Podcasts about Better Business Bureau

Chris Holman welcomes Troy Baker, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion, Better Business Bureau® of Michigan, Southfield, MI. Talk briefly about the merging of the BBBs of Eastern and Western Michigan? What inspired the creation of the BBB Trades Scholarship, and how does it align with BBB's broader mission? Can you walk us through the eligibility criteria and application process for this year's scholarship? How does the scholarship benefit both young workers and the BBB Accredited Businesses that employ them? What impact have you seen from last year's scholarship awards, and can you share any success stories? Why is investing in skilled trades so critical to Michigan's economy and workforce development right now? Troy Baker, is the person who created this scholarship he stepped up for this interview since it's something he has worked on from inception. Invest in Your Future — BBB® Trades Scholarship Now Accepting Applications MICHIGAN (May 2025) - The Better Business Bureau® of Michigan's Educational Foundation is now accepting applications for the first round of the 2025 BBB Trades Scholarship. BBB wants to support young adults who choose to start a career in the trades. The scholarship seeks to help ease some of the costs associated with trades jobs, such as tools, protective clothing, etc. The scholarship also supports BBB Accredited Businesses, giving them another tool to help recruit, train and retain their workers of the future. In 2024, BBB was able to award 9 young adults with $7,800 worth of tools and gear. 2025 BBB Trades Scholarship Winners The scholarship is available to people 20 years old or younger. They must be working at, or have accepted employment with, a BBB Accredited Business in the trades for 12 months or less (hired after April 2024). Employees must be working for a business located within the Better Business Bureau of Michigan's 80 County Service Area. Eligible Trades: Construction Trades (including plumbing, electrical, roofing, concrete etc.) Welding Landscaping Painting Heating and Cooling Auto Repair Machinery/Tool & Die Pest Control Tree Removal *Other trades will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Applications will be accepted from May 1 - June 9, 2025. More details on eligibility and how to apply are available at bbb.org/miawards. Hear from past winners on how this scholarship has helped them get ahead in their industries here. 2025 BBB Trades Scholarship Sponsors » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

When choosing a mortgage lender, it's important to carefully compare several key factors to ensure you get the best deal and the right fit for your financial situation. Here's who you might consider and how to evaluate them:1. Types of Lenders to ConsiderBanks: Traditional option; may offer relationship discounts if you have accounts there.Credit Unions: Often have lower rates and fees; membership may be required.Mortgage Brokers: Shop multiple lenders on your behalf but may charge a broker fee.Online Lenders: Often streamlined and convenient; compare their rates carefully.Non-bank lenders: Can be more flexible for unique financial situations.2. What to Look ForInterest Rates: Fixed or variable—get quotes from multiple sources to compare.Fees: Application, origination, underwriting, appraisal, and closing costs.Loan Types Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, etc., based on your eligibility.Customer Service: Look for responsive, transparent, and helpful communication.Reputation: Read reviews and check ratings from the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.Preapproval Process: A good lender should make this easy and informative.3. Best PracticeGet at least 3 quotes from different lenders.Ask for a Loan Estimate from each so you can compare total costs side-by-side.Consider long-term value, not just the lowest monthly payment—compare APRs.tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blogdidier malagies nmls#212566dda mortgage nmls#324329 Support the show

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau about the importance of supporting local small businesses and researching any business before you buy from t

Vincent Reinhart, chief economist and macro strategist at BNY Investments, says that Monday's temporary halt to the tariff battle between the United States and China significantly reduces the potential for a recession, but it doesn't create the clarity that investors and business leaders are seeking. He believes the U.S. will continue to deliver solid results long-term, but warns that the road to those long-term gains is likely to be bumpy, and even notes that "for now, cash looks pretty attractive." Larry Tentarelli, editor at Blue Chip Daily Trend Report, says that the market's gains Monday continue a trend that has been building since the market bottomed after "Liberation Day." He says the recent moves have crossed trend lines and moved the Nasdaq out of bear-market territory and the recent gains have more room to run. Plus, Paula Fleming, chief spokesman for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, talks about avoiding summer scams around roofing, home construction and more.

   The annual BBB Torch Awards for Business Ethics is accepting nominations now through June 30th.  You can nominate your own business or 501 (c) (3) charity by using the online form. After nominees are vetted a "prize patrol" will visit each of the winners in September with their award. Here's a link for the nomination form BBB TORCH AWARDS 

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to bring awareness to Mother’s Day and small business scams. He also shares details about the BBB’s Scam Survival Toolkit and why phishing emails could be difficult to spot.

00:00 Show open/ Vince Hall- Chief of Government Relations for Feeding America on hunger in rural areas. 8:31 Susan Scarbro and Laurel Sherwin from Octapharma on immunodeficiency and plasma donation. 14:30 Etai Maor- Chief Security Strategist at CATO Network on AI password theft 20:09 Face the State: Mourning Pope Francis with Diocese of Columbus Bishop Earl Fernandes. Proposed Qualified Immunity amendment with Brian Steel, President of FOP Lodge 9. Youngstown State University professors trying to repeal a controversial, new higher education Law. Child Care costs with Michelle Bieber, President of the Ohio Assoc. of Child Care Providers 29:34 Face the State: Trey Addison, Public Policy Director for the Alzheimer's Association in Ohio. How to avoid AI deep fake scams with Ohio University Assistant Professor Rishabh Das and Lee Anne Lanigan from the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio

We kicked off the program with four news stories we thought you'd like to know more about!Emily Sweeney, Cold Case Reporter for the Boston Globe, discussed the unsolved 1973 killings of Maureen Moynihan and her young daughter, Jennifer.Paula Fleming, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer and Chief Spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island & Vermont, checked in about the upcoming Real ID deadline and potential scams.What is the possible link between heart disease and household plastics? Dr. Leonardo Trasande, Professor of Pediatrics and Professor, Department of Population Health, at New York University Grossman School of Medicine explained.Nicole Narea, Senior Politics Writer at Vox, discussed President Trump's tariff shock fading on Wall Street.Listen to WBZ NewsRadio on the NEW iHeart Radio app and be sure to set WBZ NewsRadio as your #1 preset!

Visionary of The Year hopeful Nick Schultz is joined by Mike DiGiacomo of the Better Business Bureau at Kooper's North in Mays Chapel on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to give Nestor the business and fun of fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's biggest soiree of the year and the events leading up to the big night in June. The post Visionary hopeful Nick Schultz and Mike DiGiacomo of BBB give Nestor the business of LLS fundraising and big events in May first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

Bryan Barrett is joined by the Better Business Bureau's James Price. He gives tips about how to spot a fake review.

New BlazeTV show starting soon! Canada has voted liberal … again. Power outage hits Europe … what caused it? "Escalation" is the new "Gravitas." White House details who officials have been arresting for being in the country illegally. PETA is mad at baseball. "60 Minutes" is big mad at the show's owners. Introducing "The Cartwheel Galaxy." A Michigan congressman wants to impeach Donald Trump. His presentation is memorable. A former NFL coach delivers one of the most awkward interviews of all time. $25 for what?? One senator's strange message to Russia's president. Strategic oil reserve getting refilled. Vice President Vance's warning for Russia and Ukraine. Tariff policy changes. Why Keith hates the Better Business Bureau. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED 00:42 Welcome to the Family Nicole Shanahan 03:30 Canada Website Down 15:48 Word of the Day - "Escalation" 23:49 White House Displays Mugshots 25:37 White House Reports a Mass Deportation Mission 28:01 Tom Homan on Border Security 30:19 Fat Five 42:24 Cartwheel Galaxy 49:43 Giants Win 55:35 Shri Thanedar Files for Impeachment Against President Trump 1:05:46 Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame 1:08:01 Awkward Moment in Bill Belichick & Jordon Hudson CBS Interview 1:14:15 Eagles Visits the White House 1:17:48 Kamala Harris Charging $25 to Watch her Speech 1:22:07 John Kennedy on Russia/Ukraine War 1:25:51 JD Vance Gives Update on Russia/Ukraine War 1:33:59 Keith's Wedding DJ Incident Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next month, everyone 18 and older will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight and access federal facilities. But if you are in a rush to get it done, don't get duped in the meantime. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut about what to know with getting Real ID and how to avoid scammers. Image Credit: Getty Images

An A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau reflects the highest levels of trust and customer satisfaction, which is just another reason why London : Los Angeles is the world's leading brand management agency. Go to https://www.thelolaagency.com/post/lo-la-receives-bbb-a-rating for more information. London : Los Angeles (LO:LA) City: El Segundo Address: 840 Apollo Street Website: https://www.thelolaagency.com

The Better Business Bureau advises Apple to curb its deceptive Apple Intelligence marketing. What is "slopsquatting"? It doesn't sound very appealing, but it is to cyber criminals. And we've got another reason why phishing scammers love Google services. Show Notes: Urgent: macOS Sequoia 15.4.1, iOS 18.4.1 address 2 zero-day vulnerabilities Josh: Here's why you should stay on the very latest Apple OS Technical analysis of CVE-2025-31201 Apple drops ‘available now' from Apple Intelligence page AI-hallucinated code dependencies become new supply chain risk Cookie-Bite attack PoC uses Chrome extension to steal session tokens OpenAI tells judge it would buy Chrome from Google Phishers abuse Google OAuth to spoof Google in DKIM replay attack Whisky development ends on macOS to help Wine flourish Is 2025 the year of Mac gaming? Top 5 reasons to be a Mac gamer Instagram Launches 'Edits' App to Replace CapCut Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about the increase in lawn, garden, and driveway scams, as well as what restaurant scalping is. He also shares details about Real ID scams and fake texts claiming to be from UPS.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre releases his party's costed platform.Cardinals from around the world arrive at the Vatican ahead of Pope Francis's funeral. Church masses take place around the globe to remember Pope Francis. Indigenous leaders hope next Pope continues reconciliation work. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to release his party's costed platform today. Liberal leader Mark Carney and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh both try to position themselves as the best leader to stand up to US president Donald Trump.Workers who were laid off by a former Better Business Bureau are now suing for severance.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre releases his party's costed platform. Cardinals from around the world arrive at the Vatican ahead of Pope Francis's funeral.  Church masses take place around the globe to remember Pope Francis.  Indigenous leaders hope next Pope continues reconciliation work.  Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to release his party's costed platform today. Liberal leader Mark Carney and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh both try to position themselves as the best leader to stand up to US president Donald Trump. Workers who were laid off by a former Better Business Bureau are now suing for severance.

   In this episode Kate Lybarger, the director and head of Payments Innovation at Discover Global Network, discusses why the financial services industry has not hacked financial wellness yet.  We cover what financial wellness means, the role of AI, and why it might make sense to separate advice from products.  This podcast was recorded on March 24th, 2025. Things may have changed by the time you hear it.   To keep up with the rapidly changing payments environment, register for the Innovative Payments Conference in Washington DC from April 29 through May 1.   You will learn about:  the future of banking as a service,  the unwinding of the Synapse bankruptcy with former FDIC chair Yelena McWilliams,  the future of regulation with the acting comptroller of the currency, Rodney Hood, and   a presentation on scams from the Better Business Bureau.  Listeners can get $25 off the price of registration when they use the code Podcast. Learn more and register at: Innovative Payments Conference.   

Tyler Kelley is the Co-founder and Chief Strategist of SLAM! Agency, a digital marketing firm dedicated to helping purpose-driven businesses create a lasting impact. He has led campaigns for national brands, spoken alongside industry leaders like Google and Facebook, and co-hosts Innovation City, a podcast recognized by Bloomberg for spotlighting urban innovators. An advocate for conscious business, Tyler actively mentors entrepreneurs, serves on local boards and contributes to the St. Louis business community through organizations like the Better Business Bureau and Entrepreneur's Organization. In this episode… Digital marketing is constantly shifting, making it challenging for businesses to make a meaningful impact. Economic downturns, shifting consumer behaviors, and the need to stand out in a crowded digital space create additional hurdles. How can businesses adapt and implement effective strategies that drive growth while staying true to their mission? Tyler Kelley, a digital marketing strategist and entrepreneur, shares his insights on overcoming these challenges by focusing on strategic digital marketing approaches. Tyler emphasizes the importance of adaptability, leveraging data to make informed marketing decisions, and understanding the evolving needs of consumers. He also discusses the struggle of stepping away from hands-on production while maintaining high-quality work and explains how purpose-driven businesses can thrive by staying agile and prioritizing long-term growth strategies. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Tyler Kelley, Co-founder and Chief Strategist at SLAM! Agency, about leveraging digital marketing for purpose-driven brands. Tyler shares insights on overcoming economic downturns, ensuring quality while stepping back from production, and making data-driven marketing decisions. He also discusses the importance of mentorship, the future of digital marketing, and key mistakes businesses should avoid.

In the second hour, Lisa Schiller from The Better Business Bureau joins us to talk about the latest scams out there, including phony debt collection and how you can avoid them and warn others. And for today's Audio Sorbet, we pay tribute to Wink Martindale, who passed away at the age of 91 and we talk about our favorite game shows and how they haven't really gone anywhere, you just have to look around for them. We're closing out the show with another installment of This Shouldn't Be A Thing - Governor Gunslinger Edition As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 10 am - noon across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice, they go a long way! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and YouTube to keep up with Jane and the show! Guest: Lisa Schiller

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau about a new study showing how AI tools and the dark web are fueling identity theft.

Scams are becoming more common and more expensive.Last year, more than 2.5 million Americans reported that they had been scammed. And that number has been increasing, along with the losses.   The amount of money lost to scammers in 2024 topped more than 12 billion dollars. That's up from about $2 billion in 2019, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers have also gotten more sophisticated, increasingly impersonating government agencies and businesses to manipulate people out of their money. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation about the latest examples and trends in scams, how anyone could fall for them and how to protect yourself. Guests: Jacqueline Olson is the assistant commissioner of enforcement at the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Susan Adams Loyd is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota. Donna DiMenna was the target of a scam in 2023. She lives in the Twin Cities where she works as an organizational psychologist with expertise in executive development.   If you think you've been targeted by a scam, report it to your local law enforcement.Here are other resources for filing complaints and getting trusted advice on protecting yourself from scams: The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit consumer organization that maintains a Scam Tracker database, which allows the public to report and look up scams in their geographic area. You can also call to report a suspected scam to the Better Business Bureau at 651-699-1111. The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides many consumer fraud resources and its service center addresses complaints about businesses regulated by the department, including banks, insurance and debt collectors. To file a complaint, call 651-539-1600. To report or get additional help with scams involving seniors, call the Commerce Senior Fraud Line at 952-237-7571.

In this episode of Smart Living, I sat down with longtime friend and former ABC15 investigative reporter Joe Ducey, who now works with the Better Business Bureau as the Associate VP of Investigative Outreach. He's the go-to guy for protecting yourself from scams—and trust me, the scams are getting sneakier.

Scammers are apparently impersonating road toll collection services in text message scam. According to the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut, these fraudsters may even use AI technology to create more convincing fake websites and messages. Kristen Johnson of the BBB gave us tips to recognize the scam and avoid getting duped. For more information: Find and Report a Scam | Better Business Bureau Image Credit: Getty Images

Liz Finklea on the International Street Festival in Morgantown this weekendState Treasurer Larry Pack on Senate Bill 439 and WVABLE Laura Blankenship from the Better Business Bureau of Greater West Virginia on their Indentity Theft Prevention event in Morgantown 

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about how to protect yourself from online banking risks and fake flyers going around in the Round Lake Beach area. He also shares details about a survey scam in the Deerfield school district and talking to kids about text scams.

Bryan Barrett talks with James Price of the Better Business Bureau about scammers impersonating road toll collection services.

The Better Business Bureau has long promised value for both businesses and consumers: for companies, a reputation boost and access to member benefits, and for the public, trustworthy information and a host of consumer-protection resources. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Megan MacBride, director of Marketing & Communications with the Better Business Bureau of Central New England, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all this and more, from how the BBB elevates area businesses through an exciting awards program to some of the most common scams currently tripping customers up, and how to avoid them. It's must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

We're diving into the nitty-gritty of the top bad contractor scams of 2025! Buckle up, because we're about to unveil the sneaky tactics that some less-than-reputable contractors use to pull a fast one on unsuspecting homeowners. From underbidding to massive deposits and change orders that seem to pop up out of nowhere, we're here to help you navigate through the minefield of home renovations. I mean, who wants to get stuck with a contractor who leaves you hanging after taking your cash, right? So grab your toolbox (or maybe just a snack), and let's get ready to arm ourselves with knowledge to ensure your next project goes off without a hitch!Navigating the wild world of home renovations can be a bit like trying to dance on a tightrope while juggling flaming swords—exciting but fraught with potential disaster! Eric G dives headfirst into the murky waters of contractor scams in 2025, sharing the top ten ways homeowners can protect themselves from unscrupulous tradespeople. Starting with the essential reminder to always hire licensed, bonded, and insured contractors, he emphasizes the importance of doing your homework to steer clear of the 5% of bad apples that spoil the bunch. He also warns against the pitfalls of relying on social media recommendations—because let's be honest, the only thing worse than a bad contractor might just be one who's recommended by that one friend who can't even hang a picture straight.Moving along, Eric pulls back the curtain on duct cleaning scams that prey on unsuspecting homeowners. He paints a vivid picture of these deceptive ads that lure folks in with promises of a clean home, only to deliver a box of dust bunnies and a hefty bill. If you're not careful, you might find yourself with a bill that's more shocking than discovering that your favorite takeout place has closed down! The key takeaway? Always verify credentials and seek out certified professionals who can actually back up their claims.As the conversation unfolds, Eric discusses the dangers of excessive deposits and unexpected price hikes. He recounts a cautionary tale about a homeowner caught in a web of lies, where a seemingly innocent remodeling job morphed into a financial nightmare. Eric's advice? Lock down a detailed contract that specifies every aspect of the job to avoid being blindsided by those sneaky change orders that can inflate costs faster than a hot air balloon at a county fair. So grab your notepad, folks—this episode is packed with wisdom that could save you from a renovation horror story!Takeaways: Always verify contractor licenses in your area to avoid being scammed. Beware of contractors who ask you to purchase materials; they should handle it all! Understand the details in your contract to prevent unexpected costs during the project. High-pressure sales tactics from contractors are a major red flag; take your time to decide. Be cautious of low bids; they often lead to costly change orders down the line. Don't rely on the Better Business Bureau for contractor credibility; do your own research. Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.commonumentgrills.comaroundthehousonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Monument Grills NADCA John's Waterproofing To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear...

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about scams ahead of concert and the start of baseball season, as well as what to know about the 23andMe bankruptcy. He also shares details about retirement savings scams, impersonators from the Social Security Administration, and fake CAPTCHA tests.

Jeff ponders why his tax dollars need to go to people who want to just eat chips & cookies while Barry Moore explains the finer points of the Better Business Bureau.

Carmen Million, President of the Better Business Bureau of South Louisiana, shares critical insights on protecting ourselves from financial predators targeting our money through sophisticated scams and identity theft tactics.• Grandparent scams are resurging with AI voice cloning technology that makes scammers sound like real family members in distress• The IRS will never call demanding immediate payment or gift cards - they always send official mail correspondence first• Tax identity theft is increasing, with criminals filing fraudulent returns to steal refunds before legitimate taxpayers file• When choosing tax preparation services, avoid those promising unusually large refunds or same-day payments through loans• Vacation scams often feature too-good-to-be-true deals - always verify reservations directly with hotels and cruise lines• Identity thieves can reconstruct documents torn into pieces, making professional cross-shredding essential• The BBB hosts a free document shredding event on April 5th at the Baton Rouge Police Department from 9am-12pm• Anything containing personal information should be properly disposed of, including bank statements, tax documents, and credit card offersTo stay protected, be skeptical of unexpected calls and emails, verify before making payments, choose trusted financial service providers, and stay updated on scams through resources like the BBB Scam Tracker.Have an idea for a show or a question for Kim? Send us a text messageSupport the showWelcome to Money Matters, the podcast that focuses on how to use the money you have, make the money you need and save the money you want – brought to you by Neighbors Federal Credit Union. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

23andMe announced it filed for bankruptcy and hours following the announcement, our Attorney General called for residents who have used the platform to remove data immediately. It's all to protect you and your private information. We wanted to talk about this case and in general, get advice on avoiding identity theft. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut. To check if your email has been part of a data breach: https://haveibeenpwned.com/ Image Credit: Getty Images

Carey Marin is a wife, mom of four, entrepreneur and open adoption advocate.Carey is a graduate of the University of North Texas where she received her bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She has worked with orphanages in Bolivia and Romania, and with women and children in Ecuador, Kenya and Turkey. She received the President's Volunteer Service Award, and founded Hearts Wide Open, an open adoption support group. She has also served with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care.Carey and her husband, Paul have four adopted children. She joined the Gift of Adoption Fund- Colorado Chapter Board in June of 2023, shortly after she and her family relocated to Denver from Dallas. Gift of Adoption is a national charity that provides grants of up to $15,000 to complete the adoptions of vulnerable children. Priority is placed on helping children facing what is possibly their only chance at adoption, including those at-risk of separation from siblings, entering foster care, aging-out of an orphanage, or with special needs.Gift of Adoption is the largest provider of adoption assistance grants on a nondiscriminatory basis (without regard to age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status) and grants are paid directly to adoption agencies and attorneys working on the child's behalf. Since inception in 1996, Gift of Adoption has awarded more than $14 million to give over 4,724 children permanent families and the chance to thrive. To date in Colorado, GOA has awarded $507,000 in grants to complete the adoptions of 155 children.Gift of Adoption is recognized by Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.As President & CEO of Purpose Media Group, Carey specializes in crafting strategic communications that drive measurable results. From public relations and digital content marketing to message development and crisis communications, Carey helps businesses build trust, credibility and lasting connections with their audiences. She has helped clients garner national and international media attention from the LA Times to the Wall Street Journal and Good Housekeeping to TODAY Show.www.giftofadoption.orghttps://giftofadoption.org/joinourboard/giftofadoption.org/colorado/facebook.com/GiftofAdoptionColoradowww.purposemedia.biz***********************************************************Judy is the CEO & Founder of the Judy Carlson Financial Group. She helps her clients design, build, and implement fully integrated and coordinated financial plans from today through life expectancy and legacy.She is an Independent Fiduciary and Comprehensive Financial Planner who specializes in Wealth Decumulation Strategies. Judy is a CPA, Investment Advisor Representative, Life and Health Insurance Licensed, and Long-Term Care Certified.Judy's mission is to educate and empower her clients with an all-inclusive financial plan that encourages and motivates them to pursue their lifetime financial goals and dreams. Learn More: https://judycarlson.com/Investment Adviser Representative of and advisory services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Adviser.The Inspired Impact Podcasthttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast-with-judy-carlson-interview-with-carey-marin-adoptive-mom-of-4-children-gift-of-adoption-fund-board-member

Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the riskiest scams of the year including investment / cryptocurrency scams.

Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the riskiest scams of the year including investment / cryptocurrency scams.

Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the riskiest scams of the year including investment / cryptocurrency scams.

Guest: David McAdams Founder & CEO McAdams Group $240M AUM & Partner In a $3B FirmWebsite: https://www.mcadamsgroupllc.com/Bio:David McAdams is the Founder and President of McAdams Group, an asset and wealth management organization in Cordova, TN. For more than two decades, David has helped hard-working individuals and families in and around Memphis better preserve their retirement savings and increase their retirement income.David is an Investment Adviser Representative and licensed insurance professional specializing in retirement income strategies. He also works closely with estate planning attorneys in the area to establish effective investment and wealth management solutions that can help clients avoid unnecessary taxation and possible government intervention through probate.As an independent financial advisor, David has helped hundreds of clients implement income-generating strategies designed to help protect their savings from the threat of inflation, rising healthcare costs, and market risk.McAdams Group, LLC is currently rated by the Better Business Bureau as an accredited BBB business and is a member of the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce.Disclaimer:Investment Advisory Services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. McAdams Group, LLC and Sound Income Strategies, LLC are not associated entities. McAdams Group, LLC is a franchisee of the Retirement Income Source. The Retirement Income Source and Sound Income Strategies LLC are associated entities.www.sec.gov

DJ Sprague is a pioneer in Ecommerce reputation management, helping brands turn trust into a competitive advantage. As the CMO of Shopper Approved and co-author of Reputation King, he has spent decades refining strategies that boost online credibility, improve search rankings, and drive revenue growth.Before joining Shopper Approved, DJ built his career across marketing, advertising, sales, and PR, leading companies to exponential growth—including scaling revenue from $7M to $54M in just four years. With over 35 years of experience and nearly 70 professional certifications, he applies behavioral science principles and ethical influence strategies to help Ecommerce brands win more customers through trust.Today, DJ is on a mission to redefine reputation management for online sellers. Under his leadership, Shopper Approved has become a Google review partner and the world's first Diamond Cialdini Certified Marketing Agency, setting new standards in verified reviews, social proof, and search engine dominance. As the digital landscape evolves, DJ is proving that trust isn't just a nice-to-have—it's the foundation of ecommerce success.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro[01:08] Displaying social proof to boost conversions[02:47] Dominating search results with positive reviews[03:45] Getting more credibility in Google Shopping[05:48] Why trust is the key to first-time buyers[09:25] The limits of review distribution[10:50] Balancing review collection across platforms[12:50] Common mistakes killing your online reputation[19:39] Real data on how reviews boost conversionsResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeMore reviews, traffic, and conversions shopperapproved.com/YOUR REPUTATION. NEXT LEVEL reputationking.com/Follow DJ Sprague linkedin.com/in/duanespragueIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about recent Illinois Tollway scams, as well as fake computer security program emails and fake products sold online. He also shares details about a cybersecurity update tool and spring door-to-door scams.

Fan Mail Me BrrrruuuuunnndenEver had a retail experience so infuriating you wanted to call the Better Business Bureau? Detto and Casey launch into this episode with the saga of "Red Ginger" – a two-watch-wearing manager at Impossible Kicks who refused to help resolve a sneaker purchase gone wrong. The confrontation escalates to security being called, revealing the absurd theater of mall cop dynamics where three "miniature Paul Blarts" show up looking barely twenty years old.From there, we spiral into a cathartic exploration of modern irritations and technological peculiarities. Why do staplers have two positions? What was the real purpose behind star-69 on telephones? And did keyboards include special symbols like @ and # just so they could eventually create the internet? The questions may sound random, but they tap into those small curiosities we've all wondered about but rarely discuss.The most relatable moment comes when Detto presents his brilliant theory that "phone chargers are the new lighters" – both items mysteriously vanish when needed most, despite our best efforts to keep track of them. Anyone who's ever labeled a charger only to have it disappear anyway will find themselves nodding in vigorous agreement.The conversation reaches its philosophical peak with a refreshingly honest critique of social media culture. Where are the pictures of court appearances, divorce proceedings, and overflowing toilets? Our digital personas present carefully curated highlight reels that bear little resemblance to our messy realities, and Detto's passionate call for authenticity might make you reconsider your own posting habits.Ready to hear grievances aired that you didn't even know you had? Subscribe to Sockeytome for more unfiltered conversations that somehow manage to connect people to people through shared frustrations and genuine laughter. Check out our store and grab some merch while you're at it!Support the showCome back every Tuesday for a new episode each week. You won't be dissappointed, I'll tell you that for free. Subscribe and like us over at sockeytome.com as we begin the best part of our journey into podcasting yet, interacting with all of you. Give us your email as we begin to have more promotions and contests along with my personal favorite, trivia. Thanks everyone and as always, be good.

HUGE SHOW: It has been a long week as Corey Feldman attempted to drag our good names through the mud last Saturday! Jim and Them are back to respond and everyone is excited! Disgusting Filth Pigs: Corey Feldman dubs us "disgusting filth pigs" and "inhuman" with crazy accusations that we were taking pictures of his girlfriend near his house and causing his divorce. Challenge: Jim puts a challenge out to Corey Feldman, to end this beef once and for all so we can officially enter the friendship arc. COREY FELDMAN!, SHOW STOPPER!, LET'S JUST TALK!, DON CHEADLE!, BOOGIE NIGHTS!, WOLFPAC!, DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON THE WOLF PACK!, EROK!, NWO!, OBAMNA!, TTS!, EXCITED!, LONGEST WEEK!, EVIL!, SICK!, TWISTED!, SCUMBAGS!, WOLFPACK 2.1!, OGUS!, EDGING ALL WEEK!, OBAMNA!, WRESTLEMANIA!, FIRST SUPERCHAT NAME!, POWDERKEG!, FALLOUT!, ZEN FELDMAN!, VIDEO!, DONATIONS!, ACCUSATIONS!, INSTAGRAM LIVE!, SPEED ROUND!, NEW NAMES!, FINSTA!, EX-WIFE!, SUSANNAH SPAGUE!, CDOGG22!, PETTY!, COMPLIMENTS!, HACKING!, PARENTS!, SPRAGUE!, YEEHAW!, ALL CONNECTED!, HORUSEYEZEN!, BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM!, FAIREST PODCAST!, NOTHING BUT FAIR!, DOCUMENTARY!, STOLEN!, PUT UP A WEBSITE!, WILL STOP AT NOTHING!, SEEK ATTENTION!, DISGUSTING FILTH PIGS!, BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU!, HDM!, REFUND!, ORDERS!, WEB STORE!, HACKS!, DEBUNKED!, FBI!, POLICE!, NSA!, BELITTED!, AYO!, PAUSE!, MASE!, CAM'RON!, GOONIES!, SEAN ASTIN!, LETHAL WEAPON!, DANGEROUS!, WORMWOOD!, VITAMIN SHOPPE!, PODCASTS!, WARNING!, RPG!, SPELL!, POP CULTURE!, HALLUCINATION!, COCOBUNS!, THOUGHTS!, PRAYERS!, LEGISLATION!, KILL BILL!, NUMBERS DOWN!, LEGISLATION!, FELDMANUAL!, ADRIEN SKYE!, HAUNTED!, CAST OF CHARACTERS!  You can find the videos from this episode at our Discord RIGHT HERE!

Gold has experienced a major upwards repricing in recent years.It's up nearly $1,000/oz over the past two years.And in just the past year alone, it's up 35%, handily outperforming the S&P's return of just 13%.Some say gold is quite overbought after this big run. Others say it's just getting started, and that far higher prices lie ahead due to the ongoing loss of purchasing power of the US dollar and other world fiat currencies.Which is more likely?For a "boots on the ground" report on all things gold, we welcome Andy Schectman to the program for the first time. Andy is the CEO and co-founder of Miles Franklin -- a full-service precious metals broker with a mission to educate the masses on the benefits & principles of sound money and to deliver fair pricing. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.Andy reports that amidst the current wild action in the gold market, he's seeing some developments he's never witnessed before in his decades-long career.READ OUR FREE GUIDE TO BUYING GOLD & SILVER at https://thoughtfulmoney.com/gold

In this special live episode of Hacking Humans, recorded at ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, Dave Bittner is joined by T-Minus host Maria Varmazis. Together, they explore the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and cybercriminal exploits making headlines. Their guest, Seamus Lennon, ThreatLocker's VP of Operations for EMEA, shares insights on Zero Trust security and the evolving threat landscape. Maria's story this week follows the IRS warning about a fake “Self Employment Tax Credit” scam on social media, urging taxpayers to ignore misinformation and consult professionals. Dave's got the story of the Better Business Bureau's annual Scam Tracker report, revealing that online shopping scams continue to top the list for the fifth year, with phishing and employment scams remaining major threats, while fraudsters increasingly use AI and deepfake technology to deceive victims. Our catch of the day comes from Diesel in West Virginia, and features a scammer who tried to panic their target with a classic “We've frozen your account” scam—only to get hilariously mixed up with actual embryo freezing. Resources and links to stories: Better Business Bureau reveals top local scams of 2024 IRS warns taxpayers about misleading claims about non-existent “Self Employment Tax Credit;” promoters, social media peddling inaccurate eligibility suggestions BBB Scam Tracker Got a $1,400 rebate text from the IRS? It's a scam, Better Business Bureau warns. You can hear more from the T-Minus space daily show here. Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at hackinghumans@n2k.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special live episode of Hacking Humans, recorded at ThreatLocker's Zero Trust World 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, Dave Bittner is joined by T-Minus host Maria Varmazis. Together, they explore the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and cybercriminal exploits making headlines. Their guest, Seamus Lennon, ThreatLocker's VP of Operations for EMEA, shares insights on Zero Trust security and the evolving threat landscape. Maria's story this week follows the IRS warning about a fake “Self Employment Tax Credit” scam on social media, urging taxpayers to ignore misinformation and consult professionals. Dave's got the story of the Better Business Bureau's annual Scam Tracker report, revealing that online shopping scams continue to top the list for the fifth year, with phishing and employment scams remaining major threats, while fraudsters increasingly use AI and deepfake technology to deceive victims. Our catch of the day comes from Diesel in West Virginia, and features a scammer who tried to panic their target with a classic “We've frozen your account” scam—only to get hilariously mixed up with actual embryo freezing. Resources and links to stories: Better Business Bureau reveals top local scams of 2024 IRS warns taxpayers about misleading claims about non-existent “Self Employment Tax Credit;” promoters, social media peddling inaccurate eligibility suggestions BBB Scam Tracker Got a $1,400 rebate text from the IRS? It's a scam, Better Business Bureau warns. You can hear more from the T-Minus space daily show here. Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at hackinghumans@n2k.com.

Behind that 70% off sign, there's a liquidation consultant trying to maximize retailer profits. Zachary Crockett seeks a deal. SOURCES:Bradley Snyder, executive managing director at Tiger Group.Zac Rogers, associate professor of supply chain management at Colorado State University RESOURCES:"What Went Wrong: The Demise of Toys R Us," by Angie Basiouny (Knowledge at Wharton, 2018)"Retail apocalypse 2024: All the once-popular stores and restaurants that shuttered locations this year," by Sarah Bregel (Forbes, 2024)"BBB Tip: Avoid bogus bargains at going out of business sales" by Better Business Bureau (2024)"There's a science and art to running a going-out-of-business sale. (And business is booming.)" by Courtney Reagan (CNBC, 2018) EXTRAS:"I don't wanna grow up: The first day of the end of our childhoods," by Mike Higdon (Reno Gazette-Journal, 2018)  

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies. After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation. Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area. He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization. Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers. #BEST #SHMS #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies. After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation. Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area. He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization. Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers. #BEST #SHMS #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Mr. Woodward began his interest in real estate renovations as a youth, working with his grandfather, father, and great-uncle doing handyman and maintenance services. He also studied architectural design in high school, taking first place at county and state-level housing design competitions. After graduation, he enrolled in the architectural design program at Miami-Dade Community college. He also purchased his first property and renovated it himself at just 20 years old. He then took his aspiration to become an architect to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl where he majored in Architecture and minored in African American Studies. After much consideration, the future graduate of Florida A&M University decided to change his major from architecture; though, he never lost his passion for the real estate profession. He eventually graduated with undergraduate degrees in History, Geography, and Secondary Education. He was able to complete the triple degree in 3.5 years. He also has a Masters Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in African American History and an Add-on in Educational Leadership. This was completed while engaging in an 18year career in the education-al system and investing in real estate. Mr. Woodward is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Humanities at Clark-Atlanta University. He has completed all of his coursework and his comprehensive exams. The dissertation is all that remains between now and graduation. Utilizing all of his prior knowledge and experience in real estate, Mr. Woodward was able to turn a hobby and part time residual income opportunity into an incorporated business. After 2 years of being incorporated, Michael decided to leave the education profession. Nine years later, Woodward Property Group (www.woodwardpropertygroup.com), a full service home improvement and property management company is still going strong. In addition to being a leader in the property management and renovation business, we are contractors for Lowes Stores under their kitchen a bathroom renovation program. We have 7 stores on the east side of Atlanta and we have an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple partnerships throughout the Atlanta Area. He is also the founder and CEO of Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. (www.aecga.com a company that was started in graduate school as a tutoring company for K-12 students and college students. To-date it has expanded to assist individuals in all areas of real estate such as purchasing, renovation, cost calculations and profit maximization. Additionally, he is The Director of The LEAD Foundation (www.theleadfoundation.org), LEAD, standing for Leadership Education and Development is an organization designed to teach soft skills to middle and High school students such as leadership skills, interviewing skills, test taking skills, oratorical skills, etc. Under the foundation, students are able to learn financial planning, college preparation and selection, take college tours, and attend workshops on college campuses. Additionally, students earn college scholarships and laptop computers. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.