Podcasts about Belonging

Adolescence is a training ground for belonging. Rosalind Wiseman (the Queen Bees and Wannabes author whose work inspired Mean Girls) names what adults forget: wanting to be part of a group isn't a character flaw, it's a deep developmental need. And the stakes aren't superficial. The way kids handle loyalty, conflict, embarrassment, betrayal, and speaking up (or staying silent) becomes muscle memory they carry into adulthood. In a world where many kids feel the “middle-class script” they were promised doesn't pay off, that longing to belong can turn into paralysis, resentment, or disengagement—and parents are left wondering when to step in, what to say, and how to be credible again. This conversation gets beautifully practical: how to respond when your child comes home with “the story” (and you weren't there), why forced kindness scripts backfire, and how real social learning happens through messy, unsupervised, multi-age play—especially outside. Wiseman makes a compelling case that overly adult-driven schedules (and even toxic youth sports) can shrink a kid's identity until it collapses under pressure, while neighborhood moments expand it: friend, helper, teammate, kid-who's-known-by-name. You'll leave with language that lowers defenses, strengthens connection, and helps your kids navigate their social world with dignity—plus a reminder that some of the best confidence-building on earth still looks like racing Big Wheels downhill and climbing trees. Learn more about Rosalind and everything she has to offer here Get your copy of Queen Bees and Wannabees here Get your copy of Masterminds and Wingmen here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartwarming episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts speaks with guest Anne Kimble about the transformative power of inclusivity and connection through the Sammy's Buddy Program. They explore the critical need for community among children of all abilities, sharing personal insights and success stories from the program. The discussion delves into Anne's personal journey and professional history in education, advocating for students with disabilities and working alongside them to build confidence and leadership skills. Anne Kimble shares the origins and mission of Sammy's Buddy Program, a groundbreaking initiative fostering connection among students with disabilities and their peers without. Together, they emphasize the importance of creating a community that values diversity, kindness, and inclusion. The episode underscores the devastating impacts of societal exclusion and the empowerment that comes when every individual feels seen and heard. Listen to inspiring anecdotes from programs in schools across Utah, highlighting the far-reaching benefits for all involved. About the Guest: Anne Kimble is an educator and advocate dedicated to fostering inclusivity and community connection among children with and without disabilities. With a background in education and nonprofit work, Anne has been instrumental in establishing Sammy's Buddy Program in Utah, which originated in Colorado. Her career has been focused on tutoring programs for students with disabilities, running leadership academies, and promoting meaningful, skills-based learning experiences. Key Takeaways: Sammy's Buddy Program started in Colorado and expanded to Utah, aiming to foster community and connection among students with and without disabilities. The program encourages empathy and understanding, utilizing buddy activities, leadership academies, and literature to promote inclusion. Participants learn to appreciate differences and find common ground, resulting in deeper, more meaningful friendships. The initiative supports kids with disabilities while also benefiting those without, enhancing leadership skills and building a culture of kindness. The "inclusion library" offers literature that allows students to step inside the minds of characters with disabilities, fostering empathy and understanding. Notable Quotes: "At its core, Sammy's Buddy program exists because everyone deserves the opportunity to belong. Belonging matters. Connection matters." - Anne Kimble "Every individual deserves to be seen to be known for who they truly are. That is a foundational part of humanity." - Anne Kimble "What is so beautiful about it is that, yes, we start these buddy activities… then they become the leaders in this work." - Anne Kimble "The disability does not matter. We see that as an opportunity to teach others about our uniqueness." - Anne Kimble "They are in the trenches of life in elementary, middle and high school… and they help us as adults come up with ideas of ways to break down that isolation." - Anne Kimble Resources: Sammy's Buddy Program website Follow on Instagram and Facebook! Join the conversation to understand how the Sammy's Buddy Program is transforming lives and communities. Tune in to this inspiring episode, and don't forget to stay connected for more enlightening content from "Crafting a Meaningful Life."

In this conversation, Jim McDonald and firefighter Chad Dillon delve into deeper topics surrounding mental health, community, and self-expression through photography and music. They discuss Chad's journey from firefighting to founding the nonprofit, Ruted Above, aimed at fostering community connections and safe spaces for expression. The conversation highlights the importance of therapy, the impact of culture on personal growth, and the role of art in healing. They also touch on the significance of manifesting goals and the influence of music and tattoos in their lives.You can find Chad and his new non-profit on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruted_above/  Chapters00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past03:00 The Journey into Photography and Culture05:53 Exploring Mental Health and Personal Growth09:12 The Impact of Community and Expression12:07 Building a Nonprofit: Rooted Above15:05 The Art of Photography and Its Evolution18:01 The Importance of Community and Connection27:04 The Art of Photography and Personal Expression29:16 Building Community Through Events and Nonprofits32:06 The Search for Belonging in a Negative World33:50 Mental Health and Identity in First Responders37:41 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection41:18 Tattoos: Personal Stories and Meanings45:02 Manifesting Goals and Building Community48:26 Music as Motivation and Personal GrowthJoin our Discord for free at goodcompanydiscord.com!Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/50% Facts is a Spreaker Prime podcast on OCN – the Obscure Celebrity Network.Hosted by Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). https://www.instagram.com/thejimmcd/Produced by Jim McDonaldProduction assistance by Sebastian Brambila.Theme by Aaron Moore.Show art by Joseph Manzo (@jmanzo523)  Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!  Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts-with-silent-mike-jim-mcd--5538735/support.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2837: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a deeply personal reflection on letting go, fatherhood, and the mysterious ways life reminds us we're not alone. Through a profound moment of synchronicity, he uncovers how grace often arrives disguised as coincidence, urging us to be present reminders of love for those who may feel forgotten. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/dont-ever-think-that-youve-been-forgotten/ Quotes to ponder: "When Something bigger than any of us goes out of its way to remind us of the very same thing, we call it grace." "You've turned up in the right place at the right time. You're doing fine. Don't ever think that you've been forgotten." "My heart is opening again. It's quieting. Growing still."  

In a world obsessed with speed, optimization, certainty, and AI-driven answers, this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times offers a necessary pause. Chris Schembra sits down with Eric Stine, CEO of Sitecore, for a deeply human conversation about leadership, belonging, gratitude, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready. This is not a tactical episode about growth metrics or technology stacks—it's an exploration of what it means to lead, live, and connect in a time when instinct is being outsourced and humanity is at risk of being optimized away.Eric reflects on a 25-year career across some of the world's most influential enterprise technology companies, but reframes success through a different lens. Rather than crediting restraint or perfection, he points to saying yes as the defining strategy of his life, yes to unfamiliar roles, yes to reinvention, yes to creativity, fatherhood, philanthropy, and Broadway. Along the way, he opens up about imposter syndrome, those quiet moments of doubt that surface even at the highest levels of leadership, and why authenticity—not certainty—is what ultimately creates trust and psychological safety for teams.The conversation reaches back to Eric's eighth-grade years, when he felt like an outsider searching for his people. Theater became the place where he learned that difference wasn't something to hide, but something to bring forward, a lesson that continues to shape how he builds culture today. That theme of belonging becomes especially resonant in today's age of fragmentation and loneliness, where many people feel disconnected not because they lack opportunity, but because they lack spaces where they can show up fully as themselves.Midway through the episode, Eric answers the signature gratitude question, offering heartfelt thanks to his father, Mark, whose belief in living authentically influenced everything from Eric's leadership philosophy to a Tony Award win on Father's Day. The moment grounds the conversation in gratitude, not as sentiment, but as a force that shapes identity, values, and legacy across generations.This episode is especially important now because it confronts a growing cultural tension: while AI can deliver answers at unprecedented speed, it cannot deliver wisdom, belonging, or meaning. Eric draws a clear distinction between systems of record and systems of engagement, arguing that the future belongs to leaders and organizations that pair data with instinct, scale with empathy, and efficiency with humanity. In an era where people are burning out not just from work, but from hiding who they are, this conversation offers a different model, one rooted in community, peer-driven recognition, and shared accountability rather than control.Ultimately, The Power of Saying Yes is a reminder that culture cannot be engineered from the top down and growth cannot be achieved through optimization alone. Culture comes from community. Belonging comes from permission. And the most meaningful paths in life are rarely the safest ones. This episode invites listeners to slow down, embrace impermanence, and choose the more interesting path, not because it's easy, but because it's human.10 Key TakeawaysSaying yes creates momentum.Progress, growth, and meaning often come from leaning in before you feel ready—not from waiting for certainty. Authenticity is a leadership advantage, not a liability.When leaders model vulnerability, they unlock psychological safety and better performance across teams. Imposter syndrome doesn't disappear—it becomes a compass.Doubt is often a signal that you're stretching into something meaningful. Finding “your people” changes everything.Belonging fuels confidence, creativity, and resilience—whether in theater, business, or family. Gratitude is a strategic tool, not a soft one.Recognizing people for their impact on others builds trust, loyalty, and culture at scale. Culture cannot be built top-down.Leaders can only create the conditions; community does the building. AI needs humans in the loop.Data delivers insight, but instinct and empathy deliver relevance. Impermanence creates meaning.Moments matter more when we know they won't last—whether on stage, at work, or around the dinner table. Accountability is empowering when framed as ownership.We don't work in isolation—we work in ecosystems where shared responsibility drives excellence. The best life is an AND life, not an OR life.Passion and profit. Speed and care. Technology and humanity. Both can be true.Eric Stine BioEric Stine is the Chief Executive Officer of Sitecore, driving the company's vision and strategy to unlock business value for clients by empowering them to create compelling digital experiences. Eric was previously Chief Operating Officer, where he led all customer-facing functions.Before Sitecore, Eric was Chief Executive Officer of Elemica. Previously, he was Chief Commercial Officer of Skillsoft and Chief Revenue Officer of Qualtrics. Eric has also held executive roles at companies such as SAP, Ciber, and Blackboard.Eric earned a law degree at Boston University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts at Northwestern University, where he and his husband are the founders of the Eric and Neil Stine-Markman Scholarships. They are the first permanent endowments at either institution directing funds toward LGBTQ+ students.He is based near New York City.

Looking back over the past year, you might be struck by the sheer volume of stories about hybrid working, burnout, trust, AI and economic pressure. But when you step back and consider them together, a much clearer picture emerges. One that reveals the deeper forces shaping how people feel about work, and what leaders will need to pay attention to in 2026. In this special solo episode of Sticky From The Inside, Andy Goram explores the underlying currents that sit beneath the headlines. Yes, we talk about return-to-office tensions, the rise in burnout, and AI's quiet spread across workplaces. But these aren't isolated issues. They're connected, and they're telling us something important about the state of work today. Drawing on a year of cultural insights, research and real-world observations, Andy introduces five forces he believes will shape engagement, culture and leadership in the year ahead. From the growing urgency around work design, to the shift from engagement as feedback to engagement as shared power, to the rising importance of trust, human-fluent AI leadership, and belonging as a stabilising force. If you're leading people, shaping culture, or simply trying to make work a healthier, more human experience, this episode offers a grounded and connected view of what's really happening and why leaders can't afford to think about these forces in isolation. ----more---- Key Takeaways Work Design becomes a core leadership discipline. Sustainable performance will depend less on location and more on designing work that people can realistically deliver without burning out. Engagement shifts from measuring feelings to sharing power. People want influence, not just surveys. Organisations that involve employees meaningfully will see stronger commitment and trust. Trust becomes the currency of effective leadership. In an environment of economic squeeze and organisational change, trust is fragile — and leaders will need to earn it through clarity, consistency and honesty. Leaders must be both AI-literate and human-fluent. AI is entering the workplace faster than governance can keep up. The leaders who succeed will understand technology and know how to support people through it. Belonging and psychological safety become strategic stabilisers. In pressured systems, belonging is not a soft concept, it's the foundation for resilience, creativity and high performance. ----more---- Key Moments The key moments in this episode are: 0:01:13 – Looking back to understand the year ahead 0:02:04 – Why the headlines don't tell the full story 0:03:01 – The workplace stories shaping today's backdrop 0:06:17 – Engagement falls, burnout rises, and tolerance shifts 0:09:24 – Trust under pressure and the rise of employee voice 0:12:56 – AI adoption grows from the bottom up 0:16:09 – Economic pressures and their cultural impact 0:21:10 – Introducing the five forces shaping 2026 0:21:23 – Force One: Work design steps into the spotlight 0:22:30 – Forces Two to Five: Power, trust, AI and belonging 0:27:07 – A challenge for leaders in the year ahead ----more---- Join The Conversation Find Andy Goram on LinkedIn here Listen to the Podcast on YouTube here Follow the Podcast on Instagram here Follow the Podcast on Twitter here Follow the Podcast on Facebook here Check out the Bizjuicer website here Get a free consultation with Andy here Check out the Bizjuicer blog here Download the podcast here ----more---- Useful Links Gallup State of the Global Workforce here Read Inspiring Workplaces' take on the survey here Read The Autonomy Institute's piece on the 4-Day Week here Read The Guardian's piece on the 4-Day Week here Read Microsoft's view on AI at work here Read Peoplescout.com's article on Mental Health at work here ----more---- Full Episode Transcript Get the full transcript of the episode here

What if the "perfect life" is actually the most convincing hiding place for emptiness? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Sylvia Resnick, a fulfillment and purpose coach for high-achieving women. Sylvia shares how a lifelong ache for connection shaped her drive to achieve. The conversation also goes deeper into the tension between honoring cultural traditions and evolving practices that harm women, including the urgent reality of female genital mutilation and how Sylvia's organization, Empower Her, is working from within community partnership to create change through education, support, and empowerment.   What You Will Learn: Why "looking successful" can coexist with feeling emotionally empty. How early experiences of not feeling seen can quietly shape adult identity, ambition, and relationship patterns. The hidden motivation behind perfectionism: trying to earn love, belonging, and "enoughness." Why external achievements don't automatically create self-worth. How a single experience of deep community can interrupt lifelong loneliness and recalibrate what matters. What true connection can feel like in the body. How indigenous culture can offer profound healing while still containing traditions that require conscious evolution. A grounded explanation of FGM in the Maasai context, including the rite-of-passage framing and the high human cost. Why sustainable change must be led from within a community, not imposed by outsiders. How education becomes a protection strategy for women and girls. What it means to "bridge two worlds" in coaching: bringing connection back to high achievers while also resourcing underserved communities. How travel can become transformational when it's relationship-centered rather than consumption-centered. What a purpose-led business transition can look like when it grows out of lived experience, not branding. Connect with Sylvia Resnick Simple Life Journey EmpowerHer   Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343  Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com

In this heartfelt conversation, host April Dinwoodie invites Dr. Anthony Hynes to explore what it means to break and remake traditions through the lens of adoption. Dr. Hynes reflects on childhood memories, evolving holiday practices, and the emotional complexity that often surfaces for adopted persons during the holiday season. He also shares insights from his work with children and families, emerging trends in the adoption and child-welfare landscape, and his experience in community at Together on the Journey Family Camp. A grounded and intimate look at how traditions shape identity—and how we can recreate them with honesty, intention, and care.

After 27 years of living with metastatic breast cancer, I attended the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium for the first time — not knowing what to expect, or even if I would feel like I belonged.What I found was something I didn't realize I'd been missing: connection, affirmation, and a growing movement focused not just on survival, but on living well with metastatic disease.In this episode, I share:What it was like attending SABCS as a patient advocateWhy quality of life matters just as much as treatment advancesHow patient advocacy is evolving — and where I see myself in itWhat it means to finally feel like these are my peopleThis conversation is about belonging, purpose, and using our voices — especially for those living with metastatic breast cancer who are navigating life beyond the early days of diagnosis.If you're living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or wondering how to keep moving forward when the path feels uncertain, this episode is for you.If you're looking for practical, compassionate support for living well with cancer, you can find my guides here:

Send us a textIn Episode 167 of Adventures in Learning, Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes Ann Dye, Vice President of Sales Operations at HarperCollins, for a powerful conversation about books, belonging, and conservation.Ann shares her journey into publishing, how books help children (and adults) slow down in a noisy, screen-filled world, and why matching the right book to the right reader still matters. Diane and Ann also reflect on their life-changing trip to South Africa with the Children's Book Creators for Conservation, including volunteering at a rhino orphanage, learning from local conservation leaders, and witnessing the power of community-driven change.This episode explores how reading, empathy, creativity, and service connect us—to each other, to nature, and to hope.Topics include:children's books • literacy • publishing • conservation • empathy • community • play-based learning • hope

Our new talk “Mind Your Mind” is a simple challenge for all of us to take a closer look at what's influencing our mind. What's shaping our thought life. Maybe even take a step back and ask ourselves, why we believe what we believe. Seriously, think about what we're asking people to believe. We have to understand, regardless of where someone is in their journey, every human lives within the boundaries of a belief system we've established.

The question we need to ask ourselves is do we honestly believe that Jesus still heals today? Think about it, this side of Heaven, in this fallen, cursed world, outside of miracles or the practice of medicine, according to Jesus, healing by an individual's faith is still a reality. And a key component in us experiencing healing by faith is that we have to get settled on what God's will is concerning this reality.

Since God's word is our foundation of truth, a lamp unto our feet, a light for our path. If Jesus told His first disciples to pray His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, and God never changes, would it be fare to say we're supposed to be doing the same thing His first disciples did?

What about us today? Now that we are in Christ, are we suppose to to carry on the things He did? Seriously, follow Jesus through the scriptures, every where He went to preach the people brought their sick to His meetings. Why? They had heard something. They came to hear Him and be healed

The holidays are coming. So, what better time of year to welcome Shanna Wendt, Vice President of Communications at Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners, to the Internal Comms Podcast. Coca-Cola is one of the world's most famous brands. The inner workings of the organisation are however less well-known. In this episode, Katie Macaulay gets to peak behind the curtain and explore a world of IC that mixes the internal and external and speaks to an audience of 41,000 people. Katie and Shanna discuss the shift towards operational communication, using anthropological methods to better understand employee needs and the importance of line managers as both channels and capable communicators. They also explore the value of walking the factory floor and the role of internal communication in building trust. Plus, Shanna's belief that “communications starts and ends with your employee.” Listen in. Share your thoughts – use #TheICPodcast

In this episode of Next Economy Now, Erin Axelrod speaks with Fabiola Santiago, founder and executive director of Mi Oaxaca, about what Indigenous worldviews can teach us about belonging, reciprocity, and everyday consumption. Drawing from her experience as a diasporic Zapotec woman from Oaxaca and a public health researcher, Fabiola explores the hidden systems behind mezcal, food, and tourism, and how extraction and cultural appropriation shape communities and ecosystems. The conversation invites listeners to rethink how they relate to culture, place, and what they consume, and to imagine a slower, more regenerative economy rooted in care and mutual responsibility.View the show notes: https://www.lifteconomy.com/blog/choosing-home-in-a-time-of-displacement-w/-fabiola-santiagoSupport the show

S9 E6 — In a season of parties and entertaining, it's good to remember that hospitality means something very different—welcoming the stranger and caring for one another. In The Hospitality of Need, Kevan Chandler, born with a progressive disability, explores how dependence can expand life and deepen community. His story points us back to our shared human neediness, reflected in the baby lying in the manger. 00:0 Reimagining the Good Life06:12 Gift of Interdependence12:52 Understanding Need and Hospitality17:37 Proximity and Need21:43 Peer to Peer Caregiving26:39 A Journey to Skellig Michael32:53 Spiritual Realities of Need38:12 Invitation Into NeedMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Amy Julia's interview with Kevan on Take the Next StepThe Hospitality of Need: How Depending on One Another Helps Us Heal and Grow Together by Kevan Chandler and Tommy SheltonWe Carry Kevan I John 1_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:KEVAN CHANDLER is the founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan and speaks worldwide about friendship and disability. He and his wife, Katie, enjoy doing everything together, including growing vegetables and reading to each other.Kevan was the second of his siblings to be diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, type 2, a rare neuromuscular disease. In 2016, he and his friends took a trip across Europe, leaving his wheelchair at home, and his friends carried him for three weeks in a backpack.An avid storyteller, Kevan is an author and speaker worldwide about his friendships and unique life with a disability, being a featured speaker for Tedx and Google, as well as various conferences, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.__We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

This podcast is a short daily audio provided by the online recovery group Transitions Daily. The daily content includes different recovery quotes from various sources, including; Twenty-Four Hours a Day, A.A. Thought for the Day, Daily Reflections, Big Book Quote, Just for Today, As Bill Sees It, and more! Transitions Daily also delivers the same content in a daily email with a secret Facebook group for discussion. Visit www.DailyAAEmails.com for more information. Do you want to stop drinking? Have you ever listened to sobriety podcasts? Does alcoholism or addiction run in your family? Have you tried Alcoholics Anonymous or the 12 Steps of A.A.? Are you considering how to get sober? Are you seriously thinking about sobriety for the first time? Is alcohol controlling your life as never before? If so, you will definitely want to check out this recovery podcast.

Mary B is joined by Kat Armas to discuss her new book, Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World. This episode begins with Armas offering an invocation — as she does at the start of each chapter of her latest book. Her invocation is aptly a liturgy for resisting empire. Armas focuses on the important of community as resistance because as she says, “friendship… is the death of empire.” It is in community where one finds new ways to resist and care for their neighbor. Empire insidiously convinces us to think in binary and Armas urges the listener to hold on to complexity in a world that often demands simplicity.Kat Armas (MDiv, MAT, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a Cuban American writer and podcaster and the recipient of Fuller Seminary's Frederick Buechner Award for Excellence in Writing. She is pursuing a ThM at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Armas is the author of three books, Abuelita Faith, Sacred Belonging, and Liturgies for Resisting Empire. She has written for Christianity Today, Sojourners, Relevant, Christians for Biblical Equality, Fuller Youth Institute, Fathom magazine, and Missio Alliance.Get Liturgies for Resisting Empire wherever you buy books (check Baker Books to see if it's still on sale there!). Follow Kat on socials @kat_armas. Check out Kat's Substack at katarmas.substack.comJoin the Found Family crew over on Substack and get your free copy of the Found Family Cheat Sheet! Support the show

In Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl—Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and the first Asian-American to be ordained as a rabbi in North America—recounts her experience of going from feeling like an outsider to becoming one of the most admired religious leaders in the world and offers a spiritual guide for everyday living. In conversation with David Leonhardt, an editorial director for New York Times Opinion and the author of Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream. This event was held on October 22, 2025, presented by Sixth & I with support from The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and promotional support from the Union for Reform Judaism.

We're diving into what truly makes your content stand out, especially as we look ahead to 2026. I've seen so many trends come and go over the years, but the most impactful strategy remains the same: creating an experience and a sense of belonging. Whether you're a brick-and-mortar shop owner, a realtor, fitness coach, business mentor, or product creator, what sets you apart is inviting your audience to feel something. In this episode, I'll break down how to transform your content from “teachy and generic” to ME-centric and lived-experience focused. We'll talk about crafting carousels and reels that put your followers in the story with actionable ways to make your messaging familiar, cozy, and inviting.In this episode we'll be covering:Why lived experiences matter more than generic “value” posts that sound like Google or ChatGPT.Shifting focus to Me-Centric hooks where you share real experiences, recommendations, and stories.Creating a sense of belonging and community allowing your audience to see themselves in your content, while also helping them feel safe.The growing desire for memorable, interactive experiences both online and in-person.Leveraging familiarity with hyperlocal content that mentions specific cities, states and other locations.Personalizing your content to speak to specific people making them feel seen and like they belong. Featured content in this episode:ShannonMcKinstrie: 5 Subtle Content Shifts Driving Massive Growth in 2026Recommended episodes:Episode 067: The Importance of Belonging on Social MediaEpisode 081: Your Next Powerful Piece of Content is Already on Your PhoneEpisode 085: Start Thinking Like a Marketer So People See Themselves in Your ContentEpisode 088: Find Your Content Rhythm and Build a Simple Content StrategySend 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!

In this episode of Quakers Today, co-hosts Sweet Miche (they/them) and Peterson Toscano (he/him) tackle a question that seems simple but is actually quite complex: What do Quakers believe? We explore the wide theological spectrum of the Religious Society of Friends from those who view the Bible as the inerrant word of God to those who may not believe in God at all. A Smorgasbord of Beliefs We hear from Adam Segal-Isaacson, a Friend from Brooklyn Meeting who was raised both Jewish and Quaker. Adam shares how he navigates his dual identity and offers a powerful metaphor about harmony versus monotony in worship. Watch the full QuakerSpeak video: Do All Quakers Hold the Same Beliefs? An Evangelical Friend Among Liberals Peterson sits down with Jasson Arevalo, an Evangelical Quaker from El Salvador and a student at the Earlham School of Religion. Jasson describes the "Programmed" tradition of his upbringing—complete with pastors and music—and his view of Biblical inerrancy. He shares his experience of studying alongside Liberal, Unprogrammed Friends and how curiosity and respect bridge the theological divide. Read Jasson's article, "You Will Be Told What You Must Do," in the December 2025 issue of Friends Journal or at FriendsJournal.org. Convincement and Belonging What makes someone a Quaker? Is it a membership card or an internal shift? We review the new Pendle Hill pamphlet, Awakening the Witness: Convincement and Belonging in Quaker Community by Matt Rosen. The pamphlet explores the distinction between "convincement", the spiritual experience of becoming a Friend, and formal membership. Learn more at PendleHill.org. Recommendation Peterson recommends the Iranian film It Was Just an Accident, directed by Jafar Panahi. It is a darkly comic and morally complicated story about the long-term effects of trauma and the refusal to become like one's oppressors. Listener Responses We asked you: What do you believe now that you didn't believe before becoming a Friend? Jeremy shares how Quaker history helped him understand the "Great Apostasy" as the moment the church merged with political power. Zoe discusses moving from "religion as harm" to religion as a positive force for community. Creative Decorating reflects on the mind-blowing concept of "that of God in everyone." Resources Mentioned: QuakerSpeak Video: Do All Quakers Hold the Same Beliefs? (Featuring Adam Segal-Isaacson): quakerspeak.com/video/do-all-quakers-hold-the-same-beliefs Read Jasson's Article: "You Will Be Told What You Must Do" in Friends Journal: friendsjournal.org/you-will-be-told-what-you-must-do Pendle Hill Pamphlet: Awakening the Witness by Matt Rosen: pendlehill.org/product/awakening-the-witness-convincement-and-belonging-in-quaker-community Next Month's Question We want to hear from you! What is something you learned in school about Native Americans or Indigenous peoples that you've since learned is not true? Leave us a voice memo with your name and town at 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). (+1 if outside the U.S.) You can also reply by email at podcast@FriendsJournal.org or on our social media channels. Sponsors Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation content. Season Five of Quakers Today is sponsored by Friends Fiduciary and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). Friends Fiduciary provides professional investment management for Quaker organizations, uniting financial goals with Quaker values. Learn more at FriendsFiduciary.org. AFSC works to challenge injustice and build peace. Their "North Star Vision" calls for transformative alternatives to prisons and policing. Learn more at afsc.org/NorthStar. For a full transcript, visit QuakersToday.org.

Christmas is all about the birth of the Messiah. The promised King. If you were to close your eyes and envision a ruling and reigning king of kings coming to save the world, what would you see? I'd bet you wouldn't envision the same kind of king that Isaiah described in his prophecy in Isaiah 9:6-7. This series will shine a fresh light on the four descriptors Isaiah gave Him, showing us a King whose presence brings promise for all of us. -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!

Jen has a conversation with Kelley Nikondeha about her book, The First Advent in Palestine: Reversals, Resistance, and the Ongoing Complexity of Hope. They discuss the context of Matthew and Luke's Advent narratives, which included abusive rulers, systems of oppression, and economic hardship. Kelley shares about how these Advent stories invite Christians to hear “good news” for the poor and downtrodden and live out our faith in continuing generations of hope.This episode is a part of Across the Divide's Monthly Book Club. We invite you to read The First Advent in Palestine along with the ATD community and consider joining our virtual Book Club conversation on the book for our Patreon supporters on Sunday, January 4, 2026. To learn more and become a Patreon supporter, visit https://www.patreon.com/c/AcrosstheDivide You can purchase the book here, or find an e-book or audiobook version on your preferred platform.Kelley Nikondeha is a writer, liberation theologian, and community development practitioner. She combines biblical texts and various cultural contexts to discover insights for embodied justice, community engagement, and living faith. She is the author of Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us about Freedom and Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World, and is known for highlighting Palestinian voices and rights. She travels between the southwest US and Burundi in East Africa. For more, visit kelleynikondeha.comKelley's new book is Jubilee Economics: The Purpose, Practices and Possibilities for a Better FutureBecome a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.#israel #palestine #christianity #bible #faith #advent #christmas #bookclub

Belonging doesn't happen overnight—and that's okay. As a leading campus advocate for mental health, Carson Ebbrecht reflects on facing rejection, finding community, and getting involved. We'll also talk about setting achievable goals, staying motivated, and learning how to lead with purpose. From advocating for student mental health to taking on leadership roles, Carson shares why letting college unfold naturally, showing up for others, and staying open to change can make all the difference. Featured Majors: Psychology, Premedical Studies

What if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that something is wrong with you…but a sign that you've outgrown the life you were told you should want?In today's episode I'm joined by Claudia Herasme, an Alignment Guide and Certified Life Coach, for a deeply grounding conversation about belonging—not fitting in, performing, or proving—but coming home to yourself.Claudia works with high-achieving women who have done everything “right.” They've checked the boxes, built the career, earned the recognition—yet still feel a quiet (or not-so-quiet) sense that something is missing.Through her own journey—from a 20-year career in urban planning in New York City and Chicago to reclaiming her vitality, authenticity, and inner truth—Claudia discovered a powerful truth:You don't have to choose between success and authenticity.In this conversation, we explore what it means to stop living according to expectations and start creating a life that actually feels like yours.In this episode, we talk about:*The difference between fitting in and belonging*Why so many accomplished women feel disconnected despite external success*How “doing everything right” can still lead to inner depletion*What it really means to feel safe being yourself*Why authenticity isn't about burning your life down—it's about coming back home*How to create the life you want, not the one you think you should haveThis episode is an invitation to soften, listen inward, and question the stories you've inherited about success, worth, and who you're allowed to be.If you've ever wondered, “Is this it?”If you've felt the quiet ache of disconnection beneath a polished life…This conversation is for you.About ClaudiaClaudia is an Alignment Guide and Certified Life Coach who helps high-achieving women safely express their authentic, untamed selves—without sacrificing the success they've worked so hard to build.After a thriving 20-year career in urban planning, Claudia's own turning point led her to coaching and alignment work. Today, she runs Peak Bloom Coaching and Guidance, maintains a boutique international consulting practice, and creates spaces where women can stop performing and start belonging—to themselves and their lives.Her mission is simple and powerful:To help you feel safe being exactly who you are, so you can create the life you actually want—not just the one you think you should haveConnect with Claudia:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/peakbloom_coaching/Connect with Diane:Instagram: @dianesorensen.bbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diane.sorensen.589Join the conversation — share your takeaways or questions from today's episode by sending me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I love hearing from you!Work with Diane:Diane Sorensen's Coaching Programs are where boundary work becomes the bridge fromchaos to connection.You'll learn to transform your triggers, lead with compassion, and create emotionally safe relationships built on authenticity, not approval.Reclaim your CALM, speak your TRUTH, and live FREE.→ Submit an inquiry or learn more: www.dianesorensen.net/contact→ Explore free guides and resources to support your growth: www.dianesorensen.net/→ Join the weekly newsletter for insights, tools, and support delivered straight to your inbox: www.dianesorensen.net/email-list

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Mikkel's Glittering Moment: Finding Belonging in Københaven Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2025-12-16-08-38-20-da Story Transcript:Da: På den øverste etage af en travl startup inkubator i København var alt pyntet til jul.En: On the top floor of a busy startup incubator in København, everything was decorated for Christmas.Da: Julelys hang langs loftet, og midt i lokalet stod et stort, men lidt skævt, juletræ.En: Christmas lights hung along the ceiling, and in the middle of the room stood a large but slightly crooked Christmas tree.Da: Bordene bugnede med småkager, gløgg og pakker indpakket i farverigt papir.En: The tables were laden with cookies, gløgg, and packages wrapped in colorful paper.Da: Mikkel, en nervøs softwareudvikler, kiggede rundt i lokalet.En: Mikkel, a nervous software developer, looked around the room.Da: Han var nervøs.En: He was nervous.Da: Det var hans første firmajulefrokost, og han ønskede at gøre et godt indtryk.En: It was his first company Christmas party, and he wanted to make a good impression.Da: Hans kollega, Astrid, havde planlagt en hemmelig nisse-fest.En: His colleague, Astrid, had planned a secret Santa party.Da: Alle skulle medbringe en gave, og Mikkel havde brugt lang tid på at finde den perfekte en: en elegant lædernotatbog.En: Everyone had to bring a gift, and Mikkel had spent a long time finding the perfect one: an elegant leather notebook.Da: Han håbede, at den ville vise hans omtanke.En: He hoped it would show his thoughtfulness.Da: Rundt om bordet sad Lars, firmaets aloof CEO, der aldrig rigtig lagde mærke til Mikkel.En: Around the table sat Lars, the company's aloof CEO, who never really noticed Mikkel.Da: Mikkel ønskede sådan, at denne gang ville være anderledes.En: Mikkel hoped this time would be different.Da: Gaverne blev udvekslet.En: The gifts were exchanged.Da: Mikkel rakte ud for at tage sin udvalgte gave, da han ved et uheld greb fat i den forkerte.En: Mikkel reached out to take his chosen gift when he accidentally grabbed the wrong one.Da: Uden at opdage det, byttede han sin gave med en fjollet gave, som Astrid havde tænkt til en anden: en glitterbombe designet som en joke.En: Without noticing, he swapped his gift with a silly one that Astrid had meant for someone else: a glitter bomb designed as a joke.Da: Da det blev Mikkels tur til at åbne gaven, stod alle spændt og så på.En: When it was Mikkel's turn to open the gift, everyone stood eagerly watching.Da: Han foldede papiret op og trak låget af.En: He unwrapped the paper and lifted the lid.Da: Pludselig eksploderede en sky af glitter ud over bordet, og en høj latter brød ud blandt kollegerne.En: Suddenly, a cloud of glitter exploded over the table, and a loud laugh erupted among his colleagues.Da: Mikkel blev rød i hovedet og så nervøst på Lars, der pludselig viste interesse.En: Mikkel turned red in the face and nervously looked at Lars, who suddenly took interest.Da: Alle ventede på hans reaktion.En: Everyone awaited his reaction.Da: I stedet for at gemme sig, tog Mikkel en dyb indånding og sagde: "Det ser ud til, at jeg virkelig skinner i dag!"En: Instead of hiding, Mikkel took a deep breath and said, "It seems I'm really shining today!"Da: Hele rummet brød i latter, og selv Lars måtte trække på smilebåndet.En: The whole room broke into laughter, and even Lars had to crack a smile.Da: Astrid klappede ham på skulderen.En: Astrid patted him on the shoulder.Da: "Glitter passer til dig, Mikkel!" sagde hun med et grin.En: "Glitter suits you, Mikkel!" she said with a grin.Da: Mikkel følte for første gang, at han passede ind.En: For the first time, Mikkel felt like he belonged.Da: Hans fejl var blevet til en succes.En: His mistake had turned into a success.Da: Han havde lært, at det ikke handlede om den perfekte gave, men om ægte øjeblikke og humor.En: He had learned that it wasn't about the perfect gift, but about genuine moments and humor.Da: Fra den dag af blev Mikkel ikke kun genkendt for sit talent som udvikler, men også for sin evne til at tage tingene med et smil.En: From that day on, Mikkel was not only recognized for his talent as a developer but also for his ability to take things in stride.Da: Han havde opnået mere end blot accept - han havde fundet en plads blandt sine kolleger, hvor ægthed blev værdsat mere end noget andet.En: He had achieved more than just acceptance - he had found a place among his colleagues where authenticity was valued above all else.Da: Vinteren fortsatte udenfor med sne i luften, men indenfor var der varmt lys og smil.En: Winter continued outside with snow in the air, but inside there was warm light and smiles.Da: Mikkel havde lavet sit første glitterende fodaftryk i startup inkubatoren.En: Mikkel had made his first glittering footprint in the startup incubator. Vocabulary Words:incubator: inkubatorceiling: loftetcrooked: skævtladen: bugnedecolleague: kollegathoughtfulness: omtankealoof: aloofaccidentally: ved et uheldsilly: fjolletjoke: jokeunwrap: foldede oplid: lågexplode: eksploderedecloud: skyeagerly: spændterupt: brød udturn red: blev rødbreath: åndingshine: skinnergenuine: ægteauthenticity: ægthedfootprint: fodaftrykplanned: planlagtsecret: hemmeligrecognize: genkendtstride: smilacceptance: acceptpackage: pakkerwrapped: indpakketelegant: elegant

This edWeb podcast is presented by ERDI.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.The power of belonging within a school community is well documented. It fuels academic achievement, enhances student behavior, and supports student mental health and wellness. Yet despite widespread efforts, student reports of belonging continue to decline, leaving educators and leaders grappling with a complex and urgent challenge.In the second edWeb podcast of Trailblazing Leadership Week, Doug Bolton, Ph.D., author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, explores the systemic barriers that undermine belonging and offers clear, actionable strategies that school leaders can implement immediately to foster authentic belonging among students and staff.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders and district leaders.This edWeb podcast is part of Trailblazing Leadership Week.ERDIBringing together education leaders and solution providers committed to improving education for all.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Speaker - Henry Seeley Message - Heart For The Harvest: Harvest Hands "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

Speaker - Alex Seeley Message - Take Him At His Word "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

High performers often ask why success feels empty even when life looks good. In this episode, Julie reveals how Identity Load keeps high-capacity humans stuck in pressure and performance—and how to begin recalibrating toward peace and presence today.Success fatigue is one of the most confusing forms of burnout for high performers — not because they're ungrateful, but because their identity has evolved faster than the role they're still performing. This episode explores why success feels heavier now, why peace feels more fragile than pressure, and how Identity Load reveals the gap between who you were and who you're becoming.High-capacity humans often assume something is “wrong” when wins stop feeling like wins. But the truth is simpler and more compassionate: your identity has matured, but your system is still carrying an outdated version of you. Inside this episode, Julie opens the door to understanding Identity Margin, Identity Load, and the subtle ways your body tells the truth before your mind can.You'll learn:• why achievements land differently once you've outgrown the identity that built your life• how Identity Margin creates the quiet ache beneath “success without fulfillment”• the nervous system shift that happens the moment you enter a room and subtly “turn on”• how predictive processing cues your old identity before you consciously choose it• why your system still performs the steady, capable, reliable version of you — even when you no longer need it• the difference between pressure-fueled success and identity-aligned success• the earliest signs of identity drift, decision fatigue, role confusion, and emotional misalignment• the truth high achievers rarely name: your system isn't malfunctioning — it's maturingMicro Recalibration (for individuals + teams)Ask yourself:“Where in my life am I still performing a version of myself that no longer fits?”Then notice:• What does my body do the moment I become that version?• Where does tension, tightening, or bracing show up first?• What would 2% less effort look like in that exact moment?Team Extension:“Where are we rewarding performance instead of presence — and how is that shaping who we become together?”If this episode named something you've been feeling but couldn't articulate, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → 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 This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

A Weaver's Journey of Art, Advocacy, and Belonging — from WEAVE: The Social Fabric Project In this edition of our special Weavers series, we sit down with Nikki Harris—fiber artist, mother, advocate, and community connector from Baltimore, Maryland. Through art and action, Nikki embodies what it means to weave the social fabric. She shares her journey from self-taught fiber artist to founding HGE Designs, and from 911 dispatcher to autism advocate with Pathfinders for Autism. This conversation delves into what it truly means to create space—for healing, for connection, and for community. Nikki opens up about raising her son Roman, navigating systems as a caregiver, and the spiritual resilience it takes to serve while healing herself. Calls to Action ✅ TELL A FRIEND ABOUT TP&R!!! Help spread the message of meaningful conversation. ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen ✅ Join the community on Substack: coreysnathan.substack.com ✅ Watch & subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion Timestamps & Highlights [00:01:00] –

Episode Description What if the peak of your career isn't when you're most celebrated—but when you no longer need to be? In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees sits down with surgical oncologist and former military surgeon Dr. Matthew Hueman to explore belonging, burnout, identity, and the quiet work of finding peace in a demanding profession. Dr. Hueman shares his journey from growing up in a military family and training at West Point, to six military deployments where he discovered the true cost—and power—of belonging. He reflects on the flattening of hierarchy during his final deployment in Somalia and how that experience reshaped his understanding of purpose, leadership, and authenticity. After transitioning to civilian healthcare, Dr. Hueman found himself burned out—not from working hard, but from doing work that felt increasingly disconnected from meaning. That realization ultimately led him to leave a large healthcare system and focus his practice on breast cancer care, where he now prioritizes presence, relationships, and helping patients find peace amid uncertainty. Together, Drs. Vertrees and Hueman challenge long-held surgical norms around endurance, ownership, prestige, and external validation. They discuss why breast surgery is often undervalued, how surgeons delay happiness waiting for the “next milestone,” and what it really means to build a career that feels aligned—without waiting for permission. This episode is an invitation to stop postponing peace—and to begin finding it now. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why burnout is often about meaningless work, not workload The hidden cost of belonging—and why it matters in medicine How military experiences can reshape leadership and purpose Why breast surgery offers profound professional fulfillment How surgeons tie self-worth to endurance and external validation What it means to reach the “peak” of your career How to help patients—and ourselves—find peace in uncertainty Memorable Quotes “The peak of your career isn't when you're most celebrated. It's when you don't need to be celebrated at all.” “The hardest work feels weightless when it's aligned with purpose.” “Burnout isn't about working too hard—it's about meaningless hard work.” “You shouldn't postpone peace. You should do it today.” Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Dr. Hueman's background and early life 02:31 – West Point and the meaning of belonging 03:31 – Military deployments and evolving purpose 05:35 – Transition to civilian healthcare and burnout 08:16 – Comparing military and civilian medical missions 10:36 – Rethinking burnout in medicine 14:42 – Choosing breast cancer care 26:26 – Bias against breast surgery 37:10 – Redefining success and fulfillment 39:56 – Building a values-driven private practice 42:51 – Helping patients live with uncertainty 47:36 – Gratitude and emotional capacity About the Guest Dr. Matthew Hueman is a surgical oncologist with a focus on breast cancer care and a former U.S. Army surgeon with six deployments. After leaving a large healthcare organization, he built a private practice centered on presence, autonomy, and helping patients find peace in uncertainty. His work explores purpose, belonging, and meaning in medicine. About the Host Dr. Amy Vertrees is a general and breast surgeon, host of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, and founder of Become the BOSS MD, a coaching program for surgeons focused on mindset, communication, and professional fulfillment.

In this episode, we sit down with Yolanda "Yo" Lopez Haugabook, co-founder of Sin Miedo Trail Runners, a BIPOC-led movement that is changing the face of trail running. Sin Miedo, which means fearless, is all about creating safe and inclusive spaces where runners of color can reclaim the outdoors and run free. We dive into the story behind the movement, the challenges of navigating spaces that have historically lacked diversity, and the importance of community, representation, and belonging. Yo shares her personal experiences, lessons learned, and the vision for a trail running world that is welcoming to everyone. This conversation is for anyone who loves the trails, believes in equity, or wants to understand how courage and community can transform outdoor spaces.

Spiritual exhaustion is a form of burnout high-capacity humans rarely name. This episode explores how nervous system safety and God's presence meet — and why real safety isn't achieved, but received. Learn to recognize spiritual strain and return to rest.Spiritual exhaustion is a form of burnout high performers rarely acknowledge — not because they don't believe in God, but because their nervous system doesn't know how to feel safe with Him yet. This Sunday episode explores the intersection of burnout recovery, nervous system regulation, and the deeper spiritual safety God offers through presence, not pressure.Drawing from King David's prayers (“my heart is overwhelmed… lead me to the Rock that is higher than I”) and Jesus resting in the storm, Julie reveals how high-capacity humans often trust God intellectually while their bodies remain braced, guarded, or disconnected. This is where identity drift, spiritual exhaustion, and performance-based faith quietly take root.You'll learn:• what spiritual exhaustion feels like somatically• how interoception affects your ability to sense God's nearness• why pressure-based faith leads to chronic spiritual fatigue• the surprising link between nervous system safety and attachment with God• how religion, performance, and past spiritual wounds block real rest• why “receiving safety” is more transformative than trying to create it• how King David and Jesus model embodied peace in dangerThis episode also includes a gentle invitation for those healing from religious wounds or navigating “faith curiosity.” Julie shares the difference between religious performance and genuine connection with the Sovereign — a relationship rooted in presence, not perfection.Identity-Level Recalibration (ILR) DistinctionThis is not another mindset shift or spiritual habit to stack.ILR works at the identity-root level — where your nervous system, beliefs, and sense of belonging intersect.It's the recalibration that makes every other spiritual practice work again.Micro Recalibration (for individuals + teams)Ask yourself:“Where is my body bracing against the safety God is offering me?”Then explore:• What sensation rises when I say, “God, I receive Your peace”?• Where in my body feels guarded or hesitant?• What would 2% more openness to God's presence feel like right now?Team Extension:“What would it look like for us to work from peace instead of pressure this week?”If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → 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 This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Step into the deeper currents of what it means to build a life that lasts beyond a single generation. Explore multi-generational living not just as a practical arrangement, but as an antidote to the fragmentation of modern society—a way of returning to rootedness, continuity, & shared purpose. Reflect on the power of family rituals, enduring traditions & the slow transmission of wisdom that strengthens the family ecosystem.Through personal stories & cultural insight, Jeremy reveals how honouring ancestral lineage has cultivated belonging & identity, and how intentional gatherings have helped reweave the connections frayed by hyper-individualism. Jeremy speaks to the beauty & complexity of holding the responsibility of caring for aging parents, & the steady vision of togetherness that shapes their family's choices.This conversation touches on the importance of building community with both kin & chosen family, redefining success in relational rather than material terms, & rediscovering what “enough” truly means in a world bent toward consumption. It is a conversation about stewardship, resilience, & designing a life that honours both our roots & our future.Find Jeremy onlineLoved this? Try another:Nat Wilmot - Living her DreamSupport the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Books - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessPod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5Show Notes:Embracing multi-generational living as a resilient response to the rhythms of modern lifeRooting the household in foundational rituals &traditions that anchor future generationsHonouring ancestral lineage as a compass for long-term stewardshipWeaving intergenerational wisdom into daily life to strengthen the family ecosystemRecognizing how hyper-individualism fractures connection & belongingPractising deep long-termism as a cornerstone of sustainable, life-supporting futuresCaring for aging parents through intentional, dignity-centred practicesCrafting a shared vision of togetherness to guide family decisions across decadesCultivating community that extends beyond bloodlines into chosen kin & local networksRedefining success by elevating relationships, contribution, & coherence over consumptionUnderstanding what “enough” means in a world shaped by excess & scarcity mindsetsPreserving generational knowledge as a critical asset for family resilience & adaptabilityLiving intentionally through long-range planning, transparent communication, & shared purposeDesigning a lifestyle that prioritizes stewardship, regeneration, & sustainable prosperitySupport the show

Message 2 of 4 in the series “The Wonder of Christmas” by Christian Williams

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Finding Belonging: A Christmas Transformation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-13-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Katrine stirret på døren til kontoret.En: Katrine stared at the office door.No: Hun kunne høre lydene av latter og småsnakk innenfra.En: She could hear the sounds of laughter and small talk from within.No: Et juletre sto i hjørnet, glitrende med lys.En: A Christmas tree stood in the corner, glittering with lights.No: Katrine følte seg som en katt i et hundehus.En: Katrine felt like a cat in a doghouse.No: Innvendig var hun usikker, men utvendig prøvde hun å være usårbar.En: Inside, she was uncertain, but outwardly, she tried to be invulnerable.No: Hun var ankommet julefesten på jobb, men følelsene av utilstrekkelighet la en skygge over kvelden.En: She had arrived at the work Christmas party, but feelings of inadequacy cast a shadow over the evening.No: Hun hadde også en familie gjenforening senere.En: She also had a family reunion later.No: Tanken på det fikk henne til å grøsse.En: The thought of it made her shiver.No: Hennes familie, særlig søsteren Elin, var suksessrike og selvsikre.En: Her family, especially her sister Elin, were successful and confident.No: Katrine følte seg ofte liten i deres nærvær.En: Katrine often felt small in their presence.No: Inne i rommet løp en kollega rundt med nisselue, og det luktet gløgg og pepperkaker.En: Inside the room, a colleague ran around with a Santa hat, and it smelled of gløgg and gingerbread cookies.No: Katrine tok en dyp pust og trådte over terskelen.En: Katrine took a deep breath and stepped over the threshold.No: Hun smilte forsiktig til folk hun kjente, men følte seg fortsatt isolert.En: She smiled cautiously at people she knew, but still felt isolated.No: Svein, en kollega fra regnskapsavdelingen, sto alene ved buffébordet.En: Svein, a colleague from the accounting department, stood alone by the buffet table.No: Han så like ukomfortabel ut som hun følte seg.En: He looked as uncomfortable as she felt.No: De hadde aldri snakket mye, utenom et par ord ved kopimaskinen.En: They had never talked much, except for a few words by the copier.No: Hun nærmet seg forsiktig.En: She approached him carefully.No: "Hei, Svein," sa hun lavt.En: "Hi, Svein," she said softly.No: Han så opp, en smule overrasket.En: He looked up, a bit surprised.No: "Hei, Katrine," svarte han med et lett smil.En: "Hi, Katrine," he replied with a slight smile.No: "Ikke helt din type fest, antar jeg?En: "Not exactly your type of party, I guess?"No: "Hun nikket.En: She nodded.No: "Litt overveldende, kanskje.En: "A bit overwhelming, maybe."No: "De sto en stund i stillhet, men det var en behagelig stillhet.En: They stood in silence for a while, but it was a comfortable silence.No: "Jeg føler meg noen ganger litt utenfor," sa Svein plutselig.En: "Sometimes I feel a bit out of place," Svein suddenly said.No: Katrine så på ham og kjente en gjenklang i ordene hans.En: Katrine looked at him and felt a resonance in his words.No: "Samme her," innrømmet hun.En: "Same here," she admitted.No: "Det er vanskelig å føle at man hører til.En: "It's hard to feel like you belong."No: "Svein nikket, og de snakket mer.En: Svein nodded, and they talked more.No: Om arbeidet, om utfordringer, og om de usikkerhetene de begge skjulte bak fasadene.En: About work, about challenges, and about the insecurities they both hid behind facades.No: De delte flere åpne øyeblikk, og det forandret noe i Katrine.En: They shared several open moments, and it changed something in Katrine.No: Senere, ved familiegjenforeningen, kjente hun seg roligere.En: Later, at the family reunion, she felt calmer.No: Elin kom bort.En: Elin came over.No: "Hei, Katrine.En: "Hi, Katrine.No: Hvordan går det?En: How's it going?"No: "Katrine nølte, men valgte å være ærlig.En: Katrine hesitated but chose to be honest.No: "Det går bedre nå.En: "It's better now.No: Jeg prøver å finne meg selv.En: I'm trying to find myself."No: "Elin smilte, "Det gjør vi alle.En: Elin smiled, "We all are.No: Det er bra å være ærlig.En: It's good to be honest."No: "Julenatten endte med snøfnugg som landet lett på bakken.En: The Christmas night ended with snowflakes that landed softly on the ground.No: Katrine så ut av vinduet, presset et vennlig smil.En: Katrine looked out the window, pressing a friendly smile.No: Hun hadde kanskje ikke løst alle sine følelsesmessige knuter, men hun hadde tatt et skritt mot aksept—aksept av seg selv.En: She might not have solved all her emotional knots, but she had taken a step towards acceptance—acceptance of herself.No: Svein hadde hjulpet henne med å se at hun ikke var alene, at hun var ok akkurat slik hun var.En: Svein had helped her see that she was not alone, that she was okay just as she was.No: Hun følte seg lettere, som om snøen utenfor også hadde brakt med seg en ny begynnelse.En: She felt lighter, as if the snow outside also brought with it a new beginning. Vocabulary Words:stared: stirretlaughter: latterglittering: glitrendedoghouse: hundehusinadequacy: utilstrekkelighetshadow: skyggereunion: gjenforeningshiver: grøsseinvulnerable: usårbarhesitated: nølteinvulnerable: usårbarfacades: fasaderthreshold: terskelencautiously: forsiktigresonance: gjenklanginadequacy: utilstrekkelighetisolated: isolertbuffet: bufféfacades: fasaderresonance: gjenklanginadequacy: utilstrekkelighetbuffet: bufféoverwhelming: overveldendeinsecurities: usikkerhetenebelong: hører tilchallenges: utfordringercalmer: roligereacceptance: akseptknots: knutersnowflakes: snøfnugg

Washington, DC, December 12, 2025 —This month's podcast episode from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) includes discussion of NACCHO's positions on recent actions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including  changes to CDC's vaccine and autism webpage and the impact of CDC's vaccine advisory panel vote to change its hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns. It also includes an update of efforts to fully fund the federal government FY26, as the Senate is expected to consider a package of additional spending bills that would support important public health programs. Ask your congressional representative to support funding for federal health agencies in the Senate Labor-HHS bill. For weekly updates, subscribe to NACCHO's News from Washington newsletter: www.naccho.org/advocacy/news.   Later in the program (7:10), experts discuss a new journal article titled, Burnout, Belonging, and Mental Well-Being: Predictors of Turnover Intent Among Local Public Health Professionals, published by NACCHO. The article examines how burnout, belonging, and mental well-being can influence turnover and disrupt program services at local health departments, ultimately having direct implications on community health outcomes. NACCHO researchers also offer recommendations to sustain workforce capacity.   In addition, NACCHO published a separate journal article titled, Local Health Department Governance Classifications: Are They Even Important?

In this episode, we welcome Steff Rosalez, CEO, Grandville Avenue for the Arts and Humanities.Steff is an artist and musician who started working at GAAH in 2011 because of her passion for the arts and community. In her spare time, Steff fronts the band, How to Live Together.What we learned in this episode:Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities operates two main facilities on the southwest side of Grand Rapids: The Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center.They offer several programs, including various opportunities for all ages.  At GAAH, they use three main strategies to bring your mission to life:  Care & Belonging, Discovery & Advocacy.  Discuss.GAAH seeks to build environments of curiosity and creativity with its neighbors (especially youth) to cultivate inclusion, justice, care, and belonging.GAAH is concluding its FALL 2025 Session.All GAAH programming, from hip-hop classes to algebra tutoring, is provided free of charge to their neighbors. Donations support thousands of visits to the Cook Library Center, hundreds of students taking classes at Cook Arts Center, and dozens of teens gaining leadership experience. Online: ⁠Grandville Avenue for the Arts and Humanities ⁠

Through a gentle ancestral meditation, discover how grounding in your roots can open the door to healing, meaning, and a deeper sense of belonging.How To Do This Practice:  Settle Into Your Body: Notice whether you're sitting, standing, or walking, and gently bring your attention to the natural rhythm of your breath. Ground Yourself Through the Earth: Feel the weight of your body supported by the ground beneath you, and let any thoughts drift by like passing clouds. Sense the Ancestors in Nature: Expand your awareness to the sky, the earth, trees, and mountains, imagining them as ancestors who have been here long before you. Connect With Your Heartbeat: Place a hand on your heart if it feels comfortable, noticing the steady drumbeat within you—a rhythm shared across generations. Cultivate Compassion for Your Lineage: Envision compassion as a color or texture in your chest and let it gently radiate outward, offering it to your ancestors and to yourself. Offer a Wish for Healing: Bring to mind a simple wish for the easing of suffering—your own or others'—and breathe it through your body from sky to earth before slowly opening your eyes. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide: SARÁ KING is a neuroscientist, medical anthropologist and educator at UC San Diego.Learn more about Sará King here: https://www.eomega.org/people/sara-kingRelated Happiness Break episodes:Where Did You Come From: https://tinyurl.com/2y9uyjj6How To Tune Into Water's Restorative Power: https://tinyurl.com/2k6ybzrsA Meditation to Connect With Your Roots: https://tinyurl.com/ycy9xazcRelated Science of Happiness episodes:Are You Following Your Inner Compass: https://tinyurl.com/y2bh8vvjHow Water Heals: https://tinyurl.com/utuhrnh3Who's Always There for You: https://tinyurl.com/yt3ejj6wWe want to hear from you! Take our quick 5-minute survey to tell us what you love, what you want more of, and how we can make the show even more inspiring and useful. Everyone who completes the survey can enter a drawing to win a copy of The Science of Happiness Workbook: 10 Practices for a Meaningful Life. Click the survey link in the show notes wherever you're listening, or go directly to: https://tinyurl.com/happyhappysurvey. Thank you for helping us make the podcast even better!Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/mrsnwvrm

In this deeply vulnerable solo episode, Darin dismantles one of the great myths of modern self-help: that transformation is something you're meant to "do alone." Drawing from neuroscience, anthropology, physiology, and personal experience, he reveals the biological truth — the human nervous system is designed to heal, grow, and stabilize in relationship, not isolation. This conversation explores why loneliness creates physiological damage, why belonging is a survival requirement (not a luxury), and how to intentionally rebuild the village your cells have been waiting for. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "inner work" but still feel disconnected, this episode is the medicine.     What You'll Learn in This Episode 00:00:00 - Opening SuperLife intro narration. 00:00:32 - Sponsor: Therasage — family-driven healing technology, infrared and natural frequency support, details on discount. 00:02:11 - Darin begins the episode — "You were never meant to do this alone." 00:02:22 - The forgotten biology of community and why humans are not built for isolation. 00:03:01 - Your nervous system regulates in relationship — the vagus nerve, safety, co-regulation. 00:03:19 - Social engagement system — coherence, cortisol regulation, belonging as biology. 00:04:03 - Social pain = physical pain; the Baumeister research; the architecture of human connection. 00:05:01 - Tribes, proximity, shared life — Dunbar's number and the limits of real human networks. 00:05:30 - Loneliness as physiology — cortisol elevation, inflammation, disrupted sleep, gray-matter changes. 00:07:01 - Personal growth was never meant to be personal — autonomy, competence, relatedness, love. 00:07:55 - If nobody sees you, your nervous system can't relax — mirrors vs willpower. 00:08:31 - Social contagion of behavior — your network shapes your health. 00:09:01 - Who are you wired into? Environment as epigenetic instruction. 00:10:12 - Why online spaces generate stress instead of transformation. 00:10:35 - Darin's vision: community as a practice, not performance. 00:11:29 - Sponsor: Bite Toothpaste — plastic waste, sustainability, clean ingredients, discount code. 00:13:11 - What if growth wasn't a grind? What if healing was tribal again? 00:13:35 - Building intentional space — not fandom, not following, but practice. 00:14:11 - Supporting the nervous system through community; truth over scrolling. 00:15:04 - Why Patreon — structure, privacy, belonging, circle not feed. 00:15:23 - People looking for truth, depth, real connection — not performance. 00:15:51 - Start building your circle; align with those who align with you. 00:16:12 - You need to be seen, not fixed — community as transformation. 00:17:00 - One person can change your life — the power of being mirrored. 00:17:31 - Men's group, friendships, working out — the daily relational fabric. 00:18:01 - If you're lonely or disconnected, the desire for connection already shifts your biology. 00:18:41 - Darin reflects on a hard year, pain, stem cells, and the deeper healing found in being witnessed. 00:19:26 - Every cell responds when you say yes to deeper connection — the universe moves with it. 00:20:07 - Understanding human biology: we want love, connection, safety, belonging. 00:20:36 - Cutting through "what do you eat" questions — the real priority is connection. 00:21:00 - Closing: "Joy and happiness. Connection. We are built for it… I love you."     Thank You to Our Sponsors Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order.     Join the SuperLife Patreon: This is where Darin now shares the deeper work: - weekly voice notes - ingredient trackers - wellness challenges - extended conversations - community accountability - sovereignty practices Join now for only  $7.49/month at https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway "You don't need to be fixed. You don't need to be saved. You just need to be seen — and we cannot do that alone."     Bibliography Neuroscience & Biology of Connection Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. New York: W.W. Norton. Link to Book Information (Norton) Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. New York: Crown Publishers. Link to Book Information (Penguin Random House) Eisenberger, N. I. (2012). "The pain of social disconnection: examining the shared neural underpinnings of physical and social pain." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(6), 421–434. Link to Study (PubMed) Thayer, J. F. & Lane, R. D. (2000). "A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation and dysregulation." Journal of Affective Disorders, 61(3), 201–216. Link to Study (ScienceDirect) Psychology of Belonging & Motivation Baumeister, R. F. & Leary, M. R. (1995). "The need to belong: desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation." Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529. Link to Study (PubMed) Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (2000). "The 'what' and 'why' of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior." Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. Link to Study (SelfDeterminationTheory.org) Adler, A. (1930s). What Life Could Mean to You. Link to Book Information (Google Books) (Note: Various editions exist) Social Networks & Behavioral Contagion Christakis, N. A. & Fowler, J. H. (2007). "The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years." New England Journal of Medicine, 357, 370-379. Link to Study (NEJM) Fowler, J. H. & Christakis, N. A. (2008). "Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network." BMJ, 337, a2338. Link to Study (BMJ) Centola, D. (2018). How Behavior Spreads: The Science of Complex Contagions. Princeton University Press. Link to Book Information (Princeton University Press) Anthropology & Human Ecology Dunbar, R. I. M. (1992). "Neocortex size as a constraint on group size in primates." Journal of Human Evolution, 22(6), 469-493. Link to Study (ScienceDirect) Henrich, J. (2016). The Secret of Our Success: How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter. Princeton University Press. Link to Book Information (Princeton University Press) Loneliness, Inflammation & Health Outcomes Holt-Lunstad, J. et al. (2010). "Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review." PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316. Link to Study (PLoS Medicine) Cacioppo, J. T. & Cacioppo, S. (2014). "Social relationships and health: The toxic effects of perceived social isolation." Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8(2), 58-72. Link to Study (PubMed) Cole, S. W. (2014). "Human social genomics." PLoS Genetics (Cited as PLoS Biology in text, corrected to Genetics based on search), 10(8), e1004601. Link to Study (PLoS Genetics) Group Rituals, Synchrony & Physiology Tarr, B., Launay, J., & Dunbar, R. (2014). "Music and social bonding: 'self-other' merging and neurohormonal effects." Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1096. Link to Study (Frontiers) Konvalinka, I. et al. (2011). "Synchronized arousal between performers and related spectators in a fire-walking ritual." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(20), 8514–8519. Link to Study (PNAS) Digital Communities & Social Learning Lave, J. & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge University Press. Link to Book Information (Cambridge University Press) Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge University Press. Link to Book Information (Cambridge University Press)  

In this episode, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health and ASTHO member Dr. Debra Bogen joins us to break down a major change in national vaccine guidance, and why it has sparked concern among pediatric and public health leaders. Dr. Bogen explains the recent ACIP vote that weakened the long-standing recommendation for all newborns to receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a practice that has nearly eliminated the disease in young children since the early 1990s.  She shares why this shift could create confusion for parents, what's at stake for infant health, and how Pennsylvania is doubling down on clarity, access, and science-based information, including through a recent executive order from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Dr. Bogen also speaks to the broader moment facing public health, from rising misinformation to the importance of unified, evidence-driven messaging.Cultivating a Culture of Community and Belonging in the Workplace | ASTHO

Episode 99 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA talks with Kaitlin Curtice. They explore Indigenous spirituality, the power of stories, the cyclical nature of being, expansiveness and liminality, the difference between certainty and faith, joy in art, Mother Earth, community, taking time to heal, presence and contemplation, and much more. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe:  Email | RSS | More A transcript of the show is available. "Liminality is just the gray areas of life, the spaces where we don't quite know yet. We don't quite have things figured out or it's complex. And I think that if we're honest, that's where so many of us live spiritually, is in those deep questions." -Kaitlin Curtice Kaitlin Curtice ABOUT THE GUEST Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing. As an inter-spiritual advocate, Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships. Kaitlin leads workshops and retreats, as well as lectures and keynote presentations, ranging from panels at the Aspen Climate Conference to speaking at the Chautauqua Institution and at universities, private retreat centers, and churches across the country. In 2020 Kaitlin's award-winning book Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God won Georgia Author of the Year in the religion category. Native explores the relationship between American Christianity and Indigenous peoples, drawing on Kaitlin's experiences as a Potawatomi woman. In 2023, Kaitlin released two books, first, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, which examines the journey of resisting the status quo of hate by caring for ourselves, one another, and Mother Earth, and second, her first children's book called Winter's Gifts: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature, which is the premier book in a series of four books on the four seasons coming out with Convergent, RandomHouse Books. Her second book in the series called Summer's Magic was released in 2024. Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, On Being, SELF Magazine, Oprah Daily, and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes essays and poetry for The Liminality Journal and spends her time supporting other authors as they navigate the world of publishing. Kaitlin lives near Philadelphia with her partner, two dogs, and two kids. Find out more about Kaitlin at Instagram.com/kaitlincurtice, and The Liminality Journal on Substack. MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is hosted by Sister Julia Walsh.  Produced and edited by Colin Wambsgans. Email us at messyjesusbusiness@gmail.com BE SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Twitter: @messyjesusbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messyjesusbusiness SUPPORT US: https://www.patreon.com/messyjesusbusiness

You love Jesus, and you want to love the Bible, but most days, life crowds it out. And when you do open the text, it can feel confusing, disjointed, even offensive; so you reach for personalities who make it feel easier. The problem is that celebrity clarity often replaces biblical clarity. This week on Win Today, Zach Windahl—creator of The Bible Study and founder of The Brand Sunday—joins me to recover the unified story of Scripture and to challenge a popular church slogan: "belong before you believe." Belonging matters, but the New Testament's pattern is belief that forms a people, not a people that replaces belief. We'll name the most common study mistakes, walk a simple observation–interpretation–application path, and give you a way to read when you're bored, confused, or offended—so you meet the Lord in the words he actually inspired. Guest Bio Zach Windahl is the author of The Bible Study. His work has introduced hundreds of thousands to practical, repeatable study rhythms that move from information to transformation. Today isn't about his résumé; it's about putting tools in your hands so you can read what's there and be formed by it. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

High performer burnout doesn't just drain energy — it rewires your nervous system. This episode uncovers why you stay “on edge” even when life looks stable, and how to recalibrate your baseline so your body finally feels safe enough to rest.Why do high performers stay on edge even when nothing is wrong? Why does your body brace, your mind scan, and your system hum long after the pressure is gone? Today we unravel the neuroscience behind that constant inner tension — the allostatic load, the dysregulated baseline, and the learned patterns that keep your nervous system stuck in alert mode.If you've ever wondered why success still feels exhausting, why rest feels unsafe, or why your body is always “two steps ahead” of your actual life, this episode will meet you with truth and relief. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and the root-level work of Identity-Level Recalibration (ILR) — not another mindset tactic, but the recalibration that makes every other tool effective — we name what your body has been carrying for years.We explore how allostatic load builds over time, why the nervous system remembers pressure long after the moment has passed, and how elite performers like LeBron James retrain their baseline state to expand longevity, clarity, and capacity.You'll learn:why your body feels “on edge” even in calm environmentshow allostatic load + hyper-vigilance shape your emotional baselinewhy traditional burnout recovery tools don't work if your body still registers threathow to sense micro-shifts in your baseline before overwhelm hitsthe identity-level fear beneath your vigilance: “Who am I if I'm not bracing?”why healing doesn't weaken your drive — it strengthens itWhether you're navigating burnout recovery, decision fatigue, identity drift, role confusion, or spiritual exhaustion, this episode helps you understand what's happening internally so you can finally exhale.Micro Recalibration: Ask: “What signals tell me my baseline is rising — and what does safety feel like in my body right now?” Invite your team to reflect: “How can we create rhythms that lower our collective baseline?”If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → 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 This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Parents everywhere feel the December pressure: "What on earth do I buy my kids this year?" In today's Facing the Dark episode, Dr. Kathy and Wayne unpack the gift-giving stress that so many families carry, whether it's the hunt for the "perfect" present, or navigating Amazon wish lists, trying to understand what a nine-year-old even likes anymore is dynamic. Together, Dr. Kathy and Wayne explore how gifts can honor a child's identity, how the 8 Great Smarts can guide meaningful choices, and why experiences often build deeper belonging than toys ever could. With stories, humor, and deeply practical wisdom, this episode reframes holiday giving as a chance to communicate connection, confidence, and love, not pressure. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend, this conversation helps you give with purpose, joy, and peace.

Laura Gómez moderates a conversation with Yvette Borja, Laura E. Gómez Latinx People and the Law Teaching Fellow, UCLA School of Law, Gabriela Ibañez Guzmán, staff attorney at Somos Un Pueblo Unido, Mariel Bustamante, PhD student at the UC Berkeley School of Jurisprudence and Social Policy, Emily Morel, community organizer with Red De DefensAZ, and Alejandra Pablos, co-founder of Red De DefensAZ. They discuss the successful policies passed in New Mexico during the last 25 years that allow immigrant New Mexicans to pursue higher education and workforce training, obtain driver's licenses, receive protection from wage theft and discrimination, and access state guaranteed-basic-income pilots. By contrast, Arizona has passed several anti-immigrant laws, including a ban on cities passing sanctuary policies, served as the center stage for racist policing as immigration enforcement, and is home to many localities that use immigration detention centers as a means for economic development. But Arizona has also served as an incubator for participatory defense community organizing led by directly impacted people, from Puente to Red De DefensAZ. This roundtable explored the reasons behind these divergences and what they can teach us about non-carceral futures in the Southwest.To support the podcast, become a patreon member at: https://patreon.com/radiocachimbona?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkFollow @radiocachibona on Instagram, X, and Facebook