Podcasts about breaking barriers

Welcome back to Shift with Elena Agar! In this episode, Elena sits down with Arshnoor Kohli, the dynamic founder of Grangu—a platform on a mission to foster real, meaningful connections in an increasingly disconnected world. From navigating the challenges of moving to a new city to reimagining the way we build friendships and professional networks, Arshnoor Kohli shares the inspiration behind Grangu and how sharing a meal can bridge communities and break the cycle of loneliness.Together, Elena and Arshnoor Kohli explore the hurdles Gen Z (and all of us!) face around making authentic connections—both in our personal lives and within organizations—and why belonging is essential for happiness and productivity. You'll also hear behind-the-scenes stories of Grangu's launch, plus thoughtful insights on startup life, building community, and lessons learned as a first-time founder. Whether you're looking for new friendships, considering building something of your own, or just curious about the future of connection, this episode is packed with heart, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.Tune in for an honest, energizing conversation about why we all crave connection—and how Grangu is helping make it possible, one meal at a time.Connect with Arshnoor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshnoor-kohli/Get Grangou: https://www.grangouapp.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy #entrepreneurship

The boardroom has long been the ultimate fortress of corporate power—a room where the few decide the future for the many. But for women and underrepresented leaders, the door to that room has often been locked from the inside.   In this episode, Cindy Watson and Keith Dorsey dive into the tactical blueprint for breaking those barriers, securing your seat, and—most importantly—transforming the boardroom once you arrive. Keith Dorsey, a powerhouse researcher, author, and advisor who has dedicated his career to optimizing governance through diversity. As the founder of The Boardroom Journey, Keith doesn't just talk about representation; he provides the tactical roadmap for leaders of all backgrounds to claim their seats and, more importantly, transform how those boards operate.   In this episode, you will learn:   What people most misunderstand about the gap, how the gap is created and maintained. What are these barriers and which barrier is considered to be the most underestimated. The outline of visible and invisible barriers that impact women's board readiness and how can we strategically navigate them. Board interview, and an example of good board interview. Mindset shift for women to stop playing small when it comes to the boardroom. And many more!   Learn more about Keith:   Website: https://www.boardroomjourney.com/ LinkedIn: Dr. Keith D. Dorsey   Check out Keith's book: The Boardroom Journey: Chart Your Path to Lead at the Highest Levels   If you're looking to up-level your negotiation skills, I have everything from online to group to my signature one-on-one mastermind & VIP experiences available to help you better leverage your innate power to get more of what you want and deserve in life. Check out our website at www.artofFeminineNegotiation.com if that sounds interesting to you. Get Cindy's book here:   Amazon   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1   EBook   https://www.amazon.com/Art-Feminine-Negotiation-Boardroom-Bedroom-ebook/dp/B0B8KPCYZP?inf_contact_key=94d07c699eea186d2adfbddfef6fb9e2&inf_contact_key=013613337189d4d12be8d2bca3c26821680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1   Barnes and Noble   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-of-feminine-negotiation-cindy-watson/1141499614?ean=9781631959776 CONNECT WITH CINDY: Website: www.womenonpurpose.ca Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/womenonpurposecommunity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenonpurposecoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thecindywatson Show: https://www.womenonpurpose.ca/media/podcast-2/ (X) Twitter:  https://twitter.com/womenonpurpose1 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@hersuasion Email:cindy@womenonpurpose.ca

How do you identify a future church planter before they even know they're one? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we walk through 8 early indicators to look for in high school and college students — from entrepreneurial drive and dynamic communication to physical discipline and commitment to the local church. We also make the case for why parent planting (raising planters from within your own church) leads to deeper multiplication than partner planting, even though it takes significantly more time and intentionality.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

Today TheStockroom is joined by Beatrice Domond, Pro Skater, Vans Collaborator and the first black woman to sign for Supreme's skate team!In this conversation Michael and Eman speak about Beatrice's unique journey, how her love for sports made her realise her love for skating, being a regular collaborator of Vans and her recent launch event that took place in London for her zine “OUT OF TOUCH”! Follow Beatrice Domond: https://www.instagram.com/beatricedomondFollow TheStockroom: https://www.instagram.com/thestockroompodFollow our personal platforms too from left to right:Eman: https://www.instagram.com/emansgram_Michael: https://www.instagram.com/them1showBolu: https://www.instagram.com/boluthebearCHAPTERS00:00 - Introducing Beatrice Domond Pro Skater & Vans Collaborator01:14 - Beatrice Talks On The Skate Community & Her Relationship With London07:05 - Beatrice Journey Into Sports & Becoming A Skater13:05 - How Did Her Vans Collab Come About? & When Did Beatrice Realise She Was A Brand In The Skating Space 16:35 - The Vans Resurgence!19:30 - How It Feels Being The First Black Woman To Skate For Supreme & Working With The Next Gen21:38 - What's The Process of Designing A Vans Collab?24:20 - Beatrice Had A Relationship With Supreme Long Before She Joined Their Skate Team29:58 - Who Inspired Beatrice Growing Up?31:40 - About Beatrice's Zine “OUT OF TOUCH”34:29 - Skating In Brooklyn Bridge & The Architecture of Skateboarding38:36 - Skateboarders Invented The Fit Pic & Luxury Fashion Adopting Skate Culture Again45:50 - A Time Beatrice Fell Out Of Love With Skating48:00 - What's The Process Of Becoming A Pro Skater?57:50 - Is There An 8th Vans x Beatrice Shoe On The Way?1:07:00 - Beatrice Designed Clothes For FA and Supreme1:09:43 - Beatrice Signs TheStockroom Air Force 1 & Her Closing Thoughts

In this podcast, Deborah Ojutalayo discusses targeted gene therapies for frontotemporal dementia caused by mutations in the GRN gene.

Welcome back to another episode of The Writing Community Chat Show, recently ranked number 3 in the top 10 writing podcasts in the UK for 2025. In this special “eve of Valentine's Day” edition, hosts Chris and the team dive into the messy, complicated, and wonderful world of intimacy with the internationally recognized sexologist and best-selling author, Dr. Trina Read. Trina Read With over 25 years of experience helping people navigate the world of pleasure, Dr. Read joined us to talk about her journey from a syndicated sex columnist to a pioneer of the “self-help fiction” genre. Her latest novel, The Taboo Show, is set to challenge perceptions and make us laugh while rethinking what we know about pleasure.Trina answers the questions we want to know. How much sex in a relationship is normal? What should couples do after 10 years of marriage, and much more. Plus, listen to CJ reading Chris Hooley some ai generated suggested sext texts. From Non-Fiction to “Self-Help Fiction”Dr. Read's transition into fiction was born from a desire to reach women who might find traditional non-fiction a “slog”. After the success of her bestseller Till Sex Do Us Part, she developed a five-step program that she eventually wove into the lives of four fictional characters in The Sex Course.Her new book, The Taboo Show, continues the journey of these four women as they explore the “Taboo Sex Show”—a trade show experience Dr. Read knows well from her years as a mainstage speaker. From tantric skepticism to “Wiccan sex magic,” the story uses relatable characters to demystify complex topics.Expert Advice for Writers and Couples.One of the most enlightening parts of the episode was Dr. Read's advice on the craft of writing intimacy. She admits that writing sex scenes is “incredibly difficult” and requires a delicate balance. Her top tip? Edit out the “darlings.” To keep fiction engaging, she often removes up to 80% of the educational content to focus on the character's emotional reaction rather than the instruction itself.Advice for couples at every stage:* New Couples: Slow down and enjoy the courtship; don't rush the buildup.* The 6-Month Mark: This is when bad habits form. Start having conversations now before the “newness” wears off.* The 10-Year Veterans: Focus on “erotic threads” outside the bedroom—small acts of kindness and desire throughout the day to help bridge the “delayed sexual response”.Demystifying the “Taboo.”Dr. Read also breaks down the common misconceptions around Tantra, describing it simply as an exchange of energy and a way to build pleasure through connection. She encourages couples to lean into the awkwardness of talking about sex, noting that most people can share their bodies for decades but still struggle to share their words.Final Thoughts & Pre-Order Info.Whether you're looking to spice up your Valentine's weekend or looking for tips on writing authentic, “classy” intimacy in your next novel, this episode is a must-watch.Dr. Trina Read's new novel, The Taboo Show, is available for pre-order now and officially launches on February 28th. Visit her website at trinaread.com for pre-order bundles and free educational resources..Watch the full episode here: Enjoying the show? Subscribe to our Substack for more interviews with NYT best-sellers, celebrities, and indie authors. Together as one, we get it done! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewccs.substack.com/subscribeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.

Ffion Davies joins James Smith to reveal the problem with women in jiu-jitsu, a sport often gatekept by a "sausage fest" mentality and dangerous myths about self-defense. Davies, a six-time world champion, exposes why the current narrative is failing women and how the lack of equal pay is a quiet crisis threatening the sport's growth. They confront the reality of the "big strong dude" syndrome, the biological discrepancies in training, and the high-stakes battle for financial respect in elite competition.

Barriers shape the path to care. Emily Reis describes her role as a community engagement navigator for the Rose, connecting rural and urban communities to breast cancer screening resources. She covers Brazos Valley’s counties, teaches early detection, and works with clinics and facilitators to organize mobile mammogram days. Service relies on partnerships and word of mouth. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What does a Community Engagement Navigator do? 2. How does The Rose address barriers to breast cancer screening in the community? 3. What territory does Emily Reis cover as part of The Rose? 4. How does The Rose serve women in rural areas without imaging centers? 5. How do women make appointments for mobile mammogram days? 6. What role do local facilitators and clinics play in mobile screening events? 7. Why is it important for Community Engagement Navigators to be part of the communities they serve? 8. How does The Rose ensure ongoing support after a mammogram and diagnosis? 9. What motivates Emily Reis personally in her role? 10. How does The Rose promote regular annual mammograms and reach rural areas effectively? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Community Engagement for Life-Saving Connections 04:00 Mobile Imaging Access in Rural Areas 07:11 Building Community Through Public Health 09:34 Community Partnerships for Mobile Mammograms 15:48 Ensuring Cancer Care Access 17:20 Support Through Health Challenges 20:03 Breast Cancer Scare While Pregnant 24:18 Reaching Communities Through Mammograms 27:52 From Awareness to Action 30:03 Gratitude for Dedicated PartnershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chat with Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D about the importance of having a budget. Farm Journal reporter Michelle Rook shares details from her conversation last week with Minister Lyu of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. And we have this week's weather update witth Bret Walts of BAMWX.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The headlines are filled with calls for attention when it comes to today's youth, what they're doing with their time and how the Police are supposed to handle it. What do YOU know about Juvenile Crime Rates in today's major metropolitan cities? How about the impact of the existing police elements, their overall goals and focuses? There's a LOT to discover inside this episode of The Black and Blue Voices Podcast as the hosts welcome former police officer, police chaplain and speaker Anthony C. Meyers to shares detailed perspective, experience and stories to help give everyone a well-rounded view of what's going on in the world today - as well as to ask some very fair questions that beckon your answer. Are you ready to provide YOUR perspectives? Are you ready to explore deep conversations that truly need to be had in today's communities? To find out, the play button must simply be pushed...   The BlackandBlueVoices.Com Podcast Links Bar:  Connect with The Host!     Subscribe to This Podcast Now!     This program is one of the many parts of The WhatCopsWatch.Com Effort! Rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts. the Ultimate success for every podcaster is FEEDBACK! Not an Apple Podcasts user? No problem! Be sure to check out any of the other many growing podcast directories online to find this and many other podcasts on The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network!   Housekeeping -- The Editor Corps - Make Your Podcast Soar: There's only one question to ask: Why are YOU still editing your podcast? Reclaim the time you spend on editing (easily at least twice the time you spend on capturing the program) to make more great content by enlisting "The Editor Corps" who will "Make Your Podcast Soar!" http://EditorCorps.Com -- The Voice Farm: Fred Wilkerson, Mike's Father that died in the first few days of 2018, always dreamed of a place that those interested in Voiceover could go to learn more about the industry and experience - without all the BS that goes with it. We build it four and a half years go and it continues to provide new voiceover artists and businesses looking for voiceover talent a place to go and secure great voiceover artists. http://VoiceFarmers.Com   Two Great Ways to Listen/Watch This Episode of Black and Blue Voices! We are proud to provide you both a dedicated AUDIO and VIDEO presentation for this program! To Listen Now: Hit the play button in the player on this page or hit the Subscribe button on your favorite Podcast Directory to instantly get these episodes when they release! To Watch Now: Visit this program on YouTube, or hit the window located below to see the hosts, guests and light bulb moments that make this program special! https://youtu.be/59ut-NbE9HU?si=WZUducxRcY6CX9ZB The Detailed Shownotes for This Episode of Black and Blue Voices: Looking for the detailed links, information and references used inside this episode? Read on below to find them all and remember to reach out to ask if there's something else you'd like to see from this episode! 1. Juvenile Justice System & Reform Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE) – Reporting and resources on juvenile crime, reform efforts, and best practices. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) – U.S. government agency supporting improvements in youth justice systems. Annie E. Casey Foundation: Juvenile Justice – Research and programs aimed at youth justice reform. 2. Community Policing & Public Safety National Initiative for Building Community Trust & Justice – Resources on building trust between police and the communities they serve. Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) – U.S. Department of Justice resource hub for community policing. What Is Community Policing? (National League of Cities) – Primer and resources. 3. Racial Disparity & Equity in Justice The Sentencing Project: Racial Disparity – Research and stats on racial disparities in the criminal justice system. NAACP Criminal Justice Resources – Advocacy and education on equity in policing and youth justice. 4. Youth Intervention & Prevention Programs Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) – Programs that provide mentorship, sports, and safe activities for youth in partnership with law enforcement. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – Community-based youth mentoring. 5. Societal Factors & Community Development Brookings Institution: Place Matters – The Role of Neighborhoods in Shaping Child and Adult Outcomes – Research on how community environment impacts youth decisions. Urban Institute: Social Determinants of Health and Safety – How education, housing, and social support influence public safety. 6. Mental Health, Faith-Based Interventions & Redemption National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Resources for addressing mental health in justice-involved populations. Faith & Freedom Coalition – Role of faith-based organizations and mentoring in rehabilitation and justice reform. 7. Recent Events and Historical Context PBS: Ferguson in Perspective – Coverage and analysis of the Ferguson protests and their impact on policing. History of Policing in African American Communities (Equal Justice Initiative) – A look at the roots and evolution of modern policing and race. Emmett Till: The Story and Legacy – Historical context for references made in the episode. 8. Moving Forward: Dialogue, Accountability & Building Trust The Stand United Initiative (St. Louis) – Local organization fostering positive police-community relationships. Daryl Davis on Conversation Across Divides – A powerful TED talk on the power of conversation in bridging divides. 9. Additional Listening & Inspiration Code Switch (NPR) – Podcast exploring race, ethnicity, and culture. Policing Matters (Police1) – Conversations about policing challenges and solutions. TED: The Radical Power of Empathy (Jamil Zaki) – On how empathy fuels connection and meaningful social change. Want more? Connect, comment, or ask questions: Black and Blue Voices Website   Timestamps for This Episode of Black and Blue Voices: 00:00 Challenges in Juvenile Justice System 05:42 "Balancing Home Influence and Community" 11:51 Impact of Generational Community Disinvestment 18:29 Rebuilding Trust Through Accountability 25:46 Challenges in the Juvenile Justice System 28:08 Juvenile Justice System Resource Challenges 35:25 "Race, Accountability, and Juvenile Justice" 41:05 Addressing Bias and Influences Together 46:05 "Personal Experiences Shape Police Views" 48:43 "Rebuilding Trust Through Dialogue" 54:38 Policing Challenges and Collaborative Communication 01:01:27 Grace, Unity, Justice, and Redemption 01:07:40 "Ethics and Challenges in Policing" 01:13:47 "Highlighting Positivity in Communities" 01:20:05 "Breaking Barriers for Police Voices" 01:24:34 "Engage, Reflect, and Grow Together"   Questions Answered Inside This Episode of Black and Blue Voices: Juvenile Crime & Reform: The group discussed repeat offenses and the challenges around detaining juveniles. What are the pros and cons of detaining young offenders versus emphasizing rehabilitation and community programs? Community Perception: How does public trust (or lack thereof) in the justice system impact the effectiveness of both policing and community safety, according to the experiences shared by the speakers? Equal Application of Law: Chief Chris emphasized the importance of laws being applied "equally with equity." What does this look like in practice, and what barriers exist to achieving it? Role of Social Media: The episode touches on how social media and news highlight negative stories and amplify fear. How do you think this shapes public opinion about policing and crime in your community? Systemic vs. Individual Responsibility: How do larger systemic issues (like generational disinvestment in certain neighborhoods) interact with personal responsibility when it comes to youth crime? Where should change start? Community Policing: Several speakers shared about the power of having officers truly embedded in the community. What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of more “community-oriented” policing? Race and Law Enforcement: The episode challenges the narrative that all issues in policing are strictly racial. How do the speakers suggest we navigate conversations about race, policing, and justice more productively? Redemption and Forgiveness: What does real redemption look like for youth who have made serious mistakes? Should the justice system emphasize second chances, and where is the line drawn? The Power of Conversation: The speakers repeatedly argue that real dialogue—like the one on this podcast—is key to understanding. What steps could you or your community take to foster more of these conversations? Highlighting the Positive: The episode closes by calling for more recognition of the positive things happening in communities and police departments. Why do you think positive stories so rarely make headlines, and how could we change this?   Additional Actions: Leave your feedback or suggest future topics at blackandbluevoices.com/contact. Join the conversation by commenting on our YouTube channel (search for Black and Blue Voices).   ==== Links to 10+ Years of Chief Chris' WhatCopsWatch.Com: Website: https://whatcopswatch.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2VV1HL9.... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b46.... Facebook: / whatcopswatch     ==== Links to Eric Alexander Online: /-- Be sure to visit Applied Combatives Group Online!   ==== Connect with Mike Wilkerson (The STLPodFather)'s 20+ Years of Podcasting:

The headlines are filled with calls for attention when it comes to today's youth, what they're doing with their time and how the Police are supposed to handle it. What do YOU know about Juvenile Crime Rates in today's major metropolitan cities? How about the impact of the existing police elements, their overall goals and focuses? There's a LOT to discover inside this episode of The Black and Blue Voices Podcast as the hosts welcome former police officer, police chaplain and speaker Anthony C. Meyers to shares detailed perspective, experience and stories to help give everyone a well-rounded view of what's going on in the world today - as well as to ask some very fair questions that beckon your answer. Are you ready to provide YOUR perspectives? Are you ready to explore deep conversations that truly need to be had in today's communities? To find out, the play button must simply be pushed...   The BlackandBlueVoices.Com Podcast Links Bar:  Connect with The Host!     Subscribe to This Podcast Now!     This program is one of the many parts of The WhatCopsWatch.Com Effort! Rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts. the Ultimate success for every podcaster is FEEDBACK! Not an Apple Podcasts user? No problem! Be sure to check out any of the other many growing podcast directories online to find this and many other podcasts on The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network!   Housekeeping -- The Editor Corps - Make Your Podcast Soar: There's only one question to ask: Why are YOU still editing your podcast? Reclaim the time you spend on editing (easily at least twice the time you spend on capturing the program) to make more great content by enlisting "The Editor Corps" who will "Make Your Podcast Soar!" http://EditorCorps.Com -- The Voice Farm: Fred Wilkerson, Mike's Father that died in the first few days of 2018, always dreamed of a place that those interested in Voiceover could go to learn more about the industry and experience - without all the BS that goes with it. We build it four and a half years go and it continues to provide new voiceover artists and businesses looking for voiceover talent a place to go and secure great voiceover artists. http://VoiceFarmers.Com   Two Great Ways to Listen/Watch This Episode of Black and Blue Voices! We are proud to provide you both a dedicated AUDIO and VIDEO presentation for this program! To Listen Now: Hit the play button in the player on this page or hit the Subscribe button on your favorite Podcast Directory to instantly get these episodes when they release! To Watch Now: Visit this program on YouTube, or hit the window located below to see the hosts, guests and light bulb moments that make this program special! https://youtu.be/59ut-NbE9HU?si=WZUducxRcY6CX9ZB The Detailed Shownotes for This Episode of Black and Blue Voices: Looking for the detailed links, information and references used inside this episode? Read on below to find them all and remember to reach out to ask if there's something else you'd like to see from this episode! 1. Juvenile Justice System & Reform Juvenile Justice Information Exchange (JJIE) – Reporting and resources on juvenile crime, reform efforts, and best practices. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) – U.S. government agency supporting improvements in youth justice systems. Annie E. Casey Foundation: Juvenile Justice – Research and programs aimed at youth justice reform. 2. Community Policing & Public Safety National Initiative for Building Community Trust & Justice – Resources on building trust between police and the communities they serve. Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) – U.S. Department of Justice resource hub for community policing. What Is Community Policing? (National League of Cities) – Primer and resources. 3. Racial Disparity & Equity in Justice The Sentencing Project: Racial Disparity – Research and stats on racial disparities in the criminal justice system. NAACP Criminal Justice Resources – Advocacy and education on equity in policing and youth justice. 4. Youth Intervention & Prevention Programs Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) – Programs that provide mentorship, sports, and safe activities for youth in partnership with law enforcement. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – Community-based youth mentoring. 5. Societal Factors & Community Development Brookings Institution: Place Matters – The Role of Neighborhoods in Shaping Child and Adult Outcomes – Research on how community environment impacts youth decisions. Urban Institute: Social Determinants of Health and Safety – How education, housing, and social support influence public safety. 6. Mental Health, Faith-Based Interventions & Redemption National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Resources for addressing mental health in justice-involved populations. Faith & Freedom Coalition – Role of faith-based organizations and mentoring in rehabilitation and justice reform. 7. Recent Events and Historical Context PBS: Ferguson in Perspective – Coverage and analysis of the Ferguson protests and their impact on policing. History of Policing in African American Communities (Equal Justice Initiative) – A look at the roots and evolution of modern policing and race. Emmett Till: The Story and Legacy – Historical context for references made in the episode. 8. Moving Forward: Dialogue, Accountability & Building Trust The Stand United Initiative (St. Louis) – Local organization fostering positive police-community relationships. Daryl Davis on Conversation Across Divides – A powerful TED talk on the power of conversation in bridging divides. 9. Additional Listening & Inspiration Code Switch (NPR) – Podcast exploring race, ethnicity, and culture. Policing Matters (Police1) – Conversations about policing challenges and solutions. TED: The Radical Power of Empathy (Jamil Zaki) – On how empathy fuels connection and meaningful social change. Want more? Connect, comment, or ask questions: Black and Blue Voices Website   Timestamps for This Episode of Black and Blue Voices: 00:00 Challenges in Juvenile Justice System 05:42 "Balancing Home Influence and Community" 11:51 Impact of Generational Community Disinvestment 18:29 Rebuilding Trust Through Accountability 25:46 Challenges in the Juvenile Justice System 28:08 Juvenile Justice System Resource Challenges 35:25 "Race, Accountability, and Juvenile Justice" 41:05 Addressing Bias and Influences Together 46:05 "Personal Experiences Shape Police Views" 48:43 "Rebuilding Trust Through Dialogue" 54:38 Policing Challenges and Collaborative Communication 01:01:27 Grace, Unity, Justice, and Redemption 01:07:40 "Ethics and Challenges in Policing" 01:13:47 "Highlighting Positivity in Communities" 01:20:05 "Breaking Barriers for Police Voices" 01:24:34 "Engage, Reflect, and Grow Together"   Questions Answered Inside This Episode of Black and Blue Voices: Juvenile Crime & Reform: The group discussed repeat offenses and the challenges around detaining juveniles. What are the pros and cons of detaining young offenders versus emphasizing rehabilitation and community programs? Community Perception: How does public trust (or lack thereof) in the justice system impact the effectiveness of both policing and community safety, according to the experiences shared by the speakers? Equal Application of Law: Chief Chris emphasized the importance of laws being applied "equally with equity." What does this look like in practice, and what barriers exist to achieving it? Role of Social Media: The episode touches on how social media and news highlight negative stories and amplify fear. How do you think this shapes public opinion about policing and crime in your community? Systemic vs. Individual Responsibility: How do larger systemic issues (like generational disinvestment in certain neighborhoods) interact with personal responsibility when it comes to youth crime? Where should change start? Community Policing: Several speakers shared about the power of having officers truly embedded in the community. What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of more “community-oriented” policing? Race and Law Enforcement: The episode challenges the narrative that all issues in policing are strictly racial. How do the speakers suggest we navigate conversations about race, policing, and justice more productively? Redemption and Forgiveness: What does real redemption look like for youth who have made serious mistakes? Should the justice system emphasize second chances, and where is the line drawn? The Power of Conversation: The speakers repeatedly argue that real dialogue—like the one on this podcast—is key to understanding. What steps could you or your community take to foster more of these conversations? Highlighting the Positive: The episode closes by calling for more recognition of the positive things happening in communities and police departments. Why do you think positive stories so rarely make headlines, and how could we change this?   Additional Actions: Leave your feedback or suggest future topics at blackandbluevoices.com/contact. Join the conversation by commenting on our YouTube channel (search for Black and Blue Voices).   ==== Links to 10+ Years of Chief Chris' WhatCopsWatch.Com: Website: https://whatcopswatch.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2VV1HL9.... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b46.... Facebook: / whatcopswatch     ==== Links to Eric Alexander Online: /-- Be sure to visit Applied Combatives Group Online!   ==== Connect with Mike Wilkerson (The STLPodFather)'s 20+ Years of Podcasting:

Kevin and Alexis sit down with Melissa Brooks, a Senior Cloud Engineer at Aritzia, to discuss how she went from being a “terrible waitress” to going back to school for a diploma in network security. They explore how she used a strategic, “reverse engineered” approach to goal setting to land on a career in tech.... Read more »

Kevin and Alexis sit down with Melissa Brooks, a Senior Cloud Engineer at Aritzia, to discuss how she went from being a “terrible waitress” to going back to school for a diploma in network security. They explore how she used a strategic, “reverse engineered” approach to goal setting to land on a career in tech.... Read more »

In this heartfelt conversation, four women (Leighann, Wendy, Beverly, and Rachel) sharing their personal stories explore how vulnerability and openness can transform church environments and foster authentic relationships. Discover insights on healing, grace, and the power of shared experiences in deepening faith and unity. Key Topics The importance of sharing personal testimonies to create safe and authentic spaces in church How vulnerability breaks down barriers and silences judgment Recognizing that not all struggles are due to sin; some are life circumstances The impact of church culture on women's mental and emotional health Strategies for extending grace, love, and acceptance within the faith community The role of humility and leadership in cultivating a Spirit-led church environment Challenges of church hurt, gossip, criticism, and how to overcome them How discipleship and spiritual growth are continuous processes that require intentional effort Practical ways women can foster connection and support in everyday life

What does it really take to lead boldly in spaces where women are still the exception — not the norm? In this episode of Wine After Work, Bryce sits down with Toni Will, trailblazing leader, keynote speaker, and author, for a candid conversation about leadership, courage, and choosing a life aligned with your values. As the first female general manager in the history of the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings, Toni knows what it means to break barriers and lead authentically in male-dominated environments. She shares lessons from her journey in professional sports, the realities of high-visibility leadership, and how redefining success — including choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle — transformed both her career and personal life. In this conversation, we explore: Leading confidently in male-dominated industries Navigating pressure, visibility, and imposter syndrome What authentic leadership really looks like behind the scenes Choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle and challenging cultural norms Redefining success on your own terms Toni also talks about her work as a keynote speaker, her podcast Women In…, and her upcoming book (releasing March 1, 2026), all rooted in one mission: inspiring women to lead with courage, clarity, and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning old definitions of success — and ready to write their own. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ https://www.toniwill.com/

Join us for an unmissable episode of The Brand Called You, featuring Dr. Vikas Malik, Founder of Wonder Years, in conversation with host Ashutosh Garg.Dr. Malik shares his journey from India to the United States, the inspiration behind building an integrated mental health practice, and how psychiatry must evolve to meet today's challenges. The discussion explores cultural sensitivity, technology in healthcare, rapid-acting treatments, and the human side of being a psychiatrist and founder.If you're curious about mental health, integrated care models, or leadership in healthcare innovation, this episode is for you.

Marcia Dawood is an early-stage investor and author of Do Good While Doing Well, TEDx speaker and host of The Angel Next Door podcast, with a new book debuting next month called Unapologetic Wealth. Marcia serves as the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital and the chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a global professional society for angel investors. She is also an associate producer on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money.

In this episode, Megan chats with Karyn about building her rehab business in a careful, sustainable way, starting conservatively and avoiding large overheads before she was ready. She shares how setting up strong SOPs allowed her to step away for three months while recovering from knee surgery, without her business suffering. We also talk about a new business idea she's developing, how she used a minimum weekly target to prove the concept, and why thoughtful planning and good business sense have been key to her success.  Learn more about Karyn Fein: https://rockymountainvetrehab.com/our-team/ If you have any questions, please reach out to Karyn: DrFein@dvmrehab.com Find out more about our free birthday webinars: https://onlinepethealth.com/gift/ Learn more about Paw Prosper's special offer: https://pawprosper.com/OPH Learn more about Paw Prosper: https://pawprosper.com/ To learn about Onlinepethealth, watch a free webinar, or join any of our Facebook groups, click here: https://onlinepethealth.com/podcast

In this episode of The Art of Franchise Marketing, host Erin Martin speaks with Steven Shortino, CEO of iSmash, a franchise brand specializing in rage rooms, splatter paint sessions, and axe throwing. Steven shares insights into the journey of building iSmash from a single location in Rochester, New York, to successfully franchising with over 100 locations. He discusses the unique challenges and strategies involved in marketing a franchise without brokers, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in franchise sales and the need for differentiation in a competitive market.Steven elaborates on the marketing strategies that have propelled iSmash's growth, including a strong focus on digital marketing and community engagement. He highlights the significance of understanding franchisee motivations and the emotional factors that drive their decisions. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly the role of AI and technology in enhancing franchise operations and support. Steven's hands-on approach and commitment to franchisee success are evident as he shares the core values that underpin the iSmash brand.

In this episode, I'm joined by Janice Fredericks, beauty supply industry leader and founder of Beauty Supply Blueprint®. We dive into her new book, Breaking Barriers: How to Fund, Launch, and Scale a Beauty Supply Store That Reclaims the Industry and Builds Wealth.Janice shares how she helps Black women secure funding, launch profitable beauty supply stores, and build real wealth through ownership. From capital and strategy to mindset and legacy, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to break into — or scale within — the beauty supply industry.If you're ready to move from consumer to owner, this episode is for you.Connect with Brandi & Business Beauty Network:businessbeautynetwork comhello@businessbeautynetwork com

Breaking Barriers - Tafara Butayi (08 February 2026)

The A-Suite: Trust, Strategy, and Breaking Barriers with Justina Beth-El Johnson Valkyrie Solutions: Valkyrieus.com Justina Bethel's Music: justinabethel.com About the Guest(s): Justina Beth-El Johnson is a dynamic executive leader, business strategist, advocate, and artist. As the founder of Valkyrie Solutions, Justina has positioned herself at the crossroads of strategy, storytelling, and soul. She is particularly dedicated to empowering women and organizations to transform self-trust into effective strategy and impactful vision. Alongside her strategic work, Justina is an accomplished lifelong singer and a staunch advocate for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her work both on stage and off exemplifies authenticity, agency, and audacious leadership. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes an extraordinary guest, Justina Beth-El Johnson, to discuss transformative leadership, the importance of self-trust, and the necessity of redefining power on personal terms. This conversation brings into focus the dynamic A Suite program that Justina has created through her business, Valkyrie Solutions, designed specifically to empower women in leadership roles. Throughout the episode, a slew of insights unfold as Chris and Justina tackle the enduring challenges and hidden opportunities within male-dominated industries. They dive into how Justina’s A Suite initiative helps women leverage their unique strengths and build communal, rather than competitive, environments in the workplace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership development, gender dynamics in the corporate world, and practical guidance on fostering inclusive workplaces. Key Takeaways: Redefining Power: Women in leadership can thrive by reinterpreting power to mean freedom and collaboration rather than dominance and control. Importance of Self-Trust: Building self-trust is crucial for women to assert themselves and excel in their professional environments. Dismantling Competition: Encouraging women to view each other as teammates rather than competitors to enhance innovation and success. Unlearning Toxic Conditioning: Addressing and overcoming toxic workplace environments that condition negative views towards leadership and gender. Research-Backed Strategies: The A Suite offers rooted strategies and psychological insights to empower women in leadership with evidence-based practices. Notable Quotes: “The greatest transformation is that women trust themselves the first time around.” “When there is no diversity at the top, we see the same ideas regurgitated and recycled.” “In the absence of self-doubt, we’re really able to thrive in other aspects of our life.” “I never should have had to doubt myself in the first place.” “We all rise together when we teach and empower those around us.”

On this episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike "C-Roc" sits down with Mara Dorne, a self-made millionaire, best-selling author, public speaker, and award-winning BILF (“Boss I'd Like to Follow”), to uncover the journey behind her success. Mara shares how she rose from early adversity—losing her father at a young age and facing financial struggles as a newlywed—to transform the health insurance industry with relentlessness, vision, and an unwavering drive.Listeners get an inside look at Mara's path from entering a male-dominated field with no prior experience in sales to building thriving teams, mentoring thousands of agents, and leveraging her achievements into a powerful personal brand. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her, the lessons she learned navigating setbacks, and the strategies she used to empower others while staying true to her purpose.This episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and the art of turning opportunity into impact, proving that real influence comes from action, not just appearances.Website-https://maradorne.com Social Media Links/Handleshttps://www.instagram.com/maradornehttps://www.instagram.com/bilfpod/

In this episode of Space for Everyone: Women in Space – Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future, Director Limbani Laxmi is joined by Maritime Launch Services Vice President, Spaceport Operations (Secondment) Melissa Quinn, Space Skills Alliance Director and Co-Founder Heidi Thiemann and Capgemini Invent Director Lucy Mason to explore how women are contributing to the growth and future of the global space sector while navigating structural, cultural and policy-driven barriers.The discussion examines how immigration frameworks, workforce mobility, access to opportunity and skills development influence women's participation and leadership across aerospace, space exploration and related STEM industries. The speakers share insights on progress to date, persistent challenges and what employers, policymakers and industry leaders can do to support a more inclusive and sustainable space workforce.

In this episode of The Mobilization Mindset, Scott Peper sits down with Meli Figueras, CEO of Coastal Painting & Concrete Restoration, for a candid, real-world conversation about leadership, cash flow, and what it truly takes to operate and scale a construction business.Meli shares her unexpected path into construction, bringing a corporate leadership background into an industry where execution, trust, and cash discipline matter more than titles or resumes. What followed was a fast education in job sites, schedules, retainage, payroll pressure, and the human reality behind every dollar spent before a dollar is ever collected.Together, Scott and Meli unpack the challenges contractors face every day, including:• Why construction cash flow works differently than most businesses and why jobs that look profitable on paper can still strain a company• The responsibility behind payroll and why protecting your team financially must come first• Lessons learned moving from corporate leadership into the field and onto active job sites• How misalignment between accounting and project management quietly creates cash problems• When walking away from a job is the smartest decision a leader can make• Why performance, trust, and consistency matter more than credentials in construction• The mindset shift required to grow responsibly without putting the business or people at riskThis episode offers a grounded look at construction leadership, from balancing relationships with general contractors to staying close to the field and building a culture rooted in accountability, communication, and financial discipline.Meli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melifigueres/Meli's Website: https://www.coastalpaintingfl.com/Learn more: https://mobilizationfunding.com/Subscribe to the Mobilization Minute newsletter: https://mobilizationfunding.com/newsletter-subscriptions/

Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D join us to share insight and advice for farmers during this planting planning season. Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee U.S. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas chats with Chip Flory about several topics, including support for E15, tariffs, whole milk in schools and more. Dr. Jim Mintert, Professor Emeritus at Purdue University breaks down the latest Ag Economy Barometer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm really happy to welcome Preeti Malkani, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board and Co-founder of Women for Women International Germany. With Indian and German roots, and a career that spans global advertising, entrepreneurship and humanitarian leadership, Preeti has dedicated her work to empowering women in conflict zones and rethinking how we talk about power and inclusion.In this conversation, we speak about the moments that shaped her path, the stories she's witnessed in places like Rwanda, Iraq and Bosnia. And we'll also talk about what each of us can do, beyond donations, to support women across the globe.If you enjoy this conversation, don't forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform.Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/aboutFollow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedInSubscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Today on the Invest In Her Podcast, host Catherine Gray interviews Nomiki Petrolla, a product leader and tech founder on a mission to close the access gap for women in technology and entrepreneurship. With more than 15 years of experience leading product, design, and strategy across healthcare, fintech, artificial intelligence, and enterprise SaaS, Nomiki has built and scaled products in some of the most male-dominated sectors of tech. She is the founder of PDS Lab, an accelerator launched to help women build and launch tech companies from the ground up, and the creator of Theanna, a data-networking platform designed to bring transparency, insight, and connection to the female founder journey. Based in Ohio and a mother of four, Nomiki is also an active mentor, educator, and speaker, working with organizations such as Techstars and speaking at institutions including Harvard. In this conversation, Catherine and Nomiki explore the structural barriers women face in tech entrepreneurship and why access to product knowledge, data, and networks remains one of the biggest challenges for women founders. Nomiki shares what she observed firsthand while advising startups—how women are often excluded from critical early-stage information—and how that insight led to building platforms that democratize knowledge and connection. The discussion also dives into the importance of community, the role of data in leveling the playing field, and what investors, accelerators, and ecosystems must do differently to support women-led innovation at scale. This episode is a powerful look at how intentional infrastructure and transparency can transform outcomes for women founders—and the future of tech as a whole. Websites mentioned: https://theanna.ai https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com    Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels   #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom  

High performance in sports doesn't necessarily translate into mental well-being, said Hania Taduran, a former Division I beach volleyball player and founder of the nonprofit Breaking Barriers, which aims to redefine the narrative about mental health in athletics. During her college career at the University of the Pacific, especially during COVID isolation, she and her teammates experienced mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and burnout. Fear of stigma, losing scholarships, or being seen as weak prevented many athletes from seeking help, said Taduran, who is 23. Send ideas for podcast episodes to LisaEllenCohn1@gmail.com Subscribe to and rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts Visit our blog at YouthSportsPsychology.com Learn about host Lisa Cohn at LisaECohn.com  

In this conversation, Vince Nardo shares his extensive experience in the home services industry, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in breaking into new markets, the complexities of private equity, and the importance of grassroots marketing. He emphasizes the need for a strong company culture, effective marketing strategies, and team alignment to drive growth. Vince also reflects on the significance of recognizing and retaining talent, as well as the importance of having a plan for life after selling a business. 00:00 Breaking into New Markets 02:04 Vince Nardo's Journey in Home Services 05:36 The Challenges of Private Equity 10:06 Grassroots Marketing Strategies 12:54 Establishing a Strong Business Foundation 17:22 The Importance of Culture in Business 23:44 Marketing as the Core of Business Success 30:05 Aligning Teams for Growth 37:29 Recognizing and Retaining Talent 53:21 Life After Selling a Business

In today's conversation, Lisa Foust Prater sits down with Caydee Savinelli for an open discussion about leadership, career growth, and how women are shaping the future of agriculture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast, Punam talks with Krisa Desai, a student who created an incredible project as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award — an app called ASLHelper, which is designed to break communication barriers with the Deaf community.

In this episode of The Reyes Reflection, I sit down with UFC content creator Lia Dorchinez for an honest and insightful conversation about life inside and around the fight world. Lia shares her journey covering the UFC, managing self doubt, and navigating a male dominated industry. We talk about the mental strength required to show up consistently, her path through sobriety, and how the passing of her mother reshaped her perspective and purpose. This episode is a grounded reflection on resilience, growth, and finding your voice in a demanding space.E131Host: Nathanael ReyesGuest: Lia Dorchinez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/imnathanaelreyes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Me - @imnathanaelreyesShop SMACKIN' Sunflower Seeds - CODE: NATHANAEL99963⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smackinsunflowerseeds.com/NATHANAEL99963⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Jocko Fuel - CODE: REYESREFLECTION ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jockofuel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Mad Rabbit - CODE: REYESREFLECTION ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.madrabbit.com⁠

All-or-nothing thinking is one of the most common — and most damaging — thought patterns I see in autism parenting.If today is hard, it suddenly feels like everything is hard. If your child is struggling, it feels impossible for you to beokay.And over time, hope, joy, and motivation quietly slip away.In this episode, we're diving deep into how all-or-nothing thinking shows up when you're raising an autistic child — not because you're negative or doing something wrong, but because your body has learned to live on high alert.When unpredictability becomes your norm, your nervoussystem adapts. And when the body doesn't feel safe, connection, flexibility, and perspective shut down.In this episode, I share:• Real examples of what all-or-nothing thinking looks like in daily autism parenting• Why this isn't a mindset failure — it's a nervous system response• How chronic stress keeps moms stuck in survival mode• Coaching strategies I use to help moms move out of misery without pretending life is easy• The reframe that changes everything: “Your body didn't break. It adapted.”We are not downplaying how hard this journey is —because it is hard.But you do have a choice not to live your life in misery.I'll also share why I created the RESET Coaching Workshop and how it helps moms regulate their nervous system, extreme thinking, and reconnect with themselves again — without guilt or pressure.

What if your next big idea isn't hiding in your to-do list, but in your stride? We explore how moving your body can unlock mental clarity, creative problem solving, and a resilient identity you can trust under pressure. This isn't hype; it's a practical playbook backed by neuroscience, sports psychology, and hard-won stories from leaders, creators, and everyday high performers.We break down the embodied confidence loop: small physical wins become mental evidence, which then fuels bolder actions across your work, relationships, and creative pursuits. You'll hear why BDNF and increased prefrontal blood flow make walking, running, and even gentle stretching powerful tools for ideation and focus. We talk posture and presence, drawing on embodied cognition research to show how standing like a leader helps you think like one. From a tech executive who used boxing to transform stage fright into stage presence, to an entrepreneur who scaled past a revenue ceiling after rock climbing rewired his relationship with risk, you'll see how courage and clarity transfer across domains.Then we get tactical. Use the movement breakthrough technique when you're stuck: step away with intention and let motion change your state. Try the power position reset before high-stakes moments. Practice the breakthrough breath to calm the nervous system and widen attention. Build physical anchors—simple gestures that cue confidence on command. If time is tight, micro workouts and walking meetings can deliver outsized gains in decision quality and creativity. Expect resistance and treat it as a signal to move. Choose one stuck area, one small physical practice, and repeat with consistency and intention.Ready to build a body that your mind can trust? Press play, pick your next move, and let movement and mindset compound your results. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Illuminate Your World with Kore Candles!Kore Candle Company is a brand that specializes in creating unique and high-quality soy candles. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showhttps://www.kore-fit.com

Randy Dowdy and David Hula of Breaking Barriers with R&D join us to discuss strategy for controlling costs as budgets get tight. And we have an extended conversation with Bret Walts of BAMWX.com about the current wintry weather situation plus a forecast for various parts of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camille A. Brown, 5-Time Tony-nominated director and choreographer reflects on breaking barriers, reviving classic works, honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for her, and the projects still to come—along with much more.

In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle interviews Danny Brown, a veteran in the MSP industry who made the transition from a technical background to thriving in sales and business growth. Doyle and Brown delve into the critical changes MSP owners need to adopt for growth, effective sales strategies, and the importance of having the right mindset and processes in place. Brown discusses his journey from a technical specialist to a business leader, emphasizing the importance of letting go and trusting employees to succeed. The conversation covers actionable insights for MSP owners struggling to build a sales process, highlighting the significance of focusing on ideal client profiles (ICPs) and understanding customer needs. Furthermore, Danny shares his experiences and tips on improving public speaking skills, adapted from his co-authored book "Talk it Up," to help MSP owners better connect and communicate their value. Key Takeaways: Mindset Shift: Embrace an abundance mindset instead of a scarcity one; this shift can lead to letting go and empowering employees. Effective Processes: Implement standard operational procedures (SOPs) and proper training mechanisms to foster a trusting and efficient work environment. Sales Strategies: Know your ideal client profile (ICP) and build connections rather than pushing for immediate sales. Understand your sales numbers and pipeline metrics to fine-tune your approach. Public Speaking: Improve your public speaking skills with nonverbal communication strategies to foster trust and engagement. Be Omnipresent: Increase brand awareness by being omnipresent in your industry and participating actively in industry events, conferences, and podcasts. Guest Name: Danny Suk Brown LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannysbrown/ Company: AppMeetup Website: https://appmeetup.com/ Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. The consequences can be immediate, violent, and life-altering. Few understand this reality better than Jennifer Clark Eskew, a retired ATF agent whose career began on the front lines as an undercover Virginia State Police trooper and later evolved into some of the most dangerous covert work in federal law enforcement. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Eskew's story is one of grit, calculated risk, and survival, one that continues to resonate across law enforcement circles and on platforms like the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast's Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and beyond, where her experiences are discussed through interviews, her Podcast appearance, and content shared on their website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and most major podcast platforms. A Bad Day Undercover Jennifer Eskew's undercover career started early, and it started hard. As a Virginia State Police trooper, she was selected for undercover work at a time when female officers were still rare, especially in deep-cover assignments. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . One operation in particular would change everything. When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. “It was just a really bad day,” Eskew has said of the moment when an undercover operation unraveled. “The gang I was dealing with started getting weird. The energy shifted.” Available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. Her backup was slow to respond. What Eskew didn't yet know was that the very gang members she had been investigating had mistaken someone else for a rival. They shot and killed the wrong man, shooting him five times. “That's when you realize how fast things can go sideways,” she later reflected. “You can plan everything perfectly, and it still falls apart.” The incident underscored a harsh truth of undercover policing: even when an officer survives, the psychological toll can be profound. Eventually, Eskew made the decision to leave the agency, not to step away from undercover work, but to continue it at a higher level. Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. From State Trooper to ATF Eskew transitioned to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), where her undercover experience made her a natural fit for high-risk federal investigations. At ATF, she went deeper than ever before, posing not just as a criminal associate, but at times as a contract killer. When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. “She was essentially an undercover hitman,” one colleague noted. “Or hitwoman. She had to convince the worst people you can imagine that she was one of them.” Much like famed ATF undercover agent Jay Dobyns, Eskew infiltrated violent criminal organizations. Her role required adopting a persona capable of inspiring fear and trust at the same time, an impossible balance where a single misstep could mean death. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. “In those moments,” Eskew has said, “you're constantly asking yourself where the act ends and where Jennifer begins.” The Power and Risk of Female Undercover Officers Eskew's career highlights why female undercover officers are uniquely valuable in law enforcement. Often perceived as non-threatening, women can exploit dangerous misconceptions held by criminals. “I could go into any bar, and I wouldn't pose a threat,” Eskew explained. “I could get an enormous amount of information. They may look at me as a victim, but not as a threat, and that makes you incredibly valuable for UC work.” When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Female officers have proven especially effective in infiltrating drug rings, organized crime syndicates, and prostitution-related operations. As more women enter law enforcement, agencies are increasingly recognizing these tactical advantages. But the work comes with risks that male officers rarely face. “Overcoming sexual advances is a constant concern,” Eskew noted. Across the United States, there have been documented cases where female undercover officers were sexually assaulted during operations. These realities demand specialized training, preparation, and institutional support. More information and the interview with her is available on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other major platforms “There are things we deal with that men don't,” she said. “But there are also things we can do better.” Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated World Jennifer Clark Eskew always felt a spark, a calling to serve and protect. When she entered the all-male world of the Virginia State Police, she endured grueling academy challenges and relentless pressure to prove herself. When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. The episode can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. Determined to succeed as one of the first female troopers in that State Police agency, she faced rookie mistakes, high-stakes decisions, and constant scrutiny. Then came her selection as the first full-time female undercover state police officer in Virginia. Immersed in a world of drug dealers and gun traffickers, Eskew thrived under pressure, even as the adrenaline and danger blurred the lines between her real identity and her undercover persona. “With her fire burning stronger than ever,” one admirer wrote, “she refused to be extinguished.” Becoming Fire Eskew's journey is chronicled in her Book, Becoming Fire: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love. Part memoir, part survival story, the book captures the emotional cost of undercover work alongside the humor, fear, and resilience that define it. “You'll laugh, you'll cry,” Eskew has said, “but you won't forget it.” Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. Today, her story continues to reach new audiences through her appearance on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, their Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and video platforms like YouTube, offering a rare look into what happens when undercover police plans go bad, and what it takes to come back stronger. When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. Jennifer Eskew's legacy is not just about danger or deception. It's about courage, adaptability, and a woman who walked into the darkest corners of criminal life and came out still burning. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Interested in being a guest, sponsorship or advertising opportunities send an email to the host and producer of the show jay@letradio.com. Listen to this special episode on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and most major podcast platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. When Undercover Police Plans Go Bad: From Virginia State Police to the ATF. Attributions Amazon Peace Officers Research Association of California Professional Law Enforcement Training Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Yanely sits down with Certified Financial Planner Gloria Garcia Cisneros to break down what it really means to work with a fiduciary and how teachers can protect themselves from high-fee, commission-driven products often pushed in the 403(b) space. Gloria explains the key differences between independent advisory firms and broker-dealers, why "free" advice can still come with hidden costs, and the questions educators should ask about fees, incentives, and what is actually inside their retirement accounts. They also unpack how insurance products like annuities and permanent life insurance are sometimes marketed as "investments," why that can be risky, and how to spot red flags like guaranteed returns and salesy, one-size-fits-all pitches. Gloria shares her journey from first-generation immigrant to CFP and highlights why holistic financial planning goes beyond investments to include taxes, insurance, benefits, and long-term goals. The conversation ends with mindset shifts, like remembering that wealth is often what you don't see, and encouragement for teachers to build confidence, ask better questions, and stay on a steady path toward financial security.

In this episode, Nikki Barua, a successful entrepreneur and author, discusses the transformative power of AI in entrepreneurship and the importance of lifelong learning. She emphasizes the need for individuals to adapt to the changing job landscape, the concept of agentic AI, and the significance of setting specific goals. Nikki shares insights from her book, 'Beyond Barriers,' and encourages listeners to embrace the journey of personal and professional growth.-----------00:00 Introduction to Lifelong Learning and AI02:45 The Entrepreneurial Landscape and AI04:46 Navigating Job Displacement and Opportunities with AI06:56 Understanding Agentic AI and Human Collaboration10:18 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Society12:15 Applying AI as Infrastructure for Innovation12:28 Insights from 'Beyond Barriers' and Personal Growth19:28 The Journey of Growth and Overcoming Stuckness21:46 The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Unlearning

Pamela Jett delivers a practical and empowering lesson on protecting your happiness. In this talk, she explains why toxic people drain your energy, how attitudes are contagious, and how choosing optimism — and training others how to treat you — can dramatically raise your professional and personal success.JOIN QOD CLUB. Ready to find your people? Join QOD Club and connect with a community of likeminded QOD listeners. Get weekly Monday Mentorship calls, Wednesday Book Club discussions, ad-free QOD episodes, and access to Money Mind Academy. Plus, online business trainings — marketing, social media, podcasting, and more — coming in January. Start your 14-day trial today for only $14!GET MY TOP 28 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Click here to get your free copy of “28 Books That Will Rewire Your Mindset for Success and Self-Mastery” curated by yours truly!Source: Breakthrough: Overcoming Obstacles and Breaking Barriers in Business and LifeHosted by Sean CroxtonFollow me on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Dr. Tomer Singer shares his personal journey into reproductive medicine, influenced by his family's struggles with infertility. He discusses the unique challenges faced by Orthodox couples in fertility treatments and the importance of community engagement. The conversation also covers the rise of egg freezing as a viable option for women, the optimal age for freezing eggs, and the success rates of frozen eggs. Dr. Singer emphasizes the role of nutrition and AI in improving patient care and outcomes in reproductive medicine. He concludes with thoughts on the future of fertility treatments.Chapters00:00 The Journey into Fertility Medicine02:50 Understanding Orthodox Fertility Practices05:39 Navigating Religious and Medical Collaboration08:54 Education and Communication in Fertility11:40 The Rise of Egg Freezing15:01 Optimal Age for Egg Freezing17:58 Success Rates of Frozen Eggs20:39 Improving Egg Quality and Patient Health23:59 Future of Egg Freezing Technology29:51 Understanding the Costs of Egg Freezing32:59 The Importance of Egg Freezing for Future Fertility34:08 The Age Visit: A New Approach to Women's Health38:18 The Role of AI in Reproductive Medicine41:25 Job Security in the Age of AI45:23 Future Trends in Fertility Treatments48:46 Rapid Fire Questions on Fertility Practices52:28 Prioritizing Mental Health in a Busy Life54:25 Connecting with Dr. SingerAbout Dr. Tomer Singer:Tomer Singer, MD, MBA is an internationally renowned Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. He serves as the System Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwell Health where he is responsible for programmatic strategy and fosters academic and clinical growth. Dr. Singer earned his medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine and an MBA in Health Care Management from the Hofstra Zarb School of Business. He is double board- certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is an Associate Professor of OB/GYN at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine. Dr. Singer has produced numerous publications, chapter reviews, and given presentations nationally and internationally in the field of Infertility, Reproductive Endocrinology, IVF, Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT), Egg Freezing, Egg Donation, and Gestational Surrogacy. He has performed hundreds of minimally invasive surgical procedures including laparoscopies and hysteroscopies. Dr. Singer has held several senior roles at Lenox Hill Hospital where he served as the Director of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Vice Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN, Director of Egg Freezing, and the OB/GYN Residency Program Director. Dr. Singer's commitment to helping thousands of patients has earned him several awards including the Castle Conolly Top Doctor Award every year since 2017. Contact Dr. Tomer SingerInstagram @tsingermd

Kyle welcomes Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a controversial figure known for his claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Wakefield shares his journey from a traditional medical background to becoming a prominent critic of vaccines. The podcast covers the initial study published in The Lancet, its subsequent backlash, and Wakefield's journey through public and professional challenges. Wakefield discusses his transition to filmmaking as a means to spread his message, highlighting his documentary 'Vaxxed' and other key works. The conversation delves into the impact of vaccines on public health, the introduction and potential risks of mRNA vaccines, and broader issues surrounding vaccine policies and public trust. Highlighted are the testimonies of parents with vaccine-injured children, the legal and scientific battles against the mainstream medical community, and the importance of public awareness. The podcast also explores alternative treatments for vaccine-related injuries, emphasizing gut health and the potential benefits of cannabinoids. Dr. Wakefield expresses hope for more informed public health policies and discusses his plans for future projects, including a film addressing the long-term impacts on children left behind by vaccination policies.   Connect with Andy here: Website - Wakefield Media Group Instagram   From Kyle: The Community is coming! Click here to learn more Full Temple Reset is back with Erick Godsey, Click here to learn more   Our Sponsors: Let's level up your nicotine routine with Lucy. Go to Lucy.co/KKP and use promo code (KKP) to get 20% off your first order. Lucy offers FREE SHIPPING and has a 30-day refund policy if you change your mind. These are the b3 bands I was talking about. They are amazing, I highly recommend incorporating them into your movement practice. Go to tonum.com/KKP, use the code KKP, and get 10% off your first order of Nouro.   Connect with Kyle: I'm back on Instagram, come say hey @kylekingsbu Twitter: @kingsbu Our Farm Initiative: @gardenersofeden.earth Odysee: odysee.com/@KyleKingsburypod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kyle-Kingsbury Kyle's Website: www.kingsbu.com - Gardeners of Eden site If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe & leave a 5-star review with your thoughts!

Beginning the Journey: An Introduction to the Gospel of John with Dr. David L. MathewsonSeason Three of Divine Table Talk opens with a rich and thoughtful introduction to the Gospel of John, featuring special guest David L. Mathewson, PhD. Dr. Mathewson—associate professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary—guides Jamie and Jane through the purpose, structure, and theological depth of John's Gospel.Together, they explore why John is written “that you may believe,” how its language and themes shape our understanding of Jesus, and what makes this Gospel uniquely formative for faith and discipleship. This episode sets the foundation for the year ahead, inviting listeners to slow down, read deeply, and encounter Jesus not just as a teacher—but as the Word made flesh.Whether you're new to studying Scripture or ready to go deeper, this conversation will equip and inspire you as we begin our journey through John together.____________________________________Connect with Dr. David Mathewson:Website: https://denverseminary.edu/directory/mathewson-phd-david-lEmail David: EMAILConnect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Website: www.janewwilliams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams____________________________________ Get Jamie's Newest Book:Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved

This episode contains explicit language This Week on In Stride  Sinead is joined by American jockey Rosie Napravnik to talk about her experience as a woman on the racetrack and the journey that shaped her career.    Meet the Guest: Rosie Napravnik  Rosie Napravnik was one of the most successful jockeys of her era, winning the Kentucky Oaks twice and capturing two Breeders' Cup races. She made history as the first female jockey to ride in all three U.S. Triple Crown races in a single year and achieved some of the best finishes by a woman in those Classics. Over her career she was often ranked among the top jockeys in North America by earnings and wins, and she led major meets such as Fair Grounds and Keeneland.    In This Episode, Rosie and Sinead Discuss:  • Navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sport  • How she got her start on the track and the path to becoming a professional jockey  • The qualities that make an exceptional racehorse  • Her passion for restarting off-the-track Thoroughbreds and the career she's built beyond racing  Episode Sponsors VetCS VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for joint support, calming, and overall wellness. -  Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride and use code InStride20 for 20% off. 

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.

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/ 

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