Podcasts about Belonging

At the end of January, Trump's Justice Department released what it said was the last tranche of the Epstein files: millions of pages of emails and texts, F.B.I. documents and court records. Much was redacted and millions more pages have been withheld. There is a lot we want to know that remains unclear.But what has come into clear view is the role Epstein played as a broker of information, connections, wealth and women and girls for a slice of the global elite. This was the infrastructure of Epstein's power — and it reveals much about the infrastructure of elite networks more generally.Anand Giridharadas is something of a sociologist of American elites. He's the author of, among other books, “Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World” and the forthcoming “Man in the Mirror: Hope, Struggle and Belonging in an American City.” He also publishes the great newsletter The.Ink.Back in November, after the release of an earlier batch of Epstein files, Giridharadas wrote a great Times Opinion guest essay, taking a sociologist's lens to the messages Epstein exchanged with his elite friends. So after the government released this latest, enormous tranche of materials, I wanted to talk to Giridharadas to help make sense of it. What do they reveal — about how Epstein operated in the world, the vulnerabilities he exploited and what that says about how power works in America today?Note: This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, Feb. 10. On Thursday, Feb. 12, Kathryn Ruemmler announced she would be resigning from her role as chief legal officer and general counsel at Goldman Sachs.This episode contains strong language.Mentioned:“How the Elite Behave When No One Is Watching: Inside the Epstein Emails” by Anand Giridharadas“How JPMorgan Enabled the Crimes of Jeffrey Epstein” by David Enrich, Matthew Goldstein and Jessica Silver-Greenberg“Scams, Schemes, Ruthless Cons: The Untold Story of How Jeffrey Epstein Got Rich” by David Enrich, Steve Eder, Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Matthew GoldsteinBook Recommendations:Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlancBehind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine BooUnpublished Work by Conchita SarnoffThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Jack McCordick. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, mixing by Aman Sahota and Isaac Jones. Our executive producer is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Marie Cascione, Annie Galvin, Rollin Hu, Kristin Lin, Emma Kehlbeck, Marina King and Jan Kobal. Original music by Pat McCusker and Aman Sahota. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on ‘The Write Question,' host Lauren Korn speaks with Penobscot writer Morgan Talty, author of ‘Fire Exit' (Tin House Books; Zando Projects), now available in paperback!

This week on ‘The Write Question,' host Lauren Korn speaks with Penobscot writer Morgan Talty, author of ‘Fire Exit' (Tin House Books; Zando Projects), now available in paperback!

This week! As part of Black History Month's centenary year, Jeremy Cobb and Candace the Magnificent welcome a powerful panel into the Halfling Stadium: ⁠Amihan “The Rose Cleric”⁠ , ⁠Aetherius Bordeaux⁠, ⁠“Lamia” Cassie Walker⁠ and ⁠Queon Story⁠. Marking 100 years of Black History Month, the conversation centres on the challenges of existing in the TTRPG space while telling authentic stories as a Person of Colour. Together, they unpack the spicy realities of the industry, including visibility at tables, who gets platformed, tokenism, structural barriers, and the uneven ladder of success. All four guests are storytellers in their own right, and the episode highlights how they interweave heritage, lived experience, and creativity into their work. From Black storytelling traditions to the responsibility of building inclusive spaces, this roundtable reflects on the weight and the beauty of carrying culture into fantasy, and what it truly means to uplift other POC creatives. Halflings, do not forget. Friday 13th February, 8pm, London Carlisle runs Harlem Unbound live on the Three Black Halflings Twitch for a charity charity stream you won't want to miss. February is stacked. Tune in. lso - did you miss out on our first

High-performing professionals often feel exhausted managing friendships without knowing why. This episode explores how stopping over-functioning restores presence, belonging, and nervous system safety — without explanation, conflict, or loss.High-performing, capable people don't usually feel drained by conflict in friendships.They feel drained by management.By reading the room.Anticipating needs.Explaining shifts.Making sure everyone is okay with how they're showing up.In this episode of The Recalibration, we explore what happens when you stop managing friendships — not by pulling away, but by allowing alignment to settle quietly in the body.Many high-capacity humans mistake regulation for withdrawal at first. When effort decreases and calm emerges, the nervous system may wonder: Am I disengaging… or am I finally present? This episode gently reframes that tension, naming how regulated presence often feels smaller, simpler, and more ordinary than expected.Drawing on identity-level work, nervous system awareness, and story-shaped relational patterns, this conversation explores why familiarity is not the same as truth — and how belonging does not disappear when effort decreases.This is not mindset work.It's not behavior correction.It's Identity-Level Recalibration (ILR) — the root-level realignment that makes every other tool effective again. When identity precedes behavior, relationships begin to feel steadier without force, explanation, or performance.For listeners shaped by early environments that rewarded attentiveness, emotional responsibility, or stability, this episode offers permission to practice alignment without commentary — trusting that safety grows through consistency, not intensity.Today's Micro Recalibration“Where can I show up with a little less monitoring — and a little more presence?”Not to withdraw.Not to disengage.Just to stay.Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Take your listening deeper! Subscribe to The Weekly Recalibration Companion to receive reflections and extensions to each week's podcast episodes. → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things

Episode 521 ~ February 12, 2026 Podcast Info / Topics The Veracruz Reef System National Park has new rules when it comes to paddlecraft and tourism operators One mans paddle down the Hudson River for science turned into a discovery of belonging and connection Set yourself some realistic goals for getting outside in 2026

Learn more about The Regenerative Alchemy Advanced Somatic Practitioner Apprenticeship and get yourself on the growing waitlist.Visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.drsarahcoxon.com/coachtraining

What does Jewish belonging look like in an age of scrolling, searching, and self-guided learning? In this episode, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with independent Jewish educator Netta Asner-Minster, who is inspiring and guiding people on their Jewish journey both in one-to-one classes and on social media to her tens of thousands of followers. Their conversation enthusiastically dives into what it means to coach people through their exploration while meeting them where they are: from curiosity to fluency, from questioning to pride, and sometimes from struggle to belonging. Learn more about Netta's work at nettajewished.com.Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show's executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York. 

Barrels, Botanicals, and Belonging at Whiskey ThiefShow NotesThank you to Lisa, Benjamin, and Kelley for entering the Whiskey Ring!If you haven't joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so at patreon.com/whiskeyinmyweddingringAs of December 2025, the $25/month bottle share club level is sold out! There is one member looking to retire - let me know if you'd like the spot!Join at the $5/month level for first shot at an open spot when a member retires and to keep receiving ad-free episodes via Patreon.If you haven't yet, please follow Whiskey in my Wedding Ring and the Whiskey Ring Podcast on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter on the website.Whiskey Thief Distilling CompanyWebsite: https://whiskeythief.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskeythiefdistilling/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whiskeythiefdistilling/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whiskeythief/

Episode 521 ~ February 12, 2026 Podcast Info / Topics The Veracruz Reef System National Park has new rules when it comes to paddlecraft and tourism operators One mans paddle down the Hudson River for science turned into a discovery of belonging and connection Set yourself some realistic goals for getting outside in 2026

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Finding Belonging: A Lantern Festival Journey in Chengdu Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2026-02-12-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 灯笼节的清晨，成都市的天空飘着细细的雪花，远处的景物被白雪覆盖。En: On the morning of the Denglongjie (Lantern Festival), the sky over Chengdu was filled with fine snowflakes, and distant scenes were covered with white snow.Zh: 莉芬裹紧大衣，深吸了一口寒冷但是新鲜的空气，开始了她和家人的旅程。En: Lifen wrapped her coat tightly around herself, took a deep breath of the cold but fresh air, and started her journey with her family.Zh: 他们一起去参观在大熊猫繁育研究基地工作的舅舅金海。En: They were heading to visit her uncle, Jinhai, who works at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base.Zh: 莉芬听说这个地方是世界上最著名的大熊猫保护区之一，心中的好奇和期待与日俱增。En: Lifen had heard that this place is one of the most famous giant panda sanctuaries in the world, and her curiosity and anticipation grew with each passing day.Zh: 进入基地，莉芬立刻被一片生机勃勃的场景吸引。En: Upon entering the base, Lifen was immediately drawn to the vibrant scene.Zh: 黑白相间的大熊猫在雪地里攀爬、嬉戏，显得格外可爱。En: Black and white pandas were climbing and frolicking in the snow, appearing particularly adorable.Zh: 红灯笼悬挂在枝头和屋檐，给冬日的基地增加了一抹亮丽的色彩。En: Red lanterns hung from the branches and eaves, adding a splash of bright color to the winter base.Zh: 这时，金海迎上来，和蔼地笑着。En: Just then, Jinhai approached with a friendly smile.Zh: “莉芬，欢迎来到我们的熊猫之家。希望你会喜欢这里！”金海说道，脸上挂着满满的自豪。En: "Lifen, welcome to our panda home. I hope you will like it here!" Jinhai said, a look of pride on his face.Zh: 与金海同行的还有他的女儿，美玲，一个机灵的小姑娘，总是喜欢讲述她父亲工作中有趣的故事。En: Accompanying Jinhai was his daughter, Meiling, a clever little girl who always enjoyed telling interesting stories about her father's work.Zh: “莉芬姐姐，你知道吗？这些熊猫都是我们的家人，每一只都有自己的名字和故事。”美玲兴奋地说道。En: "Lifen sister, did you know? These pandas are our family, and each one has its own name and story," Meiling said excitedly.Zh: 莉芬微笑着点头，可心里却觉得有些疏远。En: Lifen nodded with a smile, but inside she felt a bit distant.Zh: 虽然她仰慕着舅舅的事业，但同时也感觉自己与家族的文化距离有些遥远。En: Although she admired her uncle's career, she also felt somewhat detached from her family's culture.Zh: 午后，基地开始为灯笼节做准备。En: In the afternoon, the base began preparations for the Lantern Festival.Zh: 红色的灯笼被小心翼翼地挂起，彩色的手工灯笼竞相辉映。En: Red lanterns were carefully hung, and colorful handmade lanterns vied for attention.Zh: 莉芬有些犹豫，不确定自己是否该积极参与。En: Lifen hesitated, unsure if she should actively participate.Zh: 然而，当她看到人们忙碌的身影，心里忽然涌出一股不容错过的冲动。En: However, when she saw the busy figures of people around, an irresistible urge not to miss out suddenly welled up in her heart.Zh: 正值傍晚，灯笼节活动开始了。En: As evening fell, the Lantern Festival activities began.Zh: 莉芬和美玲一起动手制作了一盏属于她们的灯笼。En: Lifen and Meiling worked together to make a lantern of their own.Zh: 当灯光点亮的一刻，激动之情无法言表。En: At the moment the light was turned on, the excitement was indescribable.Zh: 她们用灯笼上的笔写下了心愿。En: They wrote down their wishes on the lantern.Zh: 随后，灯笼漫天飘舞，携着她们的祝福，慢慢升向天空。En: Then, the lanterns floated across the sky, carrying their blessings, slowly ascending.Zh: 望着缓缓升起的灯笼，莉芬忽然感受到一种从未有过的宁静与连接。En: Watching the slowly rising lanterns, Lifen suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of peace and connection.Zh: 她在星光与灯光汇聚的夜空下，似乎找到了与祖辈文化的联结。En: Under the starry and lantern-lit night sky, she seemed to have found a connection with her ancestral culture.Zh: 她也发现，保护大熊猫不仅仅是舅舅的事业，更是每个家庭成员情感交流的一部分。En: She also realized that protecting the giant pandas was not just her uncle's cause, but a part of emotional communication for every family member.Zh: “真美！”莉芬轻声说道，心中温暖，脸上露出久违的笑容。En: "So beautiful!" Lifen whispered, warmth in her heart, showing a long-lost smile on her face.Zh: 活动结束后，莉芬走到金海身边，由衷地对他说：“舅舅，我为你的工作感到骄傲，也为能成为这个家庭的一员感到自豪。”En: After the event ended, Lifen walked up to Jinhai and sincerely said, "Uncle, I am proud of your work, and I am proud to be a member of this family."Zh: 金海微笑着拍拍她的肩膀回答：“无论走多远，文化总是我们回归的起点。”En: Jinhai smiled and patted her shoulder, replying, "No matter how far you go, culture is always the starting point to return to."Zh: 在这一刻，莉芬终于体会到来自家庭和文化的归属感。En: At this moment, Lifen finally experienced a sense of belonging from her family and culture.Zh: 她决定，要更多地了解自己的文化背景，拥抱这片土地给予她的温暖。En: She decided to learn more about her cultural background and embrace the warmth this land offered her.Zh: 从这天起，莉芬以更加自信的步伐走向未来，而她的故事也在这个冬天的灯笼节中留下了温情的印记。En: From this day on, Lifen walked into the future with more confidence, and her story left a warm imprint during this winter's Lantern Festival. Vocabulary Words:distant: 远处的curiosity: 好奇anticipation: 期待vibrant: 生机勃勃的frolicking: 嬉戏adorable: 可爱eaves: 屋檐pride: 自豪detached: 疏远hesitated: 犹豫irresistible: 不容错过urge: 冲动indescribable: 无法言表blessings: 祝福unprecedented: 从未有过的ancestral: 祖辈的connection: 联结emotional: 情感communication: 交流sincerely: 由衷地belonging: 归属感embrace: 拥抱confidence: 自信imprint: 印记fine snowflakes: 细细的雪花sanctuaries: 保护区wrapped: 裹紧carefully: 小心翼翼地participate: 参与ancestral culture: 祖辈文化

In this episode of Office Hours, Dr. Carlton J. Fong, educational psychologist and faculty member in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Texas State University, shares how his journey from studying cognitive science at UC Berkeley to earning his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at UT Austin shaped his passion for understanding how students learn, stay motivated, and succeed. He reflects on his own college experiences, the mentors who helped guide his path, and the personal moments that pushed him toward researching student motivation and belonging.Dr. Fong also dives into his work on self-regulation, help-seeking, and student agency, including what his research reveals about what actually helps students thrive in college. He discusses his NIH-funded project in STEM education, the importance of empowering students to take ownership of their learning, and why feeling like you belong can make all the difference. His story offers a thoughtful look at mentorship, research with real-world impact, and how understanding yourself as a learner can change your entire college experience.

In this episode of the Imagine Belonging Podcast, Rhodes Perry invites listeners to shift their relationship with gratitude—from a passive reaction when things go well to an intentional practice of resilience. Drawing on the rich sensory experiences of a recent pilgrimage to India, Rhodes guides listeners through a deep, 20-minute somatic meditation designed to metabolize safety and build the resilience required to lead through collapse and chaos. Rather than bypassing the difficulties of leadership or "white-knuckling" through stress, Rhodes challenges leaders to ground themselves in the material, the communal, and the spiritual to access a generative state. This episode offers a sanctuary for the busy executive mind, teaching you to show up in your own power, express yourself without apology, and claim the agency you need to be the authentic leader your team is waiting for and needs. Key Reflections & Timestamps: [0:00] The Practice of Gratitude: Why gratitude is a mood we must practice to build leadership resilience, not just a reaction to good news. [3:00] Grounding in the Material: A somatic inquiry into the Earth and systems that support us, allowing leaders to feel held without needing to control everything. [7:00] The Community of Trust: Visualizing the mentors and guides who create safety, and how to metabolize that support to lower hyper-vigilance. [11:00] The Sky & Spirit: Expanding perspective beyond the immediate "to-do" list to access intuition and the bigger picture. [15:00] Unapologetic Self-Gratitude: A powerful invitation to thank yourself for your own courage, healing, and the choice to prioritize authenticity over people-pleasing. [18:00] Integration & Affirmations: Locking in the generative state to carry into your next meeting or decision.

What if lesson planning started with who students are becoming, not just what they need to cover?In this episode of The Culture-Centered Classroom Podcast, Jocelynn introduces three powerful planning questions that help educators design lessons rooted in identity, belonging, and meaning. These questions move instruction beyond compliance and coverage and toward connection, purpose, and deep learning.Inspired by a conversation with her uncle, a former high school teacher, and grounded in years of coaching educators, Jocelynn reflects on how assumptions about student motivation have shifted over time. She names a hard truth many educators share: as students, they followed rules, avoided trouble, and made it through school without experiencing meaningful learning.This episode explores why that model no longer works—and why it may never have truly served students in the first place.Rather than asking students to simply “pay attention and learn,” Jocelynn invites educators to intentionally design lessons that help students understand why learning matters and how it connects to their lives, their communities, and the world around them.In this episode, you'll explore:Why meaning is essential for engagement and motivationHow identity and belonging shape students' relationship to learningThe difference between compliance and authentic participationHow instructional choices communicate powerful messages to studentsWhy today's learners need support developing a “why” for learningThe Three Anchor QuestionsAs you plan lessons, Jocelynn encourages you to return to these guiding questions:What will my students learn about themselves?What will they learn about their peers?What will they learn about the world?These questions apply across grade levels, content areas, and roles, and they help shift lesson planning from task completion to meaning making.Coaching Corner ReflectionPause and reflect using the AAA Reflection Framework:What am I becoming aware of in how I plan for meaning?What am I choosing to accept, challenge, or release about student motivation?What is one small action I am willing to take next?Implementation IntentionUse this sentence frame to turn reflection into action:This week, I will ______ at ______ for ______ in ______.Small, specific steps create sustainable change.Closing ThoughtStudents do not disengage because learning is hard.They disengage when learning feels disconnected, unsafe, or meaningless.When educators plan with identity, belonging, and meaning in mind, classrooms become places where students are invited to think, reflect, and grow—not just comply.

Growing Together At Every Stage Part 5-4th to 9th Grade: Sense of Belonging and Healthy Community In this six-part series, we are joined by family therapist and author Meg Flynn, who brings us a wealth of knowledge from her work with families and kids for over three decades. In this era of high-pressure parenting and busy family life, Meg reminds us of how we can slow down, find the joy in each stage, and focus on what really matters–safety, connection, and growth. Part 5 addresses peer rejection, tackling homework, and building belonging and self-acceptance. (36 mins) February 11, 2026 This podcast is eligible for a Certificate of Completion if you complete a Post Podcast Test Test The post Growing Together at Every Stage: Part 5 – 4th to 9th Grade: Sense of Belonging and Healthy Community appeared first on Foster Adopt Minnesota.

Episode118-JMEL Authors, "Elevating Belonging for Leaders"

In this episode of Skip the Queue, Andy Povey is joined by Mark Lofthouse, Creative Director and Business & Client Strategy Manager at RWS Global, a global entertainment company delivering experiences across attractions, live events and destination design.Mark shares his journey into the attractions industry, from starting out in haunted attractions as a teenager to leading creative strategy on IP-led experiences around the world. Andy and Mark talks about how brands and attractions can create meaningful emotional connections, why guest-first design is critical to commercial success, and how IP partnerships can help venues reach new audiences when done thoughtfully. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of immersive experiences, personalisation, and what regional and family attractions can learn from projects that are thriving today.Key Topics Discussed:Emotional connection as the core of great attractionsHow IP and brands can attract new audiencesWhy guest-first design matters more than visualsWhat makes IP partnerships succeed or failLessons for regional and family attractionsThe future of immersive and personalised experiences Show References: Download The Visitor Attractions Website Survey Report - https://www.merac.co.uk/download-the-visitor-attractions-survey Mark Lofthouse, Senior Manager, Business & Client Strategy at RWS Globalhttps://www.rwsglobal.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/markloftcd/ Skip the Queue is brought to you by Merac. We provide attractions with the tools and expertise to create world-class digital interactions. Very simply, we're here to rehumanise commerce. Your host is Andy Povey. Credits:Written by Emily Burrows (Plaster)Edited by Steve FollandProduced by Emily Burrows and Sami Entwistle (Plaster) We have launched our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth. Download your FREE copy here

#308 Most gym owners don't lose clients because something is obviously broken. They lose them because nothing is intentionally getting better. In this conversation, Devin Gage shares how his thinking around community, leadership, and retention has evolved as his business has grown. Even after hitting major revenue milestones, Devin realized that success doesn't remove problems, it simply reveals new ones. We talk about why people don't give up on identity, how unintentional client journeys quietly hurt retention, and why constant improvement needs to apply everywhere including team meetings and leadership communication. This episode is a deep dive into building belonging by design, not by accident. What You'll Learn Why retention is often an identity problem, not a programming problem How cognitive dissonance shows up in client behavior and churn Why client journeys and retention systems should never be accidental The four layers of belonging and where most gyms stop too early How social events, referrals, and engagement create "social stakes" Why Devin still faced leadership challenges after crossing $1M in revenue How objective scorecards remove emotion from accountability Why Devin gathers 360-degree feedback from his team How constant improvement applies to leadership, meetings, and culture Key Concepts Discussed Belonging as a retention strategy Identity and client commitment Leadership development at every stage Objective accountability and scorecards Capacity, growth thresholds, and team readiness Continuous improvement in systems and people Who This Episode Is For Gym owners thinking deeply about retention Leaders who want stronger teams, not just more revenue Owners who've grown but still feel friction internally Anyone who wants to build a business that actually lasts Check out this free tool Devin is providing to our listeners to audit and improve your client retention.  Check out Devin's podcast here.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Tacos & Tech, Neal Bloom sits down with Juanny Romero, founder and CEO of Mothership Coffee Roasters, for a raw and deeply human conversation about building businesses rooted in belonging—not hustle.Juanny shares her journey from growing up in Queens, leaving New York after 9/11 in search of agency, opening her first café in Las Vegas with no business plan during the Great Recession, and learning math from fifth-grade textbooks to keep the business alive. What started as a single café became Mothership—now an eight-figure company built around community, connection, and purpose.The conversation explores loneliness in modern society, why baristas are “architects of meaning,” and how revenue becomes a byproduct when people feel they belong. Juanny also shares her bold next chapter: slowing down, rejecting hustle culture, and empowering 1,000 women to become millionaires by giving Mothership away like seeds.Key Topics* Failing forward and finding agency* Building community as the real product* Opening during the Great Recession* Learning numbers to trust intuition* Scaling without losing soul* COVID, chaos, and creativity* Belonging as a business advantage* Mentorship, incentives, and boundaries* Redefining success beyond moneyLinks* Mothership Coffee RoastersConnect on LinkedIn* Juanny Romero* Neal Bloom This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is extra special, it's our 100th episode! Identity is everything when it comes to creating Instagram content that really resonates with and engages your audience. We'll talk about calling out your audience's identity and then leaning into your own identity, looking at viral examples to break down the differences. I'm sharing a client win from a recent viral reel and we'll talk about why sharing your unique perspectives and experiences are the key to standing out online.In this episode we'll be covering:Giving yourself permission to start things messy and embrace imperfection.How we love to learn from each other through stories and experiences.Prioritizing your messaging and understanding who your audience is when creating content.Reviewing the REP Hook Formula: Relatable, Expertise and Personal.Audiences purchase or engage based on their own identity or the creator's identity.Leveraging personal identifiers in content hooks to resonate with your audience, such as demographics, situations, and locations.Featured content in this episode:Casuallymatthew_: POV There's a nook on InstagramMecailabeth: I have ADHDNoahglenncarter: Kevin James sitting aloneShawnacischroeder: Classic Literature by Black AuthorsMindfullymademotherhood: Snack my family asks for on repeatBudgeters_anonymous: Our son's net worth at 3 monthsRecommended episodes:Episode 53: Use Customer Insights to Create Reels That Attract and ConvertEpisode 61: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful ReelEpisode 67: The Importance of Belonging on Social MediaEpisode 83: Use the REP Hook Formula and Start Filling in the Missing PiecesEpisode 85: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your ContentEpisode 92: This is the Era of Experiences and BelongingEpisode 95: Building Real Community with Stories and Shared MomentsSend a message!If you use the send a message option above, be sure to include your email address if you would like a reply! (Please allow 3-5 business days for a response) Join me in the Reels Lab! Love this conversation? Make sure to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Connect with me on Instagram!

Season 5 opens with a return to the land.In this debut episode of our Guided by Plants series, early childhood educators Nick (he/him) and Mike (he/him) center alder and big leaf maple as living teachers of nourishment, protection, and interdependence in early childhood spaces.Through shared reflection and conversation, we explore how these plants sustain the ecosystems around them and what that can teach us about nourishing children in our programs. We riff on alder's role in restoring and supporting others, big leaf maple's capacity to offer shelter and space, and how these lessons can guide our interactions with children, families, and colleagues.This hour-long episode is rooted in observation, story, and practice. Listeners will walk away with ideas for how to thoughtfully introduce alder and big leaf maple into classroom experiences, leadership and management approaches, and relationship-building with families—grounded in care, curiosity, and connection rather than compliance.Join us as we slow down, notice, and invite the plant world to help shape how we show up for children and for one another.Interested in bringing Nick and Mike to your community? Got an idea for a future episode or something you want to reflect on with us? Email us at napcast206@gmail.com and let's talk.Follow along on Instagram @napcast206 for more reflections and behind-the-scenes moments.

We live in a world trained to ask, “What can this give me?”—and many of us unknowingly bring that same posture into our faith. Scripture, however, reveals a very different reality: God is not something to be consumed, but an all-consuming fire whose holiness transforms everything it touches. When Isaiah encountered God's holiness, he didn't leave comforted—he left undone, marked, and forever changed.All Consuming Fire is a loving wake-up call for the church—not to condemn, but to re-examine the holiness of our God and what that means for our lives. Over five weeks, we'll encounter biblical moments of God's holiness, paired with tangible, experiential responses and altar moments that invite real transformation. Alongside 21 Days of Prayer, this series calls us beyond information and into encounter - to allow the Holy One who purifies, refines, and restores to refine us, change us and call us into His purpose.-At Discover Church, we exist to see our city changed by Jesus, one life at a time by helping people discover LIFE in Christ, BELONGING in Community & PURPOSE in God's Calling on their life so that they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.-You can join us live on Sunday mornings at 9:00 or 10:45am, either in person or online! Visit www.discoverchurchkc.com for more information!

This episode is available in audio format on the Let's Talk Loyalty podcast and in video format on www.Loyalty.TV.This episode examines how PetSmart uses behavioral science, data, and shared passion to create a loyalty program that feels personal and purposeful. Our guest today is Emily Feldman, Senior Director of Loyalty and Membership Experience at PetSmart.From rewarding engagement over transactions to moving beyond one-size-fits-all loyalty, the conversation highlights tiered rewards, emotional connection, and the role of associates as loyalty advocates—showing how PetSmart builds long-term relationships with pet parents across every touchpoint.Hosted by Bridget Blaise-ShamaiShow Notes:1)Emily Feldman2) PetSmart3) Treats Rewards4) Freakonomics

Today, Angie and Andrea are talking with Eunice Chung about what the Bible says about belonging. Together, they share personal stories of times they have felt like outsiders and consider how vulnerability, service, and gospel-centered unity shape meaningful community. Learn more about how we can find belonging with others who are different from us, how to take a biblical step toward belonging, and more. LINKS:Lifeway Women Academy“How Beauty Forms Us and Stirs the Christian Imagination” BlogFriends & Sisters Bible studyRECOMMENDED: Listen to this past Marked episode with Eunice on how to grow in Christlikeness. Hosted by Angie Elkins and Andrea Lennon with guest Eunice Chung. CONNECT WITH US!Marked is a podcast from Lifeway Women.  Learn more at lifeway.com/joshua. Learn more at lifeway.com/angels. 

In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute Podcast, host Jonathan Morrow sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, author, speaker, and founder of Celebrate Kids, to explore her well-known teaching on the Five Core Needs, Security, Identity, Belonging, Purpose, and Competence, as outlined in her book Five to Thrive: How to Determine If Your Core Needs Are Being Met (and What to Do When They're Not). Together, they discuss how understanding and meeting these God-given needs can help students and adults alike flourish emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.Resources & LinksDr. Kathy Koch's Website: Celebrate KidsBook: Five to ThrivePodcast: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy KochImpact 360 Institute: impact360.orgLearn more about Explore Truth and Explore the Resurrection online coursesOn-campus programs in worldview and leadership developmentFollow on social media: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube This episode provides a deeply practical and biblical roadmap for understanding human motivation and flourishing. Dr. Kathy Koch shows how helping students and adults meet their core needs in Christ can transform insecurity and confusion into confidence, belonging, and purpose-driven living.

In 2016 Tara Roberts was living in Washington DC feeling, in a new way, the deep fractures in America, including the way we understand our history.  She felt called to be part of trying to heal these divisions.   It was a chance encounter with a photograph at the National Museum of African American History and Culture that changed the trajectory of her life.  It was of a group of Black women on a boat in diving gear who she quickly discovered  were from an organization called Diving with a Purpose, an underwater archeology group with a mission to discover and document the wreckage of slave ships scattered on the ocean floor around the world, and by doing so recover a crucial part of history. Roberts soon quit her job and joined the group to document their work, learning to scuba dive in order to do so. She turned that journey into an award-winning National Geographic-produced podcast called “Into the Depths” and became the first Black female explorer ever to be featured on the cover of National Geographic Magazine.  This work also resulted in a memoir Written in the Waters which both invites us into the fascinating and groundbreaking work below the surface of the Ocean around the globe, and her own personal transformation. Roberts has travelled the world as a diver, backpacker, and adventurer,  bringing to this conversation a global view of history and culture, and a devotion to tell the stories that can bring us together.  She is currently Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. Here's Tara Roberts in conversation with Shayna Schlosberg from the 2025 Portland Book Festival, on Literary Arts, the Archive Project. Tara Roberts spent the last six years following, diving with, and telling stories about Black scuba divers as they searched for and helped document slave shipwrecks around the world. Her journey was turned into an award-winning National Geographic-produced podcast called “Into the Depths” and featured in the March issue of National Geographic magazine. Tara became the first Black female explorer ever to be featured on the cover of Nat Geo. In 2022, Tara was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. Currently, she is an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. And her book Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home and Belonging hits stands in January 2025. Tara also worked as an editor for magazines like CosmoGirl, Essence, EBONY and Heart & Soul and edited several books for girls. She was a Fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab. She founded her own magazine for women who are ‘too bold for boundaries..’ And Tara spent an amazing year backpacking around the world to find and tell stories about young women change agents. The journey led to the creation of a nonprofit that supported and funded their big ideas. Shayna Schlosberg is the Vice President of Community Connections at OPB and KMHD, where she leads initiatives to ensure that both organizations authentically reflect and serve the diverse communities of the Pacific Northwest. In this role, she shapes and drives the strategy, vision, and implementation of community representation and inclusion across all aspects of OPB and KMHD's work. Shayna joined OPB and KMHD in 2022. Prior to that, she was the Director of Operations and Strategy at Women of Color in the Arts, a national service organization committed to advancing racial and cultural equity in the performing arts. From 2017 to 2021, she served as Managing Director of The Catastrophic Theatre, an acclaimed experimental theater company in Houston, Texas. Before that, she was Associate General Manager at the Alley Theatre, where she played a key role in expanding the theater's international programming, particularly through partnerships with Latin American artists and companies. Shayna's expertise has been recognized nationally—she has served on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts. She is a graduate of several leadership programs, including the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture's Advocacy Leadership Institute, Women of Color in the Arts' Leadership Through Mentorship program, and the 2020 New Leaders Council Fellowship. She was also a founding advisory committee member of the Houston BIPOC Arts Network Fund, a groundbreaking effort born out of the Ford Foundation's America's Cultural Treasures initiative. Shayna served in the Peace Corps in Armenia from 2010 to 2012.

Ladies and gentlemen and whoever else is listening, welcome back to the show. CONTENT WARNING - The opinions of the host and our guests have not been sanitized or scientifically tested so please consume at your own risk. In this two-part conversation with Laura Titensor, the host of The SolScript Podcast, we dive into the powerful and often painful cost of trying to belong while losing your voice. Laura invited me onto her podcast to share this story so you can hear it here and on her show. Laura opens up about the moment she first realized her spiritual authority had been quieted when she was publicly shut down teaching a group of young women and how that shifted everything about her faith, identity, and relationships. Together we talk about the deep ache which came from that loss, and what it looks like to begin reclaiming your voice without abandoning love. In the second half of our conversation, we reflect on how these experiences affect family, marriage, parenting, and the way we define love and belonging. What does it really mean to love authentically when curiosity replaces judgment? How do we support the people we care about through major identity shifts, even when it feels like we're losing our place in their world? This episode is for anyone who's wrestled with the cost of belonging, the courage to speak up, and the road back to themselves. CONTACT LAURA Instagram -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-solscript-podcast/id1714303236 #WhenBelongingCostsYouYourVoice #FindingYourVoice #ReligiousTrauma #FaithAndHealing #AuthenticityMatters #SpiritualDeconstruction #CuriosityOverJudgment #ReclaimingYourVoice #BelongingAndBoundaries

Are you Intertwined? Or intertwinement. The hidden solution to enduring achievements. “Where might my roots intertwine more intentionally?” “Belonging becomes enduring when people know what they can always count on us to do.” — Lee Brower “We are not put on earth to see through one another, but to see one another through.” — Eric Butterworth “Character is what you do when no one is watching.” — John Wooden “What holds us up is rarely what people see, but it's always what matters most.” — Lee Brower

Xin chào, Sabaidee, and hello everyone! Welcome back to another episode of the Thip Khao Podcast. I'm Jewelry Pouna Keodara, an Advocacy Ambassador from IL, and Peachey Peace Fellow with Legacies of War.Today, I'm truly honored to welcome Terry Vo, Metro Council Member for District 17 in Nashville, Tennessee.Terry is not only an incredible leader but also someone whose story carries so much heart. As the proud daughter of Vietnamese refugees, her journey speaks to resilience, compassion, and the power of community.Terry Vo is the District 17 Metro Council member and Partnerships Director for API Middle TN. The first Vietnamese American elected to Metro Council, Terry champions inclusive, integrity-driven solutions for Nashville. A dedicated advocate for social change, she is the founding Immigrant Caucus Chair and serves on the Friends of Fort Negley Board of Directors and GUIDER Advisory Board for the Nashville Predators. Raised by Vietnamese immigrants in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Terry holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Arkansas and a master's in governance and public policy from the University of Queensland. In her global career, she has worked across nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors, building bilateral relations between U.S. and Japan and connecting Tennesseans to affordable internet. She is a US Japan Foundation Program Fellow and proud alumna of Leadership Middle Tennessee, Leadership Tennessee, and the US Global Leaders Coalition's Next Gen Global Leaders Network Class of 2024. She was recently named the Nashville Emerging Leaders Award Government and Public Affairs recipient! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and the Beautiful Bookworms Book Club.Thank you all, dear friends,  for tuning into Thip Khao Talk brought to you by our Innovators Sponsors Akin Gump and Article 22. Please continue to listen and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The theme music used in this podcast are by the Lao Jazzanova Band from Vientiane, Laos. Learn more about Legacies of War: https://www.legaciesofwar.org/

What we did What we didn't do How we stewarded what He entrusted to us This should sober us, not scare us. Salvation is secure, but stewardship still matters.

This Valentine's‑week episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast celebrates partnership, faith, and the power of belonging. Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Matthew and Crystal Williams from Special Olympics Canada for a heartfelt conversation about love, advocacy, and the journey of building a life together. Matthew and Crystal open up about: • The disabilities they were diagnosed with • How they met and fell in love • Their involvement in Special Olympics • Reflections on the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi • What marriage means to them as people with intellectual disabilities • How their relationship inspires hope for others • What inclusion and belonging look like in their lives You'll also hear Matthew share insights from his leadership roles — including serving on the Special Olympics International Board, chairing the Global Athlete Congress, and giving a TED Talk in Vancouver that has reached over a million views. Crystal talks about her blog, CrystalMWilliams.com, and her passions for writing, travel, photography, and horseback riding. This episode is a celebration of love, purpose, and the strength that comes from being truly seen. Originally Aired on October 7, 2019 For full show notes, to stream more episodes on demand, and to subscribe to the Special Chronicles Podcast, visit SpecialChronicles.com/Pod. You can listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps. Episode 820 ShowNotes & Links

China's president, Xi Jinping, has become the most all-powerful leader of the communist state since Mao, and his grip on the country has been strengthened by technology and China's growing economic and military might. The United States might have belatedly realized it was in a great-powers competition with the People's Republic, but we might still be failing to understand how Chinese people themselves are dealing with—and resisting—their authoritarian government.  Award-winning journalist Emily Feng, author of the new book Let Only Red Flowers Bloom, has documented China's state oppression of those who fail to conform to Xi Jinping's definition of who is “Chinese.” She has profiled nearly two dozen people who are pushing back. They include a Uyghur family, separated as China detains hundreds of thousands of their fellow Uyghurs in camps; human rights lawyers fighting to defend civil liberties in the face of incredible odds; a teacher from Inner Mongolia forced to make hard choices because of his support of his mother tongue; and a Hong Kong fugitive trying to find a new home and live in freedom.  Join us as Feng reveals dramatic human stories of resistance and survival in a country that is increasingly closing itself off to the world—even as it flexes its muscles on the world stage. Feng illustrates what it is like to run against the grain in China, and the myriad ways people are trying to survive, with dignity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Talk of Fame, Kylie Montigney chats with Nicola Dale! Nicola is a former Sommelier in the Sky, international cabin crew professional of 30+ years, and co-host of the Over The Back Fence Podcast, a podcast where Nicola and her best friend Di Edwards share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging.Links Mentioned:https://linktr.ee/overthebackfencepodcast?utm_source=linktree_admin_shareFollow Me:Instagram:@Officialkyliemontigney@TalkoffamepodFacebook:OfficialkyliemontigneyTalkoffameTwitter:@Kyliemontigney4About Me:Hi, I'm Kylie! I'm passionate about sports, spending time with family, traveling, and connecting with people who inspire me. I love listening to people's stories and sharing their journeys with the world!

What if the deepest divisions in your life could be completely erased? Ephesians 2 reveals a stunning truth: through Christ, old barriers are abolished and you become part of one new family. Your identity is no longer defined by cultural labels but by belonging to Christ alone. Listen now and be inspired to live as a countercultural witness to God's reconciling love.

PSALM 42-43 For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon - from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of the waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is within me - a prayer to the God of my life. 9 I say to God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" 10 My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 1 Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. 2 You are God my stronghold, why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? 3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. NIV 84 LESSON NOTES We were created with a deep need to belong. Being made in the image of a relational God means we are wired for connection with Him and with one another. To be seen is a sacred longing. The psalmist's cry—“When can I go and be seen by God?”—reveals a soul aching for God's attentive presence. Spiritual thirst is often painful, not pleasant. God's presence is not distant or indifferent. Repeatedly, Scripture reminds us that God sees His people. In Christ and through the Spirit, God says again and again, “I see you, and I am with you.” We were made to be fully known and truly loved. The loss the psalmist feels is not just about place, but about people—being known in the worshiping community. True belonging reflects God's love: knowing us completely and loving us faithfully. The cross is the ultimate invitation to belong. At the cross, exclusion ends. Jesus' outstretched arms declare that no one is too far away, too broken, or too unworthy to belong to the family of God. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Have you ever felt “unseen” by God? The psalmist longs to be seen by God. Have you experienced a season of longing and thirsting to be seen by God? 2. Who knows you well outside of your immediate family—and chooses to love you anyway? If that list feels short, what might be holding you back from deeper relationships? 3. How can our church fight loneliness intentionally? The sermon highlighted loneliness as a public health crisis. What are practical ways our church or small group can become a place where people are fully known and truly loved? 4. How does the cross redefine belonging for you? If the cross is the ultimate symbol of belonging, how should that shape the way we see ourselves—and the way we welcome others who feel excluded or overlooked?

Friendship is one of God's sweetest gifts—and also one of the most tender places in a girl's heart. From playground dynamics to group texts and even church friendships, many girls are quietly wrestling with the ache of wanting to belong. In a culture that elevates popularity and visibility, it's easy for girls to believe that being included defines their worth. But Scripture offers a far richer and more secure vision of friendship—one rooted in Christ's love and invitation to make room for others.    In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay is joined by bestselling author and speaker Dr. Heather Thompson Day for an honest and hope-filled conversation about helping girls navigate the highs and lows of friendship. Drawing from John 15:12, Heather reminds parents that Godly friendship is shaped not by cliques or clout, but by Christlike love—love that sees, welcomes, and stays faithful even when relationships feel messy or disappointing.    Together, Patti and Heather explore how parents can respond with empathy when their daughter feels left out, how to help girls develop discernment in choosing friends, and how to guide them through conflict with both grace and truth. They also discuss the powerful connection between hospitality and belonging, offering encouragement for families to cultivate homes where others feel seen and valued.    Heather also shares the heart behind her new picture book, Can I Sit Here?, inspired by her daughter's own story and written to help girls understand that belonging doesn't come from fitting in—but from knowing who they are in Christ. For parents worried that their daughter may never find "her people," this episode offers reassurance that God is faithful to provide community in His perfect timing.    If your daughter is navigating loneliness, shifting friendships, or the deep desire to be known, this conversation will equip you with biblical perspective, practical wisdom, and renewed hope. You'll be reminded that when we root our girls' identities in Jesus, we don't just help them build stronger friendships—we help them grow confident hearts that know exactly where they belong.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    John 13:34  Matthew 5:43-48  John 15:12      To learn more about Dr. Heather Thompson-Day, visit heatherthompsonday.com/      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

Today our guest is Kendrick Claxton, Vice Principal at Central Middle School in Kansas City Public Schools. We talk about how positive school culture is built through systems that create belonging, safety, and consistent adult support. Kendrick shares how mentorship, trusted adults, and simple daily practices help students feel seen and supported. He highlights how consistency, not grand gestures, drives stronger engagement, safer schools, and better outcomes for students and staff. In this conversation, Kendrick offers clear answers to questions school leaders are asking every day: A sense of belonging is built when every student has a trusted adult and experiences consistent care. Simple systems like threshold greetings, and student feedback strengthen school culture and safety. Consistency matters more than programs because it creates psychological safety for students and staff. Strong mentorship supports higher engagement, fewer behavior incidents, and stronger academic outcomes.   Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website   About Kendrick Claxton:  Kendrick D. Claxton is a dedicated educator and transformational leader committed to empowering students and shaping the future of education. Serving as the Vice Principal of Central Middle School in Kansas City Public Schools, he brings a deep passion for student success, mentorship, and academic excellence. A proud native of Saint Louis, Missouri, Mr. Claxton's journey in education began in the classroom. His experience in the classroom shaped his belief that education is more than just instruction, it is a gateway to opportunity, a tool for empowerment, and the foundation for a brighter future. Guided by the words of Malcolm X, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today," he has dedicated his career to ensuring that every student has access to that passport.

Send us a textIn today's episode, I am chatting with Joan Fernandez. Joan is a brings to light brilliant women's courageous deeds in history. She is a former senior marketing executive general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. In April 2020, she founded a Historical Fiction affinity group within WFWA that grew from a handful of people to nearly two hundred authors. Her short story, “A Parisian Daughter,” is published in the anthology, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fiction of Daring Women. Her debut novel, Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo Van Gogh, published in April 2025. Joan calls both St. Louis and Sedona, Arizona home, enjoys foodie meals with her Cuban husband and antics with grandkids.Episode Highlights:How Joan's first career shaped her writing life and the confidence that comes from starting something new after years of expertise.Applying the skills, discipline, and mindset from a long, successful career to the creative work of writing.Discovering the story of Jo van Gogh and what inspired Joan to center her debut novel on a woman often overlooked in art history.The realities of raising a child while running a business—and advocating relentlessly for Vincent van Gogh's work.Using personal letters and historical documents as research, including the powerful reminder that “art must touch your soul.”A book flight focused on characters searching for identity and learning how to live authentically, carrying who they are into every part of life.Connect with Joan:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow LindberghSong of Belonging by Michelle St. Romain (coming 04/21/26)Book FlightThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidOona, Out of Order by Marguerite Mortimer✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Speaker - Paul Bergin Message - What's Worth Wanting "I Said Yes To Jesus" - Click Here! The Belonging Cø • Nashville, TN USA For the latest on what's happening at church, visit thebelonging.co

There is a universal longing to belong. On Equipped with Chris Brooks, meet Robby Emery. He works with University of Michigan football team as chaplain. He'll help us see where our true belonging lies and challenge us to move from overlooked to chosen, from insecurity to impact. Featured resource:Pick Me: A Story of Belonging by Robby Emery February thank you gift:D.L. Moody: God's Bold Messenger by Faith Coxe Bailey Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible through your support. To donate now, click here. To become 1 in 100 who supports at $1,000, click here.  

Send us a textIn this episode, Wil Fisher sits down with Ash Ryzen Witham, a queer, nonbinary trauma-informed Somatic Coach and Connection & Embodiment Facilitator. Ash supports personal and collective transformation by guiding people into deeper connection with themselves, each other, and life itself through somatic wisdom, embodied and authentic relating practices, and movement + expression. Their work is rooted in the belief that the ache, tension, and longing we carry are not “problems to fix,” but raw material for personal evolution, where the art of alchemy truly lives.Together, they explore:Somatic coaching as a path to self-trust and the body as our most honest guide. Nervous system regulation in intense times and why safety isn't a concept, it's a felt experience. “First responders”: the early signals in the body that let us intervene before activation takes the wheel. How to work with emotions in a way that's compassionate, practical, and grounded in real life (not bypass-y). Authentic Relating as a practice of truth + care: saying what's real while staying connected to impact. Belonging vs. fitting in and how self-belonging becomes the foundation for healthy community. Holding multiple truths in queer spaces with more curiosity, less fragility, and more capacity for nuance. Alchemy as transmutation: turning pain, tension, and longing into power, meaning, and movement. Ash's queer journey, representation, and the ways “coming out” can be a lifelong unfolding. Ecstatic dance as an embodied portal back into aliveness, joy, and community.Connect with Ash: Website: www.ashwitham.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemy.with.ash/Connect with Wil: Website: https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/ Instagram: @wilfish99Support the show

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn't discuss nearly enough: belonging. Dan shares his personal journey—from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise, a retreat and gathering space intentionally designed for human connection. Together, Shannon and Dan dive into: Why men are facing a serious belonging and mental health crisis How retreats can act as temporary communities that create lasting impact Why small, intimate spaces outperform big, flashy experiences How retreat leaders can design environments that feel safe, connective, and meaningful And why belonging—not content—is what people are actually paying for This is a grounded, honest conversation about the responsibility retreat leaders hold and the opportunity they have to create spaces that genuinely change lives.   What You'll Learn in This Episode Why people aren't craving more content—they're craving connection How Dan's "belonging tank" framework applies directly to retreat design The four belonging personas every retreat leader should understand Why men's retreats and men's groups are more needed now than ever How intentional hospitality creates trust, safety, and transformation What post-COVID human connection really looks like (and why retreats are booming)   Notable Concepts Discussed The "Belonging Crisis," especially among men Retreats as containers for community, not just experiences Small-group power vs. large-scale events Ethical considerations around AI and preserving human-made experiences Designing spaces that do the emotional work before the programming begins Email Dan to get a free copy of his book, or to book his amazing retreat center and get a 3rd night free: dan@assemblehospitality.com Buy Dan's Book here: https://amzn.to/4qvuyts  About Dan Berger Dan J. Berger is the author of The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging, and the CEO of Assemble Hospitality Group. He previously sold his SaaS company, Social Tables, for $100M. He lives in Boise, ID with his wife and daughter.   Connect with Dan here: https://assembleboise.com/    The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------- TIMESTAMPS Dan's Background and Journey (00:01:22) Dan shares his personal history, adoption, move from Israel, hospitality career, and founding a software company. Writing the Book on Belonging (00:02:01) Dan discusses writing his book about belonging and its self-help/academic approach. Importance of Belonging in Retreats (00:03:01) Shannon and Dan explore why belonging is central to retreats and how retreats foster community. Men's Groups and Community Building (00:04:10) Dan describes his men's group, its structure, and how it builds ongoing relationships. Men's Belonging Crisis (00:05:53) Dan addresses the challenges men face with belonging, emotional expression, and the need for safe spaces. Retreats as Solutions for Men (00:08:13) Discussion on how retreats can help men, and Dan's hesitation about hosting men's retreats. Benefits of Extended Retreats (00:09:10) Shannon explains the deeper impact of multi-day retreats versus short meetings. Belonging Frameworks for Retreats (00:09:48) Dan introduces two frameworks from his book: the "belonging tank" and four belonging personas. Book Offer and Belonging Differences (00:12:09) Dan offers a free book to listeners and discusses gender differences in belonging. Motivation for Opening a Retreat Center (00:13:59) Dan explains his shift from corporate retreats to opening a dedicated retreat facility. Design and Features of The Symbol Boise (00:17:25) Dan details the layout, amenities, and unique aspects of his Boise retreat center. Transparency and Marketing for Retreat Leaders (00:18:40) Shannon praises the clarity and marketing of Dan's facility for retreat organizers. Special Offer for Retreat Leaders (00:19:41) Dan shares a booking discount and explains the profitability and versatility of his space. Closing and Resources (00:21:00) Shannon wraps up, shares links to Dan's resources, and thanks him for joining.

What does belonging truly mean for you as an entrepreneur? In this episode, I'm diving into two concepts that have been pivotal to my journey: belonging and adequacy. These lessons have not only shaped my growth as a business owner but also transformed the way I show up for myself and my clients.    Reflecting on my 10 years in business, there have been several key moments where I chose to step into spaces I felt I didn't belong. From feeling out of place in coaching containers to navigating moments of self-doubt, I've learned to show up even when I felt inadequate. I'll share how I embraced the discomfort of imperfection and learned to claim my place in business.      If you want to start making serious money as a coach, you need to check out 2k for 2k. Click here to join: https://staceyboehman.com/2kfor2k!       Join me in the Entrepreneur Coach Membership: https://staceyboehman.com/ec-membership/

In this episode of the podcast, I explore why marriages feel empty even when couples are still together. The answer isn't about compatibility or whether you "married the right person." It's about three essential elements that every strong marriage needs, and what happens when they disappear. I'm bringing together insights from Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Jennifer Wallace's new book Mattering to show you a different way of understanding what's really going wrong. These aren't just abstract concepts. They are deeply wired human needs that your marriage either fulfills or frustrates. Here's what makes this episode different: I'm not just diagnosing the problem. I'm showing you why the disconnection you're feeling creates a cascade of other losses — and why connection is always the starting point for rebuilding. If you've been wondering whether your marriage can be saved, or if you're stuck in a relationship that feels more like going through the motions than genuine partnership, this episode will help you see your situation more clearly. Listen now to discover: • Why "fitting in" to your marriage leaves you feeling emptier than being alone • The hidden way disconnection steals your sense of significance • What it really means to "matter" to someone - and why you can't fake it • How to know if you've been hitting the Un-Pause Button without realizing it This might be the perspective shift you've been needing. RELATED RESOURCES Why Connection Matters Three Levels of Connection Save The Marriage System

What do you do when hope feels completely out of reach?In this episode of The Mark Divine Show, Mark sits down with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, award-winning resilience researcher, educator, and known globally as The Hope Scientist, to unpack what hope really is—and why it's not just wishful thinking.Dr. Robyne shares her remarkable story of dropping out of high school, navigating addiction, surviving a near-fatal car accident, and rebuilding her life from the ground up. Together, they explore why so many high performers feel burned out, disconnected, and stuck—even when they “have it all”—and how hope can be trained as a science-backed strategy for mental fitness, leadership, and long-term wellbeing.You'll learn:- Why traditional motivation fails when identity doesn't change- The difference between optimism and real hope- How stress, burnout, and hyper-arousal shut down clarity- Why belonging is the missing link in performance and fulfillment- How to build daily systems that rewire the brain for resilience- What to do when life forces a complete resetThis conversation is for leaders, parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating uncertainty who wants to reclaim agency, purpose, and calm—without bypassing reality.Hope isn't passive. It's a practice.Join the Community & Go DeeperSubscribe to the NewsletterGet weekly insights on leadership, resilience, mental fitness, and purpose-driven living.

Today's show is all about navigating the school system when your child has disabilities—and how to do that with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot more support. My guest is Stacey Shubitz, author of the new book Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future. In this episode, Stacey shares her journey as both an educator and a parent, and we dig into what parents really need to understand about special education, effective communication with schools, and the IEP process. She offers practical, empowering strategies for advocating for your child, managing the complexity of the system without losing yourself, and finding moments of joy and meaning along the way, even if (or when) the path feels overwhelming. About Stacey Shubitz  Stacey Shubitz is a certified literacy specialist and former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in the New York City Public Schools and a public charter school in Rhode Island. Since 2009, she has been a literacy consultant, supporting teachers with writing instruction. Stacey has also taught graduate literacy education courses at Lesley University and Penn State–Harrisburg. She is the Chief of Operations and Lead Writer for Two Writing Teachers, a leading resource for writing instruction since 2007. She also co-hosts the Two Writing Teachers Podcast. Stacey earned an M.A. in Literacy Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an M.S.Ed. in Childhood Education from Hunter College. She has published several books about writing instruction, including Welcome to Writing Workshop and Craft Moves. Stacey's most recent book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, was published by Guilford Press in January 2026. In this book, she shares her experiences as both a parent and an educator, equipping families with real-life stories, inclusive resources, and the knowledge to advocate for their children confidently. Stacey lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and children. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Stacey's dual perspective as an educator and parent strengthens her advocacy for families in special education Why educating yourself about your rights, school processes, and the IEP system is essential for effective advocacy How partnerships with teachers — built through clear, ongoing communication and regular check-ins — support your child's success Why building a support network helps parents navigate the overwhelm of special education How practicing consistent self-care and finding joy in small moments protects parents from burnout Why celebrating every bit of progress, no matter how small, helps families stay grounded and encouraged Resources mentioned Stacey Shubitz' website Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future by Stacey Shubitz Parenting Training & Information Centers Two Writing Teachers Blog Two Writing Teachers Podcast Stacey Shubitz's Substack Stacey Shubitz on Instagram Stacey Shubitz on LinkedIn The Kids Who Aren't Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools by Dr. Ross Greene Strength-Based Assessments with Dr. Jade Rivera (Tilt Parenting podcast) The Strength-Based Assessment Lab at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices