Podcasts about breaking barriers

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. We're talking with Andrew Hopper, Lead Pastor of Mercy Hill Church in North Carolina. Planted in 2012 with just 30 people, Mercy Hill has grown into a multi-campus, fast-growing church known for its gospel clarity and sending culture. In this conversation, Andrew shares why adoption and foster care have become central expressions of Mercy Hill's mission—and how those practices flow directly out of the gospel. He also unpacks the heart behind his book, Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His. Is your church unsure how to engage big social needs without drifting from the gospel? Are you looking for a way to mobilize people beyond church walls while keeping discipleship front and center? Andrew offers a clear framework for doing both. Doing good as a sign of the kingdom. // Andrew addresses a common tension churches feel between community engagement and disciple-making. Mercy Hill refuses to treat these as competing priorities. Acts of service—whether foster care, adoption, or family restoration—are not the kingdom itself but signposts pointing to it. Meeting tangible needs creates openings for gospel conversations. These ministries don't replace evangelism; they amplify it by demonstrating the heart of God in visible ways. A church’s collective heartbeat. // Mercy Hill's deep involvement in adoption, foster care, and family restoration didn't start as a top-down strategy but emerged organically from the gifts and passions within the church. Many leaders and members have adopted children themselves, shaping the church's collective heartbeat. Rather than attempting to address every social issue, Mercy Hill chose to focus deeply on a few—believing churches are most effective when they lean into the specific good works God has prepared for them. This focus has mobilized hundreds of families and created a powerful witness in their community. Rope-holding and shared responsibility. // Not everyone is called to adopt or foster, but everyone can hold the rope. Drawing from the William Carey analogy, Mercy Hill equips members to support families on the front lines through prayer, childcare, meals, financial help, and presence. Over time, they've learned that rope-holding works best when built on existing relationships rather than formal assignments. The goal is to ensure no family fights alone in what Andrew describes as intense spiritual warfare. Big vision with baby steps. // Mercy Hill isn't afraid to cast a bold vision—whether for global missions, adoption, or church planting—but they pair that vision with accessible next steps. Prayer nights, giving opportunities, short-term service, and relational support allow people to grow into greater obedience over time. High challenge without guilt creates healthy discipleship. Why Andrew wrote Chosen. // Andrew wrote Chosen: Building Your Family the Way God Builds His not to promote a program, but to give churches a theological foundation for engaging adoption and foster care. The book weaves together Andrew's family story, Mercy Hill's journey, and a deeply gospel-centered motivation rooted in Scripture. Designed to be used individually or in groups, Chosen includes discussion questions and practical guidance for churches or small groups wanting to explore this calling in community. Andrew's prayer is that the book would catalyze thousands of Christian families to participate meaningfully in caring for vulnerable children and families. Gospel-driven motivation. // Underneath everything is Andrew's conviction that gospel motivation outlasts guilt. Behavior rooted in grace goes further than behavior driven by pressure. Adopted people adopt people. Chosen people choose people. That theological clarity fuels Mercy Hill's sending culture, their community impact, and their ongoing growth. To explore Andrew's resources on adoption, foster care, and grab his book, Chosen, visit andrewphopper.com/chosen or follow him on Instagram @andrewphopper. You can learn more about Mercy Hill Church at mercyhillchurch.com. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Portable Church Your church is doing really well right now, and your leadership team is looking for solutions to keep momentum going! It could be time to start a new location. Maybe you have hesitated in the past few years, but you know it's time to step out in faith again and launch that next location. Portable Church has assembled a bundle of resources to help you leverage your growing momentum into a new location by sending a part of your congregation back to their neighborhood on Mission. This bundle of resources will give you a step-by-step plan to launch that new or next location, and a 5 minute readiness tool that will help you know your church is ready to do it! Click here to watch the free webinar “Launch a New Location in 150 Days or Less” and grab the bundle of resources for your church! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. We have got a multi-time guest on, and you know what that means. That means that I really respect, deeply admire, and want you to listen up, and today is no exception. Excited to have Andrew Hopper with us. He is the lead pastor of a church that they should be following, that you should be following. He’s a lead pastor of Mercy Hill Church with five locations, if I’m counting correctly, in North Carolina, and is repeatedly one of the fastest growing churches in the country. I love this church on many levels. They’re centered on the gospel and have a radical commitment to sending people to the nations. They have a desire to make disciples and multiply churches. Andrew, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.Andrew Hopper — Man, I’m so pumped to be here. Love the podcast. Really appreciate it, man.Rich Birch — Yeah, I’m honored that you would come back. For folks that that don’t know Mercy Hill, give me a bit of a kind of an update. Tell us a little bit about the church.Andrew Hopper — Yeah.Rich Birch — Maybe update us from last time you were on.Andrew Hopper — Yeah, man. So just real quick, planted in 2012. We had 30 people, all you know kind of young professional age, and man, just really believe that God could do something incredible ah through, you know just through our our open hands, and he did.Andrew Hopper — And so it’s been 13 years. It’s crazy. We’ve been sort of pushing the same boulder up the same mountain for 13 years, just flywheel kind of concept and keep pushing. And ah the Lord has done an incredible thing, like you said, five campuses. And man, just moved into a new home and hub. That was from last time we had a chance. That’s been really great. Andrew Hopper — We were in a rented location for a long time as our main like broadcast campus. We’re a video-based multi-site. And so um it’s ah it was a three or four-year journey to raise the money and build this new facility. But we’re in, and the Lord has really blessed that with tons of new people, highest baptisms, sent ones, first time guest numbers, all everything that we’ve done. This has been a, you know, we’ve gone been on a ride – praise God for that. It’s it’s, um, it’s for his sake and his renown, but this year has been unlike the others. So it’s been…Rich Birch — Yeah, you were saying beforehand, it’s like 30 or something like 30 some percent year over year growth. That’s insane to keep up with.Andrew Hopper — It is man. And the, and the giving does not, uh, you know, the giving doesn’t happen.Rich Birch — Reflect that yet.Andrew Hopper — So it’s, it’s like, we’re trying to do ministry on a budget of a church that’s 3000, but a church that’s running 4,500. And it’s like, how do you do that effectively without killing everybody?Rich Birch — Nice.Andrew Hopper — All your staff, I mean, so, but we’re, we’re learning, man, we’re figuring it out. It’s fun. We got, we just planted our sixth church. So that’s apart from the campuses. This is first time, Rich, we’ve planted a church in our own city.Rich Birch — Oh, nice. That’s cool.Andrew Hopper — It’s been really, a really cool dynamic and it’s been fun. He’s doing great. Man, it was a college student that we met when he was 19 years old at North Carolina AT&T 10 years later. He’s an elder here. He’s done a lot of different things. And man, he goes and plants a new church in Greensboro about five minutes from one of our campuses and they’re doing great.Rich Birch — Wow. Yeah, that’s so good. Well, the thing, there’s lots I love about Mercy Hill, but one of the things that I’ve loved about your church from the you know the chance we’ve had to journey a little bit over the years about it is you just have real clarity around the mission, this idea of making disciples, multiplying churches. It’s like that has been rock solid from the beginning. When you think about we want churches to have discipleship at its core, this idea of a church that actually grows people up in their relationship with Christ. What matters most at the foundation? How are you keeping that so foundational to you know what’s happening at Mercy Hill?Andrew Hopper — Yeah, I think um I think that we always sort of bought into kind of what we see in Acts 2 as a little bit of a flywheel. We call it gather, group, give, go. A lot of churches have something like that.Andrew Hopper — The the difference, I think, at Mercy Hill a little bit than what I see ah in in in a lot of churches that we help mentor and coach is that 2020 hit and everybody was like, man, what is a church? What is discipleship? What are we going to do now? And and people were kind of… And I do think it was and it wasn’t, you know, it wasn’t just me. I mean, our, you know, our executive pastor Bobby, he was really integral in this. We sort of really doubled down on no, I kind of think the church is going to come back. Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — And I kind of think what we were doing is sort of what our church is set up to do. It kind of a brand thing. We are sort of a big box sending brand. And that, you know, for us, when we look at Acts 2, we’re like, dude, the gathering, there’s no more there’s no more important hour for discipleship and evangelism. And I know there’s a lot of things written against that. And people are kind of almost like downplaying it. Andrew Hopper — We’re just like, man, we just don’t believe it. We believe people need to be in a group. You know, we they need generosity is lead step in discipleship, give. And we got to teach people that there’s a mission bigger than themselves. And if we do that, it’s going to funnel more people into the gathering. Andrew Hopper — So I think fundamentally what I would say, we need to get, you know, we could talk about our value, you know we can talk about values to gospel and [inaudible] identity, but I think landing on you know, it’s very hard now to, to not get a word salad book form or thing. When you ask somebody, how are you making disciples? It can just be like…Rich Birch — Right. Very vacuous. Who knows what that means? Yeah.Andrew Hopper — For us, it’s just been a very clear, simple process.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — Like, man, we believe if someone is in the gathering, if they’re in relationship, if they’re being pushed on generosity, and if they’re living for a mission bigger than themselves, that’s a current of maturity that will move them. They just get in the stream, they’ll move.Rich Birch — Yes. Yeah. Yeah. It’s so good.Andrew Hopper — that’s kind of So you know for us, I think that’s as, you know we’ve we’ve tried to simplify things there.Rich Birch — Yeah. And, and your last episode, I’ve pointed a ton of people to it, uh, to really, and we really unpack a lot of what you talked about there in more detail.Andrew Hopper — Right. Yeah.Rich Birch — You’re going to want to go back and, uh, and listen to that. You’ve reached as a church, you’ve reached a lot of people who don’t grow up in church that it’s like, there’s a lot of people who are there. You know, we used to say we ain’t your mama’s church, but mama didn’t go to church, you know? So, you know, and it’s been a long time that people were there. What challenges have you seen, you know, helping move people from curiosity into real ongoing discipleship? So like, I think there are, we’re seeing a swell of attendance across the country. People are like, oh, I’m kind of interested in this, but we got to move them from just, oh, this is something interesting to like, oh, I’m actually want to grow my relationship with Jesus.Andrew Hopper — Yeah, I mean, and it’s it’s funny too, Rich, you probably have a better bird’s eye view of this than I do. But I feel like churches that have been faithfully growing for like the last 10 years, they’re not really doing a lot different now. Or even though there’s this big swell happening, what I do think is that some churches have sort of decided like, oh, clarity does matter.Rich Birch — Yes. Yeah, that’s true.Andrew Hopper — And don’t try to be friends with the culture. We’re going to speak in and be prophetic. And, you know, even even to the you know Proverbs 25:26 says, you know, there’s there there’s no there’s no benefit in a muddied spring. You know, it’s like you got to be sort of you got to figure out if we’re going to be clear.Andrew Hopper — So, I you know, for me, I think like and you’re right, we do reach most of the people that we reach that are in the camp that you’re talking about our college age. We reach a lot of people, though, ah that are, you know, they’re they’re coming back to the faith because they’re a southerner.Rich Birch — Sure.Andrew Hopper — You know, they they kind of they kind of were, you know, they they did have some church in their background. They’re coming back. Their kids are not only born, but they’re realizing they’re sinners and they don’t have answers. They’re trying to figure that out.Rich Birch — Right. Right.Andrew Hopper — They’re coming back to church.Andrew Hopper — And, you know, I think the biggest thing that moves people from like interest into a decision point is just being very clear on this is what the gospel is. This is the life it compels you to. Are you going to be in or out?Andrew Hopper — One of the things we say at Mercy Hill a lot is like, man, if you’re if you’re just intrigued, you know, if you’re interested, you’re not going to stay at Mercy Hill because we’re never going to let you, you’re going to get pushed every week. And it’s like, man, people are not really in or like that. I’m not going to do that. You know, they’re just like, no I’m not going to sit here and get like pushed every single week on something I don’t really… And the flip side is when people say, all right, you know what? Stake in the ground. I’m in.Rich Birch — Yeah, we’re doing this, yep.Andrew Hopper — I wanna look like this, I want to build my life on this. It’s like, well, now, you know, it’s it’s man, I’m hopefully, you know, putting tools in the belt every single week to live that life.Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah, it’s good. I do think there was a time where people wandered into our churches where I don’t think that happens as much anymore. I think people, when they arrive, they come with questions, with live active questions that they’re trying to wrestle with, kind of regardless of where they’re they’re at in their journey.Andrew Hopper — Yeah.Rich Birch — And they’re what you to your point around, you know, there’s no benefit in a muddy stream. People aren’t looking for anything that sounds like, well, what do you think? Because the reason why they’re there is because they’re asking questions. And so, you know, they’re they’re looking for clarity, like I think you’re saying. Rich Birch — Well one of the things I love about your church is there’s a high commitment to, you’re you’re you’re tearing down what I think is a false dichotomy. Sometimes I think when churches come to this idea of outreach or making a difference in their community, there’s this there can be this gap or false dichotomy between doing good in our communities and making disciples. Like we gave that up at some point. We were like, you can’t, you know, we can’t do both of those things for some reason. Why, why did we do that? Why did we, as churches say, we can’t both make a difference in our communities and also make disciples?Andrew Hopper — Yeah, I think it’s, I actually have a lot of sympathy for the fundamentalist leaning. I know it sounds a little bit weird. Rich Birch — No, that’s fine.Andrew Hopper — Churches that led from the, you know, from the good do good in your city kind of thing. I don’t think they’re right, but I do have sympathy for that because I understand how quickly that sort of, you know, is so hijacked by liberal, by theological liberalism to where it’s finally man we’re digging wells and wherever but we’re not talking about who the true source of living water is. Like we don’t want to be offensive we just want to do good without speaking the whole you know you know live your life as a Christian only use words if necessary, whatever, you know. And and I so I understand why people kind of fled and have fled that.Andrew Hopper — Like, you know, I’ve even had our church before when I when I talk about adoption or we we have a ministry, and a ministry called No More Spectators. We’re like moving people towards community ministry. And we had people kind of going on like, oh, my gosh, this seems like a sign of like churches start going this way and then they lose the gospel.Andrew Hopper — And I’m like, well, the reason you’re kind of feeling like that is because a lot of churches have done that. You know, you’re not [inaudible] like that just out of nowhere. Now, of course, I think it’s a little bit immature and we’ve got to push through. The way we talk about it, Rich, is, man, we want to do good in our community as signs of the kingdom coming.Andrew Hopper — They are not building the kingdom. You know, if we go repaint a house or house a homeless person, one day that person would parted with that house, whether they, you know, get messed up and leave or whether they do great and then would die one day, you know.Andrew Hopper — Or, if we have, ah you know, if we go and, and you know, we’re going to, for example, we have ah ah a family in our church that they need a ramp built because, man, the the brother is struggling with MS and he’s, they’re they’re fighting it like Christians do. We’re going to go do that. You know, we’re going to go build that ramp. That ramp’s going to rot and die one, you know, rot and rot away one day. And, you know, whether it’s 100 years from now or whatever.Andrew Hopper — Like it’s not literally the kingdom. But when the outside world sees us engage and, you know, our church will talk about this primarily when we think about community ministry, we think about it in terms of adoption, foster care and families count, which I can talk to you about. I think it’s bringing a sign of the kingdom that is to the community around us to say, hey, this is not the gospel. But it sure points to the gospel. Rich Birch — Right, right.Andrew Hopper — You know, it’s a pretty good signpost of like, yeah, there’s a kingdom coming where kids aren’t separated from their parents, you know. And and so that’s kind of the way that we think about, it’s not, you know, it’s not the kingdom. It’s a sign of the kingdom that is coming.Rich Birch — Yeah, let’s let’s dive in. So adoptions, foster care, families count. These are not small issues. Like you started with like putting a ramp on, painting somebody – those are like, okay, I can organize my head around that. And then we jump to what I think are obviously significant. How, it can be easy, I think, for church leaders it can be easy where, you know, we got a lot of fish to fry in our own backyard. When you see big problems like that, help us unpack that. Why do you as a lead pastor, why are you passionate about these issues? Why are these the things that you’ve chosen?Andrew Hopper — I think it’s, man, I think it’s great. I mean if you can’t if you don’t mind I’ll go back and give you a little bit of context. I’m a context [inaudible]… Rich Birch — Yeah, absolutely. Let’s do it. Yeah. Andrew Hopper — …number one so I always want to frame it in where we’ve been. But the short answer to the question is I think that every church because it is made up of individual believers that have individual gift matrix, you know they’re they’re gifted the church is gifted in a unique way because the people which are the church are gifted in a unique way, right? Andrew Hopper — And so to me, you know, slapping, you know, a top down every single church has to to manifest signs of the kingdom in X way, which, for for example, I’m not to pick on it, but like, you know, the whole diversity church kind of movement. I love you know, if that’s your brand, that’s awesome. That’s great. Go, go bring signs of the kingdom in that area. But you know what people do is they take their thing and then slap it on every single church. You know, this is the sign of the kingdom that you have to manifest.Andrew Hopper — I don’t think that. It takes every kind of church to reach a city because there’s all you know, there’s every kind of people in the city. Right? For us, though, and I think for a lot of churches that that maybe are are made up a little bit like we are, I think there is a lot of meat on the bone for adoption, foster care, families count ministry. And I think churches could be greatly helped by latching on to maybe, you know, something in particular, maybe this, maybe this specifically. How we got there, Rich, was we had we had, you know, huge movement in our church in 2019. I was very convicted.Andrew Hopper — Some of the exponential stuff was coming out, you know, mobilizing people outside the walls of the church. And I really was, man, I was just really affected by that. And I don’t want the dichotomy, you know, I don’t want, well, you your people serve in the church and not outside the church. It’s like, no, most people serve outside the church. If you watch them, they are serving inside the church as well. It’s it’s like a it’s like, man, you know, just just because serving inside the church is not the finish line, don’t demonize it because it is a starting place.Rich Birch — That’s good.Andrew Hopper — So it’s like, I don’t like that kind of whole thing. But but it did affect me to say, OK, what are we doing to push to the outside? So we we we did a thing. You would have loved this, man. But it except for the fact that it didn’t really work that good. OK, it was awesome.Andrew Hopper — It was, we still have the domain name – nomorespectators.com – I had the tagline: Jesus didn’t die to create spectators. He died to create servants, not spectators, workers, not watchers. We, man, you could go to nomorespectators.com and, you know, it was like, it was like a funnel for all of these community ministry opportunities in our city. So it was, you know, people from the housing, you know, authority type stuff would post things. And it was, it was all this kind of, it had a bunch of stuff in it. Andrew Hopper — In the end of the day, great idea. It was a little too complex. Our people latched on to the foster care, pregnancy network, you know, ended up being families count, Guardian ad Litem and adoption. So our guy that was over all that at the time our sending director, which is hard for me to have a good idea that ends up dying hard, okay that’s just tough for me.Rich Birch — You had a great sticky statement and everything. Come on.Andrew Hopper — I’m the king of sunken cost bias. Okay. Like, I’m like, dude. And so finally around 2020, he came to me and he said, bro, I know this is hard for you. Cause it was like a two year initiative. He’s like, this is hard. He said, No More Spectators needs to just turn into Chosen. And it needs to be like, you had this idea for 30 different things. It just, this needs to be our niche, man. You know, we we don’t do a lot of these other things, but we do this really well.Andrew Hopper — And it was hard for me. Ultimately, it was great wisdom by them, not me. And we started going down that road. And partly, I think it’s because, Rich, is heart is near to my heart. I have an adopted daughter. A lot of our staff have adopted kids. We just have a guy right now. Our associate director of first impressions at the Rich campus is in Texas right now, you know, bringing their daughter home.Andrew Hopper — I mean, so it’s just, and so it’s sort of started to morph into, and the the the big thing I’ll say, and I, you know, I’ve been talking a lot here, but the big thing I’ll say is, if you think about the way I just ah described all that, it doesn’t start with the need in the community. It starts with the gift matrix of the church. The poor we will always have with us. Like there there is no there’s no scenario until Jesus comes back that there’s no kids that need to be adopted, you know.Rich Birch — Right, right.Andrew Hopper — And it’s just the reality of it. And so there’s always going to be need in the community. It’s more about, okay, what are the Ephesians 2:10 works that your church, because the church is made up of people who are individually called, what are the you know what are those works that God has set out for your church? Rich Birch — That’s good.Andrew Hopper — And, you know, so for us, we just felt like, dude, this is a a heartbeat thing. Our people got more, they get more fired up. The greatest thing I’ve ever been able to mobilize our people for prayer for is go to the abortion clinic and pray. I mean, a thousand people on their face in the pavement. It’s like, it just strikes a chord with our church and who we are. So we wanna run after that.Rich Birch — Yeah. Well, I love that. And we’re going to dig out a bunch of this, but let’s think about it first from a perspective of somebody who’s maybe attended your church. They just started. They’re they’re relatively new, you know. The idea of something as weighty as adoption or foster care, that’s a big ask. And you know when you yeah how do I experience that as someone who’s just new? What are some ways that I could get plugged in? What does that look like? That, that, cause I, I’m hard, it’s hard to imagine that I go from zero to, to, you know, adoption, you know, how do I end up or flying to Texas to, you know, pick up a kid. That’s a lot. Help me understand. How are you, cause I know you guys are so good at moving people along from kind of where they are to where you’re hoping to – what’s that look like? What’s the kind of, how do you bring people along in this?Andrew Hopper — Man, totally. I think you’re right. I think it’s a combination of big vision on one end and then baby steps on the other. But the big vision matters.Rich Birch — That’s good.Andrew Hopper — Like we don’t want to be scared of the big vision. So, you know, for example, our weekender process, which I know you talked about some, you know, that weekender process, you know, people literally for years, we would give them a passport application in the weekender process. Because we’re like you’re at this church you’re probably going to be overseas at some point on a mission trip. And so to me it’s like people are like dude that probably scares the crap out of people. And it’s like well, I mean we want to make sure they know what they’re getting into, you know. We’re not telling them they got to do that tomorrow… Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — …but that is the, and then and then there’s all these baby steps, right? Like hey come to you know, every February we do Sent weekend. Come to the prayer night. Like that’s a baby step. That’s not you getting on a plane to go to Nepal. But you know hey we’re doing this missions offering at the end of the year, like maybe get you know. So there’s all these I would say that our the way we think about Chosen ministry, which again: adoption, foster care, families count, and rope holding, which is a big part of this discussion… Rich Birch — Okay. Andrew Hopper —…is that way. It’s big vision on the front end so we’re never going to tell somebody, hey you know, I know you could never do this. Like I’ll never…I think people can do it and they should. Or or you know more Christians than are should. At the same time we’re also not guilting anybody. Like so I’m I you know the the first thing I’ll tell people is like, hey, you know we start talking about adoption. I always say always say, hey, we have not lined up a bunch of little kids in the lobby for you to take one home today, okay. And then I’ll tell them, that’s next week.Rich Birch — That’s great.Andrew Hopper — Okay, so yeah but and we we try hard to like put some levity in it. Man, we’re not everybody’s not going to do that. In fact, a minority, of a small minority is going to do it. But everyone can be involved and there are baby steps.Andrew Hopper — So we try to highlight giving, man. Like if you someone adopts from Mercy Hill, we pay 25% of their adoption. Okay.Rich Birch — Wow. Yep.Andrew Hopper — If they’re a member and they’re in a community group, they get 25%. All right, well, you know, we’re going to connect that. Like, man, you you are never going to adopt. You feel like that’s, but it’s like, well, I give $100 a month to the church. Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — Well, hey, what? You know, you’re you are you are supporting.Rich Birch — We’re making a difference.Andrew Hopper — We do parents night out, you know, for all of our foster and adoptive parents. We do it quarterly. It’s like, hey, those are opportunities to come and serve, man. You can serve the meal you can do. We do rope holding, which I know we’ll probably talk about. But but the the idea of rope holding is just like, man, I’m not going to do this, but I can be in the corner for somebody. They’re in my community group. I want to be their first call if they need a babysitter or they need, you know, a gift card, or whatever they need.Andrew Hopper — So I think, man, we try to do big vision. You know, we’re going we’re going to set a huge vision, you know, for 2030 for 2030. Actually, we just hit our vision for 2025, which is 200 adoptive or foster families. There’s a lot of ways people can be involved with it.Rich Birch — So good. There’s, I think thing I would encourage friends who are listening in, you really should be following Mercy Hill, Andrew, because I do think you’re a very unique communicator where you, and you just described it. And I think to you, it’s just like, that’s just what you do. But this idea of like, you’re calling people to a high bar, but you’re not leveraging shame, guilt. you know, it’s, and I think so many times our language can kind of lean in that direction. Or we can, if we really are trying to push people towards something, or we can just undersell the vision. You know We can be like, oh, it’s not that it’s not that big of a deal. You know It’s not for everybody. So I would encourage people to listen in.Rich Birch — Talk to me about rope holding. How is that, what’s that look like? Unpack what that looks like a little bit.Andrew Hopper — Yeah, so rope so the the the rope-holding analogy, which a lot of your listeners probably gonna already know this, but you know William Carey, Andrew Fuller, William Carey, father of modern missions, he’s he he he makes the statement, “I’ll dangle at the end of the rope in the pit, if you’ll hold the rope,” talking to Fuller. And Fuller held the rope for him. Like, you know, Carey the mission field, Fuller’s raising money, preaching sermons, organizing mission boards. So that’s kind of the picture. Right.Andrew Hopper — So we say, all right, not everybody is going to go down into the pit of foster care adoption, even even families count. I mean, these are these are massive spiritual warfare battlegrounds you know um which is one of the reasons why our church wants to be involved so much. I mean you if you want to talk about getting to the you can do all the rhetoric in the world, brother, you want to get to the very bottom of societal issues, you you be involved in somebody’s story that’s trying that’s trying to get their kids back from the foster care system. You’re trying to help them with that. I mean, every you could fatherlessness, poverty, drug abuse. I mean, everything you can think, you know.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — So this this is just spiritual war. So what we tell people is like, hey, man. If we got people that are mobilizing for for adoption and foster care, we better have people in their corne,r because the enemy is going to bring his war machine.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — And we see it all the time. I mean, you’re going to see, you know, a family steps in to adopt and you’re going to start seeing them, you know, there can be sickness. They can have marital problems. They can have financial things that come up. They can begin to believe lies, frustrations. I mean, There’s just so they can become, you know, their their heart can start getting hard toward the system. I mean, there’s so many things that come at them. And so what we say is we need people in their corner, right. Andrew Hopper — Now, it’s funny because like the way our church has operated was at first we said, all right, we’re going to we’re going to do, you know, the the community group is going hold the rope for the people. And and that that was fine. The problem is when we really kicked off this ministry, so many people got involved that it became overwhelming to the group. So we said we got to start this… Rich Birch — Right. Andrew Hopper — …rope holding ministry. The rope holder ministry is good. It’s like, what does a rope holder do? They kind of do whatever the person needs them to do. Rich Birch — Right. Andrew Hopper — So there are examples of the rope holding ministry going really well, where it’s like, hey, man, they’re they’re helping with ah child care with the other kids when they’re going to foster care appointments in court. And or, hey, we’re we’re helping you do some things around the house whenever you’re overseas doing your adoption, which is going to put you three weeks in country. You know, there are some good examples like that. Andrew Hopper — But the other thing that we’ve learned is, you know, foster care and adoption families that are that are walking through this, they’re going through a very trying time. And to just pair them with somebody they don’t know and say, hey, look, here’s your supporter, it can be a little bit like, oh, that’s awesome, and then they never reach out to them.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — They never reach out – the rope holder’s ready.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — But it’s just like, dude, I don’t I don’t know you. And this is a hard time.Rich Birch — Who are you? Yeah, yeah.Andrew Hopper — And so what we’re trying to figure out now as we reboot that rope holder idea is, you know, how how do you kind of integrate relationships they’ve already had? Almost like, hey, do you have this massive pool of people called rope holders? Or when an adoptive family comes up, you say to them, hey, who can we shoulder tap, rope holder for you.Rich Birch — That’s good.Andrew Hopper — And then we’ll train them.Rich Birch — Oh, that’s cool. Yeah.Andrew Hopper — But not have this pool, but say for you, we’ll put them in. So that’s kind of what we’re, so as part of our reboot for 2030, you know, that’s sort of what’s in our mind right now.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s cool.Andrew Hopper — We have a whole playbook for the way we’ve done it, which anybody, you know, if anybody wants any of those things, they can go to AndrewPHopper.com/chosen. And I can send you any of that stuff we have, but on the rope holder side, you know, just full transparency, we’re still, you know, kind of, of you know, and I’m sure it’ll always be that way that we make an improvement.Rich Birch — Yeah, always trying to make it better. Yeah. And I want to, yeah, at some point in this journey, you decided, hey, we’ve got to put this vision and framework into writing, like we and you actually ended up writing a book, and friends who are listening in, I want to encourage you to pick up a copy of this book. Listen, we’re almost half an hour in. I know you’re interested in this. This is the kind of thing you, Andrew’s a trusted leader. He’s, I’ve had a chance to take a peek at the book. This will be super helpful for you. But, but that’s a lot of effort to put this together into a book. What pushed you from just leading this ministry to ultimately saying, hey, I want to capture this into a resource that could help other people?Andrew Hopper — Well, you know, Rich, I never really saw myself as like a writer, just like a practitioner, man. Let’s just keep keep working on the thing and going.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — And truthfully, I got approached. Hey, would you have any interest in writing? You know, New Growth Press is the one that’s editing this book and putting it out. And it was funny, though, because the second I was asked, I was like, man, I know what we should do [inaudible] that should be what we should do. It’s it’s our it’s it’s my story’s family story with our special needs child that we’ve adopted. It’s our church’s journey. But more important than either of those two things, it’s a grounding in the gospel-centered motivation. Because I think that is what is so important. We don’t do guilt motivation. And you know, cute kids and sad, cute kids and and sad stories are good reasons, but they you need a great reason, because it’s hard. Rich Birch — That’s good. Yep.Andrew Hopper — You know, and the great reason is of course, adopted people adopt people. And so we delve way into the helplessness of our spiritual condition, how God adopted us and then how, you know, that provides a deep motivation for us to go and do the same for others.Rich Birch — Can you unpack that a little bit more? Because I think this is, ah to me, a core part of the book that I think is really helpful. Even if you’re maybe listening in, you’re thinking, okay, I’m not sure adoption or foster care is necessarily the thing, but you unpack this idea of gospel rather than guilt. And can you talk us through, you know, how, yeah, just talk us through that part, that concept a bit more. Just double click on that a little bit.Andrew Hopper — Yeah. So, you know, when we think about behaviors that flow from the Christian life, there’s really only two ways to think about it, right? Like one of them is we try to do things in order that God would approve of us, you know, that he would, you know, he would, ah he would, he would let us in his family, you know, those those types of things. And we, you know, this is for a lot of Baptistic world, which I am, this was kind of like, wow, this is really revolutionary, but that was 20 years ago – Keller and all that. You know, we just started understanding what more of a gospel center motivation. Andrew Hopper — Of course, the other way to think about Christian behaviors is you are part of the family because of what Christ has done for you. And the family has a culture. The family works a certain way. There’s fruit that will pop out in your life, not so that you can gain entrance into the vine. That’s not how it works. Like, ah you know, you don’t you don’t produce fruit to get in the vine. You produce fruit because you’re in the vine. Andrew Hopper — And so, you know, when we think about like like Titus 2, for example, we think about how the grace of God appears to all men, teaching us not just salvation, but teaching us to obey his commands. So there’s something about salvation that and is inherent to the gospel-centered motivation of of of going out, living the Christian life. You know, it’s it’s kind of the John Bunyan idea when they said, man, if you, you know, if you keep preaching this gospel message, people are going to do whatever they want to do. And he said, no, if I keep preaching this gospel message, people are going to do whatever God wants them to do. Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — You know, and so I think what we’ve done in this book is just say, hey, that that is true universally in our Christian life. Like if I’m not tithing and I’m stingy, I can do motivation in two ways. Number one, how dare you, you piece of trash that you never, you know why would you never give? Look what God, you know, blah blah blah, blah, blah, guilt, guilt, shame, shame. Right. Andrew Hopper — Of course, the other way to say is like, man, what kind of riches has God given you in the gospel? And what kind of inheritance do you now have as a son of the king? It’s like, all right, that’s powerful, you know, and it will it will take us places that guilt never can. Guilt will work for a while. You can put fire under somebody and it’ll move them. But if you put it in them, they’ll run through a wall, you know. Rich Birch — So true.Andrew Hopper — And so it’s like it’s like, hey, OK, so you could do it with all these different things. We’ve tried to take this book and do that with adoption to say, all right.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — We know James 1:27, we need to care for the fatherless and the orphan. We understand. I mean, dude, there ain’t, when you talk about metaphors, there’s two big ones, marriage and adoption, you know? And so if you want to do adoption well, we can do it from two motivations. One motivation is look how many kids need. That’s all and that’s all true. That moves my heart. You know, look, can you believe this story of this kid? And that’s fine.Andrew Hopper — Of course, you could do guilt, too. Like, how dare you, you know, have this nice, happy family and not go adopt a little poor orphan kid. You know, you could do guilt. All those things will be fine. They’ll put fire under you a little bit. But if you want to put the fire in someone that is going to carry them through the long haul of all this stuff, I think it’s better to start with: All right. There’s kids that need to be chosen. Were you chosen?Andrew Hopper — You know, so like one of the you know, one I’ll give you an example. We know of a family here in the tribe. They’ve got an awesome son that is 20-something years old, kids got Down syndrome, and they adopted him from Ecuador. And his story was one day a carpenter was working on this building and he heard cries coming out of a dump, like a trash heap. This child had just been born and been left you know with his deformities had just been left for the dumpster. Andrew Hopper — And they brought him to the orphanage. And next thing you know, you know about three or four years later, he got adopted by this family that we know. And that family’s father, he said, Eddie’s story is my story. I was pulled from a trash heap by a carpenter. And if you it’s like that is powerful. Rich Birch — Right. Yes.Andrew Hopper — You know, when you start thinking about, man, in my sin, I was one who had no part and parcel in the kingdom of God. I was headlong in rebellion. I had rejected. I was not a son. And God lavished his love upon me, that I would be called his child. And if if that has happened to me spiritually, how could I not want to do that? Or at least help those. you know I’m not saying that’s a call for everybody, but be involved in others that are doing that as well.Andrew Hopper — And so that’s what we say. Adopted people, adopt people, chosen people, choose people. And hey, I didn’t answer your last question. Rich Birch — That’s fine.Andrew Hopper — Okay. Your last question was, why did we write the book? Very simply, I think more people just need to think about what I just said. You know, and I think churches do. And I think that if, you know, a lot of churches have adoption-minded people and a little bit of of fuel in that fire might create some really cool ministry in that church. And this book lays really well for being like, man, make it a small group resource for eight weeks. You know, it’s got questions at the end of each chapter.Andrew Hopper — Like my my prayer is that this book would catalyze tens of thousands of Christian adoptions. Rich Birch — Wow. Andrew Hopper — And that’s why we wrote the book.Rich Birch — Yeah. It’s and I thought the same thing as I was looking through it, that this would be a great resource for a small group, a great resource as a staff training thing. Because again, I think there’s two things happening on two levels. From my perspective, there’s what you’re actually talking about – adoption, but then there’s how you talk about it. And I think even both of those, I think could be interesting as a as a staff team to kind of unpack and think about. How do we ensure that what we’re doing is so gospel-infused. That’s part of why i love you as a communicator. I think you do such a good job on that. It’s just fantastic. So I would strongly encourage people to pick it up.Rich Birch — Help me understand the connection. So Mercy Hill is known for, or at least from my perspective, known as a sending church. You know, the thing, one of the and I’ve told again, I told you this before, you’re the first church leader I’ve ever bumped into that has connected new here guests to number of missionaries sent. This like idea of like this funnel of how do we move people all the way along to that? I think that’s incredible. How does that kind of sending culture and adoption, how does that fit together? How does that help kind of fuel the flywheel of what’s happening at Mercy Hill?Andrew Hopper — Well, you you helped me think about this when you came and did our one day for our for our Breaking Barriers group, you know, for the pastoral trainings that we do. Because in your church growth book, you talk about how, ah you know, community ministry is used as an evangelism tool. I’m not, I’m probably butchering the way you talk about it.Rich Birch — Yep. Yep. Oh, that’s good. Yep. That’s great.Andrew Hopper — That was like a big light bulb for me because because we we definitely do that, but we have not leveraged the communications of that.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — And so, um you know, for us now, what we’re trying to really think about is how does our adoption of foster care ministry and rope holding and families count ministry, how does that create open? We call them open doors, right? Rich Birch — Yep.Andrew Hopper — Like, how does it create open doors, questions in the community, where people come in? And we’ve seen it. You know, so like when we’re talking about the sending culture, that pipeline starts when new people get interested in faith, they get interested in church.Andrew Hopper — And, you know, like, for example, we we had a guy, we just did a historic video. Man, he’s saved, baptized, serving now, ah or, you know, family, young family, prototypical Mercy Hill guy, like, man, just you know blue collar heart, white collar job, just that. I mean, just everything we talk about. Right. He’s our he’s kind of our guy. And the way he got connected was his boss had signed up to be a rope holder. And it just blew his mind. Like, why would a guy take limited time and go help these families? I mean, he of course, he thought it was a good thing. But it really intrigued them. Andrew Hopper — And so we’ve tried to we’re trying to leverage more of the communication side. It’s tricky. You don’t want to be like, hey, look at us you know in the community. At the same time, I’m like, man, this year, you know when we’re going to do a pretty significant upgrade to some of the there our foster care system has, there’s a house that has a backyard and the backyard is where families come to play with kids, play with their kids they’re trying to get back from the foster care.Rich Birch — Right. Yep.Andrew Hopper — And we’ve said like, you know what, man, if these parents are putting in, that needs to be like the best, the best backyard, and you know?Rich Birch — Right. Yeah, absolutely. 100%.Andrew Hopper — And so, you know, we’re, we’re going to do a significant investment in some, you know, whatever…Rich Birch — Play structures and yeah. Andrew Hopper — …like a, you know, whatever, like a pergola type thing. They’re going put a shed out there. All going to connect it, pavers, all that stuff is what we want to do. And, you know, we’re, we’re looking at that and I’m going like, yeah, I mean, I get it. Like you don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, but at the same time, that’s not for us. That’s for people that are interested to say like, why would a church do that? You know, like why do they care so much?Andrew Hopper — And it’s because, Hey, sign of the kingdom. We want to build families through adoption. We want to restore families through foster care and families count. This is part of that. So we’ve tried to we’ve tried to use it as a way. And I would really encourage church leaders to think about that. Like, hey, is your community ministry actually an evangelism strategy?Rich Birch — Right. Yeah, that’s good. Love that. And yeah, I would encourage you continue to encourage you to think through those things because I do think that there’s, we’ve seen that there’s huge opportunity for folks who don’t normally attend church. They’re interested the way I’ve said in other contexts is they see it as a good thing. We see it as a God thing. We’re not going to fight them over the semantics of it at the front end. Because like you say it’s it’s the kingdom puncturing through that grabs their attention and you’re like oh what what you know what’s going on there? It’s a first step – how do we encourage those people? Rich Birch — Like on that backyard project, I no doubt if you’re rallying a bunch of guys to go work there, I know that there are guys in your church who have friends who they could invite who don’t attend church who maybe would never walk in your church who’d say, hey, will you come and work for a Saturday for a couple hours and swing a hammer and help us do this thing? Let me explain what this is about.They absolutely would show up, right? 100% they’d show up and and they’ll get intrigued by that. And they’ll be like, oh, what’s going on there? That’s that’s fantastic. Rich Birch — Well, friends, unabashedly, I want you to pick up copies of, not just a copy, copies of this book. So where do we want to send people to pick up copies, that sort of thing?Andrew Hopper — Yeah, man, they can just go to andrewphopper.com/chosen. Rich Birch — Perfect. Yep.Andrew Hopper — The book’s out so they can pick up a copy. I mean, it’s also just like on Amazon or whatever, but that link will take you straight to New Growth Press.Rich Birch — Right.Andrew Hopper — So, yeah, man, would love it. Would love to hear from anybody who’s using it well in a church context um to catalyze Christian adoption.Rich Birch — Love it. Anything else you want to share just as we close and how can people track, go to the website, other places we want to send them as we close up today.Andrew Hopper — Also on Instagram, we have a lot of stuff on Instagram, andrewphopper on Instagram. Yeah, the last thing I would say as a closing thought, Rich, is you know, the Christian adoption boom has sort of happened 20 years ago. People started talking about this a lot more. And now you can feel in some of the podcast world and all that, there’s a bit of a backlash, not not to don’t do it, but also like, hey, no one told us how hard this was going to be. Andrew Hopper — You’re dealing with traumatic situations, kids that have been brought, you know, I mean, it’s, it’s crazy. One thing I try to do in this book is I try to say, Hey, that’s not a good reason to take our ball and go home, you know.Rich Birch — That’s good.Andrew Hopper — Instead we just need to try to shoot as straight as we can. And I do that in this book, man. It is hard. It’s you’re on the front lines of spiritual war. I mean, it’s almost like, dude, the, the, the greatest transfer of faith from one generation to another happens in the home. We love it when adults get saved. I get that. But let’s be honest. Statistically, where does it normally happen? Right. Rich Birch — Yeah. Kids. Andrew Hopper — And so if you got a home that’s broken apart, that Christians are trying to put back together, what did we think Satan was going to do? You know, and so instead of taking our ball and going home, let’s just call it what it is, and then ask the Lord to steel our spine… Rich Birch — That’s good. Andrew Hopper — …and to move forward with the mission. So, yeah, man, I’d love for people to pick it up. And I appreciate the time to talk about it today.Rich Birch — Andrew, thanks so much. Appreciate you. Just want to honor you for the work you do. You’re a great leader. And I love how God’s using you and your church to make a difference. Thanks for being on the show today.Andrew Hopper — Thanks, brother.

This morning we're talking with farmers. First, Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D join us to discuss preparations for 2026 planting. Then we meet Alex Harrell of SE Georgia, a world record holder for producing soybeans who has had to make tough decisions ahead of 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Beauty School Bobbi podcast, Bobbi Powell interviews Jalia Pettis, a hair and makeup artist based in Phoenix, Arizona, who has recently been recognized in the 2025 top 100 of Modern Salon. Jalia shares her unique journey into the beauty industry, transitioning from a corporate career in human resources to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced, her experiences in beauty school, and her drive to compete and gain recognition in the industry. Jalia emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and the various paths one can take in their career, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams regardless of age or background. In this conversation, Jalia Pettis and Bobbi Powell discuss the importance of empowering the next generation in the beauty industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by social media, and the significance of mentorship and authenticity. Jalia shares her journey as a session stylist and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the need for personal growth and the impact of one's work in the industry.   Takeaways Jalia Pettis transitioned from corporate America to the beauty industry. She started her own business, 3Jay Productions, to support underrepresented talent. Jalia faced challenges in corporate settings that motivated her to become an entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system. Jalia's journey includes multiple entries into beauty school for different licenses. She encourages others to pursue their passions regardless of age or background. Jalia has won several prestigious awards in the beauty industry. Her experiences in corporate America shaped her approach to business and leadership. Jalia believes in competing against oneself to improve and grow. She highlights the importance of not comparing oneself to others in their career journey. I'm putting things in them, I'm hoping anyway, that I'm dropping seeds in them. If I really was caught up in people, I would have stopped a long time ago. You have to carve out space that feels most authentic to you. Social media is an amazing tool, but it's not the only tool. We have to quiet this noise somehow. If you lose, you don't get picked, that's not a failure. Everything doesn't have to be an announcement. You have to find another outlet versus feeling like you have to share. Be open to assisting. Know what you don't like.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jalia Pettis 02:55 Journey into the Beauty Industry 06:01 Corporate Background and Entrepreneurial Spirit 08:55 Overcoming Challenges in Corporate America 12:14 Transitioning to Beauty School 15:12 Pursuing Competitions and Recognition 17:57 Achievements and Future Aspirations 24:32 Empowering the Next Generation 27:57 Navigating Social Media and Authenticity 34:29 Career Insights and Session Styling 42:01 Future Aspirations and Industry Impact   www.beautyschoolbobbi.com www.beautyandstylenetwork.com   Follow Beauty and Style Network: @beautystylenet Beauty School Bobbi: @beautyschoolbobbi Jalia Pettis: @jaliadp, jaliapettis.com 3Jay Productions: @3jayproductions, 3jayproductions.com

Learn how to execute successful big days at your church with practical project management strategies. In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we dive deep into the execution side of church event planning—from clarifying vision and setting goals to using RACI charts, building accountability culture, and managing teams effectively. Whether you're planning Christmas services, Easter celebrations, or other major church events, discover proven systems for keeping everyone aligned, avoiding common pitfalls, and creating momentum through strong execution.

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In this powerful conversation, Kelly sits down with leadership teacher and author John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, to unpack why so many successful leaders feel exhausted, disconnected, and stuck despite "doing everything right." John shares his deeply personal journey from achievement-driven success to near-collapse, and the inner leadership shift that changed how he builds businesses, leads people, and teaches others to do the same. This episode is for CEOs, founders, and business owners who know they've outgrown an old identity but feel uncertain about what's next. Together, Kelly and John explore how authentic leadership, embodied presence, and aligned decision-making are becoming the defining advantages for leaders in 2026 and beyond. TIMESTAMPS: 02:11 – 04:45 What Big Asian Energy is really about (and why this message actually applies to EVERY leader) 04:46 – 07:30 Achievement culture, "shoulds," and the hidden cost of self-abandonment 07:31 – 10:05 The moment everything broke: burnout, internal bleeding, and the body's warning signs 10:06 – 12:40 The real cause of burnout 12:41 – 14:55 Comparison, people-pleasing, and the "Frankenstein identity" many leaders build 14:56 – 17:10 The turning point: discovering purpose and leading from a single guiding word 17:11 – 19:30 Why leadership doesn't have to look loud, aggressive, or performative 19:31 – 21:35 The seven self-sabotage patterns leaders don't realize they're operating from 21:36 – 23:40 "There are no business relationships. Only relationships" (and why this matters) 23:41 – 25:20 Sitting in the puddle: how presence builds trust faster than problem-solving 25:21 – 27:10 How embodied leadership creates calmer teams, stronger cultures, and better results RESOURCES:  Get the Book Big Asian Energy: The UnapolageticGuide for Breaking Barriers to Leadership and Success by John Wang: https://a.co/d/fMNpdPE  Connect with John Wang on Instagram: @johnwangofficial Website: https://bigasianenergy.com Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/  Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/ 

Isabel Eliashev grew up in Venezuela and came to the United States as an international student, eventually earning a track scholarship at the New York Institute of Technology, all before becoming a U.S. citizen. She went from learning English through her track coach to building a lifelong career in education. Today, in addition to teaching Spanish and coaching cross country, she serves as the Head of School at Alpharetta International Academy in Georgia.Isabel's impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She was the first Latina to run with the historic New York Pioneer Track Club and now honors her late coach through the annual Ed Levy 5K. At 52, she competes around the world in masters track, from Sweden to the Huntsman World Senior Games, while inspiring her students, her children, and her community to stay active.Send us a text

In this interview, I talk with Mike Iannelli, co-founder of ABLR, and Heather Buster, a visually impaired professional who completed the ABLR workforce training program and went on to secure meaningful employment. We discuss what ABLR is, how the accredited training program works, and why digital accessibility testing is a strong career path for blind and visually impaired individuals. Mike shares insight into the program's structure, its impact on the blind community, and real success stories from graduates. Heather offers a firsthand look at her experience—what she expected, the challenges she faced, and why the program exceeded her expectations. We also talk honestly about the program's difficulty and how determination and hard work can lead to real career opportunities. Learn more here: ► https://ablr360.com/theblindlife  Email Mike and Heather: ► michael.iannelli@ablr360.com ► hbuster1@gmail.com #ABLR360 #DigitalAccessibility #BlindEmployment #VisuallyImpaired #AccessibilityTesting #InclusiveEmployment #BlindCareers #AssistiveTechnology #AccessibilityMatters #TheBlindLife

In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, host Stu Turley sits down with Adam Ferrari, CEO of Phoenix Energy, to talk about “American oil” in action—from drilling record-setting four-mile laterals in the Bakken and delivering strong well economics even at $60 oil, to Phoenix's transparent, yield-focused model that lets everyday investors track real production and returns. Adam shares how Phoenix grew from a small, scrappy mineral-buying team into a 40,000 BOPD operator with ambitions to reach 100,000 BOPD, why long laterals and nimble engineering are key in a soft price environment, and how global capital increasingly sees U.S. barrels as the safest bet for energy security. The conversation also hits on U.S. energy dominance, the role of private mineral ownership, permitting and policy challenges in places like California, and Adam's broader mission to change public perception of oil and gas as an essential, long-term partner in affordable, reliable energy.Check out Phoenix Energy here: https://phoenixenergy.com/Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 - Intro00:33 – Record 4-Mile Bakken Laterals02:11 – Economics of Longer Laterals04:06 – Bakken Oil vs Gas Mix04:38 – How Phoenix Energy Started07:51 – Foreign Capital & Energy Security10:00 – Oil & Gas vs Wind/Solar Returns12:07 – Peak Oil Demand Pushed Out14:35 – Oil Value & Phoenix at 40k BOPD16:24 – Phoenix's Transparency Strategy18:36 – Path to 100k BOPD + Powder River21:18 – Engineering Innovations22:53 – North Slope & Global Supply23:58 – California Policy & Mike Umbro26:40 – Private Ownership & U.S. Advantage30:09 – Operating & Living in California35:19 – Politics & Blue-Collar Energy Jobs36:17 – Would Phoenix Drill in California?37:56 – 2025–2026 Outlook38:58 – Final Thoughts & MissionCheck out the ENB Substack https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/And the ENB Website: https://energynewsbeat.co/

Legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks joins the show to discuss his son Nicholas Brooks's new film "Sam," but the conversation quickly becomes a masterclass in comedy history and social commentary. Brooks shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic career, revealing that Warner Brothers executives initially considered "Blazing Saddles" too controversial to release, with one executive claiming it would "soil the name of Warner Brothers." The film opened in just three theaters in February but became such a phenomenon that by the July 4th weekend, it was playing in 850 theaters and became a "riotous hit." Brooks explains his creative process of parodying genres he loves, from Westerns to science fiction, and shares a delightful story about sending the "Spaceballs" script to George Lucas, who laughed so hard he spit coffee all over it but requested only one prohibition: no action figures be sold.Beyond the entertaining anecdotes, Brooks delivers a powerful message about comedy's role in social change. He identifies "Blazing Saddles" as his greatest accomplishment because it broke down racial barriers and challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. His philosophy is simple but profound: "If you can make them laugh, you can make them think." Brooks argues that comedy succeeds where serious preaching fails because laughter opens minds and hearts in ways that soapbox ranting cannot. He also discusses his talented children, including son Max Brooks who wrote "World War Z" and "The Zombie Survival Guide," and announces his upcoming musical adaptation of "Young Frankenstein" set to open in London. This conversation captures the wisdom, humor, and social consciousness of one of entertainment's most influential voices, demonstrating why Brooks's work remains relevant decades after its creation.

In this episode of Ready 4 Pushback, Nik sits down with Benson Truong, president of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), to unpack what it really takes to lead a massive aviation affinity group while still being a relatively new regional airline pilot. Benson shares his path from Googling "Asian pilots" before he even started training to now running an organization that's changing lives through mentorship, community, and serious scholarship opportunities—including full-ride flight training, ATP-CTP slots, and a guaranteed private pilot scholarship. They dive into representation in aviation, cultural expectations around "safe" careers, the power of showing up in person at PAPA Expo in Las Vegas, and how networking and storytelling can break down financial and emotional barriers to the flight deck. If you've ever wondered how to plug into a supportive aviation community—or how to help the next generation of pilots who don't see themselves in the cockpit yet—this conversation will give you both inspiration and a roadmap.  CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code "R4P2025" and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com! If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates! SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US. Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order. #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot

When a young Christy Harst first announced she would one day replace Barbara Walters, her father laughed. Years later, that spark of determination would carry her through the competitive world of marketing, television, and eventually, voiceover—where she discovered just how few women were given the mic. Instead of waiting for an invitation, Christy decided to build her own door—and open it for others.In this Power Lounge conversation, host Amy Vaughan, Chief Empowerment Officer of Together Digital, talks with Christy about how one moment of frustration became a movement. From realizing the imbalance in sports voiceover work to launching Building Doors VO, Christy shares how she turned awareness into advocacy and data into impact.Amy and Christy explore what it takes for women—and the men who support them—to create real pathways in industries still dominated by old systems. They discuss the power of collective action, the influence of representation, and why inclusion isn't charity—it's good business.This conversation is for anyone ready to push boundaries, elevate voices, and reimagine what opportunity sounds like.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:10 – "Empowering Voices in Media"06:10 – "Combining Sports Passion with Voiceover"11:39 – Breaking Barriers for Women Everywhere17:27 – "Using Privilege to Empower Change"22:09 – "Power, Privilege, and Responsibility"27:31 – Voice Bias Study Sponsorship34:15 – "Breaking Barriers with Building Doors"38:40 – Power of Collaboration45:09 – "Ask for the No"48:04 – "Evangelizing Through Data and Stories"56:14 – "Connecting Communities and Networking"59:44 – "She's Inspiring and Successful"01:01:51 – OutroQuotes:"Life doesn't just happen to you—it happens for you. When a door closes, build your own and leave it open for others."- Amy Vaughan"Change begins when we stop waiting and start creating. Use your voice, stand together, and build doors wide enough for everyone."- Christy HarstKey Takeaways:Build Your Own Door—And Make Room for OthersThe Power of Community—and Collective ActionData with a Dose of StorytellingSpot Bias, Create ChangeAllyship in ActionEvery Micro-Action MattersYour Authentic Voice is PowerfulRepresentation Shapes RealityConnect with the guest Christy Harst:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christyharst/Website: https://www.buildingdoorsvo.com/Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan Podcast:https://www.togetherindigital.com/podcast/Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitingHome - Together DigitalSupport the show

In this edition of Conversations with Griff, I chat with iconic Blue Jays television personality, Hazel Mae, recently recognized by the Canadian Hall of Fame with the Jack Graney Award, given to a media member for a lifetime of contribution to baseball. We discuss her stellar career, from the first time she was handed a tape recorder and sent to a Jays game, to her current status as a huge part of the most-watched telecasts in MLB, her role models in sports broadcasting, and her positive influence on young women in Canada. INDEX: 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – Winning the Jack Graney Award and Canadian Baseball HOF 3:25 – Her love of the Kansas City Chiefs 6:45 – The wonderful progression of women in sports media 10:00 – Admiration of Susan Waldman 14:25 – Double standard in Media + Personal anecdote 18:15 – Dealing with self doubt and struggles early on in career 24:30 – Moving and working for NESN in Boston 28:00 – Early days of MLB Network and Hazel's time there 33:38 – Working with Buck and Dan + Sportsnet 37:01 – Relationship building with players + Rowdy Tellez 39:15 – Carlos Delgado + Troy Tulowitzki 43:35 – Spirited conversations with husband and analyst, Kevin Barker 47:50 – Meeting her in-laws for the first time 49:50 – Hazels parents' reactions on her career and becoming an icon 53:10 – The humanity of Hazel's interview style 56:20 – Hazel's important influence on the next generation 59:30 - Outro ---- Get the video version of "Exit Philosophy" and "Conversations with Griff" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExitPhilosophy ---- For the full catalogue of Richard Griffin's work, including weekly Blue Jays/MLB columns, a weekly MLB Power Rankings column, exclusive conversations with some of the game's greats, past and present, and the Exit Philosophy podcast, visit https://www.griffsthepitch.com/    

"Doctors want you on it for the rest of your life. We want to teach you the skills to function without it." Randy and Michele of RevolutioniZe Nutrition join John to reveal the truth about the medical weight loss industry in our next Breaking Barriers episode. The health episode you can't afford to miss. Subscribe for more insights and inspiration.

We have Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D join us to discuss crop strategy and budgeting for 2026. Jim Wiesemeyer of Wiesemeyer's Perspectives joins us to look back on 2025 plus share thoughts on what he expects in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we close out another year, The Water Table looks back on the conversations that shaped 2025. In this special "2025 Wrapped" episode, we've curated highlights from our most impactful discussions—from Ducks Unlimited to the high-tech future of drainage modeling.Host Jamie Duininck and guest host Trey Allis revisit stories of multi-generational family businesses, the critical role of recycled plastics in pipe manufacturing, and the evolving mindset around water as a resource to be managed rather than a problem to be solved. Whether discussing the effects of tariffs on agriculture or the rigorous licensing of contractors in Ontario, this year has been a testament to the growth and professionalism of our industry.Join us for this retrospective as we celebrate another year in Ag water management.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome to 2025 Wrapped00:14 - John Schwartz: Vision and Teamwork in the Swine Industry01:19 - Samantha Ewald: Wetlands as the Kidneys of the Earth03:03 - Jamie Duininck: The Minnesota State Fair Experience03:50 - Lauren Lewandowski Hamer: Recycling and Local Manufacturing in Minnesota04:32 - Jamie Duininck: The Backbone of the Drainage Industry04:50 - Tim & Pattie Krengel: Multi-Generational Legacies06:01 - Toban Dyck: Agriculture Across the Great Plains07:41 - Chad Klotzbach: Managing Water Quality and Quantity08:43 - Jamie Duininck: The First Ever Water Table Live10:59 - Mel Luymes: Legislation and Licensing in Ontario12:24 - Karl Guetter: Insights on the 2024 and 2025 Seasons13:14 - Chuck Brandel: LiDAR Drones and Cost-Effective ModelingEpisodes Featured in 2025 Wrapped:118: Accidental Advocate for the Drainage Industry119: Revolutionizing Drainage: Improving Infrastructure with Technology121: Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities of Being a Farmer122: Drainage in Ontario: Balancing Agriculture & the Environment.123: Drainage Contractors' Questions Answered - Live!124: Who Pays? The Impact of Tariffs on U.S. and Canadian Ag126: From the Ground Up: A Legacy of Breaking Barriers & Land Stewardship131: Schwartz Farms: A Business Built On Shared Purpose & Embracing Change132: Ducks Unlimited: Balancing Wetland Conservation & Agricultural Production135: A Fair Deal: Recycling & Giving Plastics New LifeFind us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.

Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life, where music, culture, and the stories behind the wine flow together. In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with the remarkable Kathryn Hall, a true pioneer whose journey transcends the vineyard. From her roots as a city attorney in Berkeley and a groundbreaking leader at Safeway, to her appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Austria and her deep ties to the California wine industry, Kathryn Hall brings a lifetime of passion, purpose, and a hefty pour of wisdom to the table.Together, they explore Kathryn Hall's dynamic path through law, politics, and wine—dishing on the culture of Berkeley, the evolution of Napa Valley, and what it really means to make a difference both in the community and in the bottle. Along the way, they dive into memorable wines from Kathryn Hall's Hall, Walt, and BACA portfolios, share stories about activism, and celebrate the joy that great wine and good company can bring to life.Whether you're here for the beats, the vines, or the life lessons, this conversation is a masterclass in following your passions—and making the world a little happier along the way. Pour yourself a glass and hit play: this episode is not one to miss.For more information about Hall Wines click the link!Follow Hall Wines on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine ReviewsGo to the-vines.com and use code BLACKWINEGUY to unlock member pricing and join their community for just $395, plus get a case of wines they make with their partners. (U.S. addresses only.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary    In this inspiring episode of WarDocs, we are honored to feature the extraordinary journey of Retired Army Brigadier General Clara Adams-Ender. Rising from humble beginnings as one of ten children born to sharecroppers with limited formal education, she defied expectations to become a trailblazer in military medicine. Her story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Although she initially dreamed of becoming a lawyer, she honored her father's wishes to attend nursing school, a decision that launched a remarkable 34-year career culminating in her service as the 18th Chief of the Army Nurse Corps.    BG(R) Adams-Ender shares powerful anecdotes that defined her leadership philosophy, starting with her first assignment as a Second Lieutenant in an ICU. She recounts a tragic incident involving a Marine shot by a friend during horseplay, a moment that taught her the stark difference between "book learning" and the practical responsibilities of an officer to care for the discipline and safety of troops. She also details the grit required to become the first woman to earn the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB). Refusing to settle for the lower physical standards set for women at the time, she marched the full 12 miles alongside her male counterparts, proving that competence knows no gender.   Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the evolution of the Army Nurse Corps from a workforce viewed merely as labor to leaders in healthcare policy and administration. She discusses her time as an educator during the Vietnam War, mentoring students facing the draft and ethical dilemmas. General Adams-Ender passionately argues for the necessity of nurses having a "seat at the table" in healthcare leadership, noting that without a voice in policy, the profession cannot control its destiny. As the Army Nurse Corps approaches its 125th anniversary, she reflects on the core values of clinical excellence, administration, research, and education (CARE), offering timeless advice for the next generation of military medical professionals.   Chapters (00:00-06:40) From Sharecropper's Daughter to Nursing School (06:40-11:45) A Tragic Lesson in Leadership and Troop Welfare (11:45-17:15) Breaking Barriers to Earn the Expert Field Medical Badge (17:15-22:42) Educating Nurses During the Vietnam War Era (22:42-37:55) The Power of Policy and Having a Seat at the Table (37:55-45:34) Core Values and the Legacy of the Army Nurse Corps   Chapter Summaries (00:00-06:40) From Sharecropper's Daughter to Nursing School The guest discusses her family background, emphasizing her parents' deep value for education despite their limited schooling. She shares how she initially aspired to be a lawyer but followed her father's directive to attend nursing school, eventually discovering a passion for the challenge the profession provided. (06:40-11:45) A Tragic Lesson in Leadership and Troop Welfare Reflecting on her first assignment at Fort Dix, the guest describes the transition from academic theory to the practical realities of military nursing. She recounts a harrowing story of a young Marine shot due to horseplay, which served as a pivotal lesson on an officer's responsibility to maintain discipline and care for the troops beyond clinical duties. (11:45-17:15) Breaking Barriers to Earn the Expert Field Medical Badge The conversation shifts to the guest's historic achievement as the first woman to earn the EFMB. She details her determination to meet the same physical standards as the male soldiers, including marching 12 miles instead of the required 8 for women, viewing the grueling training as an opportunity to prove her capabilities. (17:15-22:42) Educating Nurses During the Vietnam War Era The guest describes her time as an instructor at Walter Reed, where she taught students from diverse backgrounds. She highlights the challenges of mentoring nursing students during the Vietnam War, helping them navigate their fears and obligations regarding deployment to a combat zone. (22:42-37:55) The Power of Policy and Having a Seat at the Table Moving into administration, the guest explains how she learned that writing good policy allows a leader to influence far more outcomes than hands-on care alone. She stresses the importance of nurses securing leadership roles to ensure they are in charge of their profession's destiny and not merely following orders from others. (37:55-45:34) Core Values and the Legacy of the Army Nurse Corps As the 125th anniversary of the Army Nurse Corps approaches, the guest reflects on the enduring values of the profession, using the acronym CARE. She concludes with a dedication to her mentors and offers advice to current nurses on maintaining standards and commitment to the mission.   Take Home Messages Leadership Requires Practical Adaptability Success in military medicine often requires unlearning the rigid structures of "book learning" to adapt to the practical realities of the environment. True competence is demonstrated not just by clinical knowledge, but by the ability to handle unexpected situations and the human dynamics of the troops under one's command. The Responsibility of the Officer Extends Beyond Patient Care A medical officer's duty is not confined to the hospital bed or the clinic; it encompasses the overall welfare, discipline, and safety of the soldiers. Preventing tragedy through discipline and looking out for the troops is as vital as treating the wounds that result when safety protocols fail. Equality is Proven Through Standards Breaking barriers and earning respect often comes from a refusal to accept lower standards based on gender or background. By voluntarily meeting the more rigorous requirements set for counterparts, a leader demonstrates resilience and capability that silences doubters and inspires the team. Influence Through Policy and Administration While direct patient care is the heart of medicine, long-term impact is achieved by securing a "seat at the table" in administration and policy-making. Writing effective policy allows a medical professional to guide the hands of thousands of others, shaping the destiny of the profession and improving care on a systemic level. Total Commitment to the Profession Medical service is difficult, demanding work that requires a full "all-in" mentality. The key to longevity and success is to make a firm decision to commit to the profession; once that decision is made, energy should be directed toward the mission and patient care rather than complaints or negativity.   Episode Keywords Clara Adams-Ender, Army Nurse Corps, EFMB, Expert Field Medical Badge, Military Medicine, Leadership, Women in Military, Black History, Vietnam War Nursing, Walter Reed, Nursing Education, Healthcare Policy, Mentorship, WarDocs, Army General, Brigadier General, Nursing Administration, Military History, Veteran Stories, Medical Podcast Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation. Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield, demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.   Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

In this episode, the host engages with Toni Will, the groundbreaking General Manager and first female governor in ECHL history, overseeing the Kalamazoo Wings. Toni shares her unique path from banking to sports management, emphasizing her commitment to leadership, innovation, and personal reinvention. With a TEDx talk, a podcast, and an upcoming book, Toni discusses her six leadership pillars: consulting experts, innovating, embracing mistakes, seeking forgiveness over permission, macromanaging, and having fun. She also opens up about her journey to alcohol-free living and her dedication to empowering women through her conference, Empower Her. Toni's bold insights and practical advice make this episode a compelling listen for anyone looking to break new ground in their personal or professional life.Find and Connect with Toni Will:Facebook: Toni Lentini Will Facebook: toniwillofficialInstagram: @toniwillofficial Instagram:  @imtoniwillLinkedIn:  Toni Lentini Will Web: https://www.toniwill.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToniWillEpisode Highlights:00:00 Breaking Barriers: Meet Toni Will01:52 From Banking to Hockey: Toni's Unlikely Journey03:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Economic Development04:26 A New Path: Joining the Kalamazoo Wings07:04 Leadership Pillars: Toni's Guiding Principles14:48 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry17:35 Embracing Alcohol-Free Living19:57 Journey to Becoming a Certified Coach20:37 Navigating Social and Business Challenges Without Alcohol21:35 Understanding Emotional vs. Physical Addiction24:30 Setting and Achieving Goals for the New Year29:19 Empower Her Conference and Upcoming Events31:38 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights34:21 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

Who is Roland Butcher? Depending on your connection to the game - that question has different answers for different people. Roland the first black man to play cricket for England? Roland the Middlesex Legend? Roland the Bajan trailblazer? Roland the football coach? Roland the West Indies selector? There is so much more to Roland Butcher than meets the eye. With his new book out, Roland sat down with Machel to look at all things cricket and the stories behind his story. You can keep abreast of all things book release by following Roland on X - @butcher_roland or by going to his website www.rolandbutcher.co.uk to get your copy of the book. As ever please leave a rating, review, comment and subscribe to the Caribbean Cricket Podcast. No other channel keeps it as real as we do on the Caribbean Cricket Podcast. If you'd like to support the Caribbean Cricket Podcast you can become a patron for as little as £1/$1 a month here - patreon.com/Caribcricket If you would like to read some high quality articles on West Indies cricket - please subscribe to our brand new site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Caribbean Cricket News on CounterPress • West Indies Cricket independent news⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(00:00:00) In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary Special Olympian and advocate Loretta Claiborne reflects on her extraordinary journey of resilience, inclusion, and lifelong advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities. (00:22:30) Then, Tom Baldridge, the new Interim President and CEO of Pennon, joins us to discuss leadership, vision, and what’s next as he steps into his role guiding the organization forward. Together, these conversations explore perseverance, mission-driven leadership, and how individuals can create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Noor Al-Shibli, a board-certified OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine fellow, shares how remarkable advancements in antiretroviral therapy have drastically reduced HIV transmission rates during pregnancy. Listen to discover the collaborative efforts of health care professionals and community advocates in supporting pregnant individuals living with HIV and learn about the evolving guidelines that empower shared decision-making in infant feeding. This is an inspiring conversation on breaking barriers and fostering hope in maternal health. Meet our guests: Noor Al-Shibli, MD Read More Dr. Noor Al-Shibli is a board-certified OBGYN and third year Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow at Emory University School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Tennessee and completed her OBGYN residency training at Duke University. Throughout her time at Emory, she has cared for high-risk obstetrics patients at Grady Memorial Hospital, including a specialized high-risk obstetrics clinic for pregnant individual living with HIV. Her clinical and research interests include infectious diseases, maternal nutrition, and community health. Noor has a passion for educating and empowering her patients about their reproductive health. Episode Resources Dr. Michael Lindsay NIH Perinatal HIV Guidelines CDC HIV Hotlines and Warmlines Perinatal HIV Hotline: 1-888-448-8765 (24 hours, seven days a week) Ryan White Program Locator AWHONN Infectious Disease Resources AWHONN HIV Resources AWHONN Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) The post Breaking Barriers: Advances in Perinatal HIV Care appeared first on AWHONN.

Struggling to talk about money and generosity with your church? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we explore five essential principles that help pastors authentically lead their congregation in biblical giving. Learn why generosity is one of the most powerful discipleship tools available, how to shift from wanting something FROM people to FOR people, and practical ways to teach tithing and first fruits giving. Whether you're preparing for end-of-year giving campaigns or building a year-round culture of generosity, this conversation covers the heart issues, theological foundations, and leadership practices that make discussing money feel natural and transformational.

In this episode with Diana Yousef, a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience commercializing science-based technologies for global social and environmental impact, The Founder Spirit explores her journey from a childhood fascination with nature and science to founding change:WATER Labs, a climate tech venture using innovative materials science to increase access to safe, sustainable, and scalable sanitation in places with insufficient water and/or sewerage infrastructure.Discover how Diana's unique experiences of growing up as an Egyptian-American and relentless pursuit of impact have led her to create solutions that address global challenges, empower women, and promote sustainable development. Join us for an insightful conversation about innovation, resilience, and the power of science to change the world.How did Diana become known as the “Toilet Lady” who conceived the iThrone while consulting for NASA on recycling wastewater at the Space Station? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon!For detailed transcript and show notes, please visit TheFounderSpirit.com.Also follow us on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/TheFounderSpirit- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheFounderSpirit- YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderSpirit- Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TheFounderSpirit- X:  https://twitter.com/founder_spiritIf this podcast has been beneficial or valuable to you, feel free to become a patron and support us on Patreon.com, that is P-A-T-R-E-O-N.com/TheFounderSpirit.As always, you can find us on Apple, YouTube and Spotify, as well as social media and our website at TheFounderSpirit.com.The Founder Spirit podcast is proud to be a partner of the Villars Institute, a non-profit foundation focused on accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and restoring planetary health.About This Podcast:Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional or someone who's just starting out in life, The Founder Spirit podcast is for you!In this podcast series, we'll be interviewing exceptional individuals from all over the world with the founder spirit, ranging from social entrepreneurs, tech founders, to philanthropists, elite athletes, and more. Together, we'll uncover not only how they manage to succeed in face of multiple challenges, but also who they are as people and their human story.So TUNE IN & be inspired by stories from their life journey!

Ilana Golan has reinvented herself more times than most people switch job titles. From becoming one of the first women to train F-16 pilots in the Israeli Air Force, to engineering, to product, to Silicon Valley executive, to investor, to founder, she's rebuilt her identity again and again in industries that weren't built for people like her. In this episode of the Remarkable People podcast, Guy Kawasaki pulls back the curtain on what it really took for Ilana to leap across careers, break barriers, and build a system that helps thousands do the same. She breaks down the concept of reinvention and what it really takes to leap again and again. Ilana Golan is a former F-16 flight instructor turned Silicon Valley tech executive and investor. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. In this episode, Guy and Ilana will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (02:20) Breaking Barriers in the Israeli Air Force (06:07) What Reinvention Really Means Today (10:40) The Core Steps to Reinventing Your Career (12:59) Reinventing When Systems are Against You (15:16) Advice for Women on Breaking Glass Ceilings (19:58) The Core Signals That You Need Reinvention (21:52) Case Studies: Reinventing Public Figures (29:37) The Role of Timing in Reinvention (33:41) The Power of Building a Personal Brand Ilana Golan is a serial entrepreneur, board director, global keynote speaker, and investor in over 100 companies. As the founder of Leap Academy and host of the LEAP Academy podcast, she teaches professionals how to fast-track opportunities, build portfolio careers, and unlock financial freedom. Ilana has been recognized as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence, a Top 40 Woman to Watch, and a CEO World Award winner. Under her leadership, LEAP Academy was named one of Inc. 500's Fastest Growing Companies. Connect with Ilana:  Ilana's Website: leapacademy.com  Ilana's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilanagolan  Resources Mentioned: Guy's Podcast, Remarkable People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827  LEAP E97 with Guy Kawasaki: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasaki-the-tech-evangelist-who-built-apple/id1701718200?i=1000703853865  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

Dr. Jesus Campos is a researcher at the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and a member of HCDE's Institutional Review Board. Additionally, he serves as a principal evaluator for a $612,000 Civic Engagement Grant for HCDE, He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at The University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, where he teaches in the Criminology, Law, & Society Department. He received his Ph.D. in Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University and his undergraduate and master's degrees in criminal justice from the University of Houston-Downtown. His research interest includes juvenile delinquency, school-based delinquency, immigration and crime and Latino/Hispanic issues in Criminal Justice. Jesús Links/Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesuscamposvaldez/ Important Links/Socials: 

The battle for equality in the U.S. military didn't happen overnight. It took decades of courage, persistence and women who refused to back down. Documentary filmmakers Joy Bronson and Ellen Haring reveal the untold stories behind "The Fight to Fight," their upcoming feature film chronicling women's integration into combat roles from the 1970s through 2016. Hear firsthand accounts from a Gulf War Navy pilot and a retired Army colonel about the restrictions they faced, the lawsuit that changed everything, and why today's military women still face resistance. This episode of Tango Alpha Lima captures history in the making and honors the pioneers who proved they could "crush them with competence.” Also in this episode, a preview of the Army-Navy Game, what's ahead for Wreaths Across America and futuristic changes to an Army chow hall.SHOW LINKSArmy vs Navy: Fuel the Fight. Fund the MissionWings of Gold: The Story of the First Women Naval Aviators Learn more about "The Fight to Fight"Join the USA250 ChallengeThe most dangerous gravesite in the US resides in Arlington CemeteryArmy tests out first robotically-operated dining facility

In this episode of the 9innings Podcast, host Kevin Thompson sits down with Chelsea Ransom-Cooper — CFP Board member and wealth advisor — to discuss her path in the financial advisory world. Chelsea opens up about her partnership with Jason Ray, the challenges of launching her own firm, and the significance of representation and the CFP® designation. The two dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, client relationship building, and the changing landscape of financial planning — offering insight and inspiration for both aspiring and seasoned advisors.Chelsea & Jason Ray: How They Met (00:01:51)Building the Partnership & Early Career Moves (00:03:33)The Value and Evolution of the CFP (00:06:24)First Steps as an Entrepreneur (00:13:02)Role as a CFP Board Ambassador (00:17:54)Advice for Young Advisors (00:22:25)Final Words of Wisdom & Closing (00:26:03)NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428 facebook: / mlb2cfp Buy MLB2CFPHere: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4 Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications. Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure

Welcome to THE RAWRRZONE!Today we sit down with Charles Clemons, one of the youngest directors and producers in the movie industry, founder of C2TV, and a filmmaker who began writing movies at just 14 years old.From working with major talents like Nicole Richie & Maia Campbell, to producing over 20 films & TV shows, Charles speaks on:

As seven-time world champion surfer Layne Beachley was recently honoured with the DAWN award at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) in Melbourne, it's the perfect time to revisit her chat with Osher and just a few of its many insightful moments. You'll hear: What diving headfirst into your fears gives you How Layne realised the truth of what was really holding her back from being number 1 And more. Listen to the whole episode for more - search Layne Beachley Better Than Yesterday For Story Club and copies of So What Now, Now What? (a great Christmas gift), head here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the Seven Million Bikes Community.This episode's guest, Tracey Nguyen Mang, is the founder and creator of the award winning podcast: The Vietnamese Boat People. This podcast shares the stories of hope, survival and resilience from the Vietnamese diaspora during 1975-1992.Tracey was so interesting and engaging an interview it went for nearly two hours. It's been edited into two parts with bonus content available to the Seven Million Bikes Community.In Part 2 Tracey shares about the Conversation Starter Kit they've developed to help children of Vietnamese Boat People break down barriers and get their family to comfortable open up about their painful past.Read The Accompanying Blog Post.Follow and Listen to the Vietnamese Boat People Podcast here.Season 7 is sponsored by Blue Dragon's Children's Foundation and Saigon Children's Foundation. Please donate if you are in a position to.Follow us on Facebook.Buy us a coffee.-------------------Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.Main Cover Art designed by Niall Mackay and Le Nguyen.Episode art designed by Niall Mackay, with pictures supplied by guests and used with permission."Send me a message!"Vote now for Discover Vietnam! The full list of winners is here. Support the show

Send us a textIn this empowering episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are honored to host Gladys DeClouet, a trailblazing author and business leader with a remarkable legacy in the corporate world. Gladys shares her inspiring journey from the desegregated South to becoming the first black female engineer in offshore oil and gas exploration, as well as her executive roles at major companies such as British Petroleum, Burger King, and Jack in the Box. She opens up about the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, the importance of resilience, and her commitment to inclusive leadership. Gladys discusses her new book, "A Layered Life: Breaking Barriers as a Trailblazing Black Woman in Corporate America," where she recounts her personal and professional experiences, aiming to inspire future leaders and spark meaningful conversations about diversity and well-being. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation filled with insights on leadership, perseverance, and the power of integrity. Discover more about Gladys and her work at www.gladysdeclouet.com.

In this episode, Christopher Keller interviews Jamie Moraga, a CEO and author, about her journey in leadership and entrepreneurship. Jamie shares her experiences of starting and selling a business in the military and defense sector, and her transition to writing a book aimed at empowering female leaders. They discuss the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and the balance between personal and professional life. Jamie emphasizes the value of being uncomfortable as a catalyst for growth and shares insights from her book, which combines personal stories with leadership lessons. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-care and finding time for personal interests amidst a busy schedule. Takeaways Jamie Moraga's journey from CEO to author.Authenticity in male-dominated industries.Balancing life as a CEO and mother.Growth through discomfort.Importance of self-care and personal time.Connecting through storytelling.Inspiring female leaders with her book.

Send us a textQuick Episode Summary:Vincent Mattox shares leadership, gratitude, friendship, and military journey insights.-SEO Description:Passing The Torch podcast: Vincent Mattox shares inspiring lessons on leadership, growth, and his military journey. Real stories, motivation, and wisdom.-

What does it look like to raise kids who believe they belong in science, who feel confident speaking up, and who see women as leaders in fields that have long pushed them out? I first came across Emily Calandrelli's work years ago on social media, and her mix of joy, honesty, and curiosity pulled me in immediately. Her voice reminded me that advocacy doesn't have to be loud to be powerful and that our kids are always watching how we chase our own dreams. She is now one of my favorite examples of what it means to model confidence and curiosity for the next generation. On today's episode, Emily and I talk about finding her way in a male-dominated STEM world, what she learned from losing her Netflix show, and how creating her own YouTube series changed everything. She also shares the story behind her viral TSA moment, how it sparked federal legislation, and what it meant to finally launch into space after dreaming about it for two decades. We discuss: ✔️ How representation in STEM shapes kids' beliefs about what's possible ✔️ Why speaking up matters, even when it's uncomfortable ✔️ The pressure mothers face when they pursue big goals ✔️ What her spaceflight taught her about wonder and perspective ✔️ How parents can spark scientific thinking and curiosity at home To connect with Emily Calandrelli follow her on Instagram @thespacegal and check out all her resources at https://www.thespacegal.com/  00:00 Intro 00:51 Welcome + How Emily Sparked TSA Policy Change 01:50 Raising Confident Science-Loving Kids 03:22 Emily's Path From MIT to TV 05:03 Breaking Into Science Media as a Woman 06:25 Losing a Netflix Show and Starting Over 09:30 Building Emily's Science Lab on YouTube 11:22 Redefining Success Beyond Algorithms 14:44 Motherhood, Identity, and Letting Go of Guilt 18:36 The Spaceflight Story She Worked 20 Years For 22:31 How She Funded Her Own Ticket to Space 24:11 What Seeing Earth From Space Feels Like 25:00 The Gendered Backlash After Her Spaceflight 31:01 The TSA Incident That Went Viral 32:31 Turning Viral Attention Into Real Legislation 38:12 STEM Representation for Kids Today 43:13 How Parents Can Model Curiosity at Home 46:47 Why Meeting Girls in STEM Fuels Her Work 49:21 Closing Thoughts + Where to Find Emily Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Dr. Stephanie J. Wong and Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), as they dive deep into the pressing issues facing Asian + American communities today, with a special focus on mental health, youth leadership, and breaking stereotypes. This episode explores the intersection of culture, identity, and mental health, while offering actionable insights on overcoming societal challenges. In this episode, you'll hear about: Addressing Asian+ Americans' Mental Health TAAF's new program: Thriving Asian Leadership Accelerator, equipping Asian+ American youth with the skills needed to thrive beyond academic achievement Combatting Stereotypes and Building Belonging Asian+ American Philanthropy and Representation Collaborations to Expand Mental Health Resources & Support, including the the Asian + American PSA and campaign, sparking a national conversation about belonging, visibility, and community safety, and TAAF's Beyond the Surface study, which found that nearly 1 in 2 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth screen positive for moderate depression, and that stigma and silence prevent many from seeking help. This reflects broader cultural dynamics (around identity, family pressure, and belonging) that can affect Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) of all ages. ========================================== Full bio:  Norman Chen is the Chief Executive Officer of TAAF and brings a thirty-year career in entrepreneurship, healthcare and community leadership in the United States and Asia. Norman is passionate about building organizations in both the nonprofit and private sectors that positively impact society. Prior to his appointment at TAAF, Norman co-founded the nonprofit Leading Asian Americans to Unite for Change (LAAUNCH) and helped to create a landmark study, The STAATUS Index, of American attitudes towards Asian Americans. As a healthcare entrepreneur, Norman was the founder and CEO of Asia Renal Care, a network of specialty medical centers in six countries, and co-founder of DeltaHealth Hospital, a world-class hospital in partnership with Columbia Heartsource. As a venture capitalist, Norman led successful life sciences investments at Fidelity Asia Ventures (now Eight Roads) and 6 Dimensions Capital. Norman grew up on the East Coast and currently lives in the Bay Area. He has been a board or advisory council member at The Nature Conservancy (CA), Children's Medical Foundation (HK), SF Marine Science Institute, and Positive Coaching Alliance. He holds a B.S. degree from MIT and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. ========================================== For more mental health and entertainment content,   Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/color_of_success/ https://www.facebook.com/colorofsuccess https://www.tiktok.com/@colorofsuccesspodcast Subscribe to our YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiaS5_HScsbFOJE5lYrEsxw To purchase Dr. Wong's book: Cancel the Filter: Realities of a Psychologist, Podcaster, and Mother of Color

What does it take to break barriers in industries that never expected you to rise? In this episode of Leadership on the Rocks, Bethany Rees sits down with Gladys DeClouet—trailblazing executive and author of A Layered Life. Gladys shares her raw and powerful story of becoming the first female engineer in offshore oil, leading multibillion-dollar businesses, and navigating the hidden “invisible tax” of being the first Black woman in leadership roles across corporate America. She opens up about resilience, inclusive leadership, and the high cost of ambition, while also offering encouragement and practical lessons for leaders today.

"It's never too late to change your life. There is no statute of limitations on your dreams."In this episode, we revisit our 2021 conversation with muralist & visual artist Sandeep Johal. For more information on applying to The Superfair as well as recordings of this and all of our past episodes, visit www.thesuperfair.com.Follow us on Instagram: @thesuperfair, @theartistbusinessplanSandeep Johal: @sandeepjohalartEmail questions and comments to abp@thesuperfair.com.Hosted and Executive Produced by James Miille and Alexander MitowSenior Producer: Parth Shah

In this Nomad Futurist episode, GEICO's Head of Infrastructure — and newly appointed Nomad Futurist Foundation Ambassador — Rebecca Weekly joins co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence to share how a curious kid dismantling gadgets grew into a leader shaping large-scale infrastructure and AI-driven environments. Through stories of early experiments, career pivots, and lessons in adaptability, she offers an authentic blueprint for the next generation of technologists, particularly young women in STEM. Rebecca traces her path from taking apart transparent phones and building her first server at age 12 to overseeing power, cooling, connectivity, data centers, and cloud operations across GEICO's 349 sites and expansive multi-cloud footprint. She distills her responsibilities with clarity: “Everything that we own, every site that we own, I own power, cooling, connectivity. I own all of the logical assets and physical assets at those locations.” Raised in a non-engineering family in Sacramento, Rebecca found a sense of belonging in the computer lab, where tech-minded counterculture kids and musicians helped root her in engineering. She reflects on that formative moment: “I found my people in the nerds. It had nothing to do with family... The tech came in from the nerds hanging out in the school.” Throughout the conversation, Rebecca underscores the importance of adaptability, long-term thinking, and focusing on the “so what” behind technology — capabilities she developed across roles in banking, fabs, semiconductors, EDA, and product management before moving into large-scale infrastructure leadership. Her advice for her younger self, and for today's emerging technologists, is both simple and profound: “Stay curious. Hang out with the nerds… It is absolutely who you surround yourself with and where you focus your energy that defines your outcomes, especially in the world of AI.” Rebecca also speaks candidly about navigating male-dominated environments in finance, fabrication, and high-tech engineering, explaining how being an outsider ultimately became a leadership asset. She urges listeners not to let the experience of being “the only one” diminish their voice: “Being an outlier early, the hardest part is your own mental load. Worry less about what [people] think of you or that you think differently. Worry more about just asking the question.” In the end, Rebecca's story is a testament to curiosity, resilience, and the power of community. Her journey demonstrates how embracing difference, seeking out passionate peers, and staying focused on meaningful impact can shape not just a career, but the future of technology itself. To learn more about Rebecca Weekly, connect with her on LinkedIn.

S1E5: Trusting the Trenches: Breaking Barriers and Building Better Networks Steven Hajny is joined by Martha Shue, Senior Enterprise Architect at Trinity Health, and Bob Les, Director of Product Engineering at Trinity Health, to discuss their healthcare organization's ongoing journey of infrastructure and network modernization. The conversation explores how Trinity Health has navigated the challenges of supporting a dispersed workforce, securing endpoints, and improving collaboration among teams—all while tackling trust issues, both personal and professional. From overcoming gender stereotypes in technical roles to adopting modern tools for better visibility, this episode captures the critical decisions and lessons that helped drive transformation in an ever-evolving healthcare IT landscape. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

We catch up with Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D. U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO Dan Halstrom joins us to discuss USDA's announcement of accepting applications for funding under the 2026 America First Trade Promotion Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of The Mike Litton Experience, Mike sits down with Christine Healy, founder of Healy Pre-IPO, global dealmaker, former Wall Street analyst, and one of the most innovative voices democratizing access to the world's fastest-growing private tech companies. Christine's story spans three continents—from an expat upbringing in London, to the University of Chicago, to the “bright lights” of Wall Street, and ultimately to breaking barriers inside Silicon Valley and Hong Kong. After years of navigating private equity, venture capital, and global dealmaking, Christine built a boutique firm that gives everyday investors access to companies like SpaceX, Stripe, OpenAI, and more—opportunities historically reserved for billionaires, VCs, and insiders. In this episode, viewers will learn:• Why the biggest companies in the world stay private for so long• What pre-IPO investing actually is (in plain English)• How Christine broke into elite dealmaking without privilege• Her journey from banking burnout to becoming a global entrepreneur• What everyday investors need to know before entering private markets• The mindset and risk-management behind starting your own company• How access, fairness, and financial empowerment drive her mission Christine is not just changing the financial industry—she's redefining who gets a seat at the table. If you enjoy inspirational stories, disruptive innovation, and real financial insight, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode. We're growing fast—and your support helps us continue creating high-impact conversations like this one. Like, comment, and share to help us break the next milestone! Connect with Christine:Email: Christine@Healypre-IPO.comWebsite: https://www.HealypreIPO.com

From Hurricane Harvey rescues to being honored at President Trump's first State of the Union — this is the remarkable story of a true American hero.In this powerful interview, we sit down with a Coast Guard aviation rescue leader whose journey through life's trials and tribulations shaped her into the warrior she is today. Her experience during Hurricane Harvey, her role as an avionics electrical technician, and her leadership in Coast Guard aviation have inspired countless Americans.We discuss: ✔️ Her personal path of resilience ✔️ Thrilling and emotional Coast Guard rescue missions ✔️ What it was like being honored at the 2018 State of the Union ✔️ The future of women in military aviation ✔️ The motivation, support, and camaraderie that shaped her journey ✔️ Her book The Hurricane Within and the lessons behind itThis interview is a tribute to courage, service, and the unbreakable human spirit. If you're inspired by military stories, leadership, or stories of rising above life's toughest storms, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Pro Mindset® Podcast, host Craig Domann sits down with Céleste Mordenti, elite gymnast and the first athlete in Luxembourg's history to win a FIG World Cup medal. Céleste opens up about the discipline, mindset, and inner resilience required to rise from a small nation to the world stage in artistic gymnastics.She shares powerful insights into overcoming doubt, pushing through plateaus, and building a mental framework strong enough to sustain elite performance. From mastering pressure to finding joy in the grind, Céleste's journey is a masterclass in chasing excellence—no matter where you come from.Whether you're an athlete, a leader, or someone striving for personal excellence, Céleste's story will inspire you to aim higher and break your own barriers.Episode Takeaways:

Kysre Gondrezick joins Angela Yee, Jordyn, and Jasmine Brand on Lip Service to talk about making history as the first active WNBA player to pose for Playboy. She opens up about embracing womanhood, setting boundaries in her shoot, and reclaiming confidence after loss. Kai reflects on love, healing, and what she’s learned from public relationships, plus why she’s now dating with intention. The group dives into balancing femininity and athleticism, redefining beauty, and navigating modern dating with self-awareness and purpose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bianca Juárez: Redefining Beauty, Breaking Barriers & Finding God's Call | The Basement w- Tim Ross

Michelle Yeoh is an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actress who stars as Madame Morrible in the movie musical Wicked and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good. In this conversation from March 2023, Yeoh sits down with Willie Geist to reflect on her sweeping awards-season success for Everything Everywhere All At Once and what it meant to finally have her big Hollywood moment. She looks back on her groundbreaking career, from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to Memoirs of a Geisha and Crazy Rich Asians, and shares the gratitude and perspective that guide her today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.