Podcasts about bookstores

When you've trimmed every line item, negotiated every bill, and cut every unnecessary expense, but your profit margins still aren't adding up—what do you do next? In this episode, I share a story about a hard-working client who found himself completely exhausted after attempting to squeeze blood from a stone. He had done everything right: boosted top-line revenue, improved margins, and audited his expenses line by line. Yet, the math still wasn't mathing. Instead of hunting for micro-expenses to shave down, we stepped back and looked at a foundational piece of his business: his Point-of-Sale (POS) system. By making one strategic pivot to replace a tool that no longer served him, we triggered a domino effect that eliminated a whole cluster of hidden app subscriptions and tech stack add-ons—putting $710 back into his bank account every single month. Key Takeaways Stop Squeezing Dry Lemons: Cost-cutting is essential, but when an expense line is tapped out, trying to "squeeze harder" won't yield results. You have to start asking a completely different question. Identify Foundational Tech: A single core platform (like a POS system) often forces you to stack secondary apps, subscriptions, and integrations just to keep it functioning. The Domino Effect of One Pivot: Replacing one foundational tool can instantly eliminate hidden peripheral costs that sit underneath your operations. Advice vs. Operating Systems: Catching a single cash leak gives you a one-time win; having a repeatable operating system allows you to identify and fix structural profit drains every single week. Resources & Next Steps Ready to stop guessing and start keeping more of what you earn? Learn more about the Inventory Genius Operating System to build sustainable profitability into your product-based business. Enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help other product-based business owners unlock their profit potential! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

What is it about a bookstore? You walk in planning to browse for a few minutes, and somehow an hour later you're still wandering the stacks with an armful of books you can't seem to put down. For this week's episode, our guest host, MJ Franklin, and the producer Sarah Diamond take a field trip to a local bookstore, McNally Jackson Seaport, at the southern tip of Manhattan. There, they talk with the owner, Sarah McNally, about what it's actually like to run a bookstore. Then MJ sits down with Jennifer Harlan, an editor at the Book Review, to talk about The Times's new bookstore crawl series, the bookstores she grew up loving and why bookshops seem to be having a moment. Of course, no bookstore episode would be complete without some book recommendations. MJ and Jen share some of their favorite books about bookstores and booksellers, including a romance set in a small-town bookshop and a memoir about living inside Shakespeare and Company in Paris. Books discussed on this episode: “Switzy,” by Emma Cline “Delicate Edible Birds,” by Lauren Groff “Book Lovers,” by Emily Henry “Monogamy,” by Sue Miller “Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare and Co.,” by Jeremy Mercer “The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore,” by Evan Friss “A Marvelous Light,” by Freya Marske “The Rachel Incident,” by Caroline O'Donoghue Listen to and Follow ‘The Book Review' Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We Want to Hear From You We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode, and about the Book Review's podcast in general. You can send them to thebookreview@nytimes.com. Credits “The Book Review” podcast is hosted this week by MJ Franklin and produced by Amy Pearl, Sarah Diamond and Patricia Sulbarán. The show is edited by Tracy Mumford and mixed this week by Daniel Ramirez. Special thanks to Dahlia Haddad and Brooke Minters. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's Book Picks comes from Kira Wizner from Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, NY and Lily Bartels from Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, NY for our selections this week.

The $8,000/Month Profit Leak Hiding in Plain Sight Every product-based business has a money mystery, and in this episode, I'm solving a big one. I recently sat down with a client whose business was generating over $2 million in annual revenue, yet she had almost nothing left in profit at the end of the year. When we dug into her numbers, we found a massive cash leak that was quietly draining $8,627.50 out of her business every single month. The culprit? Free shipping disguised as a customer perk. In this episode, I walk you through how we uncovered this hidden expense, how we used real data—not emotion—to make a tough call, and how fixing this single line item instantly transformed her bottom line. What We Cover in This Episode: The $8,000 Mystery: How a $2M+ business was bleeding cash despite strong sales. The High Cost of "Free": Why free shipping is often a hidden profit killer rather than a strategic perk. Overcoming the Fear of Losing Customers: Why the fear of changing a policy is often worse than the reality. Data Over Emotion: How side-by-side math made the decision to end free shipping completely obvious. Why You Don't Need More Advice: The difference between guessing your way to profit and using an operating system to build it on purpose. Key Takeaways: "Profit leaks rarely look dramatic. They look like a nice little thing you're doing for your customers, or a policy set up years ago that nobody has revisited. Cutting a cost isn't a gut decision—it's a data decision." — Ciara Stockeland Data removes the panic: When you analyze real numbers side-by-side (revenue gained vs. potential customer drop-off), the strategic choice makes itself. Revenue does not equal Health: Growing top-line sales without protecting your margin just creates the illusion of success. Focus on systems: Knowing your numbers is only step one; you need a financial operating system to consistently surface leaks and protect your cash flow. Resources & Next Steps: Stop guessing your way to profit and start building it on purpose! Work with Me: Learn more about the Inventory Genius Operating System and how we help product-based business owners uncover hidden cash. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review so other business owners can find hidden cash in their numbers too! Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

John David wrote The Bystander, which is ironic because at the end of the show, he himself becomes a bystander. Hey, we never claimed to be a tightly-run ship. That's why we're not buying any property on Palm Beach island. Well, one of many reasons. Oh yeah, remember how we kept talking about death in the previous segment? The Bystander is about someone who catches a mass shooting being thwarted by a good guy with a gun...but not all is as it seems. More murder and more mystery. How perfect. Oh yeah, and Nick Swardson dropped by.You can buy John's books or read his musings at https://byjohndavid.substack.com/!This guest was booked using PodMatch! Interested in being a guest on the show? Reach out to us at https://www.podmatch.com/member/tombarnardpodcast.

From the July/August 2026 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel!  Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay?  Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scottish-rite-journal-podcast--3134571/support.

Episode # 129 Dark Fantasy, Black Authors, and a Toxic Hottie or Two with Cheryl Hodges of The Obsidian ArchivePart of noseyAF's 31 Days of Black Business series

Music Video for The Stairs: https://youtu.be/-9FOYTwxfcU?si=mFPQVDCKASBR1oFuLive from Wembley Stadium: https://youtu.be/N8CIBNJB2FM?si=sF_SoLZtDrzyaszvThere's a kind of loneliness that has nothing to do with being alone.You can live surrounded by hundreds—or thousands—of people, pass the same faces every day, share elevators, hallways, sidewalks and city blocks…and never truly know one another.  This week on The Songs That Made Us, Gunter explores INXS' “The Stairs,” a haunting meditation on the anonymous lives unfolding around us and the strange human experience of being physically close while remaining emotionally separate.Through the song, Gunter examines the psychology of loneliness, our biological need for connection, the phenomenon of “familiar strangers,” and the surprising role architecture and urban design play in determining whether people simply pass one another—or actually meet.And more than three decades after The Stairs appeared on INXS' X, its observations may be even more relevant in a digital world that gives us unprecedented proximity while often leaving genuine human connection painfully out of reach.In This EpisodeThe story and ideas behind INXS' “The Stairs”Why loneliness can exist even when we're surrounded by peopleLoneliness as a biological signal rather than a personal failingThe evolutionary importance of human connectionThe psychology of the “familiar stranger”How urban environments can create proximity without interactionSocial infrastructure and the spaces where relationships formWhy cities designed primarily for movement can unintentionally discourage connectionPsychological overload and why we sometimes withdraw from people around usHow digital environments reproduce the same paradoxWhy The Stairs remains strikingly relevant todaySmall acts of recognition that can begin closing the distance between strangersChapter HighlightsIntroduction: The Stairs and the Loneliness of Being SurroundedINXS and the Album XThe Psychological Need to BelongSocial Overload in Urban EnvironmentsLoneliness as a Biological SignalWaiting, Recognition and the Structure of The StairsHow Urban Design Shapes Human ConnectionFrom Physical Cities to Digital LonelinessProximity Without ConnectionSmall Acts That Bridge the DistanceSharing Our Experiences of LonelinessKey TakeawaysLoneliness is a signal. Like hunger or pain, it can alert us that an important human need isn't being met.Proximity isn't the same as connection. We can encounter the same people repeatedly without ever crossing the invisible boundary between stranger and acquaintance.Our environments matter. The spaces we build can either encourage spontaneous human contact or quietly discourage it.The digital world hasn't eliminated this paradox. In some ways, it has recreated the apartment building on a global scale: millions of people occupying the same space while remaining strangers.Connection can begin remarkably small. Recognition, conversation and simple acknowledgment can interrupt anonymity.GratitudeWe want to extend a huge thank you to our listeners in Fairborn, Elyria (uh-lee-ree-uh), Columbus, Grafton, Northfield, Lorain, Ashland, and Cincinnati for keeping Ohio securely at the #2 spot on the Top 10 USA listeners list.And to our Global Listeners, we extend our gratitude to two countries reaching our top 20 list for the very first time ever! First, our listeners in Karachi (kr-aa-chee) for bringing Pakistan to #20! And also to our listeners in Jos (pronounced like loss with a J) Plateau State for bringing Nigeria to #18! CONGRATULATIONS!! you made the Top Listeners List.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspire-change-with-gunter--3633478/support.PatreonIf this episode resonates with you and you'd like to go deeper into practical exercises and guided reflection, Gunter offers extended self-development resources and exercises through our Patreon community: www.patreon.com/inspirechangeSponsorDistil UnionThis episode of Inspire Change with Gunter is brought to you by Distil Union, creators of beautifully designed, functional everyday carry accessories that help bring organization, simplicity, and intention into your daily life.Distil Union blends craftsmanship with thoughtful design to help you carry what matters most — without the clutter.

Welcome to Episode 266, featuring an Author Spotlight with Jennifer (Jenny) Putzi, a leading scholar of nineteenth-century American women's writing. She talks with us about her captivating new book, THE RECONSTRUCTION DIARY OF FRANCES ANNE ROLLIN: A Critical Edition, which is out now from UNC Press. Jenny is also co-director of the Black Women's Diaries Project, an exciting digital humanities initiative with a public website that will launch this November. In our “Just Read” segment, we talk about: “The History of Sound” short story in the collection THE HISTORY OF SOUND by Ben Shattuck THE SECRET OF SNOW by Tina Harnesk, translated by Alice Menzies “The Killers” by Ernest Hemingway In #BiblioAdventures, we recap Christopher Myers' wonderful presentation of his new family memoir, ROBERT SHAW: An Actor's Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond, at Mystic Seaport Museum. We spill the tea on what actor Robert Shaw, a lifelong reader and an award-winning author, thought about the novel JAWS by Peter Benchley. We also talk about: Couch Biblio Adventures: Not Dead Yet/Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up and Margo's Got Money Troubles. Bookstore visits: The Curious Cat Bookshop, a new B&N, Ink Fish Books, and The Yellow House Public libraries: Southington Library, The George Hail Free Library, the Daniel Albert Piercy Library, and the main branch of the New York Public Library. As always, we talk about more books (and screen adaptations) than are listed here. Thanks for listening, and we wish you lots of Happy Reading! https://www.bookcougars.com/blog-1/2026/episode266

This week's Book Picks comes from Joan Grenier – owner of the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA and we also welcome Matt Tannenbaum from The Bookstore in Lenox, MA.

Welcome back to the Inventory Genius Podcast! In last week's episode, my client Rebecca said something during our raw, unscripted chat that completely stuck with me: she talked about finding Courage, Clarity, and Confidence through the Inventory Genius program. That phrase resonated with me so much that I knew we needed a Part 2 to dig deeper into the nuts and bolts. Facing your business numbers isn't just a math problem—it's an emotional journey. In this episode, I break down what it really takes to transform your relationship with money and walk through the "3 C's" framework, sharing real client stories for each step along the way. Key Takeaways & What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Courage Must Come First: You can't buy courage or find it in a budgeting app—it's a decision to take the very first step and look at your numbers, even when you can't see the whole staircase. How Clarity Arrives: Financial clarity doesn't happen before you do the work; it comes through the work. It accumulates layer-by-layer like compound interest. The Power of Real Confidence: True confidence isn't "faking it till you make it." It's earned evidence from taking action, leading to better pricing, smarter decisions, and faster momentum. Real Client Success Stories: How "Mary Jane" went from over $1M in debt to turning her entire business around. How Sarah found the clarity to keep, restructure, and scale her business instead of selling it. How "Susie" gained the confidence to move her product to a 3PL, double her subscription box subscribers, and boost profitability. Episode Breakdown: Introduction: The origin of Part 2 and why the podcast is always 100% real, raw, and unedited. The 1st C: Courage: Facing the emotional math problem of money and overcoming the urge to avoid your numbers. Client Story (Courage): Mary Jane's story of tackling $1M+ in debt and massive payroll by taking one courageous step. The 2nd C: Clarity: Uncovering your financial picture, spotting patterns, and building a consistent operational rhythm. Client Story (Clarity): Sarah's story of using financial clarity to decide whether to sell or keep her growing business. The 3rd C: Confidence: How clarity builds evidence, accelerates outcomes, and changes how you negotiate and price. Client Story (Confidence): Susie's story of stepping out of her home, outsourcing to a 3PL, and doubling her subscriber count. Key Wrap-Up & Encouragement: How Courage → Clarity → Confidence works continuously to empower you as a business owner. Memorable Quotes: "Courage in your finances doesn't mean having it all figured out. Courage means taking that first step when you cannot see the whole staircase." "Clarity does not show up before you do the work. Clarity comes through the work." "Confident people take better financial action, and better financial action creates better financial outcomes." Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the Inventory Genius Podcast! In last week's episode, my client Rebecca said something during our raw, unscripted chat that completely stuck with me: she talked about finding Courage, Clarity, and Confidence through the Inventory Genius program. That phrase resonated with me so much that I knew we needed a Part 2 to dig deeper into the nuts and bolts. Facing your business numbers isn't just a math problem—it's an emotional journey. In this episode, I break down what it really takes to transform your relationship with money and walk through the "3 C's" framework, sharing real client stories for each step along the way. Key Takeaways & What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Courage Must Come First: You can't buy courage or find it in a budgeting app—it's a decision to take the very first step and look at your numbers, even when you can't see the whole staircase. How Clarity Arrives: Financial clarity doesn't happen before you do the work; it comes through the work. It accumulates layer-by-layer like compound interest. The Power of Real Confidence: True confidence isn't "faking it till you make it." It's earned evidence from taking action, leading to better pricing, smarter decisions, and faster momentum. Real Client Success Stories: How "Mary Jane" went from over $1M in debt to turning her entire business around. How Sarah found the clarity to keep, restructure, and scale her business instead of selling it. How "Susie" gained the confidence to move her product to a 3PL, double her subscription box subscribers, and boost profitability. Episode Breakdown: Introduction: The origin of Part 2 and why the podcast is always 100% real, raw, and unedited. The 1st C: Courage: Facing the emotional math problem of money and overcoming the urge to avoid your numbers. Client Story (Courage): Mary Jane's story of tackling $1M+ in debt and massive payroll by taking one courageous step. The 2nd C: Clarity: Uncovering your financial picture, spotting patterns, and building a consistent operational rhythm. Client Story (Clarity): Sarah's story of using financial clarity to decide whether to sell or keep her growing business. The 3rd C: Confidence: How clarity builds evidence, accelerates outcomes, and changes how you negotiate and price. Client Story (Confidence): Susie's story of stepping out of her home, outsourcing to a 3PL, and doubling her subscriber count. Key Wrap-Up & Encouragement: How Courage → Clarity → Confidence works continuously to empower you as a business owner. Memorable Quotes: "Courage in your finances doesn't mean having it all figured out. Courage means taking that first step when you cannot see the whole staircase." "Clarity does not show up before you do the work. Clarity comes through the work." "Confident people take better financial action, and better financial action creates better financial outcomes." Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Lenny gives one last update ahead of his book release. He also gives his thoughts on the currently fracturing relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

From the July/August 2026 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel!  Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay?  Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scottish-rite-journal-podcast--3134571/support.

What happens when the voice you're arguing with belongs to someone you love—and eventually becomes part of your own?In this episode of The Songs That Made Us, Gunter explores Cat Stevens' timeless classic Father and Son, uncovering the remarkable psychological conversation hidden inside one of the most enduring songs ever written.Originally conceived for an abandoned musical project, Father and Son became something much larger: a dialogue between generations, identities, and ultimately, different versions of ourselves.Through psychology, culture, and music history, Gunter examines why the song continues to resonate more than fifty years later—and why its two voices may both live within us.In this episodeThe story behind Cat Stevens' Father and SonThe autobiographical myths surrounding the songSinging both father and son from a single voiceThe psychology of internal dialogueIdentity formation and individuationAttachment and separationFamily expectations across generationsMigration, culture, and belongingMasculinity and emotional languageWhy reconciliation sometimes takes decadesThe 2020 recording and what changed over fifty yearsChapter HighlightsIntroduction: The Power of a Solo PerformanceThe Song as a Conversation with OneselfWho Are We Really Arguing With?Cat Stevens' Early Life and Musical RootsPolitical and Personal InfluencesIllness, Recovery, and Creative TransformationFrom Rejected Song to Timeless ClassicSinging Both Father and SonThe Psychology of the Dialogic SelfIdentity, Individuation, and Growing UpAttachment, Separation, and Family BondsMasculinity and Emotional ExpressionMigration, Culture, and Generational ExpectationsRecognition, Transformation, and ReconciliationWhy Father and Son Still EnduresRevisiting the Song in 2020Reflection QuestionsClosing ThoughtsKey TakeawaysIdentity develops through dialogue. The conversations we have with parents often become the conversations we continue having with ourselves. Growing up isn't simply breaking away. Healthy independence balances autonomy with enduring connection.Internal voices shape our decisions. The father and son represent psychological perspectives many people carry throughout life.Reconciliation can arrive decades later. Time changes not only our understanding of others, but our understanding of ourselves.Great songs evolve because we evolve. The meaning of Father and Son changes as listeners move through different stages of life.Reflection QuestionsWhich voice in the song feels closest to where you are today?When have you discovered your younger self and older self disagreeing?What family message still shapes the way you make important decisions?What advice have you rejected, only to understand years later?How do you remain connected without losing yourself?GratitudeWe want to extend a huge thank you to our listeners in Tillamook (TILL-uh-muck) for bringing Oregon to #10 on the Top 10 USA listeners list! And to our Global Listeners, we extend our gratitude to our listeners in Zagazig (zah-gah-zeeg) for bringing Egypt to #11 on our Global listeners top 20 for the first time ever! CONGRATULATIONS!! you made the Top Listeners List.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspire-change-with-gunter--3633478/support.PatreonIf this episode resonates with you and you'd like to go deeper into practical exercises and guided reflection, Gunter offers extended self-development resources and exercises through our Patreon community: www.patreon.com/inspirechangeSponsorDistil UnionThis episode of Inspire Change with Gunter is brought to you by Distil Union, creators of beautifully designed, functional everyday carry accessories that help bring organization, simplicity, and intention into your daily life.Distil Union blends craftsmanship with thoughtful design to help you carry what matters most — without the clutter.

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy recap Sharon's inspiring appearance at the Schneps Connects Long Island event, where she shared Discover Long Island's mission and the powerful impact tourism has on our region. They also chat about the Partnership Team's interactive presentation to the entire Discover Long Island staff and celebrate Stacy's well-deserved promotion to Chief Strategy Officer after stepping up as an incredible leader helping shape the organization's vision and future. Plus, they're talking Long Island creators making an impact, one of the world's rarest ecosystems, hometown brands, summer festivals, lighthouse history, exciting new ways to explore the East End, and so much more happening across Long Island.#ShowUsYourLongIslanderThis week's spotlight features Long Island creator Katherine Schiro, whose authentic fashion, motherhood, and body positivity content has inspired more than 600,000 followers while encouraging women to embrace confidence at every stage of life.Show us YOUR Long Islander by sending us a DM or emailing spillthetea@discoverlongisland.com.#HiddenGemsUncorkedThis week we're exploring the Dwarf Pine Plains in the Long Island Central Pine Barrens, one of the world's rarest ecosystems where unique pitch pine forests and scenic trails create an unforgettable outdoor adventure.#LongIslandLifeSharon and Stacy finish the sentence, "You know you're on Long Island when..." before chatting GOAT USA's hometown success, August festivals and fairs, new direct weekday train service to Montauk, Cedar Island Lighthouse's restoration, Honor Flight Long Island, Northport Books' anniversary, Shark Shack's return, Jones Beach's historic bathhouse reopening, and our newest guide to Long Island's best boardwalks and beach trails.#ThisWeekendOnLongIslandFrom farmers markets and sunset sails to family shows, live music, and Taylor Swift tributes, we're sharing some of the best events happening across Long Island this weekend, with even more at discoverlongisland.com/events.#CelebriTEAKnicks legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier makes a stop on Long Island, while Stacy shares a fun connection to Mike DelGuidice and Northport's own Wheatus during a memorable concert story.Connect with us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longislandteapodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longislandteapodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoverLongIslandNYFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LongIslandTeaPodcastX: https://x.com/liteapodcastEmail: https://discoverlongisland.com/contact/Shop: https://shop.discoverlongisland.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined by Inventory Genius program graduate Rebecca Garzon. Rebecca brings a unique perspective to product-based business ownership: with a background in social work, grief, and therapy, she understands human behavior deeply, yet found herself facing hidden guilt, shame, and hesitation around her own business numbers. We walk through Rebecca's year-and-a-half journey from feeling overwhelmed by financial baggage to becoming debt-free, confident, and consistent in her business. Key Takeaways The Three C's of Growth: Transformation starts with Courage (making the initial investment and facing uncomfortable truths), leads to Consistency (building routines like Money Mondays), and finishes with Confidence (a direct byproduct of taking action). Confidence is a Byproduct of Action: You don't need to feel confident or motivated before taking a step. Confidence forms after you consistently show up—even when the numbers aren't perfect. Top-Line Revenue is a Vanity Metric: Focusing solely on gross sales masks expenses, taxes, and cost of goods sold. Understanding true profit and cash flow tells the full story. Practice Financial Hygiene: Just like brushing your teeth or washing your face every morning, looking at your numbers—ideally on "Money Mondays"—is a necessary habit for maintaining a healthy business. The Power of Accompaniment: Running a business can feel isolating. Being part of a supportive group lets you learn alongside peers, overcome imposter syndrome, and realize you aren't doing this alone. Episode Breakdown Welcome & Introduction Introducing Rebecca Garzon, her background, and her journey through the Inventory Genius program. Unpacking the Mindset: Shame and Avoidance Rebecca shares how her therapy and grief counseling background didn't make her immune to business shame, and why so many educated founders avoid facing their numbers. The Three C's: Courage, Consistency, and Confidence Why courage must come first, how consistent routines build momentum, and why confidence follows action. Overcoming Obstacles: Firing the Wrong Team Members Rebecca talks about the difficult but necessary step of replacing an accountant who wasn't serving her business and finding a trusted partner instead. Vanity Metrics vs. True Financial Health Why high sales numbers don't tell the whole story and how to separate emotional reactions from clear financial data. Developing "Financial Hygiene" with Money Mondays Why prioritizing your numbers at the beginning of the week positions you to make proactive—not reactive—business choices. Seeing the Big Picture Beyond Monthly Snapshots Understanding cash flow timing, invoice delays, and quarterly profit views so you stay calm and strategic. The Hidden Benefits of the Program & Wrap-Up How releasing financial stress frees you up to serve your clients better and lean into your true calling. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

In this episode, I'm joined by Inventory Genius program graduate Rebecca Garzon. Rebecca brings a unique perspective to product-based business ownership: with a background in social work, grief, and therapy, she understands human behavior deeply, yet found herself facing hidden guilt, shame, and hesitation around her own business numbers. We walk through Rebecca's year-and-a-half journey from feeling overwhelmed by financial baggage to becoming debt-free, confident, and consistent in her business. Key Takeaways The Three C's of Growth: Transformation starts with Courage (making the initial investment and facing uncomfortable truths), leads to Consistency (building routines like Money Mondays), and finishes with Confidence (a direct byproduct of taking action). Confidence is a Byproduct of Action: You don't need to feel confident or motivated before taking a step. Confidence forms after you consistently show up—even when the numbers aren't perfect. Top-Line Revenue is a Vanity Metric: Focusing solely on gross sales masks expenses, taxes, and cost of goods sold. Understanding true profit and cash flow tells the full story. Practice Financial Hygiene: Just like brushing your teeth or washing your face every morning, looking at your numbers—ideally on "Money Mondays"—is a necessary habit for maintaining a healthy business. The Power of Accompaniment: Running a business can feel isolating. Being part of a supportive group lets you learn alongside peers, overcome imposter syndrome, and realize you aren't doing this alone. Episode Breakdown Welcome & Introduction Introducing Rebecca Garzon, her background, and her journey through the Inventory Genius program. Unpacking the Mindset: Shame and Avoidance Rebecca shares how her therapy and grief counseling background didn't make her immune to business shame, and why so many educated founders avoid facing their numbers. The Three C's: Courage, Consistency, and Confidence Why courage must come first, how consistent routines build momentum, and why confidence follows action. Overcoming Obstacles: Firing the Wrong Team Members Rebecca talks about the difficult but necessary step of replacing an accountant who wasn't serving her business and finding a trusted partner instead. Vanity Metrics vs. True Financial Health Why high sales numbers don't tell the whole story and how to separate emotional reactions from clear financial data. Developing "Financial Hygiene" with Money Mondays Why prioritizing your numbers at the beginning of the week positions you to make proactive—not reactive—business choices. Seeing the Big Picture Beyond Monthly Snapshots Understanding cash flow timing, invoice delays, and quarterly profit views so you stay calm and strategic. The Hidden Benefits of the Program & Wrap-Up How releasing financial stress frees you up to serve your clients better and lean into your true calling. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe More About the Episode Sponsor:T&O Strategic Advisory (http://www.tostrategicadvisory.com/) - Offering a wide range of tax and accounting services, including entity election and S-Corp advisory.

Alyssa Rosenheck joins Tomi Lahren to discuss the controversy surrounding her new book, White. Blonde. Jew., after Nashville bookstore Bell Bird Books canceled her launch event following online backlash and cited security concerns. Alyssa shares why she believes coordinated online pressure campaigns are increasingly targeting Jewish voices and why she refused to back down. Tomi and Alyssa also discuss the rise of anti-Semitism in America, the debate over free speech and the "heckler's veto," anti-Israel activism on college campuses, the weaponization of the term "Zionist," and why more Jewish students are choosing SEC schools over Ivy League universities. Plus, they break down the role of social media mobs, the political climate surrounding Israel, and why Alyssa says she wrote her book to spark honest conversations—not silence them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlotte is experiencing a bookstore boom, despite rates of reading for pleasure being down nationally. We explore the impact of AI use, social media and more on traditional literacy.

Support the sponsor!► Modern-day makeup that's clean, strategic, and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time our listeners are getting a FREE full sized Mascara on their first purchase when they use code MRCREEPS at checkout. Just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com and use code MRCREEPS at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you.TIMESTAMPS:0:00:00 "Part 1"0:52:19 "Part 2"1:35:45 "Part 3"2:10:20 "Part 4"

The secret of the LORD is not some mystical code reserved for religious elites; it is the intimate counsel of God entrusted to those who fear Him, receive His words and walk in obedience to His testimonies. The proud man may possess information about God, but the surrendered servant is taught the ways of God. Psalm 25 shows the order clearly: fear produces teachability, obedience places us in the paths of mercy and truth, and fellowship with the LORD brings understanding of His covenant and purpose. God reveals His secret to servants because revealed truth carries responsibility—we are expected to believe it, obey it and proclaim it. Welcome to the Sunday Service of the Bible Believers Church at the Bookstore!“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” Psalm 25:14 (KJB)When God brings us into the revelation of His eternal purpose in Christ, we discover that our access, righteousness and security do not rest upon our own wavering faithfulness, but upon “the faith of him.” We believe in Jesus Christ, but we are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ; our believing receives the gift, while His perfect obedience and finished work provide its unshakable foundation. Our confidence may tremble, our emotions may change and our performance may fail, but Jesus Christ cannot falter or deny Himself. The secret of the LORD reveals His purpose, and the faith of Him guarantees that purpose will be accomplished: the servant may falter, but the Saviour can never fail.

This week on the Page Chewing Weekly Update, I'm sharing what I've been reading, what's coming up on the podcast, and a few changes happening behind the scenes.We talk about my progress through The Bonehunters, the beginning of The Warrior Prophet reread, and why Carpentry in an Elven Forest has been even funnier than I remembered. I also share updates on upcoming Beyond the Page interviews, the future of Friday Conversations, and why I've been paying closer attention to podcast analytics as I plan new content.I also recap a return trip to one of the most overwhelming used bookstores I've ever visited, discuss a few recent horror movies, and explain why some projects are moving forward while others are taking a back seat.In this episode:Reading updates for The Bonehunters, The Warrior Prophet, and Carpentry in an Elven ForestUpcoming Page Burners and Beyond the Page episodesPlans to revive Friday ConversationsThoughts on recent horror filmsBehind-the-scenes podcast updates and analyticsA used bookstore revisit and recent haulWhat's coming next for Page ChewingQuestion of the Week:What topic would you love to hear covered on Page Chewing? Whether it's a book, an author, a genre, or a discussion topic, I'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments.If you're enjoying the podcast, consider becoming a member to help support the show and keep new episodes coming. Thanks for listening, and happy reading!Page Chewing BlogBecome a Page Chewing MemberPage Chewing ForumJoin Captivate.fmJoin PodMatchWant to be a guest on Page Chewing? Send Steve a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17812034246205083f1bfa4f1Send a message via SpeakPipePodcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links):Rodecaster DuoRode PSA1+ Professional Studio ArmRode Procaster Microphone

Meghan Markle's Hometown Bookstore Shrinks Amid Ongoing Brand WoesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Nadine Strossen, New York Law School professor emerita and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Jacob Mchangama, the founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech, discuss the history, enduring debate, and ongoing importance of free expression in our changing world. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.  This program is part of the NCC Across America series and is presented in partnership with the City of Asylum Bookstore in Pittsburgh, PA. It was recorded on July 21, 2026.    Resources  The First Amendment  Jacob Mchangama, Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media (2022)  Jacob Mchangama and Jeff Kosseff, The Future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy's Most Essential Freedom (2026)  Nadine Strossen and Greg Lukianoff, The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail (2025) Stay Connected and Learn More  Stay connected with We the People—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen.  Questions or comments? Email ⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠.  Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and ⁠⁠⁠sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate.  Support our important work by making a donation today.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

From the July/August 2026 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel!  Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay?  Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scottish-rite-journal-podcast--3134571/support.

In this episode Michael and Tom discuss the theivery of a rare book from the warehouse and then balance it out by remembering the finer members of humanity with whom we've shared our time. The guys then look back at 30 years of online bookselling. 

Today's guest is a Kentucky neighbor who has both a specific reading project and a dilemma we know is shared by many readers. Emily Holladay is a pastor in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she lives with her family. As a newish mom, Emily is still finding her outside-of-parenthood hobbies, but reading has been a constant throughout her life. Emily's a member of a book club at Carmichael's Bookstore, which happens to be Anne's local bookstore. When Emily completed her guest submission form and told us about her struggles with completing her Carmichael's bingo card, Anne couldn't wait to talk about this reading challenge with Emily. Emily also often finds herself browsing Libby for her next read. She often feels like every book that's top of mind for her is also on everyone else's mind, and suspects she would be happier if she had an assortment of backlist books on her radar that might be available on Libby right when she wants them. Anne has ideas for Emily, and we'd love to hear your suggestions too: please share the titles and tips you'd like to share with Emily by leaving a comment on our show notes page, where you'll also find the list of titles discussed today. Every week here on the podcast, we share an hour of enthusiastic book talk, and our podcast stays free for all to enjoy. A lot goes into crafting this hour of free bookish entertainment every week, and while we love what we do, that's why we value your support so much. Not only does it help the finances work, it's a huge morale booster to hear that you value what we do here every week. If you want to help us keep producing high-quality, human-made work like we do every week, there are many ways to support us, and we hope you can find one or even several that are right for you. If you'd like to support us financially, that's easy to do by joining our Patreon community, becoming a member of the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club, visiting our shop, or buying Anne's books. To everyone who has already supported us in any of these ways, thank you so much. And if financial support isn't an option for you right now, or even if you're already a financial supporter, there are great free ways that support us as well. Simple actions make a big difference, like subscribing to our email list, subscribing to or following our podcast on your favorite app or player, sharing a post, a story, or an episode on social media, or by telling a friend to listen in. No matter which of these actions you take, know that our team is grateful. We truly couldn't do this without you. Thank you for listening, and thank you for supporting our show. Chapters 05:49 Meet Emily 14:48 Emily's search for books to fill her book bingo card 33:28 The Guncle by Steven Rowley 37:02 Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 39:47 The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson 42:52 My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh 48:18 Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker 55:02 Marce Catlett: The Force of a Story by Wendell Berry  57:11 Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 1:03:02 Open Throat by Henry Hoke 1:06:43 What will Emily read next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Book Picks comes from Suzanna Hermans from Oblong Books in Rhinebeck and Millerton, NY and Mike Hare from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY and Manchester Center, VT.

In this episode, I'm joined by my wonderful client, Kelly Chakerian, owner of Abide—a boutique home goods store with an integrated interior design division in California. Today is a super special day because Kelly is officially graduating from the Inventory Genius program! We look back at where Kelly's business was just one year ago—feeling discouraged, constantly stressed by financial chaos, and checking bank accounts daily—and contrast it with where she is today. From structuring proper design fees to setting up clean bookkeeping systems and organizing her operational calendar, Kelly shares how gaining control of her numbers gave her back precious time, mental peace, and the ability to run her business with total confidence. Key Takeaways Financial Clarity Eliminates Operational Stress: Chaos in your bank account almost always spills over into operational burnout. Organizing your finances frees up the mental bandwidth you need to lead and grow your business. Valuing Your Time: If you offer design, styling, or consulting services alongside retail products, charging properly for your time is critical for long-term profitability. The "Monday Admin" System: Transitioning from checking bank accounts every single day to dedicating one day a week for financial check-ins completely removes day-to-day money anxiety. Setting Boundaries & Enjoying Life: Knowing your true numbers empowers you to step away. With a solid foundation, Kelly was able to plan and fund a 10-day summer closure to rest and re-energize with her family without fear or stress. You Don't Have to Be a Math Genius: You don't need a finance background to master inventory and business finances—even self-proclaimed "Type B" business owners and busy moms can do this with the right system! Episode Highlights Kelly shares where she was a year ago: seeing outward success in her store, but not seeing it reflected in her bank account. Restructuring service and design fees so you stop working for free and actually enjoy serving your clients. How clean bookkeeping and simple tracking systems take the intimidation out of finances. Stopping the cycle of daily bank account checks and adopting a structured weekly routine. Taking time off: How financial confidence allowed Kelly to safely shut down her shop for 10 days during slow season to spend time with her family. Why small adjustments can save independent brick-and-mortar shops from burnout and closure. Kelly's parting words of encouragement for business owners who feel intimidated by their numbers. Memorable Quotes "Don't worry about what the numbers say, just track them. You can't fix what you aren't tracking." — Ciara Stockeland "The ability you had to open your own business—you have that same courage to learn about the ins and outs of your finances. If I can figure it out and learn, anybody can." — Kelly Chakerian Connect & Next Steps Share the Love: Know another boutique owner or entrepreneur who needs encouragement with their numbers? Forward this episode to a business friend! Ready to Master Your Inventory & Profits? If you're ready to transform financial confusion into total confidence, visit my website to learn how we can work together. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

In this episode, I'm joined by my wonderful client, Kelly Chakerian, owner of Abide—a boutique home goods store with an integrated interior design division in California. Today is a super special day because Kelly is officially graduating from the Inventory Genius program! We look back at where Kelly's business was just one year ago—feeling discouraged, constantly stressed by financial chaos, and checking bank accounts daily—and contrast it with where she is today. From structuring proper design fees to setting up clean bookkeeping systems and organizing her operational calendar, Kelly shares how gaining control of her numbers gave her back precious time, mental peace, and the ability to run her business with total confidence. Key Takeaways Financial Clarity Eliminates Operational Stress: Chaos in your bank account almost always spills over into operational burnout. Organizing your finances frees up the mental bandwidth you need to lead and grow your business. Valuing Your Time: If you offer design, styling, or consulting services alongside retail products, charging properly for your time is critical for long-term profitability. The "Monday Admin" System: Transitioning from checking bank accounts every single day to dedicating one day a week for financial check-ins completely removes day-to-day money anxiety. Setting Boundaries & Enjoying Life: Knowing your true numbers empowers you to step away. With a solid foundation, Kelly was able to plan and fund a 10-day summer closure to rest and re-energize with her family without fear or stress. You Don't Have to Be a Math Genius: You don't need a finance background to master inventory and business finances—even self-proclaimed "Type B" business owners and busy moms can do this with the right system! Episode Highlights Kelly shares where she was a year ago: seeing outward success in her store, but not seeing it reflected in her bank account. Restructuring service and design fees so you stop working for free and actually enjoy serving your clients. How clean bookkeeping and simple tracking systems take the intimidation out of finances. Stopping the cycle of daily bank account checks and adopting a structured weekly routine. Taking time off: How financial confidence allowed Kelly to safely shut down her shop for 10 days during slow season to spend time with her family. Why small adjustments can save independent brick-and-mortar shops from burnout and closure. Kelly's parting words of encouragement for business owners who feel intimidated by their numbers. Memorable Quotes "Don't worry about what the numbers say, just track them. You can't fix what you aren't tracking." — Ciara Stockeland "The ability you had to open your own business—you have that same courage to learn about the ins and outs of your finances. If I can figure it out and learn, anybody can." — Kelly Chakerian Connect & Next Steps Share the Love: Know another boutique owner or entrepreneur who needs encouragement with their numbers? Forward this episode to a business friend! Ready to Master Your Inventory & Profits? If you're ready to transform financial confusion into total confidence, visit my website to learn how we can work together. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Eddie Huang is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Fresh Off the Boat. His subversively funny first novel COME UNDONE delivers a portrait of a haunted manchild and his messy search for love. Eddie sits down with his editor and publisher Chris Jackson for a frank conversation about love, relationships, growing up, the writing process, and whether romantic comedies are used to manage society. COME UNDONE: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/555046/come-undone-by-eddie-huang/    

The state kept an "enemies list" of outspoken environmental advocates with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission using government and law enforcement databases to illegally track and investigate the citizens. This shocking abuse of power demonstrates how developers and industry run this state and the degree to which the ruling party in Tallahassee will go to maintain that power imbalance. If you'd like to inquire with the state about your DAVID driver's record to see if the state has been investigating you, do that here.Despite leading the nation in book banning, Florida has wonderful independent bookstores. One of the best is Tombolo Books in St. Pete. Alsace Walentine opened Tombolo Books just before the pandemic and tells us about the business of owning a bookstore.

In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I'm giving you my best tips for a successful, fun, and fabulous book event! Coming off a book launch event for my children's book Kid Scientists at the Beach, I had a lot to share!You'll hear ideas around mindset and practical strategies, including:How to make it as easy as possible for bookstores to partner with you.The difference between a book signing and a book event.My favorite format for book events and how to prepare.Logistics that are important to work out with the bookstore before the event.Ideas to spread the word about the event to make it as successful as possible.A list of what to bring the day of your event.I hope these tips inspire you to get out there so readers can celebrate you and your beautiful book – in a way that allows you to soak in this special memory and truly enjoy your book event.Here's the link I mentioned I'd share: Episode 137: Tips for Your Author Photo Shoot. And also, make sure to grab the pdf with all the tips here: Tips for a fantastic book event.pdf

Northshire Bookstore and Universal Preservation Hall are presenting an evening with #1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead on Thursday night at UPH in Saratoga Springs at 8 PM.He will discuss “Cool Machine,” the final installment of his Harlem Trilogy, a vividly imagined portrait of 1980s New York filled with daring heists, unforgettable characters, and the city's magnetic energy.Whitehead weaves history, crime, and imagination into a gripping story that critics are calling “the literary equivalent of a great action movie” and “the greatest New York novel in years.”

On this episode, Sarah Lacy joins Adrion Porter for a powerful conversation about her mother's influence, writing, publishing, Gen X, and building The Best Bookstore. Sarah is a proud Gen Xer from Memphis, Tennessee, whose career has spanned journalism, technology, entrepreneurship, publishing, authorship, and now the world of independent bookstores. She is the author of three books: Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good, Brilliant, Crazy, Cocky, and A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug. She has also built and led media companies, covered some of Silicon Valley's most important stories, and now helps other authors develop powerful nonfiction books and proposals. Sarah is also the co-owner of The Best Bookstore, with locations in Palm Springs and San Francisco's Union Square, where she and her team are building what she calls "the SoulCycle of bookstores." But at the heart of this conversation is something even deeper: Sarah's reflections on her mother, Carol Lacy, a brilliant teacher at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, and the profound influence she had on Sarah's writing, resilience, ambition, and sense of power. Chapters 00:00:00 Intro/Welcome to Gen X Amplified 00:02:25 The Memphis Connection with Kim Scott 00:03:02 Memphis, Truth Telling, and Authenticity 00:10:10 Sarah's St. Mary's Episcopal and Rhodes College Roots 00:13:20 Why Gen X Is the Overlooked Middle Child 00:16:55 Sarah's Path Into Journalism 00:18:55 The Memphis Business Journal Turning Point 00:31:00 St. Mary's, Resilience, and Sarah's Mother Carol 00:37:03 How Motherhood Inspired Sarah to Start Pand0 00:40:45 Sarah's Dream of Writing Books 00:47:05 The BusinessWeek Cover Story That Changed Everything 00:54:20 Brilliant, Crazy, Cocky and the Book No One Wanted 00:58:30 Sarah's Agent Jim Levine and the Publishing World 00:59:30 Why Publishing Should Serve the Author 01:03:00 Building the "SoulCycle of Bookstores" 01:12:05 Sarah's Personal Theme Song 01:13:20 Where to Find and Follow Sarah Sarah's Personal Theme Song "Phenomenon" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs Resources Sarah Lacy's Website Sarah Lacy's Newsletter The Best Bookstore The Best Bookstore on Instagram Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good Brilliant, Crazy, Cocky A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug

From the July/ August 2026 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel!  Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay?  Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scottish-rite-journal-podcast--3134571/support.

This week's Book Picks comes from Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta, NY and Cheryl McKeon from The Book House in Albany and Marketblock Books in Troy, NY.

We are joined by one of my wonderful coaching clients, Lisa Lantz, the brilliant owner of The Getup—a community-focused resale store that sells everything from newborn and adult clothing to accessories, kids' gear, and toys. Lisa is just a few short weeks away from graduating from the Inventory Genius program, and she has made absolute leaps and bounds over the past year. We have never had a guest on the show with this specific type of inventory-based business model, and the breakthroughs she has made with her numbers are going to blow you away. Whether you run a traditional retail boutique, a resale shop, or even a dropshipping business, Lisa's journey holds some massive gold nuggets for you. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Consignment vs. Buy-Outright: Understand the financial risk of buying inventory outright from your customers versus running a traditional consignment model, and why your margins must reflect that risk. The Fear of Policy Changes: Why we need to "stay out of our customers' pocketbooks" and make business-first decisions without letting fear dictate our financial policies. Cracking the Cash-to-Credit Ratio: How tracking the exact ratio of cash payouts to in-store credit (which, for Lisa, sits consistently at 70% cash and 30% credit) allows for highly accurate cash-flow planning. Data-Driven Curating: Moving away from buying inventory just because "it's in good shape" to hand-curating based on high-margin, fast-turning categories (like discovering women's wear drove over 50% of Lisa's sales!). The Power of One-Dollar Levers: How focusing on just one simple lever—like raising your average ticket size by a small margin through employee training—can bridge massive sales gaps. Inside the Conversation 1. The Cash vs. Credit Conundrum Because The Getup is a buy-outright resale store, Lisa's customers can choose between cash or in-store credit (which now offers 10% more value) on the spot. When we first started working together, this model created a lot of cloudiness around her COGS (Cost of Goods Sold). We realized Lisa was paying up to 40% back in cash just to support her community and keep inventory coming in. But when you buy outright, you take on 100% of the risk if that item doesn't sell. We adjusted her payouts down, and despite her fear that she'd drive people away, not a single customer complained. "We hold off on making really important financial decisions out of fear of what people will think or say, and a lot of times, that story is only created in our head." 2. Finding the Ratios and Taking Control of Cash Flow Once we started digging into the data, we discovered a highly consistent pattern: 30% of her buyouts were store credit, and 70% were cash. Knowing this ratio changed everything. Instead of guessing, Lisa can now accurately map out her open-to-buy plan and know exactly how much hard cash she needs on hand each month. No more putting out daily financial fires! 3. Curating with Intention (and Saying "No" Gently) In resale, your inventory is a daily surprise. Lisa used to accept items simply because they were nice. Now, she uses her category data to make smart buying decisions. When she realized women's apparel made up over 50% of her sales, she knew exactly where to focus her efforts. We also talk about the delicate art of saying "no" to individual black-bag drop-offs without making it personal. 4. Moving the Needle on Average Ticket Size Our latest project is bridging a big sales growth gap not by wishing for random traffic, but by focusing on average ticket size. Lisa shares her strategy for bringing her part-time team into the numbers conversation, recording training videos, and why she is temporarily stepping back onto the sales floor to spot the operational puzzle pieces herself. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

We are joined by one of my wonderful coaching clients, Lisa Lantz, the brilliant owner of The Getup—a community-focused resale store that sells everything from newborn and adult clothing to accessories, kids' gear, and toys. Lisa is just a few short weeks away from graduating from the Inventory Genius program, and she has made absolute leaps and bounds over the past year. We have never had a guest on the show with this specific type of inventory-based business model, and the breakthroughs she has made with her numbers are going to blow you away. Whether you run a traditional retail boutique, a resale shop, or even a dropshipping business, Lisa's journey holds some massive gold nuggets for you. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Consignment vs. Buy-Outright: Understand the financial risk of buying inventory outright from your customers versus running a traditional consignment model, and why your margins must reflect that risk. The Fear of Policy Changes: Why we need to "stay out of our customers' pocketbooks" and make business-first decisions without letting fear dictate our financial policies. Cracking the Cash-to-Credit Ratio: How tracking the exact ratio of cash payouts to in-store credit (which, for Lisa, sits consistently at 70% cash and 30% credit) allows for highly accurate cash-flow planning. Data-Driven Curating: Moving away from buying inventory just because "it's in good shape" to hand-curating based on high-margin, fast-turning categories (like discovering women's wear drove over 50% of Lisa's sales!). The Power of One-Dollar Levers: How focusing on just one simple lever—like raising your average ticket size by a small margin through employee training—can bridge massive sales gaps. Inside the Conversation 1. The Cash vs. Credit Conundrum Because The Getup is a buy-outright resale store, Lisa's customers can choose between cash or in-store credit (which now offers 10% more value) on the spot. When we first started working together, this model created a lot of cloudiness around her COGS (Cost of Goods Sold). We realized Lisa was paying up to 40% back in cash just to support her community and keep inventory coming in. But when you buy outright, you take on 100% of the risk if that item doesn't sell. We adjusted her payouts down, and despite her fear that she'd drive people away, not a single customer complained. "We hold off on making really important financial decisions out of fear of what people will think or say, and a lot of times, that story is only created in our head." 2. Finding the Ratios and Taking Control of Cash Flow Once we started digging into the data, we discovered a highly consistent pattern: 30% of her buyouts were store credit, and 70% were cash. Knowing this ratio changed everything. Instead of guessing, Lisa can now accurately map out her open-to-buy plan and know exactly how much hard cash she needs on hand each month. No more putting out daily financial fires! 3. Curating with Intention (and Saying "No" Gently) In resale, your inventory is a daily surprise. Lisa used to accept items simply because they were nice. Now, she uses her category data to make smart buying decisions. When she realized women's apparel made up over 50% of her sales, she knew exactly where to focus her efforts. We also talk about the delicate art of saying "no" to individual black-bag drop-offs without making it personal. 4. Moving the Needle on Average Ticket Size Our latest project is bridging a big sales growth gap not by wishing for random traffic, but by focusing on average ticket size. Lisa shares her strategy for bringing her part-time team into the numbers conversation, recording training videos, and why she is temporarily stepping back onto the sales floor to spot the operational puzzle pieces herself. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel!  Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay?  Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scottish-rite-journal-podcast--3134571/support.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two works about being careful.  The title says it all in George Saunders' “Lars Farf, Excessively Fearful Father and Husband,” as the central character goes to greater and greater extremes to protect his family from—everything.  The reader is BD Wong.  And a couple tiptoe towards love in Lily King's “Five Tuesdays in Winter,” read by Justin Kirk.  A brief interview with King is included. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan, Manny, & Billy share their Nostalgic memories about the mall, specifically their mall Roosevelt Field on Long Island and they put it to the ultimate test—THE NOSTALGIA TEST!   Yeah, it's like, "Where do you live?" "Uh, well, it used to be Modell's." -Dan Dissinger   This is a special Nostalgic Reflections with all three longtime friends digging into the vanishing malls in the U.S., their memories of hanging out at The Roosevelt Field Mall, some of their favorite stores and some of the most ridiculous ones, how the food court free samples could be gathered into a meal, and how abandoned malls are being turned into apartments. Manny also tells a crazy story about being robbed at the Roosevelt Field mall movie theater and Dan tells a harrowing story about someone trying on hats in Macy's for hours. The guys also go off on some hilarious tangents about Christmas and Hanukkah, gifting a star to someone, Dan sending his mom to buy the self-titled Slipknot album, getting baked and doing holiday shopping, and this is all going on as the NY Knicks are mounting the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history (198.

Downtown Madison will have a new third space by the end of this week! Lake City Books is moving across Capitol Square to Carroll Street and leveling up the store in the process. Bookstore owner Molly Fish comes on the podcast to talk with host Bianca Martin and City Cast Madison contributor and Cap Times Food and Culture Editor Lindsay Christians about why she's adding a bar in the new location and her goals for the space. Later, Lindsay gives her pro tips on the sweet treats you can't miss when you need to beat the heat. 

Liz Peek discusses the strong American economy, noting that small businesses feel relief as tariff threats abate and inflation falls. Lower energy and gasoline prices have cheered investors. Anecdotal evidence from local bookstores and ice cream parlors reinforces a positive outlook for consumer sentiment. (1)1900 READING RR

From the July/ August 2026 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal.  Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel!  Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay?  Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scottish-rite-journal-podcast--3134571/support.

In this episode, Lauren & Matt explore the top five most popular ecommerce platforms in the market today. We review Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, and BigCommerce, taking a look at: 

Have you ever wondered if your business is financially fragile? It's a term that might not sound very attractive, but it's a reality for thousands of small businesses—even those that look incredibly healthy from the outside. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why so many small business owners are quietly stressing behind closed doors. We're talking about the gap between looking successful on social media and actually having a stable, profitable foundation. In this episode, we cover: The "Financial Fragility" Trap: How a business can look busy, have customers, and show growth, yet be one slow month away from a full-on panic. Common Signs of Fragility: If you find yourself constantly transferring money between accounts, living "weekend-to-weekend," or using debt to cover operational mistakes, this episode is for you. The 6 Reasons Your Business Stays Fragile: Focusing on Sales, Not Profit: Revenue is just an illusion of success if you aren't retaining profit. Emotional Decision-Making: Buying inventory, hiring, or avoiding price increases based on feelings rather than data is a recipe for instability. Avoiding the Numbers: Overwhelm and intimidation often lead owners to look away from their financials. Excessive Inventory: Why your "well-stocked" warehouse might actually be a pile of trapped cash. Building Around Survival Habits: When you operate in chaos for too long, survival becomes your "normal." Mistaking Hard Work for Strategy: You can work 80-hour weeks and still have poor margins. Strategy beats effort every time. From Survival to Strength I share a real-world example from a recent one-on-one coaching call where a business owner was working for free while her team managed the profitable service components. We talk about how to break these cycles and move toward true leadership. Remember: You didn't start your business to create a job for yourself that doesn't pay you. It's time to stop playing "store" and start leading like a CEO. 5 Ways to Build Financial Health: Know Your Numbers: Specifically, know your break-even point. Clarity creates control. Consistent Financial Reviews: Stop avoiding the data. Analyze your margins and expenses regularly. Stop Buying Emotionally: Use data-driven strategies to manage your inventory. Build Cash Reserves: Start small—even just 1% of your gross margin per week—to stop the cycle of panic over unexpected expenses. Lead Like a CEO: Shift your mindset from daily operator to strategic leader. I want to challenge you this week: Take out a pen and paper. Ask yourself, "Am I financially fragile?" and identify one habit from today's episode you can commit to changing. If you're ready to stop the chaos and build an operating system designed for profit, let's get to work. Work with Me - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/work-with-meVisit the Bookstore - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/bookstoreSign Up for Free Weekly Tips and Trainings - https://www.ciarastockeland.com/subscribe

Prolific writer Jo Piazza is back! She joins Doree and Elise to chat about her latest book, The Parisian Heist (out 7/14), everyone's general fascination with heists, and using perimenopause as her superpower. They also get into her latest venture of becoming a local traveling bookseller and why she thinks sleep is more important than night sex.To leave a voicemail or text for a future episode, reach Doree & Elise at 781-591-0390. You can also email the podcast at forever35podcast@gmail.com.Visit forever35podcast.com for links to everything they mention on the show or visit shopmyshelf.us/forever35.Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast) and sign up for the newsletter at the free tier on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was taped live at Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn! Alongside the release of our book, The Lesbian Bar Chronicles, Sarah hosts a panel of local business owners to discuss the creation and preservation of their queer spaces. Nikke Alleyne: Co-owner of The Bush, Bushwick's newest dyke bar Anna Campbell: Co-founder and Executive Director of Dykes and Dolls, a zine and event calendar connecting the NYC lesbian/trans/queer communities Tiffany Dockery: Owner of Gladys Books and Wine, a Black lesbian bookstore and wine shop in Bedstuy ⁠Rachel Karp⁠: Co-creator of Cruising, and author of The Lesbian Bar Chronicles ... -You can now purchase our book, The Lesbian Bar Chronicles, anywhere books are sold or at ⁠⁠⁠cruisingpod.com/book⁠⁠⁠ -Buy tickets and browse the schedule for our ⁠⁠⁠⁠BOOK TOUR⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Submit a story for a ⁠⁠⁠⁠COMMUNITY STORY SHARE⁠⁠⁠⁠ ... Thank you for listening to Cruising Podcast! -Reviews help other listeners find Cruising! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave us a 5-star review! -For more Cruising adventures, follow us @cruisingpod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cruising's Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for deep dives and companion pieces to our episodes! -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Cruising here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Cruising is an independent podcast. That means we're entirely funded by sponsors and listeners like you! -Cruising is reported and produced by a small but mighty team of three: Sarah Gabrielli (host/story producer/audio engineer), Rachel Karp (story producer/social media manager), and Jen McGinity (line producer/resident road-trip driver). Theme song is by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joey Freeman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Cover art is by Nikki Ligos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices