Podcasts about big takeaways

Brandt, Tyler, and Brennan, go over the RSL third straight win. See who gets an Orange Slice What are their Big Takeaways and more! Listen, watch, share, & subscribe!

This week on RuPaul's Drag Race, the queens are tasked with celebrating—and roasting—drag royalty. The episode begins with a throwback mini challenge inspired by Season 5, where the queens must create a scent and film a commercial to promote it. The chaos continues with the maxi challenge: delivering a toast (that quickly becomes a roast) honoring the one and only Alyssa Edwards. On the runway, the category is “Swept Away,” as the queens face dramatic wind effects meant to send their garments—and nerves—flying. In the end, Darlene Mitchell snatches the win for the week, while Kenya Pleaser and Juicy Love Dion land in the bottom two. After a lip sync battle for their lives, Juicy is told “Shantay, you stay,” and Kenya Pleaser is asked to sashay away. Joe and Lauri break down the episode, debate the judging decisions, and share their big takeaways from another dramatic week in the competition. • The mini challenge brings back the infamous scent commercial concept from Season 5—and the results are as bizarre as expected. • The queens attempt to “toast” Alyssa Edwards, but the challenge quickly turns into a full-on roast. • Joe and Lauri discuss the difference between comedy that kills in a live room versus comedy that translates on television. • A debate over whether Darlene Mitchell's performance truly deserved the win—or if the humor simply played better in the room than on screen. • The hosts analyze why roast jokes must be concise and how delivery, pacing, and character work affect whether a joke lands. • A discussion about Kenya Pleaser's charisma versus the technical comedy skills needed for a roast challenge. • Joe reflects on the surprisingly low drama among the remaining queens and whether a kinder cast makes for less compelling reality TV. Joe's big takeaway centers on the unusual dynamic of this season's cast. With most of the queens getting along and avoiding open conflict, the traditional reality-TV narrative feels absent. While that may make the competition less dramatic, it also creates a rare moment where the queens compete more on talent than interpersonal chaos. Whether that makes for better television—or just different television—is still up for debate. Subscribe & Follow To hear more Drag Race coverage from Joe and the Afterthought Media team, visit:patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Follow Joe Betance and Afterthought Media for more podcasts, recaps, and commentary on drag, pop culture, and reality television. Highlights from this episodeFinal Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brandt, Tyler, and Brennan, share their thoughts on the RSL 3-2 victory over Atlanta United FC The kids are alright The new guys are very alright Orange slices Big Takeaways from the game. Subscribe!

What does the rise of AI mean for technical programs? Surprisingly, it's not a new concept to CTE fields. It is embedded in robotics, automation, diagnostics, and data modeling across modern manufacturing facilities today.In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Andrew Neuendorf, Associate Dean of Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades, and Transportation at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), to explore what applied AI actually means inside CTE programs and why education must move beyond generative AI.With a background in English and the humanities, Andrew offers a rare perspective on how artificial intelligence is perceived differently across academic disciplines. From robotics labs to industrial technician programs, he explains where AI has already been embedded for years, where disruption is coming next, and how community colleges can respond with clarity rather than panic.From design software disruption to AI-assisted troubleshooting and entry-level data modeling skills, this conversation will help technical educators think about applied artificial intelligence in their programs.In this episode:Why robotics and automation programs have been teaching AI longer than they realizeThe hidden risk inside CAD and design-heavy technical pathwaysHow students are using AI to troubleshoot equipment faster than faculty expectWhy the “trades are safe from AI” narrative may be dangerously simplisticWhy competency-based education might be a better model in this AI-driven world3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Applied AI has already been embedded in CTE for years. Robotics vision systems, PLC-driven automation, driver-assist sensors, and predictive maintenance models have quietly trained students in machine intelligence long before generative AI dominated headlines. The difference today is scale and accessibility, not the existence of AI itself.2. The future disruption isn't blue collar versus white collar — it's discipline by discipline. Andrew argues that assuming the trades are immune to AI disruption is a strategic mistake, particularly in design-heavy roles like CAD and digital modeling. Education must evaluate AI's impact at the skill level rather than rely on outdated workforce categories.3. Students may lead the applied AI shift inside technical programs. From uploading robot manuals into NotebookLM to accelerating troubleshooting in automation labs, students are modeling AI-assisted problem solving in real time. Institutions that recognize this and structure learning around it will move faster than those focused solely on policing its use.Resources in this Episode:Connect with Andrew on LinkedInOther resources:"Something Big is Happening" by Matt SchumerJensen Huang (NVIDIA) CES KeynoteSix Days in China: The Speed, Scale and Strategy Outpacing U.S. Innovation - Todd Wanek, CEO of Ashley FurnitureTry Google's NotWe want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

BzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzToday we're talking about Time Flies by Playables! A game about being a fly and then being another fly.Get Time Flies on Playstation, Switch, Steam, Epic, or the App Store!!! Follow Playables work on their website!Discussed in the episode:EYEZMAZERobin's piece on Time Flies for InverseAllegheny Cemetery: The story behind the Egyptian mausoleum and sphinx by Joaquin Gonzalez for 90.5 WESA---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on YouTube!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthineAdditional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - We needed this (01:22) - A Kim approved intro (02:18) - What is Time Flies (09:00) - The sound design (10:18) - The art (12:18) - A not spoiler spoiler (12:34) - How many secrets did we find? (13:41) - Standout stuff (23:55) - Min/Maxxing life expectancy (30:08) - How are we feeling about death? (41:14) - A quick mechanical thing (42:39) - Big Takeaways (42:45) - Kim's Big Takeaway (44:58) - AJ's Big Takeaway (47:15) - Robin's Big Takeaway (49:31) - How do I live a life like the fly? (52:35) - Check the show notes! (53:17) - Thank you for listening! ★ Support this podcast ★

Joe flies solo this week as Lauri recovers from food poisoning, but the show must go on. In Episode 10, the queens sharpen their claws for the annual Reading Challenge before diving into a design challenge where they must create runway looks using materials packed by eliminated queens. With no one going home and the judges leaning positive across the board, the episode delivers an unexpectedly joyful energy—and Joe has thoughts about why that matters. EPISODE BREAKDOWN Reading Is FundamentalThe queens take part in the traditional Drag Race Reading Challenge. While not the most brutal reading session in the show's history, the jokes land more as playful banter among friends than vicious shade—hinting at how well the remaining queens actually get along. Maxi Challenge: Drag in a BagEach queen receives a suitcase filled with materials left behind by eliminated contestants and must transform the contents into a runway party look. The challenge highlights sewing skills, creativity, and the ability to work with whatever scraps remain. Runway ResultsNo one lands in the bottom this week. Instead, the judges select two queens to lip sync for the win. Top TwoJane Don'tKenya Pleaser Jane Don't ultimately collects her third win of the season, continuing a remarkable streak of top placements and further solidifying herself as one of the strongest competitors in the competition. Kenya Pleaser earns a much-needed high placement after surprising the judges with a polished design. JOE'S BIG TAKEAWAY A Surprisingly Joyful Episode In contrast to the cynicism Joe discussed on last week's Patreon-exclusive RulaskaThoughts, this episode felt genuinely upbeat. The queens appear to truly enjoy each other's company, and that camaraderie carries through the reading challenge, the workroom interactions, and the runway critiques. While the episode lacks the high drama typical of Drag Race, Joe argues that not every episode needs to operate at maximum conflict. Sometimes the show benefits from a lighter installment where the cast simply has fun together—and the audience gets to enjoy that energy. The result is an episode that might not be the most explosive of the season, but one that feels refreshing in its warmth and sense of community. LISTENER CALL-IN MOMENT Discord regular Supernova Ghoul briefly joins Joe to discuss the episode. She agrees that Jane Don't and Kenya Pleaser were the correct top two and praises Jane's ability to construct a winning garment from almost nothing. The conversation also touches on a broader point about modern Drag Race: while the queens remain talented, some longtime viewers feel the show's formula has become familiar over time. FINAL THOUGHTS With no eliminations and universally positive critiques, Episode 10 serves as a breather in the middle of the competition. It's a reminder that sometimes Drag Race works best not when the queens are fighting—but when they're simply enjoying each other's company. SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow Drag Race Recap wherever you listen to podcasts.Leave a 5-star rating and review to help new listeners find the show. For bonus episodes, early releases, and exclusive content:patreon.com/AfterthoughtMedia If you want, I can also show you a slightly improved version of the standard template that keeps the same structure you use but performs better in Megaphone, Patreon, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify simultaneously (avoids formatting bugs you mentioned earlier). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Season 18, the queens take on a musical send-up of Annie in the “Fanny: The Hard Knock Ball” Ruzical. On the runway, the category is “Beige Against the Machine,” challenging the dolls to elevate one of fashion's most unforgiving colors. After critiques, Jane Don't is named the winner of the challenge. Juicy Love Dion and Athena Love Dion land in the bottom two and lip sync against each other for survival. In the end, Juicy is told “Shantay, you stay,” and Athena is asked to sashay away. In this episode of The Big Takeaway, Joe and Lauri break down the judging, the performances, and whether the producers made the right calls. MAIN DISCUSSION POINTS Did the right queen win? Both Joe and Lauri agree that Jane Don't earned her win. While her personality may divide the room, her comedic timing, vocal performance, and overall command of the Ruzical stood out. Even if she's bracing for the inevitable “target on my back” narrative, the win felt justified. Were the right queens in the bottom? This is where things get contentious. Joe and Lauri question the decision to place Juicy and Athena in the bottom when several other performances felt weaker. The judges claimed they were “splitting hairs,” but that justification opens the door to almost any elimination outcome. The sense is that production may have seized the opportunity to finally pit the Dion sisters against each other. Did the right queen go home? The consensus: probably not. While Athena may not have delivered a standout performance, the argument is made that other queens have repeatedly escaped the bottom despite underwhelming showings. The elimination feels more producer-driven than performance-driven. THE RUZICAL ITSELF Joe's big frustration: clarity. While the songs were solid and the performances mostly strong, the narrative of the musical felt muddled. The story beats were difficult to track, and the emotional arc never fully landed. Strong songs alone aren't enough — the storytelling needs to connect. Lauri's take? The expectations may have shaped the judges' reactions. Certain performances were praised as “Broadway level,” but she questions whether they truly met that bar. Solid? Yes. Elite? Debatable. BIG TAKEAWAY When judges say they're “splitting hairs,” it often signals that the outcome was predetermined. If everyone did well, then technically anyone can be critiqued into the bottom. The tension this week didn't feel rooted in performance quality so much as timing and storyline. As the competition narrows and stronger queens continue to go home, the structure of the season starts to feel increasingly engineered. We're officially down to seven queens — and with teases of something major happening next week, the competition may be about to shift again. Join us next week as Joe and Lauri continue breaking down every twist, performance, and questionable judging decision from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18. Always settle for more and never settle for anything less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonas Shaffer is back in Baltimore after spending most of the week at the NFL combine. What did he learn in the Jesse Minter and Eric DeCosta press conferences?

Florida Gators PASS The Gauntlet

The Buffalo Bills and the rest of the NFL have descended upon Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Kevin Carroll and Andy Young talk about the big takeaways from Brandon Beane and Joe Brady, including a re-worked contract for Spencer Brown, contract talks with Connor McGovern and David Edwards, what can Keon Coleman do to improve in Year 3, the hiring of John Fox as a senior assistant, the salary cap, the NFL Draft and more.

i ain't interpreting all that. i'm happy for you tho. or sorry that happenedToday we're talking about Eclipsium by Housefire! A game about walking around and unspeakable things happening to your hand.Get Eclipsium on Steam!!! Follow Housefire's work on their website!Discussed in the episode:AJ on The Worst Community ReportAJ's 2025 Game of the Year video on YouTubeEclipsium (Original Game Soundtrack) by Hudson Bikichky on BandcampAJ's playthrough of the beginning of Eclipsium on YouTubeFinding Emilie by Radiolab---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on YouTube!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthine and check out his new project Foster Hope!Additional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - Listen to AJ on The Worst Garbage Community Report :-) (01:45) - Welcome to the game (03:31) - What is Eclipsium? (04:58) - What'd we think (08:30) - Bugs? (10:00) - The music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The sound!!!!!!!!!! (13:10) - The hand and the things done to the hand (15:42) - Heading to spoilers (16:11) - Chase wants to talk about the images (20:01) - Kim wants to talk about judgment (22:48) - Robin wants to talk about it literally (25:16) - AJ wants to talk about the opting-in (27:24) - What death means and religious imagery (34:21) - Going to the panopticon (47:27) - They can't ALL be PT!!! (50:03) - An actually interesting series of hallways (56:47) - Big Takeaways (56:59) - AJ's Big Takeaway (59:42) - Chase's Big Takeaway (01:04:08) - Kim's Big Takeaway (01:06:19) - Robin's Big Takeaway (01:09:39) - The end of the game hot damn (01:09:57) - Thanks for listening! ★ Support this podcast ★

ABT 2026 Season Opener – Gippsland Lakes | Winning Techniques, Gear, and Tournament Breakdown The 2026 ABT season is officially underway — and it starts with a cracker event at Gippsland Lakes. In this episode of The Bream Fishing Project Podcast, we break down the ABT Gippsland Lakes Round (February 3–4, 2026) with full tournament results, in-depth angler interviews, bite period analysis, and the exact techniques that produced winning bags. If you want to catch bigger BREAM in tournaments or recreationally, this episode is loaded with practical insights from anglers who were right at the top of the leaderboard.

This week, the queens take on a twist no one asked for: the Snatch Game of Love Island. Instead of the traditional panel format, the contestants are thrown into a dating-show setup that forces them to improvise in unfamiliar territory. On the runway, the category is 80s Ladies, and on the main stage, Ninni Coco takes the win. Kenya Pleaser and Mia Starr land in the bottom two, lip sync for their lives, and ultimately Mia Starr is asked to sashay away. Joe and Lauri break down whether the twist was fair, whether the right queen won, and whether this version of Snatch Game set the cast up to fail. –––––––––– THE BIG QUESTIONS Did the right queen win? Joe and Lauri debate Ninni Coco's victory, with Joe arguing that Mikey Meeks may have delivered the stronger Snatch Game performance purely on comedy, while Lauri defends the originality factor and rewards risk-taking with lesser-done characters. Were the right queens in the bottom? The consensus: yes. Kenya Pleaser and Mia Starr both struggled in the challenge. However, there's disagreement about the lip sync itself and whether overall track record should have played a role in the decision. Did the right queen go home? Lauri believes the lip sync sealed Mia's fate. Joe argues that Mia's Snatch Game performance was so weak that no lip sync could have saved her. –––––––––– LAURI'S BIG TAKEAWAY “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.” Why change Snatch Game? Lauri argues that the Love Island twist was an unnecessary curveball that destabilized the contestants. Many queens clearly prepared for the traditional format, and shifting the structure mid-season created confusion, fear, and watered-down performances. Instead of elevating the challenge, the twist exposed insecurity and resulted in one of the weaker Snatch Games in recent memory. –––––––––– JOE'S BIG TAKEAWAY Preparation matters. Snatch Game is a cornerstone of Drag Race. By Season 18, contestants should arrive ready with a fully realized character, structured jokes, and the confidence to commit. Joe questions how multiple queens appeared underprepared and why so many rely on vague or made-up characters rather than recognizable celebrities that give them stronger comedic anchors. –––––––––– OTHER DISCUSSION POINTS – The risk of abandoning the traditional Snatch Game format – Whether RuPaul's coaching helped or hurt certain contestants – The difference between being naturally funny and performing structured comedy – The danger of choosing a character without a fully built game plan – Why runway strength can't save a weak Snatch Game –––––––––– NEXT WEEK Join Joe and Lauri for more gut reactions and first impressions as Season 18 continues to unfold. For extended discussions and deeper dives, check out Recap on Patreon and Rulaska Thoughts on the public feed. Follow Joe on Instagram: @joebetance Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia See you next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the American consumer finally hitting a wall?

Imagine giving middle and high school students a full week to explore careers without grades, homework, or “regular” classes. That's the core idea behind Camanche Community School District's J-term: a dedicated pause in the academic grind that turns school into a career-exploration lab, where 5th-12th grade students can test-drive career fields, build confidence, and discover options they didn't even know existed. That's right: J-term is no longer only reserved for the college experience.What makes this model so compelling is the way it engages students & teachers in a way that the traditional classroom never could. Middle and High School Principals Melissa Phillips and Josh Davis saw higher engagement and clearer direction in this real-world, hands-on week of learning. You see it in the outcomes and reactions: the high school generated 100+ internships, the middle school reported zero office referrals that week, attendance hit a high-water mark, and the community showed up in force.In this episode:Why a “no grades, no homework” week can reveal a different version of students and teachers.How J-term creates equity in exposure by removing barriers families can't always overcome on their own. Why employers and community partners are more likely to say “yes” to short, high-impact experiences than longer commitments. How a J-term can reshape course choices and future plans, helping students move from “I don't know” to a real next step. 3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. A grades-free, hands-on week can encourage a different level of student engagement. At the middle school, they saw zero office referrals and “not one student” sent down for behavior during J-term. The deeper lesson is that when the goal shifts from performance to exploration, more students lean in because the experience finally matches how they learn best. 2. J-term is an equity play because it reduces the “who you know” advantage. The high school framed it explicitly as removing barriers for families who “don't have the means” or the pathway to get students these opportunities on their own. Guardrails like requiring internships not be at a student's current job help ensure the week is about new exposure, not just extending what already exists. 3. Short, real-world exposure can change trajectories faster than a semester of coursework. One student had such a strong internship experience that she reworked her schedule to keep going back, and it shifted her likely postsecondary plan toward education. The big insight is that a one-week “test drive” creates clarity either way, helping students confirm a direction or rule one out while the stakes are still low. Resources in this Episode:Read about Camanche CSD's J-Term weekVisit Camanche CSDSee more on the episode page!We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Guy whose only played Sayonara Wild Hearts: "I'm getting a lot of Sayonara Wild Hearts energy in this game."Today we're talking about Toroa: Skycall by Atawhai Interactive! A game about gliding and just hangin' out.Get Toroa: Skycall on Steam!!! Follow Atawhai Interactive's work on their website!Discussed in the episode:The sourdough shaping video that AJ talked about by Matthew James Duffy on YouTube Shorts(tm)TWG Steam Curator PageMaking Kin with the Machines, Archer et al. from the Journal of Design and Science by MIT PressRoyal Albatross Centre ---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on YouTube!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthineAdditional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - The end of a 20 minute conversation (02:31) - We're not fighting!!! (03:43) - fort.nite ???? (05:52) - Oh right the podcast (06:12) - What is Toroa: Skycall (07:36) - This game feels AMAZING (10:21) - The MUSIC (11:38) - The game is steeped in culture (13:46) - Talking to other animals (17:02) - Songs of the sea have been dulled by the drums of progress (21:48) - The game wants you to just hang out (23:05) - Bird heaven???? (28:49) - Everything is connected (33:57) - You get where you're going (35:57) - Made with love (36:31) - Everything is connected!!! (37:15) - Big Takeaways (37:17) - Kim's Big Takeaway (42:31) - AJ's Big Takeaway (47:09) - Help the Northern Royal Albatross!!! (47:38) - Thank you for listening! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, the queens split into pairs to create “for” and “against” campaign ads for wildly gay-coded propositions. On the runway, the category was “I Can See Right Through Her,” serving sheer fabrics, illusion panels, and transparent fantasy. Mikey Meeks won the challenge. Juicy Love Dion and Vita Von Teese Star landed in the bottom two. After lip syncing to “Houdini” by Dua Lipa, Juicy Love Dion stayed, and Vita Von Teese Star sashayed away. In this episode of The Big Takeaway, Joe and Lauri break down whether the right queen won, whether the right queens were in the bottom, and whether the correct queen went home. They discuss: Whether Mikey's win felt earned or overdue Why several of the performances felt technically fine but emotionally safe The growing sense that no single queen is dominating the season How playing it safe might be affecting the energy of the competition Whether adaptability — not just talent — is what separates queens in lip sync showdowns Joe explores the idea that some contestants may be holding back out of fear of producer edits or fandom backlash, leading to polished but predictable television. Lauri questions whether this cast has produced a true frontrunner yet — and whether that's making the season feel even, but less electric. They also break down the Juicy vs. Vita lip sync and what ultimately made the difference on stage. Join us each week as we give our immediate reactions, gut takes, and first impressions of every new episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18. Support the show at patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia or subscribe on Apple Podcasts for early access and bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 1, Shasky gives his 5 biggest takeaways from the Super Bowl.

Your organization doesn't have a data problem. It has an intelligence problem: the gap between having information and being able to act on it with speed, clarity, and confidence. That gap shows up everywhere: hospitals, schools, manufacturers, and any team drowning in dashboards while leaders still wait on someone to “find the story.”Rick Anderson (Chairman & CEO, The Hive Health) is back to show just how much AI has impacted one organization in 12 months. Enter Corby Furrer (Harvard AI fellow, builder since college) and Will Furrer (former NFL quarterback turned COO). Together, they've built what they call a "trade intelligence platform" - not another analytics tool, but a system that encodes economic expectations, reconciles them against purchasing reality in real-time, and tells people exactly what action to take when behavior drifts off course.Intelligence isn't about regression models anymore. It's about knowing what "good looks like," verifying AI assumptions through human-in-the-loop, and translating observations into stories that change behavior when delivered by the people who speak the right language (physician to physician, engineer to engineer, teacher to teacher, not consultant to administrator). Sustainable change requires three legs: understanding the rules of the game, seeing what's actually happening (not what's supposed to happen), and coaching insights through stakeholders who can shift behavior.AI scales when it creates shared clarity people can validate and act on repeatedly, not when it generates reports that collect dust behind the CEO's desk.In this episode:Why your organization can have endless dashboards and still lack decision-grade intelligence. What must be true for leaders to trust AI results enough to act on them. How a data observation becomes a story for the change agent that actually drives behavior change. How coding and product building changes when AI can generate code, and why knowing “what good looks like” matters.Why one-time improvements fade, and what it takes to build a repeatable system.3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Decision-grade intelligence starts with clear expectations and a next action. The bridge from data to intelligence = what should happen, reconciling it against what is happening, and using that gap to drive the next corrective step. The takeaway is widely applicable: if you cannot state the intended economic or operational outcome, you cannot reliably diagnose variance or drive consistent performance.2. If the improvement is not repeatable, it is not a solution. Build a system that codifies the work, monitors performance against targets, and keeps savings from reverting once the project ends. The real value in AI projects is durable behavior change and ongoing detection of the next opportunity, not a one-time finding.3. Insights only matter when they are delivered to the change agent as a story that drives action. A data observation has to become a narrative that the person who can change the behavior will actually respond to. In the AI era, that elevates a specific skill stack: storytelling, curiosity, and building, because trust and adoption live or die in communication and execution, not in the existence of a model. Links & resources We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

This is a sports game! Well it's a game that centers around a sport... Er, it's a game that has a sport as a central narrative piece... uh...Today we're talking about despelote by Julián Cordero and Sebastián Valbuena! A game about soccer and tuning out the adults in your life.Get despelote on Steam, Switch, or Playstation!!! Follow Julian's work on his website! Follow Sebastián on his website!Follow Matt on his YouTube channel, Flow State!Discussed in the episode:A Sportslike Manifesto by Grapefruit GamesDespelote review: miraculous slice-of-life soccer game pulls a hat trick by Moises Taveras for Digital TrendsAdditional links:Despelote with Moises Taveras by Tales from the Backlog on YouTube---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on YouTube!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthineAdditional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - The sausage gets made (00:19) - Babby's first intro (01:34) - The Sports Corner (04:20) - What is despelote? (08:13) - Sportslike (11:24) - Witholding the big stuff (13:35) - Making it back to the bench (14:36) - The first ten minutes (18:39) - Standout moments (26:07) - Being a child among adults (31:24) - What happened... (32:43) - Turn the game on! (35:06) - Crossing narrative lines (37:22) - The very end (41:11) - Big Takeaways (41:16) - Matt's Big Takeaway (44:12) - Robin's Big Takeaway (46:27) - Chase's Big Takeaway (49:43) - Thank you Matt for coming on! (49:53) - Chase attempts an outro ★ Support this podcast ★

Joe and Lauri are back with their immediate reactions to Episode 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18, breaking down the second half of the Raida Queen Talent Show and the fallout from another chaotic week of alliances, voting, and questionable performances. This week, the queens return to the stage for part two of the Raida Queen Talent Show, followed by a runway themed Shake, Shake, Shake. On the main stage, Athena Dion and Jane Doe land in the top two and face off in a lip sync for the win. In the bottom, Mikey Meeks and Sierra Mist battle it out for survival, with Sierra ultimately being asked to sashay away. Joe and Lauri dig into whether the right queens were in the top and bottom, whether the voting actually made sense, and how alliances may be quietly shaping the competition. Lauri argues that Mikey Meeks delivered the most compelling and unique performance of the night and questions why it didn't translate into a win. The conversation also tackles Kenya's continued struggles, missed lyrics, and whether strong confessionals are keeping her safe. The episode takes a closer look at Athena Dion's polished but polarizing talent show performance, Jane Doe's comedic approach, and Discord's confusing musical choices. Joe and Lauri debate whether competence and professionalism are being rewarded over risk and originality, and whether the math behind the votes is actually mathing. Along the way, the conversation veers into classic Big Takeaway territory, including side tangents, personal commentary, and unfiltered opinions that reflect the hosts' first-impression reactions before the deeper recap episodes. This is The Big Takeaway: raw, immediate, and unapologetically honest. The Big Takeaway is part of the Afterthought Media network. Support independent queer media by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Would you mind picking me up a mystery skull while you're out?Today we're talking about Dépanneur Nocturne by KO_OP! A game about getting little treats and going to the washroom.Get Dépanneur Nocturne on Steam!!! Follow Ko_OP's work on their website!Discussed in the episode:_amaranthine's (Jake's) new project Foster Hope on bandcamp!---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on YouTube!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthineAdditional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - Eldot Ring (00:21) - ahem (00:34) - Snow day!!!!!! (01:38) - What is Depanneur Nocturne? (02:31) - This is a game about existing in a new place (10:11) - The backroom (11:25) - Going to the washroom (15:31) - Sharing little secrets (18:27) - The cashier (23:01) - Our big takeaways for our beautiful partner (29:40) - Big Takeaways (29:53) - AJ's Big Takeaway (31:42) - Robin's Big Takeaway (33:16) - A beautiful game about going shopping (33:52) - Thanks for listening! ★ Support this podcast ★

Joe is joined by Lauri Roggenkamp (Bloody Podcast) for immediate reactions and gut takes on Episode 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18. With the queens split into two groups for the Raida Queen Talent Show and alliances driving the episode's drama, there's plenty to unpack—from the double win to a controversial bottom placement. Mia Starr and Juicy Love Dion land in the top two after strong (but very different) talent show performances. The lip sync ends in a double win, sparking debate over whether both queens truly earned the crown—or if one clearly edged ahead. Sierra Mist is named the bottom queen, but both Joe and Lauri question whether she actually deserved that spot. The consensus? Vida Von T-Star should have been in the bottom based on a lackluster performance and missed lyrics. Credit is given where it's due: Sierra at least attempted something different, even if it didn't fully land. Juicy Love Dion delivers high-energy stunts and athleticism. Mia Starr opts for storytelling, presence, and classic Drag Race theatrics. Was it a true tie—or did the judges hedge their bets? The talent show is no longer a talent show—it's a drag show, and judging it as anything else just leads to frustration. The 90-minute format continues to drag episodes down with excessive logistics, alliances, and vote math. Props are discussed, unused tools are called out, and “beautiful gowns” energy is officially invoked. Jane Don't's whining reaches new heights—without a performance to balance it out. What will the queens from Part 2 bring next week? Will strategy finally outweigh talent? And will the show ever learn to cut 20 minutes of filler?

Most leaders have a vision, a plan, and the authority to move it forward, but real momentum shows up when you understand how culture is being shaped through trust and influence behind the scenes.Host Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Ben Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools at Bismarck Public Schools, and Bobby Dodd, Assistant Principal at May River High School, co-authors of Intentional Influence. They break down how influence really spreads inside an organization, in schools, in business, and in industry, and why the people with the most impact are often not the ones with the biggest titles.At the center of the conversation is their cultural mapping framework—making the invisible influence network visible. You'll hear how to identify formal and informal influencers, classify commitment on a five-point scale, and invest your time where it will actually shift the culture instead of just managing noise.In this episode:How to move a team from compliance to commitment—without pressure, politics, or performative buy-inWhy “trust is the currency of culture,” and how to build it in everyday leadership momentsThe cultural mapping basics: formal vs. informal leaders, a five-point commitment scale, and understanding how influence flows throughout your organizationThe difference between positional power and personal power, and why titles can create action without creating true alignment“Energy vampires” and the “pinging effect”: how attitudes spread through a team, and how strong leaders respond in a way that protects momentum3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Lasting change is a culture outcome, not a plan outcome. Compliance can produce short-term execution, but commitment is what sustains new behaviors when nobody is watching. The work is to build alignment and trust so people internalize the “why” and carry the standard forward.2. Cultural mapping helps you lead the real organization, not just the org chart. Influence runs through informal networks of credibility and relationships, and the highest-impact people often do not have the biggest titles. When you identify formal and informal influencers and where people sit on a commitment scale, you can invest your time where it will actually shift the culture.3. Influence spreads fast, so leaders have to manage energy and momentum intentionally. “Energy vampires” and the “pinging effect” are real, and unchecked negativity multiplies through the network. The goal is not to label people, but to understand what's driving resistance, address it directly, and redirect influence toward the commitments the organization is trying to build.Resources in this Episode:Get the book Intentional Influence: Harnessing Cultural Mapping to Build CommitmentMore resources on the show notes page: https://techedpodcast.com/influenceWe want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Subscribe to the Jesus Company podcast NOW, its on all the podcast players! This is episode 5 on the new show channel!

In this one AJ and Robin experience every human emotion at once!Today we're talking about The Sea Will Claim Everything by Jonas Kyratzes! A game about a sentient house and needing to read more philosophy. This game was suggested by Alex! If you'd like to suggest a game head over to our website!Get The Lands of Dream collection on Steam!!! Follow Jonas Kyratzes' work on their website!Discussed in the episode:The Sea Will Claim Everything walkthrough and review on jayisgames.com (for the love of god don't click anywhere else around the website lol)Emergence blog post on Jonas Kyratzes' websiteFear of Twine: Zombies and Elephants (Verena Kyratzes) on YouTubeLife Support by Veran Kyratzes---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on Twitch!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthineAdditional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - Remember that you have free will (00:52) - The podcast intro equivalent of waking up in a pitch dark hotel room (01:43) - The saga of The Lands of Dream (04:52) - What is The Sea Will Claim Everything? (08:09) - It's goofy! (14:12) - Some advice (14:59) - Some of the first text things you see (15:18) - "The Sea Will Claim Everything, part II" by Chris Christodoulou, The Sea Will Claim Everything (17:41) - Welcome to Underhome (24:43) - Out into the world (31:46) - The Isle of Stars (34:20) - The Isle of Becoming (38:58) - "Grains of Sand" by Chris Christodoulou, The Sea Will Claim Everything (40:36) - Saying "No" (40:49) - "Victory March" by Chris Christodoulou, The Sea Will Claim Everything (41:15) - Saying "No" (43:36) - The Oracle (47:41) - Goodbye (48:28) - "The Sea Will Claim Everything, part II" by Chris Christodoulou, The Sea Will Claim Everything (52:31) - The packaging (52:47) - SPOILERS FOR GREAT GOD GROVE (52:59) - The packaging (54:21) - All abooooard! (54:27) - AJ's Big Takeaways (56:59) - Robin's Big Takeaway (58:42) - Hoo baby that's a video game (59:14) - A little bit of diving (01:00:34) - Thank you for listening! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's Big Takeaway, Joe and Lauri record immediately after the episode airs to share their gut reactions, first impressions, and hot takes on the Red Carpet Mashups design challenge. From questionable judging to awkward apologies and a one-sided lip sync, there's a lot to unpack—even if the challenge itself didn't offer much narrative momentum. Joe and Lauri break down the Red Carpet Mashups challenge and agree that, overall, it was a difficult category with very few truly successful looks. Vita Von T. Starr is widely agreed to be the correct winner, benefiting from cohesive materials and a strong final presentation. Mixed reactions to the rest of the top queens, with skepticism around why certain looks were rewarded despite poor fit or lack of femininity. A larger discussion emerges around body shape, padding, and “female illusion”, sparked by Discord's runway presentation. Joe questions whether some queens are being rewarded more for effort and complexity than for how the final look actually reads on the body. The bottom placement sparks debate, with Lauri questioning whether the right queens were chosen to lip sync. A conspiracy theory emerges around Briar Blush's fainting incident, with speculation about production motivations and storyline timing. Kenya Pleaser decisively wins the lip sync, though Joe wonders whether she revealed too many tricks too early in the season. Both hosts ultimately agree that, taken as a whole, Briar Blush's elimination makes sense based on track record and performance. Joe and Lauri discuss the fallout between Mia Starr and Briar Blush, focusing on apologies, forgiveness, and emotional timing. Joe reflects on the idea that no one is owed forgiveness, and that apologies don't always require immediate acceptance. Observations that the cast dynamics feel tense and performative, with Lauri suggesting the queens don't genuinely like one another. Continued concern over Athena's edit, with comparisons to a classic “Jan-style” mental breakdown arc. Strong reactions to Law Roach's judging style, including comparisons to past behavior on Project Runway. Lauri calls out what she sees as unnecessary sensitivity from the judging panel, while also crediting Law Roach for correcting Michelle Visage on footwear accuracy. Joe notes how judging moments may have been edited to support Briar Blush's elimination narrative. Joe questions whether design challenges inherently lack strong storytelling compared to performance episodes. Lauri's big takeaway: the queens are polite, but not particularly bonded. Joe's big takeaway centers on conflict resolution, apologies, and emotional maturity—both inside and outside the Werk Room. The Big Takeaway is your immediate-reaction companion to each episode of RuPaul's Drag Race. For full, moment-by-moment recaps, subscribe on Patreon or Apple Podcasts to get access to the complete recap series all season long—ad-free and in real time. Premium and Executive Patreon members also unlock a full archive of Afterthought Media shows, plus bonus content and casual chat episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt is joined by New York Times reporter and awards season columnist Kyle Buchanan to discuss the biggest industry narratives surrounding this year's Academy Awards nominations (01:29). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the new Chris Pratt film, ‘Mercy' (31:58). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Email us your thoughts! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thetown@spotify.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Kyle Buchanan Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Higher education is shifting toward a connected model where colleges and universities function as one learner ecosystem. The goal is simple: make credentials stackable, transfer predictable, and pathways flexible enough for learners to move in and out of education as their careers evolve.In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner speaks with Dr. Katherine Frank (Chancellor, University of Wisconsin–Stout) and Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia (President, Chippewa Valley Technical College) about how their institutions have developed streamlined pathways for learners that support lifelong learning.They break down how institutions can design on-ramps and off-ramps, align programs across tech/community college and university systems, expand credit recognition, and keep partnerships active so transfer works in real life (no more "credits to nowhere"). The conversation also expands to what this shift means nationally as technology and workforce needs change faster.In this episode:What a connected model for colleges and universities actually requires in program design and policyHow to make transfer predictable and student-friendly without lowering academic standardsWhy stackable credentials and credit for prior learning matter more as learners move in and out of educationHow to get around the red tape that has traditionally prevented colleges and universities from creating streamlined transfer pathwaysWhat higher education leaders should do next if they want to build the new model in their own region3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. A connected model keeps learners moving across colleges and universities. Stackable credentials, credit for prior learning, and predictable transfer reduce the stop-and-start pattern that derails working adults and career-changers. When pathways are designed for entry, exit, and return, education becomes a long-term system learners can use throughout their careers.2. Transfer works at scale when it becomes an operating habit, not a one-time agreement. The UW–Stout and CVTC alignment shows what changes when institutions treat pathway design as ongoing work with shared ownership and recurring check-ins. That consistency is what makes transfer feel clear to students and sustainable for faculty and staff.3. This model makes it easier to keep programs aligned as technology and jobs change. Modular, competency-aligned pathways let institutions update portions of a program without rebuilding the entire structure. It is a practical way to respond faster to industry signal while protecting rigor and program quality.Resources in this Episode:Read the op-ed co-written by Drs. Frank and Beaton-Garcia: "Reframing Higher Education"➡️ Find more resources on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/disruption/We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

We just got back from the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa — the biggest SuperShow ever — and this year felt different. In Episode 393 of the RV Miles Podcast, we break down the show-floor vibe, the new brands that finally made it in, the biggest relaunches and “comeback” stories, and why competition suddenly feels real again in the RV industry. We also dig into the new “quality” narrative (frames, suspensions, warranties), talk through brands and models that impressed us (including  @noovovans  and the  @EmberRecreationalVehicles  Touring Edition return), and share a few hot takes on designs that might be polarizing… or just plain confusing. Plus: the strange experience of walking into a floorplan that felt a little too familiar.

The Chicago Bears' storybook season came to a stunning end Sunday night in their 20-17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round at Soldier Field. Here are the five big takeaways from a stunning season-ending loss.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shaw-local-s-bears-insider-podcast--3098936/support.

Sometimes every single part of the game is so good that you simply can't articulate it completely.Today we're talking about Sayonara Wild Hearts by Simogo! A game about playing a pop album and therapeutic movement!Get Sayonara Wild Hearts everywhere!!! Follow Simogo's work on their website!Discussed in the episode:Sayonara Wild Hearts Analysis – Use of Tarot in Game Design and Narrative by Angie for Backlog CrusaderAdditional links:Fading Memories (Demos and unused tracks from Sayonara Wild Hearts) on YouTubeHow Simogo built Sayonara Wild Hearts' best stage by Matt Leone for Design RoomTeddy Girls: The Style Subculture That Time Forgot by Laura Havlin for AnOther (fashion that inspired SWH's design)---Support us on Ko-fi!Visit our website!Follow us on Twitch!Follow the show on Bluesky!Check out The Worst Garbage Online!---Art by Tara CrawfordTheme music by _amaranthineAdditional sounds by BoqehProduced and edited by AJ Fillari---Timecodes:(00:00) - Fem unc? (01:26) - Welcome to 2026! (02:05) - Welcome to 2026 (correct version)! (03:06) - What is Sayonara Wild Hearts? (04:55) - How was it? (12:56) - Spoilers (13:38) - Favorites? (18:54) - The effect of switching stuff up so much (24:04) - There are levels to this game (25:18) - The game is good and we don't know what else to say (31:08) - Big Takeaways (31:29) - Chase's Big Takeaway (34:33) - AJ's Big Takeaway (35:14) - Robin's Big Takeaway (37:17) - It's a good one! (40:00) - Think about sleeping and hire Robin ★ Support this podcast ★

Joe and Lauri are back with their immediate, no-filter reactions to RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18, Episode 3. In this first-response episode of Big Takeaway, they break down a divisive RDR Live challenge, debate the judging, and ask the uncomfortable question: does this challenge even work anymore? Joe and Lauri assess whether the right queens landed in the top and bottom, and whether the correct winner and eliminated queen were chosen A spirited debate over Jane Don't vs. Juicy Love Dion, including how expectations, nerves, and runway presentation factor into the judges' decisions Frustration with the overall quality of the sketches, with comparisons to Saturday Night Live that do the queens no favors A larger critique of the RDR Live challenge itself, including whether it's fair—or even viable—for the current generation of queens Thoughts on performance anxiety, especially from queens expected to excel in comedy A breakdown of the lip sync, including whether track record ultimately determined the outcome Growing concern about what this episode signals for the upcoming Snatch Game Joe argues that RDR Live may be a fundamentally flawed challenge—one that asks queens to succeed at a format that even seasoned professionals struggle to execute well. Lauri agrees, pointing out that without proper rehearsal, writing support, or clear comedic direction, the challenge sets many contestants up to fail. Together, they question whether Drag Race should retire the format altogether—or radically rethink how it's produced. “At a certain point, you're not judging talent—you're judging who failed the least.” The full, moment-by-moment Drag Race Recap—with deeper analysis, runway discussion, and extended commentary—lives exclusively on Patreon and Apple Podcasts Subscriptions throughout the season. Ad-free full recaps every week Access to the Afterthought Media archive Bonus shows at higher tiers Search Drag Race Recap on Patreon or subscribe directly via Apple Podcasts. Joe and Lauri return next week with another Big Takeaway, sharing their immediate reactions as Season 18 continues—and with Snatch Game looming, the pressure is officially on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hub Headlines features audio versions of the best commentaries and analysis published daily in The Hub. Enjoy listening to original and provocative takes on the issues that matter while you are on the go.   0:30 - The one big takeaway from François Legault's resignation: The Weekly Wrap, by Sean Speer   This program is narrated by automated voices. To get full-length editions of popular Hub podcasts and other great perks, subscribe to the Hub for only $2 a week: https://thehub.ca/join/hero/   Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch The Hub on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en   CREDITS: Alisha Rao – Producer & Sound Editor   To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, email support@thehub.ca

In this episode we hit the show floor at Imaging USA 2026 in Nashville to explore what's new, what's changing, and what working photographers are excited about this year. From cameras and lighting to business education and creative workflows, Imaging USA remains one of the most important events for photographers looking to grow both their craft and their business.Along the tour we speak with manufacturers, exhibitors, and well-known photographers who share their perspectives on the state of photography and videography in 2026. Whether you're a beginner, a semi-pro, or working at a professional level, this recap gives you a quick and genuine sense of how the industry is shifting.If you're interested in photography, videography, creative careers, or the photography business, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't forget to subscribe for more interviews, photo education, and industry highlights—and check out our other Imaging USA conversations on the channel.

What actually happens inside those massive Amazon facilities—and how do products arrive at your door with such astonishing speed?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner explores these questions with Amanda Willard, Strategic Workforce Development, and Logan Schulz, Senior Manager of Reliability & Maintenance Engineering at Amazon. They take us behind the scenes of the advanced robotics, mechatronics, and automation systems that power Amazon's fulfillment network—and the skilled technicians who keep the entire operation running.Amanda and Logan share how the Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team prepares the workforce behind this technology, including Amazon's mechatronics and robotics apprenticeship. They reveal what today's technicians actually do, the durable skills that matter most, and how Amazon develops talent capable of maintaining one of the world's most complex automation ecosystems.Listen to learn:How Amazon uses robotics, AMRs, vision systems, and miles of automation to move products at remarkable speedWhat actually happens inside the RME apprenticeship, from 12 weeks of training to 2,000 hours of structured mentorshipWhy durable skills like troubleshooting, analytics, and system connectivity matter more than any specific technologyHow data, AI, and predictive maintenance are reshaping the technician's roleWhat technical educators should teach now to prepare learners for next-generation automation careers3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Maintenance roles have shifted from mechanical work to high-level cognitive problem-solving. Technicians at Amazon diagnose interconnected networks, sensors, PLC systems, and smart devices alongside mechanical equipment. This evolution requires system-level thinking, the ability to interpret data, and strong analytical abilities—skills that anchor long-term career growth.2. Apprenticeships are a business strategy that strengthens the entire talent pipeline. Amazon's mechatronics and robotics apprenticeship builds internal talent, increases employee retention, and prepares the workforce for future technology needs. With industry certifications, structured mentorship, and extensive hands-on training, the program creates a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled technicians.3. Durable skills prepare learners for technologies that don't exist yet. Troubleshooting methods, programming fundamentals, data analytics, and understanding how systems interconnect form the foundation technicians will rely on as automation accelerates. As AI, predictive maintenance, and IoT devices expand, adaptability and analytical reasoning will matter more than the specific robots or tools a technician first learned on.Resources in this Episode:Learn more about Amazon Reliability & Maintenance EngineeringLearn more about the Amazon RME Mechatronics & Robotics Apprenticeship programFind more resources on the episode page! https://techedpocdast.com/amazonWe want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

The Chicago Bears pulled of the comeback of all comebacks on Saturday night when they came back to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in the NFL Wild Card. Here are the five big takeaways from an unforgettable win.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shaw-local-s-bears-insider-podcast--3098936/support.

The Mindset We're Bringing Into 2026 — 5 Leadership Lessons from 2025The best leadership lessons of 2025 didn't come from the wins — they came from pressure, exhaustion, and hard decisions. In this episode, Chris shares the 5 most powerful leadership lessons of the year and the mindset we're bringing into 2026.

With states stepping directly into the venture capital arena, a major shift is underway in how early-stage companies are funded—and where the next generation of innovation will be built.In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner dives into this emerging movement with Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management at the MSU Research Foundation, and Alison Todak, Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Together, they unpack why states like Michigan are deploying public capital into startups, how PitchMI became one of the largest pitch competitions in the country, and what this means for founders, investors, educators, and the broader innovation economy.From filling early-stage capital gaps to catalyzing private investment, Michigan is using public VC models to strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem—and the results are showing. Pete and Alison detail the strategy behind PitchMI, the sectors driving the next decade of growth, the role of universities in spinning out new technologies, and how public and private capital partners are increasingly collaborating rather than competing.Listen to learn:Why states are stepping into early-stage VC and where private capital is falling shortHow PitchMI became a $2M competition drawing 375 statewide applicantsThe sectors Michigan is betting on—from mobility to clean tech to AI and health innovationWhy founding teams matter more than anything else at the pre-seed stageHow public VC and private VC now work together to accelerate growth rather than compete3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. States are stepping into early-stage VC because private capital isn't meeting the needs of pre-seed founders. Michigan's earliest-stage companies often start in a funding vacuum, and state-backed dollars are designed to close that first-capital gap. The PitchMI model shows how public investment can de-risk companies enough for private VCs to participate later.  2. PitchMI is creating a statewide pipeline of founders, companies, and investors. The competition drew 375 applicants in two weeks and activated partners across smart zones, universities, investors, and the private sector. Even companies that didn't win are already raising capital, hiring talent, and gaining visibility through the program.  3. Public and private VC are becoming collaborators in building regional innovation economies. Founders backed by public funds gain access to non-dilutive programs, state networks, and industry connections, while private firms gain earlier access to high-potential deals. This shared model is shaping how capital formation and startup ecosystems will evolve over the next decade.Resources in this Episode:Learn more about PitchMI: https://msufoundation.org/pitchmi/MSU Research FoundationMichigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)Find more on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/msuresearch/We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

The Chicago Bears ended the regular season on a sour note Sunday afternoon with a 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions. Here are the five big takeaways from a disappointing loss to end the regular season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shaw-local-s-bears-insider-podcast--3098936/support.

Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League after a 2–1 win over Brighton, but the performance once again raises familiar questions. The Gunners dominate large spells at the Emirates — racking up 2.8 xG, 24 shots and total territorial control — only to let the game drift into nervous territory late on, with David Raya forced into a crucial save to preserve the win.We break down a first half that should have put the game out of sight, including missed chances for Bukayo Saka and ongoing concerns around Arsenal's finishing. Martin Ødegaard scores his first goal of the season in trademark fashion, while Declan Rice adapts to an unfamiliar role and Arsenal's structure continues to generate chances without the ruthless edge to kill games.The second half sees a worrying 15-minute spell where Arsenal retreat, stop engaging high up the pitch, and invite Brighton back into the contest. We discuss Raya's intervention, the defensive adjustments that followed, and whether this “control then retreat” pattern is becoming a recurring issue.There's also frustration with refereeing decisions, including a controversial challenge on the goalkeeper and VAR inconsistencies across the weekend. We cover all the major talking points from Gameweek 17 in Whip Around the Grounds, with results from Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and more.In VARse, we analyse key officiating decisions from Old Trafford, the City Ground and Stamford Bridge, ranking what was contentious, what was ridiculous, and where the laws continue to be applied inconsistently.Finally, we look ahead to Arsenal vs Aston Villa. With Villa winning games while being outshot and outperforming their xG, and Arsenal struggling to convert dominance into comfort, we assess the tactical battle, injury concerns, likely line-ups, and what Mikel Arteta must get right this time around.Chapters:(00:00) – Arteta's Non-Negotiables Intro(01:40) – #ARSBHA Pre-Match, Injuries & the Return of Big Gabi(03:18) – Starting XI: Rice at Right Back?(04:52) – Stats, Arsenal Domination & Missed Early Chances(07:45) – Saka Shooting Volume vs End Product(12:12) – Ødegaard's First Goal of the Season(15:32) – Chances, xG and Why This Game Should've Been Dead(18:18) – Referee & Goalkeeper Challenge Controversy(21:42) – Second-Half Control & Set-Piece Pressure(24:42) – Brighton Goal: Freak Moment or Structural Issue?(27:26) – Fifteen-Minute Retreat & Loss of Engagement(28:06) – Raya's Match-Saving Intervention(30:02) – Martinelli's Impact, Late Chances & Full-Time Reflection(34:34) – Big Takeaways from the Brighton Win(38:37) – PT.2: Who Am I? (Game)(40:25) – Whip Around the Grounds: Gameweek 18(46:39) – VARse: Gameweek 18(56:04) – Officiating Trends & Referee Inconsistencies(01:02:23) – Aston Villa Preview: Style Clash & xG Trends(01:06:39) – Arsenal Line-Up, Injuries & Selection Calls(01:08:18) – The No.9 Debate & Attacking Balance(01:22:31) – Nwaneri?(01:35:21) – Who Am I? (Game) Reveal

The School District of Philadelphia has revealed the four primary themes that emerged from its recently-conducted facilities planning process survey. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. identifies what they are, and how they'll better inform the district's decision-making about the future of its buildings. Plus, Watlington talks about the tangible and intangible benefits of opening two brand new facilities - AMY at James Martin Middle School and Thomas Holme Elementary.  00:00 Facilities planning process survey yields four key themes: what they are, and what they mean 03:38 Are there links between better facilities and better academic performance by students? Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com and listen for a response on future episodes of "After School!” Catch the show on the air every Wednesday at 3:45 PM ET on KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/f5gWUVQI0jIMelissa Martin and Matt Kirchner are back to answer your questions, covering everything from university curriculum design, to AI in the classroom, to what employers actually expect when they invest in education.This one moves fast, but it's focused: how do you build programs that truly prepare students for modern work? How do you keep education from falling behind as technology accelerates? Along the way, Matt and Melissa break down what universities need to change, how to raise the bar in the age of generative AI, why ethics can't be an afterthought, and how to help HR teams understand the value of credentials and new pathways.Listen to learn:What university programs should teach (in one course) to better prepare grads for modern manufacturing workHow educators can help students identify when AI is wrong and why we need to level-up our homework in the age of AIThe role of ethics in modern CTEThe five components of a world-class, modern advanced manufacturing high school programHow educators can measure program effectiveness and show ROI to industrial partnersWhat HR teams need to understand about changing credentials, degrees, and how to evaluate technical candidates3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. have to teach applied industrial skills, not just theory. Matt argues that a four-year program can cover a lot of “cool stuff in the lab,” but it still needs authentic manufacturing equipment and technology so graduates understand what they will actually see in industry. He frames this as an employer expectation problem: even when budgets are tighter at the four-year level, universities still need to build around the same core technologies students will encounter on day one in manufacturing. 2. AI changes the standard for student work and makes ethics a core requirement. Melissa and Matt point out that AI is designed to produce an answer even when it doesn't know (causing a 'hallucination'), which means students must learn to question outputs and verify accuracy instead of treating AI as a sole source of truth. From there, the conversation moves from classroom integrity into broader ethics: what it means to do original work, and how humans should think and behave as AI becomes more capable and more embedded in decision-making. 3. Industry and HR and educators must understand each other's needs to build a successful partnership. Education and Industry both have a responsibility to do their part in a partnership. HR departments must understand the changing landscape of certifications, 3-year degrees and other credentials that students are gaining to demonstrate their technical competency. Likewise, educators must adopt industry practices of tracking metrics to show employer partners the ROI of their investments in the program.Access tons of links & resources on the episode page: https://techedpodcast.com/askusanything-122025/We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Seth and Sean give their big takeaways from the Texans topping the Raiders 23-21 yesterday.

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Irv Blumkin, Chairman of Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), and Ryan Blumkin, Executive Vice President, to unpack nearly 90 years of retail innovation, from Mrs. B's pawn-shop beginnings to multi-acre campuses in Omaha, Kansas City, Dallas, and soon Austin. They explore what it's like to partner with Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, build massive destination developments, and still obsess over every single SKU and customer interaction. From dynamic pricing and AI-enabled operations to a mind-blowing learning trip through China's retail and technology ecosystem, Irv and Ryan share how NFM is using data, automation, and emerging tech to deepen their moat, without ever losing sight of values, culture, and long-term thinking. They also talk careers in retail tech, why young “outside-the-box” thinkers matter, and the role of lifelong learning in leading through disruption. Listen to learn:Why Warren Buffett bought Nebraska Furniture Mart on a handshake, and what Irv has learned from decades of dinners and deal-making with himWhy strong values and culture matter more than ever in this tech-driven marketplaceHow NFM uses massive-store footprints, destination partners like Scheels, and even hotel/convention centers to turn shopping into an experienceHow dynamic pricing, digital shelf tags, and nightly web crawls of 70,000+ SKUs keep NFM competitive with Amazon, Costco, Wayfair, and othersWhat Irv and Ryan saw in China's tech companies and how those lessons are shaping NFM's future3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Timeless values can scale into a $2 billion business. Mrs. B's simple principles (sell at a great price, tell the truth, and pay your bills) still anchor NFM's strategy, even as the company builds 1.8 million-square-foot campuses and expands into new markets like Austin. Irv connects those values directly to long-term growth, customer trust, and the family's partnership with Berkshire Hathaway. 2. Technology is now core infrastructure, not an add-on. NFM's nightly web crawling, digital price tags, and dynamic pricing systems automatically position them as the best value against online competitors, while complex distribution networks and emerging AI tools optimize inventory and logistics. Ryan frames this as building a “moat” with data, automation, and relentless operational excellence, not just more advertising. 3. Lifelong learning is mandatory for modern leadership. Irv has invested in executive education for decades, and both he and Ryan describe their China trip as “eye opening” in terms of speed, scrappiness, AI adoption, and asset-light business models. They're already translating those lessons into new e-commerce strategies, warehouse automation concepts, and AI-enabled process improvements back at NFM. Resources in this Episode:Learn more about Nebraska Furniture MartOther resources mentioned:Six Days in China: The Speed, Scale and Innovation Outpacing the U.S. - Podcast episode with Todd WanekMORE LINKS & RESOURCES ON THE EPISODE PAGE: https://techWe want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

Moms — we made it!! We're celebrating 200 episodes of the Gather Moms podcast AND kicking off Christmas together! Whether you've been with us since those early COVID-era episodes or you just found us last week, we are so grateful you’re here. In this milestone episode, we're unwrapping favorite gifts, Christmas hilarity, biblical truths, and some deeply meaningful encouragement for the season. Big Takeaways 1. Good mom ≠ big Christmas Stop carrying the weight of magical expectations. A meaningful Christmas isn't built on stuff — it's built on values, presence, and generosity. 2. Start with values, not expectations Decide what matters most: togetherness, service, slowing down, telling the story of Jesus — then shape December around that. 3. Generosity beats guilt every time Don't aim for “perfect.” Aim for generous: time, kindness, prayers, small acts, and loving others with your kids. 4. The Magi point us to Jesus in a deeper way Their extravagant gifts weren't random — they reflected worship, prophecy, priesthood, and God's perfect provision. Even at Jesus' birth, God was caring for Mary in the sweetest ways. 5. Small rhythms make a big impact A weekly Advent reading, a service project, handmade cards, or simply talking about Jesus — simple is beautiful. Links & Mentions Ruffle socks (Rebecca's current obsession) Shark hair dryer Vuori joggers Favorite diffusers Advent devotionals & Gather Moms Patreon studies Giveaway Alert! To celebrate 200 EPISODES, we're giving away “Pick Your Present” gifts from our favorite-things list! (No ruffle socks for Kate… but maybe for YOU!) Follow along on Gather Moms social media to win! Gather Moms: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Kate Henderson: Instagram | Facebook Rebecca Bradford: Instagram | Facebook

Seth and Sean kick off Reaction Monday by diving into their biggest takeaways and the big storylines to come out of the Texans' win over the Colts yesterday.

Seth and Sean dive into the big takeaways and storylines from the Texans' win in Indy yesterday, what the big picture looks like for the Texans at the moment, and go through the day's Headlines.