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On this episode of The Rumors Are True, Jeremy welcomes Bob Nanna from the influential bands Braid, Hey Mercedes, etc. for a conversation diving deep into the roots of emo, independent music culture, songwriting, and the lasting impact of the underground scene. Bob reflects on the early days of Braid, the creative energy that surrounded the Midwest punk and emo movement, and how those experiences shaped both his music and personal life over the years. The discussion explores the transition from Braid into Hey Mercedes, the evolution of songwriting through different eras, and the challenges of balancing creativity with the realities of touring and adulthood. Jeremy and Bob also talk about the continued influence of these records on younger generations of musicians and fans, as well as the importance of authenticity in art and community. From DIY shows to landmark albums, this episode captures a unique perspective from one of the defining voices of the scene. Filled with nostalgia, thoughtful reflection, and stories from decades of making music, this episode is a must-listen for fans of emotional punk, indie rock, and the bands that helped shape alternative music in the late '90s and early 2000s. Produced by Wesley Hill @thebigwes Artwork by Jared Chase Bowser @jaredchasebowser Music by Brian Jerin R.I.P. Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to this song/music. All rights belong to the respective owners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen via the Star Player app or website. Follow us @ginaandmatty on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global transport company Mainfreight's full-year net profit is down 8.5 percent on the year earlier, despite an improved performance in the second half of the year end in March. Despite this, the company's hopeful that things can turn around, despite the conflict in the Middle East. Mainfreight CEO Don Braid explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global transport company Mainfreight's full-year net profit is down 8.5 percent on the year earlier, despite an improved performance in the second half of the year end in March. Despite this, the company's hopeful that things can turn around, despite the conflict in the Middle East. Mainfreight CEO Don Braid explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover why a global movement is unfolding as people trade synthetic extensions for authentic, braid-free living. This episode unpacks the hidden costs of braided "protective" styles, revealing how sustainability and self acceptance are driving a new era of hair freedom. Learn how global policies are finally validating natural textures in professional spaces. Tune in to transform your hair routine from a chore into a celebration of your true self.Send us Fan MailSend your questions about Afro-textured/coily hair to utkinhair@gmail.com.Check out your natural beauty hub, ÈYÍ DÁRA Naturals for natural hair care solutions.Follow us on instagram @utkpodcast
The freight industry wants any transport changes to save fuel introduced now, not later. The Government is looking at allowing some heavy vehicles to carry more weight per trip as well as potentially allowing them to travel during off-peak times. Mainfreight Managing Director Don Braid told Mike Hosking they shouldn't delay. He says supply is the biggest worry, so these sorts of initiatives need to be implemented so we don't get to phase two or three. Braid says it could have been done the moment it was suggested by industry, and bridges in some areas are capable of taking on extra weight if need be. We currently have 41.3 days of diesel on hand – a decrease of one day since the last update. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nossos curadores, após perceberem que seus jalecos agora têm normal mapping, partem para encerrar a primeira década dos anos 2000 com uma curadoria de jogos de uma era de grandes transformações: controles de movimento, multiplayer online nos consoles, indies em ascenção e mundos verdadeiramente abertos. 00:07:10 - The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 00:16:01 - Okami 00:28:31 - God Hand 00:39:50 - Wii Sports 00:49:46 - Bioshock 01:03:42 - Portal 01:12:48 - Super Mario Galaxy 01:21:31 - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 01:31:00 - Mass Effect 01:43:21 - Street Fighter IV 01:54:39 - Braid 02:08:28 - Mirror's Edge 02:18:45 - Demon's Souls 02:37:23 - Minecraft 02:46:53 - Farmville 03:02:31 - Batman: Arkham Asylum 03:17:46 - Uncharted 2 03:32:14 - NieR 03:42:02 - Amnesia: The Dark Descent 03:51:45 - Vanquish Contribua | Twitter | YouTube | Twitch | Contato
How good are your braiding skills? The answer from some Ottawa dads was: not great. We talk to Chris Hughes, a single father of twin girls, who created the workshop Braids and Beers to help fellow dads in the area keep up with their kids' hair styling demands.
" If you don't, I'm gonna do something I wanted to do for days and you're not going to like it."---You and him clash constantly (sarcasm and teasing) while on a quest together. He calls you “pip squeak.” You call him worse. But hours of traveling and a storm that leaves you stranded makes the simmering tension only build that much more. And when the tension is the highest, the man who won't stop taunting you suddenly doesn't want to keep his hands to himself.---IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE FULL SPICY VERSION OF THIS AUDIO, YOU CAN LISTEN HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Terry Broadfoot - Game Gems Braid
Big braid situation| No Behaviour Episode 315 ft sweet chilli by Margs & Loons
Find out why Courtney started this initiative and how you can book a class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send Catherine a text Message“The universe is a continuous web. Touch it at any point and the whole web quivers.” ― Stanley KunitzI always dedicate the April episodes of Myth Matters to poetry as a way to celebrate National Poetry month here in the United States. This year, I'm turning to the work of Stanley Kunitz.Kunitz received nearly every honor bestowed upon a poet in this country. His work is a marvelous blend of deep feeling and philosophy, and clear observations of the natural world. He lived to be a 100 years old and was lucid to the end; the writing from his later years is beautiful and wise, marked by his earthy eroticism and fascination with the mysteries.Poetry is a valuable tool and resource in this time of cultural transformation, a source of truth, inspiration, and companionship, and a doorway into inner calm. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you have a favorite poem or poet, please share them with me!Support the showEmail Catherine at catherine@mythicmojo.comPost a positive review on apple podcasts! Learn how you can work with Catherine at https://mythicmojo.comBuy me a coffee. Thank you!
Braid is known for his work in hypnotism. But he was also a surgeon with a reputation for pioneering new treatments before he became fascinated with the scientific underpinnings of mesmerism. Research: Braid, James, and Arthur Edward Waite, ed. “Braid on hypnotism. Neurypnology; or, The rationale of nervous sleep considered in relation to animal magnetism or mesmerism and illustrated by numerous cases of its successful application in the relief and cure of disease.” London. George Redway. 1899. https://archive.org/details/braidonhypnotism00brai/page/n7/mode/2up “Clubfoot.” Cleveland Clinic. July 6, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16889-clubfoot Crabtree A. “1784: The Marquis de Puységur and the psychological turn in the west.” J Hist Behav Sci.2019;55:199–215. https://doi.org/10.1002/jhbs.21974 Fletcher, George. “James Braid Of Manchester.” The British Medical Journal, vol. 2, no. 3590, 1929, pp. 776–77. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25334090 Hull, Clark L. “Hypnotism in Scientific Perspective.” The Scientific Monthly, vol. 29, no. 2, 1929, pp. 154–62. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/14677 “Hypnotism.” Yorkville Enquirer. Feb. 23, 1860. https://www.newspapers.com/image/339341468/?match=1&terms=James%20Braid Lafontaine’s Third Conversazione on Mesmerism.” The Manchester Times and Manchester and Salford Advertiser and Chronicle. Nov. 20, 1841. https://www.newspapers.com/image/406088965/?match=1&terms=lafontaine Loudon, I. “Why are (male) surgeons still addressed as Mr?.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 321,7276 (2000): 1589-91. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7276.1589 Macklis, R M. “Magnetic healing, quackery, and the debate about the health effects of electromagnetic fields.” Annals of internal medicine 118,5 (1993): 376-83. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-118-5-199303010-00009 Martin, Christy. “Mesmerized.” Science History Institute. Dec. 6, 2011. https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/mesmerized/ Bramwell, J. Milne. “Hypnotism and treatment by suggestion.” New York. Da Capo Press. 1982. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/hypnotismandtre00bramgoog/page/n6/mode/1up Rouse, Tyler. “The brief and strange history of mesmerism and surgery.” Hektoen International. Winter 2019. https://hekint.org/2018/12/24/the-brief-and-strange-history-of-mesmerism-and-surgery/ Sandby, George. “Mesmerism and its opponents.” London. Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans. 1848. https://archive.org/details/mesmerismandits01sandgoog “Sudden Death of Mr. James Braid, Surgeon.” The Guardian. March 26, 1860. https://www.newspapers.com/image/257847287/?match=1&terms=James%20Braid Weidow, Brandy, M.S. “James Braid.” Ebsco. 2024. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/james-braid Yeates, Lindsay Bertram. “James Braid: Surgeon, Gentleman Scientist, and Hypnotist.” University of New South Wales, Sydney. 2013. https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/entities/publication/7573cb34-ceb9-41bb-a8b1-0951e93fdd10 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of For The Dads with Former NFL Linebacker Will Compton, hosts Will and Sherm discuss how quickly their daughters have been growing, laugh about a voicemail or a Dad frustrated about Donut Day at his kids school, and chat through some accountability Sherm is placing into his home — all while keeping the episode fun, fresh and of course, under an hour. The episode kicks off with a shoutout to a PT6ICKO who was OPERATING on his family trip before they dive into some hilarious conversations, including: Rue’s Birthday Is Here! Will is going to get us BANNED on YouTube A call in that represents ALL of our feelings about Parenthood Other highlights include: A PHD in YouTube University A KILLER April Fools Joke by Will
Hello and welcome to Handgun Radio! I'm your host Ryan Michad, Weerd Beard & Co from the wild woods of Central Maine and this is your home for all the news, information and discussion in the handgunning world! This week, we talk Wild Departures! Please check out the Patriot Patch Company for their awesome patches and other high quality items! Visit www.patriotpatch.co for more information! Cool artist “proof” rendition come along with the latest patch of the month patches! We are proudly sponsored by VZ Grips! Please go check out all their fantastic products at their website! VZ Grips! -KFrame Magna Grips Thank you to all our patreons! Visit us at https://www.patreon.com/handgunradio Week In Review: Ryan:-Nothing major, cool video posted in the HGR group about USFA Listener Email Nate: Ryan & Weerd, Hey guys, what's up? I've been looking forward to the next HGR episode…hint hint! I bet both of you are pretty busy. Here's hoping y'all get some free time for a new episode! I'm currently on hometime in Commierado. The state of the 2nd isn't good here. Commierado's legislature is again passing more gun control. I really do wonder if they've ever read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? In regards to our previous emails, Ryan, I don't have any updates on Tisas USA, as far as their operations go. I did learn some interesting information about theirs new CEO. Are y'all familiar with Classic Firearms on YouTube? Kaya, formerly of Classic Firearms, is more the CEO of Tisas' new US operations. I'll keep y'all posted as I find out more information. As for new additions to my growing armory, I recently picked up an H&K VP9 in 9mm. It came with 11 mags, and a Holosun 507…. for $700. Weerd, could you please suggest a good recipe for whiskey sours? Thanks! Sincerely, Nate PS Ryan here's an attachment for something you're in dire need of Weerd: Oddball: David: Drink Segment: Old Crow Boubon Whiskey Sour: 2oz Whiskey (Rye is classic) 1oz Lemon Juice 0.5 Oz Simple Syrup (adjust to taste) Cinnamon Challah Ingredients 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour 2 eggs and 1 more for egg wash 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⅓ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt ⅔ cup warm water Filling ¼ cup canola oil ¾ cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon Instructions Add the flour, brown sugar, and salt to a mixing bowl. Proof the yeast in the water with a pinch of sugar. Add the yeast, eggs, and oil to the flour. Mix into a dough and knead for 7 minutes or until fully developed. Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour in a warm place. While the dough is rising, make the filling a medium sized bowl. Add the oil, sugar and cinnamon. Mix. Separate the dough into 3 pieces. Roll each one into a square with a rolling pin. Spread the cinnamon-sugar mix on the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch around the edges. Roll each square. Pinch the ends and stretch each strand to about a foot long. Braid them up! Place on a non-stick baking surface and cover for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F Brush the challah with beaten egg. Bake for 30 minutes. If the top is getting too dark, place a piece of foil on top of the challah in the oven. Main Topic: Wild Departures -Ounce Pistol -Altor -Zip 22 -Taurus Curve -P90 Magazine -Hill 15 SMG -Bizon Magazine ( I first saw this playing Syphon Filter on PS1) -Calico -Webley–Fosbery -Mauser ZigZag -LeMatt Revolver -KelTec PR-5.7 -Pen Gun -Lifecard -Ideal Conceal -Full Conceal Glock -Standard Manufacturing Thunderstruck S333 -M&P 5.7 -Palm Pistol -Apache Pistols Wrap Up: Don't forget to shop Brownells using our affiliate link! Head to firearmsradio.net and click the affiliate link in the upper right hand corner! Be sure to go like Handgun Radio on facebook and share it with your friends! Leave us a review on iTunes! Check out VZ Grips! Listen to all the great shows on the Firearms Radio Network! Check out the Patriot Patch Company!! www.patriotpatch.co Weerd where can people find you? Assorted Calibers Podcast, Weer'd World Oddball gunscarstech.com Assorted Calibers Podcast ACP and HGR Facebook Play screechingtires.wav David Blue Collar Prepping Brena Bock Author Page David Bock Author Page Team And More Xander: Assorted Calibers Podcast Here so Ryan doesn't do a bad impression of me Until next week, have fun & safe shooting!
Rachael Dietkus is a social worker, designer, and founder of Social Workers Who Design, an organization that helps and teaches designers to create from a trauma-informed lens. Rachael was also a part of the late 90's and early 2000's Midwest emo scene, as part of the skate scene and playing violin in the band Very Secretary with Braid's first drummer, Roy Ewing. Listen as we talk about Rachael's time in the band and her career as a social worker, designer and how she melded the two into something special.
On this episode we have on Todd Bell, the bass player for Braid, Hey Mercedes and Fight Dice. We talked about his life as a teacher, having a teenage daughter, living in Wisconsin, how he became a teacher, traveling to Japan to play a show and bringing the family along, how they plan shows when they all have day jobs, early years of Braid and Hey Mercedes, time touring with Jimmy Eat World, and being an older dad but staying young.Send a textSupport the showFollow us on Facebook and Instagram @theimperfectdadspodcast . Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday and Thursday. This podcast is part of the Never A Phase Network, follow them on instagram at @neveraphasenetwork and check out their podcasts like Emo Kids Anonymous and The Ska Mailman
On this episode David sat down with longtime friend and musical collaborator Joe Vowels to discuss the midwest 90's indie band Braid's second full length album The Age of Octeen from 1996.
On this episode David sat down with longtime friend and musical collaborator Joe Vowels to discuss the midwest 90's indie band Braid's second full length album The Age of Octeen from 1996.
Are you experiencing burnout, or is something deeper happening when you feel that gut-wrenching sensation of knowing what's right but being unable to do it? In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid draws from her experience chairing an expert panel at the MPLA conference in 2025 to clarify the crucial distinctions between moral distress, moral injury, and burnout. Understanding these differences isn't just academic—it's essential for addressing what you're actually experiencing and finding the right interventions. You'll learn to recognize the physical and emotional signs of each condition, discover why moral distress often gets misdiagnosed as individual weakness when it's actually a system problem, and gain practical tools for responding appropriately to each situation. Join Dr. Braid as she gives you the vocabulary to name your experience and the framework to address it effectively, because when you can accurately identify what you're facing, you can take the right steps toward recovery. Join the free Healthcare Leadership Hub: https://bit.ly/3LAIDqq Connect with Dr Jo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydr Connect with Dr Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Website: https://drjobraid.com Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A weekend episode drop! On the latest show, Dave, Marsha, Avry, and Troy get into the LEAFDEM, the Linus Ullmark interview, Olympic hockey talk and some PWHL/Bay Street Battle talk! Follow the show on Twitter: @Toronto3rd
In this week's episode, we dust off our iPods and XM boomboxes to travel back to the decade where many claimed that rock n' roll was dead and that there was no more good music. That's right; we are listening to obscure tracks from George W.'s Y2K! Join us on this journey back through the decade of iTunes, MySpace, autotune, and some really great rock n' punk n' metal!New to InObscuria? It's all about digging up obscure Rock n' Punk n' Metal from one of 3 categories: the Lost, the Forgotten, or the Should Have Beens. In this episode, we talk about the lost and forgotten gems of the 00s. A decade where the ideas of record companies, albums, physical product, and the old way of promoting artists were all challenged. This decade literally changed the path for how music was to be consumed going forward.Songs this week include:Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – “Six Barrel Shotgun” from Take Them On Your Own(2003)Flickerstick – “Girls & Pills” from Tarantula (2004) Totimoshi – “Milagrosa” from Milagrosa (2008)Hey Mercedes – “Everybody's Working For The Weak” from The Weekend EP (2002)Hurt – “Pandora” from Goodbye To The Machine (2009)The Soundtrack Of Our Lives – “Sister Surround” from Behind The Music (2001)The Anniversary – “Crooked Crown” from Your Majesty (2002)The Cooper Temple Clause – “Promises Promises” from Kick Up The Fire, And Let The Flames Break Loose (2003)Big Jack Pneumatic – “Mainstream” from Half-Ass Cool (EP) (2003) Please subscribe everywhere that you listen to podcasts!Buy cool stuff with our logo on it: InObscuria StoreVisit us: https://inobscuria.com/https://www.facebook.com/InObscuriahttps://x.com/inobscuriahttps://www.instagram.com/inobscuria/
What if the key to transforming your workplace culture isn't fixing what's broken, but amplifying what's already working? In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid shares insights from her Stanford WellMD Director of Wellbeing Course and explores how Appreciative Inquiry can shift team dynamics from problem-focused to possibility-focused conversations. Drawing from real examples and research-backed strategies, you'll discover practical tools to start meetings differently, build stronger colleague relationships, and create positive change in your healthcare environment. Learn the simple 3-Question Appreciative Check-in framework and discover how changing your first question can transform your work experience. Join Dr. Braid as she shows you how focusing on strengths isn't just feel-good fluff—it's a powerful approach to reducing burnout and increasing engagement in healthcare teams. Join the free Healthcare Leadership Hub: https://bit.ly/3LAIDqq Resources:https://drjobraid.comwww.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydrwww.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid Thank you to our sponsors:MIGA: https://miga.com.au & Heidi Health: https://heidihealth.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We take a deeper look at two extraordinary MachineGames titles, the adventure straight from the silver screen Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Wolfenstein: The New Order, which features simply some of the best writing in video games. We also turn to two puzzle platformers, the classic time-bending of Number None's Braid, and the co-op joy of LEGO Voyagers from Light Brick Studio, the only game that feels like playing with plastic bricks. Over on the tabletop there's a good amount of time spent on the bright and punchy Tag Team from Le Scorpion Masqué and I-cut-you-choose cosy set collection of Agent Avenue by NerdLab. All that, and trending shakers, on Ep239. 00:00 - Amsterdam's best kept secret 07:56 - Braid 11:01 - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle 16:00 - Wolfenstein: The New Order 30:14 - Agent Avenue 40:33 - Tag Team 48:16 - LEGO Voyagers On this episode were Dan (@ThisDanFrost), Kris (@DigitalStrider), Peter (@XeroXeroXero), and Sam (@MrSamTurner). Our Spotify Playlist brings together lots of great thematic music inspired by the stuff we talk about, our Steam Curator page collects every video game we've ever reviewed available on the platform, and our BoardGameGeek page does the same for every boardgame. And if you'd like to see what we're up to between podcasts, your best bet is our Instagram page. Links to where you can find us - StayingInPodcast.com Note: sometimes we'll have been sent a review copy of the thing we're talking about on the podcast. It doesn't skew how we think about that thing, and we don't receive compensation for anything we discuss, but we thought you might like to know this is the case.
1 Peter 3:1-6 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss how wives live honorably even when their husbands don't obey the Word.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=24024The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
The Rat King is a European folklore phenomenon where multiple rats become unnaturally fused by their tails into a single, living knot, seen as a grotesque omen of plague, famine, and collective misfortune. freakyfolklore.com #RatKing #TheHumanKnot #SewerLegend #PlagueOmen #FolkloreHorror #BodyHorror #UrbanMyths #CryptidFolklore #CursedSewers #HorrorPodcast #FolkHorror #MythicTerror #EerieStories #HorrorCommunity #ScaryFolklore #DarkLegends #UndergroundHorror #NewYearNightmares #FreakyFolklore #CarmanCarrion #CarmansCrypt #DeadlyIntentPodcast #DestinationTerror
In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid explores why healthcare workers and helping professionals often struggle with gratitude despite doing meaningful work. She breaks down the neuroscience behind how chronic stress and burnout literally rewire our brains, making it harder to experience positive emotions like appreciation. Dr. Braid explains the concept of "toxic gratitude" - when societal pressure to be thankful becomes another source of stress - and introduces evidence-based micro-gratitude practices designed specifically for overwhelmed helpers. Learn why your inability to feel grateful isn't a character flaw, but a predictable neurobiological response to sustained occupational stress, and discover practical strategies to rebuild your gratitude pathways without adding more pressure to your already stressed system.Resources:https://drjobraid.comwww.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydrwww.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid I acknowledge that I create this podcast on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, who have been the custodians of this land around Orange, New South Wales, for thousands of generations. I pay my respects to Wiradjuri Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize the continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. This acknowledgment is a small but important step in recognizing the sovereignty of First Nations peoples and the deep historical and ongoing relationship with Country. Disclaimer: The information provided on or through our Site, products and/or services is intended to be for informational purposes only. It does not constitute or replace professional advice for individual or specific situations and nor does it take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Under no circumstances should the content made available on our Site, or regarding our products and/or services be relied upon as professional legal, medical, financial, business or other advice. You agree to obtain these services if you need these. Our Site may have articles and content that is of a general nature and is intended to be for informational purposes only. Your access to and use of they Site is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
¡Apoya Reconectados, escucha programas exclusivos y participa en todos los sorteos! ✅ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reconectados La gala The Game Awards nos ha dejado un buen número de anuncios, fechas, confirmaciones y cambios de planes. Junto a los premios en las distintas categorías y el previsible Game of the Year, en este encuentro con mucho que discutir hemos sabido de los nuevos Tomb Raider, del que será el proyecto más grande de los padres de Baldur's Gate 3, de un nuevo juegazo de Star Wars a cargo del director de KOTOR y Mass Effect, de Control Resonant, del nuevo juego del creador de Braid o The Witness, del creador de Yakuza, del creador de Left 4 Dead, un nuevo Total War Warhammer 40.000, el regreso de Mega Man, Pragmata, Saros... Ha habido mucho y variado que nos permite debatir y reflexionar de hacia dónde va la industria. Además, esta semana analizamos Octopath Traveler 0 y su descaro, el puntiagudo Skate Story o el regreso de Thief ahora en VR. Todo esto junto a otros temas y debates en una de las semanas más felices del año para los consumidores de videojuegos. ¡Gracias por acompañarnos y comentar el episodio! Time stamps: (00:00:00) - Intro y agradecimientos: Hasta siempre, Robe (00:08:20) - The Game Awards: Anuncios y opiniones de la gala (00:32:20) - El regreso y futuro de Lara Croft (00:43:44) - Divinity es BRUTAL, resuelto el misterio de la estatua (00:49:56) - Star Wars, sorpresa de la noche (00:57:18) - Más anuncios y un circo en el escenario (01:14:17) - Expedition 33 arrasa en los GOTY, ¿merecido? (01:34:04) - Octopath Traveler 0, una chapa de 100 horas (02:00:50) - Skate Story, la última sorpresa del año (02:13:57) - Thief VR, tren de la bruja de ladrones (02:35:51) - Despedida: tenemos una cita el lunes Compra más barato en nuestro enlace de Instant Gaming: https://www.instant-gaming.com/es/?igr=reconectados ¡Apoya Reconectados, decide y participa en todos los sorteos! ✅ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/reconectados ¡Sigue nuestro canal de Twitch! ✅ Suscríbete a Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/reconectados ¡Únete a nuestro grupo de Telegram de ofertas! ✅ Canal de ofertas: https://t.me/ofertasvideojuegosreco ¡Escucha Reconectados cada semana: Jueves 07:00am! Ivoox: https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-reconectados-videojuegos_sq_f1467878_1.html Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TzgUfUZppavUlKeRreIXL Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/reconectados-videojuegos/id1304330116 ¡Síguenos en redes sociales! X-Twitter: @ReconectadosPod Jabote: @Jabote22 Manu: @ManuGmn Paula: @paulacroft02 Borja: @borjaruete TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reconectadospod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReconectadosPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reconectadospod/
Show Features: Lazy Bonez Mahonez, Redneck Report and Pop TrashSocials: @DaveandMahoney Voice Mail: 833-Yo-Dummy https://www.twitch.tv/daveandmahoney Additional Content: daveandmahoney.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On today's episode we discuss some tips for cold-weather kayak fishing, we take an in-depth look and compare 4 of the biggest names in braided line, and more!
In this episode, we dive into the real world of hypnotherapy — far from stage tricks or swinging watches, and back to its ancient roots in the healing temples of Egypt and Greece. Modern hypnotherapy, shaped by Mesmer, Braid and Erickson, blends psychology, neuroscience and the art of working safely with the subconscious.Hypnotherapy isn't about losing control — it's about reclaiming it.By guiding us into a natural, focused state of awareness, it opens the doorway to the subconscious, where trauma imprints, fear patterns and old conditioning often live. From here, gentle suggestion, imagery and deep relaxation help the brain form new pathways, release old stories and restore emotional freedom.We explore:What hypnotherapy truly is (and isn't)How it supports trauma healingWhy the subconscious is key to lasting changeThe science of re-patterning protective responsesReconnecting with the original, authentic self beneath conditioningThis conversation is about integration, nervous system repair and reshaping your life from truth, not trauma.BA Psych, Dip LS HypLucas Olmos is a trauma-informed Clinical Hypnotherapist and co-founder of Awakening Purpose, where he helps clients across the world release subconscious imprints, rewire protective patterns and return to who they really are.Links:Website: https://awakeningpurpose.com.au/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@awakening_purposeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakening_purpose?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Guest: Lucas Olmos
Between Andor and the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu movie, Star Wars is currently leaning into stories about the “regular” people of the galaxy. But what about the Jedi and the Sith, the people at the core of the Skywalker saga that started it all? In this episode, Wired's Lily Hay Newman joins Eric and Haley to discuss the Jedi and the Sith stories we want to see, the challenges of superhero protagonists, and the value of the Force as a storytelling concept in an increasingly rational world. We explore how Star Wars should balance fantasy and relatability in its portrayal of Force-users, with special praise for some of the franchise's weirdest Force-adjacent characters and creatures.
Bob Nanna is the lead singer and guitarist behind Braid, Hey Mercedes and the City on Film. In this episode, Bob discusses his childhood in Chicago, his adoption, the search for his birth parents, and how music served as an outlet for his emotions and his journey to therapy.
Welcome back to IndieQuest, a celebration of the indie and obscure! On this episode we bring our friend, collector, youtuber, and puzzle game lover TopSpot123! He's so synonymous with puzzle games in our community that we often refer to the genre as a whole as "toppers." Also, we do realize it was a missed opportunity to not have him on for episode 123... but oh well, he's here now for an awesome, puzzle filled episode! Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/TopSpot123Fun fact about all of the games brought today - none of the games today have more than 500 steam reviews! ------------------------------------------Games talked about in the show (contains spoilers for the episode):----------------------------Braid, Motionrec, Ugly, Ittle Dew, Cipher ZeroSend us a text---------------------------------------------Leave us questions, comments, concerns, or feedback of any kind at our email indiequestpod@gmail.com or follow us on BlueSky @indiequestpod! Send us emails with topics, questions, suggestions, or indie game recommendations at indiequestpod@gmail.com! If you want to see the Quest Log go to indiequestpod.com! This will be updated as episodes are released, be wary though because it may contain spoilers for the episode! Follow our Hosts here:Steve on twitch - twitch.tv/BlinkoomJosh on BlueSky - @JoshLeslieSeth on BlueSky - @captaindrachmaYou want to comment on something we talk about on a podcast?! Check out the network's reddit!https://www.reddit.com/r/polymedia/Special thanks to the intro music artist CrossFrog and the cover artist for the show @d3ltari on Instagram.Support the show - We're a proud part of the Polymedia Network!www.polymedianetwork.com
Fredrik och Poki ger forna år en match, när de ska samsas om dåtidens bästa spel. Detta ÄR "Retro GOTY!".Dags för retrospel - eller vad nu 2000-talets spel är?! Upplägget är som vanligt; Vi lyfter först våra personliga topp tio spel för året i fråga - denna gång spelåret 2008! Därefter gör vi den titulära RETRO GOTY:n.Vilka är spelen som hamnar i vår gemensamma "Game of the Year" á 2008? Lyssna och lär kära lyssnare!Exempel på spel som tas upp:Assassin's Creed,Braid,Burnout Paradise,Call of Duty: World at War,Condemned 2: Bloodshot,Crysis Warhead,Dead Space,Defense Grid: The Awakening,Eternal Poison,Fable II,Fallout 3,Far Cry 2,Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn,Grand Theft Auto IV,Left 4 Dead,LEGO Batman: The Video Game,LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures,Lost Odyssey,Mario Kart Wii,Mass Effect,Mega Man 9,Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots,Mirror's Edge,Prince of Persia (2008),Soul Nomad & the World Eaters,Spore,Super Smash Bros. Brawl,Valkyria Chronicles,Wii Sports,World of Goo,Dessa och många många fler (obs! Vi spoilar inte de som ligger i våra personliga topplistor ovan!
Shares in Transport and logistics company Mainfreight have rallied today, despite the company posting an 18.5 percent drop in first-half profit. The result's better than expected, with performance improving and expected to rise more. Mainfreight CEO Don Braid says they've had a tough start to the year, but he feels things are improving ahead of the new year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Note - This episode originally aired in July 2024. I've decided to add all Bonus Round episodes to the main feed, sequentially and on a 14-month delay, so that EVERYONE can enjoy these fun, classic gaming banter sessions. Patrons will still get NEW Bonus Round episodes every month. Bonus Round 44.5 just went live a few days ago, so if you'd like to catch up, head over to Patreon and support the show at the Fire Flower level or higher.www.patreon.com/smashingbricks~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hey Retro Fire Flowers, welcome back to Bonus Round!These monthly podcast episodes are Patreon Exclusives and available at the Fire Flower level of support or higher. Each month, my guest and I will put together some sort of list, ranking, or otherwise fun conversation, usually related to that month's main episode. These wil be released on the 28th of each month, and hopefully will be the dessert you've been missing after the main course episode two weeks earlier!This month's episode on Number None's Xbox Live Arcade game, Braid, had me thinking about what the best XBLA games of all time were, so Jason and I put together a list of our favorites for you.What are YOUR favorite XBLA games? Bring your thoughts to Discord and talk about 'em all! There's a dedicated channel for it now! discord.smashingbricks.com
S3E104 Today, Ash broadcasts from the Hermitage of Braid in Morningside, to talk about a poem Robert Fergusson was inspired to write on a visit there in 1771. Title Music: 'Not Drunk' by The Joy Drops. All other music by Epidemic Sound. @earreadthis earreadthis@gmail.com facebook.com/earreadthis
On this episode we have on musician Chris Broach who you might know from the bands Braid, Sunset, or The Firebird Band.I talked to Chris at the end of the summer. Chris has 3 kids like I do, and we both were at the end of a summer entertaining 3 kids. Which if you've ever been the primary parent during the summer for your kid, by the time you get to August it's a whole different world. We talked about trying to manage screen time for your kids, stress of moving when you have kids, simplifying your plans for kids during the summer, how becoming a dad changed him, getting sober, teaching production, trying to find the energy to be creative at the end of the day, his partnership with his wife, time touring with Braid, making new friends as you get older , and his goal to always be better for his kids.Send us a textSupport the showFollow us on Facebook and Instagram @theimperfectdadspodcast . Look for new episodes of The Imperfect Dads Podcast every Monday.
Send us a textIn this episode, Matt and Enn begin Winter's Heart from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series! This week we cover the LONG AF Prologue - thanks for joining us! Prologue - SnowPurchase Enn's First Book!!!: https://a.co/d/hyrYwW5Radiant (Words of Power Book 1) is available NOW in Paperback and Digital!! (Enn's pseudonym is Jordan Willis Bright)Follow Enn's Author page on IG: @Jordanwillisbright - https://www.instagram.com/jordanwillisbright/ Follow Matt's Art Account: @DrawnwiththeWindFabulous https://www.instagram.com/drawnwiththewindfabulous/ Support the show
Manager Minute-brought to you by the VR Technical Assistance Center for Quality Management
Finance doesn't have to be scary. In this episode of VRTAC-QM's Manager Minute, Kat Martin, Finance Director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind, joins Carol Pankow to break down the complexities of government finance in vocational rehabilitation. Kat shares her journey from the private sector into VR, the lessons she's learned managing federal and state dollars, and the difference between budget authority and actual revenue (spoiler: it's not as simple as it sounds). From making reports accessible for blind colleagues to explaining why finance people should bepartners—not compliance enforcers—Kat offers practical advice, thoughtful insights, and a healthy dose of humor. Whether you're new to VR, leading a program, or just finance-curious, this episode delivers the wisdom you didn't know you needed—plus a little reality check on what it takes to manage complex funding with heart and clarity. Listen Here Full Transcript: {Music} Kat: It took me a bit to wrap my head around was the difference between budget and revenue. I like the way my executive director describes it to other directors. You have to be paying attention to what's going on with your budget, not because that's the amount of money you have to spend, particularly with federal funding. That is what you have authority to spend. That doesn't mean you have that revenue to spend. If somebody has helped you out, pay it forward, help the next new person out that got their eyes crossed and looking overwhelmed when they're trying to figure out what in the world is re allotment, let alone carryover and maintenance of effort. Carol: Oh my gosh. Intro Voice: Manager Minute brought to you by the VRTAC for Quality Management, Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host Carol Pankow. Carol: Well, welcome to the manager minute. Joining me in the studio today is Kat Martin, finance director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind. So, Kat, how are things going in Oregon? Kat: They're going well. We're getting started on a lovely summer and a new biennium and trying to close out the old ones. So, you know, busy is always in the finance department. Carol: Yeah, all the things. Nothing like getting the finance director like turnover of a state year and all that. I know you got a lot of things going on. So as the QM grant is winding down, I thought it would be great to hear from a respected VR finance director, someone who's walk the walk. Kat has been a standout voice in her fiscal management community of practice, sharing advice that's grounded, real, and incredibly helpful. So, Kat, let's dig in. So, Kat, can you tell our listeners a bit about your career journey and how did you land in your current role? Kat: Sure. Thanks, Carol. I worked in the private sector for the first decade or so of my life and realized after about a decade of that that I really needed work that spoke to my heart. And coming from a family of educators, I was a little too late to go back to school and get my teaching credentials at that point in time. But I decided to pursue mission focused organizations that were helping others. So I worked for about six years for a law firm that represented the disabled and injured individuals before the Social Security Administration and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. And then I went into public education for about 15 years. About five years ago, I left public education and came to work for the Oregon Commission for the blind. And it was my first role in the world of vocational rehabilitation. So it was a new experience for me. I love a good challenge and it's been that for five years. Carol: That sounds amazing. I always love to hear how people kind of make their long and winding road into VR, because none of us ever usually get here very directly. So I know when you and I chatted before, you have just some great perspective on any role you take. How do you go about building that solid foundation when you start a new role? Kat:, You know, I came up through the accounting departments, specifically accounts receivable. So I was working with invoicing and collecting bills, and I experienced a lot of success in those jobs, so much so that I was moved into first supervisory and then management positions and eventually the C-suite role. And when I moved into my first CFO position, I worked with an amazing campus president who talked with me about the fact that my focus up to that point in time as the director of accounting for the organization and my prior professional experience, had been very much compliance focused. And that as her new director of finance, she needed me to be more of a fiscal partner to not only herself, but my peers on the leadership team. So, you know, that took me a little bit to figure out, because when you've been doing it for decades, it's easy to be a compliance goon. It's a little more difficult to figure out what being a finance partner looks like. I recognized that particularly when I was starting a new role like the one I did in VR five years ago. It was really important for me to understand who I needed to form relationships with, what the systems were that I was going to be utilizing to complete my work and to manage those that were completing the day in and day out of the accounting work that we were doing. And then also what were the policies, procedures and standards? So when I start a new job, I like lay out my first 100 days and I create myself a little Venn diagram that is all about those three things where at the intersection of that right in the middle, that's the work that I'm going to be doing for the organization planning, organizing, directing and monitoring their finances and the fiscal health of the organization. Carol: I love that you have that people, systems and processes. I mean, I think that sweet spot in the middle where all of that intersects is really wonderful. You've talked to me before about this whole compliance goon fiscal partner, and I do like that approach. Can you talk a little more about what that really means to you and kind of how that's played out? Kat: Yeah, it's really about people and about relationships in a vocational rehabilitation agency. We are helper humans and even fiscal employees, accountants, your travel coordinator, your payroll specialist. They need to be helper humans as well, because it's easy to get all wrapped up in the way we have to transact these certain things or the deadlines that the state lays down. If it's an enterprise wide system that you're using and sometimes lose sight of the fact that the people we are serving are actually the employees who are providing the direct service to the blind Oregonians that we serve at the Oregon Commission for the blind. So I have worked very hard to develop that in myself. And the way I've accomplished that is beginning first with the people I'm going to be serving and whether that's my boss, my peers, my employees, that to report directly to me, my employees that report indirectly to me or those other individuals in the larger organization, like the state's chief financial officer and the state's legislative fiscal office, and maybe the procurement office and the Payroll Services Office to make sure that I know what our place is, but also how we can provide the best possible services within that matrix that we operate in to those eventual end users that we're there to serve so that they don't ever have to worry about, am I going to get paid on time? Is my computer going to be working? Those kind of things I tell my staff when we're doing our jobs exceptionally well, nobody knows what we're doing. And then that allows them to focus on the work that they're doing with our clients. Carol: How long do you think it takes, really, to get settled, especially coming into VR for a finance person? How long do you feel like you know what, I got this, I feel proficient what I'm doing because I think people have this idea that can come in. I was an accountant here or a CPA, or I've done something else. But you come into this program. How long do you feel it takes you to really get a handle on what's going on. Kat: A full fiscal cycle in the state of Oregon, we operate on a biennium, so that's a full 24 months. I had been with the agency for two years before. I really felt like, oh, now I'm repeating things and there's a lot of repetition in a finance role, regardless of what role it is, there's a lot of repetition. But what makes it complicated in the VR world, in my state, for instance, is we have state fiscal years that end on June 30th, and then you have your federal fiscal year that ends on September 30th. So right there, those two things are out of sync. And then the VR awards in particular, are the most complicated revenue stream I've ever worked with. Braid those in with the general fund that you have to be on top of, which is truly available to you, and you can sometimes lobby for more. But there's a lot of politics and personalities that you have to deal with when you're trying to obtain more general fund for your agency, and then the limited amount of other funding. So I have been working as a finance director since 2009, and I would have to say that these last five years, it has been the most complicated fiscal management for an organization that I've ever touched upon in my career up to this point in time, because of those complexities between the state and the feds in fiscal years that don't align. And we're on a biennium where, you know, the federal awards are one year, and maybe you can get carryover if you do all the things you got to do to meet the requirements around March to get there. Carol: And you're confirming what the feds say, because David Steele, who's the unit chief for the fiscal unit at RSA, he often says this is the most federally complex grant. And I remember hearing him a long time ago thinking, is it really? But yeah, it really it really is. Proof is in the pudding when you're actually doing that work. So given all of that complexity, how do you implement like strategies or things that you do to help your leadership, like literally be able to interpret and understand because it is like talking to different languages. And how do you get your whole executive team kind of on board with what's happening because you have these realizations and insights. But that isn't always apparent in the VR world, because a lot of people are not they're not math people. They're people people. They're social services people. They don't know about reading a spreadsheet. You just show them these numbers, and their eyes kind of glaze over and they hear you talking, but they don't know what you're saying. Kat: Yeah. I think the first thing I try to do is keep it short and simple. And that's not to say that these individuals are not intelligent. They are highly intelligent, and they have skills and expertise that I'm incredibly impressed by. But I have different skills and expertise. And if I'm going to provide the information to them that allows them to make informed decisions about not only what we're doing in the present, but for the duration of whatever the fiscal period is that we're in and for the long term. Then I need to present the information in such a way that it's digestible. Now I work for a blind agency, so that means it needs to be accessible. I see a lot of spreadsheets that folks like myself love to create. You know, it's fun to get in there and do the color coding and the formatting and have multiple tabs that support your summary. Conclusions and charts are then the next best thing in the world, right? You can spend a lot of time on that. And yet my director of rehabilitation services can't see any of it, can't read any of it. So what I need to create for her and for the other 20% of the employees at my agency that is usable and digestible is very straightforward spreadsheets that are readable by the assistive technology they use in order to do their jobs. The other thing that I do to try and help the leadership team, and my executive director in particular is I insist upon regular report outs. It's really easy to be just like, yeah, yeah, Kats got it. Budget to actuals are going to be fine. She knows we don't want to leave any general fund on the table at the end of the biennium. She'll let us know how we're doing with match, but she'll take care of all of it. And what I let them know is I report on the money, but I don't decide how it's spent. I know what's in the purse, but the executive director is holding the purse strings and you all are influencing that spend. So by insisting upon regular report outs, I review budget to actual data summary grant reporting, cash reporting on at least a weekly basis. Right now I'm reviewing that more like 2 to 3 times a week, because it's the end of the biennium and startup of a new one, but the management team gets finalized reporting once a month that is based on the accounting close. And not only do we distribute that to them with the highlights, we want to pinpoint in written format, but then I also present on that every month at the leadership team meeting, when we're reviewing other results for the month and other measures that matter to us. Carol: I think that's really super good advice for our listeners. I've seen it all across the country. I mean, I've seen where sometimes fiscal people, they are calling all the shots. They aren't that partner. They're like, hey, I'm the one that knows you all can't do math. I'm deciding. I'm doing. People are signing for the director. You know, they're sending stuff in. Directors get it? Zero clue. And while that can be a way to operate. Boy, highly not advisable. Because at the end of the day, the director is the one holding the bag. You know, the buck stops with them. If something goes wrong, something happened. They're the one. And those are the ones that end up getting fired or whatever it may be. So I'm always on the new director end of things. Encouraging people to learn as much as they can. And it's just like learning anything. You take one step at a time, one item at a time, one cell on the spreadsheet to gain understanding. You're not going to be instantly an accountant, but you can get to a level understanding where you hear what's happening. So I appreciate that you've had that experience, because I think you always bring so much to any conversation. Having worked in a blind agency, when you're thinking about how am I going to convey information in a way people can read it for one with assistive technology, not make it so fancy that you kind of lose sight really, of what is trying to be conveyed. So I think you really have great advice there and that you're the partner. I mean, you're advising and then the director's deciding. I think that's a really lovely partnership. What have been your biggest surprises and lessons learned in this role? Kat: Well, first and foremost, it is more complicated than budgets, significantly larger than what I'm dealing with now because of the interplay of federal and state. Some of the surprises that came to me early on were around the timelines and how important it is to create a calendar of key events that not only takes everything going on with your state into consideration, but all those federal timelines, particularly the federal reporting timelines. We now, after five years, talk about the months between October 1st and the end of January as federal reporting season, because between the support we provide to program with some of their program reports that have fiscal elements in them, and then all of the federal financial reports that have to be submitted during that period of time. There's 18 different reports that my grant accountant and I prepare, review, discuss, and then, of course, go over with the program directors before they are ever submitted to our federal funding partners. Carol: I'm a huge fan of the calendar. I just have to say, I literally we get calls. I had one of the finance directors from one state. He will remain unnamed, but he calls me on April 30th and he's like, please don't tell me a report is due today, and I'm like, uh, yeah, this is gonna be a really bad day. He said, I gotta go, and he, like, hangs up the phone. I'm like, calendar this stuff. You need the calendar. Oh my gosh. Drives me crazy. Kat: It's important. And I mean, one of the surprises that came to me is I started with the commission in August of 2020, and a couple of days after I arrived, my senior accountant and we have a small shop. At that time I only had one accountant and two accounting technicians. My senior accountant went out on a family leave of absence about two weeks early. So here I was, no VR experience trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing. I don't even have access to most of the systems. And as it turns out, as the agency security officer, I give everybody else access. But nobody knew how to give me access. So that was an interesting start. And when she came back from her leave, she said to me, so how did that SF 425 report submission going? I'm like, what? SF 425 report submission. So I missed I started my career with the Commission for the blind by missing a federal Financial Report submission. Carol: Oh my gosh. Kat: I'm still here. So I guess it wasn't the end of the world that we were late with one report. Carol: How do you find it so different between like government accounting compared to the other accounting work you've done? I always hear from people that go, government accounting is like nothing else I've ever been exposed to. Kat: Yeah, it is very different in that having worked in the private sector and the for profit sector for a number of decades, obviously you're looking for efficiencies and effective ways of doing business that drive your bottom line. The profit imperative is just that don't be fooled by what the for profit organizations say they're really about. Making money is what it's all about in the end. But in the public sector and definitely for the government, one of the things that it took me a bit to wrap my head around was the difference between budget and revenue, and I like the way my executive director describes it to other directors that you have to be paying attention to what's going on with your budget, not because that means that's the amount of money you have to spend is because, particularly with federal funding, that is what you have authority to spend. That doesn't mean you have that revenue to spend. So figuring out how to keep track of where am I at, actually, with my approved budget and my limitations on the federal fund and other fund that I operate with? And where am I actually at with cash available to me through my federal grants, was something else that was very new to me, because every place I'd been before budget was budget. You had that to spend, even in higher education, in the public sector. It was like I had that budget to work with for the entire fiscal cycle. Not true here. So you really have to be paying attention to that difference between budget and revenue. I started to say my executive director describes this to other directors. She tries to put it as think about budget as being the line of credit. If you had a credit card in your wallet. Think about it as the line of credit that you could spend up to, but your revenue is actually how much money you actually get paid. So if you have a $50,000 line of credit, but your income for the year is only going to be $25,000, you're going to have a problem when you spend up to that line of credit. Carol: That is such an awesome point. We have seen lately. There's been some really interesting things with the budget Authority, and this has to do with kind of the reverse, where for whatever reason, you have a federal grant say you get $100 million. But the legislature has said we are only going to give you $90 million of budget authority. And that's cropped up more and more. And so people forget because you've got program income coming in and you've got other kind of sources of these revenues. And the legislature has set this limit. And so you're bumping on it, but your eye is over here. You're looking at well, yeah, but I've got I can match and I can draw these funds. But for whatever reason the legislature hasn't given you enough authority to actually maximize and utilize everything available to you. That is super concerning for folks. And the thing they weren't watching. Really? Kat: Yeah. And we all know of a state recently that got into difficulties with that. The thing to keep in mind with that too. And we were in a spot where we had to go back to the legislature and ask for an increase in our spending authority, which is even more complicated than going to just the legislative body, because we have a governing board of commissioners. So first we have to go to the commissioners and get approval to take this before the legislature. And there is a lot of months of lead time in order to accomplish those things in the correct order. We needed to do it because we were fortunate enough to receive an additional sum in the Re allotment process last summer, so we were going to be okay with the amount of revenue we were expecting with the existing authority we had to spend. My concern, of course, was we don't got enough money to get through the end of the state fiscal year, let alone the federal fiscal year. So we went after re allotment. Then I didn't have enough authority on the federal side, so we had to get permission from our board of commissioners. Then of course, go through the legislative process to increase our federal fund limitation. Carol: Well, and that's a whole other probably lesson learned is the whole legislative process and those cycles for the legislature and all of that. That is no small feat to understand. I'm sure your calendaring all of those dates as well. Kat: I am. Our agency is small enough that not only am I the finance director, I'm also the budget coordinator, so it's helpful to me at the same time. My office is situated a couple hours away from the state capitol where the legislature meets. So for a hearing before Joint Ways and Means, for instance, that maybe is going to last five minutes. It's a four hour round trip, but I go down there for those meetings and I'm ready to answer any questions should they come. Carol: That's excellent. That's excellent. Now, I know you have been, are particularly like vocal finance director and participate in things. You've done a great job with networking, and I understand you have a bit of a fan club at CSAVR. So what happened there? What's going on with that? Kat: You know, one of our asks of all of our staff is that they be on camera when we're in virtual meetings, and it's in part because as a blind agency, we are trying to help our clients be prepared for virtual meeting environments as we're helping them launch into the working world. So we need to model those behaviors, right? So I just developed the habit of whenever I'm speaking, even in large group meetings, like the community of practice that you and your team run is that I'll not only come off of mute, but I'll come off of having my camera shuttered so that people can see me talking. I don't know why, but it's become muscle memory, right? Well, as a result of that, because I have a lot to share at times and I want to help others the way I was helped when I first started by fiscal directors with more experience that had been, you know, around the block a couple of times. I like to try and offer up my contact information as well, so people can feel free to reach out and get in touch with me. So when we were at CSAVR the last session, kind of surprisingly, my director and I were walking around and there was a couple of folks that, as we passed, were like, your Kat, right? Your Kat from Oregon blind. And I'm like, I am. And they said, you know how helpful it was. Some of the things that I had berbled out in one of the community of practice meetings and that it had really helped them wrap their head around the topic or the concept or whatever it may be, and also then have conversations with their leadership team and their executive directors, which I was kind of blushing, but I appreciated hearing that what I had done was helpful to others. Carol: Oh, 100%. We hear it all the time. Whenever you come on and you give some advice and people be like, that really helped me. You know, we've had folks come back the next month and they're like, that really helped me. I was able to talk to our finance people and whatever, you know, any of the things. They were so excited. You've been an immense help. So let me spin that a little different way. Maybe you can help some of our directors. So fiscal folks are coming and going just as quickly as directors and executive leadership. What suggestions would you have for those VR leaders that are hiring fiscal staff? Because sometimes people think they're bringing in somebody and it's going to be the best thing since sliced bread. And then they're like, this didn't work out at all. Kat: Yeah. Carol: So I think folks, especially when you're talking to non-math people and such, they don't tend to know. What should they ask? Kat: Yeah that's a tough one because on paper it is really hard to assess somebody's education and their stated experience in the positions that they've had before. If you're not a finance person and even understanding the difference between accounting and finance, I have to explain to people again that are really intelligent individuals. I mean, they have their master's degree in counseling and rehabilitation. And yet explaining the difference between accounting and finance is something that I do pretty regularly. My first suggestion to directors would be, if you are at all uncomfortable with accessing the written materials that you're receiving in terms of resumes and a well-written cover letter, find somebody in your state that knows a little bit about fiscal and accounting, or rely upon a recruiter. If you're using the state's chief human resource office to help you assess not only the minimum qualifications that you should be asking for when you're going to turn over millions of dollars to an individual who is going to be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on that money, but also in your preferred qualifications. Look for things like foundational knowledge of appropriations and grants. I don't put that as a minimum qualification because I didn't come in with foundational knowledge around appropriations and grants, but I'm eminently teachable. So that's another thing to look for, is, is this somebody that's a lifelong learner? Do they like a good challenge? Are they good with change and do they know how to lead change? I've experienced this quite a bit in the state of Oregon. We have, since I've arrived, adopted two different enterprise wide solutions for payroll and time tracking, contract management and procurement that we didn't really have a choice to adopt these, but the implementations were intended for very large agencies, and we're an agency of 67 employees. So figuring out how to do these things that you're required to use by the larger organization, that you are a part of being the state at your agency to complete the work that you're going to do is somebody that really needs to be a quick learner that's adaptable, and that can lead change because technology is influencing all of our lives and with what's coming with AI, it's going to continue. And these are good things, but it can be tiring if you think you're going to get in the door as a finance director, and it's all going to be business as usual after you've completed that first fiscal cycle. The other things executive directors could look for are somebody that is curious. I think I mentioned flexibility, but adaptability is very important. When I was interviewing for my role, our VR director, who is fully blind, said to me, how are you going to present materials to me so that I am able to access them and read them? And for me, that was like a oh, how exciting, a new opportunity to take my knowledge and present it in such a way that somebody that I've never worked with before, having a visual impairment or blindness, can also use it. So what do I need to do differently to meet their needs? Not expecting them to accept whatever it is I'm pushing out their way and be just like here it is. If you don't get it, well, that's too bad. The last thing I would mention, and this is just because your fiscal director does have a great deal of access, it's important to remain diligent in managing that employee, just like you would any of your other direct reports. I am fully aware of the responsibility that I have for these millions of dollars that our taxpayers dollars, when all is said and done. So you know you don't want to be so trusting of the person that's managing your finances, that you set yourself up for any kind of a situation where maybe a good person does something not so good because they're in a very difficult spot. So that's where even if you don't know, finance, finding somebody in your own professional network that maybe knows a little bit more about this, that even if you ever have a slight inkling, you can say, hey, you know, my finance director told me this. Can we noodle that around just a little bit? Because I want to make sure that it's all okay. Based on your years of experience doing this and your relationship with your finance director. Carol: That's good advice. Kat: Yeah. I don't mean to be skeptical. I think it's just realistic to know that when you have access to and the ability to move around millions of dollars, you should be diligent in managing them just like you would anybody else. Carol: And things have happened across the country in years past, and people have lost jobs and all kinds of things. So it is no joke. That is excellent advice. Do you have any final kind of words of wisdom for our listeners? Kat: Don't be afraid to admit what you don't know. I mean, early on in my career, as I was being promoted into management positions, I was like, fake it till you make it right and we can all do that. But the further I've progressed and the older I've gotten, I've developed some of that crone wisdom that comes at this decade of your life, which is, boy, there's a whole lot I don't know. And there are people out there that have been doing this for a while. So who do I need to meet? Who do I need to form a relationship with? Who can be my buddy? And then how can I pay that forward? And that would be the other advice is if somebody has helped you out, pay it forward, help the next new person out that got their eyes crossed and looking overwhelmed when they're trying to figure out what in the world is re allotment, let alone carryover and maintenance of effort. Carol: Oh my gosh. Well Kat, I really appreciate your wisdom and your honesty. You are so direct. I love it for our listeners. If you're a leader or fiscal staff or share this episode with somebody new in the role, they do not have to do this alone. Thanks so much for joining me today, Kat. Kat: Thank you Carol. {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time, brought to you by the VR TAC for Quality Management. 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What does it really mean to give a part of yourself… to someone you've never even met?
Welcome to Dev Game Club, where this week we continue our series on Fez. We talk about its platforming and how it fits to taste, game style, and rule escalation. Dev Game Club looks at classic video games and plays through them over several episodes, providing commentary. Sections played: More cubes! Issues covered: platforming feelings and taste, inspirations and how they play out here, additional move set, floaty physics, a mental game with mostly generous platforming, a game that takes place in your head rather than in your fingers, seeking high highs, sloppiness and guiding the player, no longer seeing the whole world but only the tells, the pleasure of figuring things out, checking out the achievements, how many people get everything, the craft of the game, wanting to feel capable, finding a solution that was not the intended solution, dominated by the puzzle side, those moments where you give a big "no way," extending a simple idea and iterating on it for a fleshed-out game, iterating ideas, a chain of implication, not making the leaps of logic too large, ladders that line up and teach you how to think about the world, not knowing whether you can do a thing yet, not wanting to diminish the revelations, puzzles games Brett hasn't finished and why, editorial from the publisher and Key Performance Indicators, finding a tribe for your indie game, side games, smaller and more cohesive teams, a choose-your-own-email, having an experience, leaving endings open. Games, people, and influences mentioned or discussed: Hollow Knight, Indie Game: The Movie, Phil Fish, Nintendo, Mario (series), Little Big Planet, Guacamelee, Super Mario Galaxy, Demons's Souls, Dark Souls, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Tomb Raider (2013), The Matrix, Deep Thoughts/Jack Handey, MYST, Pierre de Fermat, Megaman, Resident Evil, The Witness, Braid, The Talos Principle, Obduction, Cyan Worlds, Super Meat Boy, Fallout, X-COM, mysterydip, Mass Effect, Wolfenstein: The New Order, Twin Peaks, Half-Life, While We're Young, Noah Baumbach, Kirk Hamilton, Aaron Evers, Mark Garcia. Next time: More Fez! Note: Amusingly, though I did not call out the actresses, Naomi Watts and Amanda Seyfried appear in While We're Young, and both also appeared in Twin Peaks: The Return Twitch: timlongojr Discord DevGameClub@gmail.com