Podcasts about Bamboo

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The Goods is a new series that delivers wisdom for personal and professional growth. In today's episode, Michael follows Mei's five‑year vigil over a seemingly barren patch of soil that suddenly erupts into a ninety‑foot bamboo grove, revealing the power of unseen growth. Discover why patience, daily consistency, and faith in long‑term vision are the leadership roots that eventually shoot sky‑high.Enjoy Episode 31 of The Goods. #BeNEXT

The Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, who initiated a peaceful protest on July 27 and subsequently went on a hunger strike, has reached an agreement with the Nepal government. The mayor had initiated a protest, demanding the promotion and use of bamboo and other locally produced materials. Nepal correspondent Prayas Dulal spoke to Tirtha Raj Bhattarai on Tuesday, July 29, before he was taken to the hospital after his health deteriorated. - स्थानीय कच्चापदार्थबाट बनेका सामाग्री प्रयोगका लागि कानून निर्माण लगायत माग राख्दै अनसनमा बसेका खोटाङ दिक्तेल रुपाकोट मझुवागढी नगरपालिकाका मेयर तीर्थराज भट्टराई र नेपाल सरकारबिच केही दिन अगि सैद्धान्तिक सहमति भएको छ। ओली सरकारले ४५ दिनभित्र उक्त सहमती कार्यान्वयन गर्ने प्रतिबद्धता गत आइतवार, अगस्ट ३ मा गरेको हो। त्यसभन्दा अगि आइतबार, जुलाई २७ देखि भने मेयर भट्टराई सत्याग्रहमा बसेका थिए। आफ्ना माग सम्बोधन नभएको भन्दै उनले आन्दोलनको स्वरूप बदलेका थिए तर पछि स्वास्थ्य समस्या देखिएको भन्दै उनलाई बुधवार, जुलाई ३० मा अस्पताल लगिएको थियो। उनी अस्पताल भर्ना हुनु अगि, मङ्गलवार २९ जुलाईमा मेयर तीर्थराज भट्टराईसँग नेपाल संवाददाता प्रयास दुलालले गर्नुभएको कुराकानी सुन्नुहोस्।

As Beijing bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, journalist Barbara Demick reported on the politics and impact of China's 'one-child' policy. Demick has written a new book that follows the story of how the policy affected one family, and a set of twins forcefully separated and put into the adoption system. Demick discusses her book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins. Plus, listeners share their experience navigating the international adoption system.

This week in crypto? It's anything but boring.

Master Gardener Emily Clem talks with ACES Extension Agent, Brian Brown, about beneficial and non-beneficial weeds. He stresses that many weeds, often seen as nuisances, are actually beneficial. Clover, for example, adds vital nitrogen to the soil and attracts pollinators. In controlling invasive weeds, Brown recommends planting resistant varieties and modifying environmental conditions before resorting to chemical control. He suggests using pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds and creating physical barriers for invasive species like bamboo. Kudzu, Bradford Pear trees, and Mimosa trees are some of the more invasive species, but the number one weed in our area is Chinese privet, and Brown offers several methods to remove it.Links:https://www.aces.edu/  (Alabama Cooperative Extension)https://mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org/https://www.alcpl.org/Have questions about this episode? Email askalibrarian@alcpl.orgMusic by Pixabay    

Stefan Tim has been hand carving traditional bows for two decades in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Under his brand, Bamboo Bows, he crafts and sells traditional Japanese Yumi bows and stunning horn bows that combine bamboo, wood, and horn. Additionally, Stefan is passionate about history and teaches history at a local high school. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Stefan Tim.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/bamboo.bows/ https://www.facebook.com/bamboo.bows/ Bamboo Bows on EtsyProject Quiver at Anchor Point ExpeditionsSummary:In this conversation, Todd and Stefan discuss the art of bow making, the influence of history and culture on archery, and the techniques involved in crafting bows, particularly the Japanese Yumi bow. Stefan shares his journey from teaching history to becoming a bow maker, his experiences with students, and the impact of historical films on his passion for archery. They delve into the specifics of bow construction, the materials used, and the unique techniques of shooting with a Yumi bow. They also discuss the intricacies of archery, focusing on the psychological aspects of target panic, and the art of arrow release. Lastly, they explore the therapeutic nature of woodworking and the need for alternative educational paths that prioritize passion and fulfillment over traditional schooling.Show Notes:Stefan teaches history and incorporates archery into his lessons.Engaging students with hands-on history makes learning memorable.Stefan has been making bows since he was 12 years old.The Yumi bow is a unique Japanese bow with specific construction techniques.Bamboo is a key material in Yumi bow making.The release technique in archery is crucial for accuracy.Stefan learned bow making from a mentor in the US.Cultural influences shape the materials and techniques used in bow making.Archery techniques vary significantly between cultures.The draw weight and length of Yumi bows are distinct from Western bows. Everybody struggles with target panic, even if you never heard about it.You have to trick your mind into not knowing that you're going to release.Making stuff is cool and fulfilling.There's a lot of things to say about the school system that doesn't work for everyone.Do what you love to do and there'll be a market for it.Bow making is not a static thing; it evolves with experience.There's always somebody interested in handmade products if you want to sell them.The therapeutic aspect of bow making connects with a deeper nature of ourselves.The journey of becoming a bowyer is filled with learning and experimentation.Workshops and community are essential for passing on skills and knowledge.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Background02:50 Teaching History and Engaging Students05:42 Life in Arnhem and Travel Experiences08:46 Family Life and Archery with Children11:37 The Influence of History on Bow Making14:26 Understanding Japanese Bow Making Techniques17:31 Materials and Construction of Bows20:30 The Art of Yumi Bow Carving26:21 Mentorship and Learning from a Master Bowmaker29:08 Exploring Traditional Japanese Archery31:49 Understanding the Kido Technique35:50 The Art of Releasing the Arrow38:29 Target Panic and Mental Aspects of Archery43:26 Crafting Unique Bow Designs49:29 The Journey to Becoming a Bowyer53:00 The Therapeutic Nature of Crafting56:39 The Art and Science of Bow Making59:16 Inspiration and Family Influence in Craftsmanship01:00:58 Teaching and Passing on the Craft01:07:06 The Journey of Selling Bows01:11:21 Education Beyond Traditional Systems

After three UK heatwaves so far this summer, our plants and gardens have enjoyed a much-appreciated spell of wet weather. In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day (for the final time), explore the latest gardening news stories, what's on's and tasks to be getting on with this month.What's on14th – 17th August: Southport Flower Show, Victoria Park, Southport.15th – 17th August: RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show, Torrington, Devon.29th – 31st August BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair, Audley End House, Essex.If you are out and about this month - don't forget to support the National Garden Scheme, locally or if you are holidaying in the UK, search out one of the many garden treasures.NewsKew Gardens' 175-year-old Palm House will close for five years for major makeover.Sycamore Gap: Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers jailed for over 4 years for felling of iconic tree.The gardening and lifestyle retail brand sarahraven.com has been acquired by its original founder and creative director, Sarah Raven.Current hosepipe restrictions in the UK.Could selling second-hand gardening products bring in a new demographic to Garden Centres?Eden Project Dundee moves one step closer.Further expansion plans at RHS Wisley.OmVed Gardens builds UK's first food and ecology centre.The buzz about trees: Scientists at Wakehurst harness sound to understand bee abundance.Gertrude Jekyll ® named world's famous rose 2025.‘Coral Gardens' announced as Rose of the Year for 2026.The UK drought dominates RHS enquiries.Wootten's of Wenhaston future threatened due to a lack of water on site.Plant theft crime on the rise.Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek becomes the HTA's new ambassador.Dutch urban greening of a bus station pergola using wisteria hailed as a major success.DIG IT Top 5 Ornamental grassesTop seller is Festuca glauca ‘Compact Blue' 2nd Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue'* 3rd Stipa tenuissima * 4th Carex Prairie Fire, and 5th Festuca ‘Elijah Blue' *RHS AGM.Plants mentioned: Apple cordon tree, Carnations, Bananas (Musa), Blackberries, Bonsai trees, Trachycarpus, Phoenix canariensis, Variegated Monstera, Dahlias, Leeks, French and Runner Beans, Lavender, Tree Ferns, Strawberries, Pinks, Cherries, Rhubarb, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Melons, Sow Marjoram, Basil, Coriander, Dill, Chives, Seed Potatoes to provide a crop for Christmas. Good varieties to consider include Charlotte, Desiree, Maris Piper and Maris Peer. Horse Chestnut and Lime trees. Take cuttings of Mint, Rosemary, and Sage.Products mentioned: Blagdon Fresh Start Pond (removes Chlorine so makes tap water safe for pond fish, Straw, Barley Straw, Bamboo canes, Plant pots, Peat-Free Seed & Cutting Compost, Perlite, Green Up Enhance Liquid Lawn Feed (it has added seaweed and a turf wetting agent which helps reduce grass stress and improves root growth), Taylors Bulbs, Tomato Feed, Nematodes to treat lawn leatherjackets, lawn edging tool, Vitax Citrus Summer Food and Water Butts.Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for supplying the music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we farewell one of the OG's of Crypto Curious. That's right, Craig is being cancelled!!! But before we get too misty-eyed, we're kicking off with something very on-brand for Craig: a bullish Ethereum update that might just make you want to double down. If you've been with us from the start, you'll know Craig's been waving the ETH flag since day one — so it's only fitting.Then, we dive into a bombshell from the deep pockets of Bitcoin history. One of the original Satoshi-era whales has just moved a jaw-dropping 80,000 BTC — that's over $9 billion worth — and exited the market. What does it mean? We've got thoughts.And finally, as Craig signs off from his regular spot on the pod, we turn the mic squarely on him. It's time for a no-holds-barred hot seat moment: his predictions, market sentiment, and maybe even some long-hoarded alpha. This is Craig's crystal ball episode

We're on our way to Gen Con! And here are the games we're most excited about (as well as the ones that are getting the most buzz online). You'll also here where to find us in Indy, where we plan to eat, and how we plan to survive the Best Four Days in Gaming. 00:45 - Releases in the second half of the year. 02:23 - Preparing for Crowds at Gen Con - New Cart Policy 08:15 - Food Trucks 11:15 - Where Will We Be? 19:59 - The Games of Gen Con (BGG Preview: https://boardgamegeek.com/geekpreview/77/gen-con-2025-preview) 20:54 - Vantage 23:27 - Forest Shuffle: Dartmoor 23:54 - Lost Ruins of Arnak: Adventure Chest 24:23 - Gwent: The Legendary Card Game 25:26 - Lightning Train 26:32 - Sea Salt and Paper: Extra Pepper 27:11 - Luthier 28:00 - Fliptoons 28:36 - Ruins 30:10 - Nature 30:53 - Rebel Princess Deluxe: Happily Never After 32:00 - Ace of Spades 33:35 - Galactic Cruise 34:31 - Pirates of Maracaibo: Commanders 34:43 - Soda Jerk 36:25 - Point Galaxy 37:04 - Compile Main 2 38:08 - Star Wars Battle of Hoth 38:41 - Galileo Galilei 39:21 - Propolis 39:48 - Final Girl: Shriek 41:32 - VIVO 42:08 - Spooktacular 43:57 - Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons 45:16 - Evergreen: Cherry Blossoms and Bamboo 45:22 - EXIT Advent Calendar: The Intergalactic Race 46:27 - Suna Valo 47:12 - Kronologic: Cuzco 1450 47:44 - Wine Cellar 49:22 - Shackleton Base 49:58 - Knitting Circle 50:36 - Ra: Traders 51:08 - Iliad 51:26 - Gibberers 51:48 - Cat and the Tower 52:42 - Ham Helsing 53:25 - The Four Doors 54:07 - Raising Chicago 54:24 - High Tide 54:39 - If Then 54:59 - Hyperstar Run 55:20 - Jungo 55:43 - Holiday Hijinks 10, 11, 12, Endangered Rescue 2, Journey to Tir na nOg 56:01 - Above and Below: Haunted 56:20 - The Peak Team 57:17 - Our Advice for Surviving Gen Con Questions? Tales of Horror? tom@dicetower.com

Although South Louisiana does not provide the easiest growing conditions, when fueled by passion and obsession, it's amazing what can be done. On this week's show, we introduce you to some real alternative thinkers who are successfully cultivating the unusual and the exotic. We begin with a trip to the SG Tiki Farm just across the state line in Pearlington, Mississippi. There, Chef Ernie Foundas grows exotic fruits and vegetables used in the dishes he serves at his restaurant in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood, Suis Generis. With a passion for sustainability, both Ernie and his partner Adrienne Bell use every scrap of food to achieve a zero-waste model in their restaurant. Then, we head down to New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward to meet bamboo guru Mark Sanders – founder of Ninth Ward Nursery. He tells the story of turning his bamboo obsession into a business. Finally, get ready to see bamboo on your dinner plate. We chat with Kay Koppedrayer, author of Cooking With Bamboo, who shares how she came to make bamboo part of her family's diet and how you can do the same. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

Although South Louisiana does not provide the easiest growing conditions, when fueled by passion and obsession, it's amazing what can be done. On this week's show, we introduce you to some real alternative thinkers who are successfully cultivating the unusual and the exotic. We begin with a trip to the SG Tiki Farm just across the state line in Pearlington, Mississippi. There, Chef Ernie Foundas grows exotic fruits and vegetables used in the dishes he serves at his restaurant in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood, Suis Generis. With a passion for sustainability, both Ernie and his partner Adrienne Bell use every scrap of food to achieve a zero-waste model in their restaurant. Then, we head down to New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward to meet bamboo guru Mark Sanders – founder of Ninth Ward Nursery. He tells the story of turning his bamboo obsession into a business. Finally, get ready to see bamboo on your dinner plate. We chat with Kay Koppedrayer, author of Cooking With Bamboo, who shares how she came to make bamboo part of her family's diet and how you can do the same. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

Michael Workman (PT, Bamboo Brace designer, and neurodevelopmental geek with 30 years of floor-time wisdom) joined me for a fascinating deep dive into the hidden power of such a seemingly simple wearable device for such a seemingly simple joint. If you're a therapists who sees the elbows as gateways to whole-body potential, you're going to love what Michael has to say! And if you're a therapist whose mostly thought about the elbow as just a hinge that needs to be stablized between two complex joints, you're going to be fascinated by how much you can get out of working on the dynamic control of this joint.  Of course we get into a lot of detail about the Bamboo brace itself and even touch on what it takes to bring a therapy product to market, but the real gold in this interview is the deep dive into dynamic bracing, dynamic thinking and dynamic interventions - everything works better when it's moving. We jump between joints and synergies. We revive the open chain and it's importance in not only upper limb function, but the development of motor control that must come before the development of strength - and of course we get into the practicalities of using the brace - which kids benefit, when and where. There's so much to take away from this interview! Enjoy. 

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Bamboo Grove Serenade: Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-07-24-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 古い竹林の中を歩くと、時間が止まったような感覚になる。En: When walking through an old bamboo grove, it feels as though time has stopped.Ja: 鎌倉の竹林は、都会の喧騒から逃れるための静かな避難所だった。En: The bamboo grove in Kamakura was a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.Ja: 夏の暖かい風が竹を揺らし、光が木漏れ日となって足元に降り注いでいる。En: The warm summer wind rustled the bamboo, and the light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled sunlight at his feet.Ja: 日曜日、ヒロシはいつものルートを変え、新しいインスピレーションを求めてこの竹林を訪れた。En: On Sunday, Hiroshi changed his usual route and visited this bamboo grove seeking new inspiration.Ja: もうすぐオボン祭りが始まる。En: The Obon festival was about to begin.Ja: 町は祭りのために賑わっているが、ヒロシの心は落ち着かなかった。En: The town was bustling in preparation, but Hiroshi's heart was uneasy.Ja: グラフィックデザイナーとして、創造力の壁に直面していた。En: As a graphic designer, he was facing a creative block.Ja: なかなか良いアイデアが浮かばない。En: Good ideas just weren't coming to him.Ja: 彼は苦労していた。En: He was struggling.Ja: 竹林の奥の方へ足を進めると、そこには小さな休憩所があった。En: As he walked deeper into the bamboo grove, he found a small rest area.Ja: 突然、夏の夕立が降り始めた。En: Suddenly, a summer shower began to fall.Ja: 雨宿りをしなければならなかった。En: He needed to take shelter from the rain.Ja: 休憩所に駆け込むと、そこでアイコとケイコという二人の女性に出会った。En: Rushing into the rest area, he encountered two women named Aiko and Keiko.Ja: アイコは明るく若い小学校の先生で、友達であるケイコは大阪から遊びに来ていた。En: Aiko was a bright, young elementary school teacher, and her friend Keiko was visiting from Osaka.Ja: 二人はオボン期間中にゆっくりしたいと言っていた。En: They said they wanted to relax during the Obon period.Ja: 雨音が竹の葉をたたく中、ヒロシとアイコは自然と会話を始めた。En: While the sound of raindrops beat on the bamboo leaves, Hiroshi and Aiko naturally started a conversation.Ja: アイコは、小さなことを楽しむ大切さを話し、将来について考えていると打ち明けた。En: Aiko talked about the importance of enjoying small things and confided that she was thinking about her future.Ja: ヒロシは緊張したが、その静かな場所とアイコの自然体な話し方で次第にリラックスした。En: Hiroshi was nervous, but the tranquil setting and Aiko's natural way of speaking gradually put him at ease.Ja: 彼らは興味を共有し、特にヒロシはアイコの前向きで明るい考え方に惹かれた。En: They shared interests, and Hiroshi was particularly drawn to Aiko's positive and bright outlook.Ja: 話をしているうちに、ヒロシは新しい視点を得ることができた。En: As they talked, Hiroshi gained a new perspective.Ja: インスピレーションは、意外な出会いやつながりの中から生まれるものだと悟った。En: He realized that inspiration often comes from unexpected encounters and connections.Ja: 雨が止むと、彼らは竹林の静けさに別れを告げた。En: When the rain stopped, they bade farewell to the tranquility of the bamboo grove.Ja: ヒロシは新しい気持ちでいっぱいになっていた。En: Hiroshi was filled with a renewed feeling.Ja: アイコのおかげで、彼の心の中に新しい創造力と温かいつながりが芽生えた。En: Thanks to Aiko, new creativity and a warm connection blossomed in his heart.Ja: 竹林を出る頃、ヒロシは自分に言い聞かせた。「もっと心を開き、世界と関わっていこう。」En: As he exited the bamboo grove, Hiroshi told himself, "I should open my heart more and engage with the world."Ja: ヒロシの歩みは少しだけ軽やかになっていた。En: His steps felt a little lighter.Ja: そして、アイコとの出会いは、彼の心にほのかな希望の光を灯したのだった。En: The encounter with Aiko had kindled a faint light of hope in his heart. Vocabulary Words:grove: 竹林refuge: 避難所bustle: 喧騒rustled: 揺らしdappled: 木漏れ日uneasy: 落ち着かなかったcreative block: 創造力の壁struggling: 苦労していたshower: 夕立shelter: 雨宿りencountered: 出会ったconfided: 打ち明けたtranquil: 静かなperspective: 視点encounters: 出会いconnections: つながりbade farewell: 別れを告げたrenewed: 新しいcreativity: 創造力blossomed: 芽生えたengage: 関わっていくkindled: 灯したperspective: 視点dappled: 木漏れ日inspiration: インスピレーションtrivial: 小さなことbustling: 賑わっているquiet: 静けさ

Michael Workman (PT, Bamboo Brace designer, and neurodevelopmental geek with 30 years of floor-time wisdom) joined me for a fascinating deep dive into the hidden power of such a seemingly simple wearable device for such a seemingly simple joint. If you're a therapists who sees the elbows as gateways to whole-body potential, you're going to love what Michael has to say! And if you're a therapist whose mostly thought about the elbow as just a hinge that needs to be stablized between two complex joints, you're going to be fascinated by how much you can get out of working on the dynamic control of this joint.  Of course we get into a lot of detail about the Bamboo brace itself and even touch on what it takes to bring a therapy product to market, but the real gold in this interview is the deep dive into dynamic bracing, dynamic thinking and dynamic interventions - everything works better when it's moving. We jump between joints and synergies. We revive the open chain and it's importance in not only upper limb function, but the development of motor control that must come before the development of strength - and of course we get into the practicalities of using the brace - which kids benefit, when and where. There's so much to take away from this interview! Enjoy. 

Collins Muhumuza, CEO of Amabanda Uganda, sheds light on how bamboo is transforming various sectors from agriculture to construction. Discover how bamboo can contribute to a middle-class economy through sustainable practices, innovative products, and job creation. We explore bamboo's environmental benefits, challenges in the industry, and the future prospects for Uganda's bamboo market.00:00 Introduction to Bamboo's Potential01:40 Collins Muhumuza's Journey with Bamboo03:42 Amabanda Uganda's Sustainable Practices07:23 Bamboo's Market and Industry Trends09:35 Challenges and Opportunities in Bamboo Industry19:08 Carbon Credits and Environmental Impact22:42 Future of Bamboo Innovation26:14 Achieving a Middle Class Economy in UgandaFollow up with him on LinkedIn.Share your feedback on what you think it will take for Uganda to achieve a middle class economy, and inquiries at onuganda@gmail.com or WhatsApp +25678537996. PODCAST DISCLAIMER. The views and opinions expressed in the episode are those of the individuals. They do not represent or reflect the official position of the ON Uganda Podcast, so we do not take responsibility for any ideas expressed by guests during the Podcast episode. You are smart enough to take out what works for you. As of 19.02.25

In this episode, Kathy and I unpack how we reduced our exposure to environmental toxins—from improving tap water safety and installing water filtration systems, to replacing plastic containers and upgrading to non-toxic cookware. We talk about chlorine exposure in showers and pools, how we built a more toxin-free home, and why choosing organic food and chemical-free living matters more than you think. Got questions or already making changes at home? Drop a comment—we'd love to hear from you. Learn more: Download for FREE the Ultimate Non-Toxic Essentials Guide: https://michaelkummer.com/non-toxic-products/ Top NON-TOXIC Household and Personal Care Products (We Use at Home): https://youtu.be/dNiaE0xP2a8 Top 6 Non-Toxic Skincare Brands for Healthier Skin (Switch to Clean Products): https://youtu.be/F3hxgd8JzAo Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.  To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/  And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva  In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to environmental toxins 01:00 Breaking down environmental toxins 01:51 Drinking water concerns 03:30 Water filtration solutions 10:10 Food and pesticides 14:26 Plastic and food storage 15:38 Switching to glass and silicone containers 16:50 Reusing jars and avoiding aluminum foil 18:18 The dangers of BPA and BPS in plastics 19:47 Bamboo and stainless steel alternatives 22:10 Choosing natural fibers for clothing and bedding 25:07 Household cleaners and appliances 29:40 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #NonToxicProducts #WellnessOptimization     

Tracey & Blake are holding the fort again this week starting with a burning question... Is alt season finally here… or is it just another false start?

The July All In For Citrus podcast episode focuses on the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo. The event is scheduled for Aug. 20–21 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Micheal Rogers, director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, previews a new, special educational session on alternative crops. Rogers said the session will focus on bamboo, macadamia, avocado and mango production. The bulk of alternative crop presentations will focus on bamboo, which has been gaining more attention in recent years. Rogers said there are more than 1,000 acres of the crop planted in Florida, and some processing infrastructure is falling into place. Bamboo has food, wood and other use functions and is in high demand. He said the goal of the bamboo presentations is to set realistic expectations about the cost of establishing the crop, growing it and its market potential. Tripti Vashisth, UF/IFAS associate professor of citrus horticulture, joins the podcast to provide details on the citrus seminars, which include 21 presentations on HLB management and other current topics. She said the primary focus of the presentations will be to provide information that growers can use in their groves right now. Jamie Burrow, UF/IFAS Extension program manager, talks about the UF/IFAS citrus research booth that will be on the trade show floor. The booth is one of the largest exhibits and is always a highlight for attendees. Burrow said several key research scientists will be available throughout the event at the booth so growers can have one-on-one interactions with the experts. Attendees can also pick up educational materials in the booth like the new edition of the Florida Citrus Production Guide. And there's plenty of swag like pens, notepads and other freebies for the taking in the booth. Don't miss the latest All In For Citrus episode. And don't miss the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo; register here!

Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player.  Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen  Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life.  If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want!  Namaste, Beautiful,

Keywords:  Seth Spears, marketing, entrepreneurship, online business, wellness, podcasting, SEO, digital marketing, personal care products, business growth, business, marketing, audience, sales, wellness, health products, scaling, customer acquisition, entrepreneurship, product development, business scaling, supply chain, sustainability, consumer behavior, manufacturing challenges Summary:  In this conversation, Mitch Beinhaker interviews Seth Spears, who shares his journey from a humble upbringing in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the marketing and Wellnesse industries. Seth discusses his early career in collegiate admissions, his transition to digital marketing, and the founding of his marketing agency, Spears Marketing. He also highlights the growth of Wellness Mama, a health and wellness platform, and the challenges of launching his own personal care product line, Wellnesse. Throughout the discussion, Seth emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, building an audience, and leveraging digital marketing strategies. In this conversation, Seth Spears and Mitch Beinhaker discuss the challenges and strategies of building a successful business in the Wellnesse industry. They emphasize the importance of having a loyal audience, the critical role of marketing, and the necessity of understanding customer acquisition and scaling challenges. They also delve into the significance of questioning industry standards and the impact of marketing on consumer choices. In this conversation, Mitch Beinhaker and Seth Spears discuss the challenges of scaling a business, particularly in the retail sector, where cash flow and inventory management are critical. They explore the importance of understanding financials and the impact of supply chain issues on manufacturing. The discussion shifts to sustainability, highlighting the growing trend of companies prioritizing eco-friendly practices and materials. They also address consumer behavior regarding recycling and the complexities of creating sustainable products in a market driven by convenience and cost. Takeaways Seth grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and always wanted to own a business. He started his career in collegiate admissions but quickly realized it wasn't for him. Seth created a course to help homeschool students prepare for college. He learned web design and SEO to promote his consulting business. Seth transitioned to helping local businesses with their online presence. He co-created a health and wellness blog that became very successful. Seth's marketing agency, Spears Marketing, grew from helping friends and family. He launched Wellnesse Mama, which became a leading health and Wellnesse site. Seth emphasizes the importance of having an email list for marketing. He faced challenges in the personal care market but leveraged his existing audience. Cutting off email notifications helps reduce noise. Having a loyal audience is a significant advantage. Many businesses fail due to lack of audience understanding. Sales skills are essential for business success. Customer acquisition is a major challenge for growth. Research and development are crucial in health products. Questioning industry standards is necessary for consumer safety. Marketing heavily influences consumer choices and habits. Scaling a business requires careful planning and execution. Profitability from day one is vital for sustainable growth. [object Object] Titles From Homeschool to Entrepreneur: Seth Spears' Journey Building a Marketing Empire: Insights from Seth Spears The Evolution of Wellnesse: Seth Spears on Health and Business Navigating the Digital Marketing Landscape with Seth Spears Seth Spears: From College Recruiter to Marketing Mogul Sound Bites "I realized that I had a skill set." "We started a podcast for it in 2014." "Creating a loyal audience is crucial." "Sales is the highest paid profession." "Marketing shapes our consumer habits." "You can't companies the money to burn." "Retail is so much more cash intensive." "Direct-to-consumer model is so great." "You have to know your financials." "Sustainability is becoming a priority." "Bamboo is a more sustainable material." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:06 Seth's Background and Early Career 06:00 Transition to Marketing and Online Business 11:18 Building Spears Marketing Agency 14:19 Growth of Wellness Mama and Podcasting 17:09 Launching Wellnesse and Market Challenges 21:06 Cutting Through the Noise 22:04 The Importance of Audience 23:40 The Role of Marketing in Business Success 25:43 Sales as a Critical Skill 26:38 Challenges in Scaling a Business 30:39 The Journey into Wellness Products 32:51 Research and Development in Health Products 34:53 Questioning Industry Standards 38:10 The Impact of Marketing on Consumer Choices 40:03 Scaling and Distribution Challenges 42:00 Scaling Challenges in Business 45:05 Navigating Supply Chain and Manufacturing 48:04 Sustainability and Environmental Impact 55:03 Consumer Behavior and Recycling Practices

In this powerful episode of The M4 Show — Melanated Married Millionaires in the Making — we sit down with Jasmine Ball, founder of Bamboo Financial Partners, to discuss how couples can invest smarter, budget better, and build a shared financial legacy.Whether you're newly married or years in, Jasmine breaks down:The first conversations every couple should have about moneyHow to align on investment goals and risk toleranceBudgeting systems that strengthen relationships, not strain themWhat it takes to become a financial advisor and help others build wealthSmart moves for getting started even with a modest incomeThis episode is essential listening for married couples ready to shift from survival mode to wealth-building partners.

Possibly the most important episode we have done to date.  Do you guys know the story?  You will today, and your survival likely depends on it.   #TradingPsychology   Maverick Links   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Forex Trading:  URL: https://maverickfx.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=vpyt   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Currencies: URL: https://maverickcurrencies.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=VPPodPsych   Click Here To Learn More about Maverick Trading's Stock/Options Division: URL: https://mavericktrading.com/application-3-a/?utm_source=VPPodPsych   Maverick Trading YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mavericktrading   Robb's Flat Earth Trading Society https://www.youtube.com/@FlatEarthTradingSociety   No Nonsense Forex Links   VP's Trading Psychology Book https://nononsenseforex.com/forex-psychology-book/   Recommended Crypto Trading Platform (Bonus and Contest Eligibility) - https://nononsenseforex.com/cryptocurrencies/best-crypto-trading-platform/   Blueberry Markets Blog (Top FX Broker) - https://nononsenseforex.com/uncategorized/blueberry-markets-review-my-top-broker-for-2019/   Follow VP on Twitter https://twitter.com/This_Is_VP4X   The hosts of this podcast are not licensed financial advisors, and nothing heard on this podcast should be taken as financial advice.  Do your own research and understand all financial decisions and the results therein are yours and yours alone.  The host is not responsible for the actions of their sponsors and/or affiliates.  Conversely, views expressed on this podcast are that of the host only and may not reflect the views of any companies mentioned. Trading anything involves risk.  Losses can exceed deposits.  

It's a massive week in crypto, and we're diving straight into the biggest headline of them all:

7.8.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: SCOTUS OKs Fed Layoffs, Medicaid Farmworker Mandate, PSLF Shakeup, Deltas in DC & Leafy Bamboo TP The Supreme Court has just cleared the way for the Trump administration to restart massive layoffs across nearly two dozen federal agencies. We'll break down what this means for federal workers and services. The Trump administration is now signaling that able-bodied adults on Medicaid may soon be expected to replace undocumented farmworkers, as mass deportations ramp up across the country. Also tonight, we'll break down what "the orange one" has in store for your loan forgiveness programs. The proposed changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness could hit borrowers hard. We'll speak with an expert about what's at stake and how it could impact millions of Americans. The ladies of crimson and cream are taking over Washington, D.C., this week for the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. We'll speak with the sorority's international president about the significance of this historic gathering. And in tonight's Marketplace segment, we're spotlighting Leafy--an eco-friendly brand that's reinventing everyday essentials, starting with bamboo toilet paper. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al and Codey take another look at Len's Island, now that it has released 1.0 Timings 00:00:00: Theme Tune 00:00:30: Intro 00:01:26: What Have We Been Up To 00:11:16: Game News 00:35:00: New Games 00:39:17: Len’s Island 01:30:57: Outro Links Harvest Moon Cozy Bundle Delay Desktop Cat Cafe 2.0.0 Fields of Mistria 3rd Update Paleo Pines “Players Choice” Kickstarter Dave the Diver 2nd Anniversary Info Usagi Shima “Tanabata Star Festival” Update Bee Simulator: The Hive Contact Al on Mastodon: https://mastodon.scot/@TheScotBot Email Us: https://harvestseason.club/contact/ Transcript (0:00:30) Al: Hello, farmers, and welcome to another episode of the harvest season. (0:00:33) Al: My name is Al. (0:00:34) Codey: And my name is Cody. (0:00:37) Al: And we are here today to talk about Cottagecore Games. (0:00:40) Codey: Oh, woo, ow, ow, ow. (0:00:44) Codey: I love it. I love it so much. (0:00:47) Al: I tolerate it. (0:00:49) Al: We are here today. (0:00:51) Al: We’re going to talk about Len’s Island, the second harvest of Len’s Island, (0:00:53) Codey: mm-hmm mm-hmm mm-hmm like three years ago yeah yeah much has changed (0:00:55) Al: because you did do an episode. (0:00:57) Al: You and Bev did an episode. (0:01:00) Al: When was that? (0:01:01) Al: I did have that up here, and then I lost it. (0:01:04) Al: Yeah, we think it was 2022. (0:01:06) Al: Yeah, yeah, there we go. (0:01:07) Al: Oh, April 2022, so more than three years ago. (0:01:12) Al: Wild. (0:01:15) Al: Well, I’ll be looking forward to hearing about what has changed. (0:01:20) Al: So, yeah, we’re going to talk about Len’s Island. (0:01:22) Al: Before that, obviously, we have news. (0:01:25) Al: But first of all, Cody, what have you been up to? (0:01:28) Codey: I have been obviously playing Lens Island the last couple days. (0:01:33) Codey: I have been, Pokemon Go has been having its like anniversary thing right now and you, (0:01:40) Codey: there is a chance to get shiny party hat worm bowl, which is my white whale. (0:01:46) Codey: I have a master ball ready to go for that little guy. (0:01:51) Codey: And so I’m trying to find one after we record this podcast, I will be going on a walk for (0:01:57) Codey: as long as I need to. (0:01:58) Codey: Um, no, I don’t care about that. (0:02:00) Al: Have you been trying to get a shiny gimme go? (0:02:04) Codey: I really just want the shiny, shiny party hat worm bowl. (0:02:07) Codey: And then I will probably just uninstall the game. (0:02:09) Al: Shiny purple. (0:02:11) Codey: Shiny party, purple party, purple. (0:02:13) Al: Party purple. (0:02:16) Al: Apparently, I’m really struggling with the word party in front of it. (0:02:17) Codey: Um, (0:02:19) Al: That’s really hard to say. (0:02:21) Al: Party purple. (0:02:22) Codey: Permable. (0:02:23) Al: Permple. (0:02:23) Codey: Uh, so I’ve been doing that. (0:02:25) Codey: I’m still playing honeygrove. (0:02:27) Codey: I just got the (0:02:28) Al: Has that, is that changing at all? (0:02:29) Codey: It’s just continuing. It’s just being the same game. There’s quests. There’s like parts of it that are unlocked. The one thing that I really friggin hate is there’s this ladybug lady who comes and goes. Her name is Abigail and she comes during the weekends and she leaves. It is. (0:02:30) Al: Or is it just continuing? (0:02:32) Al: Okay. (0:02:49) Codey: It is exponentially difficult to get her top tier reward and the things that she wants are things. (0:02:58) Codey: Nine times out of ten, it’s like plants that she brings that you can only plant when she’s there and if you have planted say you have 20 in your inventory and then she leaves, but the next time she comes you’re back to zero, which I think if they rolled the inventories over, I’d be so I’d participate more because I would feel like I have like a head start to the next time. (0:03:27) Codey: but they (0:03:28) Codey: don’t do that and so I’ve just kind of given up and whenever she arrives they (0:03:34) Codey: like make a big deal about how she showed up and then they cut they send (0:03:39) Codey: you to her screen and I’m like just let me click X like just let me be like okay (0:03:44) Codey: cool she’s here goodbye like I don’t want but every single time it cuts you (0:03:49) Codey: over to her screen and she says stuff and I’m just like leave me alone but I’m (0:03:54) Codey: still like unlocking parts of the map it’s just I don’t do a ton on it I just (0:03:58) Codey: every day for word mm-hmm (0:04:00) Al: Fair enough. I was going, I was going to say, it’s like, oh, I can’t believe you’re just (0:04:04) Al: playing the same game over and over for years. And then, and then, and then I realized we (0:04:07) Codey: hit me (0:04:10) Al: just talked about the ninth anniversary of Pokemon Go. Yeah. Yeah. See, I see I wouldn’t, (0:04:12) Codey: that and I will literally play minecraft forever for yeah (0:04:18) Al: but like Pokemon Go is like the thing that I continue forever. And it’s like, yeah, sure. (0:04:23) Al: I’ll play like party games regularly and I’ll do like, I will obviously play. (0:04:30) Al: Uh, other Pokemon games, but like, I’ll play them for until the new one comes out and then (0:04:35) Al: I’ll probably never touch them again, et cetera, et cetera. So it’s like, yeah, but no, I can’t (0:04:36) Codey: Um, so the other, yeah, the other things I’ve been still doing work, uh, probably (0:04:41) Al: really judge. (0:04:47) Codey: won’t be defending in September, but I’ll be defending in December instead. (0:04:51) Codey: Um, which is not a huge deal. (0:04:53) Codey: Uh, no, I’ll get it. (0:04:55) Codey: I would, my degree will get conferred in the spring, which I (0:04:58) Codey: kind of don’t really care anyways. (0:05:00) Al: » Just a formality. (0:05:01) Codey: Um, yeah, it’s a formality and like for jobs. (0:05:06) Codey: Um, people get accepted to jobs that require PhDs before they’ve even (0:05:12) Codey: defended, um, cause it’s a pretty, like, once you get to this point, you really (0:05:17) Codey: have to mess something up big time. (0:05:20) Codey: Like I would literally have to like stop putting any effort in and just give my (0:05:24) Codey: dissertation in this format it’s in now for them to be like, you’re not done. (0:05:29) Al: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You’ve gotten to that point, it’s like you have to really muck things up too. (0:05:30) Codey: Um, (0:05:34) Codey: Yeah. So, so I’m not really that worried about. (0:05:36) Codey: It. I have technicians right now, which is nuts because I, for this whole time I’ve been (0:05:42) Codey: solo or working with volunteers and the volunteers just helped me in the field. (0:05:47) Codey: I’ve been doing all the specimens by myself, but I have three henchmen right now. It is crazy. I (0:05:54) Codey: went from none to three in like a month. Um, a couple of them will be leaving at the end of July. (0:06:01) Codey: So this month is like a lot of me being working with them and making sure that they’re on the (0:06:07) Codey: and that we’re getting all the stuff that needs to be done done, which is really nice. Um, and (0:06:13) Codey: they’re all super great. We have a good little cohort. I’m also going to beetle school in a week (0:06:18) Codey: and a half. So like fly school, it’s same, same, but it’s Beatles and it’s Arizona, (0:06:25) Codey: which I’m not excited for that part, but I think it’ll be fine. I, I literally think I just won’t (0:06:32) Codey: go outside, except for at night, which it’s supposed (0:06:36) Codey: to be a lot colder at night in the desert area areas. (0:06:40) Codey: The big thing that’s in my life right now (0:06:42) Codey: is that I am fostering a stray cat. (0:06:46) Codey: So I will post a picture of him. (0:06:47) Codey: He’s gone through a couple name changes. (0:06:50) Codey: Initially, he was Calvin, and now he is Zuko. (0:06:57) Codey: And I got him because one of my friends (0:07:02) Codey: called me one night, like a week and a half ago, (0:07:04) Codey: and was like, we’ve caught a cat. (0:07:07) Codey: And I’m like, do you have head injuries? (0:07:11) Codey: Do you have a cat carrier slash– (0:07:13) Codey: do you know someone who could take care of this cat (0:07:15) Codey: until we can get it looked at? (0:07:17) Codey: And I came, we tried to get that cat. (0:07:19) Codey: They had caught it in a tote. (0:07:21) Codey: But then when we tried to move it from a tote to the cat (0:07:23) Codey: carrier, it escaped. (0:07:25) Codey: I went back later that day, I ended up finding this boy. (0:07:28) Codey: And he is just so chill, and just trots right up in purrs (0:07:32) Codey: and meows, and he just wanted food. (0:07:34) Codey: So I snagged him. (0:07:37) Codey: It says, “Zuko-Ime.” (0:07:39) Al: Ah, I see. (0:07:42) Al: I get that reference now, I wouldn’t have six months ago, but I get it now. (0:07:44) Codey: Yeah. (0:07:45) Codey: Oh, yeah, yeah. (0:07:47) Codey: So he’s Zuko after, at the end. (0:07:51) Codey: He’s calm. (0:07:52) Codey: He’s found his inner peace. (0:07:54) Codey: He’s just so chill. (0:07:54) Codey: He doesn’t– in the month and– not month and a half– week (0:07:58) Codey: and a half that I’ve had him, he hasn’t hissed. (0:08:00) Codey: He hasn’t raised a claw at all. (0:08:04) Codey: He and Stella get along really well. (0:08:07) Codey: Sometimes Stella will come at him pretty fast, (0:08:09) Codey: and he’s just raised a paw, but that’s it. (0:08:12) Codey: He doesn’t claw her. (0:08:14) Codey: He doesn’t hiss at her. (0:08:15) Codey: He’s just like, give me space. (0:08:16) Codey: And then she walks away. (0:08:19) Codey: And we were going to try and go find the other one. (0:08:22) Codey: We ended up finding it, and it’s a hoarding situation. (0:08:28) Codey: All of these cats are part of a hoarding situation. (0:08:30) Codey: There’s 20 cats that are part of it. (0:08:34) Codey: And so I’ve called the Humane Society and the Humane. (0:08:36) Codey: and they said that any time they’ve brought a cat that is injured or has something wrong with it to her and been like, “Hey, is this your cat?” (0:08:44) Codey: Even if they know it’s her cat, she’ll still say, “That’s not my cat.” (0:08:46) Codey: So they were like, “Don’t worry about it. Just keep trying to find him a good home.” (0:08:52) Codey: So she also doesn’t believe in spaying and neutering. (0:08:56) Codey: So it’s just a never-ending cycle. (0:08:58) Codey: She’s also living with her cat. (0:09:02) Codey: So it’s just a never-ending cycle. (0:09:08) Codey: So it’s kind of a big ol’ big thing. (0:09:10) Codey: But saving this baby. (0:09:14) Codey: And he’s a good boy. He’s very chill. (0:09:18) Codey: And that’s really the biggest stuff that I’ve been up to. (0:09:20) Codey: What about you, Al? What have you been up to? (0:09:24) Al: Well, I have been playing Lens Island, obviously, we’ll talk more about that later. (0:09:32) Al: What else have I been up to as I pause the game and scroll back to my list of things? (0:09:34) Codey: Pause the game. (0:09:40) Codey: Al, you’re not pausing the game. (0:09:42) Al: Of course I’m pausing the game. (0:09:43) Al: Oh, you mean I’m not playing the game, I got you. (0:09:44) Codey: Yeah, you’re not playing. (0:09:46) Codey: You’re not playing the game while you’re… (0:09:46) Al: No, of course not, Mario Kart World, yes. (0:09:48) Codey: No. (0:09:52) Al: I unlocked mirror mode, I don’t think I’ve done that in the last episode. (0:09:55) Al: Who knows, it’s been so long since I recorded that a whole week. (0:09:56) Codey: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. (0:10:00) Al: And I started doing the mirror mode Grumpries and I don’t think I’m going to finish doing them. (0:10:09) Al: I think getting three stars in all of them in 150 is probably enough for me. I’m happy with that. (0:10:15) Al: So we’ll see. Maybe I’ll do more later. I don’t know, but I’ve got what we got left a week and a (0:10:22) Al: and a half until Donkey Kong. (0:10:25) Al: Which is the next game to look forward to. (0:10:30) Al: And I mean, you know, the usual Pokemon here and there. (0:10:33) Al: I got Shiny Patchourichu yesterday. (0:10:36) Al: And Pokemon Go, as usual. (0:10:39) Al: I got my Shiny Game of Go, even though you’re not looking for it. (0:10:41) Al: I was looking for it. (0:10:42) Codey: Nope. Yep. (0:10:42) Al: I got two Shiny Game of Go, one normal and one costume. (0:10:47) Al: It’s not a costume, though. (0:10:48) Al: It’s a pretend costume. (0:10:48) Codey: Yep. (0:10:52) Al: Yeah, I think that’s about it. (0:10:54) Al: Kids are on holiday from school now, so it’s all madness. (0:10:58) Codey: - Mm-hmm. (0:10:59) Al: And we’ll be going to the Isle of Man in a few weeks. (0:11:04) Al: So just trying to see how life is something like near sanity for a while. (0:11:04) Codey: Oh, woo. (0:11:10) Codey: - Mm-hmm, yeah, cool, mm-hmm. (0:11:12) Al: We’ll see. (0:11:14) Al: But yeah, I think that’s it. (0:11:16) Al: Let’s talk about some news. (0:11:19) Al: First up, we have the Harvest Moon Cozy Bundle, which is such a (0:11:24) Al: stupid name for this, but this is the Lost Valley in Skytree Village ports to Nintendo Switch. (0:11:33) Al: They have delayed it. (0:11:35) Al: It was meant to be coming out on the 3rd of July. (0:11:38) Al: It is now coming out on the 31st of July. (0:11:41) Al: There you go. (0:11:42) Codey: That’s the tweet. That’s it. (0:11:43) Al: That’s it. (0:11:44) Al: That’s it. (0:11:45) Al: Who knows what? (0:11:46) Al: It’s probably some weird thing to do with the physical version or something. (0:11:49) Al: That’s not a “we found a bug and we need to fix it.” (0:11:52) Al: That’s not long enough. (0:11:54) Al: So yeah, who knows what the problem is? (0:11:57) Al: But I guess we’ll find out. (0:12:00) Al: Next, we have Desktop Cat Cafe. (0:12:04) Al: No, goodness sake. (0:12:06) Al: Desktop Cat Cafe. (0:12:08) Al: I’ve released their 2.0 version. (0:12:12) Al: That is out now. (0:12:15) Al: They have apparently a patience meter for customers. (0:12:17) Al: I find this funny because who’s going to Cat Cafe for fast food, right? (0:12:23) Al: you’re going to a cat cafe for. (0:12:24) Codey: Yeah. Yeah. So I think well, so it’s it is a it’s a cafe that is cats, like your customers are cats. (0:12:33) Al: Oh, I misunderstood that. (0:12:34) Codey: Yeah, yeah, so this is this game is the rusty island rust. Yeah, a rusty is like, (0:12:37) Al: So it is. (0:12:40) Al: Yes, it’s a rust is like, yeah, yeah, yeah, I knew that much. (0:12:43) Al: I knew that much. (0:12:44) Al: I just forgotten that it was a cafe the cats go to. (0:12:46) Codey: yeah, so they’re, they’re all cats. And it’s very cute. I just thought it was funny, (0:12:51) Codey: because I’m sure that, like, the patient- (0:12:54) Codey: -meter or something you can toggle on and off. (0:12:56) Codey: I’m sure that you could have it be like, um, (0:12:58) Codey: you could have it be, like, slow-mode or something like that in the- (0:13:02) Codey: in the bottom, but you basically can, like, (0:13:04) Codey: make these little cafes across the bottom of your screen, (0:13:06) Codey: and now they’ve added this patient- (0:13:10) Codey: -meter, so it’s kind of like- (0:13:12) Codey: Did you ever play dining- Diner Dash? (0:13:14) Codey: Or anything like that? (0:13:14) Al: No, I did not. (0:13:16) Codey: Okay, so it’s like the- (0:13:18) Codey: It’s like those types of games where you have (0:13:20) Codey: orders that are up. I think Overcooked does this, (0:13:24) Codey: like, orders are there, and then they start getting, like, (0:13:26) Codey: more and more red, and they start shaking (0:13:28) Codey: when, like, the person is grumpy, (0:13:30) Codey: and they might just leave. (0:13:32) Codey: Um, and so it’s- (0:13:34) Codey: It’s an incentive to try and make sure (0:13:36) Codey: that you are prioritizing orders (0:13:38) Codey: in the order that they were received, (0:13:42) Codey: and then also, um, (0:13:44) Codey: that you make sure that each place (0:13:48) Codey: probably has all of the same- (0:13:50) Codey: all of the things that they want, (0:13:52) Codey: and might have (0:13:54) Codey: your worker cat, like, upgraded to be max speed or max efficiency or whatever. (0:13:59) Codey: And they also have different traits for your customers now. So it’s like there’s the patient (0:14:09) Codey: modifier. So it’s a decor item that impacts the nearby customers. So there’s something that you (0:14:15) Codey: can put down that makes your customers more patient. I think it’d be funny if that was like a TV. (0:14:21) Codey: If you put down like a TV and then they’re- (0:14:24) Codey: like oh I’m fine waiting because I have a TV to watch. (0:14:28) Codey: So they sit down and then they’re willing to wait longer. (0:14:32) Codey: There’s one that increases their- speeds up their decision time. (0:14:36) Codey: So because they’ll sit there and they’ll be like hmm what do I want? (0:14:38) Codey: And so there’s one that makes them decide faster. (0:14:42) Codey: And then there’s something that boosts how much they’ll spend. (0:14:46) Codey: So you will end up getting a higher revenue from per customer. (0:14:54) Codey: Things like that to also improve it. (0:14:56) Codey: I also think that it’s nice that they changed the order distribution. (0:15:02) Codey: So it sounds- I haven’t played this but from what it says to me what this sounds like is they had different cafes or different workstations or cafe stations. (0:15:14) Codey: And some cats might just- like all the cats might just go to one cafe. (0:15:20) Codey: So you have one cat that’s working one of the cafe stations. (0:15:24) Codey: Who’s just like absolutely overloaded and then another one is really not that busy. (0:15:32) Codey: Because it was randomized but it sounds like they’re now assigning those orders based on workload. (0:15:38) Codey: So if like one station is really really busy cats will be like I don’t want to go there and they’ll go to a different one and that kind of like spreads out the demand. (0:15:50) Al: Mm-hmm (0:15:54) Codey: You can also name your cats, name your cafe, different things like that. (0:15:58) Codey: You can upgrade your stations. The cats will walk faster on paths. (0:16:04) Codey: So if you draw paths they will speed up on those and you can shift click and copy something from one place to another. (0:16:18) Codey: This is a really cute game. I do know that Jordan. (0:16:24) Codey: Jordan is from Morris Games, the dev of Rusty’s retirement. (0:16:30) Codey: They have been like repping this game and saying that this game is really cute and that they recommend this game. (0:16:38) Codey: So I’m tempted, especially because I’m about to have to be writing a lot for my dissertation, but I also feel like this is just going to be a distraction. (0:16:48) Codey: Also, now that I’m looking at it, it’s Windows only, so it doesn’t matter, but… (0:16:52) Al: Mm hmm. (0:16:54) Codey: Very cute. It’s fine. (0:16:55) Al: Sad. (0:16:59) Al: Yeah, interesting. (0:17:02) Al: Good, they got a nice new update out. (0:17:06) Codey: Mm-hmm. (0:17:06) Al: Speaking of updates, next we have fields of mystery. (0:17:10) Codey: Fields of mystery. (0:17:14) Al: Their third major update is coming out on the 21st of July. (0:17:19) Al: They apparently have new large and extra-large chests. (0:17:22) Al: I’m very happy about it, because chests are never big enough for me. (0:17:26) Al: I hate chests being so small. (0:17:29) Al: Cough, lens, island, cough. (0:17:30) Codey: Yeah. (0:17:31) Al: Give me bigger chests. (0:17:33) Al: Presumably, there’s lots of other stuff. (0:17:35) Al: I can’t remember whether we talked about the third update or not, because, (0:17:40) Al: oh yes, it’s bringing (0:17:43) Al: eight heart events as well, dating a bunch of stuff. (0:17:48) Al: new mains, new mains monsters. (0:17:52) Al: The town cap has been raised by five levels, a bunch of stuff. (0:17:58) Al: I’m still not going to play the game again until 1.0, but good to see they’re just continuing. (0:18:03) Al: I think that’s the third update this year. (0:18:05) Codey: Yeah, it’s the third major update this year (0:18:08) Codey: It’s coming on July 21st (0:18:11) Codey: so they’re gonna have that like we said bigger storage another thing that some fans in the comment section that we’re really happy about is (0:18:17) Codey: The auto deposit feature. So being able if you have (0:18:18) Al: Ah yes. (0:18:22) Codey: like your (0:18:24) Codey: Chest open and your inventory open you can automatically like move things between them (0:18:30) Codey: just like by clicking a button so that if you already have stacks of stuff and you’re (0:18:35) Codey: inventory it’ll just automatically shuffle everything out of your out of from yeah i (0:18:40) Al: Yeah, I enjoy that feature. (0:18:42) Codey: really like that feature as well i’m very happy that they added that um so and I know the fans (0:18:48) Codey: are as well so good on them (0:18:51) Al: Next, we have Paleopines. (0:18:54) Al: They have launched a Kickstarter for their player’s choice expansion to Paleopines. (0:19:01) Codey: - Mm-hmm. (0:19:03) Al: It’s already hit his goal, so that’s good. (0:19:06) Al: There’s 24 days left. (0:19:08) Al: This, I don’t actually look at it, but it looks like Cody did, so talk about it. (0:19:11) Codey: Okay, yeah, I did. (0:19:13) Codey: I will talk about it. (0:19:15) Codey: So basically, they have gotten a lot of feedback (0:19:17) Codey: from the players. (0:19:19) Codey: And so they decided to accommodate a lot of those, (0:19:24) Codey: that feedback in a DLC and an expansion (0:19:27) Codey: that is part of this Kickstarter. (0:19:31) Codey: Kickstarter gives them money to work on the updates. (0:19:35) Codey: They did mention though, (0:19:36) Codey: that once the expansions are out, (0:19:40) Codey: if you’ve already bought the game, (0:19:41) Codey: it’s just gonna automatically be updated. (0:19:44) Codey: So even if you didn’t kickstart, it sounds like, (0:19:47) Codey: as long as you have the game, (0:19:49) Codey: you will reap the benefits of all of this stuff. (0:19:55) Codey: So, beautiful game, adorable game. (0:19:59) Codey: there’s been a lot of feedback. (0:20:01) Codey: And so they have a couple of different funding goals. (0:20:03) Codey: So they’ve hit the 75k pounds. (0:20:07) Codey: Let me figure it out. (0:20:09) Codey: Yeah. (0:20:10) Codey: So they hit that, but we’re still on our way (0:20:15) Codey: to the second stretch goal, which is for automated poop (0:20:21) Codey: clearing. (0:20:22) Codey: So the big questions that community members wanted (0:20:26) Codey: were that they wanted a spinosaurus in the game, (0:20:29) Codey: and they wanted more dreaming. (0:20:32) Codey: So that has been hit period, end of story, with their Kickstarter. (0:20:36) Codey: And so that will, they have slated that to be done in the autumn of this year, (0:20:41) Codey: which is almost now, honestly. (0:20:46) Codey: So that they’re expecting that to be done in the next few months. (0:20:51) Codey: The next thing, the next goal is for the better way to scoop poop. (0:20:55) Codey: I guess people said that it was something that couldn’t be automated. (0:20:59) Codey: It was something that was really frustrating. (0:21:01) Codey: They have made it so there are certain dinosaurs that you can (0:21:06) Codey: assign to be composting dinosaurs. (0:21:09) Codey: And they will go and pick the poop up for you and go and put it in the compost bin. (0:21:14) Codey: Super cool. (0:21:16) Codey: Another thing about the second stretch goal, which is a quality of life update, (0:21:21) Codey: is to be able to track the different colors of the dinosaurs in your journal. (0:21:27) Codey: I know that this game has a lot of different colors, (0:21:30) Codey: color variance of specific. (0:21:31) Codey: Dinosaurs, um, and you kind of had to just like know whether or not you (0:21:36) Codey: already had a color variant. (0:21:38) Codey: And so they’ve added that to the journal. (0:21:41) Codey: So you can now see like, Oh, I already have this color. (0:21:44) Codey: I need this other color. (0:21:46) Codey: Um, you can see that very clearly in your journal now, or will be able to see that (0:21:50) Codey: in winter 2025, if they reach that stretch goal. (0:21:53) Codey: Um, so that would require another 80,000 pounds past, um, the goal. (0:22:00) Codey: And then… (0:22:02) Codey: The last one that they have gotten a request for is a swamp exploration. (0:22:06) Codey: So there’s a swamp area. People really want to go into the swamp, I guess. (0:22:10) Codey: We all want to be ogres. (0:22:12) Codey: And so they have slotted that. It’s another Kickstarter stretch goal. (0:22:17) Codey: And if it is achieved, they expect to have that done in spring 2026. (0:22:22) Al: One thing I don’t like about this stretch goals thing. (0:22:26) Al: They’ve written it out as plus 40,000 pounds and plus 40,000 pounds. (0:22:30) Codey: » Yeah. (0:22:32) Al: You’re like, but what does that mean? (0:22:34) Al: What is the total amount there? (0:22:35) Al: Right? Because you’re not you’re not looking and it’s like it’s fine when you (0:22:38) Al: get to the first one because you’re like, oh, it’s just 75 plus 40. (0:22:41) Al: But then you go to the next one, it’s like, OK, well, it’s just 75 plus 40 plus 40. (0:22:45) Al: And then you go to the last one, you’re like plus 190,000 pounds, (0:22:48) Al: which, by the way, is more than the rest of them put together. (0:22:50) Codey: or yeah. No. Yep. Yeah, I agree. But that’s the goal posts and the timelines and everything. (0:22:51) Al: But you’re just like, OK, so what number is the half? (0:22:53) Al: 75 plus 40 plus 40 plus 190. (0:22:58) Al: I’m not doing all that maths. (0:23:00) Al: Just show us what number it is. Come on. (0:23:10) Codey: The Kickstarter itself, you can get rewards that will be in-game and in real life. So (0:23:17) Codey: things like you’ll get your name in the credits. (0:23:20) Codey: They might send you pins, they might send you a plush, just depending on which (0:23:24) Codey: Kickstarter level you choose. Another thing they said is to add a new color variant, (0:23:30) Codey: which I think is super cool. But then also like what if I chose a color variant and everyone hated (0:23:38) Codey: it and people just like pooped all over it and I was like oh I actually spent a lot of money (0:23:43) Codey: to choose. But yeah and again all of the updates that will go to the game for free so (0:23:51) Codey: if you’re right now I guess if you really want that poop thing help them achieve that part of the goal. (0:23:58) Al: I love to scoop poop. (0:23:59) Codey: But yeah that’s interesting. It’s also interesting to me how they’re like (0:24:06) Codey: it’ll be it’ll be free for you and I’m like okay but like it’s really not free. (0:24:12) Codey: People do have to pay quite a lot of money to get this. (0:24:18) Al: Well, so, but is it free? (0:24:20) Al: Like, is this just to raise money to do it and the actual update will be free for anyone? (0:24:24) Codey: - Yeah, so that’s what it is. (0:24:30) Codey: I don’t know, some of this stuff, (0:24:30) Codey: like some of the other stuff that they want, (0:24:32) Codey: like for the quality of life update (0:24:35) Codey: is to be able to reject quests or delete quests (0:24:40) Codey: because your quest log will just get overrun, I guess, (0:24:43) Codey: and people just wanted the ability to delete quests. (0:24:45) Codey: And so that will be a part of the quality of life update (0:24:48) Codey: that they want to release winter 2025. (0:24:51) Codey: So that is 80,000. (0:24:55) Codey: So that’d be 150,000, 155,000 pounds to needs to be what they hit. (0:25:00) Codey: I think they’re at a 90 something right now. (0:25:02) Codey: So, but that’s still is like a lot to even just have like this very simple thing. (0:25:08) Codey: It seems, I mean, it seems simple. (0:25:10) Codey: I think that part really is fairly simple. (0:25:14) Codey: They did and they did a good job in their video that they have of explaining why some of these things are not as simple as they seem like adding a Spinosaurus isn’t as simple as it seems. (0:25:24) Codey: Because of the optimization that has to happen as behind the scenes of adding in Spinosaurus. (0:25:32) Codey: So I get that, but for certain things like give them the option to delete. (0:25:38) Codey: I feel like I feel like you could do that. (0:25:40) Codey: I don’t know, especially if that’s something that like, I don’t know. (0:25:46) Codey: I don’t know. (0:25:48) Codey: I don’t know. (0:25:48) Codey: What if they don’t? (0:25:50) Codey: What if they don’t hit that? (0:25:50) Codey: Like, what if they don’t hit that goal? (0:25:52) Codey: Are they just not going to do these things then? (0:25:54) Codey: But I also get that they’re independent, like they need to get paid to be able to do these things. (0:26:02) Al: So I guess that the problem is, because they’ve struggled with money for quite a while. We’ve (0:26:09) Al: talked about that previously. We’re having issues with publishers and stuff like that anyway, (0:26:15) Al: whatever. So obviously, they need to make enough money to be able to keep going and be able to do (0:26:20) Al: what they want to do. And I guess the thing is that saying, “Oh, if we hit our main funding goal, (0:26:25) Al: we’ll give you these quality of life updates. It’s not going to excite people.” So you go, “Well, (0:26:29) Al: if we hit this funding goal we’ll give (0:26:32) Al: you Spinosaurus that sounds much more exciting. Which means that if you don’t put the main (0:26:40) Al: funding goal as enough to cover everything you want then you won’t be able to include (0:26:46) Al: the quality of life updates without more money. But then yeah it does feel a little bit like (0:26:52) Al: not great. It’s like yeah we’re waiting until we’ve got even more (0:26:58) Al: till we give you some quality of life updates, which yeah, doesn’t feel- (0:27:02) Al: great, but it’s a difficult one. (0:27:05) Codey: Mm-hmm, yep (0:27:07) Al: Anyway, they’ve had their funding goal, so that’s good. They’re going to get the Spinosaurus out, (0:27:12) Al: and probably we’ll hit the next one. Whether they’ll hit the one after that or not is a (0:27:18) Al: different question. I suspect they probably won’t hit the Swamp goal. That’s quite a lot more, (0:27:20) Codey: Yeah. (0:27:23) Al: but if you really want that, go help them out. You can get a lot of rewards for that as well. (0:27:32) Al: Go get your plushies, and design your bright pink Spinosaurus or whatever. (0:27:38) Codey: Sorry, I’m looking at the next thing already and getting confused. (0:27:41) Al: All right, Dive the Diver! (0:27:46) Al: A couple of bits of news here. It’s the second anniversary of the Diver, which wow, that’s (0:27:52) Al: crazy. A couple of things around the DLCs. First of all, the Godzilla DLC is back, (0:27:59) Codey: Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. (0:28:00) Al: so you can go get it if you didn’t get it (0:28:02) Al: before that one is a free one go get it now you just have to own the game if (0:28:06) Al: you own the game you can you can add the DLC you don’t have to play it or (0:28:09) Al: anything like that yet the itchy bands holiday has also been extended when you (0:28:17) Al: can get it until the end of 2026 (0:28:20) Codey: Mm-hmm. So this is one that so Ichiban Kasuga is the character. This is what I was just looking at (0:28:28) Codey: He’s a kid he’s the character in a game a yakuza game (0:28:32) Codey: and (0:28:34) Codey: That that game franchise is owned by Sega (0:28:39) Codey: Toshi hero Nagoshi and Sega and so because people have been commenting (0:28:44) Codey: They and they mentioned this in their video that people have been commenting about how like this limited availability thing (0:28:50) Codey: and how it seems kind of like it’s meant to stir up FOMO because (0:28:55) Codey: they only release some of the DLCs for a limited amount of time and (0:28:59) Codey: So it like makes you have to buy it during that time and the developer of David Iver said that is not the intention (0:29:07) Codey: the intention (0:29:09) Codey: For Sega is to they said the limited availability quote (0:29:14) Codey: That kind of approach is sometimes requested by large the large IP holders to help protect the value (0:29:20) Codey: Of their IP (0:29:22) Codey: so it’s the Sega people basically trying to (0:29:28) Codey: Protect the value of the IP of this character (0:29:32) Al: Is capitalism speak? (0:29:32) Codey: Which to me like is just not (0:29:35) Codey: It’s capitalism speak, but it’s also like I didn’t even know this game existed until it became a David Iver thing (0:29:42) Al: I feel like that’s a “you” thing. (0:29:45) Codey: Okay, but like I just feel like it is (0:29:47) Al: Yakuza is a pretty big game franchise. (0:29:50) Codey: Mmm, but like if you had it available all the time (0:29:57) Codey: There could be some people who play it and then they’re like, I actually like this this Ichiban character (0:30:03) Codey: what’s he from and then they go play yakuza and (0:30:07) Codey: if you (0:30:09) Codey: limit the available the availability of (0:30:13) Codey: That IP just kind of weird. I don’t know. I don’t like it. Anyway (0:30:18) Al: I mean, I just, I think the term “intellectual property” is a stupid term anyway, and we (0:30:19) Codey: There (0:30:20) Codey: Yeah. (0:30:25) Al: don’t need to get into copyright discussions, because we don’t need an anti-capitalism rant (0:30:30) Codey: We’ve already had one per month, but everything ever created ever is original. (0:30:30) Al: this podcast, even though people are probably looking for one. (0:30:35) Al: You can’t have intellectual property, it doesn’t make it, it’s just thoughts and ideas. (0:30:39) Al: Shut up! (0:30:41) Al: Yeah, well, there is that too. (0:30:48) Al: Just hate the term so much, “intellectual property”, it’s just because something doesn’t (0:30:49) Codey: Yeah, no. (0:30:52) Al: exist and therefore, so we got to create another term to mean something. (0:30:58) Al: First of all, just call it copyright, right? (0:31:00) Al: Just be upfront about it. (0:31:02) Al: What you’re saying is, we get to choose, therefore we’re choosing, it’s our copyright, the law (0:31:06) Al: gives us the right to choose, therefore we’re going to, that’s it. (0:31:10) Al: You don’t have to be like “oh, to help protect the value of IP”, IP has a value, right? (0:31:12) Codey: Yeah. Yep. Yep. Yay. Uh, yeah. So they are re-releasing it because there were people (0:31:16) Al: nonsense like. (0:31:18) Al: I think, oops, I did rant. (0:31:27) Codey: who were worried. They missed it the first time. Uh, this, both of them. I’m talking (0:31:29) Al: That’s the Godzilla one. No, the In the Jungle hasn’t been unavailable. (0:31:35) Codey: about Ichiban’s holiday. Oh, okay. (0:31:37) Al: Sorry, yeah, Ichiban’s Holiday, sorry. It has not been unavailable. It was new, (0:31:42) Codey: And they’re just making it go. Okay, cool. But they’re going to make sure that it has (0:31:44) Al: and they’ve given it a longer timeline. It only came out in April. (0:31:50) Codey: regular discounts going forward, um, to make sure that, yeah. The steam, steam summer sale ends. (0:31:54) Al: 50% off just now, until the 10th of July, which is the day after this episode. (0:31:59) Al: So, if you want to go buy it, go do it now. (0:32:02) Codey: Yeah. And the game itself is currently, is 40% off for the steam summer sale as well. (0:32:06) Al: Nice. A good game. Go buy it. (0:32:07) Codey: So hit that up. The last thing that they mentioned in this is the, in the jungle update. (0:32:12) Codey: So this is a update DLC, whatever, um, that allows like you go to land and there’s a lake (0:32:22) Codey: and it’ll, it, it adds the ability to catch freshwater fish. Um, and the, the update here (0:32:29) Codey: is that it’s probably delayed until spring 2026 because they want to make sure that they, uh, (0:32:35) Codey: make it the best it can be. Yeah. Nope. That’s pretty much it. (0:32:36) Al: I think I’m done with Dave the Diver. (0:32:40) Al: I don’t feel the pool to go back and play it. (0:32:43) Codey: What would be the pull? What would get you? (0:32:45) Al: I don’t know if there is something like I enjoyed when I was playing it, (0:32:49) Al: but I just it takes a lot to go back to a game. (0:32:54) Al: And I don’t think I feel that pool. (0:32:57) Codey: - Mm-hmm. (0:32:57) Al: It’s like Isheban’s Holiday. (0:33:00) Al: Yeah. (0:33:02) Al: OK, the in the jungle, it’s just more of the same. (0:33:06) Al: I enjoyed that, but. (0:33:08) Al: You know, I didn’t even I didn’t even play a huge amount of the Dredge DLC. (0:33:12) Al: I played the whole the Godzilla one, and that was good fun. (0:33:15) Al: That was very different. (0:33:17) Al: The Dredge one was different, but not in a way that felt I wanted to do it. (0:33:23) Al: And then, yeah, Isheban’s Holiday. (0:33:25) Al: I don’t really care. (0:33:28) Al: And the in the jungle is like, OK, fine. (0:33:31) Al: It’s just a different place that you’re fishing. (0:33:34) Codey: Yeah and new fish a new fish but it’s fine (0:33:34) Al: I’m not massively (0:33:36) Al: interested. (0:33:37) Al: Yeah. (0:33:38) Al: Yeah, but that’s the thing, okay, yay, morph- I didn’t even finish catching all the fish (0:33:44) Al: that were in the game, right? (0:33:45) Codey: Yeah (0:33:47) Al: You can’t make me have FOMO for when I hadn’t already completed something in the first place. (0:33:51) Codey: I agree. That’s where I’m at with any Zelda. I not love Zelda and also Pokemon IP right now (0:33:58) Codey: They’re like all the new game and I’m like man. I didn’t I don’t even remember playing (0:34:04) Codey: Scarlet and Violet, so it’s whatever (0:34:04) Al: All right, finally, Usagi Shima new update, the Tanabata Star Festival update. It’s more (0:34:08) Codey: Last update, yep (0:34:18) Codey: So yeah (0:34:19) Al: of the same. You got it. You like it. Go get your Tanabata bamboo. (0:34:24) Codey: Yep, so there’s a some new decorations with Tana Bada back bamboo (0:34:29) Codey: Your bunnies have are carrying little heartfelt wishes that they’re (0:34:34) Codey: putting on on the Bamboo as their their wishes for the year or their wishes for (0:34:40) Codey: the the coming time and they’re so cute it’s free update you just do it in the (0:34:47) Codey: App Store Google Play Store if you already have the game so I am NOT (0:34:52) Codey: intrigued enough to do this so that’s that’s the updates (0:34:54) Al: Mm hmm. That’s the updates. We also have a new game, and that is B simulator. Oh, is (0:35:01) Codey: Mm-hmm (0:35:04) Codey: The hive I think be simulator has been out for a while this is like (0:35:08) Al: this an update or a new game? (0:35:10) Codey: Yeah, so I think the hive is (0:35:14) Codey: Something a little different. It’s like a twist on the game, but it’s whatever man (0:35:21) Al: You know, you’re not interested. (0:35:24) Codey: No, I’m sick and tired of honey bee stuff man like (0:35:30) Al: » That’s the issue, fair. (0:35:34) Codey: This is not (0:35:35) Codey: Indicative of anywhere else in the world, but the United States (0:35:39) Codey: Has held up honey bees as like the poster child of pollinator conservation and the honey bee itself is not native to (0:35:49) Codey: North America it was brought over because people wanted honey (0:35:54) Codey: And now it is used because it is act it is an incredibly effective pollinator for certain plants (0:35:59) Codey: And the only reason it’s really effective is because we’ve decimated all of the houses. (0:36:04) Codey: We don’t have a habitat for local pollinators and native pollinators, so they don’t live near our farms anymore because we just do this monoculture and we spray all these pesticides. (0:36:14) Codey: So the natives aren’t there anymore, they can’t do the pollinating anymore, so we have to bring in these honeybees. (0:36:20) Codey: But honeybees are the equivalent of a chicken. (0:36:24) Codey: It’s like if we held up a chicken and said, “Let’s save the endangered birds.” (0:36:34) Codey: That is not… Yes, I agree with what you’re saying, but that is not an endangered… That’s not even a native bird. (0:36:44) Codey: No. So in the United States, it’s really frustrating. I want to see more stuff about native bees, which is one of the reasons I super loved, Apico and Elle, adding in native bees. (0:37:00) Codey: He also I mean like that game is more (0:37:04) Codey: It could have been in the like well first of all it’s a fantasy game (0:37:06) Codey: But it could have been in nor in not in North America (0:37:09) Codey: So the bees are there are social bees that live in hives that are native to (0:37:17) Codey: Where like Europe and Asia and stuff like that, so that’s fine. It’s it’s fine. It’s fine (0:37:23) Codey: I’ll get off my soapbox, but be simulator the hive is (0:37:27) Codey: Quote the epic adventure of a tiny bee in a vast world collect pollen race through jet streams (0:37:34) Codey: And protect your hive from wasps now even bigger with the hive expansion (0:37:40) Codey: Gather resources build and customize your very own beehive (0:37:45) Codey: so this looks like (0:37:47) Codey: You can build your hive in a bunch of different places (0:37:51) Codey: Also gotta say the hive that the pictures were obscene not accurate. They wouldn’t do they wouldn’t leave this much space, but okay (0:38:01) Codey: It’s just (0:38:04) Codey: It’s fine people will enjoy playing it. I I don’t want to poop poo on people’s people’s fun too much (0:38:10) Codey: I’m down for bug games (0:38:12) Al: Could be worse (0:38:13) Codey: Could be worse (0:38:15) Al: As with many things could be worse (0:38:17) Codey: But it’s coming out on the 4th of August and there is not a price currently oh, yep (0:38:22) Al: Ah, well there you go go look at it if you’re interested in it (0:38:30) Al: Cody will not be playing it presumably (0:38:33) Codey: No, I will not though if people are interested in I can’t even say this I can never mind redacted (0:38:40) Codey: I was gonna say if people are interested in learning how honeybee biology happens, but I don’t even know if it’s gonna be accurate (0:38:46) Codey: I’m gonna have to play it. I (0:38:48) Al: Oh, okay. (0:38:50) Codey: Mean I’m not I would have to play it to be able to tell whether or not it’s accurate but (0:38:54) Al: I thought you were saying I have to play it. (0:38:56) Codey: No, I (0:38:58) Codey: cannot (0:38:59) Codey: Put my thumbs up on this so okay (0:39:02) Al: Fair enough. (0:39:03) Codey: So that’s all the news (0:39:06) Al: Woo! (0:39:07) Codey: What is the deluxe? Wait a minute (0:39:10) Al: Oh, the deluxe edition of “Be Simulated the Hive”. (0:39:12) Codey: Lens island. No lens island. We’re jumping right into it (0:39:14) Al: Oh, interesting. (0:39:17) Al: All right, okay. Well, let’s start this then. So, (0:39:21) Al: this is the second harvest of Lens Island. We had an episode three years ago, three years ago. Goodness me. (0:39:28) Codey: It’s been a hot minute. (0:39:30) Al: But three years ago and that was like (0:39:32) Al: two years after the start of the pandemic, that is where we are just now. (0:39:36) Al: That’s how much time is changing. (0:39:38) Al: And like the podcast was three years old at that point. (0:39:38) Codey: Mm hmm. As each day passes, we get closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. (0:39:45) Al: And closer to death. (0:39:49) Al: Sorry. (0:39:51) Codey: so (0:39:52) Al: So anyway, (0:39:55) Al: dumpty dum, we are going to talk about this because I so right. (0:40:01) Al: Okay, grr! (0:40:02) Al: Probably should have listened to the other, the old episode, to check what (0:40:05) Al: was actually covered in that three years ago, but we’ll see how this goes. (0:40:10) Codey: Yeah I can tell you. I did not but I just remember. So all that really existed in the first episode (0:40:11) Al: I hadn’t played the game at that point. Oh yeah, did you really listen to it? (0:40:17) Al: Oh, fair enough. (0:40:23) Codey: that we played and recorded, all that was really there was a base bare bones island. There was (0:40:30) Codey: nothing on the first island that you come to. There was no people. So you just showed up, (0:40:40) Codey: a house. I don’t even think there was a tutorial in the way that there is now. And so you built a (0:40:47) Codey: house. You could go into the mines. The mines and the dungeon were one in the same. So there or at (0:40:56) Codey: least I had not encountered anything that was explicitly different. So now they are very (0:41:02) Codey: different. There are multiple dungeons. And the mines themselves. (0:41:11) Codey: The mines were about as difficult as they are now. If not, I think they might have been a little bit (0:41:18) Codey: more difficult because it was really hard. Both. I mean, because before it was the mines and the (0:41:18) Al: Do you mean the dungeon? (0:41:24) Codey: dungeon. So it was like all in one. But yeah, you just kind of get, you know, there’s a spawning (0:41:31) Codey: point for the baddies. They come out, they overwhelm you super fast. I think maybe there (0:41:38) Codey: there was, I guess there still is a cool down for consuming. (0:41:40) Codey: Things, um, though now consuming things doesn’t just fill your health. (0:41:47) Codey: It’s just kind of like Minecraft where it fills your fullness. (0:41:51) Codey: And when you’re full, full, then your health auto-regenerates. (0:41:53) Al: Depends which one it is. So the cooked meat from the deer, it heals you. (0:41:56) Codey: Yeah. (0:41:59) Codey: Yeah. (0:41:59) Codey: There weren’t deer last time. (0:42:02) Codey: Um, it was pretty basic. (0:42:04) Codey: And then there was one, uh, addition to the Island that you. (0:42:10) Codey: Could I think unlock. (0:42:13) Codey: And then you went to another area and it was like a pirates Bay area. (0:42:16) Al: Mm, OK. (0:42:17) Codey: And there were people there. (0:42:19) Codey: And so you could sell and trade things and play pirate games and stuff like there. (0:42:27) Codey: Um, but nothing was on the main Island that you were on. (0:42:32) Codey: Um, I also don’t think there was really like the story. (0:42:35) Codey: So when you play the game now, it has more of the story. (0:42:38) Codey: It was really just the bare bones. (0:42:41) Codey: There was farming, um, and there was crafting and stuff, but they have, they (0:42:45) Codey: fleshed it out so much more and I’m, it’s really gratifying to see where the game (0:42:50) Codey: has gone, um, and yeah, I think that’s where I’ll pause the, my, my two (0:42:57) Codey: cents about the second harvest. (0:42:58) Al: to start with. OK, cool. Yeah, OK, so I guess to give people a quick overview, just in case (0:43:06) Al: you haven’t listened to the original episode or you’ve forgotten or whatever, it’s a survival (0:43:12) Al: game. You are a character, you come to an island and you have to survive, you have to (0:43:20) Al: build a house, you have to do all these things. And then there’s obviously, as Cody mentioned, (0:43:25) Al: There’s a story to that. (0:43:28) Al: Yeah, is that enough of a quick overview of what the game is in and of itself? (0:43:34) Codey: Yes, yeah, so it’s like a survival game, but there are these creatures that you learn in the beginning intro part are used to be people, but they were corrupted by this. (0:43:50) Codey: What do they call it a light stone or something? It’s like a, but it’s a resource and they got corrupted by it and now they’re these monster things, which changes my morality a little bit. (0:44:04) Codey: I’m like, Oh, no, like, what if later on down the line there’s you find like a cure and then you’ve killed thousands of these things. (0:44:14) Al: If you don’t kill them, they’ll kill you. (0:44:16) Codey: You’re right. They will. They kind of look I really love the art for them as well. There’s they get kind of Demi Gorgon esque like from. (0:44:26) Al: I did notice that one was very much like the demagogue and from Stranger Things. (0:44:28) Codey: Mm-hmm, stranger things, yeah. (0:44:34) Codey: Um, and it is multiplayer. (0:44:35) Codey: So you can play with one to eight players, which is super nice. (0:44:39) Codey: Um, able to play with your friends. (0:44:41) Codey: Um, and there’s a skill tree and there’s a map. (0:44:46) Codey: I don’t know. (0:44:46) Codey: It’s, it, it’s, it has a lot of potential. (0:44:50) Codey: Like it’s a super open world. (0:44:52) Codey: You can really build it how you want it. (0:44:56) Al: Yeah, okay, so let’s before we get into the game proper. I want to do my complaining section because (0:45:02) Codey: - Yeah, I will second some of your complaints. (0:45:04) Al: So let me get my list and let me pause the game and get back to my list (0:45:08) Codey: - Yeah, stop playing the game while you’re… (0:45:09) Al: so controller support in this game is (0:45:12) Al: Absolutely dreadful. It is just so bad (0:45:15) Al: So when I first opened it when the when the when it first entered early access over three years ago (0:45:20) Al: It had no controller support and so basically just didn’t work on the steam deck at all. Okay, fine. Sure (0:45:26) Al: Whatever. It’s early access. I think that you should have controller support from the start, but whatever fine. I’ll come back later (0:45:31) Al: I came back later and control support does exist, but it is very bare bones and very terrible (0:45:39) Al: When I loaded up the game on my steam deck (0:45:42) Al: You can’t start a game with the controller (0:45:45) Al: There’s like certain buttons that you can’t even highlight using the controller and select (0:45:48) Codey: » Yeah. (0:45:51) Al: Um, and then even when you’re in the game, there’s other things like that. (0:45:54) Al: Like you can’t. (0:45:56) Al: Sleep in that you can’t click the sleep button on a bed without (0:46:00) Al: using the touchscreen stuff like that. (0:46:03) Al: Like really basic stuff that you need to do. (0:46:05) Al: Like, I don’t think a single person, uh, who was on the team, uh, tested this (0:46:11) Al: from like, actually tested controller support. (0:46:14) Al: I think they, they built in some controller support and they went, yeah, (0:46:19) Al: that’s good enough. (0:46:19) Al: That’ll stop people complaining. (0:46:21) Al: Spoiler alert, it won’t. (0:46:23) Al: Um, I honestly think it’s (0:46:26) Al: absolutely dreadful. Like, I think that if you only play games on the Steam Deck, (0:46:31) Al: or if you only play games with the controller, do not buy this game. That’s it. I cannot (0:46:38) Al: legitimately say that anybody who does that can play the game. Like, just don’t do it. (0:46:45) Al: I tried so hard, and I maybe got through like two hours on the Steam Deck before I just broke down (0:46:52) Al: and load it up on my computer and it’s (0:46:56) Al: so much better. It’s playable now. I cannot overstate, that’s the word I’m looking for, (0:46:58) Codey: Yeah. (0:47:02) Codey: Overstate. (0:47:05) Al: I cannot overstate just how bad the controller support is. It’s embarrassing how bad it is. (0:47:12) Codey: I am right there with you so I played a little bit last night. I was playing last night and I (0:47:18) Codey: was just playing on my Mac with my trackpad and I was like this is not fun because there’s sometimes (0:47:22) Al: Mm. Yeah, oh, scrolling on the trackpad. (0:47:27) Codey: you have to double click sometimes you have to scroll like so I was just really struggling with (0:47:31) Codey: that yeah yeah it was really not f

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Whispers in the Bamboo: A Tanabata Tale of Inspiration Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-07-07-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏のある日、京都の嵐山竹林は美しい緑色に輝いていました。En: One summer day, the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto was shining a beautiful green.Ja: 風が竹を揺らし、竹の葉が静かにささやく音が聞こえます。En: The wind was rustling the bamboo, and you could hear the gentle whispers of the bamboo leaves.Ja: この日は特に特別でした。なぜなら、七夕祭りの日だったからです。En: This day was particularly special because it was the day of the Tanabata festival.Ja: 竹には色とりどりの短冊がたくさん結ばれ、人々の願いが風に揺れていました。En: Many colorful paper strips, or tanzaku, were tied to the bamboo, and people's wishes were swaying in the breeze.Ja: はるきは、内気な作家です。En: Haruki is a shy writer.Ja: 彼は新しい物語のインスピレーションを探していますが、いつも難しいと感じていました。En: He is searching for inspiration for a new story but always finds it challenging.Ja: 特に人と話すのが苦手です。En: Especially because he is not good at talking to people.Ja: しかし、今日は特別な日にしようと決心し、七夕祭りに参加することにしました。En: However, he decided to make today special and chose to participate in the Tanabata festival.Ja: はるきは竹に短冊を結びます。「新しい物語のアイデアが欲しい」と書きました。En: Haruki tied a tanzaku to the bamboo, writing, "I want ideas for a new story."Ja: その瞬間、えみことかずきが近くを通りました。En: Just at that moment, Emiko and Kazuki passed by.Ja: えみこは明るく冒険好きです。En: Emiko is cheerful and loves adventure.Ja: 彼女は京都の文化を探索するために訪れています。En: She is visiting to explore the culture of Kyoto.Ja: えみこは、はるきの書いた短冊を見て、微笑みました。En: Emiko saw the tanzaku that Haruki had written and smiled.Ja: 「こんにちは、これを書いたのはあなた？」と声をかけます。En: "Hello, did you write this?" she asked.Ja: はるきは驚きましたが、えみこの親しみやすさに安心しました。En: Haruki was surprised but felt relieved by Emiko's friendly demeanor.Ja: 「はい、私ははるきです。新しい物語を書きたいと思っています。でも、なかなか良いアイデアが浮かびません。」En: "Yes, I'm Haruki. I want to write a new story, but good ideas just don't come to me."Ja: えみこは笑いながら答えました。En: Emiko replied with a laugh.Ja: 「私も旅行して新しい体験をしたいんです。もしかしたら、私たちがお互いにインスピレーションを与えられるかもしれませんね。」En: "I also want to travel and have new experiences. Maybe we can inspire each other."Ja: かずきもその会話に加わり、二人の出会いを喜びました。En: Kazuki joined the conversation, pleased with their meeting.Ja: 「えみこの冒険話は本当に面白いよ。En: "Emiko's adventure stories are really interesting.Ja: 良い話の種になると思う。」En: I think they could be great seeds for a story."Ja: えみこの話や旅の経験にインスパイアされたはるきは、新しい物語のアイデアを思い付きました。En: Inspired by Emiko's stories and travel experiences, Haruki came up with an idea for a new story.Ja: 七夕の伝説である織姫と彦星の物語に基づいて、えみことの友情を描くことにしたのです。En: He decided to depict a friendship with Emiko, based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi from the Tanabata lore.Ja: その日の終わり、はるきは心が軽く、前向きな気持ちになりました。En: By the end of the day, Haruki felt light-hearted and optimistic.Ja: 彼は新しい友達を作ることができ、さらなるインスピレーションを得たことを嬉しく思いました。En: He was happy to have made new friends and gained further inspiration.Ja: はるきは竹に再び短冊を結び直しました。「人との出会いを大切にし、物語を紡ぎたい」と。En: Haruki tied another tanzaku to the bamboo, writing anew, "Cherish encounters with people and weave stories."Ja: 七夕の空に願いを託し、はるきは新たな第一歩を踏み出しました。En: He entrusted his wish to the Tanabata sky and took a new first step forward. Vocabulary Words:grove: 竹林rustling: 揺らしwhispers: ささやくparticularly: 特にshy: 内気inspiration: インスピレーションchallenging: 難しいparticipate: 参加moment: 瞬間cheerful: 明るくadventure: 冒険explore: 探索するdemeanor: 親しみやすさrelieved: 安心converse: 会話pleased: 喜びましたdepict: 描くlegend: 伝説optimistic: 前向きなencounters: 出会いweave: 紡ぎentrusted: 託しlight-hearted: 心が軽くtie: 結ぶfestival: 祭りcolorful: 色とりどりknowledge: 知識experiences: 体験stories: 物語seeds: 種

Running an orphanage and an ambulance service is no easy feat, but when you're also right next to a civil war, there are a lot more complications. Catherine Riley-Bryan is a New Zealander and founder of Bamboo School, located in a village called Bong Ti in western Thailand, right next to the Myanmar border.

 This Teisho was given by the Reverend Karen Do'on Weik Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on April 10, 2024. In this talk Do'on Roshi finishes her discussion on the 43rd case from the Mumonkan (aka The Gateless Gate) known as Shushan's Short Bamboo Staff.   If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Today on the show, it's the end of an era.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Bamboo Grove Romance: Discovering Love at Tanabata Festival Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-07-02-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 竹の葉が風にそよぐ音が聞こえる。En: The sound of bamboo leaves swaying in the wind can be heard.Ja: 夏の日差しが温かく、空は晴れ渡っている。En: The summer sun is warm, and the sky is clear.Ja: この日は、京都の嵐山竹林で七夕の祭りが開かれていた。En: On this day, the Tanabata festival was being held in the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto.Ja: 竹の間に吊るされた色とりどりの短冊が風に揺れ、織姫と彦星の伝説が語られているようだった。En: The colorful strips of paper hung between the bamboos swayed in the wind, as if the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi were being narrated.Ja: はるかは、大学の勉強から少し離れて、この祭りを楽しみに来た。En: Haruka had come to enjoy the festival, taking a break from her university studies.Ja: 彼女は静かで内向的だったが、新しい経験を求めていた。En: Although she was quiet and introverted, she was seeking new experiences.Ja: 竹林の中を歩くのは穏やかで心地よかった。En: Walking through the bamboo grove was peaceful and pleasant.Ja: そんな中、はるかは一つのブースに目を留めた。En: In the midst of this, Haruka noticed one booth.Ja: そこでは、カイトという名の若いアーティストが、彼の作品を展示していた。En: A young artist named Kaito was exhibiting his works there.Ja: カイトは親しみやすく、彼の作品には自然の美しさが表れていた。En: Kaito was approachable, and the beauty of nature was evident in his works.Ja: 彼は人目を引くような絵を描いており、竹や山の風景が鮮やかに表現されていた。En: His paintings were eye-catching, vividly expressing scenes of bamboo and mountain landscapes.Ja: 「こんにちは」と、はるかは少しの勇気を出して声をかけた。En: "Hello," Haruka said, mustering a bit of courage to speak up.Ja: カイトはにっこりと微笑んだ。「こんにちは！絵に興味がありますか？」En: Kaito smiled warmly. "Hello! Are you interested in the paintings?"Ja: はるかは絵を指さして、「これ、とてもきれいですね。竹林を歩いているみたい」と言った。En: Pointing to one of the paintings, Haruka said, "This is very beautiful. It feels like I'm walking in the bamboo grove."Ja: こうして、二人は自然と会話を始めた。En: In this way, the two naturally began to converse.Ja: はるかは、カイトの作品に惹かれ、彼の話に耳を傾けた。En: Haruka was drawn to Kaito's works and listened to his stories.Ja: 最初はつい警戒していたが、カイトの飾らない人柄に心を開き始めた。En: Initially somewhat wary, she began to open her heart to Kaito's unpretentious personality.Ja: 「この後、一緒に祭りを回りませんか？」カイトが提案した。En: "Shall we walk around the festival together afterward?" Kaito suggested.Ja: はるかは一瞬躊躇したが、笑顔で「ええ、いいわね」と答えた。En: Haruka hesitated for a moment but answered with a smile, "Yes, that sounds nice."Ja: 二人は竹林を歩きながら、夜の祭りを楽しんだ。En: As they walked through the bamboo grove, they enjoyed the night festival.Ja: 色とりどりのランタンが道を照らし、どこからともなく聞こえる音楽が祭りの雰囲気を盛り上げていた。En: The colorful lanterns lit the path, and music from somewhere added to the festive atmosphere.Ja: その時、カイトは彼のインスピレーションや夢について語り始めた。En: At that moment, Kaito started talking about his inspirations and dreams.Ja: 彼の話ははるかの心にも響いた。En: His stories resonated with Haruka's heart.Ja: そして、夜が深くなり、星が空に輝きだした。「星がきれいね」とはるかが言った。En: As the night deepened and the stars began to shine in the sky, Haruka said, "The stars are beautiful."Ja: 「七夕の伝説は知ってる？」カイトは問いかけた。En: "Do you know the legend of Tanabata?" Kaito asked.Ja: その問いにうなずき、二人は星について話しながら、互いの夢や恐れを語り始めた。En: Nodding in response to his question, the two began to talk about the stars, sharing their dreams and fears.Ja: 共通するものが多いことに気づき、彼らは心を通わせることができた。En: Realizing they had much in common, they were able to connect.Ja: やがて祭りは終わりに近づき、帰る時間になった。En: Before long, the festival was coming to an end, and it was time to leave.Ja: はるかは心に決めた。「カイト、あなたのスタジオにいつか行ってもいい？」彼女は尋ねた。En: Haruka made a decision. "Kaito, may I visit your studio someday?" she asked.Ja: カイトは笑顔で答えた。「もちろん！ぜひ来てください。」En: With a smile, Kaito answered, "Of course! Please do come."Ja: 竹林の小道を歩きながら、二人はこれからの出会いに期待していた。En: Walking along the bamboo forest path, they both looked forward to the encounters to come.Ja: それぞれの心に新しい風が吹き、これからの未来を楽しみにしていた。En: A new wind blew through each of their hearts, and they eagerly anticipated the future.Ja: 祭りの夜空には、キラキラと星が輝いていた。En: In the festival's night sky, the stars twinkled brightly. Vocabulary Words:swaying: そよぐtanabata: 七夕grove: 竹林introverted: 内向的unpretentious: 飾らないlanterns: ランタンresonated: 響いたconverse: 会話strips: 短冊narrated: 語られているapproachable: 親しみやすくeye-catching: 人目を引くvividly: 鮮やかにhesitated: 躊躇したbooth: ブースsurroundings: 環境exhibit: 展示artist: アーティストexhibiting: 展示していたpleasant: 心地よかったcourage: 勇気suggested: 提案したpath: 小道anticipation: 期待decision: 決心encounters: 出会いstars: 星fears: 恐れstudio: スタジオfestival: 祭り

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Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Bamboo Lights: How One Lantern Shone New Light on Tradition Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-07-01-22-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 竹林村位于葱郁的竹林深处，En: Zhulin Village is located deep in a lush bamboo forest.Zh: 每到夏天，温暖的阳光洒在村庄的红灯笼上，给村庄增添了几分欢乐。En: Every summer, the warm sunlight falls on the village's red lanterns, adding a touch of joy to the village.Zh: 在一年一度的灯笼节来临之际，村民们忙碌地做着准备。En: As the annual Lantern Festival approaches, the villagers are busily preparing.Zh: 美善于手工制作，尤其是灯笼，而俊是村里公认的灯笼大师。En: Mei is skilled at handicrafts, especially in making lanterns, while Jun is recognized as the master of lantern-making in the village.Zh: 尽管声名显赫，俊却担心自己的技艺会被时间淘汰。En: Despite his renowned reputation, Jun worries that his skills might be outpaced by time.Zh: 美一直渴望在村里的灯笼节上一展身手。En: Mei has always longed to showcase her skills at the village's Lantern Festival.Zh: 她钟爱传统工艺，但也对现代设计充满兴趣。En: She loves traditional crafts but is also very interested in modern design.Zh: 她心中有一个愿望，就是制作一盏融入现代设计的灯笼，希望得到俊的认可。En: She has a wish in her heart to create a lantern that integrates modern design, hoping to gain Jun's approval.Zh: 然而，村里的老人们对传统的坚守，使得美的创新想法屡屡遇到阻力。En: However, the elders in the village are staunch in their adherence to tradition, creating resistance to Mei's innovative ideas.Zh: 美没有因此放弃，En: Mei did not give up.Zh: 她在书中学习如何使用新材料、新技巧，决定秘密地制作属于自己的灯笼。En: She studied books to learn how to use new materials and techniques and decided to secretly craft her own lantern.Zh: 另一方面，俊心里对美的热情十分欣赏，却不知如何支持她。En: On the other hand, Jun appreciated Mei's passion but didn't know how to support her.Zh: 他关注美的努力，默默给予一些建议，但不让他人察觉。En: He paid attention to Mei's efforts, silently offering some advice without letting others notice.Zh: 灯笼节当天晚上，村子里灯火辉煌，美的灯笼引起了所有人的注意。En: On the night of the Lantern Festival, the village was brilliantly lit, and Mei's lantern attracted everyone's attention.Zh: 它与众不同，兼顾了传统与现代，既新颖又不失庄重。En: It was unique, blending tradition and modernity, novel yet dignified.Zh: 有人质疑，有人赞赏，En: Some people questioned it, while others admired it.Zh: 此时俊出面表示支持，并揭示自己在背后给予了帮助。En: At this moment, Jun stood up to show his support and revealed that he had been offering assistance behind the scenes.Zh: 美的灯笼最终赢得了特别奖，村里的人们开始赞赏其独特的创意与文化底蕴。En: Mei's lantern ultimately won a special prize, and the people in the village began to appreciate its unique creativity and cultural depth.Zh: 俊公开称赞美，并呼吁村民们在传承中注入新鲜的元素。En: Jun openly praised Mei and called upon the villagers to infuse fresh elements into their traditions.Zh: 经过这次经历，美获得了信心，同时也认识到保持传统与创新的平衡是多么重要。En: Through this experience, Mei gained confidence and realized the importance of balancing tradition and innovation.Zh: 俊则明白，接受改变能使文化遗产更加丰富多彩。En: Jun understood that embracing change can enrich cultural heritage.Zh: 从此，竹林村的灯笼节在继承传统的同时，也充满了无限的活力与创意，成为了人们心中难以忘怀的节日。En: From then on, the Lantern Festival in Zhulin Village continued to uphold tradition while brimming with endless vitality and creativity, becoming an unforgettable festival in people's hearts. Vocabulary Words:lush: 葱郁的lanterns: 灯笼preparing: 准备handicrafts: 手工制作renowned: 声名显赫reputation: 声望outpaced: 淘汰longed: 渴望showcase: 一展身手staunch: 坚守adherence: 坚持resistance: 阻力innovative: 创新secretly: 秘密地appreciated: 欣赏silently: 默默blending: 兼顾unique: 与众不同novel: 新颖dignified: 庄重admired: 赞赏revealed: 揭示assistance: 帮助creativity: 创意cultural depth: 文化底蕴praised: 称赞integrates: 融入infuse: 注入uphold: 继承vitality: 活力

According to research from Gartner, more than half of organizations have increased their investment in AI since 2023. So, how can you effectively leverage AI to improve GTM productivity and accelerate business outcomes? Riley Rogers: Hi, and welcome to the Win Win podcast. I’m your host, Riley Rogers. Join us as we dive into changing trends in the workplace and how to navigate them successfully. Here to discuss this topic is Chris Sargent, the director of sales enablement at BambooHR. Thank you so much for joining us, Chris. Before we get started, I’d just love for you to tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your role. Chris Sargent: Absolutely. Thank you for having me, Riley. Really excited to be spending some time with you today. So my background, I have been leading sales enablement teams for the better part of the last 10 plus years, and prior to that I was a sales leader and a sales individual contributor. So have spent a lot of time in both roles and really help companies scale. You talked about go-to-market strategies. My background heavily is aligned sales execution, focusing on how buyers can achieve goals and how selling and. Our ability to sell with a process with value can really be one of the greatest competitive advantages that we take to market. And in my current role at Bamboo, I oversee enablement programs globally across all of our different skill sets, all of our different segments. And really our mission here is to equip every seller and leader with the skills to tools and processes they need to win with confidence and consistency. RR: I love it. Confidence and consistency. That’s what everybody’s looking for. Well, we’re so excited to have you here. Especially as you mentioned, you know, you’re a pretty experienced leader and you have extensive experience spanning both the sales and the sales enablement side. And so you’ve probably seen the landscape change a little bit recently with the acceleration of AI innovation. So I’m curious, how have you seen the challenges that go-to-market teams face change as well? CS: Yeah, I think there’s been, you know, change is the, probably the important word there. One of the biggest shifts as it relates to specifically AI is I think the timing of AI aligning with just kind of a general trend in sales, right? That we’ve seen, I think in the early teens to the late 2019, even into 2000, 20, 21, economies were fantastic globally. Every organization had what felt like, in a lot of cases, unlimited budget to acquire tools and technology. And I think in a lot of ways that created probably some unintentional outcomes as it relates to sales. And in some cases it was a lot more of what I would call order taking versus what would potentially be a value driven sales cycle in a lot of cases, by no one’s fault, other than that was the nature of how buyers were buying at the time. So I think you take that. Component of that and then align that with all of those changes. Now with AI, I think one of the biggest shifts that most organizations and sales team members as individual contributors and leaders are dealing with is that AI is happening in real time. And not only is it happening in real time, it’s new for not only the individual contributors, but a lot of it’s new for managers, it’s new for enablement teams, even the buyers who are trying to figure out how do they leverage AI. So I think that challenge that we see is how do you understand and take the pace of AI innovation and your ability to adapt to that. And that means enablement specifically isn’t just about delivering training, but how are you actually building a culture that fosters the idea of ongoing learning experimentation across the board and cross-functional alignment to keep up with the pace of change while not sacrificing. What really the intended outcome of is that confidence and consistency in the rep’s performance because that desired outcome doesn’t change. How you may get there is what’s changing and understanding how to put that as part of your DNA as an enablement organization and handle that pace of innovation is gonna be critical. RR: Yeah, so we’re sort of in a perfect storm, right of change management in across a number of different areas. I think these are challenges that we’re hearing from a lot of our customers and just feeling in the market. I think you’re spot on with all of that, but rather than kind of lingering in our challenges, maybe let’s talk solutions. So in your opinion, what is Enablement’s role in helping GTM teams overcome these challenges and achieving more success amid these changes? CS: Yeah, it’s a very fair question, and I think this is the power of a really strong enablement organization because in that format and in that model, what you’re really asking enablement to do and what enablement should be doing is becoming the bridge between the new technology itself and the practical application at the rep level. So our role is to really translate what I would say innovation into that action. Our job is to make sure reps just aren’t aware of AI and it’s not just. Kind of a tool that they use on the side, similar to a Salesforce and outreach and a Highspot, for example. But they’re actually using it to be effective in everything that they’re doing in their day-to-day workflow. And I think about that in three core areas. And that’s how we’re trying to think about it is what are you doing to prepare? What are you doing in real time? And what are you doing post customer interaction that allows you to be better at your job? Because of ai and some of that’s customer facing, some of that’s internal. Really what I it means is we’re embedding AI into every existing process. We wanna build confidence through the training and reinforcement and giving managers the tools to coach around it. And I think that goes back to not losing our North Star of if the intended outcome is customers have the best buying experience and the reps are confident and have the ability to execute. That doesn’t change, but the modality to do it, we can make them better at their jobs, we can make them more efficient. We can create competitive advantages because of that. And it’s kind of rethinking not necessarily the intended outcome as much as thinking the journey that gets us there. RR: Yeah. I’ve heard it put as kind of like the job doesn’t change, but the way you do the work does. CS: Exactly. RR: We’re all still driving towards that North Star. We just have a little bit more tools in our toolkit to get there. CS: Yeah, totally agree. And I think that’s what every. Enablement organization. Every sales organization on the planet is trying to solve it right now, which is what does that look like? And going back to the challenge, I think the challenge in that is there’s desired state and then there’s what can actually be executed today, all while knowing what seems like every day, every week, every month there’s some new AI application that’s being launched. And how do you kind of take all of that noise and put it into a journey that aligns with not only your AEs and your reps and your managers, but really how do your customers wanna buy from you? RR: Yeah, and to your point, I think people are like clamoring for use cases. They’re trying to figure out how do we apply this? We have a vision, but how do we bring it to life? And so I know you guys have started putting in kind of the work to answer those questions and have started using some AI capabilities in Highspot to improve rep productivity and kind of streamline some of those workflows. So can you talk to me a little bit about how you’re using AI to elevate your enablement efforts and how that fits into your GTM productivity strategies? CS: Yeah. You know, I think there’s a few things and the beauty in that is, you know, we are fortunate enough to have an AI team that was hired about four years ago that’s led by a fantastic gentleman by the name of Alan Whitaker. And part of what we’re looking at is really aligning kind of the build or buy model a little bit. But some of the ways we’re leveraging this today is, you know, I think those core focus areas of how are we helping the rep be more efficient? And then how are we helping the rep. In real time, create a better buying experience and really help customers see the value of what it is that we do. We all know that we’re using AI, but also buyers are using AI and they have more access to information recommendations than ever, ever before. So there’s a few ways that we’re kind of leveraging AI in a current state, but also kind of hoping we get to from a desired state perspective. And we kind of look at that in a very pragmatic and phased approach way while also. Putting urgency and moving quickly. You know, I think about one of the most important things is we sell a platform and we sell, over the years have increased our ability and our product capabilities that go to market. And I think one of the things that’s really critical is in a lot of situations that’s being launched in real time on the back of other releases, and it’s really about guiding our sales team members to the right content at the right time, but also having that served up to them at the right time. We don’t have a lot of technical resources here. It requires in a lot of situations where we have a lot of high velocity opportunities at Bamboo hr. So it, it’s not even about coming back with information even a day or two later, because that could be too late. So one of the ways we’re leveraging this is serving up information at the right time based off of the rep’s ability to have a conversation in real time. It reduces time spent searching for content, for answers. It’s feeding that up proactively and it’s really increasing confidence in what our sellers need in the moment versus even, like I said, taking 30 minutes or an hour and coming back to that. One of the most powerful ways we’re also using AI is really how to engage. Data to better understand what’s resonating with our buyers and using those insights to fine tune our messaging and also which messaging we use. You know, one of the ways we’re currently leveraging Highspot, and it’s been extremely powerful for us, is understanding the content that makes the most sense, right? I think that the standard back and forth between most organizations and specifically marketing and sales is, hey, we’re creating content for you. Why aren’t you using it? And I think what. AI has allowed us to do is for reps to find information on content that’s been the most relevant at the right time. Highspot serves that up in a way that allows us not only to look at that in real time, but it’s recommending that also based off of what Highspot seeing on the backend from an analytics perspective being tied to the most revenue producing opportunities. That’s been a huge win for us in really increasing our rep’s ability to be faster, but also more accurate. Sometimes I think we just worry about being fast. It doesn’t help if unless we’re accurate. This has kind of allowed us to go down that model on both sides. RR: Yeah, it is hard to strike that balance when you know 30 minutes is too late, but. How are you gonna put together something strategic in such a short period of time? And I know one of the things that your team’s also kind of been leaning into a little bit is you mentioned on LinkedIn actually that continuous improvement is a big priority for you, and one of the ways that you’re using AI is with skill feedback to kind of support that ongoing learning loop. So how are you using that and how is that helping you, as you said, lean into continuous improvement? CS: Yeah, great question. I think one of the key things for us that’s been really, really indicative is about a year ago we kind of looked at our call analytics and call intelligence tools and wanted to see potentially if there was an opportunity for us to get a little bit more. Proactive in the way we were leveraging that to get insights, identify opportunities, and replicate things that were going well. And about six to seven months ago, even prior to me joining the organization, holistically looked and transitioned to what I would call an even more powerful AI enhanced call analytics to really not only capture real conversations. Allow it. The ability to provide things like real-time contextual feedback and use things like prompts to better understand why things were going well, but more importantly maybe where things weren’t going well. And what was really powerful in that is that was such a manual process for us before. And not only was it manual. It wasn’t necessarily consistent manager to manager, right? Some managers were better at it. Some managers had more time to invest just depending on the, the size of their teams and the amount of workload that they were working on. So instead of really waiting for a scheduled reviewer’s, shadow session, reps and managers could get real time guided insights and feedback so that when it came time for the actual coaching, it was very prescriptive. It was really, really, really powerful and it felt more individualized versus, Hey, we’re gonna have an enablement team come in and do a skill development session on, you know, executing a mutual action plan or getting access to key players. We could actually take that now to the individual level and focus on a skill development that made coaching more specific, more intentional, more timely, and ultimately more impactful for that skill development. Now, there is one thing that we are looking at as well, and we haven’t deployed this yet, but I’m assuming I’m not alone in this. Which is really, we have a pretty large sales organization all at different parts of their career. Also different managers at different parts of their career. And one of the things we wanted to do to, to drive more time for the managers to actually coach and spend time doing all the things they’re supposed to do, is we’re actually in the process of evaluating some AI role playing tools that use avatars. I know. That is not unique to us in any way, shape, or form, but when we think kind of along, like what’s happening now and what’s happening over the next two to three months, we’ll be deploying those to really also help the reps have a, a safe place and a consistent place to practice those skills. RR: Yeah. That’s so awesome to hear. I think, you know, sales coaching is one of those things that PLA teams everywhere, and so hearing that you can find these solutions that make you not only excited but certain in your programs is wonderful. And it really does sound like you’ve put together some very intentional programs to help your team succeed. And I think the data’s kind of showing that it’s working. We’ve seen that you’ve driven really strong engagement from your GTM teams, such as a 96% recurring usage rate of Highspot. So curious, you know, we’ve talked about the strategy. How are you then driving that adoption? Do you have any best practices you could share? CS: I think enablement teams each and every day and organizations are always trying to, you know, go through the process of how do I make the information or the programs or the projects or content that we’re taking to market actually be adopted and be used. And you know, I think one of the things that always has resonated with me, and I think about this phrase often, there’s a great enablement leader by the name of Roderick Jefferson, and many years ago, he gave a piece of feedback about the difference between training and enablement. And I’m paraphrasing this, so if anyone who knows this quote better than me, feel free to correct me. I believe he said, you train animals, you enable humans. And I think one of the things that always resonated with me about that then is if I want to enable someone, I need to get the lens of how they’re executing. And for us, that adoption, that 96% recurred usage in Highspot really started with making Highspot not only the single source of truth, but also putting it in a place where the sellers already live and breathe today from day one. It was critical for us that not only does every new hire here at Bamboo get trained to rely on Highspot for almost everything and have it not only live within that world, but for things like messaging, playbooks, objection handling, product updates, everything goes through there. But I also think it was more than that. One of the values that we’ve seen in Highspot is really our ability to have that proactive information fed at the opportunity level in our CRM tool. It allows the reps to get just in time information when they need it, but also when it’s most critical. Not only do we have the ability then to kind of. Indoctrinate them, so to speak, as a new rep. They’re also getting fed in real time, something that’s actually beneficial to them, and it’s proving its use case time and time again in real time, which has been a huge adoption ability for us. I think another thing. That has been super beneficial is going back to that adoption piece. We also cross collaborated and cross-functionally with other organizations like product marketing and product that absolutely see the benefit of that’s how their content gets used. So at the end of the day, the proof in the pudding and starting with that why and making it that single source of truth. We put it exactly where the reps live every single day embedded in our CRM. But when reps saw the tool and the action that it brought in saving time and helping them win that adoption started to follow naturally. And we continue. Every single week we have a reinforcement on content being placed out of there. It was a new muscle, and like any new muscle, we had to train that muscle. The good news is, is once we train it, we go to maintenance mode. And it’s been a much, much, much, much, much smoother process than when I’ve done this at other, other organizations where we were either under-resourced or underfunded, and we were really kind of rolling things out at a project level versus a programmatic level. RR: Gotcha. So it’s sort of that you can take a rep to enablement, but you can’t make them drink. You need to prove the value, and you need to be building for them. I think that makes a lot of sense. Thinking a little bit about doing the work, driving the adoption, how do you then measure success? What are the key metrics you track and then now moving into kind of trying to operationalize AI, how are you measuring that as well? CS: Yeah, very fair question. And I think this is also another thing, you know, this is my experience, been in groups with some really great enablement leaders across the board, and I feel like over the last several years, especially as that kind of transition to more. That value-based selling has become always important, but it’s become critical over the last several years with the introduction of ai, the different economic conditions and things of that nature. Every sales leader I talk to is really trying to measure the impact that their teams are having on the business and we look at it at a few ways here. I think we look at it from what we call some of our leading and lagging indicators. Specifically, we wanna see some of the early adoption and controls that we have there. So from a leading indicator perspective. We’re looking very closely right outta the gate. Whenever we launch a new program around things like certification rates, the usage data, early stage conversions, rates, some of that content engagement score, and then what we look at is the direct connection to the outcomes that happen, like stage progression, conversion rates, quota attainment, and sales cycle velocity. In my four months here, that’s where we’re really starting to drive and we’re starting to see a little bit more of those lagging indicators. As a business, we kind of have a core metric to maintain and also improve those conversion rates. So that was kind of the North Star, what we looked at from working our way backwards where, okay, what gets us to those things? And that’s where we looked at specific skills programs that we are running and we’re our rep certifying, were our managers certifying? Were they using the content that we created and did we see a correlation between those things and the performance? And we absolutely have, which has been really great for us to correlate a lot of that. To your second part of that question, as it relates to AI, I think we’re kind of looking at it from a few different ways. We are by no means the experts of AI measurement, but we, we have put some things in place that we’re looking at trying to get better constantly, which first and foremost is. Are we giving the reps more time to do more sales focused activities? So it, it’s one thing of it to create some time savings, but it’s also another thing to say within that time, did we help you be more intentional? Did we help you be more accurate? Did you use the right content or the right information? Or were you fed that in a way that helped you create a differentiating experience or a consistent experience in that engagement with a prospect or existing customer? When we can do that for at the rep level, we then want to drive AI driven insights on the backend to really look at how that impact coaching can take place at the conversational and the deal outcomes level. That’s the correlation. We’re kind of looking on that backend. Our ideal state would be able to also look at. How do we either add more propensity and volume to what our existing AEs are doing? Time savings is great, but what are you doing with that time on the backend, right? Is it, Hey, more time to go, you know, play ping pong down in the break room, which is always a great thing. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. But it does allow it to be more intentional. It does allow us to be more powerful in the capacity of each of our reps. I always have heard a great quote from John Barrows, who I’m sure many people know. And one of the things I’ve heard him say specifically about ai, and I think about this as we measure AI, is really good sellers and really go to organizations that help their sellers. AI will augment what they do. Anyone stuck kind of in the old way of selling it will replace you in what you do. And I think that’s how we look at, how are we leveraging and augmenting that AI to look at the time savings, but long-term, how do we make it so they’re more intentional, more accurate, and produce some of those more outcomes at the individual level? And then how does that really embrace the impact coaching conversations on the backend? RR: Yeah, I think the lucky part of being kind of mired in all of this change is that we’re building our metrics as we’re figuring out what we can reasonably do. And so when you have that philosophy that you led with of Know Your North Star, ask the questions that will help you understand what actually drives there, and fill out those leading and lagging indicators as you’re doing the work. That’s gonna be a helpful philosophy, and that’s gonna get you through to figuring out those metrics. I’m curious too, as you’ve been looking at these indicators for AI and also just for your broader enablement programs, have you seen any particular business results with Highspot or any wins that you’d like to share? Things that you’re really proud of? CS: Yeah, I think there’s a few things, and I kind of break these down by kind of what I’d call some of those leading and lagging and I think, you know, some of them directly correlate to, to business outcomes. I think a few things that have really driven up is how our reps and how our team members are meeting customers where they’re at. But then I would also say on the backend, how has training and coaching improved because of that? And I think that’s a huge, huge, huge win for us. When I kind of look at over the last, you know, four to six months, some of the numbers that pop out I, I kind of. Share with you that I think are relevant? I think one of the really cool things that we have seen is we’ve seen a 91% engagement with our buyers, especially with external shares that’s gone up massively. I think we tracked something like we’ve had nearly 30,000 views during this window and period of. External content that customers were viewing, but also what they were sharing internally with other parts of their organization. We had no clue what was going on with content when we shared it before. And why does that actually matter? Because we started to correlate some of the in increase in in buyer engagement, the increase in some of the sales play views, which actually went up over 260% for us, up to 31%. That was so powerful, and I kind of think about that at the just in time level. One of the other things that that really resonated with us is the findability ratio, and from a content management perspective, historically prior to our engagement with Highspot and leveraging the AI, everything that was recorded with that. One of the major complaints that Bamboo got from a lot of our reps were, oh man, it’s really hard to find things when I need them. That just in time moment sometimes passes, as I mentioned earlier, and even if it takes me 30 minutes to an hour to send a follow up, sometimes I don’t have that. And we look at that findability ratio that we have of a seven. We saw our click-through rates go up dramatically. I think they went up 32% and the amount of items we had viewed as reps were going through the process of engaging a prospect in real time went up 14%. Why does all of that matter? Because I think as we looked at, okay, we’re giving you the right. Content and clearly it’s helping it create engagement with our prospects and customers. Does that, what does that engagement lead to on the backend? And one of the biggest things we found across certification and consistency across that was when you kinda look at some of the certifications we launched with AI across the board, and I’m focusing just in a Q1 of this year, we had two really big certifications. That were across the entire revenue organization, one of them being a skills related focus, and one of them being a specific platform product related focus. We certified 300 users in one, over 300 users in another one, and with the manual time that that would’ve had taken prior, we were able to save almost 220 hours from an enablement. Side with the AI, with only these two certifications. So scalability became a really, really important thing from an operational side for our enablement team and our managers who are typically having to do this at a very, very manual level. So why does all of that matter as a business? What we’ve correlated is our reps that are leveraging this in executing this are performing at about a 25 to 30% improvement level across their peers that maybe haven’t adopted this yet. So some really nice leading and lagging indicators of the power of AI and the power of what these tools can bring to the table. Are we perfect at it? By no stretch of the imagination, we still have some laggards that we’re trying to bring up, but we have seen some of those economies of scale grow with the reps that really have embraced this, and even some of the others that kind of, some laggards initially still have some of those, but the proof has been in the pudding there for us and, and it’s been a fantastic investment. RR: Those are I to begin. Incredible wins, great numbers. 30,000 views is incredible. I love the way you kind of told that story of how your wins compound. You know, you start with content, you make things accessible, all of a sudden your reps can use it, and now buyer engagement improves and then it just continues to grow and you have this feedback loop of continuous improvement To your point earlier. Many compliments. I know, as you said, you’re always moving, you’re always improving, you’re always growing. So in that spirit of continuous improvement, curious if you could talk to me a little bit about maybe what’s in the future, what is that potential long-term value of embracing AI for Bamboo, and how are you gonna continue doing so down the line? CS: Yeah, so I, I think for us, the intentionality there is really around scalability. It comes down to that one thing, the long-term value for us is scalability. That’s a little bit general in a response, but let me kind of give some context to that as to why scalability is important, right? AI is so fantastic. It allows our enablement team to support more reps, do it more personally without having to necessarily grow linear head count. And I think that’s a challenge. We’ve been, you know, our executive team, very forward thinking, thinks very much about those things and is very intentional about how we’re leveraging that to not only scale what we do, but do so in a very intentional and respectful and responsible way. Really when we think about what’s happening, so when I talk about scalability as well, it also is looking at it at the rep level and giving our reps access to the personalization at an individual contributor level for career development and coaching and guidance, but doing it at scale so we can consistently up level the team with really. Without burning out our frontline managers, our enablement resources, because the two most precious commodities that we view here at BambooHR are clearly our customers, but also our people. Those two resources are so vital and so important, so when we think about our. AI strategy and, and an enablement. It’s how do we create scalability with some of the unknowns that frankly exist today. Our organization has moved very quickly. We’ve kind of gone through a renaissance of our own, and there’s been a lot of changes, even just at the operational level here. Part of the way we look and are very intentional for scalability with AI is. What does AI allow us? Not only do today, but what’s coming down the road that allows us to invest in changes that we don’t even know about yet? And how do we continue to do that to scale human application across the AI intentional application? And that’s kind of how we’re looking at that. RR: I love that. I think it’s, you know, a great philosophy and I think it’s something that a lot of people are kind of gonna be embracing in the coming days. Just one last question for you. Speaking of that, you know, philosophies that other people can lean on to close, if you could give us one, maybe two pieces of advice for other enablement leaders who are looking to improve sales productivity with AI, what would that be? CS: Yeah, this is a, I feel like a golden ticket question that I think everyone’s trying to solve for. I think for me is, I think everyone has an AI initiative that I speak with. I, I, I doubt there’s any organization that isn’t looking at how to do that. But what I would say is don’t treat it as necessarily a separate initiative. I, I think about how do you embed it to an earlier comment to kind of bookend the, the conversation a little bit is it’s not necessarily, and, and to your point about. Changing the intended outcome as much as how you do it. So embedding it into your sales process, embedding it into your organizational processes. One of the things that was really helpful for us is we kind of took the visual representation of what an enablement team member does, but also if our customer, our internal resources like our sellers. What does the journey look like for them as they start their day, they start their interactions, they prepare, they engage. And then kind of that post-call, post interaction, what does that look like? And what we said is let’s map that out. And then we started small with one or two use cases that were kind of low hanging fruit that directly supported the productivity like. Surfacing the right content during calls or providing real call time feedback. And then what we really wanted to do is we really wanted to listen and we wanted to map out what did we think we could do now? What did we want the like ideal state to look like? And then we sat down and we asked our reps and we said. How are you performing along this? We have data that shows us how we think you’re performing, but what’s working, but more importantly, what’s not working and how do we make those shifts so that we can make sure that we’re actually making a difference? And I think the big key for us was it, we didn’t think about it and we kind of took a step back almost as like a tool roll out. And what we really wanted to make this about was changing behavior. It wasn’t necessarily about, oh, here’s this new AI tool. Go use it. Like we may have rolled out. CRM training. In the past it was what is the behavior change that is associated with this? And really that’s the best thing that we could do is make AI feel intuitive, make it indispensable, make it, build it into how your reps are working so that it becomes. Just like, almost like breathing. You don’t think about it, but you definitely feel it if it’s not there. And that’s kind of one of the things I always talk about is how do you embed AI, align it with that AI journey and how they’re engaging with the customer in a day in the life. And as you embed it in there, it becomes part of what they do and then they start to feel it when it’s not there. But that would be, that would be my biggest piece of feedback for anyone that’s looking at it, is don’t treat it as a separate initiative, embed it into everything that you do. Map it against how you expect your internal teams to work and you start to find the adoption follows. RR: Awesome. Well, this has been so wonderful, Chris, so insightful, and I think this is kind of the insights that people are really looking for. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Win Win podcast. Be sure to tune in next time for more insights on how you can maximize enablement success with Highspot.

In this episode of Don't Go Broke Trying, Reni is joined by Yanmo Omorogbe, co-founder of Bamboo, to break down everything you need to know about starting your investment journey, no matter how little money or experience you have.They talk through how the Bamboo app works, what makes it trustworthy, and how you can start investing in Naira or USD with as little as ₦50k. Yanmo explains the difference between US and Nigerian stocks, the perks of managed portfolios, and how to avoid the trap of waiting for the “perfect” time to start.If investing has ever felt overwhelming, intimidating, or just out of reach, this episode is your simple, relatable guide to getting started and building wealth, one small step at a time.What you'll learn in this episode:Why you don't need a lot of money to start investingThe difference between Nigerian stocks, US stocks, ETFs, and fixed-income optionsHow Bamboo protects your money and earns user trustWhat a managed portfolio is and who it's perfect forWhy the best time to invest is right nowWhether you're just starting out or trying to get back into investing, this episode will help you build confidence, take action, and grow your money without going broke trying.Resources Mentioned: Download Bamboo: https://investbamboo.go.link/kA7xbJoin Bamboo's WhatsApp Channel: https://learn.investbamboo.com/join-a-bamboo-community/ Follow Bamboo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investbamboo/Free Bamboo Stock Market Courses: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwXVy-Kee-8&list=PLhGIEGJgXpB0f6FE_OFidIRJDhygUIOak - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAAJXyIOzp0&list=PLhGIEGJgXpB0Q_IhpEg0RfbdvwEN2ecgO Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/x4pv1uj5Kiw?si=XmJw86e4kome2xV2 Connect With Yanmo!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanmo_o/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/yanmoomorogbe Join Don't Go Broke Collective: ⁠https://www.skool.com/dont-go-broke-collective/about⁠Connect With Us!Follow the podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/dontgobroketrying Follow Reni on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/xoreni Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠renitheresource.com/category/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/dgbtpod⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Reni's YouTube: https://youtube.com/xoreniDISCLAIMER: The views and opinions shared on this channel are for informational and educational purposes only. This is NOT financial advice. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing.

Join us on the mysterious journey of Bamboo and the Turtle, a magical and mystical tale taken from ancient China. Please scroll down to find the first two parts if you haven't already listened. If you prefer to listen without our relaxing background music, scroll up to the next episode of Mysteries at Midnight to find our Music Free version. Please leave a 5-star review & SUBSCRIBE on Apple and Spotify. Sleep Cove Premium Become a Premium Member for Bonus Episodes & Ad-Free listening: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sleepcove.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and become a Premium Member. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Instant Access⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and sign up in two taps. The Sleep Cove Premium Feed includes: - Access to over 400 Ad-free Episodes - Regular Exclusive Bonus Episodes - A Back Catalogue of Dozens of Exclusive Episodes - Full Audiobooks like Alice in Wonderland - Your name read out on the Show - Our Love! Get your 7-day free trial:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://sleepcove.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For Apple users, click the TRY FREE button for a 2-week free trial and become a Premium Member Today. Support our Sponsors: This episode of Sleep Cove is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠betterhelp.com/sleepcove ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and get on your way to being your best self. Our Sister Shows: - Calm Cove - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/bgSKfkbt⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Relaxing Music & Ambient Sounds - Mysteries at Midnight - Mystery Bedtime Stories -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/skj6YFah⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Let's Begin - Daytime Meditations with wake sections at the end -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/Z--DgSH4 ⁠⁠⁠⁠ - YouTube Bedtime Story Channel -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://rb.gy/t7wyjk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - YouTube Sleep Hypnosis & Meditation Channel -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClE6WJgPYRBtwVQ1qDBrbqw⁠ Connect: - Join the Newsletter for a Bonus Meditation -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.sleepcove.com/bonus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://rb.gy/azpdrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sleep_cove/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepcovechris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Recommended Products: Comfortable Sleep Headphones -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.sleepcove.com/headphones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Best Mattress from Puffy:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sleepcove.com/puffy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Sister Shows in more detail: ⁠Calm Cove⁠ is our music channel, where you can find Relaxing Music, White Noise and Nature Sounds - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/bgSKfkbt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Let's Begin⁠ is our brand new Day Meditation podcast. Start your day feeling relaxed and positive, or take some time out to unwind with these calming meditations with wakeners at the end so that you can continue your day. If you love our bedtime stories, check out⁠ Mysteries at Midnight⁠, our brand-new podcast dedicated to the mystery stories our listeners love so much. Enjoy even more from Poirot, Sherlock and more classic mystery tales. _______________ All Content by Sleep Cove is for educational or entertainment purposes and does not provide or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical professional before making any changes to your treatment and if in any doubt, contact your doctor. Please listen in a place where you can safely go to sleep. Sleep Cove is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from the use of this content. _________________ Sleep Cove content includes guided sleep meditations, sleep hypnosis (hypnotherapy), sleep stories (visualizations) and Bedtime Stories for adults and grown-ups, all designed to help you get a great night's sleep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trace & Blake are joined in this BONUS

The Bounce is joined this week by a long time friend, Richie. Or Richie Rich, as he prefers to be called. The trio deal with some dilemmas about adopted children, extended family relationships and unresolved, unrequited love. And not to toot our own horn, but this week's episode gives you ✨insight✨ on how to maneuver love, feelings and dating as a young person. So if you don't have a partner by next week, that's on you! Boys and Girls! Our London Live Show tickets are now live and selling fast!We'd love to see you at our show so visit https://link.dice.fm/x20e3e932c0b to secure your seats now! Don't forget to use #ISWIS or #ISWISPodcast to share your thoughts while listening to the podcast on X! Rate the show 5 stars on whatever app you listen to and leave a review, share with everyone you know and if you also watch on YouTube, subscribe, like and leave a comment!If investing on your own is a bit too complicated for you, we have something sweet to help you out! With Bamboo's Managed Portfolio, the pros handle it for you. Bamboo builds, manages, and optimizes your portfolio catering to your needs. All you need to do is open your Bamboo app, tap “Managed Portfolio,” and enter the amount you want to invest. That's it. So, while you're out there living your best life, Bamboo is growing your money in the background.We're loving our Bolden Skincare products right now & we want you to join us! You can shop them at Medplus Pharmacy locations, Nectar Beauty, Beauty Hut & Teeka4! Or on www.boldenusa.com for US, UK & CanadaMake sure to follow us onTwitter: @ISWISPodcastInstagram: @isaidwhatisaidpodYoutube: @isaidwhatisaidpodHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Today on the show, the whole gang is back together and just in time as markets flinch as the U.S. launches strikes on Iran, and Bitcoin feels the heat

Great fundraising, like the growth of bamboo, begins with unseen groundwork. The first five years may show nothing above the surface, but beneath lies a strong, intentional root system—just like the quiet outreach, relationship-building, and resilience fundraisers must invest before major gifts emerge. Today's donor landscape demands more patience, personalization, and persistence than ever. When we stop chasing instant metrics and start cultivating trust, consistency, and collaboration, we prepare for the kind of exponential growth that surprises everyone—except the one who's been doing the root work all along.

Hi This is Brad Weisman - Click Here to Send Me a Text MessageSamantha Gold shares the extraordinary story of Motette, her bamboo pajama brand that's exploded in popularity just two months after launch. She reveals how she's leveraged a community of 2,000 moms to co-create products while implementing a DIY PR strategy that's landed major media features.• Using bamboo fabric for pajamas because it's sustainable and great for sensitive skin• Creating tag-free labels that are heat-pressed to accommodate children with sensory issues• Building an "inner mom circle" of 2,000 mothers who provide real-time feedback on products• Implementing a DIY PR strategy that involves pitching 50-100 media contacts daily• Growing without outside funding to maintain complete creative control• Expanding into wholesale with six boutique partnerships secured in just one week• Planning celebrity/influencer collaborations and expanding size ranges• Using ChatGPT to name the brand after trademark issues with her first choice• Moving to Australia with her family which created the opportunity to start her own business• Her background in tech sales providing the skills needed for entrepreneurial successIf you're interested in joining Samantha's inner mom circle, send a DM to @ShopMotette on Instagram. Entrepreneurs interested in one-on-one consulting can reach Samantha at @TheSamanthaGold.#shopmotette #samanthagold #bradweisman #tbws #bamboopajamas  ---Welcome to The Brad Weisman Show, where we dive into the world of real estate, real life, and everything in between with your host, Brad Weisman!

My name's Tracey, & this week I'm flying solo with Blake while Craig enjoys one last week off.This week on Crypto Curious, we're diving into the shiny new Bitcoin-back credit card from Coinbase. Yes, its metal, it's got perks, and it's the first of its kind on the Amex network.Plus, crypto gets a glow-up in 2025 as new data shows it's not just for bros and Lambos anymore. The space is growing up, and so are the people using it.We're also checking in on the DECA conference, unpacking Trump's crypto playbook, as we round it all out with our Short Sharp News Bites — kidnappings, stablecoins, and a whole lot of regulatory tea.Let's get into it

Amidst this Phillies run from last week many fans and pundits alike have wondered what could be the cause of this sudden turnaround! Well it may be a simple plant in Rob Thomson's office! Find out about this viral bamboo plant and the facts that show it's presence in Topper's office allows for winning from the Phillies!

In hour 1, the WIP Midday Show is reacting to the Phillies sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend! While it was a tremendous weekend, the midday show realizes the Phillies roller coaster season they've been on so far. They're wondering if it's time to fully buy back in yet? Plus, is a bamboo plant from Rob Thomson's office bringing the Phillies good luck?!

This week on the pod with Trace and Blake (because Craig is still off in Europe!!):

FRIDAY HR 2 RRR Trivia - What was Oscar The Grouch's original fur color? Thank You Metallica Bamboo is grass

On Episode 364 of Airey Bros Radio, we're joined by Jersey Shore broadcasting legend Kevin Williams, the voice of WOBM and the Shore Conference for over 45 years. From calling Ocean County College hoops to launching the WOBM Christmas Classic and anchoring morning shows that became a soundtrack to generations of wrestlers, runners, and athletes, Kevin reflects on a lifetime in local sports media. We dive deep into the evolution of radio, the golden era of high school sports, the magic of Seaside summers, and what it means to serve a community with a microphone.Whether you grew up listening to him before wrestling meets or just love Jersey Shore nostalgia, this one's a trip down memory lane—and a tribute to the storytellers behind the scenes.

#759 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/759  Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Fish The Fly, FishHound Expeditions, Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors    In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Kustich—bamboo rod builder, author, and one of the pioneers of Great Lakes steelhead fly fishing. From his off-the-grid cabin days in Idaho to building rods with legends like Tom Morgan at Winston and starting Sweetgrass Rods, Jerry takes us on a soulful journey through decades of fly fishing evolution. You'll hear about his early fishing adventures, the rise of the Great Lakes fishery, his passion for writing, and the powerful stories behind the rods, rivers, and people that shaped his life. If you love stories that go deeper than just catching fish, this one's for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/759