Podcasts about breaking down walls

Christian College Sex Comedy: Part 11 Weekend Drama In 30 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the podcast at Explicit Novels.             We make the friends we have, not the ones we want, because they are people, not tools                       "Hi, I'm Rio," my buddy muttered darkly as she followed me inside, "I'm the girl standing next to the guy you just mugged." Allison went pounding up the stairs and I was left to a chorus of 'Hi, Zane', and we even got a few 'Hey, Metal Girl' greetings (Rio had all fourteen of her piercings back in). Right as Leigh, dressed in super-tight jeans and a pink bra, and Allison came down the stairs, Tawny came from the direction of the kitchen. "Zane," Leigh and Tawny said one right after the other, but Tawny's carried the greater weight. "Zane, we need to talk," Tawny demanded. Rio growled menacingly. "I apologize. Hello, Rio." There was a hush in the room and even Leigh looked contrite. "Zane, Kappa Sigma does not condone violence of any kind. If you ever thought we wanted you fighting our battles for us, you were sorely mistaken," Tawny explained. "Are we clear?" "Okay, I understand, but, how did you know? I didn't tell anyone anything about what was said," I wondered. "You should have never put your neck out for these Sorority bitches," Rio snapped. "Hang on, Rio. I did what I did for my own reasons, not for them," I calmed my friend. Rio was clearly not making friends but Tawny held up her hands for peace. "You didn't even tell her, your best friend, did you?" Tawny smiled with surprised satisfaction. "Christina knows, but that is understandable and she's told no one except me." I looked at her for some explanation. "It seems two co-eds from the University thought you might be in trouble and followed you. They covered your exit from the building, the argument, and the fight that followed," Tawny grinned. "They posted it on their site. By 10:00 this morning, everyone knew." "Except for us idiots with limited internet access," groaned Rio. "My fellow Kappa Sigma presidents wanted to make sure everyone knew that we had nothing to do with your actions," she completed. "That being said," she stepped up and hugged me, "Thank you." I received a round of applause from the gathered sisters. "Fine. Would someone tell me what my idiot friend did?" Rio griped. "Rio," Leigh snickered as she snuck to my side and wrapped an arm around me, "those three assholes called the Kappa Sigma House a bunch of whores and then told him they were going to rape Chastity and Hope, then come and rape Paris and me when they were done." And that's when Rio hit me. "Moron, why couldn't you tell the police this? They don't put you in jail for defending women under imminent threat," Rio snapped. "I think that was the point," Tawny sighed at Rio. "He didn't want to drag us into what was essentially his choice; just like he kept Chastity and Hope out of things." "Because he's a dumb-shit," Rio declared. "Rio," Tawny groaned, "be happy Zane has personality to spare, because you work really hard at having no other friends. I put up with your crap because Zane thinks the world of you and he's not been wrong about a person yet." "Wow, Tawny, I'm so touched," Rio sneered sarcastically. Before anything else could happen I grabbed Rio by her nipple chain and elevated it rapidly. "Ow, ow, ow, whimpered Rio. "That hurts!" "It supposed to," I glowered. "You are acting crazy. The Kappa Sigs are being nice and all you are doing is burning through the weekend time I've devoted to you." I let go and her hands flew up to her offended flesh. "You had better kiss them and make them better," Rio glared at me while cupping her nipples. "I promise," I pledged. "Fine. Tawny, all you Kappa Sigs, I apologize for being, unfriendly," Rio ground out. "Okay," Tawny allowed. "Now, Zane, what brings you here tonight?" "Zane came here to see me," Leigh grinned, as she started tugging me toward the stairs. "Leigh," Paris questioned, "don't you have a date tonight?" Leigh looked guilty. "Zane, why are you here?" Tawny asked again. "Actually, I need help with my English term paper. I'm doing it on Edmund Burke and I was hoping to use the UV library," I told her. "Of course," Tawny nodded. "I'll get the pledges to figure what books and archival material we have on Burke and I'm sure we can find a few volunteers to check out what you need." "Thanks, Tawny. And on that note, I do really have to get going. I promised Aunt Jill we'd help with dinner," I smiled. Tawny grinned in response and waved me away. A series of 'bye's followed, after which Rio and I made our way back home. "So, are you upset that I didn't tell you what happened?" I inquired. "Nah," Rio shrugged. "I imagine you were trying to avoid the beating I would have given you had I found out this morning." "Thank you for understanding," I commented. "No problem; you are my bro," she snorted. "Do you still want me to work over your nipples?" I asked. "Is the Pope Catholic?" Rio smirked. Passing the Night in Confusion I sat at one end of the sofa, Rio stretched out with her head in my lap as we digested our dinners. Jill sat on the chair closest to me, watching TV but stealing an overprotective glance my way from time to time. My aunt and I had a serious argument earlier about where Rio would sleep. She had insisted that Rio sleep in the guest room Barbie Lynn had used last weekend. I had held adamant to the fact that it didn't matter where we put her, Rio would end up in bed with me. I swore on the Bible that I wouldn't have sex with her if Jill relented and let Rio stay in my bed over the weekend instead. I won out through persistence and because I went down on my knees and begged. To add to the weirdness, Rio was downright affectionate. No, she was not feeling me up or attempting to arouse me; she snuggled against me and would occasionally rub my knee while I stroked her hair, ear, and jawline gently. At 10:00 we agreed to call it a day. Rio was kind enough to only shed her jeans once we were in my room. Rio draped an arm over my stomach and her thigh over my thigh as we drifted off to sleep. It was wonderful contact because the sexual elements were submerged to keep the moment uncomplicated. It was so special that I was disappointed when I woke up hours later with Rio lying on top of my body and my cock had, of course, responded. Damn it. "Zane, there is someone at the window," she whispered to me. It then occurred to me that Rio had been crawling over me to get to my window, which was over a trellis. It was the route Leigh had used last week too. We both scooted off the bed and went to the window. It was Paris, not Leigh. "Zane, Leigh needs you," Paris pleaded softly once we opened the window for her to get in. "Let me get dressed," I responded quietly, this being necessary because I sleep in the nude. "I'm coming too," Rio hissed. We quickly got on some jeans and I put on a shirt before we snuck through the house and out the front door. Bare-footed, we crossed over to the Kappa Sigma house and up to Leigh and Paris' room. Leigh was curled up on her bed, a pillow hugged to her chest and her back to the door. Paris stepped aside and let me in. I padded up to Leigh's bed and sat beside her. Paris and Rio fidgeted by the door a bit before migrating toward Paris' bed where they could keep an eye on us. "You don't need to be here," Leigh mumbled. She'd been crying. "I heard a rumor that you needed someone to talk to," I teased her. She didn't comment for a bit. "Zane, I'm sorry," she sobbed. "About what?" I asked as I moved her so she was facing me on her side. "The video; I didn't think about how badly it could impact your life, what people would think of you," she muttered. "Don't worry about it; I'll cope," I assured her. "I'm not sure I can," she simpered. "Tell me what happened," I encouraged. "There was this guy on campus I knew since last semester. Tuesday he asked me out. We went out on a date but he forgot his wallet so I paid for dinner, and we went back to his apartment to get it before heading out to a club," she told me. "The thing was, he had two friends over and while he went to his room to get his wallet, they began talking about me, about you and me. I wanted to bolt but he convinced me to stay and have a drink. When I tried to leave they got physical, and only when I started screaming did they let me get out of there," she related. "Who is he?" I asked calmly. "No," Leigh sighed, "I don't want you to hurt him. It is my fault for not thinking that everyone would see me as a slut." "You are not a slut and anyone who thinks so is an insecure ass and not worth your time. That video was a single snapshot of your life; it doesn't define you," I stated. "But all those girls now treat you, she murmured. "If they treat me like crap, I move on. Listen Leigh, don't let a few people who could never look past your cup size ruin what was a good time for you, Paris, and I. We don't need them because we still have each other; right?" I insisted. Leigh snuggled into me and sighed away some of her tension. "Can you stay awhile?" Leigh asked softly. "You have to ask Rio; this is her weekend after all," I reminded Leigh. "Sure, he can stay," grumbled Rio playfully, "but scoot over; I'm joining you two." I was on the outside, Leigh was tight up against me, her head pressed into my neck, and Rio was against the wall, her front pressed into Leigh's back and her arm over both of us. "Zane, what am I going to do on Monday? What are they going to say now?" Leigh whispered. "Laugh; laugh against the darkness, because while we can laugh, we cannot be defeated," I told her. "When someone asks about it, tell them he was such a disappointment you left." "I was going to say, call him a psycho-rapist scumbag," Rio snarled, "but if you feel nice, listen to what Zane said." Leigh gave a weary snicker. "Thanks, Paris," she called over to her roommate. "You are welcome, Sister," Paris responded. I set Leigh's alarm for four in the morning and settled in for a short night's rest. When the buzzing woke the three of us up, I rolled out of bed, Rio climbed out over Leigh, and we kissed Leigh goodbye. On the way down the stairs we stumbled across Tawny sitting by the pool. "Hey, Zane, Rio," she said. "Good morning, Tawny," I responded. Rio was silent. "Zane, if she had given you his name, would you have gone and kicked his ass?" she questioned. "No; that wouldn't have done Leigh any good. I'd have found another way to get at him, but I'd have taken my time," I replied. "I'd like to think I occasionally learn something." "Thank you, Zane, for the answer and coming to help Leigh; you too, Rio," Tawny smirked. "You know me," Rio chuckled, "I'll never pass up a chance to grab some of that cheap Sorority tail." "Rio, you have a good friend in Zane; don't lose him," Tawny advised her. "I know; I'm getting a dog collar and leash for Christmas so I can keep him in line," Rio beamed to Tawny. Tawny chuckled and shook her head in amusement. "Just for that, you get to sleep on the floor for the rest of the morning," I grumbled to Rio. "You try that, Jungle-Boy," Rio snapped playfully as we made our way to the property line. "I'm going to staple-gun your bra to the floor," I explained. "I'm not wearing a bra," Rio snorted. "Yeah, wrestling you into one is going to be half the fun," I teased her. Rio laughed and took off running. We were still snickering over events when we snuck back into my room. Aunt Jill was curled up on my side of the bed asleep in her nightgown. Rio looked at me questioningly and all I could do was shrug. I walked over to the bell and knelt beside Jill. "Zane, I came in to check on you and you two were gone," she yawned. "Leigh had a bad date and Paris asked me to go over and have a talk with her," I related. "Did you, have sex with her?" Jill asked as he propped herself up on one elbow. Her breasts nearly spilled out of the partially buttoned top. I tried not to ogle. "No," Rio interjected. "He held her hand and let her rest her head on his shoulder until she fell asleep. Trust me; I kept an eye on them the entire time." "Yes," I confirmed Rio's statement, "she had been treated shabbily and needed to talk to a guy." "Zane, do you really want to be sneaking into young women's bedrooms well past midnight?" Jill inquired, somewhat exasperated. My initial answer would be 'Yes', but that certainly wouldn't be the correct one for right now. "Jill, it would have been unchristian to have ignored a neighbor's request for aid," I suggested. "After all, it was Leigh that saw to it that I didn't totally screw up your new clothes collection." Jill digested that bit of news with conflicted emotions. "Let's go to bed," I yawned. Jill stared at me, so I stepped over her and collapsed on the bed. Rio winked at me and walked around to the far side of the bed, wiggled out of her jeans and climbed in on her side of the bed. I was still in my jeans mainly because I didn't have underwear on. "Night, Aunt Jill," I muttered before dropping off. It was inevitable that bedroom dynamics would push me to the edge of the bed. Rio has the habit of wrapping herself around her bed partner while she sleeps, it is a body-heat issue. It seems that Jill does the same thing, so as the skyline went from night to grey, the heat of their combined bodies woke me up. For a moment I thought I was the only one awake but I felt Rio's hand run along my thigh to my crotch. She moved her hand up and down over it for a few moments when I felt her head tilt and her look at me. Our eyes locked and a wicked glint came into her eyes. Her hand wandered over my hip to Jill's thigh that was resting there. I incrementally shook my head but Rio flexed her eyebrows in amusement, refusing my warning. Instead, she inched Jill's gown up and began tracing a finger along its length. Jill stirred but fell silent in a moment. "Don't!" I hissed. Rio gave me a toothy grin in response. I couldn't move my arm that was pinned by Jill but I could maneuver the one next to Rio. I wiggled my arm between her legs and she ground against me, trying to press me too tight to get free. Upping her game, Rio reached up and scooped up Jill's right breast. Jill stirred and we both froze. "Stop it!" I hissed. "Her nipple is so hard in my hand," she taunted me. Jill shifted, causing her gown to shift up to her hips when her leg moved, and dropping her hand on my abdomen while pressing her groin against my wrist. When she went still, Rio went back to massaging her breast. First came the moans, then Jill's hips gently pumped against me, and finally her eyes sleepily opened. Rio and I had shut our eyes barely a second ago but it seemed enough to make her believe we were still asleep. It took her another second to figure out where Rio's hand was, then another to figure out that pressure between her legs was my wrist and hand. She stiffened and held her breath. Slowly she started to untangle herself but I felt Rio's hand flex. "Ah," Jill gasped. Her hand flattened against my stomach and her body trembled. Jill kept very still for several moments and I figured she'd take the opportunity to slip out of bed and let me settle down for some more sleep. She did move; her head rose and I'm sure she was looking over me and Rio for signs of life. She slowly put her head back down and moved her hand around in slow circles on my stomach. Jill kissed my shoulder softly but I elected to stir anyway, causing her to feign sleep as well. Rio couldn't let things go, though. She gave Jill's breast a squeeze, then another, followed by a low moan on my friend's part. I really needed to kick Rio. Jill began to rub her crotch along my arm while flitting her hand down to the zipper on my jeans. Reflexively my hand stroked her thigh just below the panty line. For over a minute Jill kept her tempo against me slow but steady. "Zane?" groaned Rio, pretending to just be awakened. Jill slowly withdrew. Rio gave Jill's breast one last feel. "That's not Zane," Rio whispered for dramatic effect, then louder, "Jill?" "Oh, what? Huh?" Jill stammered. "Umm, is that your hand?" "Oh," Rio mused, then gave yet another squeeze, "Whoops; that would be me. Sorry." "I, what are you doing?" Jill whispered. "I was having this sweet dream," Rio grinned back. "I, you, my," Jill questioned. I took that moment to stir and open my eyes. "What's going on?" I yawned. "Nothing," Jill declared abruptly. "I should get up and make breakfast." "Jill, it is still dark outside," I smiled. "Let's go back to bed." "I'll go to my bed, Zane. You get back to sleep and I'll wake you at 7:00," Jill assured me. She backed out of bed and quickly made for the door. "You are going to pay for this," I grumbled to Rio. She rolled onto her stomach. "That's right, Big Daddy, spank my bottom and call me a bad girl," she giggled. "Oh, God!" I groaned to the ceiling. "You are incorrigible." "If it is any consolation, I wuv you," Rio batted her eyelashes. I swatted her panty-covered bottom; she giggled and I willed myself back to sleep. Saturday with Rio and so much more. The First Game The first soccer game of the season was against Braydon College in Maryland. They were a very exclusive private co-ed college but were large enough to have both a women's and men's team. Today was Christina's second match-up against Braydon. Last year they had beaten her and she was holding a grudge, or so the scuttleass said. As the half-time break rolled around, the teams had managed a 1-1 tie. Three Braydon players in their black shirts and burgundy shorts crossed the field and were intercepted by Christina, in white and gold, on the sidelines. A brief discussion ensued, then Christina looked over her shoulder and up into the stands close to where I was sitting with Rio. Iona was at my dorm, taking care of things. Faith came up the stands to me with a quizzical look and motioned me to come with her. "What's up, Faith?" I asked, as I stood up and followed her to the field. Rio followed along. "Some of the Braydon players wanted to see you," Faith explained. "Who do you know at Braydon?" "Not a clue," I shrugged. "I'd never even heard of the place until I saw the team's schedule." As we walked up, several more FFU players had gathered around the Braydon trio. "I am Kinu Yamada, Captain of the Braydon Women's Soccer team and Kappa Sigma President," the leader turned and greeted me. "You, look better in other attire." "They field test this stuff to be the ultimate in female repellent," I grinned, referring to my school uniform. "Now, is there something I can do for you? I'm afraid I don't know who you are." "Well, Braydon's Kappa Sigmas are in a contest with several other houses for that Spring Break weekend with you and I wanted to see what we were getting into," Kinu grinned. "Weekend?" Christina and I said simultaneously. "I recall the original offer being one night and Brianna Kincaid of Colorado State being the one I was pledged to," I added. "We decided to up the ante for the purpose of a contest," Kinu stated. "What contest, Ms. Yamada?" Christina inquired with a guarded tone. "The House with the best G P A and athletic record gets to send three sisters to share the weekend with Zane Braxton," Kinu explained. "He agreed to this?" Christina questioned. "He did not," I corrected. "Unless Briana releases me from my obligation, I can't do any of that stuff. She is the one I'm indebted to." "She has done so for the sake of her sisterhood," Kinu informed me. "Are you still up for the challenge?" "I'll do it for the sake of Lancaster's Kappa Sigma House, but I'll leave the final decision up to Christina, leader of our faction here at Freedom Fellowship," I declared. Christina appeared to think it over a bit before finally nodding her head. "FFU owes Tawny Flores and the rest of the local house a debt and if Zane is willing to pay it off for us, we'll support your contest and his decision, though it will take place at FFU's Spring Break location." "I'll let everyone know," Kinu grinned before turning and crossing back to their side of the field. "Christina, where is our Spring Break location?" I whispered to her. "I haven't a clue, Zane. Christian school girls don't do Spring Break," she replied. "I'll come up with something." I wished her luck and headed up into the stands. "Barely a B-cup, but did you catch the ass on that sweet slice of Asian cuisine?" Rio panted. "I wouldn't know; those were the most intense brown eyes I've ever seen. That's a woman who knows what she wants and will cut a bloody swath to get it," I observed. "So, you didn't notice her breast size?" Rio teased. "I didn't say that, she's a 32 B, but she has large areoles and nipples as thick as my pinkie," I told her. "How do you know that shit?" Rio gawked. "Mom took me lingerie shopping when I was younger and I picked up on how the saleswomen did their jobs," I replied. "Your Mom took you lingerie shopping? My Mom could barely tell me how to use a tampon," Rio griped. "Mom told me that the only thing worse than buying a woman lingerie for her birthday was buying it in the wrong size," I related. "You buy those things on your birthday for your lady to look sexy in, for you to enjoy." "Your Mom sounds pretty neat," Rio mused. "Mom had a way of tricking you into thinking she was your friend, not your Mother, then she'd sneak this lesson in on you; like lingerie shopping, or not getting a pet you couldn't devote the time to," I told her. "She'd have loved you." "Hardy, har, har," Rio snorted. "Seriously, you're similar enough to have gotten along, but not so much that it would be creepy," I explained. "She didn't take crap from anyone; not my Dad, my Granddad, or even her old man. She'd never abandon a friend either." "I'm not like that, Zane," Rio muttered sadly. "If you've left someone, it was because they weren't your friend, Rio," I assured her. "You are such an idiot," she grumbled, but she did put her hand in mine. "Let's fuck tonight." "Nope; we promised Jill we wouldn't, and besides, next time I nail you I want you on all fours, with me pounding your cunt raw while yanking your head back with a big handful of your hair," I envisioned for us. "Would you like that?" "Damn straight," Rio licked her lips. "Well, tough, next time we get together I'm going to make long, passionate love to you," I grinned. "I prefer option A," she prodded me. "I know, but that's only because you've never had option B," I countered. "Zane, sometimes a girl wants to be treated like a cheap slut," Rio instructed. "Has someone ever spent a whole night devoted to nothing less than having sex with you?" I asked. "Yes, of course," Rio grumbled. "I'm freaking Cleopatra. I've got guys lining up the block." "Well, damn; I guess we are back to bending you over and slamming you like a cheap slut," I teased. "I see I'm too much of a woman for you," she sneered with amusement. "That's a challenge I'm willing to take up, Rio. If you think you can stand up to whatever I can think up for you, I'm willing to prove you wrong," I grinned. "I'll make it fun; I'll bring Mercy and have her be a piece of furniture," Rio suggested. "I still don't know how that happened," I said, in reference to Rio's relationship to Mercy. "I'm not sure either," Rio confessed. "Maybe being such a pervert myself, I bring out perversions in those around me. Only Iona seems immune." "Oh, it looks like Rhaine, Joy, Mercy, and I are going to have a round two," I remembered. "Oh, I want part of that," Rio brightened up, "I am going to fuck Rhaine so hard she won't walk straight for a week. You let her off too easy last time." "No," I shook my finger. "I'm not sure how this is going to play out so if you want Rhaine, you are going to have to seduce her all on your own." "Crapola," Rio bitched. "I'll have to settle for corrupting Felicity first but I'll get Rhaine one day, mark my words." Our attention was drawn back to the game when Opal scored our second goal of the day, propelling us to the lead. Apparently, the battle had become quite brutal while Rio and I had been talking. There was nothing like woman-on-woman combat to keep Rio's attention and for the rest of the second half we watched the game with interest. In the end, FFU pulled it out 4-3, but that was only because both goalies put in heroic performances. No one charged the field after the final seconds slipped away because apparently they frown on that in the United States, but I still made my way down to congratulate my fellow students. In the gentle press of bodies I came across Opal who spun on me, jumped into my arms and took my breath away with a kiss. Since this was not the norm for FFU student interaction, I did my best to look embarrassed while keeping Opal pressed up against me. "Congrats on the win," I smiled. "We get to keep you," Opal exulted. Huh? "Christina told us that if we lost, we had to give you to Braydon for the rest of the day and night, but we showed them, didn't we?" "Yes, right, you sure did," I stuttered. A few more teammates stopped by and gave me a slap on the back, or ass, while I hung onto Opal, but I had to disentangle myself because I still wanted to have a word with Christina. I hadn't traveled ten more feet when Kinu appeared before me. "Sorry," she told me with a smile. "Sorry, for losing?" I questioned. Her ponytail had become ragged during the game so I pushed some strands out of her face and hooked them behind her ear, which only made her smile broader. "No. I'm sorry we won't have another chance at you until Regionals," she grinned lasciviously. "There is something I don't get; you are a co-ed school. I'm the only guy on this campus, which explains some of my charm, but you look like you could have any guy on your campus you want, so what's up with this contest?" I inquired. "I don't know," she chuckled, "but it could be that you fuck like a stallion and a girl feels like a million bucks when you are done. You know, something like that." She reached out and ran her fingers down my chest to the top of my pants. "One thing; get a fake ID because I know any girl who gets you is going to want to take you to a few clubs, you need to look 21." "Yeah," Rio snorted, "because Zane doesn't have enough problems with the law already." "Excuse me," Christina said right after that, putting her hand on Kinu's. "I believe any confusion concerning Zane has been rectified." "For now," Kinu allowed, looking from my eyes to Christina's. "See you at Regionals." Kinu turned and with a flip of her long ponytail made her way to the far side of the field. "You wagered Zane!" Rio squawked to Christina, "After all the crap you give him?" "We won so we don't have to worry about what Kinu would have made him do," the Queen answered. "Shower up," I saluted Christina, "and congratulations on the win. I know you were looking forward to it." "We look forward to winning every game," Christina grinned. "So do I; maybe we can celebrate later at the Solarium," I suggested. "We have to take the Braydon team out to a late lunch, then the post-game meeting with the Coach, but maybe later," Christina allowed. She turned and sauntered away and I was more than willing to watch that ass move beneath those shorts. "She is so going to kill you when she finds out," Rio whispered in my ear. "She'll forgive me, but it may take some time," I explained. "When she sided with me, she accepted a certain degree of ruthlessness on my part." "You think you are being ruthless?" Rio sneered. "When you have everything else in life, what you value most is trust, Rio," I stated. "Now let's go see how my room is getting along." Dana Gorman was righteously pissed when she came storming up to my dorm 'room'. A dozen students rapidly made themselves scarce as word of her imminent arrival was made known. "I don't know how you did this, Zane, but I'm putting a stop to this right now," she snapped. "What? Everything I'm doing, I have permission for," I grinned, and I was pretty happy she didn't knock my teeth out of my head when she rounded on me. "That's bullshit! You forged my signature on those entry permits," she snarled. "Nope. You signed them, though it is most likely you thought you were signing something else at the time," I confessed. "This isn't some kind of game," she countered. "All of this stuff is going back to wherever you bought it from." "Hauling things away will be on your dime," I said. "You and the Chancellor did give me permission to fix my place up and that is what I've done. You will note that all my contractors are women, per school regulations." "And all this furniture? When did we give permission to have all of this put in?" Gorman countered. "You may not like it but I'm not doing anything illegal," I pointed out. "It doesn't mean I can't tear it all down," she growled. "Dana, you and the other facility promised me this space. Go ahead and tear it all down. I'll just find another way to do it," I promised. "You are an insufferable little prick," she hissed. "Yeah, I can be," I agreed, "but at least I haven't done all of this for my sole benefit. I made it for the whole freshman class." Dana looked around the room. "It is not like I need the whole floor for myself, after all." "What have you done?" she grumbled. "I've made a place for the freshman class to hang out. Since it is my dorm room, they are safe from upper classmen," I reminded her. Gorman glared at me, then went back to soaking up the surroundings. "Wide-Screen TVs, drink dispensers, what is that?" Dana observed. "Umm, our hot tub," I grinned nervously. "And that, the coach continued. "Those would be the showers and the sauna," I answered. "Zane, have you lost your God-damn mind?" Dana seethed. "We are not going to let you keep any of that stuff." "Well, it is 4:00 o'clock now and the installers are either finished or almost finished, so I guess you can try to find someone willing to take it down tomorrow but that's going to cost an arm and a leg," I mused. Dana rounded on me and stuck her finger in my face. "Zane, I, gurr," she growled. "Aargh!" she howled, then stormed off back downstairs. Iona came skulking up to my side. "Did we pull it off?" she whispered. "Yeah, yeah, I think we did," I responded. Cordelia and Paige came right up behind her. "So, can we hook up the satellite dishes now?" Cordelia asked. "I don't think she'll be back tonight so I'd appreciate it if you got it done before dark," I told her. "One thousand channels coming up," Cordelia smirked, "and I have to say, this is going to be my second favorite place to hang out." "I don't know, Cordelia," Paige said in a considerate tone, "what can help you deal better with a hard day of coding than a sauna and a V-8?" "Was that all you are interested in?" Iona questioned. "I was curious why I found you crawling under the covers of Zane's bed." The albino Paige blushed furiously. "The sensation is far superior when you do it naked, Paige," I stated with a gleam in my eye. "Feel free to come by sometime and try it out." Instead of responding, Paige stalked off to fix up the telecommunications gear. Cordelia snickered and followed after her. "Where is Rio?" Iona wondered. "She went hunting for Mercy, but she needs to get back in the next half hour if I'm going to make it back to Jill's by five," I informed her. The plan had been one part deception and one part splitting of resources. We had let the powers that be know the move was being made Sunday when it was really happening today. With the first game of the season, we had campus security looking at the game and not at us. We had the proper forms for what we were accomplishing that baffled the few security types we had to deal with. By the time Coach Gorman broke free from the team, it was essentially too late to stop us. Monday would bring what Monday would bring, but today we had our victory. Besides, we had the new door in place and that would make any operations by the administration against my digs much harder. My contractors informed me they would have everything up and running by 9:00 tonight. Rio was the first to arrive but Christina and company arrived with the three Kappa Sigmas from Braydon, almost all of them expecting to see a single room. Christina was once more pissed with me and I knew that attitude would get worse before it got better. "Christina, and ladies, please come with me to my room. I have an important situation to discuss," I pleaded. Catching sight of Brandi, I flagged her over. "Brandi, could you show our guests from Braydon around while I take care of a piece of personal business?" "Kinu, Kappa Sigmas from Braydon, I'll be with you in a minute and apologize for the delay," I told them with a nod of the head before heading off to my room and activating the rooms 'cut off' switch. Rio and Iona came with me, along with Christina, Hope, Chastity, Heaven, and Faith. "You told the Seniors that you were doing this on Sunday and I made plans for us to help you, Zane," Christina rounded on me. "I apologize for the deception, but it was necessary to finding out something important; namely, who was spying on you," I informed everyone in the room but Rio. I hadn't even told Iona the whole truth. "What was the purpose of this deception, Zane, this lie?" Christina questioned me harshly. "Someone in this room betrayed Heaven's secret and a few other pieces of information that have been floating around a very small circle of people, things like me moving in today," I began. "Oh, and Iona doesn't know the secret, so Iona, I hope you understand that certain things are not for me to share with you, but I trust you enough to have you here with me now." "So that's why you told Hope and I your little secret about today," Chastity stated coldly. "You were testing us. I'm not sure I like that." Hope looked even less pleased. "Yes and no; I actually was only testing Hope. I already knew you weren't the one," I replied to Chastity. Again, Hope didn't seem all that happy. "But I didn't get raided today so it wasn't either of you. For obvious reasons, Christina isn't spying on herself, and it would be a cold day in Hell before Heaven would betray Christina, so, Faith, you have been working with the Chancellor against us," I laid it out. Faith gasped fearfully. "Faith has been with me since sophomore year," Christina defended her friend, "which is a sight longer than I've known you." "Two things: it had to be someone who knew that secret, and only the people in this room, one police officer, and the Chancellor know. The cop didn't betray us and Rio didn't know until after the threat," I clarified. "If you have another explanation of the facts, please let me know," I confronted Christina. "Face it, the Chancellor knew you would be a force at this University late in your freshmen year, so she chose someone to get close to you, to keep an eye on you so she could manipulate you when the time came." Christina refused to believe me but I noted Heaven, Hope, and Chastity were all staring at Faith. "It's not so," Faith declared. "Oh, I guess you want to see all the logs of your communications with the Chancellor, then, eh, Faith?" I goaded her. "You weren't as careful as you thought." "Oh, God," Faith whispered. "No, " "Damn it, Faith," Christina rumbled, "that was the most obvious trick in the book. He had no other evidence against you. He fooled you. After all, he didn't even know it was you until late this morning." She placed a hand on Heaven's shoulder because Heaven was about to lose it. "I'd thank you, Zane," Christina said in a suddenly weary voice, "but what I really want to do is punch your lights out." "What do we do about Faith?" Chastity questioned. "Nothing," I butted in. "This doesn't involve you," Hope grumbled. "I beg to differ," I said, "I like all of you and it pisses me off that you are suffering, but this isn't Faith's fault; it is the Chancellor's. If you dump on Faith, she will know we've discovered Faith's role. If we do nothing, we can now feed information to her, but only what we want her to know." "Butt out, Zane," Heaven responded coldly. "No. If you fight yesterday's battles, we get our asses kicked. There is no profit in it for us," I kept hammering away. "She was our friend and she betrayed us," Chastity fired away. "You wouldn't understand." "What? Oh, hell no!" I snapped. "I had to sit there and take her threats about Heaven with a smile on my face, and then I had to crack a joke about it when I knew she was capable of breaking Heaven's heart. Don't you dare tell me I am not invested in this fight. She comes after me, that's fine, but when she comes after my friend, she must pay." "I may not have been with you for the past three years but don't you dare tell me I'm not invested in this fight; that's insulting," I growled. "Zane is right," Christina declared decisively. "We will act normal the rest of the day and tonight, we five will decide what to do next. Yes, Faith, I'm including you. We were once friends, after all." That last bit stung Faith a bitter blow. Christina took Heaven by the hand and led her out of my room with Faith trailing along. Hope regarded me with narrowed eyes and an icy anger. "Hope," Chastity intervened, "he trusted you with the right answer. He trusted you with his plans." "He had us set up Christina ,  and Faith," Hope seethed back. "And if he didn't? Would one of us have hunted Faith down, revealed the traitor? Hope," Chastity explained, "we couldn't do this, turn on one of our own, so we kind of left that burden on Zane, so I don't feel right hating him for trying to keep us safe, again." Hope stormed out of the room. Chastity gave me a helpless shrug then followed. "I'm stunned," muttered Iona once they were gone. "We had a traitor in our midst?" "Zane's not a total idiot," Rio joked. "I'm stunned too," I stated. "By what?" Iona asked. "Didn't this go according to your plan, whatever that was?" "No, I am stunned Rio kept her mouth shut the entire time," I grinned. Rio punched me in the arm. For me, that helped break the unbearable tension I was feeling right then. "I see your point," Iona smiled shyly. "Ow," Iona peeped, as Rio punched her too. There was still work to be done and Rio and I only had an hour to spare before heading back to Jill's. It was still wonderful to see freshmen take a look around and seeing 'their' space coming together. I even caught Kinu and company taking pictures of the place. "This will look nice on your web page," Kinu told me. "Web page?" I questioned, then pinned Iona in place with a glance. "Please, tell me about my web page." "It has all your background information, plus tons of photographs and videos of you here on campus as well as you back at your house, or the Kappa Sigma House," "Yay me," I cheered sarcastically. "There's this really nice one of you out in the woods," Kinu gave me a sly grin. "It was really, intriguing how you picked out each sister despite their masks. I can appreciate a man with an eye for detail." "Thanks, but a little more privacy in my life wouldn't suck," I groaned. "Cheer up, Zane," Kinu tipped my chin down close to her lips, "you have a fan club." "I don't pursue women to create a fan base; I do it because women are the best thing in the world, bar none," I told her. "That is why it is going to be such a pleasure owning you this spring," Kinu smiled. "Now, don't forget that ID." With that, she turned and walked away. Both of the women with her ran their hands across my stomach before following Kinu away. "Zane, I don't like the sound of that," Iona mumbled. "They treat you like a piece of meat." "It is his piece of meat they are interested in, those Sorority sluts," Rio snickered. "Well, I wish I could go to Spring Break so I could look after you," Iona sighed. "Of course, you and Rio are going with me," I looked amused. "Who else is going to protect me from doing something stupid?" "Certainly not me," chirped Rio. "Doing-Stupid-Shit is my middle name." "That explains so much about you," Iona quipped to Rio. "I don't think my parents will let me go anyway." "Lie to them," Rio responded. "No, tell them it is a learning experience and that about a dozen girls, and me, will be watching over you," I told her, "Your parents trust you and for good reason." "Will I be able to spend some time with you while I'm there?" Iona asked me. "Sure. Let me know what you want to do," I hugged her. "I hope it is Florida," Iona smiled. "I want to go to Disney World again. It was so much fun the other three times my family went." "For the love of God!" gasped Rio, "Tranquilize me first." I chuckled, Rio scowled, and we set off to do a little more work before the day was done. Breaking Down Walls, Mending Fences It was five minutes until 8:00 in the evening when the doorbell rang. Jill virtually catapulted herself from the chair she'd been fidgeting in and raced to answer it. "Hunting time," Rio grinned with predatory glee, and I found myself praying that Felicity left wearing something more than a confused, yet dreamy, smile on her face. Jill welcomed Mrs. Rochelle Wellington, the Mayor's wife, and Felicity Tolliver, fianc to Rochelle's youngest son, into our house. Rio and I stood as they entered the room. Felicity had an open and friendly expression on her face while Rochelle was much more guarded and unsure. "Hey ladies, thank you for coming by tonight," I greeted them. "Mrs. Wellington, I've been making extra notes on last meetings discussions I'd like to go over with you," I said with my most disarming smile. "Felicity, we've done this incredible renovation project at school, we students, and I'd like to show you all we've accomplished so you can, ya know, give us some pointers as to what to do next," Rio beamed with a frivolity that I found personally terrifying. "Okay," Felicity grinned back at Rio. "Let's see what you have." I kind of felt sorry for Felicity; she wasn't taking Rio too seriously and had no idea of the carnivore that lurked just beneath the younger woman's exterior. Rochelle Wellington was far more cautious. "Greetings, Zane. I am happy to help the newest member of my committee adjust," Rochelle told me. I quickly cracked open my laptop and moved aside so that Rochelle could join me as I went over this and that from the last meeting. "Felicity and Jill, why don't we go check out some of the rooms Jill's already done and see what we can come up with," Rio suggested. Jill seemed a little nervous so Felicity stepped in. "I'd love to see what Ms. Braxton has done with her home. I always admired this old house, but Lance wanted something on the north side of town," Felicity sighed. "I tried to make things very homey," Jill informed them. "I didn't have much to work with. My late husband and I didn't have many possessions." "I think you did a fine job, Jill," Rio poured it on. "Zane considers this his home and looks forward to coming here on the weekends." That seemed to perk things up. "But why are you here, Rio? Are you Zane's, girlfriend?" Felicity wondered. "Oh, no," Rio laughed. "My family is in Arizona and Zane knows I'm alone here, so he and Jill have taken me under their wing and made me feel like a daughter, and a sister." How Jill stopped herself from choking at the, exaggeration was putting it kindly, was beyond me. It did show me that Rio could be personable and manipulative if she so desired. The three women headed off to the dining room, leaving me with Rochelle. "Why don't we move to the kitchen?" I suggested to her. "Working over the coffee table isn't good for our backs." "Oh," she clearly studied me, "okay, if you think that's best." We moved to the bar in the kitchen and I behaved myself for all of five minutes. I started bringing up her ideas that had been somewhat ill-received and showed her what work I had done on them. "I'm not sure how much of this matters," she sighed. "I don't think I have the votes." "Don't give up. After all, I have the tie-breaking vote now," I reminded her. "Oh, I hadn't considered you a voting member but I suppose you are right. I admit, I didn't see you hanging around all that long, being a young man and all," she explained. "Why would I not want to stay? I had fun," I countered. "I would imagine a young man would have better things to do than hang out with a bunch of old ladies," she said. "If I find a bunch of old ladies, I'll let you know," I grinned. "Besides, I had some friends go over some of the suggestions you put forth and they created some 3-D images for you to present next Wednesday," I related, as I began opening the first program. "Oh, my," Rochelle murmured. As she got the hang of things, she maneuvered through the presentations and rotated the pictures. "Are you hot?" I inquired. "Can I get you something to drink?" "That would be nice," she agreed. "Do you have tomato or orange juice?" "We have that, and we have beer and Scotch too," I grinned. "Oh, please," she moaned, "I could use a good Scotch. It has been a long week." While I prepared a double Scotch for her and a beer for myself, Rochelle took off her jacket and laid it on the bar. I handed her the glass when I returned. "That's smooth," she commented after a sip. "I don't like this," she pointed to a feature on the screen. "How do I alter it?" I reached around her, pressing my body onto her side and back gently. "Here you go, do this and this." I highlighted the keys she needed to use to get the desired effects. I could tell she was distracted, both physically and intellectually. Rochelle hesitantly moved some features around for a few seconds so I chose to back off for a minute. "I want to do this," she requested, "without changing, " "Oh, okay. Let's try this," I answered, while wrapping her in my arms once more. This time I held the embrace longer, and when I withdrew, my hand rested on her far shoulder. "This is really good work, Zane," Rochelle turned her head to complement me only to find my face a few inches away. She gulped and looked at me with a certain level of confliction. "Really, it was this small group of girls at school who did the real work. Isn't that always the case, women doing all the real work so some guy can get the credit?" I teased her. "Why, why did they do this for you?" she stammered. "They go to our church, of course," I smiled. "What did you think I did, seduce them?" "I, no, definitely not," Rochelle blushed, and turned back to the screen. "You are such a nice boy." "I wouldn't go that far, Mrs. Wellington. I am afraid I'm begging forgiveness most Sunday mornings," I joked. "Oh, come on now," she mused, "what do you have to talk to Jesus about?" "Impure thoughts," I confessed. "Well, you go to an all-girls school," she said. "I'm sure that gives you ample opportunity." "What makes you think I'm not being tempted right now?" I suggested. "Oh, I guess you could be," she replied quietly. "I'm glad we got that out of the way," I sighed. "What? Got what out of the way?" she asked. "It's hard to tell a lady that she's attractive without it being taken the wrong way," I lied. I had every intention of her taking this the 'wrong' way. "It is that I've always found you very beautiful but was unsure how you would take it." "I'm a married woman," she declared, but severely lacked conviction. "Absolutely, and we both understand the limitations of our relationship because of that," I continued. "Limitations?" she questioned. "Well, I can do this," I kissed her on the neck below the ear, "and we both know that it is only something between friends." "Ah, good," she moaned. "I mean, it is good we understand our boundaries." I went back to kissing her neck, then went up to her ear. Rochelle remained patiently still under my passion for a long time. "I want to take another look at this diagram," she suddenly said. She didn't pull away, though, instead, working away steadily on the keyboard while I let my lips play along her exposed flesh and my hands roamed her shoulders. She kept a steady patter of conversation going as I deviated farther and farther from her shoulders, around her back, to the sides of her breasts. "Your top button," I whispered to her. "Button, she murmured. She looked to my eyes, then followed them down to her cleavage. I saw the mental struggle going on inside her, lust versus a loveless marriage. I imagine she convinced herself this was all harmless fun because her trembling hands undid not only the first button, but the second one as well. "Beautiful," I complimented her quietly. "You are very beautiful, Rochelle." She didn't say anything but she sat up straighter and stuck out her chest with more confidence. My left hand edged around the side of her breast and took that orb into my hand and began massaging it, exciting her nipple through her satin blouse and silk bra. My right hand followed a similar path, but at the base of the breast I roamed down along the fleshy roll of her stomach to her belt, rubbing along and kneading the pliant tissue. She was slightly embarrassed

Who are the black evangelicals? How has contemporary evangelicalism reckoned with racial justice? Theologian Vincent Bacote joins Mark Labberton to discuss Black + Evangelical, a new documentary exploring the in-between experience of black Christians in white evangelical spaces. Bacote—professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics—shares his personal faith journey, early formation in the Navigators, growing racial consciousness, and decades-long engagement with questions of race, theology, and evangelical identity. Together, they work through the tensions, challenges, and possibilities for a more truthful and hopeful evangelical witness. Episode Highlights “The goal of the documentary is not to be a kind of hit piece about the evangelical movement. It's to tell the story of the church.” “To be for Black people is not to be against somebody else.” – Tom Skinner “I couldn't understand why the Bible people weren't leading the way on questions of race.” “Participation in evangelical spaces can't mean leaving part of yourself outside.” “Realism allows you to have honesty, but also remember the good news is the greatest news of all.” “God wants all of us—our whole selves—not a muted version.” Helpful Links and Resources Black + Evangelical Documentary (Christianity Today) Black + Evangelical Documentary Trailer The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life by Vincent Bacote Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News by Vincent Bacote Breaking Down Walls by Raleigh Washington & Glen Kehrein Tom Skinner's Urbana 1970 Address (Full Audio) *The Color of Compromise* by Jemar Tisby About Vincent Bacote Vincent Bacote is professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. He is the author of several books, including The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life and Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News: In Search of a Better Evangelical Theology. His research and teaching address public theology, ethics, and the intersection of race and evangelical identity. Bacote is a widely cited commentator and a frequent voice in conversations about Christian faithfulness in public life. Show Notes Mark Labberton welcomes Vincent Bacote, professor of theology at Wheaton College and director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. Introduction to the Black + Evangelical documentary, a project Bacote helped conceive and produce. Bacote's upbringing at Shiloh Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland—unknowingly part of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Conversion experience around age ten, preceded by years of genuine faith. College years at the Citadel; involvement in the Navigators campus ministry. Influence of a summer training program in Memphis focused on African American ministry. Early exposure to evangelical culture through radio preachers like Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, and James Dobson. Initial tensions over the lack of evangelical engagement on issues of race. Graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with the initial goal of becoming a pastor. Encounter with Raleigh Washington and Glen Kehrein's Breaking Down Walls, grounding racial reconciliation in Ephesians 2. Observations of the scarcity of black theologians in evangelical seminaries. 1993 Geneva College conference on black evangelicals—learning from leaders like Bill Pannell, Tom Skinner, Tony Evans, Carl Ellis, and Eugene Rivers. Writing an editorial titled “Black and Evangelical: An Uneasy Tension?” for the student paper at Trinity. Realization that evangelicalism is both a biblical and socio-cultural movement with contextual blind spots. Arrival at Wheaton College in 2000 with a focus on public theology and ethics beyond race alone. Genesis of the Black + Evangelical project at a 2008 Fuller Seminary gathering with Ron Potter. Partnership with Christianity Today and filmmaker Dan Long to shape the documentary. Filming over forty hours of interviews with twenty-four participants, distilled into a ninety-four-minute film. Mark Labberton highlights Tom Skinner's impact and his “Blackface” critique of white evangelicalism. Bacote reflects on his “racially optimistic” early years and growing awareness of systemic realities. Analysis of the Promise Keepers movement and the need for sustained relational work beyond large gatherings. Challenges in building genuine multiethnic churches versus surface-level diversity. The documentary's aim: to tell the church's story, honour lived experiences, and inspire commitment to mission. Bacote's “four stages” for minorities in evangelical institutions: delight, dissonance, distress, and decision. Emphasis on “sober hope”—honesty about pain while holding onto the good news. The gospel's call to bring one's full self into the life of the church. Closing encouragement to watch and share Black + Evangelical as a story worth hearing for the whole church. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

Dr. Donyall Dickey delivers a powerful message about America's literacy crisis while offering clear, practical solutions educators can implement immediately. Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and the administration of schools As founder and CEO of Educational Epiphany, Dr. Dickey brings credibility and real-world experience to this urgent conversation.The four practices Dr. Dickey outlines include creating learning targets that push students toward higher-order thinking, teaching vocabulary through word part analysis, using gradual release of responsibility to build independence, and explicitly teaching writing skills across content areas. What makes his approach particularly effective is the implementation strategy, introducing one practice at a time, ensuring mastery before moving on, and focusing on sustainable change rather than quick fixes.Educators across Montgomery County will have the opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Dickey at the MCIU's Shared Learning session on October 1st. Don't miss this chance to transform your instructional practice and make a real difference in student literacy outcomes.Visit learn.mciu.org/sharedlearning to learn more about this upcoming professional development opportunity with MCIU's Office of Organizational and Professional Learning.

Send us a textStanding Before Your JerichoScripture Reference: Joshua 5:13–15Podcast Series: Unshakeable – A Daily Christian Devotional PodcastHave you ever stood before your own Jericho—a challenge so vast, fortified, and immovable it left you wondering if you'd ever see breakthrough? In today's powerful daily devotional, Reverend Ben Cooper takes us on a deep prayer journey rooted in Joshua 5:13, where Joshua stood before Jericho's massive walls, uncertain yet obedient, knowing that God's promise still stood firm.This 5-minute devotional prayer is more than encouragement—it's a prophetic declaration for every believer facing battles too big for human strength. Whether you're dealing with health struggles, financial burdens, emotional trauma, family tension, or spiritual warfare, this devotion reminds you that God fights for you, and the walls in your life are already weakening by His power.We explore the spiritual discipline of faithful persistence—mirrored in the Israelites walking around Jericho. Their actions didn't make sense in the natural, yet obedience positioned them for supernatural victory. Today's episode invites listeners to circle their own Jerichos in prayer, hearing the prophetic echo of “walls crumbling” even before breakthrough becomes visible.This daily prayer encourages us to:See our battles with eyes of faith, not fear.Trust in God's voice more than the noise of the obstacle.Obey even when the outcome is unclear.Declare breakthrough before it's seen.“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9This prayer devotion is your spiritual battle cry, reminding you that even when things seem impossible, God's promise is already working in the unseen. The episode also touches on the spiritual strongholds in our minds, where fear and doubt can be the real Jericho we must overcome.Practical Application:Today, take 5 minutes to spiritually walk around your Jericho. Is it addiction? Debt? Grief? Anxiety? Speak God's promises over it. Don't underestimate the power of daily prayer and consistent, quiet faithfulness.Call to Action:Be part of this growing global prayer movement. If this devotional has blessed you, please support the ministry by giving £3 monthly on Buy Me a Coffee at RBChristianRadio.net. Your support allows us to keep this daily encouragement flowing across the globe.Subscribe, share, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. Help others find strength through prayer. Join the Unshakeable community—where daily devotionals build daily faith.daily prayer devotional, Christian morning prayer, spiritual warfare prayer, Joshua 5 devotional, breakthrough prayer, overcoming fear, faith in hard times, walls of JericSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

Why do we build walls—emotional, social, ideological—and what would it take to break them down? In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfy, anthropologist Anand Pandian joins host Julie Rose to explore the infrastructure of discomfort in America. Drawing from his new book, “Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American Life and How to Take Them Down,” Pandian recounts stories from his journey across America, including attending a Trump victory rally as a liberal, or choosing to reconnect with a conservative childhood friend. These experiences reveal how fear and familiarity shape our comfort zones and what happens when we choose to step beyond them. You can check out Anand Pandian's book, “Something Between Us,” here: https://www.sup.org/books/anthropology/something-between-us What walls have you built in your own life? And what might happen if you dared to peek over them? Share your story at uncomfy@byu.edu or connect on socials. And subscribe to Uncomfy for more conversations about growth, discomfort, and staying curious even when it's difficult. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Uncomfy 01:29 Intro to Anand Pandian 01:48 Personal Reflections and Experiences 06:16 The Importance of Breaking Down Walls 09:46 Stories of Connection and Empathy 16:24 Organizing Against Division 19:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

Exploring Healing Through Guided Ketamine Sessions with Dr. Unkefer and Shandell Pino In this episode of Practically Magic, host Courtney Pearl delves into the world of psychedelics and healing, focusing on her personal experiences with ketamine. Courtney is joined by Dr. Unkefer from Guided Ketamine and Shandell Pino from Inner Light Academy. They discuss the importance of safe and controlled ketamine sessions, the science behind ketamine's effects on the brain, and the vital role of emotional and spiritual support in psychedelic therapies. Personal anecdotes and experiences are shared, emphasizing the transformative potential of guided ketamine sessions. The episode also touches on the integration of these experiences into everyday life and the importance of intentional post-session practices. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:41 Card Pull and Symbolism 01:27 Exploring the Phoenix and Kali Cards 02:17 Ketamine Session Insights 02:29 Visualizing Liberation 03:36 Breaking Down Walls with Psychedelics 04:04 Interview with Dr. Uffer and Shandal Pinot 04:37 Dr. Uffer's Journey with Ketamine 05:30 Understanding Ketamine's Effects 06:21 The Science Behind Ketamine 08:58 Personal Healing Journeys 10:58 The Role of Glutamate in Healing 13:46 Importance of Post-Session Integration 15:47 Shandell's Background and Experience 19:14 Courtney's First Psychedelic Experience 20:45 Group Ketamine Session Experience 27:15 Exploring Pyramids in Different Worlds 28:34 The Science Behind Ketamine's Effects 30:22 Emotional and Spiritual Experiences 31:51 Energy Work and Integration 32:55 Personal Reflections and Healing 38:06 The Importance of Integration 40:50 Final Thoughts and Resources

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariWhen Truth Hits Hard: The Cross Is Still the AnswerNOW ON YOUTUBEInspired by the powerful lyrics in Son of Heaven by Brandon Lake, this episode goes straight to the heart. Cari shares a moment when truth collided with emotion—a reminder that no matter what we face, the Cross is still the answer, and the Blood is still the Blood. When life feels heavy, confusing, or overwhelming, it's not always comfort we need—sometimes it's clarity. This raw and real conversation will call you higher, challenge your perspective, and point you back to Jesus.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariParenting While Broken: Understanding Your Own UpbringingNOW ON YOUTUBEHow much of the way you parent is shaped by how you were raised? In this episode, we take a deep dive into understanding our own upbringing and how it influences the way we show up as parents. Sometimes, the patterns we carry aren't healthy—but awareness can bring healing and change. Join us as we explore how to break cycles, extend grace to ourselves and our parents, and create a new legacy for our children.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariTalking Instead of Praying: When Words Replace WorshipNOW ON YOUTUBEAre you talking about your problems more than you're praying about them? In this episode, we explore the subtle but significant difference between venting and seeking God. When we fill our minds and conversations with worries, complaints, or endless processing, we can miss the power of surrendering it all to Him. Join us as we discuss how to shift from over-talking to deepening our prayer life, trusting that God hears, sees, and moves when we truly seek Him.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariBeing Thankful: The Power of True Gratitude – Being Intentional, Not EmptyNOW ON YOUTUBEGratitude is more than just saying “thank you” — it's about truly living with a heart of thankfulness. In this episode, we dive into what it means to be intentional about gratitude, avoiding empty gestures, and cultivating a lifestyle that reflects genuine appreciation. Whether in your faith, relationships, or daily routines, learn how to shift from routine thanks to deep, meaningful gratitude that transforms your perspective and your walk with God.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariSilencing Food Noise: A Conversation with Dr. Daniel Burton and CariNOW ON YOUTUBEStruggling with constant thoughts about food? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Burton and Cari dive deep into the concept of "food noise" — those relentless cravings and mental battles around eating. They share practical strategies for finding freedom, balancing nutrition, and aligning your health journey with faith. Whether you're navigating emotional eating or seeking a more peaceful relationship with food, this episode offers insight and hope.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.comConnect with Dr. Daniel Burton:Website:      drdans-empowermenthub.mn.coYouTube:    @theofficialdrdan

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariBrandon and Cari: The Love Story You've Been Waiting ForNOW ON YOUTUBEYou've asked, and now I'm sharing — the love story of Brandon and Cari. In this heartfelt episode, they open up about my journey, from how they met to the moments that tested their faith and strengthened their bond. This is a raw and real conversation about love, commitment, and building a marriage centered on God. Whether you're single, dating, or married, their story will inspire you to trust in God's timing and embrace the beauty of a Christ-centered relationship.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

In Messengers Part 5, Pastor Robey Barnes dives into Acts 10, revealing how God's plan for the gospel breaks down walls of division. Just as the fall of the Berlin Wall united families, Peter's vision challenged deeply held traditions, inviting believers to embrace inclusion and reconciliation. Discover how God's love knows no boundaries and how we are called to tear down walls in our lives and communities. Don't miss this powerful message on unity and the power of the gospel!

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariIn the Feels: Grief, Grace, and Trusting God's ControlNOW ON YOUTUBEIn this raw and unscripted episode, Cari shares her heart about the passing of her mother-in-law and the emotional waves that come with loss. She explores the power of sitting with your feelings, acknowledging the pain, and finding peace in knowing that God is in control. Sometimes the greatest healing happens when we stop striving and simply rest in His presence.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariNOW ON YOUTUBEJust like a solution needs dwell time to fully work, so does our spiritual journey. In this episode, Cari explores the importance of allowing time for God's truth to settle in our hearts, His healing to take root, and His direction to become clear. Transformation doesn't happen instantly—sometimes, we need to sit in His presence and trust the process. Don't rush what God is doing in you!Verses:Psalm 37:3 - Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.Psalm 23:6 - Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.Colossians 3:16 - Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.Psalm 27:4 - One thing I ask from the Lordthis only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord  and to seek him in his temple.Psalm 131:1 - My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.1 John 4:13 - This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariNOW ON YOUTUBEIn today's fast-paced world, self-care often feels like just another item on our never-ending to-do list. But what if it didn't have to be? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, a leading expert in Ayurveda and the creator of Fusionary Formulas, to explore how ancient Ayurvedic practices—like the power of turmeric—can transform your health, reduce inflammation, and help you thrive. Dr. Gupta shares practical, time-efficient ways to integrate self-care into your daily routine, bridging the gap between Eastern wisdom and modern Western lifestyles. If you're ready to step into a healthier, more vibrant life without sacrificing your busy schedule, this episode is for you!URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.comConnect with Dr. Shivani Gupta: (Use Code VeryCari at Checkout!)Website: shivanigupta.comWebsite:     fusionaryformulas.com

Join us Sunday February 16, 2025, for our Celebration of Praise and Worship Service at New Life At Calvary. Pastor Kellie is preaching "Breaking Down Walls." We lift up the name of Jesus Christ at New Life At Calvary located at 2020 E. 79th St. Cleveland, OH 44103 and online at nlac.tv. Donations to support this ministry can be made on our website at nlac.tv or by Cash App at $2NLAC.

Join us Sunday February 16, 2025, for our Celebration of Praise and Worship Service at New Life At Calvary. Pastor Kellie is preaching "Breaking Down Walls." We lift up the name of Jesus Christ at New Life At Calvary located at 2020 E. 79th St. Cleveland, OH 44103 and online at nlac.tv. Donations to support this ministry can be made on our website at nlac.tv or by Cash App at $2NLAC.

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariNOW ON YOUTUBEEven the strongest believers experience exhaustion, doubt, and discouragement. In this episode, we explore Elijah's “broom bush moment,” looking at the parallels with Elijah's time under the broom tree in 1 Kings 19. After great victories, both prophets faced deep weariness—yet God met them in their lowest moments with rest, provision, and a renewed calling. If you've ever felt burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this episode will remind you that sometimes, God's first instruction isn't to do more—but to rest, recharge, and listen for His still, small voice.Verses:1 Kings 18:16  - 1 Kings 19:21URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, we're diving into the topic of emotional guarding—the walls we build to protect ourselves from pain but that often keep us from experiencing connection, trust, and joy. Whether it's fear of rejection, past trauma, or societal pressures, emotional guarding can hold us back in many areas of life.Vanessa shares insights on how these walls form and offers practical strategies for breaking them down. She also reflects on her own journey of emotional guarding, exploring the balance between protecting our peace and opening ourselves to possibility.EPISODE DESCRIPTION:Learn what emotional guarding is, why it happens, and how to break free from it. Vanessa explores how trauma, childhood expectations, and personal insecurities can create emotional barriers. She provides tools to help you dismantle these walls, from self-reflection to communication, and explains how openness can lead to growth, connection, and healing.TUNE IN TO LEARN:What emotional guarding is and how it affects relationshipsThe common reasons we build emotional wallsSteps to break down those walls while maintaining healthy boundariesHow vulnerability can create stronger, more meaningful connectionsTAKEAWAY MESSAGE:Breaking down emotional walls takes time and intention, but it opens the door to deeper relationships, greater self-awareness, and a stronger sense of peace. It starts by acknowledging why those walls are there and committing to the steps that foster trust and connection. Listen in, and remember—you're always free to be mindful!Send us a text120 COPING SKILLShttps://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskillsCULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGEhttps://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallengeSUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:https://qrco.de/consultacounselorWATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindfulUse this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.STAY CONNECTED:Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcastWebsite: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcastAll Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus DISCLAIMER:Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

Explore the complexities of tribalism and how it shapes our identities and connections. Cristina and Alex dive into how the need to belong can both unite and divide us, influencing everything from high school cliques to workplace dynamics. We discuss balancing the comfort of tribes with the richness of individual relationships to foster understanding and inclusivity.We also highlight the power of stepping out of comfort zones to find meaningful communities. In a world shaped by social media and stereotypes, Cristina and Alex emphasize critical thinking, personal connections, and celebrating diversity in professional and personal settings. Let's embrace the richness of human community while respecting differences.

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariNOW ON YOUTUBEMY DIET TRAUMA STORY - Listen Now - In this episode, Cari dives into the transformative journey of growth and change, both physically and spiritually. She explores the challenges of letting go of old habits, mindsets, and routines to embrace a new, healthier way of living—body, mind, and spirit. Drawing on her personal experiences and biblical wisdom, Cari unpacks how these changes aren't just external but deeply internal and spiritual. Discover how the renewal process strengthens your relationship with God and equips you to step into the new creation He's called you to be. This episode is packed with encouragement, insights, and actionable steps to help you navigate your own transformation with grace and faith.Verses:2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!Galatians 6:15: Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.Ephesians 4:22: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;Romans 6:4: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.Colossians 3:10: and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.Romans 6:22: But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.1 Corinthians 1:30: It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.1 Corinthians 3:16: Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

In this episode, Steph reflects on her recent experience at a live event with her mastermind group, where speakers shared deeply personal and vulnerable stories. She describes how the power in their storytelling was in their vulnerability. Ironically, this kind of vulnerability is the stalemate for so many people. Steph discusses the misconception that failures and hardships disqualify us from sharing our messages, arguing instead that they enhance our credibility. She shares her journey from being guarded to embracing authenticity, highlighting how this shift has positively impacted her relationships and professional life. The episode concludes with the idea that we might not have to use a proverbial hammer to have big impact, but rather use the hammer to break apart our own guardedness so we can impact people with our humanity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 03:01 The Power of Vulnerability in Storytelling 06:12 Impact Through Authenticity 11:15 Breaking Down Walls for Connection 13:36 Embracing Humanity in Interactions

NOW ON YOUTUBEListen to the First EpisodeIn this candid and insightful episode, Cari sits down with Rachel Cool to discuss three major red flags that couples should watch for in their marriages. Drawing from her years in ministry and personal experience, Rachel dives deep into topics like communication breakdowns, emotional disconnect, and prioritizing everything but your relationship. Together, Cari and Rachel offer practical tips and godly wisdom to help you address these warning signs and strengthen your marriage. Whether you're newly married or have been together for years, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you build a thriving, Christ-centered partnership.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereFoundations of Faith-  RachelMCool.comConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.comConnect with Rachel:Instagram: instagram.com/rachelmcoolWebsite:     RachelMCool.com - Sign Up For Foundations of Faith Today!Website:     AEMARRIAGE.com - Learn about the Marriage Check In and Start 2025 off right!

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariNOW ON YOUTUBEIn this episode, Cari unpacks the miraculous story of the widow's oil from 2 Kings 4:1-7, where Elisha instructs a desperate widow to gather empty jars, and God fills them with oil beyond measure. This powerful narrative is a reminder of God's provision, faithfulness, and how He can use what we already have to create abundance. Cari dives into the spiritual lessons of trusting God in times of lack, taking bold steps of faith, and allowing Him to fill the “empty jars” of our lives. Tune in for inspiration to see how God is ready to move in your own story, no matter how little you think you have.Verses:2 Kings 4:1-7 - The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one." But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com

Join the Facebook Group: All Things Very CariNOW ON YOUTUBEIn this episode, Cari delves into the powerful parables of Luke 15: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. These timeless stories reveal God's immense love for His people and His relentless pursuit of those who are lost. Cari explores the deep meaning behind each parable, discussing themes of repentance, redemption, and the joy in heaven over every sinner who turns back to God. Whether you've felt distant from God or need a reminder of His love, this episode is an invitation to reflect on His grace and His desire to bring you home.Verses:Luke 15:11-23 - Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.'  So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.URHERE Information- www.verycaripodcast.com/urhereConnect with Cari:Instagram: instagram.com/carithompsonrnFacebook: www.facebook.com/cari.ayres.3Website:     VeryCariPodcast.com