Podcasts about boohoo

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Best podcasts about boohoo

Latest podcast episodes about boohoo

The Investor Way
Re-Release - E64 - Twenties Trader P2 (Twitter - @qualitycompound)

The Investor Way

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 111:23


James at QualityCompound will be returning for a catch up interview in our next episodes. We are therefore re-releasing his previous interviews for anyone who wishes to listen prior to his latest episode.This episode was originally published in December 2021. In this episode the Twenties Trader returns to discuss his portfolio with Sam and the family portfolio he manages.The companies discussed include Games Workshop, Fevertree, Boohoo, Gamma Communications, Team 17, JD Sports, Adidas, Peloton, Unilever, Diageo, LSE & Darktrace.

The Investor Way
Re-Release - E111 James at Quality Compound (Twitter - @Quality Compound)

The Investor Way

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 107:13


James at QualityCompound will be returning for a catch up interview in our next episodes. We are therefore re-releasing his previous interviews for anyone who wishes to listen prior to his latest episode.This episode was originally published in November 2022. In this episode James at Quality Compound (Twitter - @Quality Compound) returns to the show to discuss his portfolio and the changes since his last interview (episodes 62 & 64). Companies discussed include Games Workshop, Axon, PayPal, JD Sports, Fevertree, Boohoo, Safestore, Darktrace and plenty of others.⁠$gaw⁠ ⁠$pypl⁠ ⁠$axon⁠ ⁠$jd⁠ ⁠$fevr⁠ ⁠$boo⁠ ⁠$safe⁠ ⁠$dark⁠ 

The Investor Way
E221 - J D Wetherspoons, Savills, Carnival, Boohoo, Prudential, & Trustpilot

The Investor Way

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 34:20


In this episode we discuss J D Wetherspoons, Savills, Carnival, Boohoo, Prudential, & Trustpilot$jdw $svs $boo $ccl $pru $trst

Within Brim's Skin
WBS: Oh, Boo Hoo #302 3-27-2025

Within Brim's Skin

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 43:11


WBS: Oh, Boo Hoo #302 -- The gang is at it again. Brimstone is joined by his wing-man Alex DaPonte and Brim's wife Danielle as they chat about Brim and Danielle's visit to Salem, breakfast at Red's, the Vamp Fangs Noir Blanc awesomeness, and the Goodnight Fatty sadness. They discuss how Brim did the Abracadabra dance for social media at their hotel, and then witnessed creepy cringe sex noises from a nearby room. They discuss having a noodle party, Alex pouring coffee into his by mistake, and the Indiana teacher who fornicated with thirteen year old students… while they wore Ghostface masks. They also chat about why you don't take candy from strangers (or cookies), why audio equipment and drugs don't mix and Cookie Cutter released on Nintendo Switch today. Brim explains what gets Within Brim's Skin.

You Can Do This!
Ep. 193: Your Dream is Worth the Gamble With Ella Eiveren

You Can Do This!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 38:50


Five years ago, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, she took a massive financial and life-risking leap—flying to London with no guarantees, no safety net, and only her self-belief, resilience, and grit to chase her dream of becoming an international fashion model. Despite setbacks and moments of doubt, her gamble paid off.A UP Los Baños Chemical Engineering graduate who once wanted to work for NASA, Ella discovered her true passion in modeling. Once pressured to conform to beauty pageant standards, winning a modeling competition led her toward high fashion instead. Today, she's thriving in London, working with global brands like Rayban Meta, Pandora, Primark, Adidas, Puma, Glenlivet, Sephora, Boots, ASOS, Boohoo, and Nasty Gal, among many others. She has also founded her own mother agency called Eiveren Models to help Filipino models break into the international sceneIf fear or doubt has ever held you back from your dreams, this conversation is for you!If you're interested in collaborating with our podcast through brand partnerships, advertisements or other collabs, please send an email to our management: info@thepodnetwork.com

You Can Do This!
Ep. 193: Your Dream is Worth the Gamble With Ella Eiveren

You Can Do This!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 38:50


Five years ago, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, she took a massive financial and life-risking leap—flying to London with no guarantees, no safety net, and only her self-belief, resilience, and grit to chase her dream of becoming an international fashion model. Despite setbacks and moments of doubt, her gamble paid off.A UP Los Baños Chemical Engineering graduate who once wanted to work for NASA, Ella discovered her true passion in modeling. Once pressured to conform to beauty pageant standards, winning a modeling competition led her toward high fashion instead. Today, she's thriving in London, working with global brands like Rayban Meta, Pandora, Primark, Adidas, Puma, Glenlivet, Sephora, Boots, ASOS, Boohoo, and Nasty Gal, among many others. She has also founded her own mother agency called Eiveren Models to help Filipino models break into the international sceneIf fear or doubt has ever held you back from your dreams, this conversation is for you!If you're interested in collaborating with our podcast through brand partnerships, advertisements or other collabs, please send an email to our management: info@thepodnetwork.com

Diary of a UK Stock Investor
128 - Debenhams, Admiral and Hargreaves Lansdown takeover

Diary of a UK Stock Investor

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 39:12


In Episode 128 of the Diary of a UK Stock Investor Podcast this week:- (00:00) Show Start (12:24) BooHoo rebranding to Debenhams (17:30) Admirals stellar earnings release (22:00) Persimmon sees 7% rise in house completions (26:14) Kiyosaki, Buffet and Rami Sethi on Stock Investing (27:43) Decisions on the Hargreaves Lansdown private takeover Diary of a UK Stock Investor Podcast is a show for everyday long-term retail investors, hosted by Chris Chillingworth. The podcast is unique in that it serves as a place for Chris to reflect on the highs and lows of long-term UK stock investing, as well as sharing detailed updates on how his own portfolio is growing. With new episodes every Thursday, and a detailed update on his quest to reach £1,024,867 in portfolio value by 2043, episodes often discuss investing education, strategy, mindset, ideas and even stock picks and analysis. The show, which now has an active following of over 4000 downloads a month, is curated by Chris Chillingworth, a UK investor for over a decade whose stockpicks have achieved a 18% annual average return between Jan 2014 - Nov 2024. Email Chris at the show on chris@chrischillingworth.com Checkout the website https://chrischillingworth.com 

MJ Morning Show on Q105
MJ Morning Show, Tues., 2/11/25: Have You Ever Had A Car Dealer Shut Your Car Off On You?

MJ Morning Show on Q105

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 186:14


On today's MJ Morning Show: MJ's experience on the bridge Car dealer car jacking customer... We took calls. Morons in the news Crocs banned at some schools Denzel bit off part of his tongue? Michelle loves Uncrustables Friday's egg test, also, MJ nailed the time of kickoff Philly's celebration/damage after the game Advice: Don't go to bed angry Tom Cruise's face Is this the end of the penny? We took calls. Vince Neil's plane crashed Kid Rock walks off stage at a birthday party Airline passenger had a wifi hotspot named 'there's a bomb on the flight' New segment: "Boo Hoo" or "Screw You"... We took calls. This is the dirtiest article of clothing Egg prices at Trader Joe's and Costco Proposed ordinance in St. Pete Beach has some bothered, protest planned (6pm) Great Clips location trashed by parolee Kanye news Michael Bolton cancelled concert due to brain cancer Are Taylor and Travis doomed to break up? Harrison Ford... Why is he still making commercials with a net worth of around $300 million?

Russell & Medhurst
Jay Gruden Joins the Show, Clean Up on Aisle Three and Dumb Dumb Of The Day

Russell & Medhurst

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 41:57


Jay Gruden hops on with Rooster to kick off the hour. They go over everything from the NFC Championship, then Jay speaks briefly about the Cowboys hiring Brian Schottenheimer, as well as give Dan Snyder a little "Boo-Hoo". Then Rooster takes more of your calls. Finally we get to our Dumb Dumb of the Day that you certainly won't want to miss.

Paper Cuts
Are the Obamas on the rocks? – Boo hoo! Ex-Tory MPs can't get a job – Meet the Hollywood orgasm coach

Paper Cuts

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 38:03


We read the papers so you don't have to. Today: The Telegraph thinks that the Obamas might be heading for splitsville, leaving Grainne inconsolable. Ava discusses the plight of ex-Tory MPs who are struggling to find work after leaving Parliament, as reported by The Times. Plus – The Mail introduces us to Mr. O, the Hollywood "climax savant." But Miranda is skeptical of his hands-off methods. Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedian Gráinne Maguire and journalist Ava Santina. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live streams here: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/papercutsshow.bsky.social • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshow • Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com  Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Production. Liam Tait. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kassenzone Podcast | Interviews zu den Themen E-Commerce, Handel, Plattformökonomie & Digitalisierung

In dieser Episode des Weihnachtspodcasts mit Florian Heinemann besprechen wir zunächst die jüngste Übernahme von About You durch Zalando, doch unser Hauptaugenmerk liegt darauf, welche Auswirkungen dieser Zusammenschluss auf die Wettbewerbslandschaft im Bereich Mode und Beauty haben könnte, besonders im Kontext der Konkurrenz durch Shein. Wir analysieren die bisherigen Erfolge von Shein im Bereich Eigenmarken, wobei unser besonderes Interesse der Marke SheGlam gewidmet ist, die einen bemerkenswerten Aufstieg im Beauty-Segment verzeichnet hat. Florian und ich reflektieren über die strategischen Überlegungen hinter der Fusion und diskutieren die Frage, ob die Corporate Synergien schnell genug realisiert werden können, um einen wettbewerbsfähigen Vorteil gegen Unternehmen wie Shein zu schaffen. Wir stellen fest, dass die Integration des neuen Unternehmens Zeit benötigt und eine generelle Koordination und Abstimmung notwendig sein wird, damit die angestrebten Effekte sich tatsächlich entfalten können. Im Verlauf des Gesprächs beleuchten wir auch die Herausforderungen und Chancen auf dem europäischen Markt. Am Beispiel von Marken wie ASOS und Boohoo wird deutlich, dass diese Unternehmen in den letzten Jahren stark an Marktanteilen und Kunden verloren haben. Wir erörtern, ob Zalando und About You angesichts dieser Entwicklungen tatsächlich in der Lage sind, einen echten europäischen Player zu etablieren, und ob es klug wäre, aktiv auf Märkte wie den britischen zuzugehen. Ein weiterer spannender Aspekt unseres Austausches ist die Entwicklung von SheGlam und das Potenzial dieser Marke, sich im hart umkämpften Beauty-Markt zu behaupten. Wir sind beeindruckt von der rasanten Skalierung und dem Erfolg, den SheGlam innerhalb kürzester Zeit erreicht hat. Gemeinsam diskutieren wir die Möglichkeiten, die moderne Marketingansätze, insbesondere Social Media, bieten, um eine starke Markenpräsenz und Kundennähe zu schaffen. Zum Schluss wagen wir einige Prognosen für das Jahr 2025. Wir beleuchten unter anderem die Position von Apple und die Frage, ob wir den Höhepunkt der Apple-Dominanz bereits erreicht haben. Des Weiteren diskutieren wir die potenziellen Entwicklungen bei Zalando und die Möglichkeit von Bitcoin als Reservewährung in den USA. Wir schließen die Episode mit einem Ausblick auf kommende Themen und den Wunsch, im nächsten Jahr die Frequenz unserer Podcast-Episoden zu erhöhen. Partner in der Folge: https://linktr.ee/kassenzone Community: https://kassenzone.de/discord Feedback zum Podcast? Mail an alex@kassenzone.de Disclaimer: https://www.kassenzone.de/disclaimer/ Kassenzone” wird vermarktet von Podstars by OMR. Du möchtest in “Kassenzone” werben? Dann https://podstars.de/kontakt/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes_kassenzone Alexander Graf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergraf/ https://twitter.com/supergraf Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KassenzoneDe/ Blog: https://www.kassenzone.de/ E-Commerce Buch 2019: https://amzn.eu/d/5Adc1ZH Plattformbuch 2024: https://amzn.eu/d/1tAk82E

Kassenzone Podcast | Interviews zu den Themen E-Commerce, Handel, Plattformökonomie & Digitalisierung

In dieser Episode unseres Sonntagspodcasts nehmen wir die potenziellen nächsten Deals von About You und Zalando unter die Lupe, nachdem wir in der letzten Folge deren Geschäfte detailliert analysiert haben. Ich reflektiere über das umfangreiche Feedback, das ich bezüglich unserer letzten Diskussion erhalten habe, insbesondere zu den Herausforderungen, die sich für Otto und dessen Zukunftsperspektiven ergeben. Wir schauen uns heute die Situation von ASOS, Boohoo und Revolve an, Unternehmen, die im aktuellen Marktumfeld vor großen Herausforderungen stehen. Die Daten und Angebote dieser Unternehmen haben wir mithilfe von verschiedenen AI-Tools analysiert. Mein erster Eindruck von ASOS war ernüchternd: Die Anzahl aktiver Kunden sinkt, der Umsatz schrumpft und die Verluste steigen. Es war einst ein führendes Unternehmen in der Fashionindustrie, das für seine trendbewussten Eigenmarken bekannt war, jedoch hat es sich zunehmend in ein Discount-Modell verwandelt. Dies führt uns zur Überlegung, ob ASOS für Zalando oder About You ein attraktives Übernahmeziel sein könnte, was sich jedoch durch die stark sinkenden Umsätze und eine abnehmende Kundenbasis als problematisch herausstellt. Ein zentrales Thema ist die schwindende Relevanz traditioneller E-Commerce-Modelle im Angesicht von neuen Marktteilnehmern wie SHEIN, die sich durch Schnelligkeit und Preisanpassungen auszeichnen. Ich bespreche die verschiedenen finanziellen Kennzahlen, die darauf hindeuten, dass ASOS und Boohoo Schwierigkeiten haben, sich an die veränderten Marktbedingungen anzupassen. In Anbetracht der stagnierenden Performance und der Abhängigkeit von Verkaufsrabatten stellt sich die Frage, ob eine Akquisition noch sinnvoll wäre, da es sich um ein degenerierendes Geschäftsmodell handelt. Wir stellen auch die Effizienz von Boohoo in Frage, das ähnliche Herausforderungen durchlebt. Ich bringe zur Sprache, dass die Marke ursprünglich mit niedrigeren Preisen und einer klaren Zielgruppe groß wurde, jedoch jetzt gegen die Übermacht von SHEIN kämpfen muss. Beide Unternehmen zeigen einen sinkenden Umsatz und wir diskutieren die Gründe dafür sowie die Perspektiven, die sie haben, um sich in diesem hart umkämpften Markt zu behaupten. Der Blick auf Revolve gestaltet sich differenzierter. Revolve positioniert sich im höherpreisigen Segment und erreicht ein aktives Kundenvolumen, das für den US-Markt relativ gering ist, jedoch eine gewisse Stabilität zeigt. Ich führe die relativ hohen Warenkorberlöse und die Abhängigkeit von Vollpreisverkäufen als Wettbewerbsvorteile an, die das Unternehmen von ASOS und Boohoo unterscheiden. Dennoch stellen wir fest, dass die Bewertung von Revolve im Vergleich zu ASOS und Boohoo sehr hoch ist, was Bedenken aufwirft, ob diese Bewertung langfristig gerechtfertigt bleibt. Partner in der Folge: https://linktr.ee/kassenzone Community: https://kassenzone.de/discord Feedback zum Podcast? Mail an alex@kassenzone.de Disclaimer: https://www.kassenzone.de/disclaimer/ Kassenzone” wird vermarktet von Podstars by OMR. Du möchtest in “Kassenzone” werben? Dann https://podstars.de/kontakt/?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=shownotes_kassenzone Alexander Graf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergraf/ https://twitter.com/supergraf Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KassenzoneDe/ Blog: https://www.kassenzone.de/ E-Commerce Buch 2019: https://amzn.eu/d/5Adc1ZH Plattformbuch 2024: https://amzn.eu/d/1tAk82E

The Investor Way
E208 - Halfords, Cranswick, Boohoo, Auction Technology Group, Pets at Home & PayPal

The Investor Way

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 41:43


In this episode we discuss Halfords, Cranswick, Boohoo, Auction Technology Group, Pets at Home & PayPal $hfd $cwk $boo $atg $pets $pypl

The Glossy Podcast
Week in Review: Abercrombie & Fitch, Boohoo and a lawsuit between influencers

The Glossy Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 29:25


On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff break down some of the biggest fashion news of the week. This week, we talk about the ongoing dominance of Abercrombie & Fitch and the continued drama between Boohoo and its minority owner Frasers Group. Later, we talk about the lawsuit between two influencers that raises some fascinating questions about the lawlessness of the creator economy.

The Dave Ryan Show
7am Hour - Boo Hoo

The Dave Ryan Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 38:19


We play Think Fast, Vont corners Bailey into stirring the pot, and more!

The Dave Ryan Show
7am Hour - Boo Hoo

The Dave Ryan Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 37:41 Transcription Available


We play Think Fast, Vont corners Bailey into stirring the pot, and more!

101.3 KDWB Clips
7am Hour - Boo Hoo

101.3 KDWB Clips

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 38:19


We play Think Fast, Vont corners Bailey into stirring the pot, and more!

Bringing Joy To Life Podcast
Boo-Hoo No One Cares, But You

Bringing Joy To Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 16:49


Comment on this episode!Stop relying on external validation and start focusing on what you can control. If you're unhappy with something, change it. If you need support, ask for it. But don't dwell on the fact that others aren't constantly checking in on you. You are not the main character in anyone's life but your own. Listen to some tips that will help you dive into what is good for you. Shifting the focus from what others think to how you can improve will help you regain control. Focus on your own growth.Subscribe to my newslettershttps://opulentlifemag.com/newsletters/Check out my websitehttps://opulentlifemag.comThanks for Listening! Join the JoyChaser Nation: www.opulentlifemag.com

ExplicitNovels
Cáel and the Manhattan Amazons: Part 19

ExplicitNovels

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024


Being known by the company you keep. In 25 parts, edited from the works of FinalStand. Listen and subscribe to the ► Podcast at Connected.. “Life exists in both seconds and years. Don't ignore one for the other.” I would like to thank the phone operator and Chief of the Burnham, Illinois Police Department for answering my questions, despite their bizarre nature. (Monday Night) I should have known to not have too good a time. My karma was wacky enough as it was. It was about to get worse in a way I should have foreseen. Ain't hindsight grand? Inside of five seconds I knew how much sharing Libra and Brooke did; a lot. On the plus side, it gave me some wiggle room with Libra where sex with Brooke was concerned. On the super-plus side, Brooke was looking forward to ratcheting up our sex play. I took her to Libra's experiences with all the extra bells and whistles. In this case it meant adding a blindfold and ball-gag to the hand restraints. Brooke handed me a high level of trust unexpected at this early moment in our sexcapade. With a quick empathic insight, I pulled her ball-gag down as her orgasm erupted. She rejoiced in the sound of her rapture echoing around my bedroom. I deceived her into her next climax by whispering a promise to release her then hammering her instead. The whole specter of powerlessness tore her up inside. Best of all, even as she spasmed beneath me, I released her cuffs then pulled up her mask. Her fingernails dug into my trapezius muscles. For over a minute, she clung to me with a deep hunger to feel my heat and sweat against her body. "My turn," she rasped. I pressed my shoulders and head up so I could look into her eyes. She was waiting for this opportunity since she'd talked with Libra. Without question, she'd never been tied down before, or tied a man down and had her way with him. She'd manipulated men most of her life; that was old hat. This was primal, physical and forbidden. She was taking complete control of my person. God, I thought she'd orgasmed when she finished cuffing me to the headboard. Taunting, teasing and hot body contact followed as she put the ball-gag in. Sizzling lips sealed my fate as the blindfold was slipped in place. Having invested so much time using all my senses soaking up the hungry beast that Brooke possessed right beneath her urbane surface, losing my eyesight wasn't a major drawback. For Brooke, this had all the benefits of anonymous sex in a blacked-out room with the bonus of her having the lights on for her use alone. My bet was she had studied stuff on-line. From being sure she wasn't going to have sex with me when she first met, she had graduated to running naked across my living room for what turned out to be lemon slices. The 'fumph' of the Nerf gun made me assume Timothy shot her in the ass as she raced into my room. By the yip from Brooke, I knew Timothy's aim remained frighteningly accurate. Lemon juice and cuts don't mix, or, Brooke enjoyed watching my body jolt as said juice interacted with said 'workplace' mistakes. Was I angry? Nah. Every hiss of pain was followed by lavished kisses, licks and hair lashings. I loved her long black hair draped over my body, flicked around whisk-like and tickling my nose. Brooke was learning my keystone technique; figure out what your partner wants and give them a quick sample. Don't use any one thing too much; make it a treat and they'll appreciate the taste they get even more. When Brooke finally sated us both, it was my turn again. We talked a while. She invited me to a friend's place in the Hamptons which suggested to me the destination was more than some made-up place on TV. I promised to think about it. Brooke took that to mean she needed to work harder to convince me. I honestly had little desire to be trotted around as Brooke's boy toy. Hoping that wouldn't be the case relied a lot on faith. I wasn't sure what I would have in common with any of that crowd, which guided me back to being a stuck up snob for treating a people as a social class and not as human beings. I took out my social anxiety on Brooke. Poor girl; three holes, ten positions and I'm not sure how many times I took her from frenzied peak to frenzied peak. All I knew was when she'd passed all points of previous primeval ecstasy, I finally released her. Brooke curled into a semi-fetal ball and began burrowing into me. "Happy?" I asked as I stroked her sweat-drenched hair. She nodded happily against my chest. "Are you glad you came over?" I continued. Brooke bit me because she knew I was teasing her. "Ow," I grumbled. "I think we have a misunderstanding who is whose sex toy here." "Do I need to bite you again?" Brooke mumbled into my chest. "Point taken," I conceded. Brooke snuggled in even tighter. We wrestled out of bed, stumbled into the shower and took some time off with Timothy. He looked at us and smirked. "Cáel is going to be my boyfriend," Brooke tossed out there. Huh? "What in God's green earth makes you want to do that?" Timothy chuckled. "He's been there when I needed him. Cáel is a real man and it has taken me having a really tough spill to realize that it doesn't matter which alumni your Daddy belongs to, but what you put on the line for your friends that really matters," Brooke enlightened us both. "Seriously Dude," Timothy looked at me with pity. "Cut down on the awesome dicking until somehow polygamy becomes legal," he added, but then, "Brooke, you know he's seeing about a dozen different ladies, right?" "Cáel is looking for a serious relationship," Brooke insisted. Timothy chortled because he knew the likelihood of me settling down was right up there with us sharing a White Christmas in the Bahamas. "Let's go back to bed, Babe," I redirected things to safer waters. "It is your turn to be on top." Brooke, wearing one of my fresh t-shirts and nothing else, hopped off the sofa and let me lead her back to the bedroom for another round of 'not thinking about any other part of my screwed up life except the beautiful woman with me right now' sex. Twenty minutes later, Brooke had encased me in her wanton elixirs, was gyrating her hips as she stroked me inside her snatch while keeping me bound, blind and muffled. My phone rang. "Should I get that?" Brooke teased me. She moved enough to seize my cellular device. "The number is unlisted," she mused. "Who could it be?" I gave a muffled response. She removed the ball-gag enough for me to speak. "Work," I repeated. "It might be work. I'm on-call 24/7." "Damn," Brooke undoubtedly pouted (still blindfolded). She answered the call then placed the phone to my ear. "Cáel, a Security Detail detachment is on their way to your quarters as we speak. You will recognized the code they will use," Katrina's icy calm voice informed me. "Katrina, what is wrong?" I inquired. Normally, I wouldn't get an answer. Katrina's tone made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. "There has been an incident at your Father's home in Chicago. We do not have clear intelligence at this time. I may have more when you get in," she related. "Understood," I replied. My passionate storm abated and I felt empty inside. Dad. "Cáel?" Brooke sounded worried. "We need to get dressed," I murmured. I had to let Timothy know something was truly wrong. I needed to get Brooke home safely. I; I needed to know more than I did right then. Brooke uncuffed me quickly. I barely had my boxers on when there was a light series of raps on the door. I sprang up, opened my bedroom door, surprising Odette. She must have come back to work a few minutes earlier and was unwinding with some low-volume TV and some sofa time. Timothy was asleep already. "Odette, go back to Timothy's room and warn him something bad may have happened. Go!" I warned. Odette scampered back. Brooke was at my back, trying to move into the main room. "Brooke, stay here. If something unusual happens, hide in the bedroom and don't come out until the police get here. Do you understand?" I met her confusion with an iron stare. She nodded. There was another, more insistent, rapping at my apartment door. I crept up to the portal and gave a counter-knock. "Crab Fisher-woman," a female voice said from the other side. "My Father's Sister," I responded. It was an imperfect code, but effective given the circumstances. I double checked through the spy hole, unlocked the door and let three SD Amazons inside. How bad was it? I doubted these ladies would know more than I did. In Hittite, she said; "Ishara," the leader said, "we have orders to escort you to Havenstone immediately." They weren't blindly expecting me to follow instructions. They had a directive they were following to the best of their ability. In Hittite, she said; “ Will a team be watching my domicile?" I asked. The leader nodded. "We need to take a female I have been with tonight to her dwelling before going on to Havenstone." The SD team leader nodded again. There was no condescension, or argument. They were following orders as if it was my right to issue them. That was how bad things were. Time to get back to English. "Brooke, finish getting dressed. I'm taking you home," I called out. Quite frankly, along with my desire to see Brooke back home safely was my instinct to not split up my guardians. Better a longer trip than two smaller, more vulnerable groups. I was in the process of getting dressed in the living room when Timothy and Odette came out. "Bro?" Timothy asked. "My Father's home was attacked. I have no other details right now," I explained with a sinking feeling in my heart. Timothy read my soul, came up and engulfed me in his mighty arms. Odette added herself to the heart-felt love-pile. "Do you want me to take Odette and head back to Queens for a while?" Timothy asked. He sensed we had limited time. "They," and by 'they' he knew I meant Havenstone, "will have a team watching this place. There are not enough resources to go back and forth to work. I wish I could tell what would keep you safe, but I don't know anymore." "We'll stay put," Timothy declared. Odette nodded. "We'll be here for you when you get back. If any of these psycho-broads want to stop by from time to time, I won't say no." I shot a look to the security team leader and she gave a curt 'okay'. "You'll need an overnight bag!" Odette squeaked. Off she went. Brooke finished getting dressed and came to my side. To your average Lothario, what she did might seem odd. To me, it was the normal refrain; Brooke shoved her panties into my jean's pocket. That was a not so subtle 'Call Me' for when I got back. "Three minutes, Ish; Cáel," the leader updated me. My amateur guess was this was the team from across the street. They had back-up vehicles and personnel streaking down from Havenstone to provide extra security for my move. "Velma," she gave me her name. A quick description was in order. The three Amazons all had Bluetooth devices, shooting glasses and steel-gray long coats that had to be uncomfortable in this upper seventies evening heat. Underneath, they had on light ballistic body armor on their torsos, arms, and legs. Even their dull grey, all-terrain boots looked armored. They had a hip holstered sidearm, most likely a back-up pistol at the small of their backs and a deadly blade, or three. Their main deterrence was their H and K UMP 40 caliber; my second favorite Amazon killing device. Timothy snuck off to get my toiletries, returning around the same time Odette trundled out with an overnight (or three) bag. There was a final round of hugs then Velma indicated it was time to leave. The fourth member of the team was stationed at the top of the third floor stairs. That gave her a good view of my hallway as well as the passage going up and down. Two SD's to the front, Velma and the fourth watching our backs and Brooke caught between giddy and freaking terrified. Things got even more exciting when we hit the bottom of the stairs. Two more ladies were waiting. They put a trench coat on Brooke and she nearly collapsed. The freed up Amazon took my bag while the second put a trench coat on me. I grunted as well. This bitch had to weigh 25 kg. That was some serious ballistic and blast protection. The closest newcomer began attaching my pistol with hip holster on my side while Brooke was 'buttoned up'. I was slipped a few spare clips then was buttoned up as well. "I'm not sure I can walk in this thing," Brooke gave me a weak smile. "Don't worry," I smiled, "I'll carry you." I slipped my arm around Brooke's waist and, on Velma's signal, we rushed out to the middle of three Mercedes Armored GL550s. The doors had barely shut before we were racing away from my favorite home. I walked Brooke up to her apartment, we hugged, kissed and she insisted I go to the Hamptons with her this weekend. I left with that promise unanswered. I didn't ask the Security Detail to do anything else outrageous and they didn't give me any crap about Brooke. Their vigilance didn't end at Havenstone either. No; they formed a tight knot of outward hostility until we marched into Katrina's office. Even then, they spread out over the Executive Services offices as an extended perimeter. Katrina's office was another step up on the unsettling meter. It was Katrina, Saint Marie, Buffy, Helena, and a woman I didn't know yet seemed to belong. "Excuse me?" Saint Marie shot a hostile look my way; actually right behind me. "Don't mind me," Pamela snorted. She was in the process of sneaking into the room. "I'm here for moral support," she concluded then took a seat. "Cáel?" Katrina queried, as if I could somehow exile Pamela from the room. "What's going on?" I began the meeting instead. "Your Father is dead," Katrina reported. If someone ever asked me what it felt like to have an arm cut off, I could truthfully answer them 'Yes'. Dad. "From what we have been able to gather from the video and audio gear the four Amazon Security Detail team assigned to watch over him transmitted, the team was setting up a perimeter when three vehicles with ten men stopped on the juncture of Janus and Kerr streets and approached the house. The team leader made formal recognition and was attacked," Katrina told me. "Are they okay?" I mumbled. I didn't want to know how my Dad died. Had he been in pain? Which side had killed him? Would knowing make a damn bit of difference? "Three of the four members were killed," Saint Marie interjected. "The team commander was killed instantly. The second died defending that corner of your Father's domicile. The third member was killed attempting to rescue your Father. The surviving member stopped the enemy from escaping with your Father's body, but was too badly injured to extricate herself and is now in police custody." "What are we going to do about this?" I inquired. Pamela was a lying bitch. She'd lied to Brianna because the truth would have gotten me and Dad killed. Dad had still died, but Pamela had kept me alive. "There is nothing we can do," the stranger spoke up. "Troika of House Šauška." "You are joking, right?" I stared at her. "He was a male, not of;” Troika began to state. "You do know your Amazon law, correct?" I countered. She gave a curt tilt of the head. "Recount the means of succession to the Head of a House then please explain to the room how my Father, the descendant of Vranus, fits into all that." Cha-ching! "Oh, by the Seven Goddesses!" Saint Marie jumped up. "They murdered the Head of House Ishara!" Katrina was already back on top; ahead of the game. "But what does that make him?" Troika pointed at me. "It confirms him as the Head of House Ishara. We can sugar-coat it and say Cáel, being the only 'active' member of Havenstone 'represented' the Head of House Ishara. By our traditions though, Ferko Nyilas was the lawful head of a 'First' House. Certainly four days were not enough time to settle the manner in an acceptable way," Katrina said. "At the very least, House Ishara would have been given 28 days to resolve any matters of succession internally," Katrina pointed out. "There was no deception. Cáel worked for Havenstone, so was our active member. The existence of his Father was known. It is in his basic file. It was highly unlikely that ANY House wanted to bring another male into the mix so the matter of his ascension was left unquestioned." "This is Casus Belli," Troika stood up and declared in a firm voice. "I will inform Hayden. We must know the perpetrators of this act, Katrina. I will prepare to relate this breach of the Protocols to the other Signatories." "To make sure I have this straight, I can defend any member of my family, no matter who they are, without violating the Protocols?" I questioned. "Can I kill them?" "That is correct," Troika appeared confused. "Other Signatories cannot harm, or detain your family in any way." I gave a bitter, hollow laugh. Dad; Dad wouldn't have understood, but Mom would have, no doubt. "Troika; hell, everyone but Pamela and Katrina, I am Cáel Nyilas, grandson of The Cáel O'Shea and those people who murdered my Dad very well may have been my family," I felt like crying. That was good because I was crying. I had talked to Dad early Monday morning. I had been so nervous about not leaving any trace of Mom behind that I couldn't recall if I said 'I love you' to him. I'd never get the chance to make up for that oversight. As I began to take in the faces around me, I realized Ishara had gifted me with a respite. No one else knew who Cáel O'Shea was; yet. "Troika," I started out. I could tell she was still having difficulty with the 'Man as someone worthy of stating an opinion' moment. "When the Council decides that the Illuminati have breached the Protocols, do I have a deciding vote on what we do; since Dad was my family?" "No," Troika clarified, "and what makes you think it was the Illuminati?" Pamela laughed at her. "Because I killed Cáel's Grandfather when that man was head of the Illuminati; slit his throat and rendered him incapable of resuscitation. The rest of that twisted clan have only now discovered that there is a successor, genetically, to the Old Man and you are looking at him," Pamela related in an amused tone. "Perhaps; just perhaps; they were interested in what happened to Cáel's Mother and the man she mated with to produce Cáel; who also happened to be the Head of House Ishara and now leaves this man (me) as the last of his kind; coming and going," Pamela finished, "for both the Amazons and the O'Shea family/the Illuminati." Troika was having problems fitting all the puzzle pieces. Saint Marie cut to the heart of the matter because she listens to me. "If you go to war against the O'Shea's you are being forced to fight your own family," the Golden Mare stared at me in shock. "Let me get this straight," Troika stood up, waving for silence. "When the O'Shea's killed Ferko Nyilas, they murdered the Head of a First House. They also murdered a member of their own family by way of marriage." She seemed totally flummoxed. Everyone agreed about how screwed up everything was. Breach? No Breach? "Welcome to life working with Cáel Nyilas," Katrina declared. There was a pause. "I'll let the professionals figure out the finer points of diplomacy. I have to go," I said. "Were do you think you are going?" Buffy popped up. Until this moment, she'd had no role in affairs. My safety though; "I am going home to bury my Father, Buffy," I announced. This was not a discussion. "Shouldn't we take his body to the cliffs?" Troika suggested. "My Father will face the Afterlife with my Mother at his side. It was his wish and I'm not going to start dictating to my Ancestors now," I sighed. I was trying to make light of my pain. By the looks on their faces, I was failing. I had barely exited the office, Buffy, Helena and Pamela in tow. The security team was closing in and my phone rang. "Cáel Nyilas," I answered sadly. "Mr. Nyilas, this is Investigator Brewster of the Burnham Police Department. I need a few moments of your time," a man's voice requested. I hesitated. I looked at my watch. "Yes; Dad?" I finally spoke. "Mr. Nyilas, your father seems to have been murdered late this evening in a bungled attempted burglary," he lied. It was a good lie. If he really believed a bungled robbery consisted of two heavily armed groups shooting a small residential home to pieces he was; nah, he was lying. "I'm on the next flight to Chicago," was the response I chose. I had so many 'loser' replies to choose from. "That would be helpful, Mr. Nyilas," he told me. "Do you know when I can expect you?" "Ah; I have no idea when the next plane from New York to Chicago is, but if I can buy a ticket on it, I'm there," I countered. Admittedly, me having a plane ticket for home would have been damn suspicious. "One last thing, Mr. Nyilas, do you have any idea why someone would want to murder your father? Anything you could tell us could be of great assistance," he pressed. "Yes, I have a clue who murdered my Father and I'll point you to the dead bodies when I'm done," I snapped; quite literally and mentally snapped. Pause. "Mr. Nyilas, I understand you are upset, but do not do anything rash. Now, could your father have been murdered for anything you might have done, or are doing?" Det. Brewster kept is game face on. "We'll have this chat when I get to Chicago. Until then, take care," I said before hanging up. "Smooth," Pamela gently chastised me. "I actually liked him going all 'Mafia Don' on that cop," Buffy countered. "I'll arrange for Havenstone to get us transportation to Chicago," Helena added. "No," I countermanded her. "You two stay here and finish up business. Join me late Tuesday night, or early Wednesday morning." By the looks Buffy and Helena gave me they were surprised; and proud. I was keeping to my 'Runner' induction time table. My family would not be diminished by this tragedy. It would grow. Come Wednesday morning, we would add twenty new voices to Ishara's war cry. "I'll take the first commercial flight available," I continued. "We cannot protect you on a civilian aircraft, Ishara," Velma warned me. "They; the authorities are expecting me to show up at O'Hare, so I'm showing up at O'Hare, like a normal person," I reminded her. "I'll also need to know at what hospital they are keeping our sister." Our sister; the sole surviving Amazon who nearly gave her life for Dad. The SD picked up on that immediately. Another leap had been made. I wasn't a masculine monster, raging against a female warrior who had failed. By the tone of my voice, they knew I was in grief yet not overcome by it. She was the last member of the Host to see my Father alive and she might hold the closure I needed. "It will be done," Velma decided. "We will have your team meet you at O'Hare." "My team?" I asked. "Rachel; her team," Velma clarified. That was enough good for me. "Oh, and get Pamela a ticket as well. I'd hate to have her mug another passenger and take theirs," I sighed. Pamela patted me on the back; an 'atta boy'. (Monday Noon) (The hospital) That was not the first time I wondered about how fatal Pamela had been in her prime. In fact, I wasn't sure that post-60 wasn't her best time yet. The only mistake the police officer guarding the Amazon's hospital room made was to sit in a chair. Pamela had long ago mastered the peon-craft that Rosetta had started to teach me. The policeman looked up, stared right through her then looked the other way. His gaze never swept back in my direction. She jabbed him quickly underneath both arms, paralyzing them for a few seconds. That was all she needed. Hers hand clamped over his eyes and on his throat, cutting off the blood flow to the brain before his hands could recover. He appeared to the outside world to have taken a nap. According to Pamela, we had roughly three minutes before he came around. Pamela kept walking down the hall as if nothing happened. I came ten steps behind, guarded by a gun-less Rachel as I entered the Intensive Care Unit. A few of the staff looked our way, but no one impeded our progress. According to the Duty Nurse, the Amazon had exited surgery barely an hour ago. Her eyes opened to slits as I approached her beside. "We stand before the Eye of the World," I whispered. That meant surveillance. "I cannot tell you what is in my heart. My name is Cáel Nyilas. Does that name mean anything to you?" Her hand flopped. I put two fingers into her feeble gasp. One squeeze; yes. "I am grateful for your prowess and I share in your sorrow for those who will no longer fight in this life. Please heal and grow strong for this is the start, not the finish," I completed. She squeezed my fingers once more. I stepped aside, letting Rachel take my place. They didn't exchange words but communicated volumes. We slipped out of the room while the guard was still groggy. Pamela was nowhere to be seen. That proved to be pre-sentient when a group of people with the propensity to flash IDs caught up to me at the ground floor. Had the backdrop of this fiasco not been the death of my Father, I might have enjoyed the twitching/counter-twitching going on between Rachel, who desperately wanted any one of her guns, and the cops who were picking up on that desire. "Mr. Nyilas, I am;” and the introductions came pouring in. I had Theodora Chumwell and Brock Miklos, Special Agents of the FBI, John Rios, Special Agent with the ATF, Investigator Horace Brewster from the Burnham PD and Homicide Detective Lisa Capella from the Chicago PD. "We would like to talk with you," Theodora took charge. "Can I ask a question first?" I raised my hand. That appeared to set them off their game plan. "Of course," Theodora allowed. "Okay; FBI, ATF, a homicide detective from Chicago and the only law enforcement official who has any business being here," I finished with Brewster. "I may not be a Rhodes Scholar, but this seems a bit extreme for the burglary/murder of a long-time employee of Illinois Power and Light. Does anyone care to fill me on what the hell is going on?" I looked over the group. "Oh, and thank you Investigator Brewster for your call. I know I didn't take the news well." "Was that the part where you said you would point to the dead bodies?" Theodora took charge. "Yes, I think that was the gaff I was referring to," I agreed. "Why are you here, Mr. Nyilas?" Lisa Capella jumped in. She had decided to not go along with the FBI playbook. "I came to see the woman found alive in my family home," I replied smoothly. "She is probably still in surgery," Lisa gave a twist of the lips; sex. "Oh, she got out an hour ago," I enlightened them. "Let's take this conversation to FBI Headquarters," Theodora 'suggested'; you know, in the way that really wasn't a suggestion. "Have you gone to see that woman?" Lisa wouldn't let up; good for her. It was upsetting Theodora and I'd already decided that Brewster was my go-to guy on this investigation. "Yes," I responded to Lisa. "Isn't she under police protection?" Lisa and Theodora blurted out together. "There was a policeman at her door," I shrugged. "We went in and I talked to her." "What did she say?" Theodora brushed Lisa aside. "Nothing. She had one of those tubes down her throat. Whatever I said; well, I was emotional," I evaded. "She was barely conscious." Lisa was urgently contacting her guy who was supposed to be watching the only person in custody they had. He claimed to have 'blacked out'. He couldn't remember anyone coming in to see the woman and swore he hadn't been unconscious for any length of time. He went in, checked up on the Amazon and she was fine; for someone who had been shot six times. "We should go to the FBI offices," Theodora repeated. "I'm going home," I sighed sadly. "I want to go home." "It is still an active crime scene," John told me. "There won't be any civilian access for some time." Translation: until they decided to give me the carrot instead of the stick. "Please, come with us," FBI Special Agent Brock added his weight. "No. I'm going with Burnham PD," I countered. "You can find me there." "That's not how it works," Theodora upped her authority meter. Lisa had fallen back, trying to take in the bigger picture. Brewster was clearly trying to recall if he had Any history with me, or my Dad, that would make me trust him over the others. "I may be a liberal arts major from northern New England, but I know how a larynx works," I regarded Theodora. "Unless I choose to make a sound, it does nothing. Nothing is about to be all we have left to do and say." "Don't you want to help solve your Father's murder?" Brock tried to sound both sympathetic and threatening at the same time. I was suddenly bombarded with the taste of Lime Sherbet and Jalapenos Ice Cream. "Really? Fine; I'm going to hang out with the only person in this room I know is working on my Father's murder, not on their career," I reposed. "We are all trying to;” Lisa got out. "You maybe," I gave Lisa that much. "My Father made around $70,000 a year after twenty-six years for Illinois P and L. He had almost paid off the colossal debt built up by my Mother's illness and my college expenses." "As far as I know, he took out one loan his entire life; from a bank; and he paid it off," I continued. "He was a lapsed Catholic, a member of the IBEW; Local 9, and he jogged. He barely used e-mail and had no close friends I am aware of. The only woman he loved was my Mother and he mourned her to the day he died." "What about your activity?" Theodora inquired. We weren't running off to her playground; yet. Handcuffing a grieving son would look bad and, by my attitude, wouldn't make me talkative in the least. "I have the unfortunate habit of sleeping with every woman I meet," I began. "So that's over 200 erotic encounters. I get annoyed with people throwing their weight around," I continued, "which is why you and I are getting off on the wrong foot, Special Agent Theodora Chumwell. I work for Havenstone Commercial Investments, getting paid an insane amount to fetch laundry and keep secrets. Good enough?" "No, it is not;” Theodora simmered. "How did you know about the existence of the woman upstairs and how did you know to come here?" Lisa interrupted. "I grew up in that house, know the neighbors and know this is the closest EMS center to home," I lied convincingly. "Who are you?" Brewster decided that I wasn't exiting the hospital gracefully so turned on Rachel. She didn't speak, choosing to be creepy and brandishing a wallet instead. I kept forgetting that most full-blooded Amazons had minimal socialization with outsiders. Having graduated elementary school, everyone else knew this was a bizarre reaction. "Rachel Louis," Brewster read off the license in the wallet. A normal person would have acknowledged that somehow; not Rachel. "You are Rachel Louis, aren't you?" "Yes, she is," I intervened. "Rachel is a co-worker at Havenstone and she is misanthropic misandrist." There was a pregnant pause. The confusion wasn't with 'misanthropic'. It was a grown-up word in usage with colorful police-types. It was 'misandrist' that had them stumped. "Rachel is an unsociable man-hater," I explained. "Standing at my side in this hospital is ten kinds of Hell for her." "What kind of piece do you normal carry?" Rios asked her. Unsocial didn't mean stupid. "I use a Glock-22 and Rachel carries a STI Perfect 10," I answered. "We have been experiencing quite a gopher problem around the office." I could have done better; I should have done better. I was just too tired inside to create an inventive lie. "Do have gun licenses for those weapons?" Mr. ATF kept prodding at our cover story. "It seems Ms. Louis; is it Ms. Ms. Louis?" Brewster continued. I flashed Rachel a look which she interpreted correctly. "Yes, my name is Ms. Rachel Louis," Rachel replied. To me, "I find this distraction to be annoying. We should go." "It would seem Ms. Louis has all kinds of;” Brewster got out before Rachel snatched the wallet from his grip with the speed of a Peregrine Falcon. Brewster had this stunned look familiar to crows, doves and starlings the world over as one of their kin passed into the next life in a flash. A combination of 'No you didn't!' with 'what the flock?' "Ah;” Brewster got out. "On that note, I think we will be going," I shrugged. To Rachel, "You do not get out enough." "Can I see your wallet again?" Brewster was still confused by Rachel's rudeness. He was a cop for the love of God. People not wanting to go to jail do not snatch things from a cop's hands. "I gave you my wallet. I am not to blame if you used its time in your possession unwisely," Rachel counterattacked. "Unless there is a legal technicality, we shall be leaving. If there is a legal issue, here," she produced a business card with a flourish, "is the contact information for our legal department." Theodora took the card gingerly then read it. "Havenstone again," she mused. "Are you sure this is the path you wish to take, Mr. Nyilas?" "Are you insane?" I trembled with emotion. "I want to be back in New York, working my queue and thinking about what my date and I will be doing tonight. I want my Dad to be alive. I don't want to be thinking that the last time we talked I forgot to tell him I loved him." "Path, you Idiot!" I screamed at Theodora. Screw it, I was crying again. "Not a damn thing any of you can do will bring my Dad back to me; so fuck off!" In a strange way, that was what they had been looking for. Not my wounded soul, but my rage and pain toward a World suddenly found to be cruel and pointless. Behind my crumbling façade was another worry. Outside in the parking lot were three Amazons with weapons ready to rush to my aid. It wasn't that the Host was rash, or reckless, by nature. I was one of the fifty-six most important people in their society. Three other SD members had died in the defense of House Ishara already and they were damn sure those women would not have died in vain. I wasn't leaving in federal custody willingly and if I walked out in restraints, I wasn't sure if they would decide offing some law enforcement agents and staging my kidnapping was the best course of action. Remember, I wanted to bury my Father. They wanted to keep me alive. If those two goals collided, they would apologize after the fact. "Mr. Nyilas, I really believe we should;” Theodora got out then I brushed past her. It was a delicate moment and the chemistry between Rachel and I wasn't lost on most of them. She was a bodyguard yet my servant too. It was professional tribalism; two words that don't normally get along. Rios picked up on the other undercurrent. He recoiled from Rachel, retreating to buy space when/if Rachel attacked. Unlike the rest, he sensed that aggression by law enforcement would be met with lethal force. The Amazon didn't care about the badge and the legions of fellow officers backing it up. She was fearless. Things weren't over yet. "Mr. Nyilas, where are you going next?" Detective Lisa came after us. "I; I don't know," I muttered. "Where is my Father's body? I know he wanted to be cremated and buried beside Mom; I guess." Brewster came hurrying along. "He is at the Medical Examiner's Office," Lisa informed me. "Come with me." "Why don't you give me the address?" I sighed. "Do you and your buddy know your way around Chicago, Hometown Boy?" Lisa kept it up. She was hitting on me and lining me up at the same time. "How about we cut to the chase?" I looked at her with tear-soaked eyes. "We'll take my cars; cars with an 's'," I offered. "I am a hometown boy. I've never had a reason to locate the Medical Examiner before. Since I have a boatload of angry women with guns who will not fit into your sedan and leaving them behind isn't an option, mine is the only means of travel that makes sense." Low and behold, the two cops looked at each other then followed Rachel and I to our little caravan. We were too close for the officers to have missed Rachel snapping off some quick, coded instructions to her team; most likely to hide the seriously illegal firearms. To say the Amazons were not pleased with my decisions spoke volumes to their concern for me and lack of police experience. Pamela, who had beaten us back to the cars, seemed privately entertained as always. Rachel was reluctantly sitting up front. Lisa, Brewster and I were in the second row and Pamela sat in back. Not only did the two not get a good look at Pamela, she was perfectly placed to do all kinds of mischief unseen. "So the woman upstairs works with you?" Lisa asked as we pulled out. "Where to?" Tiger Lily (I still wasn't used to that name) requested of our Police 'buddies'. Lisa popped off the address. It was 'I'll scratch your back, you'll scratch mine'. Tiger Lily entered the data into the onboard computer and off we went. "No. She does not work for me, or my boss, directly. She was at my Father's on my behalf though I was unaware of it," I related. "Are you going to tell us what the hell happened?" Brewster prodded. "That I don't know. I am not personally aware of anyone who would want to kill my Father, or me," I answered. "Anyone who would want to get at me would come at me, not Dad," I continued. "I don't live in a fortress. It is a hardly spacious apartment near the East River. I share the place with my roommate, Timothy Denver, and a; companion by the name of Odette Sievert." "Companion? Is she; a working girl?" Lisa went searching. "No, I use the term companion to indicate she's too nice a girl for me. She's sweet, conscientious and giving. My only wish for Odette is that she finds a guy who can appreciate her a hell of a lot more than I do," I explained. "Timothy is my gay, body-building tattoo artist best friend. I've gotten the feeling he's busted some heads in his time. Hardly anything noteworthy." "Mr. Nyilas, have you ever considered that you live a very messy life?" Brewster pondered. "One does not 'consider' what one knows to be true. One knows it to be true and moves on," I grumbled. "Yes, I know I live a screwed up life." "What about your friends here?" Lisa indicated the other three women in the vehicle. This elicited another groan from me. "Investigator Brewster; Horace and Detective Capella; Lisa, please call me Cáel. This is the point I accept that I am exhausted and not in any shape to make good decisions. I'll plead the Fifth," I confessed. "We already know you were in New York when your father was murdered, Mister; Cáel," Brewster stated. "Everyone we've talked to says you and your father were very close. Barring some expensive Life Insurance policy being taken out on him, we have no reason to suspect you had a direct hand in his death. Not being a suspect, that implies you have no Fifth Amendment, or Miranda Rights to hide behind; just so we are clear," Brewster schooled me. "I can make this game of footsy easy on all of you," Pamela whispered. The officers jolted in their seats. "Cáel cannot talk to you for the very reason the Fifth Amendment exists." "You are not like the rest of this menagerie," Lisa noted. "Nah, I kill people for a living. The rest of the group has some code of conduct that keeps you two alive," Pamela smiled. Those two didn't know what to make of Pamela's statement because it was so sincere yet incredible. "If Cáel tells you anything else he will be admitting to his involvement in a criminal conspiracy. Said conspiracy is why Ferko Nyilas is dead, but Cáel had nothing to do with it," Pamela enlightened them. Fact digestion time for the two law dogs. Brewster recovered faster. "But why was Ferko Nyilas murdered?" he asked. "The men didn't come to kill him," Pamela kept talking about the tea and crumpets. "They probably showed up to escort him to a place where some far more important scumbags could talk with him." "The all-girl squad was there and Ferko was caught in the crossfire," Lisa mumbled. "Why was there a firefight if his life was in danger and both sides wanted him alive?" "Stupidity," Pamela replied. "Give any group of people guns and then surprise them, stupid shit happens; I apologize Cáel." "I don't buy that," Brewster said. "They simply started shooting at each other; no." "Okay Horace, let me break it down for you. The ladies were told to go there and guard the guy without being told why. The men who showed up were most likely told to grab Ferko without knowing why either." "That makes no sense," Lisa protested. "Congratulations. That is why Cáel can't talk to you anymore," Pamela smirked. "This is the sort of crap he has inadvertently been caught up with; no fault of his own. If he did any of this on purpose, I'd kill him myself." "He is some poor schmuck who only wanted a 7 to 5 job, to make tons of money and bedding a different girl every night," Pamela teased me. "He's no criminal mastermind, or even a convincing criminal. If he has a failing it is that he tends to merely beat up people who deserve to have their spleens ripped out instead. I'm training him to be smarter than that." "Who are you?" Brewster gawked. Pamela gave a sinister smile. Lisa looked at me. "I've fought a woman with a twelve foot stick with a pointy bit of metal at the end with little thought to my personal safety. This lady (Pamela) scares me. She is with me because I have no means of stopping her and I put saving others a great deal of pain and suffering over my own unsettled nerves." "Do you really think you are that good?" Lisa half-turned around to face Pamela. "Do you want your gun back?" Pamela offered up a police issue Glock 22, grip first. My kind of gun. How sad. I was too depressed to seduce Officer Lisa. Brewster reached around to check is firearm. It was still there, much to his relief. "How did you do that?" Lisa wondered as she retrieved and inspected her weapon. Pamela tapped Brewster's shoulder with the man's magazine. Brewster was aghast. She'd stolen his gun, taken out the ammo and returned it without him noticing. "I found it on the floor. The truth is a bit more expensive than you are willing to pay at the moment, believe me," Pamela grinned. Why had Pamela showboated? She was buying me some mental respite. She was also exhibiting to the two police folks that there might be some truth to her outlandish tale of criminal conspiracies. Unlike the other Amazons, Pamela knew we had to maintain friendly relations with some part of law enforcement if I was going to bury my Father. (The Medical Examiner's Office) So much happens in life we rarely put the timespan of events in context. Talking with a person in line who turns out to make your day better/worse, become a friend and/or a date. In a matter of a few seconds your life has been altered. Two minutes later and you would have missed getting the concert tickets where you meet your future; whomever. Two minutes sooner and you get caught in the 'speed trap' instead of the other poor sap who you drive past as they sit on the side of the road keeping the patrol officer company. His/her insurance rate goes up while you have that extra money for later. Had we arrived two minutes earlier to the morgue; disaster aborted. Two minutes later would have equated to a frustrating mystery. Life was not so kind. It was the same group as before; Detective Lisa, Investigator Horace, Rachel and I. We had just added an Assistant Medical Examiner who was going over information garnered from the autopsy with the two cops. Pamela was 'checking things out', whatever that meant. The key to it all was Rachel being Rachel. Security Detail are more than simply elite fighting-women. They are also bodyguards, security specialist and normally stack a third specialty into the mix. When Rachel spotted five armed people in the hallway right outside the Medical Examiner's autopsy room, her alertness spiked. Only one was a uniformed police officer. Rachel was still gun-less. The two EMS personnel rolling an occupied body bag out on a gurney shouldn't have had on their heavy jackets on a late June afternoon. The other two men were chatting about something. That wasn't unusual. Where they were standing was; to Lisa's experienced eye. Rachel's heightened anxiety made Lisa double-check everything. Horace didn't know what was wrong yet when Lisa's hand came to rest on her piece, he put his hand on his Ruger SR45. "Excuse me," Lisa called out. No one stopped moving. "Excuse me," Lisa demanded in a louder voice. "I am Detective Lisa Capella, Chicago Police Department; Homicide Division. What is going on?" That was a reach. Bodies exit the morgue all the time. The two people with the body made sense. The two 'odd' fellows weren't breaking any law. In cop-talk, this was called 'gut instinct'. She produced her badge. There was a quick look by the two ambulance folk to the farther of the two 'talking' men. That group were rather competent, just not competent conmen. The two EMS guys turned and tried to give Lisa a causal look. "What can we do for you, officer?" the designated diplomat asked nonchalantly. "Whose body is that?" Lisa inquired. "I'm not sure; all we do is pick 'em up and take them to the appropriate funeral home," he shrugged. "Take ten seconds and show me the release order," Lisa gave a chilly command. The cop at the far end of the hall; the one with the door that lead to the loading/unloading area, was starting to clue in that something wasn't right. "Oh, by the Great Pumpkin, this is bad," Brewster muttered under his breath like a thousand other fathers who engaged in the daily struggle to not curse at work so they wouldn't curse around their children. "Of course, Detective Capella," the diplomat nodded. "Is there a problem?" He carefully pulled out his smart phone and handed it over. Lisa wasn't born yesterday. She handed the phone to me instead of looking at it herself. She was keeping her eyes on the guys with guns. They really did have an order to transfer my Father to a mortuary. Apparently I had requested this be done; without my knowledge. "Cáel Nyilas requested his father be taken to the Green Meadows mortuary in Cicero," I informed Lisa, Rachel and Horace. "I need to talk to Mr. Nyilas," Lisa informed them. "If I can't talk to him, I can't let the body leave this building. This is an ongoing investigation." The 'diplomat' was worried yet Lisa had given him an out. After I returned his phone, he called his off-site boss, who gave him a number which the diplomat gave to Lisa. Lisa called 'me' without my phone ringing. Even so, 'I' confirmed the authorization. The four gunmen relaxed as Lisa hung up. "One more question," Lisa pulled a 'Columbo', "was this a rush job, or are you all 'not ready for prime time players'?" The 'diplomat' made one last lunge at deception. "Detective Capella, our work order is legitimate," he shrugged helplessly. "I don't know what you mean?" "Funeral homes have their own uniforms; they do not dress as EMS," Lisa deconstructed their illusions. "The bodies of murder victim are not released by the Medical Examiner until a cause of death is known and that information is released to the homicide detective assigned to the case; that would be me, if there was any doubt. Your two buddies down the hall could have read and critiqued the Magna Carta in the time it has taken for you to do your 'song and dance'," Lisa pointed out. "Oh, and the real Cáel Nyilas is standing next to me. Whoever talked with me on the phone is going to jail too. Now I suggest the four of you face the wall, put your hands over your head, palms against the wall and no one will get hurt." Darwin check time; they drew their guns. Of course they drew their guns. Why would they not draw their guns considering the farthest enemy was all of 4 meters away and the only immediately cover was my Dad's horizontal corpse? Gurneys tend to be lightweight and mostly empty space. The quickest on the draw was one of the two 'talkers'. He whipped out a 357 Magnum revolver and popped two shots into the police officer next to him; right in the center mass at less than 2 meters; ouch. Rachel was next, making a diving front roll between the two cops, toward the two fake EMS guys. I was right behind her, except my plan was to vault Dad's body and get at the second talker. I was not acting sanely. The second talker went in the next split second. He had brought a sawed-off automatic shotgun to the fight. His first salvo blew a chunk out of the wall next to Lisa's hip. She was less than an eye-blink behind as she put two slugs into the 'diplomat's' armored chest. He was kind enough to drop his Mac 11 from his twitching fingers and into Rachel's hands. Less than a single heartbeat later, the 'diplomat's EMS buddy revealed his own Mac 11. His mistake was not shooting his first target; Brewster. He was tracking Rachel and me instead, hoping to catch us together in a spray of lead. The general feeling was that, for all his law enforcement experience, Investigator Brewster had never actually shot at anyone before. His cop instincts kicked into overdrive. The perpetrators appeared to be wearing body armor and possessed a small arsenal of illegal weapons. His aim tweaked up, he pulled the trigger and a 45 ACP round effectively decapitated his target; our first confirmed casualty. My encounter with the Latin Kings had been a lesson in poor tactical flexibility. This time, by unspoken agreement, the two talkers were exercising their tactical acumen as they began withdrawing toward the exit. With the short range, width of the hall and lack of cover, being shot at by a shotgun, or a 357 didn't make much difference. I was trying to jump onto the gurney and launch myself at the two when my toe caught on the bottom of Dad's body, turning my heroic rush into a face-plant on Father. The men's cover fire worked on Lisa and Horace. Lisa, being more exposed, had to dive flat. Horace crouch-ran to Rachel. Rachel, with her submachine gun, was firing a steady stream of bullets from between the gurney's top surface and bottom shelf. Her shots shattered shotgun guy's shins and blasted off his knee caps. As that bastard screamed and toppled forward, Rachel emptied the magazine into both his thighs and his right hip. By the copious nature of the blood spray, an artery had been clipped, if not severed. Horace grabbed the back of my jacket and yanked me off the gurney, down to his side. Lisa fired off a few shots at the vanishing leader, but he was already out the door. Rachel was rifling the closest EMS's headless body, looking for a fresh clip for the M 11. "Don't," Horace cautioned her. Lisa was running to the door. "Rachel, leave the gun and follow me," I commanded. "Wait," Horace called out. He was in an impossible situation. The bold Assistant ME began looking for any survivors, starting with the diplomat. Detective Capella was chasing after a possible cop-killer. I was already running after Lisa and Horace couldn't ride herd on Rachel, catch me and support Lisa all at once. Rachel muttered in Hittite 'dirty goat' at my fleeting form. I was sure its true meaning was far nastier. "Da-darn it," Horace grimaced as he started rushing after the three of us. I doubted it was any consolation to Horace that Lisa shot me an evil look when I caught up to her at the loading dock. There were no cars peeling away and had the bad guy fled out the huge doors 15 meters away, she would have seen him. Rachel arrived next. "Secure my Father's body," I instructed. She wasn't pleased but she wasn't talking back either. Horace showed up last of all. He was talking over his walky-talky, updating the Chicago PD on all the crazy, tragic crap that had gone down. Rachel slipped past Horace on her way back to Dad. The unspoken order was for her to re-arm and stay close, something she couldn't do under Horace's watchful gaze. Lisa and Horace were working out a plan to take their perpetrator down and it didn't include me. I was a civilian after all. My thinking was traipsing in a different direction. They were thinking criminal evasion. I was thinking stone cold, bad-ass killer. He may have already killed one police officer in cold blood. Why not make it three? There was also the mathematics of it all. Two guns are more likely to hit a target than one; I had learned that bit of tactical insight from my time with Aya. My disadvantage was my advantage. I didn't have a gun so I didn't have to position myself so I could shoot at anyone else. "Here I go," I alerted the two officers. My body was flying onto the loading deck before they could stop me. My cockamamie idea saved my life. Maybe he thought I stumbled and lost my piece. Maybe, at the last second, he saw through my deception. Maybe he was wondering what the last episode of 'Defiance' would be like. We'll never know. According to Lisa, he was tracking my fall with his 3 57 Magnum. He didn't shoot because he only had two bullets left, hadn't been able to reload yet and his Berretta 9 mm back-up pistol was on the other side of his body. Two bullets; two cops, he was probably sure he could beat me to death. Anyway, when he figured out the sacrificial lamb was the unarmed me, he returned his aim to the entryway, Lisa and Horace. The guy wasn't behind any sort of cover. He was pressed against the wall so he wouldn't be able to bring his other pistol into play inside that first split second. When Lisa shot him, it had to hurt, but didn't put him down. She shot again; missed. He shot, missed, shot again hitting Lisa and knocking her back and down. The leader pivoted off the wall, bringing his Berretta to bare on Investigator Brewster. A lifetime inside the blink of an eye; Horace's bullet hit the criminal; major brain splatter. Poor Horace. Horace was falling onto his side, taking a wild shot and hoping to keep the gunman from shooting Lisa and I when he accidentally ended the man's existence. The lead bad guy's final shot zipped passed Horace's left shoulder, over my legs and ricocheted off the loading dock wall and into space. Good old Lisa, she staggered to her feet then stumbled over to the gunman, seeking some signs of life. He was alive. Horace's 45 slug had 'only' removed the top half of his brain so the heart and lungs were still being told to beat and breath. As she was making her own call for Emergency Services, a piece of the man's skull that had been clinging to the wall plopped down. That broke Horace. He began vomiting. I rolled over to a sitting position. Rachel peeked in then utilized her blue tooth to stop the rest of the SD team from swarming me in a public building. Cops began showing up. As soon as Detective Capella had made her initial report and dealt with the traumatic injuries among the survivors, she turned on me. "Are you insane!" she screamed at yours truly. "Yes," I muttered. "I've been trying to tell you that for over an hour now." "This is not a joking matter," Lisa moved into my personal space. Was I really so far gone I didn't want sex? Nah; I could do her. "I could have killed people." "To be fair," I stood up, "you didn't kill anyone." The policeman was clinging to life, the 'diplomat' had been saved by his body armor and the second talker's prospects didn't look promising. "Horace buried two and I'm betting the guy Rachel shot isn't going to survive having both his femoral arteries cut. Two decades of Law  and  Order has taught me that some sort of Internal Affair's investigation is going to happen. I imagine there is a great deal of surveillance video so you should be vindicated quickly. We are still going to part ways for a while," I pointed out. "Take care." I made to leave. "Where do you think you are going?" Lisa grabbed my arm. "You were involved in a gunfight in a major municipal building. You can't walk away." "Yes I can," I grunted. "Horace, I've pointed you at the dead bodies," I told the Burnham investigator. "Good luck," I patted him on the shoulder. The look he came back with wasn't one of resigned defeat. Oh no, he was going to figure out what the fuck was going on, or else. The rest of the Chicago PD wasn't letting to let us leave either, so off Rachel and I were taken to the closest Precinct where we were non-communicative. (Back with the Feds) Theodora rescued me and Rachel into Federal custody where we were equally useless. It didn't take me long to figure out that, compared to Rachel, I was being downright verbose. If me being a jackass was a bonus for the Feds, they didn't exhibit an ounce of appreciation. I really loved Special Agent John Rios getting all 'super ass-kicker' on me. I was looking at 'serious' federal jail time. I was a 'domestic terrorist' and under the Patriot Act; then I fell out of my chair laughing. I was fatigued; my ability to separate desire from reality was fading plus I always fought back with my wits before my fists. "I've been awake for thirty-six hours," I chuckled as I regained my seat. "What is your excuse for being delusional?" I snorted. "I trip up cocky bastards like you all the time," John sat on the table, hovering above me. "You think you've got all the angles covered. You don't, Mr. Nyilas. People like you take things for granted, screw up and then you are all turning on each other like rats." "Ugh," I sighed. "Fine, Brainiac, what am I doing wrong? To clarify the question for you, what crime am I involved with that makes me a criminal, a terrorist, or a criminal terrorist?" "Guns, Cáel Nyilas," John sneered. "With all the people running around with all those firearms, it is pretty freaking obvious." "Wow; uh; John;” I started. <

ExplicitNovels
Cáel and the Manhattan Amazons: Part 8

ExplicitNovels

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024


Cáel's tombstone: For the love of women, women put him here.In 25 parts, edited from the works of FinalStand.Listen and subscribe to the ► Podcast at Connected..

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Truth, Lies and Workplace Culture
140. BBC Email Blunder, Amazon's Culture Crisis, and the Battle for BooHoo. PLUS! Will Giangrande's Hot Take on Gen-Z

Truth, Lies and Workplace Culture

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 52:39


Welcome to another episode of Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast on the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join hosts Leanne Elliott, chartered psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they break down the latest news and insights in the workplace, sharing practical advice to help you lead and work more effectively. In this week's episode, we dive into shocking workplace blunders, corporate culture clashes, and leadership drama in the retail industry, followed by a Hot Take from Gen-Z thought leader Will Giangrande, who shares insights into what Gen-Z brings to today's workplaces. And, as always, we round things out with the Workplace Surgery, where Leanne tackles listener questions on mental health policies, personality testing, and navigating tricky family dynamics at work. Segment 1: News Roundup Accidental Emails and Office Drama BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey accidentally sent an email critiquing his co-host's performance—to the co-host herself. We discuss why such slip-ups can be damaging and how they reveal the importance of professionalism and civility in the workplace. Read more Amazon Employees' Public Criticisms of Workplace Culture A former Amazon employee went viral on LinkedIn with her account of how the company's culture has changed for the worse. We explore the implications of such public critiques and why even loyal employees are becoming vocal about their dissatisfaction. Read more The Battle for Boohoo: Mike Ashley vs. Mahmud Kamani A showdown is brewing between retail tycoon Mike Ashley and Boohoo co-founder Mahmud Kamani over control of Boohoo. We break down the high-stakes power moves and the impact this could have on Boohoo's employees and future. Read more Segment 2: Hot Take with Will Giangrande Gen-Z workplace advocate Will Giangrande joins us to discuss how inexperience can be an asset. Drawing from his work as a Certified Facilitator and his podcast 19 Year Old Shrink, Will argues that Gen-Z's fresh perspectives and willingness to question the status quo are reshaping traditional workplaces. He explains why companies that embrace Gen-Z's curiosity and innovative thinking stand to benefit. Follow Will on LinkedIn Listen to 19 Year Old Shrink Podcast Segment 3: Workplace Surgery Handling Mental Health Leave Requests as an HR Manager A listener questions how to balance compassion for mental health with ensuring productivity, particularly when mental health leave requests seem to follow challenging performance discussions. When Personality Testing in Hiring Backfires A small company implementing personality assessments in hiring finds that candidates are being turned off. Family Dynamics in a Family-Run Company An executive assistant feels caught in family drama between a CEO and his family members. Support with Mental Health and Well-being If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country. Connect with Truth, Lies & Work YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn Email: Reach out at hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.

The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Traders Take Dublin City Council To Court Over Traffic Plan

The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 7:41


Traders in Dublin city centre are taking a High Court challenge over traffic measures introduced by the city council in August. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news, including the Irish business man who wants to be the next chief executive of fashion brand Boohoo.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

AJ Bell Money & Markets
The good, bad and ugly of earnings season plus what to consider ahead of the US elections

AJ Bell Money & Markets

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 44:43


On this episode of the AJ Bell money and markets podcast Danni Hewson is joined by Shares Magazine editor Tom Sieber to pick through the most interesting points of this earnings season so far.  From the re-jig of the menu at Starbucks from the new man in charge as sales keep falling to a Netflix subscription slowdown, Tesla's return to better form and in the UK Hollywood Bowl's mega strike.  Mike Asheley set's his sites on running Boohoo and Boeing's back on the back foot after employees rejected another improved pay deal. Less than a week out from the UK's budget the pair discuss the state of the UK's public finances and calls from the hospitality sector for Rachel Reeves to act on business rates or risk a high street meltdown. And less than two weeks from the US election Dan Coatsworth has been chatting with Ron Temple chief market strategist at Lazar Asset Management about what might happen to certain assets and sectors depending on which candidate gets to the White House. Plus, Gold hits fresh record highs and the value of lost pension pots in the UK has now reached a staggering £31 billion.

Anatomy of a Leader with Maria Hvorostovsky
Confidence is an Inside Job: How to REALLY Love Yourself with Dani DMC

Anatomy of a Leader with Maria Hvorostovsky

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 62:05


https://form.typeform.com/to/eDtmkFff: Join the waitlist for Anatomy of a Leader events Meet Dani DMC. She's an influencer, plus-size model and confidence activist. She's here to show you that confidence starts from within, and what real self-love looks like. If you want to learn to love yourself, need some confidence tips or just a confidence boost, then this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 03:34 - Getting Started in the Fashion Industry 07:00 - Becoming an Influencer 07:52 - How Do You Feel About the term Plus Size Model? 09:42 - Modelling Industry Flaws 18:15 - Becoming a Body Positivity Activist 22:37 - Where Does Your Confidence Come From? 29:04 - Why Mentorship is so Important 34:20 - Advice on How to be Confident 42:46 - Why Health isn't Synonymous with Weight 51:54 - Dating as a Curvier Woman 58:42 - What's Next? Dani Carbonari, better known as Dani DMC, began her career by sharing body-positive content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube in 2017. By 2018, she was working with notable fashion brands such as Fashion Nova, Boohoo, and Nordstrom. Since 2020, Dani's following has grown her significantly and she refers to her audience as her "Confidence Crew." Her mission to empower others through self-love and confidence became the core of her content, where she advocates for more inclusivity in fashion, calling for changes in the industry to better cater to plus-size women. Want to be a guest on the show? Fill out the questionnaire here: https://form.typeform.com/to/QeCJClY5 *Please be aware we are only shooting interviews in person at the moment. Dani DMC: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-carbonari-403857b7/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danidmc/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsdanidmc?lang=en X: https://x.com/itsdanidmc?lang=en Website: https://www.danidmc.com/ Maria Hvorostovsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahvo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahvo/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maria_hvo X: https://twitter.com/mhvorostovsky HVO Search: https://www.hvosearch.com Podcast filmed, edited and produced by: https://www.londonbeautyphotographer.com Need help HIRING – http://www.hirewithmaria.com SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT AND GIVE IT THE THUMBS UP

Wake Up to Money
High Fashion

Wake Up to Money

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 52:25


Sean Farrington looks at the partnership between luxury brand Prada and NASA. Plus, with the company looking at major restructuring plans, what's next for Boohoo?

GameLuster
One Who, Two Who, Dead Who, Boo Hoo: A Dr. Seuss Murder Mystery | Good Games Inc #12

GameLuster

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 89:55


After a full year, we're back with another Good Games Inc. , a comedy special where we take your user submissions for game ideas and turn them into a video game that will print money, son! Nirav and Jess are joined by special guest Joe to create a crime drama thriller spanning decades where a disgruntled detective has to capture the most prolific serial killer of all time... Dr. Seuss. Thanks to those who submitted ideas: Andrew R, Big John, Cattywumpus, DC, Fez, Grant, Jess, Jinzuku, JP Dalton, Kate, LFO, Meagen 2, Nairon, Nirav 2099 (?), oiram, RavingArmy, Seriousjam15, Smile_for_the_Mori, Tim, Victor, Werty, Ya boi Ryan.

Quest for Adventure
Episode 87: Boo Hoo Yesso

Quest for Adventure

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 96:43


Hiylp out da show, funnybums! Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/QuestForAdventure⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linktree: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/questforadventure⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Recording Date: July 20th, 2024 Release Date: October 1st, 2024 With Glory in tow, the crew investigates an ancient cave that may have the answers they seek to defeating Beau! Music: Cave (The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening) King of the Hill Theme (Metal Cover) Title Screen Theme (Monster Truck Madness)

Coach E: Game For All Seasons
Mr Taboo's Boo Hoo's

Coach E: Game For All Seasons

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 70:25


Send us a textYou already know what time it is when a new episode is released. The audience is gonna be entertained to the highest degree by these 3 Coach E, Xen, and Mr Taboo Timmons. This week we start off with what they think about the choice of Lil Wayne to drop a diss track about Kendrick Lamar using his own beat. We have some fan mail where you can reach out to the show gameforallseasons@gmail.com A fan had a question to the crew, see what it was and how they respond to it. Of course that Segway right into what the guys are so passionate about, yes The Cleveland Browns. Mr Taboo and Coach E break down this past week game vs. the New York Giants. As usual Coach E leaves us with a post game word titled "Don't They Match?" Email the show gameforallseasons@gmail.com Follow Coach E on all his socials Instagram- @BigEv216 Tik Tok- @BigEv216 X- @BigEv216 Facebook- Evan Curry www.perfecttimefitness.com 

RNZ: Checkpoint
Mega online retailers charging for returns

RNZ: Checkpoint

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 6:27


A move by mega online retailers to charge for returns could push shoppers back in local bricks and mortar stores. Clothing giant ASOS, previously allowed people to return unwanted purchases for a full refund - not anymore. They'll be stung about eight New Zealand dollars unless they keep a minimum purchase value. Amazon is also charging a return fee and UK fashion retailer BooHoo is now charging for freight. Chris Wilkinson the Managing Director of retail strategy experts, First Retail Group spoke to Lisa Owen.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
Chris Wilkinson: First Retail Group managing director on the rise in online shopping outlets charging for returns

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 2:43


Experts believe a changing retail market and the evolution of influencers have forced online companies to make some changes.  British e-retailer ASOS has confirmed it plans to charge shoppers to return items unless they keep £40 of their order. Meanwhile, Boohoo recently introduced a freight charge into New Zealand, Nike has stopped shipping here altogether and other brands have reduced their availability for Kiwi customers.  Chris Wilkinson from First Retail Group says consumers need to accept that this is the way of the future. "Abuse is certainly causing most of these retailers in the UK big challenges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Search with Candour
The Impact of Social Media on SEO with Ashley Lidell

Search with Candour

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 70:53


Ashley Liddell joins Jack on this week's Search With Candour to discuss how social media is infiltrating SEO and Google. With the recent increase in UGC on the SERPs, aligning your social media and search strategies has never been more important. Sponsors SE Ranking is the intuitive SEO platform trusted by over a million SEO professionals - start your free trial today.⁠ Free live podcast in Brighton on 2 October 2024. Links to follow Ashley Follow Ashley on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-liddell-seo/ Deviation - https://www.wearedeviation.co.uk/  Links to resources/articles: Deviation article about social SEO: https://www.wearedeviation.co.uk/insights/an-introduction-to-social-seo Relevant previous episode with Ray Saddiq - https://youtu.be/nD97J0on2cI?si=o5SNytZqAYYeS2Cu TikTok as a search engine with Annie-Mai Hodge: https://withcandour.co.uk/blog/tiktok-as-a-search-engine-with-annie-mai-hodge Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:32 Sponsored by SE Ranking 00:03:11 Live podcast on 2nd October 2024 00:05:10 Welcome Ashley Liddell 00:06:07 The crossover of social media and search 00:09:01 How the relationship between SEO and social media has changed in the last year 00:12:34 The democratisation of content creation 00:14:55 People want authenticity in content 00:17:10 Google Perspectives replaced by Google Forums 00:21:30 How search behaviour has changed for Gen Z 00:23:55 Create content 00:27:03 The growth of long-form and short-form content 00:31:45 How Tiktok leads the short-form video industry 00:33:11 How old marketing tactics become relevant again on new platforms 00:33:50 Tiktok Shop tips 00:34:40 The customer journey for Tiktok content 00:36:08 Is Tiktok shop the future of ecommerce? 00:38:02 Selling products on Tiktok Live is the QVC of 2024 00:41:12 Brands need to embrace long-term commitment to authentic content 00:42:30 What will happen when Boohoo, Primark and Shein start using Tiktok shop? 00:46:35 Will big brands help to “legitimatise” Tiktok shop? 00:51:03 The two way relationship between organic search and social media 00:54:20 Integrating social media into keyword research (h/t tp Ray Saddiq) 00:55:24 Improving user experience by stealing ideas from social media 00:56:42 Search everywhere strategies 01:02:10 How social media can help with link building 01:06:43 Get your digital teams to work together or get left behind 01:08:30 Where to follow Ashley Lidell and Deviation 01:09:43 Thanks and outro

KMJ's Afternoon Drive
Boo Hoo! White Nationalist blasts Trump

KMJ's Afternoon Drive

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 4:50


‘A Big Ripoff': White Nationalist Nick Fuentes Blasts Trump for Admitting He Lost the 2020 Election    Please Subscribe + Rate & Review KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson wherever you listen!  ---     KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever else you listen.  ---   Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson – KMJ's Afternoon Drive  Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ  DriveKMJ.com | Podcast | Facebook | X | Instagram  ---   Everything KMJ: kmjnow.com | Streaming | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip Teresi Podcasts
Boo Hoo! White Nationalist blasts Trump

Philip Teresi Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 4:50


‘A Big Ripoff': White Nationalist Nick Fuentes Blasts Trump for Admitting He Lost the 2020 Election    Please Subscribe + Rate & Review KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson wherever you listen!  ---     KMJ's Afternoon Drive with Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever else you listen.  ---   Philip Teresi & E. Curtis Johnson – KMJ's Afternoon Drive  Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 & 105.9 KMJ  DriveKMJ.com | Podcast | Facebook | X | Instagram  ---   Everything KMJ: kmjnow.com | Streaming | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uncensored Money
Ultra Fast Fashion: What it is and why it's the tobacco of the fashion world

Uncensored Money

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 15:48


We all know that fast fashion is bad, both environmentally and ethically, but what about the latest category which encapsulates brands like Temu, Shein, and Boohoo. With faster production cycles, faster churn, faster to landfills, and clothing made with ultra plastics which will shed microfibres into waterways for years to come, this new category is like fast fashion on crack. In this episode of Uncensored Money, Mel talks about the new fashion category, Ultra Fast Fashion – who is in it and why it could be as harmful as tobacco for your health. Books and resources mentioned in this episode Good On You App The Imperfect Idealist Venetia La Manna My Financial Adulting Plan If you're on insta, come play over at @MelBrowne.Money and make sure you're signed up to Mel's Money Musings for more tips, tricks and ideas on how to best work with your money. Finally, if you love this episode please make sure you subscribe and leave us a review.

Perraneu
Ready, Queen? (w/ Holly Cinnamon)

Perraneu

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 69:20


Pop singer/producer/lyricist Holly Cinnamon is here! After her smash hit performance at Perraneu LIVE! at the Stonewall Aug 15, host Devon Turchan asks about her fearless stage set, leading with an "open hearted joy" in her work and queer Canadian ranches! Listen to her new singles "BOO HOO" and "LA LANGUE" on Spotify! DM Perraneu on Instagram for a hard copy of the Variety issue and visit the link in the bio for the digital issue. Follow @holly.cinnamon on instagram and Holly Cinnamon on Spotify —and check out the links below! HOLLY CINNAMON LINKS! Spotify: https://sptfy.com/hollycinnamon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/HollyCinnamon Artist Merch: https://femalegayze.myshopify.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly.cinnamon Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HollyCinnamon Music Website: https://www.thefemalegayze.com

rSlash
r/Amithedevil BOOHOO I Assaulted a Woman!

rSlash

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 17:26


0:00 Intro 0:12 Disowned 6:16 Forgetful 10:18 Stuff 13:28 Tuition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Because You Watched Starcrash
Vampire's Kiss (1988) - Because You Watched Starcrash

Because You Watched Starcrash

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 67:21


Vampire's Kiss (1988)  “You're in the goddamn crapper, Loew, and I'm trying to take a dump. So either shut up and leave the acting lessons for home or go back to the ladies' room.” Is it a deft American Psycho-level satire, a taut supernatural or psychological thriller, or insane, ridiculous crap? That's the question facing our Distinguished Professors as they discuss the 1988 Nicolas Cage meme-fest Vampire's Kiss.  Let's see if they find an answer. Topics discussed include gratuitous displays of alphabet-yelling, Cage's love for this movie and role, Loew as a Renfield, a plug for proper hydration, the mystery of the imaginary (?) psychiatrist, Renfield's a bug-eating simp, a plan for the holiday special that we don't follow, a digression into the literary origins of vampires, late-80s hair and fashion, musing on whether Cage's antics fit this movie, the role of ambiguity here, parallels with Joker, Loew's awful Philadelphian accent, weird camera shots, the fake dialogue with Jackie on the way back to Loew's apartment, Loew's gradual descent into madness and how this movie takes its time, Alva as the center of both the movie's corporate satire and its cruelty, the ambiguity of the murder, weird comedic moments, a possible fourth wall break, the roach-eating scene, Nosferatu playing in the background, the violent mimes and veering into the territory of the art film, Loew's façade of culture, vampire practice, “BOO HOO!”-ing, Cage's physical acting, a cheap postcard to New York, Loew's prior scumbag behavior, and the state of contemporary art in the 1980s. Plus, look: soup! 

Canadian Common Sense
Episode 286 - Boo hoo, get over it

Canadian Common Sense

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 79:21


Not only is this phrase a trending meme, it's an appropriate summary of how our politicians feel about us. Why does BC "Bring Crazy" so much? Who is "Randy?" We want names, and more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/common-sense1/message

EmpowerHER
The end of the "BOO-HOO" season + calling yourself UP to get out of your own damn way.

EmpowerHER

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 27:32


Today is a spicy episode where I'm sharing with you like we're chatting over a cup of coffee, spicy marg or glass of wine what in real time has been annoying me about MYSELF that I'm just OVER now. I'm big on calling myself out to call myself UP in a very productive way and pulling back the curtain in hopes to help you. Cuz honestly… we are often just ONE decision away from a really different feeling. I can't wait to hear what you think of this one! Special thank you to our sponsor of today's podcast: CLEARSTEM! Cuz GIRLFRIEND….are you looking for a new SKINCARE line that's ACTUALLY non-toxic with no hormone disruptors or CRAP in it? ORRRR LUXURY HAIR products that don't have crap in it?! If so, you've got to check out my FAVORITE anti-acne, anti-aging line CLEARSTEM! They have no hormone disrupters or TOXINS and honestly…. Their products have been game changer in my life for the last 5+ years I've been using them! They also JUST came out with a LUXURY hair care line that is anti-acne, no pore cloggers but also still will leave your hair feeling all sorts of AMAZING!!Tap this link: https://glnk.io/rqop/kacia to check them out & use code “KACIA” for a sweet discount! To join our text community text: “START” to (512) 548-2728

The Daily Beans
Refried Beans | Boo Hoo, Halliburton (feat Frank Figliuzzi) | 4/21/2020

The Daily Beans

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 67:16


April 21, 2020Oil ​drops ​below ​zero, ​Judge ​Reggie ​Walton ​is ​reviewing ​the ​unredacted ​Mueller ​report; ​Allison speaks with ​Frank ​Figliuzzi ​about ​Trump's ​acting ​DNI ​declassifying ​footnotes ​from ​the ​Department ​of ​Justice ​Inspector ​General ​report ​on ​the ​Carter ​page ​FISA; large ​businesses ​drained ​the ​Paycheck ​protection ​program ​meant ​for ​small ​businesses; ​Trump's ​COVID ​testing ​czar ​has ​a ​shady ​past; the ​GAO ​is ​conducting ​coronavirus ​oversight, ​and ​our ​own ​Department ​of ​Justice ​has ​removed ​antitrust ​concerns ​from ​makers ​of ​hydroxychloroquine.Plus Allison and Jordan deliver your Good News.Frank Figliuzzihttps://twitter.com/FrankFigliuzzi1FrankFigliuzzi.com Live Show Ticket Links:https://allisongill.com (for all tickets and show dates)Sunday, June 2nd – Chicago IL – Schubas TavernFriday June 14th – Philadelphia PA – City WinerySaturday June 15th – New York NY – City WinerySunday June 16th – Boston MA – City WineryMonday June 17th Boston, MA https://tinyurl.com/Beans-Bos2Wednesday July 10th – Portland OR – Polaris Hall(with Dana!)Thursday July 11th – Seattle WA – The Triple Door(with Dana!)Thursday July 25th Milwaukee, WI https://tinyurl.com/Beans-MKESunday July 28th Nashville, TN - with Phil Williams https://tinyurl.com/Beans-TennWednesday July 31st St. Louis, MO https://tinyurl.com/Beans-STLFriday August 16th Washington, DC - with Andy McCabe, Pete Strzok, Glenn Kirschner https://tinyurl.com/Beans-in-DCSaturday August 24 San Francisco, CA https://tinyurl.com/Beans-SF Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/OrPatreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

Just A Quick Pinch
what's on the world's 1st luxury pet airline, Boohoo/Pretty Little Thing's cofounder's newest biz, would you try this new Oreo flavor?

Just A Quick Pinch

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 16:16


happy friday - here is your end of the week round up of small talk news stories, and your weekend's tarot card reading! We dive into these stories today: - Pet brand BarkBox launches a lavish privet jet for dogs, for $8,000 per ticket https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13297443/barkbox-private-jet-air-carrier-people-pets-flight-dog.html - Pretty Little Thing cofounders announce new luxury business venture, did you know they're the sons of the founder of Boohoo? https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13348885/PrettyLittleThing-founders-new-luxury-business.html - Oreos launches newest flavor: Sour Patch Kids Oreos! https://people.com/oreo-adds-new-sour-patch-kids-cookie-flavor-8638213 IG: @drconniewang, @justaquickpinch

Sleep Deprived with Indy Clinton
Famous Friends, Opinions & Fitness with Steph Claire Smith

Sleep Deprived with Indy Clinton

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 59:01


This week I sit down with the phenomenal Steph Claire Smith model, Mum, and co-founder of health, fitness, and wellness app KIC. Steph and I met years ago on a shoot for Boohoo where Steph was the main character energy of the day. Now a Mum also, Steph has built an empire and I wanted to know how does she do it - how does she fit everything in, work, being a Mum, having a podcast, being a great wife, and filling up her own cup up. We cover a lot in this episode but if you're a Taylor Swift fan like me, obviously I had to get the full story of how she met and was friends with her. In this episode, we cover:- Not attaching your worth to how you look - Why Steph and Laura are so passionate about changing the way we feel about working out - Toxic diet culture - Prolapses and how important it is to do pelvic floor exercises postpartum - The pressure of having another child, is it OK to ask someone if they are? Society and people's opinions- Stay-at-home dad dynamic with Josh- Mum guilt - “Crunchy” what you feed your kids- Full story of how Steph became friends with Taylor Swift- How to be confident Want to try Kic? We've got an exclusive offer for you! Access 1,000+ workouts, 850+ recipes, guided meditations, pre & postnatal programs and more... all in one app! Click the link here to get started and enjoy your first month FREE!At the end of each episode, I answer your questions. Have a question? Leave a message at 1800 Sleep Deprived. Watch the full episode and the chaotic mess on YouTube here. Don't forget to follow and leave a review (be kind all of you) wherever you listen to podcasts. This episode was brought to you by Pidgeon and their SoftTouch products here. A CW media production. Paid collaboration @chemistwarehouse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

rSlash
r/Topposts BOO-HOO I Got Caught Cheating!

rSlash

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 15:23


0:00 Intro 0:09 Toddler saves a life 2:53 Affair over 8:02 Abandoned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ordway, Merloni & Fauria
Should the St. Paddy's Day parade be moved from Southie?

Ordway, Merloni & Fauria

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 11:01


Mego, a Southie resident, poses the question, should the parade be moved from its historic location? There were 11 arrests this past Sunday and Southie residents are complaining. Jones says BOO HOO. No one wants the historic parade to be moved, Arcand agrees. Mego claims to not care either.

Tony & Dwight
Tuesday's Tool. Boo Boo Boo Hoo. Fake Middleton. The Android's Noggin' & Eclipse Quips.

Tony & Dwight

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 27:28 Transcription Available


Laws of Abundance
S3, Ep. 2 | Love is NOT all you Need: The Truth About Relationships

Laws of Abundance

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 17:52


“There are no happy endings in Love.  Because as long as love exists there is no ending but transformation. Love is the force that transforms eternity.”  Sovereign Ipsissimus Dave Lanyon  (Angel singing all you need is love) “Love is all you need.” The Beatles Yet, love is not enough for a relationship between two people to flourish. Long-term romantic relationships require effort applied to the appropriate object (the relationship) in order to work long-term. And the appropriate object is not the other person in the relationship with you - that results in the desire to change the other person, or fixate on them for good or bad, and it creates dependency on them like a substance. (now you want to love and care for and be kind to the other person but that is not the focus point of your effort when in a romantic relationship).  So, let me backup for a second. Let me describe what I've learned about relationships hermetically.  Imagine that a relationship is a pyramid (a triangle). The two people in love and in relationship form the base of the pyramid so man and woman or man/man, woman/woman are at the two corners - then at the top of the pyramid is The Relationship. It is a 3rd entity, a “child” so to speak created by the two beings in relationship, through the exchange of masculine and feminine energies. The Relationship itself is an entity and it is born of the two making a commitment to themself and to the other to always better themself (because we are not perfect) and better the relationship (because its made of two imperfect beings - so needs effort and nurture and improvement of those two beings to thrive). The only way the relationship is going to work is if there is TRUST - consistency of actions and repeatedly doing what you said you were going to do for and with the other person, and for and with yourself in relation to that other person. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY - recognition that as a human being you are not perfect and that you are always seeing, hearing,doing things thru a filter of your mind/thoughts/programming and that you are going to do your best to acknowledge and take responsibility for your mind/thoughts/programming in all of their imperfections. COMMITMENT - commitment to the relationship via the discipline of being a better individual through personal growth and development. Discipline to know thyself better and be better in the world through the positive actualization of your purpose. Finally encircling all of these, ideally there is a shared understanding of value in something between the two people - family, faith, spirituality, purpose. Maybe simply the recognition that all humans are just that, human, and we all deserve to be treated as such.  Returning to the point - If you are committed to making yourself better because you Love yourself and respect yourself as a divine being then you can respect the other human in the relationship the same way, and then work with that person to nourish the relationship like you are raising a child. Resting this nourishment on the foundation of Trust, Honesty, Personal Responsibility, Commitment and Care - you can love and flow love in this cycle because the channel for that love to flow is held open by those foundational elements I described and the archway they create. (and if one of these elements is missing then like a dam the flow for your love gets blocked and the child/relationship will suffer). If you can't see yourself first as the central sun of your universe, making your own world with your thoughts, actions and perspectives, all of the foundational elements are challenged.  If all you see is the world acting upon you, standing in need, or in victim or blaming other people for not treating you right or giving you what you need, then you are not able to take responsibility for yourself as the creator of the central source of awareness in your universe. It is essential to recognize that every relationship with every single person, place or thing in your life starts in your mind.  It lives first in your thoughts and those thoughts are colored by that mind.  So let me put a pause on the relationship between two people, for just a moment so we can understand this extremely important point.  First let's just define what is a relationship period, and how relationships work in your life.  A relationship is simply a connection you have with a person, place or thing and it can be positive or negative. It does not require there to be affection, for example you can have a relationship with your car, your computer, your house, your city of residence. You can also have relationships with pets and with people - family, friends, colleagues, employees, your favorite barista.  And then you have romantic relationships with your spouse, lover, partner whatever label you choose and state of commitment you are in.  Everything you do is in relationship and every relationship is colored by your thoughts and thus your mind (because this is Hermetic Principle #1 ALL IS MIND). It is an oversimplification but no matter where you go, what you have or who you are with THERE YOU ARE.  You cannot leave yourself out of any relationship, or else you would be dead and there would be NO RELATIONSHIP for you (you can have relationships with dead persons but that is a whole other topic for another day). You are the CENTER of your relationships not because you are the center of everyone's universe but because you are the center of your own universe.  And all relationships with everything in your life first take place in your mind. Your thoughts affect every interaction and connection you have.  And these thoughts come from your mind. You act on what is inside your head for better or for worse. Thus, if we are going to improve our world and our relationships (which are our world) we first have to clean up our thoughts/mind so we can start to discern what really is going on inside us and thus truly see what is happening outside of us. In addition - how we treat ourselves is tantamount to how we treat others. So we have to take responsibility for how we love and care for ourselves, and know ourselves first before we can really know what it is to love another person, and understand better what is happening in the relationships we choose to make. And we choose all of our relationships consciously or subconsciously, we are 100% at the epicenter of every positive or negative relationship in our lives whether those are with people, places or things.  So the Key to us having healthy positive relationships (and a good life because our entire life is made up of relationships) is having a good relationship with yourself. Knowing Yourself. Taking care of yourself. Loving yourself. Taking responsibility for yourself. If you first know thyself - you will have good relationships with persons, places and things because you'll realize that your external reality is a reflection of your inner reality (Hermetic Principle #2 As above so below, as within so without). And you will start to actualize the reality you desire to live in and experience actual joy and purpose. OK so with that all reviewed let's go back to the main event. My bold statement that Love is not enough for a romantic relationship to work. I'm definitely statistically accurate in the United States with marriages currently having a less than 50% success rate. But this is not a podcast about legal trends or even the cause of divorce (but I will note that the #1 reported cause of divorce is infidelity, The Destroyer of Trust, one of the 3 foundations necessary for nourishment to flow to The Relationship).  Alright so if love, or loving the other person is not enough, what is?  Well that is just it. It is the focus of your attention on the appropriate object, and in the case of Your relationships what is the one common denominator?  You.  You must be committed to knowing yourself,  and creating positive growth of the self so that you are able to capably understand and discern that you are actually in a relationship, and be the person that allows that relationship to grow and sustain.  Let's use an overly simplistic thought example.  If you think “this person is harming me.” Then that is your reality. But are they?  Are they stabbing you with a knife? That would be objective harm. Are they saying no to a particular request? Is that NO harm?  Maybe you just do not like the answer and it “hurts” you in that you feel something you do not like.  But what is that actually?  Maybe they are preventing physical harm by saying no?  What is the objective reality of the situation? What if you analyze the inputs from around you, and within you, and acknowledge what is happening? Can you discern reality? Or are you experiencing a fact pattern that the negative ego mind is putting directly into a proof to make the other person wrong for their boundary i.e. saying no and because you don't like this, you label it bad or harm?  Now let's take an example from my life. First I want to be really vulnerable about my life. If you were to look at my track record of relationships you would see a pattern of me experiencing a pattern of major betrayals of trust.  One partner I have “loved” after another in my life has significantly lied to me, usually around a core issue of fidelity at major points in our relationship, or I have been left suddenly (in most cases because they chose another). I actually, until recently, had a lot of shame around this. I felt like there was something wrong with me. All I've ever wanted was a devoted partner to share this life with but all I found was one heartbreak after another. (long sigh)  Boohoo tragic me. That is until I owned the pattern as a reflection of how I treated myself. I was subconsciously setting myself up to fail by choosing relationships that would result in the very outcome my little person and anxious attachment abandoned me was trying to avoid.  It was me who kept leading myself to situations where I was ultimately going to be rejected, lied to, and/or experience infidelity.  Recently, the universe delivered me the gift of having to start dating again. This time around knowing what I know now about my patterns I went into it promising myself I would not repeat what I did before. I was also going to be very aware of my past hurts and triggers and not project them upon anyone I am dating. Furthermore if I was going to date anyone they had to be on the same page about this and willing to and be able to communicate in the moment about thoughts, feelings and not take the process personally. But instead be willing to come to the table to discuss in the moment what happens between two people when they learn to relate.  Essentially, I was going to follow the formula I am sharing with you. Hours and hours of hermetic and spiritual training have been about overcoming this core issue in my life. I've achieved everything else. But this area I keep failing at. So with that lens of seeking someone first who was willing and able to communicate, in the moment, directly, objectively, and with the same desire of truly getting to know the other person for the sake of creating a long term relationship - I find myself practicing just that with someone. And as I continue to get to know him, things have come up that set off my anxiousness, my fear of betrayal, my fears of screwing things up, of being too much, of driving people away.  But the difference this time, when those fears come up, we have together created a safe space to share them, acknowledge what is happening in the moment, and inquire further where they are coming from.  For example, in my life -  I called my new Significant Other and said I needed to go to Southern Florida to help my father, he mentioned some resources he had in that area, and without clarifying if he was actually offering them to me specifically - I heard it as an offer to help me with my situation. But we made no firm plans, like a date to go and use these resources. And then a week later when I was going to start confirming specifics he tells me he is unavailable as he had some serious health appointments he needed to go to. Two things happen at this moment for me - 1. A part of me was like OMG he made a promise and now he isn't following through (siren alarm! Red flag! eep!) and 2. Why didn't he tell me he had this health stuff going on? And then I paused myself from the emotional drama train and asked what actually happened? What objectively occurred? (versus what I thought happened)  What did you actually say in that conversation? Were you clear? Did I ask for assistance directly? Did you make any firm agreement to anything? And then as far as the health stuff, at our stage of relationship most people don't get out their planner and just start listing off major doctors appointments coming up.  I didn't tell him about mine, why would he tell me his?  Telling myself the truth, I had to acknowledge that there was very likely a huge gap between what objectively occurred and what I perceived. So instead of turning over the proverbial table in some sort of temper tantrum and playing right into negative emotions from old patterns and self sabotaging -  I chose the opportunity to learn how each one of us works better.  And that is how I presented it when we talked.  I started with telling him that I think I misunderstood something, and I wanted to know where that miscommunication rooted from, so that going forward it didn't happen again. We came to a very easy and thoughtful place of clarity on what happened with no drama or erosion of trust.  Just the opposite. We now have a reference point for planning things together in the future. Which if applied consistently by each of us will create more trust. Alright my friends, I hope you are seeing the necessity of self-clarity in your relationships. You can love someone but if there is no trust, no personal responsibility for your thoughts and programming, no commitment to working on yourself for the sake of yourself and the relationship then there is no container for that love to flow into, and the child (the relationship) will starve. Meanwhile, if you do not know yourself, if you do not love yourself, then you will not be able to discern what really is going on in your relationship with yourself, let alone your relationship with others.  So, my exercise for everyone this month is just this.  You are going to look into the mirror every morning for the next 7 days and say “I Love You”  to yourself. Seriously, look into your own eyes deeply and say it.  I love you. Do it. Then repeat it. I Love You. Allow the words to sink deep into your heart. Then repeat it again. I Love you. Sit with it.  And do this every day for 7 days - in the morning, first thing. And if it is hard - then you know that you have some things to work on in your relationship with yourself. and I can help with that!  Reach out and book a call with me. Let's get you on the road to being able to say “I love you” with ease and see how that self mastery blossoms into a bouquet of beautiful relationships with others. 

That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast
Conflict, Criticism and the Modern Solo PR Pro

That Solo Life: The Solo PR Pro Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 19:18


On this episode we're chatting about how different generations handle criticism, especially after some Super Bowl ad backlash. We dive into why tough love is key in PR and how it's essential for solo PR pros to get real with clients. Plus, we tackle the big question: How do we teach the next gen these crucial soft skills? Tune in for an honest, straight-talk session on the art of handling the hard stuff in PR.   Special Offer for Solos: Lettuce is teaming up with Solo PR Pro to offer you a free, game-changing Business Assessment Program. Be one of the first 1,000 savvy PR pros to join.   Get News from Solo PR Pro: Join our email list.   Transcript Michelle Kane (00:02): Thank you for joining us for this episode of That Solo Life, the podcast for PR pros and marketers who work for themselves, people like me, Michelle Kane, with VoiceMatters, and my wonderful co-host, Karen Swim with Solo PR Pro. Hi Karen. It's another week, another beautiful podcast time, not our goodness. Karen Swim, APR (00:22): Hi Michelle. I'm doing so well and just glad to be here and been in this time with you and our listeners. How are you doing? Michelle Kane (00:34): I'm doing well too. Yes, we're making it through February, which is fantastic. I was just talking to a client and we were both marveling at how it is flying by. Karen Swim, APR (00:45): It really is. I cannot believe that next week is the end of February. It's the last week in the month that went so quickly. Michelle Kane (00:54): Even with the extra day in it, it's just seems to be just going poof, which is fine. Karen Swim, APR (00:58): Yeah. Michelle Kane (00:59): It means more daylight for us to soak in and that's good. We've made it through the darkness of the season, so congratulations to all of us. And speaking of how darkness can have an impact, we're going to talk today actually about constructive criticism and how we're kind of sensing a little bit, we're feeling our generation a little bit in light of, I think, Karen, you brought up some comments over on LinkedIn about some Super Bowl ads and just some of the pushback that would you say, is it Gen Z mainly? What were you finding? Karen Swim, APR (01:43): Yeah, it's interesting. So there was some criticism of Super Bowl ads and for a certain generation of us it's like, okay, that's normal, right? Come in the marketing industry, push back at the criticism saying, let's all be kind. These people work so hard and it's the biggest stage, blah, blah, blah. And then another person of a different generation, older, not maybe a millennial, stepped up and said something completely different. Basically like Boohoo, get over yourself. And I thought that her point was well taken and I immediately saw that these were generational differences. So all of the people that were team know criticism were younger and all of the people that brought up the point of criticism is beneficial. Michelle Kane (02:42): Yeah, absolutely. Were older Karen Swim, APR (02:44): And it made me think about how this plays out in the PR profession, what it means to our clients and what it means to this new generation of practitioners. Michelle Kane (02:57): Yeah, that's very true because I mean, let's be honest, part of our job as PR practitioners is to be that voice of honesty, to bring the stark realism in, even if it's just to prepare people for the landscape they may face. I always borrow, I borrow a line from Billy Bragg and say, I am that little black cloud in a dress. That's my job. I'm not saying that I'm not coming at you to be negative or to put a downer on our efforts, but just this is the component that we need to keep in mind in everything we do that might happen. Yeah, it's Karen Swim, APR (03:36): Important. I love that line. That is such a perfect line, and I know it seems a little morose, but it cannot be more true for us as communicators that we have to deal in reality and we have to tactfully deliver news and we have to be honest with our clients because that trust is sacred. And as strategic advisors, we're not looking at just the now, we're looking ahead. We're looking at all of the around every corner where people may not think to look. And I think that this failure to understand that criticism is valuable, criticism sharpens, you can take insights for criticism, but we have generation of kids that grew up being shielded. So you talk about bad things, everybody got participation trophies and everybody's nice, and I'm all for being kind. So we're not talking about trolls and hatred. What we're talking about is criticism that's necessary. (04:53): When you put anything out into the world, it will be judged. That's part of the creative process. It really is. And so as a company, would you want to produce a product or service, have no one say anything about it that's negative, but then have it bomb and you have no idea why? Because no one spoke up. Well, I'm seeing this generation that just cannot confront the hard thing. So we see this play out in our business development landscape for PR professionals. I hear this all the time about clients ghosting you or potential clients ghosting. You have a meeting, maybe you have a couple of meetings, you talk through their needs. You put together what you discussed on paper in the form of a proposal, and then crickets forever. (05:46): Often it's because they can't afford the budget, but they're afraid to say that. So they just don't say anything and they just don't talk to you. Well, and it also deprives that PR professional of the courtesy of understanding what the market landscape really is. If somebody presents something to you for a particular price, you've deprived them of the opportunity to walk you through it, the opportunity to examine their own services and how they're presented and whether or not their pricing makes sense for the marketplace. And it also deprives you of the opportunity for them to do a scope of work that actually fits your needs a little bit better. So you have just decided to look at one component and then walk away because it's too hard to talk about. Michelle Kane (06:41): Yeah, and there's so much value in talking about it because, okay, well, tell me why you think this is too much and how can we still achieve results for you perhaps at a different price point or taking a different tactic. There are always usually, unless the budget is just ridiculously low ways to be of service, and it's a shame both sides are missing out on that. Karen Swim, APR (07:07): It is really sad. And managing conflict is such a fundamental tool for human beings, period. Life is not all rainbows and sprinkles. It is not. And you cannot simply say nothing all of the time. It does not work. It does not serve you and it does not serve others. And I wish that we would take this communication void seriously within the PR profession. And those of us who are more experienced and companies need to recognize this too, you need to be, begin to teach the soft skill sets to your next generation of workers. Do not assume that they have these skill sets. They do not. They cannot write business emails. They do not know these things. Does that mean that they're not smart? Of course not. They're brilliant, but they just don't have these soft skills. And so I think it's on us to ensure that we train them and that we as an older generation teach them how to tackle the difficult things and the difficult conversations. I am sure we've all had experiences, I've had this with the younger workers who are so eager to say that they can do things, that you ask questions and they say they can do it, and they don't have a clue because they're afraid to say, I don't know how to do that, so that you can actually teach them and walk them through it. We've got to get past this because it is going to be disastrous for the workforce if we don't address this issue. Michelle Kane (08:45): That is so incredibly true, and I love what you said about setting projects up to fail, especially something as massive and as high budget and high spend as a Super Bowl spot. I mean, those are high, high stakes. And to spend all that time and energy on something that whether you don't realize is going to just bomb out or you know it, but I can't say it. Oh my goodness, that's not going to end well for anyone. It's going to be so demoralizing to you. And also please, as you are going about practicing the craft to public relations, we've got to keep our industry in mind. How does that present as our profession of what we do? I mean, we especially need to have the capability to have those hard conversations. And it doesn't have to be, it's like they say, oh, it took me five seconds to do that task. I've been putting off for five months because I thought it would take five hours. It's kind of like that a lot of time. Those hard conversations that's going to earn you more respect with your clients. They may be relieved that you brought it up. And the point is, it is coming from your caring about the work, your caring about how the client is going to look. So even though it may feel like a negative thing, it may feel like the most uncomfortable, the thing you've ever done. It really is going to lead to a positivity of better work, more progress. Karen Swim, APR (10:39): I will tell you that clients absolutely will respect you for standing up for what is right and looking out for the reputation. Not every client is going to like it. Not every client is going to accept your advice. And so there's having the heart conversation, but then also learning how to navigate the solution. So you have to understand how to pick your battles, but you can't understand that if you're never addressing tough things. This is just part of the job and you become better and better at it. So clients will push back, they will tell you, no, I want this, and you can give them your professional counsel and then you have to make some decisions. How important is this? Is this like a fundamental no-No, that we absolutely will not do it. We cannot do it. I'll give you an example. If your client wants to quote someone in print, but they want it to be anonymous, we already know that's not going to fly with reporters unless you're talking in the political arena, deep Russian secrets, murder investigation. But in the business realm, that's not going to fly. You can't have somebody that's an anonymous or a made up name. I've confronted all of these issues over my career once had someone that said, oh, this person is willing to be quoted, but can we just use a fake name? No, we cannot. No. (12:04): So let's not quote that. So that was an absolute no, no, I am not doing that. If a client wants you to break the law or do something unethical, obviously you're not going to do that. But you're not going to go to the math over a semicolon or over a headline. That is not the greatest. But it doesn't break any rules. There are just some battles you have to choose because this is the negotiation of a client relationship. But again, have those conversations and I think people, they misunderstand difficult conversations with fighting. You're not fighting. Exactly. It's not ugly. It doesn't even have to be, we're not talking raised voices. We're talking being a professional and understanding that in this role, you're not always going to get agreement. And the more that you advance in your career and as you begin to lead people, whether you're in an official leadership role or not, I promise you, because this is something else. (13:15): I've seen this trend of the younger generation, not aspiring to be managers, but please understand that leaders are not always leaders by title. You can be leaders by virtue of the way that people listen and respect you, your experience in the field. And so as you advance in your career, whether you have an official leadership title or not, you will be a leader. And these are still issues that you'll have to learn to navigate. You can't just go through your career in your life just going along to please and never saying anything that conflicts with someone else's opinion. Michelle Kane (13:51): Yeah. In fact, that could lead to some disrespect to be completely honest. Karen Swim, APR (13:55): Most definitely. And if you are a woman in the workforce or any other ethnicity, Michelle Kane (14:04): Yes, yes, exactly. Karen Swim, APR (14:06): This is something you don't want to do. And I know that women who stand up for themselves and speak their opinions are often regarded negatively. But I will tell you this, I would rather be respected than popular Michelle Kane (14:21): Any day. Karen Swim, APR (14:21): This is not a popularity contest. I love my clients. I am committed to them. I will not work with someone if I do not respect them, the individual, the people that I will be working with in addition to the organization. So I'm going to fight for you. I'm going to fight to make sure that we are excellent, that we are buttoned up, and that we do everything that we can to safeguard the trust that your customers put into you. And so that means I'm looking out for you, and if I give you counsel, it's coming from a place of me as a strategic advisor, understanding something that you may not, this is my area of expertise and that's why you hired me. So realize that too. Your employer, your clients, they hired you, not so that you could just say yes to everything or be nice. Oh, okay, I'm going to do that. They hired you to do your freaking job. Michelle Kane (15:18): It's hard, Karen. It's hard. And you know what? It's hard some days. Karen Swim, APR (15:22): Some days Michelle Kane (15:24): You have, but you have to stand your ground and stand up for the right way to move forward. Not that you're always going to be battling something that's unethical, but just if you've made it to the point where you are working as a professional in public relations or communications, you have what you've had, what it takes to get you to that point. So trust that, trust that instinct. And I know it can be very difficult in a world where increasingly sometimes it feels like our profession is not regarded as a profession on par with other professions that have designations. And even though there is a designation in public relations, but hopefully my point's coming across so I get it, but we are every bit the professionals. We know our world, and even though other people dabble in our world that does not make them expert and trust, there are things they haven't thought of and are things they would never even have considered. That to us comes firsthand. So try it. We're going to challenge. If you're in that generation, we're going to challenge you to try it. It'll feel good, it'll be scary, but you know what? I call those a good scared. Take a step into the good scared. And if you're looking for a community that will help guide you, shameless self-promotion, plug segue, (16:53): Sign up for the newsletters@soloprpro.com, join the community because that is where I call it the ultimate staff meeting. It is a safe space where we can ask what we might feel is a dumb question or we can say, Hey, I'm facing this situation. I'm really unsure how to handle it. I'm not comfortable. Have you ever experienced this? What did you do? You'll get such wise and supportive counsel, it will blow your socks off. Karen Swim, APR (17:24): Agreed. It is a really spectacular community of peers that are not just takers, but givers. And there is a wide range of experiences. And so it really is unique in that you don't have people that are confined to just certain industries. There's wide ranging areas of expertise. Us and I could not ask for a greater group of people to hang out with. And so yes, please. I of course selfishly would love for you to join solo pr, but we also would love it if you told people about this podcast that is geared to communication professionals. We've been doing this for what, Michelle? 300 episodes or so? Michelle Kane (18:12): We're getting there. This might be 237. Yeah, Karen Swim, APR (18:14): So this is not a fly by night operation. We are committed, we are passionate, and we have been consistent in broadcasting week after week after week. And we still love it today as much as we did on episode one, and we hope that you do too. We're always open to topics that you want to see covered, guests that you may want to have appear. I would say stay tuned in March. We have, oh my God, I'm so excited about guests that we have in March and the things that are going on talk about March Madness. It is just going to be a huge celebration. So please, please share it your episodes. We put them out on social media as well. So if you could follow us on social and share, we would so appreciate it. Michelle Kane (19:03): We absolutely would. And we thank you and we value the time you give us each week. So until next time, thanks for listening to That Solo Life.  

Richard Ellis Talks

If you've ever faced the harsh reality of your dreams not unfolding the way you planned, know this: you're not alone. Those seasons are often accompanied by disappointment, loss, and grief, and it can feel like God is standing by silently. But His "no", and His delay in our lives, don't mean He's abandoned us -- in fact, it's just the opposite. "I will never leave you or forsake you" rings true for all of us, but we have to trust Him in the process.

CoasterRadio.com: The Original Theme Park Podcast
CoasterRadio.com #1833 - Boo-Hoo Haunt Complaints

CoasterRadio.com: The Original Theme Park Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 54:39


The Halloween season is one of the best times of the year at the parks. Cooler temperatures, fun events and great haunts make theme parks the place to be. BUT...it's not all perfect. There are some new trends that take some of the fun out of the haunts. We'll talk about them and some possible ways to fix it.

The Howie Carr Radio Network
Morning Minute: Oh, Boo Hoo! You Can't Be Racist Anymore! - 6.30.23

The Howie Carr Radio Network

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 1:50


How quickly the liberals kick and scream and show how racist they wish they could be when SCOTUS overrules yet another wacky law from the Seventies.