Podcasts about Backbone

Does the federal government have unilateral power to call forth the militia? During the War of 1812, New England states not only said no, but they used the principles of the 10th Amendment to actively interpose and resist federal demands for mobilizing the militia. The post When States Had Backbone: The Militia Showdown They Never Teach first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.

In 1988 history was made by JCP. A Premium Live Event given away free on TBS showcasing some of the best and brightest for our entertainment. Titles defended. Grudges resolved. Legends are born. Henceforth known as the Clash of the Champions. Join us as the Backbone on this journey recapping these amazing show of shows. Keithie brings in the true "Backbone" of the BWN, Logjam Crossland as we work our way through a two and a half hour commercial for Chi-Town Rumble, I mean Clash of the Champions V: St. Valentine's Massacre live from the Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The Russian Assassins with Paul Jones vs The Midnight Express with Jim Cornette Steve (not Scott) Casey vs Butch Reed Lex Luger vs The Blackmailer The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Steve Williams) vs The Fantastics for the NWA United States Tag Team Championship Ricky Steamboat vs Bob Bradley Rip Morgan vs Rick Steiner NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors and Genichiro Tenryu vs Sting, The Junkyard Dog and Michael P.S. Hayes Or so we thought as Tommy Young goes full on Tommy Young and we end up with a total farce. Check it out.

Who are the fastest growing entrepreneurs in the USA? How much of the USA economy is created by Small Businesses? What if the key to launching a game-changing business isn't funding or connections—but the story behind it? In this episode, Rob sits down with his friend, storyteller and entrepreneurial ecosystem builder Jamilah Corbitt to uncover how powerful narratives can break barriers, amplify underrepresented voices, and drive real innovation—especially in rural and underserved communities. From navigating federal government and (SBA) Small Business Administration resources to building local ecosystems that truly listen, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build inclusive entrepreneurial support across the country.Feel free to follow and engage with JAMILAH here:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilahcorbitt- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamilahcorbitt/- X: https://x.com/jamilahcorbitt?lang=en- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamilahCorbitt- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamilahCorbitt/- Website: https://jamilahcorbitt.com/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers04:10 Meet Jamila Corbitt: A Force of Nature07:02 The State of Entrepreneurship in the U.S.09:57 Inequities in Access to Entrepreneurial Resources13:03 Understanding the SBA and Its Role16:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship19:06 Establish: Bridging the Gap in Entrepreneurial Support28:59 Innovative Community Building at Established35:02 Addressing Marginalization in Entrepreneurship41:53 The Backbone of the Economy: Small Businesses47:29 The Art of Storytelling in Business52:51 Building Local Ecosystems: Key Strategies

Courage is the backbone of conviction - and both are in short supply in today's political landscape. This raw, unfiltered episode tackles the defining struggle of our time: the battle between cowardice masquerading as strength versus genuine courage that stands up for humanity.What makes someone a coward? It's not just fear—it's the weaponization of fear against the vulnerable. From immigration enforcement agencies terrorizing communities to politicians redrawing voting maps mid-decade to cling to power, we're witnessing cowardice dressed up as policy and leadership. When officials target farmworkers and day laborers while giving a pass to the corporations that exploit them, that's not enforcement—that's fear in a suit.The counterbalance to this spreading cowardice is courage with conviction. We spotlight the Texas legislators who fled to Illinois to block unjust redistricting, the governors fighting for immigrant rights in court, and the community organizations forming rapid response networks to protect their neighbors. These aren't just feel-good stories—they're blueprints for resistance.You don't need to be a hero to make a difference. The most powerful act may be simply refusing to look away, choosing compassion when the crowd chooses cruelty, and speaking up when silence feels safer. Because courage, like cowardice, is contagious. When you stand firm in your convictions, you create space for others to find their voice too. This is how we move mountains—together, with conviction and a whole lot of courage. Are you ready to be part of that movement?Thank you for stopping by. Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share. You can also support us by shopping at our STORE - We'd appreciate that greatly. Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481Editing by Team A-JHost, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER: As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast. Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance.

We don't just have money problems—we have money perception problems. In Part 2 of our three-part Money Dysmorphia series with Backbone, I'm joined by Melissa Burleson, a certified financial counselor at Tarrant County's Credit Union, who brings nearly 20 years of wisdom, service, and heart to this conversation. Melissa knows firsthand how money dysmorphia—our distorted view of our financial reality—can sabotage even the smartest budgeter or most determined saver. We talk about how money dysmorphia can swing both ways—from feeling constantly behind despite doing all the right things, to overspending and living beyond your means to project financial success. And Melissa shares powerful personal stories, real-life coaching moments, and practical tools to start shifting from emotional chaos to financial clarity. You'll walk away with: A deeper understanding of the emotional triggers behind overspending and avoidance How generational money beliefs and social media comparison fuel money dysmorphia Why many people tie their self-worth to a credit score—and how to break that cycle How to recognize when emotional thinking is clouding financial decisions What it takes to move from “I'm bad with money” to “I trust myself with money” Keep up with all things Everyone's Talkin' Money by following us on Instagram. If you loved what you heard, rate us 5 stars and like and follow us on your favorite podcast app! Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick has also been at the forefront of research into the link between hypermobility, pain sensitivity, and ADHD. His clinic, Backbone, brings together clinical expertise across pain, breathing, stress, and neurodiversity to offer holistic, science-led care. Nick Potter has been in clinical practice for over 30 years and is currently based at King Edward VII's Hospital in London. Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:46 Nick's mission 05:51 How to test if you're hyper-mobile 07:46 How common is hyper-mobility amongst ADHDers 13:54 How to describe ADHD to an alien 16:07 Tiimo advert 19:38 What problems can hyper-mobility cause? 29:12 How ADHD affects the body 38:09 Is the medical community recognising hyper-mobility 39:12 Can hyper-mobility shorten life span 43:22 Nick's ADHD item 49:23 The ADHD agony aunt section 52:19 3 rules to live by Nick is the author of the widely acclaimed book The Meaning of Pain, now translated into six languages. The book was praised by Sir Elton John as:"The man who taught me how to breathe." Visit Nick's website

Welcome back to Snafu w/ Robin Zander.  In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Elliott, former Slack executive and co-founder of Future Forum. We discuss the common mistakes leaders make about AI and why trust and transparency are more crucial than ever. Brian shares lessons from building high-performing teams, what makes good leadership, and how to foster real collaboration. He also reflects on raising values-driven kids, the breakdown of institutional trust, and why purpose matters. We touch on the early research behind Future Forum and what he'd do differently today. Brian will also be joining us live at Responsive Conference 2025, and I'm excited to continue the conversation there. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them here. What Do Most People Get Wrong About AI? (1:53) “Senior leaders sit on polar ends of the spectrum on this stuff. Very, very infrequently, sit in the middle, which is kind of where I find myself too often.”  Robin notes Brian will be co-leading an active session on AI at Responsive Conference with longtime collaborator Helen Kupp. He tees up the conversation by saying Brian holds “a lot of controversial opinions” on AI, not that it's insignificant, but that there's a lot of “idealization.” Brian says most senior leaders fall into one of two camps: Camp A: “Oh my God, this changes everything.” These are the fear-mongers shouting: “If you don't adopt now, your career is over.” Camp B: “This will blow over.” They treat AI as just another productivity fad, like others before it. Brian positions himself somewhere in the middle but is frustrated by both ends of the spectrum. He points out that the loudest voices (Mark Benioff, Andy Jassy, Zuckerberg, Sam Altman) are “arms merchants” – they're pushing AI tools because they've invested billions. These tools are massively expensive to build and run, and unless they displace labor, it's unclear how they generate ROI. believe in AI's potential and  aggressively push adoption inside their companies. So, naturally, these execs have to: But “nothing ever changes that fast,” and both the hype and the dismissal are off-base. Why Playing with AI Matters More Than Training (3:29) AI is materially different from past tech, but what's missing is attention to how adoption happens. “The organizational craft of driving adoption is not about handing out tools. It's all emotional.” Adoption depends on whether people respond with fear or aspiration, not whether they have the software. Frontline managers are key: it's their job to create the time and space for teams to experiment with AI. Brian credits Helen Kupp for being great at facilitating this kind of low-stakes experimentation. Suggests teams should “play with AI tools” in a way totally unrelated to their actual job. Example: take a look at your fridge, list the ingredients you have, and have AI suggest a recipe. “Well, that's a sucky recipe, but it could do that, right?” The point isn't utility,  it's comfort and conversation: What's OK to use AI for? Is it acceptable to draft your self-assessment for performance reviews with AI? Should you tell your boss or hide it? The Purpose of Doing the Thing (5:30) Robin brings up Ezra Klein's podcast in The New York Times, where Ezra asks: “What's the purpose of writing an essay in college?” AI can now do better research than a student, faster and maybe more accurately. But Robin argues that the act of writing is what matters, not just the output. Says: “I'm much better at writing that letter than ChatGPT can ever be, because only Robin Zander can write that letter.” Example: Robin and his partner are in contract on a house and wrote a letter to the seller – the usual “sob story” to win favor. All the writing he's done over the past two years prepared him to write that one letter better. “The utility of doing the thing is not the thing itself – it's what it trains.” Learning How to Learn (6:35) Robin's fascinated by “skills that train skills” – a lifelong theme in both work and athletics. He brings up Josh Waitzkin (from Searching for Bobby Fischer), who went from chess prodigy to big wave surfer to foil board rider. Josh trained his surfing skills by riding a OneWheel through NYC, practicing balance in a different context. Robin is drawn to that kind of transfer learning and “meta-learning” – especially since it's so hard to measure or study. He asks: What might AI be training in us that isn't the thing itself? We don't yet know the cognitive effects of using generative AI daily, but we should be asking. Cognitive Risk vs. Capability Boost (8:00) Brian brings up early research suggesting AI could make us “dumber.” Outsourcing thinking to AI reduces sharpness over time. But also: the “10,000 repetitions” idea still holds weight – doing the thing builds skill. There's a tension between “performance mode” (getting the thing done) and “growth mode” (learning). He relates it to writing: Says he's a decent writer, not a great one, but wants to keep getting better. Has a “quad project” with an editor who helps refine tone and clarity but doesn't do the writing. The setup: he provides 80% drafts, guidelines, tone notes, and past writing samples. The AI/editor cleans things up, but Brian still reviews: “I want that colloquialism back in.” “I want that specific example back in.” “That's clunky, I don't want to keep it.” Writing is iterative, and tools can help, but shouldn't replace his voice. On Em Dashes & Detecting Human Writing (9:30) Robin shares a trick: he used em dashes long before ChatGPT and does them with a space on either side. He says that ChatGPT's em dashes are double-length and don't have spaces. If you want to prove ChatGPT didn't write something, “just add the space.” Brian agrees and jokes that his editors often remove the spaces, but he puts them back in. Reiterates that professional human editors like the ones he works with at Charter and Sloan are still better than AI. Closing the Gap Takes More Than Practice (10:31) Robin references The Gap by Ira Glass, a 2014 video that explores the disconnect between a creator's vision and their current ability to execute on that vision. He highlights Glass's core advice: the only way to close that gap is through consistent repetition – what Glass calls “the reps.” Brian agrees, noting that putting in the reps is exactly what creators must do, even when their output doesn't yet meet their standards. Brian also brings up his recent conversation with Nick Petrie, whose work focuses not only on what causes burnout but also on what actually resolves it. He notes research showing that people stuck in repetitive performance mode – like doctors doing the same task for decades – eventually see a decline in performance. Brian recommends mixing in growth opportunities alongside mastery work. “exploit” mode (doing what you're already good at) and  “explore” mode (trying something new that pushes you) He says doing things that stretch your boundaries builds muscle that strengthens your core skills and breaks stagnation. He emphasizes the value of alternating between  He adds that this applies just as much to personal growth, especially when people begin to question their deeper purpose and ask hard questions like, “Is this all there is to my life or career? Brian observes that stepping back for self-reflection is often necessary, either by choice or because burnout forces a hard stop. He suggests that sustainable performance requires not just consistency but also intentional space for growth, purpose, and honest self-evaluation. Why Taste And Soft Skills Now Matter More Than Ever (12:30) On AI, Brian argues that most people get it wrong. “I do think it's augmentation.” The tools are evolving rapidly, and so are the ways we use them. They view it as a way to speed up work, especially for engineers, but that's missing the bigger picture. Brian stresses that EQ is becoming more important than IQ. Companies still need people with developer mindsets – hypothesis-driven, structured thinkers. But now, communication, empathy, and adaptability are no longer optional; they are critical. “Human communication skills just went from ‘they kind of suck at it but it's okay' to ‘that's not acceptable.'” As AI takes over more specialist tasks, the value of generalists is rising. People who can generate ideas, anticipate consequences, and rally others around a vision will be most valuable. “Tools can handle the specialized knowledge – but only humans can connect it to purpose.” Brian warns that traditional job descriptions and org charts are becoming obsolete. Instead of looking for ways to rush employees into doing more work, “rethink the roles. What can a small group do when aligned around a common purpose?” The future lies in small, aligned teams with shared goals. Vision Is Not a Strategy (15:56) Robin reflects on durable human traits through Steve Jobs' bio by Isaac Walterson. Jobs succeeded not just with tech, but with taste, persuasion, charisma, and vision. “He was less technologist, more storyteller.” They discuss Sam Altman, the subject of Empire of AI. Whether or not the book is fully accurate, Robin argues that Altman's defining trait is deal-making. Robin shares his experience using ChatGPT in real estate. It changed how he researched topics like redwood root systems on foundational structure and mosquito mitigation. Despite the tech, both agree that human connection is more important than ever. “We need humans now more than ever.” Brian references data from Kelly Monahan showing AI power users are highly productive but deeply burned out. 40% more productive than their peers. 88% are completely burnt out. Many don't believe their company's AI strategy, even while using the tools daily. There's a growing disconnect between executive AI hype and on-the-ground experience. But internal tests by top engineers showed only 10% improvement, mostly in simple tasks. “You've got to get into the tools yourself to be fluent on this.” One CTO believed AI would produce 30% efficiency gains. Brian urges leaders to personally engage with the tools before making sweeping decisions. He warns against blindly accepting optimistic vendor promises or trends. Leaders pushing AI without firsthand experience risk overburdening their teams. “You're bringing the Kool-Aid and then you're shoving it down your team's throat.” This results in burnout, not productivity. “You're cranking up the demands. You're cranking up the burnout, too.” “That's not going to lead to what you want either.” If You Want Control, Just Say That (20:47) Robin raises the topic of returning to the office, which has been a long-standing area of interest for him. “I interviewed Joel Gascoyne on stage in 2016… the largest fully distributed company in the world at the time.” He's tracked distributed work since Responsive 2016. Also mentions Shelby Wolpa (ex-Envision), who scaled thousands remotely. Robin notes the shift post-COVID: companies are mandating returns without adjusting for today's realities.” Example: “Intel just did a mandatory 4 days a week return to office… and now people live hours away.” He acknowledges the benefits of in-person collaboration, especially in creative or physical industries. “There is an undeniable utility.”, especially as they met in Robin's Cafe to talk about Responsive, despite a commute, because it was worth it. But he challenges blanket return-to-office mandates, especially when the rationale is unclear. According to Brian, any company uses RTO as a veiled soft layoff tactic. Cites Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy openly stating RTO is meant to encourage attrition. He says policies without clarity are ineffective. “If you quit, I don't have to pay you severance.” Robin notes that the Responsive Manifesto isn't about providing answers but outlining tensions to balance. Before enforcing an RTO policy, leaders should ask: “What problem are we trying to solve – and do we have evidence of it?” Before You Mandate, Check the Data (24:50) Performance data should guide decisions, not executive assumptions. For instance, junior salespeople may benefit from in-person mentorship, but… That may only apply to certain teams, and doesn't justify full mandates. “I've seen situations where productivity has fallen – well-defined productivity.” The decision-making process should be decentralized and nuanced. Different teams have different needs — orgs must avoid one-size-fits-all policies, especially in large, distributed orgs. “Should your CEO be making that decision? Or should your head of sales?” Brian offers a two-part test for leaders to assess their RTO logic: Are you trying to attract and retain the best talent? Are your teams co-located or distributed? If the answer to #1 is yes: People will be less engaged, not more. High performers will quietly leave or disengage while staying. Forcing long commutes will hurt retention and morale. If the answer to #2 is “distributed”: Brian then tells a story about a JPMorgan IT manager who asks Jamie Dimon for flexibility. “It's freaking stupid… it actually made it harder to do their core work.” Instead, teams need to define shared norms and operating agreements. “Teams have to have norms to be effective.” RTO makes even less sense. His team spanned time zones and offices, forcing them into daily hurt collaboration. He argues most RTO mandates are driven by fear and a desire for control. More important than office days are questions like: What hours are we available for meetings? What tools do we use and why? How do we make decisions? Who owns which roles and responsibilities? The Bottom Line: The policy must match the structure. If teams are remote by design, dragging them into an office is counterproductive. How to Be a Leader in Chaotic Times (28:34) “We're living in a more chaotic time than any in my lifetime.” Robin asks how leaders should guide their organizations through uncertainty. He reflects on his early work years during the 2008 crash and the unpredictability he's seen since. Observes current instability like the UCSF and NIH funding and hiring freezes disrupting universities, rising political violence, and murders of public officials from the McKnight Foundation, and more may persist for years without relief. “I was bussing tables for two weeks, quit, became a personal trainer… my old client jumped out a window because he lost his fortune as a banker.” Brian says what's needed now is: Resilience – a mindset of positive realism: acknowledging the issues, while focusing on agency and possibility, and supporting one another. Trust – not just psychological safety, but deep belief in leadership clarity and honesty. His definition of resilience includes: “What options do we have?” “What can we do as a team?” “What's the opportunity in this?” What Builds Trust (and What Breaks It) (31:00) Brian recalls laying off more people than he hired during the dot-com bust – and what helped his team endure: “Here's what we need to do. If you're all in, we'll get through this together.” He believes trust is built when: Leaders communicate clearly and early. They acknowledge difficulty, without sugarcoating. They create clarity about what matters most right now. They involve their team in solutions. He critiques companies that delay communication until they're in PR cleanup mode: Like Target's CEO, who responded to backlash months too late – and with vague platitudes. “Of course, he got backlash,” Brian says. “He wasn't present.” According to him, “Trust isn't just psychological safety. It's also honesty.” Trust Makes Work Faster, Better, and More Fun (34:10) “When trust is there, the work is more fun, and the results are better.” Robin offers a Zander Media story: Longtime collaborator Jonathan Kofahl lives in Austin. Despite being remote, they prep for shoots with 3-minute calls instead of hour-long meetings. The relationship is fast, fluid, and joyful, and the end product reflects that. He explains the ripple effects of trust: Faster workflows Higher-quality output More fun and less burnout Better client experience Fewer miscommunications or dropped balls He also likens it to acrobatics: “If trust isn't there, you land on your head.” Seldom Wrong, Never in Doubt (35:45) “Seldom wrong, never in doubt – that bit me in the butt.” Brian reflects on a toxic early-career mantra: As a young consultant, he was taught to project confidence at all times. It was said that “if you show doubt, you lose credibility,” especially with older clients. Why that backfired: It made him arrogant. It discouraged honest questions or collaborative problem-solving. It modeled bad leadership for others. Brian critiques the startup world's hero culture: Tech glorifies mavericks and contrarians, people who bet against the grain and win. But we rarely see the 95% who bet big and failed, and the survivors become models, often with toxic effects. The real danger: Leaders try to imitate success without understanding the context. Contrarianism becomes a virtue in itself – even when it's wrong. Now, he models something else: “I can point to the mountain, but I don't know the exact path.” Leaders should admit they don't have all the answers. Inviting the team to figure it out together builds alignment and ownership. That's how you lead through uncertainty, by trusting your team to co-create. Slack, Remote Work, and the Birth of Future Forum (37:40) Brian recalls the early days of Future Forum: Slack was deeply office-centric pre-pandemic. He worked 5 days a week in SF, and even interns were expected to show up regularly. Slack's leadership, especially CTO Cal Henderson, was hesitant to go remote, not because they were anti-remote, but because they didn't know how. But when COVID hit, Slack, like everyone else, had to figure out remote work in real time. Brian had long-standing relationships with Slack's internal research team: He pitched Stewart Butterfield (Slack's CEO) on the idea of a think tank, where he was then joined by Helen Kupp and Sheela Subramanian, who became his co-founders in the venture. Thus, Future Forum was born. Christina Janzer, Lucas Puente, and others. Their research was excellent, but mostly internal-facing, used for product and marketing. Brian, self-described as a “data geek,” saw an opportunity: Remote Work Increased Belonging, But Not for Everyone (40:56) In mid-2020, Future Forum launched its first major study. Expected finding: employee belonging would drop due to isolation. Reality: it did, but not equally across all demographics. For Black office workers, a sense of belonging actually increased. Future Forum brought in Dr. Brian Lowery, a Black professor at Stanford, to help interpret the results. Lowery explained: “I'm a Black professor at Stanford. Whatever you think of it as a liberal school, if I have to walk on that campus five days a week and be on and not be Black five days a week, 9 to 5 – it's taxing. It's exhausting. If I can dial in and out of that situation, it's a release.” A Philosophy Disguised as a Playbook (42:00) Brian, Helen, and Sheela co-authored a book that distilled lessons from: Slack's research Hundreds of executive conversations Real-world trials during the remote work shift One editor even commented on how the book is “more like a philosophy book disguised as a playbook.” The key principles are: “Start with what matters to us as an organization. Then ask: What's safe to try?” Policies don't work. Principles do. Norms > mandates. Team-level agreements matter more than companywide rules. Focus on outcomes, not activity.  Train your managers. Clarity, trust, and support start there. Safe-to-try experiments. Iterate fast and test what works for your team. Co-create team norms. Define how decisions get made, what tools get used, and when people are available. What's great with the book is that no matter where you are, this same set of rules still applies.  When Leadership Means Letting Go (43:54) “My job was to model the kind of presence I wanted my team to show.” Robin recalls a defining moment at Robin's Café: Employees were chatting behind the counter while a banana peel sat on the floor, surrounded by dirty dishes. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. His first impulse was to berate them, a habit from his small business upbringing. But in that moment, he reframed his role. “I'm here to inspire, model, and demonstrate the behavior I want to see.” He realized: Hovering behind the counter = surveillance, not leadership. True leadership = empowering your team to care, even when you're not around. You train your manager to create a culture, not compliance. Brian and Robin agree: Rules only go so far. Teams thrive when they believe in the ‘why' behind the work. Robin draws a link between strong workplace culture and… The global rise of authoritarianism The erosion of trust in institutions If trust makes Zander Media better, and helps VC-backed companies scale — “Why do our political systems seem to be rewarding the exact opposite?” Populism, Charisma & Bullshit (45:20) According to Robin, “We're in a world where trust is in very short supply.” Brian reflects on why authoritarianism is thriving globally: The media is fragmented. Everyone's in different pocket universes. People now get news from YouTube or TikTok, not trusted institutions. Truth is no longer shared, and without shared truth, trust collapses. “Walter Cronkite doesn't exist anymore.” He references Andor, where the character, Mon Mothma, says: People no longer trust journalism, government, universities, science, or even business. Edelman's Trust Barometer dipped for business leaders for the first time in 25 years. CEOs who once declared strong values are now going silent, which damages trust even more. “The death of truth is really the problem that's at work here.” Robin points out: Trump and Elon, both charismatic, populist figures, continue to gain power despite low trust. Why? Because their clarity and simplicity still outperform thoughtful leadership. He also calls Trump a “marketing genius.” Brian's frustration: Case in point: Trump-era officials who spread conspiracy theories now can't walk them back. Populists manufacture distrust, then struggle to govern once in power. He shares a recent example: Result: Their base turned on them. Right-wing pundits (Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino) fanned Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies. But in power, they had to admit: “There's no client list publicly.” Brian then suggests that trust should be rebuilt locally. He points to leaders like Zohran Mamdani (NY): “I may not agree with all his positions, but he can articulate a populist vision that isn't exploitative.” Where Are the Leaders? (51:19) Brian expresses frustration at the silence from people in power: “I'm disappointed, highly disappointed, in the number of leaders in positions of power and authority who could lend their voice to something as basic as: science is real.” He calls for a return to shared facts: “Let's just start with: vaccines do not cause autism. Let's start there.” He draws a line between public health and trust: We've had over a century of scientific evidence backing vaccines But misinformation is eroding communal health Brian clarifies: this isn't about wedge issues like guns or Roe v. Wade The problem is that scientists lack public authority, but CEOs don't CEOs of major institutions could shift the narrative, especially those with massive employee bases. And yet, most say nothing: “They know it's going to bite them… and still, no one's saying it.” He warns: ignoring this will hurt businesses, frontline workers, and society at large. 89 Seconds from Midnight (52:45) Robin brings up the Doomsday Clock: Historically, it was 2–4 minutes to midnight “We are 89 seconds to midnight.” (as of January 2025) This was issued by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a symbol of how close humanity is to destroying itself. Despite that, he remains hopeful: “I might be the most energetic person in any room – and yet, I'm a prepper.” Robin shared that: And in a real emergency? You might not make it. He grew up in the wilderness, where ambulances don't arrive, and CPR is a ritual of death. He frequently visits Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico with no hospital, where a car crash likely means you won't survive. As there is a saying there that goes, ‘No Hay Hospital', meaning ‘there is no hospital'. If something serious happens, you're likely a few hours' drive or even a flight away from medical care. That shapes his worldview: “We've forgotten how precious life is in privileged countries.” Despite his joy and optimism, Robin is also: Deeply aware of fragility – of systems, bodies, institutions. Committed to preparation, not paranoia. Focused on teaching resilience, care, and responsibility. How to Raise Men with Heart and Backbone (55:00) Robin asks: “How do you counsel your boys to show up as protectors and earners, especially in a capitalist world, while also taking care of people, especially when we're facing the potential end of humanity in our lifetimes?” Brian responds: His sons are now 25 and 23, and he's incredibly proud of who they're becoming. Credits both parenting and luck but he also acknowledges many friends who've had harder parenting experiences. His sons are: Sharp and thoughtful In healthy relationships Focused on values over achievements Educational path: “They think deeply about what are now called ‘social justice' issues in a very real way.” Example: In 4th grade, their class did a homelessness simulation – replicating the fragmented, frustrating process of accessing services. Preschool at the Jewish Community Center Elementary at a Quaker school in San Francisco He jokes that they needed a Buddhist high school to complete the loop Not religious, but values-based, non-dogmatic education had a real impact That hands-on empathy helped them see systemic problems early on, especially in San Francisco, where it's worse. What Is Actually Enough? (56:54) “We were terrified our kids would take their comfort for granted.” Brian's kids: Lived modestly, but comfortably in San Francisco. Took vacations, had more than he and his wife did growing up. Worried their sons would chase status over substance. But what he taught them instead: Family matters. Friendships matter. Being dependable matters. Not just being good, but being someone others can count on. He also cautioned against: “We too often push kids toward something unattainable, and we act surprised when they burn out in the pursuit of that.” The “gold ring” mentality is like chasing elite schools, careers, and accolades. In sports and academics, he and his wife aimed for balance, not obsession. Brian on Parenting, Purpose, and Perspective (59:15) Brian sees promise in his kids' generation: But also more: Purpose-driven Skeptical of false promises Less obsessed with traditional success markers Yes, they're more stressed and overamped on social media. Gen Z has been labeled just like every generation before: “I'm Gen X. They literally made a movie about us called Slackers.” He believes the best thing we can do is: Model what matters Spend time reflecting: What really does matter? Help the next generation define enough for themselves, earlier than we did. The Real Measure of Success (1:00:07) Brian references Clay Christensen, famed author of The Innovator's Dilemma and How Will You Measure Your Life? Clay's insight: “Success isn't what you thought it was.” Early reunions are full of bravado – titles, accomplishments, money. Later reunions reveal divorce, estrangement, and regret. The longer you go, the more you see: Brian's takeaway: Even for Elon, it might be about Mars. But for most of us, it's not about how many projects we shipped. It's about: Family Friends Presence Meaning “If you can realize that earlier, you give yourself the chance to adjust – and find your way back.” Where to Find Brian (01:02:05) LinkedIn WorkForward.com Newsletter: The Work Forward on Substack “Some weeks it's lame, some weeks it's great. But there's a lot of community and feedback.” And of course, join us at Responsive Conference this September 17-18, 2025. Books Mentioned How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Responsive Manifesto Empire of AI by Karen Hao Podcasts Mentioned The Gap by Ira Glass The Ezra Klein Show Movies Mentioned Andor Slackers Organizations Mentioned: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists McKnight Foundation National Institutes of Health (NIH) Responsive.org University of California, San Francisco

The Sydney Roosters kept their slim finals hopes alive with a gritty win in the wet at Brookvale Oval. Centre Billy Smith (32:29) was among the try scorers but he told Andrew Moore and the team what pleased him most was keeping Manly to 4 points. You can also get the opinions of Luke Lewis and John Gibbs on the big issues of the week in 6 Again (10:05), there's a First thought on Devastating Injuries (48:43). Plus there's a chance to get to know the man known as Estee - Glen Lauder (1:16:31).

Do you feel broke, even when your finances say otherwise? Or maybe you've been spending like you've already “made it”—but your bank account hasn't caught up? That distorted perception has a name: money dysmorphia. In this first episode of our special three-part series, I've partnered with Backbone, a national coalition of credit unions, to explore how emotional and psychological misperceptions around money are impacting millions of Americans—especially Millennials and Gen Z. Our guest is Nicole Andrushko, VP of Marketing at Westerra Credit Union, who's on the frontlines of financial storytelling and education. Nicole unpacks how social media, comparison culture, and pressure to hit traditional milestones are warping our self-perception—and how credit unions are stepping in to help people see the truth of their financial health and take confident steps forward. You'll walk away with: A clear understanding of what money dysmorphia is and how to spot it in yourself or others The real reason high-achieving, financially stable people still feel “behind” How credit unions are uniquely equipped to help people shift their mindset Simple, habit-based ways to start repairing your relationship with money Why emotional support is just as critical as financial tools in combating distorted financial thinking Keep up with everything Everyone's Talkin' Money by following us on Instagram. If you loved what you heard, give us a 5 Star review on your favorite podcast app and be sure to like and follow the show so you never miss an episode! Thank you to our sponsors!  Policygenius - Head to policygenius.com to compare free life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Ava - Help build your credit score with Meetava.com. Use promo code: Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“‘Rope!’ muttered Sam[wise Gamgee]. ‘I knew I’d want it, if I hadn’t got it!’” Sam knew in the Lord of the Rings that the quest would fail without rope, but he was inadvertently commenting on how civilization owes its existence to this three-strand tool. Humans first made rope 50,000 years ago and one of its earliest contributions to the rise of civilization was as a tool for domesticating animals for milk, meat, and work. ncient Egyptians were experts at making strong, three-strand rope from the halfa grass along the banks of the Nile. Rope allowed them to haul two-and-a-half ton limestone blocks to build the pyramids. They also used rope to tie together the planks of their graceful vessels that sailed without the need of a single nail. The Austronesian peoples spread across the islands of the Pacific in the most impressive and daring series of oceanic voyages in human history. And they did it using fast catamaran and outrigger boats held together with coconut fiber rope. Today’s guest is Tim Queeny, author of Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization. We look at the past, present, and future of this critical piece of technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebuilding America's Semiconductor Backbone. The U.S. semiconductor industry is navigating a mix of innovation, policy changes, and global competition as it works to reduce foreign dependency. In this episode, we examine the landscape, players, and strategies shaping America's chip future.Try AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiAI Chat YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaedenSchaferJoin my AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustle/about

In this episode I delve into the significance of Saturn in astrology (again!) Exploring how he serves as the backbone of your birth chart. I discuss the challenges and growth associated with Saturn's placement, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into how Saturn influences your career and personal development. Have a listen and make sure you've downloaded my Saturn Workbook to reference. I hope you find this interesting and I'm taking requests on charts to explore as an example.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Astrology Oddcast02:15 Exploring Saturn's Role in Astrology05:30 Personal Stories and Saturn's Influence10:00 Saturn in Different Signs15:45 Astrology, Medicine, and Numerology20:00 Conclusion and ResourcesLinks to keep in touch:* Substack weekly podcasts: here* Learn about Playing Cards here ♥️♣️♦️♠️ * Free Saturn Workbook: here* Learn to Read Your Birth Chart: here* Website: francescaoddie.com* Book a consultation: here* To listen to my conversation with Andrew Colombini on the same topic, register here.* Instagram: here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit francescao.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Summary: Spacepower is fundamentally reliant on the cyber domain—it is the backbone of connectivity for constellations on orbit, their ground stations, and connectivity to warfighters. Point blank: every bit of data and every command sent to space systems transits the cyber domain. Tackling the challenges of leading cyber and data efforts of the Space Force falls on the small, but mighty team of the S6. From administrative to mission networks and data repositories, ensuring Guardians have reliable, capable, and secure cyber connectivity underpins our nation's ability to achieve space superiority. Join Heather Penney as she explores this fascinating topic with Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, the acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data; and Seth Whitworth, the Associate Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin  Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data, USSF Guest: Seth Whitworth, Acting Deputy S6 (DCSO for Cyber & Data), USSF Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #SpaceForce #Space

The black ghost knifefish can regenerate its spinal cord. Interestingly, humans share the same dormant regenerative cell type. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29

Ghost Boi Summer™ continues as Terry and Paul look at Guillermo del Toro's 2001 one film, The Devil's Backbone. The shadow of the Spanish Civil war looms ever closer to a small orphanage that is struggling with its own conflicts. An undetonated bomb and the recent disappearance of a child hint at more sinister things to come... 

This Podcast Is Episode 638, And It's About Pillar 2: Controlling The Money - Construction Accounting And Bookkeeping How Smart Money Management Keeps Your Business Profitable and Stress-Free When most small construction business owners think about success, they envision a steady stream of jobs, high-quality work, and satisfied clients. But there's another side to the story that often gets ignored: the financial health of your business. And here's the truth we see every day as construction bookkeeping specialists: Even skilled contractors with full calendars can run into cash flow problems, tax stress, or profit shortfalls—not because of the work, but because of the numbers. That's where Pillar 2: Controlling the Money comes in. In this post, we'll talk about how to take control of your finances through simple, construction-friendly accounting practices—so you can stop guessing and start growing.  Why Money Control Is the Backbone of a Construction Business In construction, money doesn't flow evenly. You might spend thousands on materials before getting paid. You may win one big job and then go three weeks without a deposit. Labor and equipment costs can shift mid-project. It's a juggling act. That's why proper accounting isn't just about keeping the IRS happy—it's about: Knowing your job costs Pricing with confidence Keeping cash flow steady Making better business decisions Staying compliant and audit-proof If your books are messy, late, or nonexistent, you're flying blind. However, when your numbers are precise and current, you can run your business, not just react to it. The 5 Biggest Money Mistakes We See in Construction Businesses Let's start with the most common money-related problems we help contractors fix: 1. Bidding Without Knowing Actual Costs Many contractors “guesstimate” job prices based on experience rather than actual data. However, with inflation, labor fluctuations, and new materials, those estimates can quickly lead to underbidding and lost profits. 2. Mixing Personal and Business Finances Swiping your business card for groceries or buying tools with your debit card? That's a fast track to messy books and missed deductions. 3. Falling Behind on Invoicing or Collections Delaying invoices or avoiding follow-ups means delayed payments—and often, unpaid work. 4. Ignoring Overhead Suppose you only account for direct costs (such as materials and labor) and overlook indirect costs, including your phone bill, fuel, insurance, and software subscriptions. In that case, you'll never see your actual profit. 5. No Real Cash Flow Planning Not knowing how much is coming in or going out in the next 30 days can lead to bounced checks, late payments, and last-minute borrowing. Sound familiar? Let's fix that. The 3-Part System for Controlling Your Money Here's how we help contractors like you get your finances under control without overwhelming spreadsheets or accounting jargon: 1. Job Costing – Know What Each Project Really Costs Job costing is the process of tracking every dollar that goes into each project, including labor, materials, subs, equipment, and overhead allocation (LMOS™). Why It Matters: You'll know which jobs are profitable—and which ones aren't worth repeating. You'll improve your estimates over time using real data. You'll spot problems early (like a crew taking too long or material waste). How to Start: Use separate expense categories for each job in your accounting software (or at least use tags/notes). Track time and material costs in real-time, not weeks later. Include a portion of your overhead per job (rent, insurance, admin time, etc.). Even a basic spreadsheet is better than nothing. But ideally, use tools like QuickBooks with project tracking, or apps like Buildertrend that integrate with bookkeeping. 2. Cash Flow Management – Know What's Coming and Going Cash flow isn't the same as profit. You can make a $10,000 profit on paper, but still run out of cash if a client delays payment or if you pay subs too early. Why It Matters: Helps you avoid shortfalls, late payments, or needing to dip into personal funds. It makes it easier to plan purchases or hire help when you can afford to do so.   How to Start: Create a weekly cash flow forecast: List all expected income and expenses by date so that you can plan around slow weeks or high-expense periods. Require deposits and progress payments on jobs. Set up reminders for invoicing and follow-ups to ensure timely payments. A construction business with no cash cushion is one unexpected delay away from severe stress. Cash flow forecasting gives you breathing room and peace of mind. 3. Monthly Reporting – Make Decisions Based on Facts, Not Feelings Every month, you should be reviewing key reports that tell you how your business is doing, not just how you feel it's doing. The 3 Reports You Need: Profit & Loss Statement (P&L) – Are you making money? Balance Sheet – What do you own vs. owe? Job Profitability Reports – Which jobs performed best?   These reports help you: Adjust pricing and scope when needed Spot overspending early Justify business decisions (such as hiring, purchasing equipment, or expanding) Get ready for taxes long before tax season If your current bookkeeper isn't giving you these reports—or if you don't understand them—it's time for a better system. Bonus Tips for Easy Financial Control Here are a few more best practices we recommend for all small construction business owners: 1. Separate Business Accounts Use a dedicated business checking account and credit card. It simplifies tax prep, reduces errors, and keeps you audit-ready. 2. Keep Receipts and Documentation Use apps like Hubdoc, Dext, or QuickBooks Online to snap and store receipts. Label them with the project name for faster reconciliation. 3. Use Software That Fits Construction Generic accounting tools are sufficient, but platforms like QuickBooks for Contractors, Joist, or Buildertrend offer features specifically tailored to the construction industry, such as progress billing, time tracking, and job costing. 4. Work with a Specialist A bookkeeper who knows construction can save you hours of frustration—and thousands in missed tax deductions or mispriced jobs. The Bottom Line: You Can't Grow What You Don't Measure and What You Can Measure, You Can Manage You wouldn't build a house without a plan. So don't run your business without a handle on your numbers. Controlling the money through job costing, cash flow tracking, and monthly reporting allows you to: Price smarter Avoid financial surprises Protect your profit margins Make better growth decisions You don't need to become a financial expert. You need a system that gives you visibility—and a partner who can help you stay on track. Need Help Getting Your Finances Under Control? We specialize in helping small construction business owners like you: Set up or clean up their books Track job profitability Forecast cash flow Understand their financial reports Let us know how we can help you. Book a free 30-minute consultation and take the guesswork out of your finances—so you can focus on doing great work.

Discover the perfect order in the spine Learn what it can tell us about our body Explore how the concept of spine relates to other areas of life Play with the word backbone and spine for a new understanding   This show was originally part of the Optimal Order Season and first aired on 6-15-21. For more information or to reach out to us go to www.bettynorlin.com, or our website, www.behealthyinahurry.com, where all our episodes are stored. You can search for any topic or subject. We thank you for your years and support and will be providing a survey soon on our website to determine our next steps after the “Best of Show” season.  

Do movies have to be good to be good? Hell no. Our trip to Ohio proves that point over and over again as we ride the Devil's Backbone with rollerblading movie 'Airborne' and then we find all the joy in the ridiculousness of a techno-thriller that walked so 'Final Destination' could run - 'Ghost In The Machine' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every politician, or anyone trying to persuade anyone else of anything, faces two make-or-break moments: the moment before they say a word, and the moment they do. We turn to that second moment here. And to “Don't Mess With Texas.” You probably know the slogan, but you may not know that it represents one of the most successful persuasion projects in history. There are many reasons for that, but among the most important is the power of one word. Full transcript and links at Substack and DastardlyCleverness.com.

In this episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar dive into the latest tech trends, gadgets, and geek culture from Pittsburgh and beyond. Sorg shares a hands-on review of the Backbone USB-C mobile game controller, and Dave unveils a jaw-dropping 115-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV that costs as much as a car. We explore tech headlines including the consolidation of ChromeOS and Android, Google's AI-powered NotebookLM, and how Xbox is pushing console-less gaming with Fire TV bundles. Plus, hear from Intern John about Picklesburgh adventures and travel plans, and enjoy a rapid-fire roundup in Chachi's Video Game Minute, featuring a major shakeup on Steam and FBI action on ROM sites.

This week we, together with SAP's Aladdin Mandishah, dive into the future of digital traceability in supply chains. We discuss the technologies behind traceability, its role in building trust and meeting ESG goals, real-world pharma examples, challenges in adoption, and how SAP's solutions and AI are shaping resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains. Come join us we discuss the future of supply chain.

In this episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar dive into the latest tech trends, gadgets, and geek culture from Pittsburgh and beyond. Sorg shares a hands-on review of the Backbone USB-C mobile game controller, and Dave unveils a jaw-dropping 115-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV that costs as much as a car. We explore tech headlines including the consolidation of ChromeOS and Android, Google's AI-powered NotebookLM, and how Xbox is pushing console-less gaming with Fire TV bundles. Plus, hear from Intern John about Picklesburgh adventures and travel plans, and enjoy a rapid-fire roundup in Chachi's Video Game Minute, featuring a major shakeup on Steam and FBI action on ROM sites.

In Part 2 of Episode 275, Jeremy Lee, Josh Adams, and guest Gordy Bonker dig deep into what makes vintage cards the true backbone of the hobby. Gordy outlines why nostalgia, cultural relevance, and long-term stability make vintage more than just a niche—and why modern collecting often lacks the same staying power. We also explore the evolution of Gordy's monthly vintage set breaks, including the mechanics, emotional complexity, and ethical considerations around risk and reward. Plus: a wide-ranging conversation on how massive the sports card hobby actually is—beyond social media bubbles and auction houses—and why so many collectors eventually shift toward vintage. This segment closes with a spirited discussion about collecting 90s inserts, the risk of modern PCs, and what it means when collectors sell the moment their player is traded. Each week we tackle hot hobby headlines with a rotating panel of hobbyists, taking your questions and comments! We are likely to go into overtime so join us live grab your favorite beverage and snacks and bring your questions and comments as they will be in play. Originally aired Saturday July 12, 2025 Sports Cards Live has recently been ranked #5 among Feedspot's top 90 Sports Card podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/sports_card_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, I explore one of the most powerful tools for law firm management and long-term growth: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). If you're looking for a sustainable way to grow your practice, reduce overwhelm, and delegate with confidence, this episode is for you. Most law firms rely heavily on their practice management software—but without the right law firm SOPs, your systems are incomplete. SOPs are what create consistency, improve onboarding, and ultimately allow you to scale your law firm without it depending solely on you. Key Segments Understanding What Law Firm SOPs Actually Are SOPs are step-by-step documented processes that outline how tasks are completed in your law firm. While software like LEAP or Smokeball helps manage day-to-day operations, it's your SOPs that provide the structure and direction your team needs to use those tools effectively. The Cost of Operating Without SOPs Without documented SOPs, your firm relies too heavily on individual memory and inconsistent training. This leads to inconsistent service delivery, bottlenecks, and team burnout. SOPs are essential to reduce risk, improve performance, and ensure business continuity when key team members are absent or move on. The Areas in Your Firm That Need SOPs SOPs shouldn't just exist for legal work—they're critical across all departments. From opening and closing files, billing and trust accounting, to handling client intake, social media, HR onboarding, and document processing, every part of your practice needs structure to scale sustainably. Why SOPs Are Essential to Scaling a Law Firm SOPs allow you to create consistency, reduce duplication, and delegate tasks without confusion. They support faster onboarding, improve team accountability, and give you the freedom to step back from the day-to-day without quality slipping. When it comes to how to scale a law firm, SOPs provide the operational backbone that allows growth without chaos. How We Help Law Firm Owners Build SOPs Inside the Scalable Law Accelerator, we work closely with law firm owners to create SOPs that support high-performing teams and smooth internal operations. We provide templates, training, and support to roll out SOPs across every area of the business—helping you move from reactive to strategic. Your Next Step to Systemise and Scale If your law firm is still relying on informal processes or ad-hoc communication, start by documenting just one core task this week. Whether it's onboarding a new client or preparing a brief, take the first step in building a firm that runs on systems, not people. My Takeaway Building a scalable law firm doesn't start with flashy software or hiring more people—it starts with clarity. And clarity comes from systems. What I've seen time and time again is that law firms that invest in creating and implementing law firm SOPs grow faster, experience less chaos, and give their owners more freedom. If your firm still relies on memory, verbal instructions, or "how we've always done it", you're holding back your potential. Documented systems don't restrict you—they liberate you. SOPs are what allow you to lead, not just manage. If This Episode Gave You Clarity or Motivation... Share it with another law firm owner who's ready to grow—or leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more driven lawyers discover tools and strategies to scale smarter and build firms they truly love. Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Spotify: Listen on Spotify

Apparently, you can't keep a good grifter down, as Billy McFarland's seven-figure Fyre Fest deal collapsed, so he's hawking the brand on eBay like a box of junk. Meanwhile, Indeed and Glassdoor are laying off over 1,000 workers, probably to pay for the AI that's jacking up our electric bills. Speaking of AI, a Tesla robotaxi crashed itself while Elon Musk's Grok chatbot went full Nazi, which is of course being installed in Teslas "next week." Fittingly, X CEO Linda Yaccarino stepped down and promptly lost her blue check. To cap off the dystopian news, the DOJ is targeting an anti-ICE app developer, the 'click-to-cancel' rule is dead, and you can hack McDonald's with the password ‘123456'. The future is now, and it's dumber than we ever imagined.On the media front, Murderbot gets a second season, and the Jim Henson and The Beach Boys documentaries are must-sees. Sadly, Netflix canceled The Residence. We also got trailers for Neuromancer, Project Hail Mary, and Edgar Wright's The Running Man. Speaking of building the future, we took a deep dive into AI-assisted coding using tools like Cursor, building a functional app in hours with zero original code. It's a stark reminder that while the "free lunch" of AI development is ending, the future for junior coders is already cooked. This glorious new world also includes playing every retro game ever on your phone, thanks to emulators like Delta and PPSSPP and the Backbone controller, which led to a nostalgic dive into the classic soundtracks of Mega Man 2 and Wipeout XL. This all culminated in a personal victory: conquering all 4,678 boards in Mahjong Titan+, freeing us from our porcelain thrones.Sponsors:DeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/704FOLLOW UPBilly McFarland Says His Seven-Figure Deal to Sell Fyre Fest Has Fallen ThroughOwn FYRE Festival – Iconic Brand, Trademarks, IP, Social Media Assets, and MoreBilly McFarland Is Now Trying to Unload the Fyre Fest Brand on eBayIN THE NEWSIndeed and Glassdoor are cutting more than 1,000 jobsA Tesla robotaxi inexplicably drove into a parked carMajor US power operator says AI and data center demands are pushing prices upAn AI That Promises to “Solve All Diseases” Is About to Test Its First Human Drugs‘Round Them Up': Grok Praises Hitler as Elon Musk's AI Tool Goes Full NaziMusk's Grok 4 launches one day after chatbot generated Hitler praise on XElon Musk says Grok is coming to Tesla vehicles just after it went full HitlerElon Musk Says He's Installing His Racist Grok AI in Teslas "Next Week"X CEO Linda Yaccarino is stepping down after two yearsThey took away Linda Yaccarino's blue check!Six Months Ago NPR Left Twitter. The Effects Have Been NegligibleHow SpaceX is blocking astronomers' view of spaceNew Research Bolsters Freaky Theory That Earth Sits in a Giant Cosmic VoidDOJ goes after US citizen for developing anti-ICE appTrump's FTC Let Lobbyists Kill Popular Click-To-Cancel Rule, Advocates SayEU regulators are once again investigating TikTok over data transfers to ChinaResearchers Jailbreak AI by Flooding It With Bullshit JargonBug Hunters Gain Access to 64 Million McDonald's Job Applicants' Info by Using the Password ‘123456'MEDIA CANDYMurderbotMurderbot is getting a season 2 on Apple TV PlusRapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy: A Tor Original (The Murderbot Diaries) by Martha WellsNetflix Cancels ‘Pulse' and Shondaland's ‘The Residence' After One Season EachNeuromancer — In Production | Apple TV+PROJECT HAIL MARY Trailer (2025) Ryan GoslingThe Running Man | Official Trailer (2025 Movie) - Edgar Wright, Glen PowellSandman Season 2Animal KingdomGuy Ritchies The CovenantThunderboltsThe Old Guard 2Jim Henson Idea ManThe Beach BoysAMC now warns moviegoers to expect ‘25-30 minutes' of ads and trailersAPPS & DOODADSAnker issues new global power bank recall over fire hazardVisual Studio CodeCursorWindsurfAnthropic AcademyThe Onion in 2056: A dystopian world of Flash animationJack Dorsey just released a Bluetooth messaging app that doesn't need the internetWhereGoes Link CheckerYouTube prepares crackdown on ‘mass-produced' and ‘repetitive' videos, as concern over AI slop growsTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingBackbone iPhone Game ControllerPPSSPP - A PSP emulatorDelta EmulatorOpenEMUMajor Nintendo Switch Piracy Website Seized By FBIUpdate on the Anbernic emulator deviceMegaMan 2 music performed by an orchestraMusic by John WilliamsWipeout XLWipeout XL PlaylistMahjong Titan+ Apple ArcadeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The IC-DISC Show, I delve into the journey of Kripke Enterprises from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in the scrap metal and recycling industry. Founded by a husband-and-wife team in 1993, the company has grown significantly with the involvement of their son, Matt. They discuss the strategic moves that helped propel their business forward, including key acquisitions like Mid-South Aluminum and a strong focus on aluminum trading. Matt and Scott highlight the importance of relationship building and trust in the scrap metal industry. They share insights into how their reputation and values, like keeping promises and problem-solving, have been instrumental in their success. The episode delves into the symbiotic relationships they have fostered with aluminum suppliers, emphasizing the value of maintaining strong personal connections in business dealings. We also hear about the transformative leadership styles within Kripke Enterprises. The discussion covers how innovative thinking and diverse perspectives, including contributions from those outside the traditional industry, have reshaped the company's culture. Matt and Scott talk about the balance between a hands-off leadership approach and active collaboration with executives to navigate industry changes. Finally, the episode touches on the future of the recycling industry, highlighting the role of technology and innovation. The Kripke team shares stories of employee growth and empowerment, including unique programs aimed at helping employees become homeowners. They reflect on the potential of a younger workforce and the exciting developments in material sorting and AI within the aluminum sector.     SHOW HIGHLIGHTS In this episode, I delve into the inspiring transformation of Kripke Enterprises from a small family venture into a major player in the scrap metal and recycling industry, led by brothers Matt and Scott. I explore the strategic acquisition of Mid-South Aluminum and discuss how building trust and maintaining strong relationships have been key to Kripke's success, emphasizing the unique dynamics of their coil distribution business. We discuss the innovative leadership styles within the company and how they've transformed company culture, with insights into how diverse perspectives, especially from non-traditional industry backgrounds, contribute to their growth. There's a focus on employee empowerment and personal growth stories, such as Eric Phillips' rise from warehouse manager to COO, highlighting Kripke's commitment to fostering leadership and financial education for employees. I cover the positive outcomes from switching to a specialized service provider, which resulted in improved efficiency, response times, and significant tax savings, underscoring the value of expertise in business operations. Advice is shared for younger generations entering the workforce, emphasizing the benefits of starting a career in smaller companies for broader exposure and discussing the impact of technology, especially AI, on the industry. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the excitement surrounding JJ Spahn's US Open victory and the anticipation of future events, providing a light-hearted end to a comprehensive exploration of Kripke Enterprises' journey.   Contact Details LinkedIn - Matthew Kripke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kripke-b225969/) LinkedIn - Scott Chaffee (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-chaffee-63429bb/) LINKSShow Notes Be a Guest About IC-DISC Alliance About Kripke Enterprises Inc GUEST Matthew KripkeAbout Matthew Scott ChaffeeAbout Scott TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Dave: Good afternoon, scott and Matt. How are you? Matt: Fantastic. How are you doing? Dave: I am doing great. I get to talk to one of my favorite scrap metal company representatives, so it's always a good day for me. So let's get started. Where are you guys calling in from today? Matt: We are at Crypto Enterprises headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Dave: Okay, and I believe that's made famous by the Mudhens right. Isn't that Toledo's claim to fame? Matt: That is correct, the Mudhens which Jamie Farr in MASH used to wax poetic about. Dave: Yeah, his character was Slinger, I believe. Matt: Yeah, you're showing all of our age that. That's how we're starting this interview. We're referencing a show from the 1970s and early 80s, agreed, agreed. Dave: Well, hey, matt, why don't you give us some background? What's the history of kripke, what year was it founded, who founded it and kind of how we got to today? Matt: sure, so kripke enterprises was started on january 4th 1993, which that date is important because that was my mom, or is my mom's birthday. Next year, on January 4th, it will be the 30, let's see 33rd anniversary of Kripke Enterprises and at the same time my mom will be turning 80 years old that day. She'll be thrilled that I shouted out her age in the beginning of this podcast. But the company was founded by my mom and dad. They started out with the two of them and one administrative assistant and the goal was to create a non-Ferris brokerage company where my dad could just put food on the table for him and my mom. They had their third kid at the time in college. Two of their kids had already graduated college and really not very grandiose ambitions. It was just going to be a small little trading company to capitalize on what my dad's career had been, which had been in the scrap metal. I know we call it the recycling industry today, but back then we did not. We called it the scrap metal company Sure, but back then we did not. We called it the scrap metal company Sure Industry and that was their goal and plan. I don't think that really in his mind he was ever going to grow it beyond those three people and I joined them in October of 1994. So the company was a year and a half old at the time. I had no intention of ever joining the company but my my dad got very ill and I came in and kind of kept the company going while he was spending 60 days in and out of the hospital and, um, at the end of 60 days we agreed to find a position for me and then he said to me point blank he said I really don't want to grow this company, but if you ever decide you want to grow it, I'll support you. It's just you have to do it. And okay, that was kind of the beginning and it took a while for me to get the confidence to begin to grow the company. But that process started from me being the fourth employee and today we're just under 70 employees and locations in Toledo, Jackson, Tennessee. We have a trading office in Florida and then we have a few people that work remote in different cities around and what's your commodity focus? Our specialty is aluminum, but we do trade in most metals, but still 95% of our volume is aluminum. Maybe even Scott's going to correct me with the numbers, but maybe even 98 percent is aluminum okay, does that sound right, scott? Dave: yeah, actually 99 okay, that sounds, that sounds good, and so you've had quite a bit of growth. Matt: Yeah, I think you know I would attribute a lot of it to just finding good people and then ultimately getting out of the way. You know, as an example, scott, who's in this interview. He came in in 2011 with us and was instrumental in setting up systems so that we could scale our business, and you know, one of the things people take for granted is that you really need to. You really need good systems in place in order to scale. You really need good systems in place in order to scale. You can grow your business a little bit at a time if you're doing it with spreadsheets and duct tape and super glue and you're MacGyvering it together, but you really need a good CFO and you really need a good IT person in today's day and age as well. Scott: Yeah, and to piggyback off of that, I mean the infrastructure is so important, whether it's the IT infrastructure, the bank line of credit, I mean there's a number of different things and once that's in place, I mean it becomes fairly easy. And I would say that you know we've been able to do that several times now. You know we acquired Mid-South Aluminum in 2017. And the single biggest thing that we were able to help out there was the infrastructure, the line of credit, the system, the line of credit, the system. We were able to, you know, bring them onto our system, and you know it took a company and we were able to increase that at quite a multiple so the hopline sales number when we acquired Mid-South in 17 was about what Scott? Call it about 30 million, and we were able to take it after we joined forces. We were able to take it all the way up to like about 150 million. Dave: Wow, in a short period of time. That is amazing. And so, Scott, how did you end up here? Did you grow up with a lifelong desire to be in the scrap metal business? Matt: He did Next question. Scott: No, go ahead, Scott. You know I can still remember the day. Yeah, so I've been here since 2011. You know, I tell people all the time it was the best move I've ever made, Including marrying his wife. Well, yeah, I'd worked for three large corporations, three international corporations, and even did a lot of international travel. For, and you know it, I can remember I had a mutual friend with Matt and Larry and I can still to this day remember going out to breakfast with them and at the restaurant here in Toledo, and from there I knew, you know, it was a good feeling. You could just, you could tell, I mean, it's got a, we got a great culture here that comes from there. I knew, you know it was a good feeling. You could just, you could tell, I mean, it's got a, we got a great culture here that comes from the top and makes all the difference in the world. Sure, yeah, Sure. Dave: So tell me more about this Mid-South acquisition. What was it about it? Acquisition, what was it about it? Because you know, so many times you do acquisitions, mergers, and you have these grand plans of all the synergies and growth and everything, and oftentimes it doesn't come to fruition, but it sounds like it did in your case. Matt: What would? Scott: you say, made that transaction so successful. What do you think, scott? Well, I, you know, I, I think I think there was a lot for both of us to benefit from. You know it was. The company was basically run on Excel spreadsheets at the time and you know we we had, we had access to a large line of credit with the banks, and so we were able to, you know, tap into that. We had the infrastructure, we brought them onto our system. I think that was probably the relationship that we'd had, or I should say the relationship that Larry and Matt had with the Salih family, and that went back many, many years. I don't know Matt how far back? 20 years before that yeah. Matt: Yeah, I think that's where it really started. So I think Scott tapped on what made it work from a logistics point of view logistical point of view. But that relationship piece is, you know, when you get into a negotiation, a lot of times they stall out because you start the conversation and people get a little freaked out about well, wait a minute. I'm just not sure that I want to do this because I don't know that I can fully trust you and we both had this longstanding trust of each other. We had been business partners for a long time. What made it really interesting to us was, you know, if you think about Mid-South Aluminum is a coil. It's an asset light coil distributor, which essentially means coil broker. But where I say coil distributor, our niche is we buy mill finish coil, bare coil, and we have relationships with various paint lines paint lines and we will get it painted to specific colors for our customers and then ship them. You know painted coil that would be used mainly in the bnc market, sometimes into producing signs, and sometimes mill finish that might go into like hurricane shutters or florida rooms or things like that. Where it's interesting for us is if you think about where coil is sourced from. Those are the same people that we're selling recyclable aluminum into. So we become customers of theirs, supplying them on the scrap side of the business. And then we're a customer of theirs on the other side of the business, buying coil from them. Oh wow, full circle. And so there's times in the cycle where they treat us really well because they really need us to supply them with scrap. And then there's times in the cycle where getting scraps easy but they really need us over here to help them out to take out quill. So interesting we've, because, you know, we kind of have a little bit more leverage, um, in those relationships. And that's become, you know, now, when we acquire mid-south, we, oh, this is going to be great, we're just going to do a ton of tolling. Well, that doesn't always work and, as a matter of fact, more often than not the tolling piece doesn't work. But when it does, it's great, for you know, two different parties. Now that's great. Dave: And this is one of the reasons that. Now, that's great and this is one of the reasons that you know I picked up. You probably know my very first scrap metal client, Arnie Gashman. You probably know Arnie. Everybody knows Arnie, Right. I think he was in college, at TCU, when his father or grandfather became ill. It may have been his grandfather, Maybe his father wasn't very interested in the business, and then I believe his grandfather passed somewhat suddenly. So Arnie was kind of thrust in to take him the place over at like 22 years old. So yeah, and same thing, he stuck around. But one of the things I love about the industry and I've I tried telling friends who aren't in the industry that I said I've never seen an industry where your reputation matters more than in this industry. And I said and I tell them, I said I believe my clients will buy and sell a million dollars of scrap metal on a phone call, like no formal contracts. I mean there may or may not even be an email, that that that documents it. But I said, can you, can you believe that they do transactions just on a handshake? And it's one of the things that I find just great about the industry. Matt: That is a hundred percent true. You know, I would say you know we have three core values that we run our business and we run our business on them, and everyone in our organization can recite them, and they also know that every decision they make needs to be filtered through these three things okay, one is. One is we do what we say, which you're referring to. You know your reputation. That's how you build your reputation by following through on what you say. Two is we provide solutions. And you know where we try to differentiate ourselves is people are used to at least in the recycling side of the business. They're used to rejections and downgrades. I mean, things go wrong and my dad's big thing was always don't call up a customer and say, hey, you got a rejection down in Kentucky, because that's what everyone else does. He said let's differentiate ourselves. Instead of saying that, let's call them up and say, hey, we have an issue, a little bit different verbiage, but before you call them already have worked out two to potentially three solutions of this, and they'll keep it. Two is we ran the freight to bring it up to our warehouse in Toledo is blank and we'll go through and clean it for you and evaluate the load. And a third option is we found this other place that is willing to buy it. If you go that direction. We're still going to owe this metal on the original contract, but this gives you an opportunity to. You know, get out of this loop. And that's the second one. The third one is also what you're referring to. The third core value Relationships are the backbone of our business. Backbone of our business and I think, while unique when we discuss other industries, that is not unique in the scrap metal industry. You know that we will put relationships ahead of making money, that we will say to you know, our employees, employees hey, if you have an opportunity to cement a relationship, don't worry about whether you make money on that particular deal, it'll come back to us many times playing the long game, playing the long game well. Dave: And I just find life's more fun when you do business with people you know as a customer or supplier. It's just more fun when you do business with people you like and trust. And, just like my wife and I have a saying we don't do transactions, we only do relationships. And that even means because everybody wants like a customers, right, don't complain, pay your bills right Easy to work with. Like a customers right, don't complain, pay your bills right Easy to work with. But my wife and I's theories we aspire to be a customers for all of our vendors because we just find it's more fun when you have a problem and the vendor calls you back right away because you're one of their better customers. And it's just more fun when you're you have great working relationships with your vendors, rather than them feeling like you're going to beat them up on price every time you talk to them. Scott: Right, but that's another relationship, you know, it goes way back and there is a lot. I mean, it can't emphasize enough how important relationships are. You know, this weekend I listened to a couple of the podcasts that you've done and there was somebody else that mentioned the importance of the relationship, and it is. I mean, that is definitely the case in everything that we do, even with the banks, like, for example, you know, we go through periods where, okay, maybe we're carrying a little bit more inventory than what we typically carry, or maybe the price is a lot higher than what it was six months ago. It's great to know that we can pick up that phone and say, okay, we've got a temporary situation, maybe it doesn't quite work with our reporting, what can we do? And we'll start talking, talking through some, some options, and I think, because we have a relationship like that with our banks and and others, I mean it makes it makes business a lot easier to do too. And the other thing you touched on was, uh, you know the integrity that is so important and we do what we, you know. And that goes back to another one of our three core values that Matt mentioned is we do what we say. I can remember when I started years ago, larry always used to say, okay, pay on time, pay on time, pay on time. Because, that is a really important thing. It builds trust, it builds a relationship, adds to the integrity. I mean it is really important and you know it goes a long way. Matt: That's the other thing, that pay your bills on time. You know it's's. Yes, there's many industries where that is an issue. But when I have friends and in other industries and I'm like, oh yeah, we pay our bills on time, they look at me like why is that unique? You know, everyone pays their bills on time. Dave: I'm like not in our industry. Matt: I mean there's, you know there's, unfortunately, uh, you know the road is littered with um, a lot of people who give you the highest price and then make you chase them for, uh, that last dollar and, um, you know, that's one of the. You know, if you say, what is our secret sauce and why do people like to do business with us? One of those things is they never have to track our CFO down and say why am I not getting paid? I mean they, they can set their clock to when the payment comes. Dave: Sure, well, you talked about the relationships. I remember when I ran into you guys in San Diego last month, you know, I had a chance to introduce you to a professional who might be able to help you all in a way, and then I happened to sit down and have breakfast with you guys and you were, you all were kind enough to introduce me to some, some guys who I didn't know and some others who I hadn't talked to in a long time. So, uh, yeah, in fact I leave tomorrow to go to san antonio for the gulf coast regional event. Matt: Yeah, I do my guess is there'll be some people from our. I don't even know anymore who goes to which event, but my guess is we have some people who are going to that event. Dave: I would suspect. So I also suspect it'll be warm, so that's my other suspicion. So, Matt, I believe that a few years ago you kind of changed your role with the company. Is that correct? Matt: That is correct. So, in trying to think of the year that we named Chad the president, was that three years ago, so 22. So, so for a number. So let me backtrack a little bit further. In 2012, I worked out an agreement with my dad that was going to be a 10-year buyout of his and my mom's shares in the company. As part of that we agreed that I think right before then I took over as president of the company and my dad became the CEO of the company and he maintained that CEO role almost all the way through that buyout, even though I would say the last five years I would call him he was much more of like our lovable founder than he was really leading the company strategy anymore. Everyone would love when he would come back from Florida and come in the office and and spend time here. I took over the CEO role maybe in 2019 or 20 and was president CEO for a few years, and then we identified my cousin, chad Kripke, as president, or that we're developing him to become the president of the company. Chad is really really strong at risk management and a lot of the. I mean he was one of our rainmakers probably towards the end of his trading career, our largest rainmaker and would put together these monster deals and really good at building relationships. He, you know, I say to people all the time I felt like I was a really good president of a company for a long time, but Chad is 14 years younger than me and Chad is so much better than I ever was at that age I mean he's he's probably better than I was towards the end of when I was president, but he's still learning. He's still learning many things, but he's done a great job in really leading the day-to-day of the company. I'm still learning what it means to. You know, I've been really, really careful about not wanting to step on Scott's toes as CFO, not wanting to step on Andy Golding's toes as our chief strategy officer, eric Phillips as our COO and wanting to give Chad the freedom to lead. That I probably have erred too much on, you know, kind of a laissez faire attitude of you guys make all the decisions and some of them, actually, almost every single person has come back to me and said, hey, we see what you're trying to do. We'd like you to maybe stay involved a little bit more than you have been and we'd like you to voice your opinion a little bit more forcefully than you have been, and it's a tough mix to figure that out, so I'm still learning what that means to lead more on the longer-term strategy side and less on the day-to-day side. But it's really been fun and then, also in 2022, I told you January of 2023, these guys that I mentioned, they all came in and wrote a check to buy some equity in the company, and they are now my partners in the company, which has been fun as well, and you know it's. Dave: that's been a learning experience too, because my only partner prior to this was my dad, okay, oh, that's that is great, and, and I believe that andy is on track to be, uh you know, the chair of uh rima in a couple years right, or three years next year, next year, next year, yeah, okay yeah, so so next, next year, uh, andy's reign of terror begins and, yes, you, I think that it will be very exciting for the industry because Andy thinks differently. Matt: The reason that he's so valuable to us is, I think, very black and white. Yeah, chad is pretty creative, eric is very black and white, scott is very black and white, andy thinks in all these different technicolor ways, okay, and he is going to bring that to the entire REMA board and it will be uncomfortable. I can guarantee you this. The board will be uncomfortable for a couple of years because he will push the boundaries and will get them to think of hey, yes, I acknowledge we've done it this way forever, or we've done it this way for a long time. I just think this is a great idea over here and I'm going to challenge everyone and there's going to be a lot of people that are going to be very uncomfortable, but the industry is going to be better off for it and I can tell you our company is certainly better off because of how creative he is and the way that his mind works. Dave: Yeah, because what do you think about that? Matt: although Scott's the CFO, and I will tell you that sometimes those creative types are not the best at details. What do you think, scott? Scott: It's funny, andy and I have have like a long running joke that you know he always jokes. He'll say, well, I'm extremely detailed, I'm not, you know, we laughed about it. So, but, yeah, I, you know, I think, I think Andy's going to be great for rima. I think that, uh, you know he's gonna, he's gonna bring a lot to the organization and uh, uh, they'll probably be looking at a lot of things a whole lot differently when, uh, yeah that's into the chair position so, matt, you know, I I believe that that Andy does not have a traditional scrap metal background. Matt: What was it? Dave: about him that made you think kind of outside the box and bring in somebody from outside the industry. Matt: Well, in 2004, my dad and I so 2001, we hired our first trader who was not family and that was Marvin Finkelstein in Florida, and Marvin is our senior vice president of domestic sales and trading and Marvin's been with us since 2001. And Marvin's been with us since 2001. 2004, we had a guy hired who was supposed to start like essentially January 1 of 25. And he called us. I think Christmas Eve, called my dad and he said I really appreciate the offer, I really appreciate getting to know you guys even better. I've gotten cold feet and I have this other opportunity and I'm going to take the other opportunity and I think that's the safer way for me to go. And so we knew that we needed to add someone. At the same time, andy was part of a family business that unfortunately ran into some tough times. They were in the auto glass industry and, similar to the way that, like doctor's reimbursement, changes on the whims of the way the insurance companies want to treat different procedures, that industry was having a seismic shift and they were a big enough company. They couldn't move quick enough to get out of the way, and so andy was uh, andy at the time, in september of 2004, had twins, so he then had four kids under four years old and his family business was kind of disintegrating and and I knew andy, we, we had known each other since we were kids and and, um, my dad had known andy probably since close to when he was born and I I pulled my dad aside and I said, hey, this, this thing with this other guy didn't work out. You know, andy is out there looking and he doesn't have any experience in our industry, but this guy is really creative and could be a great sales guy for us. My dad said if you think you can work with him and you don't, and you're not nervous about your friendship getting ruined, then bring him in, let's talk to him. And by February of 2005, we had an agreement worked out. He started and he was was. I mean, he had to learn the metals, he had to learn the industry, but one thing he didn't have to learn was how to be a salesman and how to be creative and okay it. It probably took me maybe three or four years until I started getting comfortable with his crazy ideas. That and they weren't. They weren't crazy, they were crazy to me. But once I got comfortable with, hey, this stuff that he's suggesting it's working. Maybe we should, maybe I should get out of the way and maybe I should get out of the way, and, and you know that success and him being successful encourage us to add Eric Phillips and encourage us to add Chad Kripke. And then we grew to the point that we needed a real CFO and, you know, instead of my dad just coming back from Florida and saying, all right, what do you guys, you know, where are we at, what should I do? And so that, really, you know, starting with Marvin, going to Andy and then adding the others, those were all key moments and, um, a lot of the people we've added did not have, uh, scrap metal or recycling experience prior to joining here, and I think that has actually worked a lot to our advantage to get fresh eyes on things. And instead, instead of someone saying, well, here's the way you do it in your industry, someone coming in and saying, why do you do it this way and can we do this differently? Dave: No, that makes sense. I can appreciate that different perspective that he was able to bring Scott. What do you enjoy the most about your role with Kripke? Scott: Well, I'll tell you what I mean. I think you know I mentioned my background and you know it's just, it is so refreshing to be here compared to, I mean, we're, you know, we got a great culture. I mean we stress that all the time. You know it's so different than you know, what I had previously. I mean we're still, you know, we're still, you know, reasonably small in the grand view of things, so we can change on a dime, you know, we're, we're, we're nimble, we're, you know, and that's the great thing. So we find, we find that if something isn't working, let's, let's do something, try something else. And you know, I I would say between between being able to to quickly change and, you know, I would say, between between being able to to quickly change and, you know, have make a real difference, um, that in just being someplace where the culture is so important, you know and and people feel part of the team. I mean, I, I, you know. I would say that that those are probably two of the biggest things that I enjoy, you know, working here. Dave: So OK, that makes sense. Scott: It goes throughout the entire organization. Dave: So, yeah, I like it. So, Matt, how about you? Same question to you in your current capacity what do you find most enjoyable or satisfying or gratifying in your current role? Matt: I love seeing growth in other people. I love seeing people grab opportunity. Seeing people grab opportunity, and you know I love the stories of someone coming in as a. You know I'll use Eric Phillips as an example. Eric Phillips, in 2008, gets hired to be our warehouse manager. As we decided we were going to move more into. You know, on top of the brokerage, we were going to concentrate also on having a physical operation for reworking and consolidating loads. And he comes in and within probably eight months, my dad pulled me aside and said you know, we really need to bring him up front. He needs to be a trader. He's got everything. He's got all the skills to do that. My dad was really, really good at warehouse manager. You know currently is a COO and a partner in the company, and you know I love seeing that. And then you know we have some other programs that are a little bit unique. We have we want to make people's lives better, not just our customers, but I'm talking about, you know, where Scott references the culture. We put together a program five years ago, I guess, that we put together a new homeowners program and we want to help any of our employees who have never owned a home. We want to help them get a home, and so we put together a six-month financial education course where they do, like these, lunch and learns, and we have a local credit union that comes in and leads these classes, and as long as they go through those courses and as long as they've been with us for one year, then we'll uh, we'll, give them a twenty five hundred dollar uh, at least they have to put up at least twenty five hundred themselves, which, of course, you're gonna have to do that to buy a home, but we'll match up to $2,500 and then we'll give them a hundred dollars a month for three years towards their mortgage. How cool is that? So, you know, keep in mind we're we're pretty small, but we've had five people in the program. We currently have another four that are in classes right now in a series of classes, and of those, I believe that as soon as three of them, as soon as they're done with the course, are going to be ready to buy their first home. So it's, it's exciting and you know, you know, of course, the side benefit of that is it does act a little bit as a golden handcuff. Sure, you know, let's face it, someone's not staying on a job for 100 bucks a month. Yeah, but it does give them something to think about. These guys help me with this and, and if they help me with this, what else are they going to help me with down the road? Dave: Now, that's awesome. So did all five of that first group buy houses then? Matt: We have, we've done. I think this is our fourth different class yeah, so we've had, we haven't had. Sometimes we've had people go through it and say I just want the financial education piece of it because I don't really understand. I hear people talk about credit score, but I don't really understand what it is or how I could affect it. That might be one of them. I hear people talk about what a mortgage is, but what is a mortgage and how does it work? And you know, and then some other people. One of the classes is how do you set up a budget so that you don't, you know, you, you, you don't think getting the house is the finish line. The finish line is making sure you can afford the house. Dave: Yeah, of course, of course. So you have had some people buy houses from the program. Matt: We've had five people. We have five people that we have put in new houses. Dave: Yes, that's awesome. I mean heck, that's almost 10 of your workforce yeah, that's, uh, that's a little under that. Matt: Yeah, a little you know, I would hope you're an account you. You do our icy disc. Your numbers have to be your. Your math skills have to be better than that, david. Well, that was a bit of. It's about seven percent. Well, that's where my that's where my marketing angle came in right. Dave: Just it sounded more appealing to say nearly 10 there you go. But if we look at, but if we look at the percentage of your employees who'd never bought a house before. Now we're talking, you know 20, right? Because some of your employees you know already owned a house before you know they came to work here. I think that is awesome. So, scott, I'd like to just digress just a bit. And so you had another service provider for the IC desk before we came along, and I think I you know, we talked to you for several years. I'd known Matt for a long time, and one of the things we talked about was that I thought we could do a better job from service, kind of turnaround time. And then I also said that we bring a more thorough kind of calculation to the table. And I'm just curious I know this is kind of unscripted, but how and this has been a few years how has that been? Did we live up to the expectation? Is there anything that you were disappointed by? Scott: Yeah, no, for sure, I mean we, we, we can't thank you enough, dave, um, if, if I think back, I think we have. We moved our icdiscs over to you. What three years ago I can remember, we met in nashville yeah, something like two years ago, and I think you'd already had our disc for a year at that point. Does that sound right? Dave: Yeah, I think so. Scott: Yeah, so you know we, I know that you and Matt had been in touch. I think I, you know we, I think you and I had been in touch. You know, before we made that move for for some time move for, uh, for some time, we, you know with, with our previous provider, you know, maybe the response times weren't quite what we had been looking for or expecting and okay, you know we had a couple years of that and uh, and then I can remember matt and I started talking and uh, um, I remember I, uh, I, and I remember I sent you a note at some point and then we started the discussions then and you know we made the move and it's worked out really well for us, not only with the response times and, you know, moving quickly through all the work that needs to be done, because you know it always comes up, the disc always comes up around around the tax deadline date of April 15. So you know it a little bit of a time crunch of the turnaround you know with your firm is is great, but the other, the other important thing here is the additional calculations that that you've been able to do the last couple of years. We've it's it, it. It takes a little bit more detail, but you take it to the next step and you're able to find some additional tax savings with those additional steps that you do Over the years going back, yeah, since 2011, our tax savings with the ICDIS has been anywhere from, say, a few thousand dollars up to the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Okay, and it's been interesting since you took it over, dave, we've been. The last two years have been in the $60,000 to $70,000 range for tax savings. Matt: So I do think it's interesting. I referenced that Scott became a partner in the company right around that time, dave. So I think, now that some of his money, his personal money, is at stake, look at what he's doing. He's really trying to, you know, maximize all these relationships to make sure so it worked. Dave: It worked, matt. It worked exactly like you hoped it would Well. Thank you for your kind words. The team will enjoy hearing that. Your kind words. The team will enjoy hearing that. I know when we were first talking, you'd said that the turnaround time with the prior provider was maybe as long as several months, and I told you that our guaranteed turnaround time is one week from the time we get all the data, and I think you were skeptical One week. Matt: Yeah. Dave: I think the most recent year with some of the more detailed stuff. It may have been a little more back and forth, but kind of from the time we get the final numbers we uh until we turn around the disc return because you know it's kind of like paying your bills on time, right. So we manage over 500 ic discs and whether we take a month to do them all or we take a week to do them all, it's still the same amount of work. The only difference is if we take a week, our clients on average get the work done three weeks sooner than if we take a month. Just like when I was in college I had these friends that were always paying their bills five days late and I'm like you know it costs the same amount of money to pay them five days early Actually less, because you know there's no late payment fees and stuff. So yeah, no we and the other provider, I believe, didn't specialize in just the IC desk. When all you do is one thing, you know, you develop some efficiency. So then anyway, I don't want to make this too much about me. Thank you again for your kind words and your feedback. And you know anything ever not to your satisfaction. You'd be sure to let me know. I can't believe how the time is flying by. I've got a couple other questions as we wrap up, guys, and I'll start, I'm going to start with Scott first. That way you can't steal Matt's answer. So if you could go back in time and give advice to like your 25-year-old self, Scott, what advice might you give yourself, knowing what you know now? Scott: yeah, it's, it's for myself personally. Uh, our, our younger daughter is going to be graduating maybe as soon as a year, and she graduated from college with a finance degree, not not. I have an accounting degree a little bit different, uh-huh. Um, my, my advice to her is probably don't start out with a large corporation I would. Actually I would. I've had a discussion with her a couple of times. I think there's can learn a lot more working at a smaller company whatever, whatever kind of company that is you get. You get a lot more exposure to, uh, to different things. I mean if, if I were to say to do one thing differently, I'd probably say that that would be, uh. Dave: My advice is go to work to my my younger, 25 year old self is to maybe don't over uh, don't over in index on large companies because that's their pitch. Right, you'll be exposed to more stuff you can rotate around, but that you might have considered a smaller operation sooner. Is that about? Scott: something, yeah, exactly. Dave: No, great great advice. Scott: Okay. Dave: Mr Kripke, how about you? What advice might you give to your 25 year old self? Matt: So I would say, I would tell my 25 year old self that in 2025, you should bet the farm on JJ Spahn to win the US Open to when the US opens, no one will have seen it coming. You'll make millions of that. Just mortgage the house, do everything, whatever you can throw at it. The real answer would be don't worry so much. I think we all have a tendency when we're young that everything feels like a big deal and everything feels like the end of the world, and things just have a way of working out. It doesn't mean that life is perfect. It doesn't mean that you're not going to have challenges. You know, kripke Enterprises had its share of challenges over the years that we've had to fight through. My wife and I have had our share of times where we had to band together as a team to get our family through difficult times and those aren't easy. But don't worry so much. Things have a way of working out as long as you put your, you know, as long as you put your nose down and go to work, to work through it. Dave: That's great. I think it was Mark Twain that said I'm an old man and I've known a great number of troubles, most of which never came to be Something to that effect. I've always loved that. Well hey, what did I not ask you guys that you wish I had? Matt: um, I would say I thought you did a really, uh, good job as an interviewer. I think maybe, if we want to talk a little bit about the, the future of the industry, yeah, let's do that. The the other thing that I'm, you know, obviously, obviously technology, you know, not just AI, but AI is going to change every industry, including our industry. People are going to find a way to harness it and put it to work and technology is going to change our industries for the better, which is exciting. Scott: Change our industries for the better, which is exciting which is exciting, but yeah, it's exciting but scary. Matt: The way that we're going to be able to. You know, the dream for years, at least on the aluminum front, has been the ability to really dig deep and really be able to sort material to the nth degree, it back to specific alloys, and it feels like we are almost there. We're really. We're probably 90 to 95 percent of the way there and I think that is going to be really awesome for aluminum. Scary, because any change is scary, and but there's always going in. People say well, you know what does that mean? Does that mean that there's going to be the haves and the have nots? People can afford this new technology and people who can't. My guess is that's what they were saying years and years ago about shredders and years before that about whatever the new equipment was that the industry is constantly evolving. It has to evolve to get better from a technology perspective. What I'm very excited about is, over the last I'd say, six, seven years, scott, we've really added some new traders and most of them are younger than you know. We had an older trading team and most of these people are younger, so good, and so they learn things so quickly and they're interesting and they really the future is bright. And because they're so young, I've gotten to know the people that they meet in the industry who are also younger, and I know a lot of times we're guilty, as I was at one point that young, hungry guy. Now I'm the guy with gray in my beard and no hair in my head and um. And a lot of times we are guilty as old people saying the young people, they don't like to do this or they don't do this sure. I will tell you there may be things that they don't do, but there's so much better and so many other things and I think the future is bright for our industry. We've got really good young people who have entered it and are leading it now. Dave: Oh, that is. That is great. Thank you for for adding that. It was actually on my list and I think I just was sidetracked. Scott, how about you? Anything we should have talked about or that you wish I'd asked you about? Scott: Yeah, I mean you know Matt touched on it briefly I mean, I think the whole AI thing is going to make a huge difference. Maybe five years from now, seven years from now. We're not there yet, but but I mean I see that being a huge, a huge change for us in the not so near future. I mean it's you know, some of the stuff that they're working on right now it's going to get us there. But you know, on the financial administrative side, I think that is going to be the biggest change that we're going to see in the future. Dave: And we see it and we all see it every day. And since we drive the same brand of cars, you know I drove, I drove a,400 mile trip with my wife a couple of weeks ago and this was the first time ever that she sat in the passenger seat the whole time. She didn't need to spell me to give me a break and I people don't believe me I drove about four miles of the 2,400 miles and that was probably a dozen times that I intervened for five to 10 seconds, mostly for convenience and politeness. You know I needed to get over three lanes and the exit was a mile away and I just, you know, wanted to just make it happen. But yeah, we've all seen that AI firsthand, haven't? We Sure have Well, excellent, Well, guys, I really appreciate your time and I also really appreciate the trust that you've shown in us and our team, giving us a chance to demonstrate the value, and just really want to let you know how much we value the relationship. So I really appreciate that right back at you. Matt: We value the relationship with you. Thanks for giving us a chance to talk. Dave: Today was fun yeah, that that sounds great. Well, you guys have a great day. In case the listeners haven't figured it out, so yesterday was the US Open, the JJ Spahn victory that Matt was talking about. What an amazing, amazing win that was. That was exciting, that last after the rain delay was. Matt: I mean it wasn't. I'm sure it wasn't fun for any of them, but boy was that fun to watch. Dave: It was. It was at that, well, hey. Well, thank you guys very much, and if I don't see you sooner, I'll see you in St Louis or in Las Vegas next year, all right, Great Thanks. Dave. Special Guests: Matthew Kripke and Scott Chaffee.

In this chilling episode, we share an anonymous account from Mike, a veteran search and rescue team leader with seventeen years of experience in the Colorado Rockies. What started as a routine missing hiker call three years ago became one of the most extraordinary and terrifying encounters ever documented by a SAR team. When twenty-eight-year-old Amy disappeared while attempting a solo hike in the treacherous Devil's Backbone area, Mike's team deployed their newly acquired drone to scan the deep ravines where traditional search methods would be too dangerous. The thermal imaging quickly located Amy on a narrow ledge two hundred feet down in the canyon, alive but trapped and clearly terrified.What the drone captured next defied all explanation. A massive, bipedal creature emerged from the shadows of the ravine, standing over seven feet tall with dark fur and unmistakably intelligent eyes. Rather than threatening Amy, the creature began making complex vocalizations that seemed designed to communicate with her. The team watched in stunned silence as this unknown being positioned itself protectively between Amy and some unseen threat deeper in the canyon.Mike's account details how the creature ultimately guided Amy to safety through treacherous terrain that would have challenged even experienced rock climbers, leading her along ancient routes through the ravine system that weren't marked on any map. When Amy was finally rescued, she described how the creature had been protecting her from other predatory sounds in the darkness and had used gentle vocalizations to calm her fears throughout the night.This encounter was just the beginning of Mike's journey into a hidden world that exists parallel to our own. As he reached out to other SAR teams across the country, a disturbing pattern emerged. Teams from Montana to California to Washington state had similar footage and encounters, all carefully covered up to protect professional credibility. Missing persons cases began clustering around areas where these creatures had been sighted, suggesting something far more complex than isolated incidents.Mike's investigation revealed what appears to be an entire ecosystem of intelligent cryptid species living in North American wilderness areas. Government documents allegedly classify these beings into three distinct categories: the Guardians who help lost humans, the Stalkers who view humans as prey, and the mysterious Watchers who seem to manage the delicate balance between the other two species.The account becomes increasingly urgent as Mike describes how this ancient balance is beginning to collapse.Climate change and human encroachment are forcing these creatures into smaller territories, making the predatory species more aggressive while driving the helpful ones deeper into hiding. The government's response has reportedly been to increase cover-up efforts rather than address the underlying crisis. Through drone footage, thermal imaging, and firsthand testimonies from experienced wilderness professionals, this episode presents compelling evidence that we share our wild spaces with intelligences that have been watching us, studying us, and in many cases protecting us for centuries. Mike's network has now documented over one hundred Guardian encounters that resulted in human lives being saved, while identifying dozens of disappearances that may be attributed to the more dangerous species.The implications extend far beyond individual encounters. If Mike's account is accurate, wilderness management policies may need fundamental revision to acknowledge relationships with species that possess intelligence, territorial behaviors, and the ability to either help or harm human visitors to their domains. The episode raises profound questions about what we truly know about the creatures that inhabit our most remote wilderness areas and whether the general public has a right to understand the risks and protections that may exist in these hidden ecosystems.Mike concludes his account with practical advice for wilderness travelers while calling for greater transparency from government agencies and wilderness management organizations.His message is clear: the truth is literally living in the shadows between the trees, and the time has come to acknowledge what SAR professionals have been quietly documenting for years. This episode contains authentic drone footage descriptions, thermal imaging analysis, and detailed documentation from multiple search and rescue operations across twelve states. Listener discretion is advised for those planning wilderness travel, as this account may fundamentally change how you view your next backcountry adventure.

Revelo has emerged as a critical player in the intersection of talent acquisition and AI development, transforming from a Latin American job board to a comprehensive tech talent platform serving both traditional staffing needs and the booming human data market for LLM training. With $48.7 million raised and a network of 400,000 pre-vetted engineers, Revelo has positioned itself at the forefront of two massive trends: remote work acceleration and the AI revolution. In this episode, Lucas Mendes, Co-founder and CEO of Revelo, shares the company's evolution from a simple recruiting platform to becoming the backbone of tech talent for the age of AI, including their pivot during COVID that led to 6x growth in three years and their recent expansion into human data services for hyperscalers training large language models. Topics Discussed: Revelo's origin story and pivot from a Brazilian job board to a nearshoring platform during COVID The dramatic revenue swings during the pandemic - from 80% revenue drop to overwhelming demand The emergence of human data for LLM training as a new business line, growing from 0% to 25% of revenue in 18 months Building specialized platforms for code annotation and LLM training that differ from general-purpose data labeling tools The consulting layer required to serve hyperscalers and why workforce suppliers alone can't compete Revelo's M&A strategy with five acquisitions completed and plans for more transformational deals The long-term vision of becoming the go-to destination for AI implementation talent across all engagement models   GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Respond to market signals rather than forcing your vision: Lucas admits that both major pivots - the COVID nearshoring boom and the LLM training opportunity - came from inbound customer demand rather than proactive strategic decisions. He emphasizes being responsive to market signals: "I wish I could claim credit for that, but it was again, us responding to inbound interest from clients." B2B founders should remain agile and let customer demand guide major strategic decisions rather than forcing predetermined visions onto the market. Build deep expertise to differentiate from commodity suppliers: When serving hyperscalers, Revelo learned that being just a "workforce supplier" wasn't enough. Lucas explains: "There's too many of these companies out there for there to be any meaningful demand for somebody who's just a workforce supplier. You need to have done this before." The company invested heavily in developing consulting capabilities and domain expertise. B2B founders entering competitive markets should identify what specialized knowledge or capabilities will differentiate them from commodity providers. Leverage your founding team for new market exploration: When building the LLM training business, Lucas deployed his senior leadership team rather than hiring external executives. He explains: "You need to have a founding team for that phase... it's exhausting, it's excruciating, it's stressful, but it is very much an early stage startup." B2B founders should use their core team's entrepreneurial skills when exploring new markets, even if it means senior executives taking on hands-on roles outside their typical functions. Treat enterprise sales as a repeatable process across teams: Lucas discovered that selling to different teams within the same hyperscaler required starting from scratch each time. His solution: "Build a core corpus of sales collateral, like case studies and materials that they can socialize internally." B2B founders selling to large enterprises should systematize their sales process and create reusable materials that can be adapted for different internal stakeholders, treating each team as a separate sales opportunity. Use transparency to build trust with sophisticated buyers: When dealing with hyperscalers, Lucas found that honesty about capabilities was crucial: "You have to be really clear about what you can do and what you cannot... Some of these companies are saying, hey, we want to do projects where you'll do human data for code, but also some human data for video. We have to say no to that." B2B founders serving sophisticated enterprise clients should be transparent about their limitations, as attempting to oversell capabilities will ultimately damage relationships with buyers who can easily detect gaps in expertise.   //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM       

In this episode of Women in B2B Marketing, host Jane Serra sits down with Natalie Cunningham, a two-time SaaS CMO, former agency leader, and one of LinkedIn's most refreshingly honest voices in marketing.Natalie's journey from rural Tennessee to the C-suite is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and pushing past “professional” expectations. She opens up about what it really means to step into a CMO role, lead through rebrands, and advocate for yourself—without shrinking your voice.Jane and Natalie explore:The real difference between being a VP and a CMO (beyond the title)How to lead with honesty and impact, even when it comes with riskWhy rebrands fall apart after the “fun part”—and how to avoid itThe power of healthy conflict and treating peers as your first teamHow being vocal on LinkedIn can cost you... and why it's still worth itWhy “managing a team is like parenting” is a tired (and harmful) tropeThe importance of community when you're the only woman in the roomKey Links:Guest: Natalie Cunningham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliercunningham/Host: Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/ ––Like WIB2BM? Show us some love with a rating or review. It helps us reach more women marketers ready to take the mic.

In this Mission Matters episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Meghan McCormick⁠, Co-Founder & CEO of Oze, on how her fintech platform is empowering Africa's small businesses with smart tools and access to fair capital. From founding West Africa's first business accelerator to leading Oze's expansion across the continent, Meghan's mission is to turn subsistence entrepreneurship into scalable economic growth. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the ⁠Milken Institute⁠ for inviting us to cover the conference. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Mission Matters episode, Adam Torres interviews Meghan McCormick, Co-Founder & CEO of Oze, on how her fintech platform is empowering Africa's small businesses with smart tools and access to fair capital. From founding West Africa's first business accelerator to leading Oze's expansion across the continent, Meghan's mission is to turn subsistence entrepreneurship into scalable economic growth. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the Milken Institute for inviting us to cover the conference. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mediawatch looks at a sudden slew of stuff on screen about life at the coal face in health, hospitals and hospices. Is the up close and personal approach also political? Speaking of political . . . bosses at two big broadcasters have ended up in the gun this week over other peoples' opinions about Israel and Gaza - and political leaders line up the media for more criticism. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by CSM Bill Gallant, the Command Sergeant Major of Ops Group (CSMOG). Today's guests are four seasoned infantry task force command sergeants major. CSM Lucas Young is the TF CSM for Task Force 2 (IN BN) with ten rotations as an Observer – Coach – Trainer and four rotations as a rotational training unit. CSM Bryan Jaragoske is the TF CSM for Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ) with three rotations as an OCT and five rotations as RTU. CSM Edwards Cummings is the TF CSM for Task Force 3 (IN BN) with nineteen rotations as an OCT and four rotations as RTU. And CSM Robert Absher is the TF CSM for Task Force 1 (IN BN) with four rotations as an OCT and eight rotations as RTU. In this episode of ‘The Crucible,' the conversation centers on the evolving and enduring role of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in infantry warfighting during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). The discussion highlights how NCOs are stepping up in planning processes—especially in course of action development—providing ground truth from the field, validating feasibility, and integrating fire and maneuver. NCOs' battlefield experience enables them to shape planning guidance, refine timelines, and ensure plans account for realistic sustainment, movement, and transition conditions. The panel underscores the importance of rehearsals and timelines, the application of fieldcraft, camouflage, deception, and understanding terrain—not just through mapping, but through hands-on analysis and feedback. The episode also explores how infantry NCOs are central to managing the fight during transitions, supporting fire planning, and leading security zone operations.   A recurring theme is the necessity of blending technological advancement with mastery of fundamentals. The speakers caution against overreliance on tech like ATACs or drones without maintaining proficiency in basic soldiering skills such as map and compass navigation or patrolling under load. The conversation moves through sustainment challenges, especially medical evacuation, logistics discipline, and terrain management, offering best practices like rehearsing casualty evacuation and involving junior leaders in sustainment planning. Ultimately, the discussion affirms that well-trained, thinking NCOs—those who know the commander's intent and can adapt when the plan breaks—are vital to combat effectiveness. Leadership, initiative, and the ability to bridge modernization with the realities of the battlefield form the cornerstone of successful infantry operations in LSCO.   Part of S03 “Lightfighter Lessons” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast.   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

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In 1988 history was made by JCP. A Premium Live Event given away free on TBS showcasing some of the best and brightest for our entertainment. Titles defended. Grudges resolved. Legends are born. Henceforth known as the Clash of the Champions. Join us as the Backbone on this journey recapping these amazing show of shows. Keithie & Big Daddy Shawn continue on with Clash of the Champions IV: Season's Beatings live from the UTC Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee (the Chattanooga Choo-Choo).  Eddie Gilbert & Ron Simmons vs The Fantastics (United States Tag Team Title Tournament Finals) "Dr. Death" Steve Williams vs The Italian Stallion (not that one, the other one) Paul Jones vs a One-Armed Ivan Koloff Dusty Rhodes vs Road Warrior Animal (the winner of the match gets control of the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship) The Midnight Express with Jim Cornette vs NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair & NWA United States Heavyweight Champion Barry Windham with J.J. Dillon And stay till the end to hear Jim Cornette's balls to the wall promo.

Greg Williams graduated from Susquehanna University in 1992 with a degree in accounting, but quickly pivoted toward the outdoors, co-founding the Philadelphia Rock Gyms (PRG) Gym in 1993 and helping build one of the region's first indoor climbing communities. He later moved to Colorado to work in advertising at Climbing Magazine Inc, combining his professional skillset with his passion for the outdoors. Greg joined Backbone in 1997 as a PR Account Manager and went on to launch the agency's Paid Media and Social Media services—becoming VP of Media and helping shape Backbone's integrated approach. In 2022, he became President and now oversees all 11 service areas across paid and earned media. He serves on the boards of Mountain Projects, Inc, RootsRated Media, and 5Point Film Festival. Outside the office, he's a 10-year youth basketball coach and enjoys climbing, biking, and rucking.

Email marketing still converts better than most digital channels, yet many businesses overlook this powerful tool because of misconceptions about its effectiveness or complexity. • Email is definitely not dead – it's been generating millions in revenue for over a decade• Design doesn't matter in email – focus on consistency and authenticity instead• The sweet spot for email frequency is 2-4 times per month• DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are now essential for good deliverability• Different platforms serve different needs – MailChimp for beginners, Active Campaign for automation, GoHighLevel for all-in-one• Lead magnets should provide genuine value worth at least a couple hundred dollars• Perfectionism kills results – "good enough to get it out there" is a winning philosophy• Structure emails with curiosity in subject lines, a hook at the beginning, storytelling in the middle, and a clear CTA• The 7-11-4 principle: prospects need 7 hours of content, seeing your message 11 times, across 4 channels• Being "unapologetically authentic" builds stronger connections than polished marketing-----Guest Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/https://subjectline.com/https://guruconference.com/https://outcomemedia.com/------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHosts: Matt Bertram Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

In this episode of the Backbone Sports Zone, join Matt, Shiff, and Logan as the discuss the hot topics in sports including the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, the Red Sox trading Rafael Devers and more! Plus Logan gives a rundown of the PGA Tour, talks about Wimbledon, and the College World Series in the debut of the CrosUp Sports Edition!  

Sheila's back to school us on Guillermo Del Toro, ghosts, and childhood trauma!

Right then, strap in Trawlers and let's raise a lukewarm pint of Champagne to the anniversary of the Brexit referendum - because nothing says “taking back control” like spiralling food prices and passport queues longer than a Glastonbury toilet line. Then it's over to Labour HQ, where the party that once marched for peace now wants to slap a terrorist label on Palestine Action. Because apparently, protesting arms deals is just not cricket.Meanwhile, the welfare bill rebellion gave us a rare glimpse of backbench backbone - blink and you might've missed it. And finally, Reform UK's Robin Hood policy has landed... promising to rob from the rich and give to, well, the rich. Expect right-wing pundits and their sheep to gobble up the policy as they read the headlines, but not much else. Then a quick scoot over to New York where a left-wing candidate offered left-wing policies to left-wing voters…and actually won. Meanwhile, in Labour HQ, there's probably a task force being assembled to investigate this dangerous correlation between principled politics and electoral success. Expect a report by 2031, just in time to miss the point again.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

In this week's episode of "Maximize Business Value," Dave Casey meets with Neil Katz to discuss the role of an HR partnership for your company. Neil Katz is the President and CEO of Exceptional HR Solutions. To learn more about Neil, visit his LinkedIn and check out the Exceptional HR Solutions Website. Tune in weekly to hear more from Mastery Partners and to receive relevant key content on your journey to maximizing your business value!#maximizebusinessvalue #maximizebusinessvalue #MBVPodcast #PodcastForEntrepreneurs #HR #MasteryPartners #ExitStrategy Learn More about Dave CaseyDave Casey is a partner at Mastery Partners, working with owners to maximize the value locked up in their businesses. Using his background and experience, he utilizes the four-part process Mastery has perfected to analyze, assess, map out, and execute plans to ensure the business owner realizes the very top valuation for their enterprise.Casey is an engaged business leader with an eye for business transformation, particularly in the verticals of technology, cybersecurity, and IT managed services.  Dave previously founded and grew an IT managed services company, brought it through a successful exit, and today helps companies develop long-range plans for sound security and operational processes.Dave serves on the board of Business Navigators, a business servant leadership non-profit in the DFW area. He is also a founder and board member of Biz Owners Ed, a 501 (c)(3) organization enabling serious entrepreneurs to dramatically scale and improve their businesses.Learn More about Neil Katz Neil Katz is the founder and CEO of Exceptional HR Solutions, a leading provider of fractional HR leadership for small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S. With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of people and business strategy, Neil leads a national team of 20+ seasoned HR partners dedicated to helping companies scale, evolve, and thrive. His firm delivers end-to-end HR solutions—from talent acquisition and organizational development to compliance, culture, and leadership alignment.Under Neil's leadership, Exceptional HR Solutions has become a go-to resource for growth-focused companies in industries ranging from retail and healthcare to manufacturiMastery Partners Elevating Businesses to Achieve The Business Owner's Dream Exit The unfortunate reality is that for every business that comes on the market (for whatever reason), only 17% of them achieve a successful exit. You read that right. 83% of attempted business transitions never reach the closing table. Mastery Partners is on a mission to change that. We ELEVATE businesses to achieve maximum value and reach that dream exit. Our objectives are simple - understand where the business is today, identify opportunities for dramatic improvement, and offer solutions to enhance the business, making it more marketable and valuable. And that all starts with understanding the business owner's definition of his or her dream exit. Mastery has developed a 4-Step Process to help business owners achieve their dreams. STEP 1: Transition Readiness Assessment STEP 2: Roadmap for Value Acceleration STEP 3: Relentless Execution STEP 4: Decision: Now that desired results are achieved, the business is ready for the next step in the journey! CONNECT WITH MASTERY PARTNERS TO LEARN MORELinkedInWebsite© 2025 Mastery Partners, LLC.

Alison Shimada says conditions look “quite good” for emerging markets after underperforming for 13 years. “The local economies are operating quite well,” and AI is driving growth across the sector, she argues. “The backbone of AI comes from emerging markets,” she says, like South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

What if the biggest risk to your business… is you? In this powerful episode, Emma talks with Rachel Pereyra, founder of Mastermind Business Services and expert fractional COO, about what it really means to lead like a CEO. Rachel shares how she helps founders shift from reactive operators to strategic leaders by first protecting the business from burnout and chaos—often caused by the founder themselves. From uncovering how your own mindset may be sabotaging growth to building operations that support freedom (not control), this conversation goes far beyond systems and into the heart of sustainable business. If you've ever found yourself stuck in the weeds, overbooked, or unsure how to scale without breaking everything, this episode offers real, actionable guidance and a serious mindset reset. Listen in as Emma explains: How to protect your business from your own burnout and blind spots The mindset shift from “doing it all” to leading a high-performing team How to expand capacity without over-hiring or over-working your team And much, much more!   Connect with Rachel:  Website LinkedIn Instagram Book a one-off strategy session for a quick hit of strategy and advice: https://calendly.com/mastermindbusinessservices/consulting-ama    Connect with Ninety Five Media: Website   Instagram  Need Support with Your Podcast? We've got you covered  Book a Strategy Intensive Call with Emma for a custom marketing plan for your brand:   strategyintensivecall.co   Book a call to explore our social media management services for your business! ninetyfivemedia.co/book-a-call  Start posting consistently by scheduling out your content in advance! Use Ninety Five Media's favorite tool, Later.com, to experience how easy this gets to be: http://try.later.com/ninetyfivemedia   

Backbone - De-Va'Je

In Episode 441 of the Survival Punk Podcast, we're talking about something you don't hear much in the prepping world — but it's at the core of everything we do: the importance of fathers. A strong father isn't just a personal blessing. He's a stabilizer, a teacher, and a builder of the next generation. And if we want to rebuild or survive the fall of society, we need to start by recognizing just how much fathers matter.

In Episode 441 of the Survival Punk Podcast, we're talking about something you don't hear much in the prepping world — but it's at the core of everything we do: the importance of fathers. A strong father isn't just a personal blessing. He's a stabilizer, a teacher, and a builder of the next generation. And if we want to rebuild or survive the fall of society, we need to start by recognizing just how much fathers matter. "Fathers Matter: The Backbone of a Strong Society | Episode 441" The post Fathers Matter: The Backbone of a Strong Society | Episode 441 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Sophia Prater is CEO of Rewired UX and the creator of the Object-Oriented UX (OOUX) Certification. In this episode of Product Momentum, Sophia joins Sean Murray and guest co-host Jon Daiello to discuss OOUX and the many ways it can help product teams deliver better design, more efficiently than ever. As Sophia explains, “OOUX is … The post 166 / Sophia Prater, on Object-Oriented UX: The Backbone of the Design Process appeared first on ITX Corp..

Battery storage is booming — but how does it really work, and why does it matter? In this episode of the Fully Charged Show Podcast, Imogen sits down with Ed Porter from ⁨@modoenergy⁩ one of the UK's leading experts on battery energy storage systems (BESS), to demystify the critical role batteries are already playing in balancing the grid — and what's still to come. From frequency regulation and price arbitrage to blackouts and the path to clean power by 2030, we explore how grid-scale batteries are transforming our energy system faster than you think. Ed shares his insights on: Why batteries are replacing gas in grid services — and slashing costs. What dynamic frequency response actually means How the UK went from 0 to 5.3 GW of battery storage — and where we go from here Why the “1.5-hour” battery duration isn't a limitation, but a smart design choice How we plan to survive “Dunkelflaute” and keep the lights on in winter. Enjoy! ⁨@fullychargedshow⁩ ⁨@EverythingElectricShow⁩ Find out more about the Modo Energy Terminal: https://modoenergy.com/ 00:00 Introduction  01:01 Ad Break  01:16 Modo Energy  04:09 Why do we need Grid Scale Batteries?  06:07 Batteries and frequency in the system  09:07 80% Cost reduction vs gas!  12:17 Are we deploying batteries fast enough?  16:09 1.5 hour battery duration?!  19:02 What about “Dunkelflaute”?! and a note on CCUS...  26:00 Decoupling the cost of electricity from gas?!  29:13 A whole new system?  37:15 Should energy be free?!  40:53 Negative pricing  43:26 What the UK can learn from Texas  46:00 Please like and subscribe!     This episode is sponsored by Duracell Energy! Enter the Free Prize Draw to WIN your own Duracell Energy bunny here: https://www.duracellenergy.com/givaway/    Get a free quote for solar and battery from Duracell Energy here: https://bit.ly/4i9ERid    Free Prize Draw Terms & Conditions can be found here: https://www.duracellenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Prize-Draw-2025-Puredrive-Energy-Ltd.pdf   Why not come and join us at our next Everything Electric expo: https://everythingelectric.show Check out our sister channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fullychargedshow Why are our episodes now sponsored? https://fullycharged.show/blog/dan-caesar-on-x-insta-youtube-and-why-we-made-a-contro[…]s-on-fully-charged-everything-electric-electric-vehicles-uk/ Support our StopBurningStuff campaign: https://www.patreon.com/STOPBurningStuff Become a Fully Charged SHOW Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fullychargedshow Become a YouTube member: use JOIN button above Buy the Fully Charged Guide to Electric Vehicles & Clean Energy : https://buff.ly/2GybGt0 Subscribe for episode alerts and the Fully Charged newsletter: https://fullycharged.show/zap-sign-up/ Visit: https://FullyCharged.Show Find us on X: https://x.com/Everyth1ngElec Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fullychargedshow To partner, exhibit or sponsor at our award-winning expos email: commercial@fullycharged.show Everything Electric CANADA - Vancouver Convention Center - 5th, 6th & 7th September 2025 Everything Electric SOUTH (UK) - Farnborough International - 10th, 11th & 12th October 2025 Everything Electric AUSTRALIA VIC - 14th, 15th & 16th November 2025

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade. CEO of The Guardian, a private security corporation. The discussion focused on hiring the right people, leadership strategies, and the importance of HR in business success.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade. CEO of The Guardian, a private security corporation. The discussion focused on hiring the right people, leadership strategies, and the importance of HR in business success.