Ann Cloyd transitioned from audio engineering into owning a technology solutions company, recognizing her knack for business and relationship-building along the way. What challenges Ann faced as a woman leader in a male-dominated tech industry, and what surprised her most about the journey, such as the lack of women applicants and unexpected joys like revisiting construction job sites. When support systems, friends, mentors, and family come into play, sharing ideas out loud helps shape and validate the next steps in business growth. Why trusting herself and being authentic, choosing blue jeans and a blazer instead of conforming to a more traditional image—helped Anne build stronger client relationships and business growth. How Deep Tech's approach of meeting clients where they are, rather than pushing predetermined solutions, builds long-term trust and value. Ann Cloyd is the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a technology solutions provider renowned for its over 25-year commitment to client success. What began in 1999 as a focus on hands-on technology support has blossomed into a partnership model, positioning DeepTech as the integral technology partner for over 200 businesses. As the proud owner of a woman-led enterprise,  Ann Cloyd  is deeply invested in fostering diversity and empowering women within the Information Technology space, frequently sharing her insights at Women in Tech events and actively engaging in continuous industry learning. She leads a dedicated team of over 30 professionals, driven by the belief that the pursuit of the right solution fundamentally drives real results for their loyal client base. As the Owner and CEO of DeepTech, a New York City-based Technology Solutions Provider,  Ann Cloyd  brings over 25 years of proven expertise in delivering reliable, technology-driven solutions that foster business growth. Since founding DeepTech, her mission has been to cultivate lasting client relationships, serving not just as a vendor, but as a dedicated business partner, a comprehensive technology department, and a trusted strategic advisor. Ann Cloyd's journey in the tech industry began in 1999 with hands-on implementation, evolving into a leadership role focused on strategic business development. As the proud head of a woman-owned business, she is deeply committed to advancing women in IT, championing diversity and inclusivity, and frequently shares her insights at Women in Tech events. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident through her active participation in industry conferences, peer networks, and professional development initiatives. Today,  Ann Cloyd leads a talented team of over 30 professionals, supporting a growing client base of more than 200 organizations nationwide, some of whom have been trusted partners for over two decades. On a personal level, her passion for gardening profoundly influences DeepTech's culture, cultivating an environment rooted in growth, meticulous care, and attentiveness. This philosophy, along with core values of client-first service, leading with kindness, and unwavering honesty, guides her leadership and fosters genuine connections within her team and with every client. Website: https://deeptechinc.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncloyd/      

Send us Fan MailRe-Deployment: Captain Dale Dye — Bringing Military Authenticity to HollywoodThis week on The What's The Scuttlebutt Podcast, we're re-deploying one of our favorite conversations with a true military legend, Captain Dale Dye.Captain Dye joins us to share his remarkable military history and the story behind the creation of WARRIORS Inc., the organization that has helped bring a level of authenticity to military-based films that audiences rarely see. From advising filmmakers to putting actors through intense military-style boot camps, Captain Dye has played a major role in making Hollywood's portrayal of combat and military life more realistic.But Captain Dye's talents don't stop on the battlefield or behind the scenes in Hollywood. We also talk about his love of writing and how he turned that passion into multiple successful books. He explains how his experience as a writer has also strengthened his work as an actor, military advisor, and consultant.It's a fascinating conversation with a man who has spent decades helping Hollywood understand what it takes to portray the military—and the men and women who serve—with authenticity and respect.So strap in and join us for this Re-Deployment episode of The What's The Scuttlebutt Podcast with Captain Dale Dye!Support the show

In this bonus episode feature of How to Get Ahead with Millennial Life Coaches, Nicole Concepcion leads a powerful workshop on Authenticity in the AI World — exploring how coaches, creators, business owners, and community builders can use artificial intelligence without losing their voice, values, story, or human connection.As AI tools become more common in content creation, marketing, coaching, and online business, Nicole asks the deeper question: How do we use AI in a way that supports our authenticity instead of replacing it?Nicole shares her own reflections on AI-generated content, the tension between efficiency and trust, and why transparency matters when building a personal brand. She also explores how lived experience help coaches stand out in a world where generic content is easier than ever to produce.In this bonus workshop, Nicole discusses:• Authenticity in an AI-powered world• Using AI as a tool, not a replacement• Why transparency builds trust• How to train AI to support your brand voice• The role of lived experience in personal branding• Why coaches cannot be replaced by AI• Why more content does not always mean more connection• Nicole's journey from burnout to rebuilding through community• Why authenticity starts within before it shows up onlineConnect with Nicole Concepcion:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nicolaaay/Learn more about Millennial Life Coaches:https://millenniallifecoaches.com/About Millennial Life Coaches (MLC)Millennial Life Coaches is a leading platform for millennial-focused coaches, helping connect the next generation of growth-minded individuals with trusted coaches, personal development resources, community, and conversations that support meaningful life action.Through the How to Get Ahead podcast, in-Network coaches, community features, events, and educational content, MLC spotlights coaches and thought leaders who help millennials grow in areas like mindset, leadership, wellness, business, career, relationships, confidence, purpose, and personal transformation. MLC exists to elevate coaches who are doing meaningful work while helping millennials find the right support for their next chapter.#AuthenticityInAI #MillennialLifeCoaches #AIForCoaches #PersonalBranding #HumanConnection

What can the Enneagram teach us about sensitivity, social justice, and our unique calling?  In this conversation, our special guest, Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, speaks about the challenges faced by Enneagram Fours and highly sensitive people. Drawing from her book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul, Dorcas reflects on belonging, burnout, and emotional wounds. She offers us sustainable ways to pursue justice.   Also in this episode, Fr. Richard Rohr offers wisdom on the Four's gift of seeing beyond conformity and invites Type Fours to turn their suffering outward in solidarity with others.   Tune in to discover how our authenticity, purpose, and gifts can serve the world.  Find the transcript for today's episode here. Sign Up for The Enneagram Email Series  Deepen your journey with the Enneagram. Sign up for monthly reflections, practices, and resources that connect the contemplative wisdom with your daily life. https://cac.org/belongs2026/ Additional Enneagram Resources The Enneagram: An Introduction: A brief introduction to this tool and a compilation of different resources curated for those longing to better understand and have compassion for themselves and others.  Enneagram as a Tool for Your Spiritual Journey: Use the offer code POD35 to get 35% off this foundational Enneagram teaching from Fr. Richard Rohr and Episode 2 guest Russ Hudson.  The Enneagram & Grace: Richard Rohr and Russ Hudson offer a deep study of the Enneagram as a practice to nurture transformation for ourselves and compassion for the world. Use POD35 to get 35% off your order.  Follow us on Instagram. How can your wounds lead to wisdom? Discover topics about what your number might be trying to teach you.  Join the conversation on Facebook. Share wisdom with others on the Enneagram journey.   Pick up a copy of Fr. Richard's book The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective.  Connect With Us Have a question you'd like ask the team to answer about this season?  Email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcasts@cac.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Send us a voicemail: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cac.org/voicemail⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Sisters Leah and Grace, the creative duo behind Tiny and Snail, a greeting card and stationery business with a powerful story. Together, they share how their love of art, resilience in the face of life-altering adversity, and unwavering sisterly bond have shaped their company and lives. Leah discusses the impact of a spinal cord injury that changed her life in seconds, how it deepened her art and sense of purpose, and why handwritten notes matter more than ever.

In this episode: Hope Giselle's journey before social media recognition Why her first career goal was becoming a professional makeup artist The unexpected path from beauty to activism The moment she realized people genuinely cared about her message Building influence through authenticity rather than trends The responsibility that comes with a public platform Creating a personal brand with purpose Why meaningful conversations matter more than chasing clout Lessons from public speaking and advocacy Staying true to yourself while growing an audience Guest: Hope GiselleHost: Steve StanulisPodcast: Screw The Clout This episode explores how purpose, authenticity, and finding your voice can build a lasting brand in today's digital world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with National Review staff writer Jeffrey Blehar for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, music, media, and the future of American culture. Blehar shares his unconventional path from practicing law to political commentary, explains why authenticity matters more than partisan loyalty, and discusses the philosophy that guides his writing. The conversation also explores Blehar's popular Political Beats podcast, where political personalities leave politics behind to discuss their favorite music. Together, Karol and Jeff examine whether it's possible to separate artists from their political beliefs and why music can transcend ideology. Finally, Blehar offers his predictions for America's future, warning about increasing political polarization, the erosion of reading and literacy, and a culture increasingly driven by podcasts, video, and social media instead of books. He closes with a reminder not to make politics your religion—a lesson he believes is essential for preserving perspective in today's polarized world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most Enneagram teaching is very good at describing what's wrong with you. This episode is about what's right. Every Enneagram type has a Passion — the chief emotional distortion the ego runs when it's disconnected from its truest self. Anger for the One. Pride for the Two. Deceit for the Three. Each of the nine types has one, and most of us have spent a lot of energy trying to manage ours without quite knowing what it is. But every type also has a Virtue. Not a moral achievement you add on top — a quality that naturally arises in the heart when the Passion loosens its grip. Serenity. Humility. Authenticity. Equanimity. Non-Attachment. Courage. Sobriety. Innocence. Right Action. These aren't things you build. They're things that emerge when you stop being in the way of yourself. In this final episode of the Enneagram Essentials series, Anthony and I walk through all nine Passions and their corresponding Virtues. I share what Equanimity feels like in my own life as a Four — when I manage to access it — and we close with two honest answers to the question of how any of this actually becomes real: contemplative practice, and a particular kind of willingness to stop running from pain. This is a hopeful episode. Everything in the series has been building toward this. The Enneagram has always been pointing here.   This is Episode 5 of 5 in the Enneagram Essentials series. All five episodes are available now wherever you listen to Typology.   RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:  The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron  The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron Enneagram Assessment | Find Your Type Ian's speaking and organizational work   Follow Ian on Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube 

What makes great executives stand out? I'm thrilled to share Part 1 of a 3-part series that will explore the foundations of positive leadership. Throughout this special set of episodes, I will be sharing the stage with Kevin Ford, the award-winning CEO of Calian who recently stepped down. In this episode, Kevin and I start the conversation by taking an honest look at why leading yourself matters most. We unpack the critical role of self-awareness, sharing a powerful personal journey that moved Kevin from early-career overconfidence to the life-changing benefits of welcoming tough feedback.We also discuss insightful research, amplified with real-life examples that makes the case that self-awareness isn't soft. Our discussion touches on structured approaches (like 360 reviews) and everyday, observational cues that help leaders read the room and adjust in real time. We reframe humility as a leadership strength, curiosity as the operational side of great leadership, and positivity as the superpower needed to weather today's challenges.If you're searching for ways to advance your leadership, build resilience, and foster authentic relationships, this episode provides an actionable roadmap to transform self-awareness from a buzzword into your most valuable asset.What You'll Learn- Self-Awareness is foundational- Feedback is a gift: Receive it well- Embracing (tough) feedback, can be transformative.- Make time for self-reflection.- Curiosity is operationalized humility.- Positive energy matters, especially in tough times.- Legacy is about the journey. Podcast Timestamps(00:00) - Introduction to the 3-Part Series(00:42) - Guest Introduction: Kevin Ford's Leadership Journey(03:26) - The Importance of Leading Yourself(04:11) – The Role of Self-Awareness in Executive Success(06:08) - Transformative Feedback: The Value of Tough Conversations(09:46) - Processing Feedback and Humility in Leadership(12:12) - Creating Upward Feedback Culture(14:24) - Reading the Room: Observational Self-Awareness(16:43) - Internal and External Self-Awareness(17:56) - Addressing Time Constraints and Feedback Reluctance(22:18) - Curiosity as a Driver of Self-Awareness(24:21) - Humility, Curiosity, and Leadership Legacy(29:04) - Self-Awareness and Decisive Leadership(32:59) - Positive Energy and Well-being in Leadership(37:48) - Practical Steps for Sustaining Positive Energy(41:45) - Final Reflections on Self-AwarenessKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Self-Awareness, Leadership Development, Executive Feedback, 360 Assessments, Upward Feedback, Humility in Leadership, Curiosity, Culture, Authenticity, Positive Energy, Well-Being, Mental Health, Physical Health, Energy Management, Legacy, Organizational Culture, Coaching, Empathy, Constructive Criticism, Personal Growth, Employee Engagement, Resilience, Performance Review, Self-Reflection, Emotional Intelligence, CEO Success

Last weekend, Lollapalooza rolled into my front yard in Chicago, and in this Series, I'll be featuring the interviews I did with a handful of amazing artists playing this giant festival. For this Part 1, I was especially psyched to mark the occasion by first sitting down with my friend, the amazing and inspiring Goldie Boutilier, who's making her third appearance on the show.Since Goldie's last interview for Roadcase in December 2024, she has been absolutely crushing it and I couldn't be happier about her accomplishments. She was recently nominated for a Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, made her TV debut on the Kelly Clarkson Show, opened for Katy Perry on the European leg of her World Tour late last year, and also had her song “King of Possibilities” featured as the theme song for the Netflix Series “The Hunting Wives.” These are major accomplishments by any measure, but when you understand Goldie's life story, her continual rise becomes even more impressive.Goldie talks to me about her constant evolution and transformation from a dreamer to a doer, the impact of being a role model for her fans, how owning her trauma and seeing herself in others has made her feel less alone, and we explore how her overcoming doubt and fear to conquer new challenges has made her even stronger. Goldie's inspiring story is one of survival, resilience, grit, determination and self-belief — and I'm proud to have her on the show once again!!  You can click on the link in the bio to find it. It's a very special conversation and I cannot wait for you to give it a listen. =======================================Chapters:00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg03:55 - Introducing Goldie's inspiring story04:46 - Redefining manifestation through perseverance and resilience05:38 - How two years transformed Goldie's perception of time and achievement06:37 - The practicality behind fashion and persona as part of her healing journey07:38 - Reflecting on her industry milestones: opening for Katy Perry and TV debut09:17 - The evolution from revenge pop to resilient and healing pop music10:51 - The significance of her past struggles and how they inform her artistry11:46 - Connecting with fans through vulnerability and shared trauma13:18 - Using storytelling to impact others and promote healing14:57 - The importance of authenticity versus appearance—navigating fashion and art15:39 - How her persona layers with her genuine self, creating a multi-dimensional artist17:35 - The power of venues like the Troubadour and meaningful fan interactions19:17 - Sharing her long road of recovery and triumph over past hardships21:46 - The role of community and shared experience in her music's reach23:20 - The impact of landmark achievements like opening for major artists and licensing success24:46 - Overcoming doubt and celebrating her success with awards and recognition26:10 - The importance of expressing gratitude to supporting family and community26:48 - Her upcoming album "The Godmother" and its themes of maternal care and spiritual resilience28:42 - The healing power of dance and upbeat music in her new projects29:50 - Reflecting on her alter ego Goldie Montana as a symbol of bravery and transformation31:59 - The extraordinary impact of her song on "The Hunting Wives"33:10 - Experiences touring with Katy Perry and lessons learned from the interaction36:00 - Navigating the challenge of connecting with fans and managing DMs37:31 - The significance of the Troubadour show and its emotional resonance39:06 - The comfort of community and shared understanding with her audience39:56 - Embracing authenticity and the journey from hardship to rainbow-colored resilience41:06 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Goldie and tour dates: https://www.goldieenterprises.com/=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  info@roadcasepod.comRoadcase theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Authenticity has always been at the heart of Albert Mughannem's business. In this episode of the REDX Podcast, Albert, founder of Team Mughannem Real Estate in Southeast Michigan, shares how his journey from professional chef and restaurant manager to real estate professional shaped his service-first philosophy. After returning to real estate seven years ago, Albert built a thriving business alongside his wife, Teresa, specializing in probate, inherited properties, and helping clients navigate major life transitions with empathy and compassion. Throughout the conversation, he explains why genuine relationships, not sales tactics, have become the foundation of his long-term success.Albert dives into the mindset behind consistent prospecting, sharing why every agent eventually needs to look beyond their sphere of influence to create sustainable growth. He explains why he believes the best script is often "no script," emphasizing authentic conversations, active listening, and understanding a prospect's true motivation. Albert also discusses how he uses AI as a research assistant before prospecting calls while cautioning agents against sacrificing authenticity for automation. From handling rejection and creating a balanced daily routine to building trust with homeowners facing emotional life transitions, Albert provides practical advice that agents can immediately apply. Whether you're new to prospecting or looking to create deeper client relationships, this episode offers timeless strategies for building a business centered on service, consistency, and genuine human connection.Here's What You'll Discover in This Episode...• Why serving people, not selling them is the foundation of a successful real estate business.• How Albert transitioned from professional chef to building a thriving real estate career.• Why prospecting is essential for growing beyond your sphere of influence.• What Albert means when he says the best script is often "no script."• How active listening creates stronger conversations and more appointments.• Why empathy is especially important when helping clients through major life transitions.• How Albert uses AI to research prospects without replacing authentic relationships.• What daily habits help him stay consistent while avoiding burnout.• Why rejection shouldn't stop you from making the next phone call.• How one REDX call turned into a signed listing agreement within 30 minutes.JUMP TO THESE TOPICS00:00 –

In this episode, Adam Christing shares insights on how humor can be effectively integrated into presentations to engage audiences, build trust, and reinforce messages. Discover practical tips, frameworks, and stories to become a funnier, more relatable speaker.Chapters04:01 The Power of Clean Comedy05:57 Framework: Doesn't Have to Be Filthy to Be Funny08:04 Humor as a Trust Shortcut09:58 The Magic Castle and Embracing Weaknesses13:03 Getting Started with Humor: Surprise and Spontaneity14:51 The Five Laugh Languages: Surprise, Poke, In-Jokes, Wordplay, Amplify20:07 Self-Deprecating Humor and Flaws as Strengths 24:58 In-Jokes and Shared Experiences29:52 Testing and Customizing Humor for Your Audience39:46 The Role of Authenticity and Audience Connection49:57 Practical Tips for Incorporating Humor01:00:02 Conclusion and Resources for Developing Humor Skills ResourcesThe Laughter Factor by Adam ChristingCleanComedians.comSpeak Different by David Rendall and Stan Phelps

Lucas Sherraden hosts Tony Tate, a top real estate producer from Orlando, Florida, in a conversation exploring his career journey and insights. They discuss Tony's unique approach to the industry, blending technology and real estate through crypto transactions, and the foundation of his team, the Live and Invest Group. With a background in technology, Tony shares key strategies for leveraging social media effectively, understanding the nuances of cryptocurrency in real estate, and leading a successful team. This episode delves into Tony's emphasis on authenticity, lasting relationships, and personal growth within the real estate landscape. Connect with Tony at https://www.liveandinvestgroup.com/ ---------- Be sure to leave a rating and review and don't forget to go to www.builthow.com and register for our next live or virtual event. Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network

Authenticity is the north node, not the south. Most people have this backwards, and it's why the self that feels most familiar is so often the one they've already completed. In this episode, Ashley looks at where you're still operating as a past version of yourself, and why intuition gets stronger as layers of identity and ego come off. You're not developing a new skill. You're removing what was covering it. She also tells the story of the bats: a humane trap set for what she was certain was a mouse, a quiet knowing that there were babies inside, and the maternity colony she found roosting in the beams. She knew. She didn't trust it. ------- join the live authentic challenge live inside GUIDED + use PODCAST for 15% off first month  the middle space on substack  ask ashley a question here (a voicenote for a podcast feature) join ashley's akashic session waitlist  receive a free 'regulate' line activation subscribe to our newsletter download the a line within app for iOS download the a line within app for android how to do the line activation follow on instagram @alnwithin 

Patrick steers the conversation through messy election choices, wrestling with strategy and conscience as he weighs public duty against Catholic principles. Authenticity and skepticism battle it out in his thoughts about miracles, private revelations, and the swirl of holy objects, while the modern unease over artificial intelligence prompts him to separate science fiction worries from spiritual reality. In confession, honesty reigns as Patrick presses for spiritual clarity, threading everything together with a call to live faithfully, alert to everyday responsibilities instead of getting lost in apocalyptic rumors. Email – Is voting for a less "offensive" pro-abortion candidate in a primary election okay according to Church teaching? (01:36) Monica (email) - I was recently given a small sample of the Holy Dirt form the El Santuario de Chimayó (09:31) Heidi - I feel it is very important to vote for the least evil candidate to prevent communism from stepping over our doorstep. Too dangerous to sit out (17:18) Cindy (email) - As AI is advancing so rapidly and recently even proven by the breach out of the sandbox and jump into the internet on its own, it is hard not to see the Hal of Space Odyssey 2001. I fear for that we are on the verge of a catastrophe for humanity. Let us suppose that the genie is already out of the box and not in our control. My question is not if but when computers and robots become "sentient" will they have a soul? (19:31) Vinnie - Is it a problem when you have trouble believing that Adam and Eve lived to be 900 years old? (31:32) Anthony - Is it appropriate to repeat myself over and over again of things that happened in the past when in confession. (34:52) Richard - What do you think about the three days of darkness? (47:11)

How can we serve Hashem without constantly measuring ourselves through the imagined judgment of others?In this shiur, R. Joey Rosenfeld explores the healing light of the Baal Shem Tov as a path toward emunah, inner calm, self-acceptance, and holy confidence. Each person possesses a unique spiritual path, hunger, and offering that cannot be brought into the world by anyone else. Learning to say, “For me the world was created,” means becoming grounded in our own relationship with Hashem rather than living beneath the expectations—real or imagined—of others.Through a story of a ravenously hungry guest at the Baal Shem Tov's Shabbos table, we learn to honor our hunger for Torah, closeness, healing, joy, and spiritual life without shame.Topics include:• The healing light of the Baal Shem Tov• Emunah as a response to anxiety and uncertainty• Accepting ourselves with holy confidence• Each soul's unique spiritual path and offering• “For me the world was created”• Living beyond comparison and the imagined judgment of others• Holy confidence versus arrogance• False humility as a form of concealment• Authenticity and vulnerability before Hashem• Honoring our hunger for Torah and closeness• The Baal Shem Tov's story of the hungry Shabbos guest• Choosing life, joy, and spiritual well-beingExplore more teachings and resources:https://joeyrosenfeld.comSupport the preservation and expansion of this Torah:https://joeyrosenfeld.com/support

The cosmic curriculum just changed! In this episode of Soul Sessions, Amanda Rieger Green breaks down the pivotal astrological shift as the North Node moves into Aquarius and the South Node enters Leo. This 18-month planetary shift (lasting through March 2028) marks a massive evolutionary leap for both the collective and our personal lives. As technology and artificial intelligence accelerate exponentially, the core question becomes: How do we evolve our humanity alongside rapidly advancing intelligence? In this episode, Amanda covers: The Cosmic Shift: What the North Node in Aquarius & South Node in Leo mean for your personal growth over the next year and a half. Pluto & Jupiter at Play: How Pluto in Aquarius and Jupiter in Leo are catalyzing deep personal transformation and expanding perspective. The August Catalyst: Navigating the Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse, the Lion’s Gate Portal (8/8), and the energetic shifts of late summer. Authenticity vs. The Attention Economy: Shifting from seeking external validation/metrics to embodying internal authority and genuine human connection. Evolving Beyond Perfectionism: Building on the previous Pisces/Virgo node lessons to release proving energy and step into authentic heart-led expression. Additional Resources: August 2026 Energy Forecast: Protect, Direct, & Free Your Energy Energetic Discernment: Clear Your Field, Return Old Energy & Reclaim Your Power Why Self-Care Isn’t Enough Anymore: The Shift from Healing to Evolving Lion’s Gate Portal 8/8: What to Know, What to Remember, and How to Align Host: Amanda Rieger Green Subscribe to Amanda's YouTube HERE! Follow Amanda on Instagram: @soulpathology Check out Amanda's Website: SoulPathology.com Send Amanda an Email: Podcast@soulsessions.meFollow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulpathology/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of "Be Yourself At Work." Together, they explore the power of authentic leadership, building resilient workplace cultures, and the importance of empathy and self-awareness in professional growth. Episode Highlights: [0:49] Introduction to Claude Silver and her role as Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX [13:14] Claude discusses fear, insecurity, and authenticity in the workplace [13:72] Shifting leadership paradigms: trust, vulnerability, and communication [14:26] Building resilience through adversity and the value of transparent feedback About Claude Silver:Claude Silver is the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to cultivate a people-first culture. With over a decade in her unique role, Claude is recognized for pioneering empathetic leadership and fostering environments where individuals can thrive by being their authentic selves. She is the author of "Be Yourself At Work," a book dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to lead with heart, courage, and vulnerability. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Stephanie Wall. Purpose of the Interview To share Dr. Wall’s expertise as a neuroscience coach, criminal justice professor, author, and mentor. To discuss her mission through 1 Million Lives Transform, a global movement helping women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence. To provide actionable strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome in professional and personal settings. Key Takeaways Background and Roles Served 20 years in law enforcement and continues teaching criminal justice and ethical leadership. Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices. Unmuting Your Voice Many professionals mute themselves due to fear, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome. Techniques: Awareness: Recognize when you’re silencing yourself. Pause and breathe before responding. Stand up when speaking in meetings to command attention and project confidence. Use phrases like “I’d like to build on that point” to engage respectfully. Mindset and Fear What you tell yourself matters more than external criticism. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and surround yourself with positive influences. Neuroscience supports that repeated positive input rewires thought patterns. Boundaries and Time Management Learn to say “No” as a complete sentence. Set boundaries for phone calls and social interactions to protect productivity. Busy professionals should establish communication rules (e.g., “Do you have a minute?”). Authenticity and Leadership Authenticity is key—embrace your natural gifts and use them to transform spaces. Leadership requires mindset shifts when moving from peer to manager roles. Mentorship should be intentional and specific, not generic (“pick your brain” requests need structure). 1 Million Lives Transform A movement to help women rewrite their narratives, reclaim confidence, and lead boldly. Focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and empowerment strategies. Notable Quotes “Notice in that moment that you are muting yourself.” “Stand up when you speak—you command the room.” “No is a complete sentence.” “Our gifts are not for us; they are for other people.” “What you say to yourself does more damage than anything anyone else could say.” “Authenticity isn’t lip service—it’s showing up as who you truly are.” “Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Stephanie Wall. Purpose of the Interview To share Dr. Wall’s expertise as a neuroscience coach, criminal justice professor, author, and mentor. To discuss her mission through 1 Million Lives Transform, a global movement helping women unmute their voices and lead with authenticity and confidence. To provide actionable strategies for overcoming self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome in professional and personal settings. Key Takeaways Background and Roles Served 20 years in law enforcement and continues teaching criminal justice and ethical leadership. Founder of 1 Million Lives Transform, focused on empowering women to reclaim their voices. Unmuting Your Voice Many professionals mute themselves due to fear, lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome. Techniques: Awareness: Recognize when you’re silencing yourself. Pause and breathe before responding. Stand up when speaking in meetings to command attention and project confidence. Use phrases like “I’d like to build on that point” to engage respectfully. Mindset and Fear What you tell yourself matters more than external criticism. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations and surround yourself with positive influences. Neuroscience supports that repeated positive input rewires thought patterns. Boundaries and Time Management Learn to say “No” as a complete sentence. Set boundaries for phone calls and social interactions to protect productivity. Busy professionals should establish communication rules (e.g., “Do you have a minute?”). Authenticity and Leadership Authenticity is key—embrace your natural gifts and use them to transform spaces. Leadership requires mindset shifts when moving from peer to manager roles. Mentorship should be intentional and specific, not generic (“pick your brain” requests need structure). 1 Million Lives Transform A movement to help women rewrite their narratives, reclaim confidence, and lead boldly. Focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and empowerment strategies. Notable Quotes “Notice in that moment that you are muting yourself.” “Stand up when you speak—you command the room.” “No is a complete sentence.” “Our gifts are not for us; they are for other people.” “What you say to yourself does more damage than anything anyone else could say.” “Authenticity isn’t lip service—it’s showing up as who you truly are.” “Boundaries are not selfish; they are necessary.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.