Podcasts about CCC

Your teen says their stomach hurts, they barely slept, and now they are refusing to go to school.Do you push them to attend? Let them stay home? Or call someone for help?Back-to-school anxiety is common, but not every “I'm not going” means the same thing.In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, explains the important differences between normal reluctance, anxiety, school avoidance, and a pattern that requires professional support.You will learn:• Why anxiety-related physical symptoms can be genuine• How avoidance temporarily lowers anxiety but may make the next school day harder• When parental support begins turning into repeated rescue• Why appropriate school accommodations are not the same as avoidance• A three-part response that combines validation, confidence, and action• When to contact your teen's pediatrician, school, or a mental health professionalYou do not have to choose between dismissing your teen's anxiety and allowing anxiety to control every decision.You can take their distress seriously, remain curious about what is underneath it, and help them take the next manageable step.When school avoidance is persistent or connected to significant anxiety, depression, physical symptoms, bullying, or safety concerns, involve your teen's pediatrician, school, and a licensed mental health professional.Follow The Single Parenting Reset Show so you do not miss Episode 286: Teen Won't Go to School? What to Say That Morning.⭐️ Download the free Tween & Teen Conflict Reset Kit for seven practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan.⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session.⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

In this episode of the Beyond Retirement podcast, Jacquie Doucette speaks with corporate anthropologist Dr. Andi Simon about why retirement is far more complex than simply leaving work. Drawing on decades of research and interviews, Dr. Simon explains how retirement often creates an identity gap between who we were during our careers and who we are becoming next.The conversation explores how people navigate this transition, why freedom without structure can feel draining, and how curiosity, community, and intentional design can help retirees build meaningful lives beyond their careers.Key Topics CoveredRetirement as a cultural and identity transitionWhy freedom without structure can feel unexpectedly drainingThe stages of retirement: honeymoon, awakening, and restructuringThe importance of curiosity and experimentation after leaving workHow retirees rebuild purpose and communityHow organizations could better prepare employees for retirementTImestamps00:00 Introduction and what a corporate anthropologist studies04:00 Why retirement is such a complex cultural transition11:00 What successful retirement transitions have in common18:00 Curiosity, identity, and asking the deeper “why” questions22:00 What organizations could do differently about retirement25:00 Reframing retirement as a stage of becoming33:00 Advice for people struggling with the transitionGuest Links:Website: https://www.andisimon.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimonBook: Rethink Retirement, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636184278READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com**************Don't forget to check out Aging With Purpose and Passion. It is a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions.Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships.If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity, and momentum.Because your best years were never defined by your age. They're defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging with Purpose and Passion wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.comMentioned in this episode:Aging with Purpose and PassionReinvention After 50 Starts With One Question: What's Next? Aging With Purpose and Passion is a podcast for women over 50 navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Beverley Glazer, MA, CCC, Work and Life Transition Coach, each episode brings you real stories, practical strategies, and expert insights from women who have faced adversity and created meaningful new chapters in life, work, health, and relationships. If you're feeling uncertain, invisible, restless, or ready for change, this podcast helps you gain confidence, clarity and momentum. Because your best years were never defined by your age. They're defined by the courage to choose what comes next. Find Aging With Purpose and Passion, wherever you get your podcasts. AgingWithPurposeandPassion.com

What do you say when your teen looks you in the eye and denies something you feel almost certain happened?What if they blame a friend, a sibling, a teacher, or their other parent?When you believe your teenager is lying, it is easy to get pulled into questioning, proving, arguing, and trying to force a confession. But you do not need your teen to admit everything before you can respond clearly and protectively.In this Quick Reset episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, shares five practical scripts for responding when your tween or teen denies what happened, blames someone else, changes their story, returns with the truth, or when you simply do not have enough information yet.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:• What to say when you have reliable information but your teen keeps denying what happened• How to acknowledge another person's involvement without allowing your teen to avoid responsibility• How to respond when your teen's story keeps changing• What to say when your teen comes back and finally tells you the truth• How to make a safe parenting decision when you suspect dishonesty but do not know the complete truth• Why calm parenting does not mean ignoring dishonesty or removing accountabilityYou do not have to turn the conversation into a courtroom. You can respond to the information you have, hold the appropriate boundary, and leave a clear path back to honesty and repair.LISTEN TO EPISODE 283: Teen Lying: What to Do and How to Rebuild TrustThis is the flagship episode that explains why tweens and teens lie and how parents can begin rebuilding trust without damaging the relationship.⭐Are denial, blame, shutdowns, and repeated arguments creating more conflict in your home?Download the free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit. It includes seven practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan to help you stay calm, protect the relationship, and hold the boundary.Download it here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/tween-and-teen-conflict-reset-kitIf this episode helped you, follow The Single Parenting Reset Show, leave a review, and share it with another parent of a tween or teen.The best parenting skill is already inside of you—it's the connection and relationship you have ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Danielle DiMartino Booth breaks down a contentious FOMC meeting where new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh held rates steady over three dissents, arguing the "good family fight" reflects a real fault line between district bank presidents and governors rather than idle disagreement. She reads Warsh as deliberately dismantling forward guidance, pushing the Fed to stop acting as the market's referee, and leaning toward a trimmed-mean view of inflation while insisting the 2% target stays non-negotiable. Beneath the policy debate, she sees an economy propped up almost entirely by the top 10% and the AI investment boom, with mounting cracks underneath: widening CCC high-yield spreads, bankruptcies at 15-year highs, record apartment concessions on luxury units, softening wage growth, and falling freight demand across trucking and ocean shipping. Her core worry is that if the top of the K "stutters" — as the AI bubble deflates or the wealth effect fades — the pain trickles down onto an already-struggling bottom half, and she's positioning around gold as credit conditions tighten.Thank you to our sponsors: Kalshi - download the Kalshi app and use code JULIA to get $10 when you trade $10. http://kalshi.com/r/JULIA Monetary Metals - learn more at https://www.monetary-metals.com/julia/Links: Danielle's Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/dimartinobooth Substack: https://dimartinobooth.substack.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleDiMartinoBoothQIFed Up: https://www.amazon.com/Fed-Up-Insiders-Federal-Reserve/dp/0735211655Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro and welcome00:35 — Immediate take on the FOMC hold with three dissenters; Warsh's "robust discussion" and four questions02:42 — Is it a deeper split? Waller standing with Warsh; district bank presidents vs. governors03:48 — Why strategists are throwing a "hissy fit"; abandoning forward guidance, Fed stepping back as referee05:01 — The 2% inflation target described as non-negotiable05:47 — Did it make sense to hold? The five shocks, "team transitory" slip, trimmed-mean inflation07:13 — Is the door open for a September hike?08:53 — Kalshi prediction-market odds for September (53% hike / 45% hold)09:57 — Market reaction; NASDAQ's late-day fall off a cliff11:52 — Why the FOMC minutes may be the real story12:20 — Economy assessment via alternative data: waste-management volumes, GDP, Indeed wages14:38 — How inflation should really be measured; P&G, purchasing power, World Cup hiring16:09 — Cracks emerging: CCC high-yield spreads, 15-year-high bankruptcies, apartment concessions18:52 — The K-shaped economy, the wealth effect, and international travel as a bellwether21:01 — Does she agree with the hold? Her public call for a hike21:52 — The bond market has done the tightening for the Fed22:11 — The move in gold vs. Bitcoin, and what it signals about credit23:07 — More breakage coming in credit; distressed debt exchanges as "polite" Chapter 1124:29 — What investors are missing: truck stops, ocean freight, inventory restocking, Austria/BMW29:32 — What she's watching into September; tax refunds, World Cup aftermath, the top of the K32:25 — Parting thoughts

Patrick continues his conversation with Al from the fist hour about what Catholic’s mean by salvation Stacy - Can you explain the gift of tears and what this means? (10:13) Connie - A former student of mine is involved with the Society of St. Pius V. Are they with the Church? (19:38) Joe - When I pray, I use a lot of prayer cards. Many mention the intention. I am constantly praying for the same thing because it has not been answered. Am I lacking faith? Should I stop? (24:03) Terry - My Protestant friend is saying that if you leave the Catholic faith, you are doomed and says that CCC 841 says that Muslims are including. (33:16) Kathy - To whom was St. Jerome speaking when he said, “you can't love God if you don't know him and you can't know if you don't read Scripture”? (41:56)

Has your teen ever looked you directly in the eye and told you something you knew was not true?Teen lying can make you question more than the story your teen is telling you. It can make you question your relationship, your judgment, and whether you can trust anything they say.When you are parenting on your own, this can feel especially destabilizing. You may not have another parent in the home to compare notes with, and you may feel completely responsible for figuring out what is true and how serious the situation is.Your instinct may be to ask more questions, present more evidence, increase the consequences, or keep arguing until your teen finally admits what happened. Unfortunately, turning the conversation into a courtroom often creates more defensiveness and denial—not more honesty.In Episode 283 of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, explains how you can address dishonesty without destroying communication with your tween or teen.In this episode, you will learn:Why tweens and teens lie, hide information, or tell partial truthsThe difference between healthy privacy and unsafe secrecyHow to regulate yourself before investigating what happenedWhy trap questions and forced confessions usually backfireHow to begin with the facts you reliably knowHow to choose consequences that connect directly to the behaviorWhat your teen can do to begin rebuilding trustWhen repeated lying may require additional professional supportYou do not have to pretend the lie did not matter in order to protect your relationship.You also do not have to damage the relationship in order to hold your teen accountable.The goal is to make honesty more possible while main⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4yKPl0J The Monday Dividend Cafe reviews a volatile market session where early gains faded despite oil dropping on renewed Iran-talk hopes; the Nasdaq finished slightly down, the S&P flat, and the Dow up 0.5%. The host flags NVIDIA's move to guarantee $250B in financing for an OpenAI data center and notes NVIDIA fell 5%, while highlighting widening CCC credit spreads as a developing risk signal. Sector performance showed rotation rather than broad risk-off, with staples up and energy down on the day, and notable dispersion across semiconductors and software. Policy coverage includes a six-month tariff extension shifting toward Section 301 (10–12%) with expected legal challenges, plus midterm implications tied to Michigan's Senate race. Economic notes: durable goods strength largely driven by data centers; new home sales up modestly but down YoY with prices off peak. Ahead: FOMC under Chair Warsh, balance-sheet tightening possibility, and ongoing earnings season. 00:00 Monday Market Rundown 00:15 Oil Hopes Fade 01:30 NVIDIA Financing Shock 02:21 Credit Spreads Warning 04:00 Sector Rotation Month 04:45 Semis And Software Dispersion 06:21 Tariffs And Trade Policy 07:49 Midterms Michigan Bellwether 10:11 Durables And Data Centers 10:51 Housing And Mortgage Lock In 11:58 Warsh Fed Meeting Preview 14:32 Oil Move And Midstream 14:45 QandA Links And Wrap Up Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

What happens when the F-1 "duration of status" rule disappears overnight — and how many employers are actually paying the new $100,000 H-1B fee? On this episode, host John Q. Khosravi talks with Anne Rowley, Esq. of Grossman Young & Hammond about her path into business immigration law, the newly finalized F-1 duration of status rule, the real-world impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee, and a behind-the-scenes look at planning the AILA California Chapters Conference (San Francisco, first week of November). Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:33 Intro 01:24 Sponsor: E-Immigration Hero Spotlight 02:17 ILT mentorship & courses 02:57 Disclaimer 03:04 Anne Rowley's Path Into Immigration Law – Wisconsin to LA to San Diego 05:10 Grossman Young & Hammond's national presence 05:48 Current immigration "insanity" & hot topics 06:09 F-1 duration of status rule explained 06:43 Advising students before the rule change 07:14 F-1/OPT/CPT nuances & DSO challenges 08:15 Community & sponsor reminders 09:37 More on the new F-1 rule (English limits, PhD students) 10:30 Firm growth – DC, Miami, San Diego expansion 11:07 Keeping corporate H-1B clients informed 11:54 The $100K H-1B fee: client experiences 12:58 AILA California Chapters Conference preview 14:11 Getting involved with AILA committees 15:40 Firm operations, KPIs & forecasting 16:55 Closing thoughts & CCC reminder 17:14 Outro Spotify | iTunes | YouTube Music | YouTube Follow eimmigration by Cerenade: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Start your Business Immigration Practice! (US LAWYERS ONLY - SCREENING REQUIRED): E-2 Course EB-1A Course Get the Toolbox Magazine!  Join our community (Lawyers Only) Get Started in Immigration Law! The Marriage/Family-Based Green Card course is for you Our Website: ImmigrationLawyersToolbox.com Not legal advice. Consult with an Attorney. Attorney Advertisement. #podcaster #Lawyer #ImmigrationLawyer #Interview #Immigration #ImmigrationAttorney #USImmigration #ImmigrationLaw #ImmigrationLawyersToolbox  

As we continue our More Wisdom, More Life series, Pastor Joe explores Proverbs 26:20 and the surprising connection between gossip and conflict. He explains why we often "whisper" about others, what those conversations reveal about our hearts, and how the love of God meets our deepest needs for significance, belonging, and grace. Discover how growing in wisdom enables us to stop fueling conflict and become people who bring peace instead.

Romans 16:3-7

Important Aspects of Truth and 3 Areas of Disagreement - Source of Truth, OT Scriptures - 39 or 46, and Papal Supremacy

Does it feel like nothing gets through to your teen anymore?You take away the phone.You give a consequence.You lecture.You warn.You try to be firm.And your teen still says, “I don't care.”In this episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks about what to do when consequences stop working with your tween or teen.Instead of becoming harsher or creating bigger punishments, Tess shares a calmer and more effective way to think about consequences.You'll learn:Why bigger punishments often do not work with teensWhy consequences should teach, not just punishThe three-part framework for consequences that actually helpHow to make consequences related, reasonable, and repair-basedWhat to do when your teen says, “I don't care”How to rebuild trust after curfew, screen time, homework, or communication problemsHow to hold boundaries without becoming harsher or more disconnectedIf this episode helped you, follow or subscribe to The Single Parenting Reset Show and share it with another parent raising a tween or teen.If you want support creating clearer expectations, calmer consequences, and less conflict in your home, join the family through the link in the show notes or book a Parent Reset Strategy Session.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

In this “Meet the Experts” HeartTalk, host Melanie Lawson, MS, talks with MedAxiom's Nicole Knight, LPN, CPC, CCS-P, executive vice president of Revenue Cycle Solutions and Care Transformation Services, along with Jammie Quimby, CPC, CCC, CEMC, CCS-P, CPMA, CRC, CDEO, CPCO, director of coding, Revenue Cycle Solutions, and Joline Bruder, CPC, CPMA, CCVTC, CGSC, CCC, manager of surgery coding, Revenue Cycle Solutions. Nicole reflects on how a member-driven need grew into one of MedAxiom's most active communities and why AI may reshape revenue-cycle teams. Jammie and Joline share what they see on the front lines, from documentation gaps to coding changes that can leave revenue behind. It's a conversation about the work most people never see – but every cardiovascular organization needs.

Peut-on passer d'une vie totalement sédentaire à un ultra-trail de 100 kilomètres en seulement 18 mois ? C'est le pari audacieux du projet 0 to 100, une aventure humaine et scientifique hors du commun portée par l'Université Jean Monnet et le CHU de Saint-Étienne, sous la direction du spécialiste mondial de la physiologie de l'effort Guillaume Millet, en partenariat avec l'École de Trail.  Quarante femmes et hommes, aujourd'hui éloignés de toute pratique sportive régulière, vont tenter de devenir finishers de la CCC UTMB 2027, l'une des courses les plus mythiques du trail mondial. Au-delà du défi sportif, ce projet s'appuie sur une étude scientifique inédite visant à analyser, pendant 18 mois, les transformations physiologiques, physiques et mentales induites par le passage d'un mode de vie sédentaire à la préparation d'un ultra-trail.   Dans ce premier épisode, Benoît Boutron et Yohan Durand dévoilent les coulisses de ce défi hors norme et accueillent les quatre protagonistes qui seront au cœur du suivi éditorial de RMC Running : les coachs Marc et Céline, ainsi que les participants Marine et Jérémy. Pourquoi ont-ils accepté de se lancer dans cette aventure ? D'où partent-ils ? Comment vont-ils s'entraîner ? Et surtout, est-il réellement possible de passer du canapé à l'ultra-trail ?   Au cours des 18 prochains mois, RMC Running suivra plus particulièrement deux binômes coach-participant : Marc et Marine, Céline et Jérémy. Tous les quinze jours, un nouvel épisode permettra de vivre au plus près leur progression, leurs doutes, leurs réussites et les grandes étapes de leur transformation jusqu'au départ de la CCC, en août 2027. 

Your teenager refuses to put down the phone.They argue about homework, curfew, chores, getting out the door, or nearly every request you make.You repeat yourself. They get louder. You get louder. Before long, the original issue has disappeared, and you are fighting about their attitude, your parenting, and who is going to win.The first 10 minutes of that power struggle matter.Not because you have to win, but because this is where the argument either escalates or begins to settle.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, parent and family coach Tess Connolly explains how to respond when your teenager becomes defiant, argumentative, or unwilling to cooperate.You will learn why trying to overpower your teenager usually creates a bigger battle and why your most effective parenting tool is your ability to remain steadier than the conflict.Tess walks you through a practical first-10-minutes plan you can use during arguments about:Screen timeHomeworkCurfewsChoresSchool attendanceGetting out the doorFamily expectationsDisrespectful languageRefusal to cooperateBy the end of this episode, you will know how to:Avoid matching your teenager's intensityLower your voice instead of raising itUse fewer words when your teen is already upsetStop chasing every eye roll, sigh, or irritated toneHold one clear boundary without adding angry punishmentsPause an argument without abandoning the issueReturn later for problem-solving and repairApologize for your behavior without giving up the boundaryRecognize when defiance may require additional professional supportYou will also hear exact scripts, including:“I can see that you're angry. The boundary is still the same.”“You don't have to agree with the decision, but I'm not going to keep arguing about it.”“I'm not going to argue with you right now. I'm going to give us both a few minutes, and then we'll come back to the issue.”“I did not handle that well earlier. I'm sorry for how I spoke to you. The boundary still matters, but I want to handle it differently.”You do not have to remain trapped in daily power struggles with your tween or teen.If you are constantly arguing, repeating yourself, changing consequences, or questioning whether you are being too strict or too permissive, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session with Tess.During the session, you will look at what is happening in your family, identify what is keeping the conflict going, and begin developing a calmer and more effective parenting plan.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

“The people you're trying to lead may become your greatest teacher.” SUMMARY Matthew Ayers '99 believes leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, learning and serving with joy. Hear how experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, on a U.N. peacekeeping mission and leading Dream Centers of Colorado Springs transformed his understanding of leadership. MATTHEW'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP LESSONS 1. Leadership Begins with Ordinary Acts Matthew's grandfather didn't set out to do extraordinary things—he simply noticed people, asked questions, and invited them in. Great leadership often begins with small acts of compassion that have lifelong impact. 2. Lead with Joy One of the defining characteristics of Matthew's grandfather was his joy. Even in difficult circumstances, he demonstrated that joy isn't the absence of hardship—it's a choice that gives others hope and the courage to move forward. 3. Stay Curious About People Matthew learned that leadership starts by genuinely wanting to know people and understand their stories. Curiosity builds trust, broadens perspective, and opens the door to meaningful relationships. 4. Integrity Is Lived, Not Signed His experience during a United Nations peacekeeping mission revealed that values aren't proven by an oath—they're revealed in everyday decisions. Leadership requires the courage to live your principles, even when circumstances become complicated. 5. Influence Doesn't Require Authority Serving alongside people outside his chain of command taught Matthew that leadership often happens through relationships rather than rank. Quiet, consistent influence can move an organization—and a mission—forward one conversation at a time. 6. Presence Is Sometimes the Greatest Gift Whether comforting cadets during tragedy or supporting people in crisis, Matthew discovered that leaders don't always need the perfect words. Simply showing up and being present can have a lasting impact. 7. Listen Before You Lead Matthew's work reinforced that the people closest to the problem often hold the clearest vision for the solution. Leaders who listen deeply make better decisions because they're willing to learn before they act. 8. Let Others Become Your Teachers One of the most powerful themes of the episode is that leadership is not about always being the teacher. Matthew believes the people we serve—and the people we lead—often become our greatest teachers if we're humble enough to learn from them. 9. Transformation Happens Through Action Leadership isn't mastered in a classroom alone. Matthew reminds us that principles become convictions only when we wrestle with them in real life, applying them through service, relationships, and everyday decisions. 10. Leave People Better Than You Found Them Looking back on his grandfather's influence, Matthew's own leadership philosophy comes into focus: serve others with humility, model joy, remain teachable, and help people flourish. The greatest legacy a leader leaves is the positive impact they have on the lives of others. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 – Opening: Sometimes the Greatest Teachers Aren't the Ones We Expect 00:00:53 – Meet Matthew Ayers, USAFA Class of 1999 00:01:38 – The Story That Changed Everything: Grandpa, Joy & Two Strangers 00:08:47 – Justice Begins at Home: Lessons Passed from One Generation to the Next 00:15:12 – Ethiopia: When Integrity Is Tested in the Real World 00:24:31 – The Difference Between Signing an Oath and Living It 00:31:26 – The Child Who Became the Teacher 00:39:08 – Why Great Leaders Never Stop Being Students 00:45:51 – Leading Through Joy, Compassion & Presence 00:52:37 – Leadership in Practice: Listening Before Leading 00:58:44 – Matthew's Leadership Philosophy 01:03:28 – Advice to His Younger Self 01:06:14 – Final Reflections: Leave People Better Than You Found Them   ABOUT MATTHEW BIO Matthew Ayers, USAFA Class of 1999, is the founder and CEO of Dream Centers, a Colorado Springs nonprofit dedicated to serving women, children, and families through comprehensive healthcare, behavioral health services, and transformational housing. Before founding Dream Centers in 2011, Matthew served as an Air Force officer, managed air and space programs, taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and deployed as an unarmed military observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. A passionate student of leadership, theology, and community development, Matthew believes the most meaningful leadership begins with humility, service, and a willingness to learn from others. Through his work and volunteer service, he continues to champion innovative approaches that strengthen families, empower communities, and create lasting change. Matthew lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Amber, and their two children, Zeke and Halle Joy. CONNECT WITH MATTHEW LINKEDIN  |  DREAM CENTERS CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Please note: we are only considering USAFA graduates as guests at this time. Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE AT USAFA.ORG/LONGBLUELEADERSHIP AND ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS   FULL TRANSCRIPT Guest: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Matthew Ayers '99  |  Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 Sometimes the greatest leadership lesson isn't learning how to teach others; it's discovering that the people you're trying to lead may become your greatest teacher. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99 — Long Blue Leadership starts now. Well, welcome. Our guest today is Matthew Ayers, class of '99. Yes, my classmate. Welcome, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Let me tell you about Matthew from his military service, where he served in international peacekeeping. Then he went into the classrooms of Fairchild Hall, onto leading an organization called Dream Centers, where he's the CEO, really focusing on a vulnerable set of our community. It's such a pleasure to have you here today, Matthew. Matthew Ayers 0:46 Love being here. Thank you, Naviere. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:48 Absolutely. Well, we're going to jump right in because your story is so unique and so personal. I'd like to take us back in time and talk about your grandfather. I know we had some time talking about him, but I think it's well worth that our listeners and our watchers get to know him a little bit more as well. Let's talk about your grandfather and maybe a particular act of courage. Matthew Ayers 1:09 OK, yeah, he's my hero, and I always continue to this day trying to live life like my grandpa. He just was so inspirational in the way he lived, and he's a very relational servant leader. He pastored most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, but his beginnings were in Wuhan, China, where he was born and raised, and moved to the U.S. when he was 15. Got on a back of a cargo ship, and he and his brother John made their way here. He built railroad with the CCC and flipped burgers, put himself through high school, college, seminary, and he's just got an amazing life. But when I got to know my grandpa as a little boy, he was smoking cigarettes like a chimney and in the local bowling league and playing cards with his neighbors. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:01 I can visualize this man. Yes. Yes. Matthew Ayers 2:06 He was just everybody's person, and he could hang out with anyone. No one was a stranger, and he was genuinely curious about everyone he met. And so he just modeled that with such joy. I just grew up thinking I want to be like my grandpa. He's an amazing guy, And so I've got unlimited stories about him, about someone that really has left a mark on my life, and I was 11 years old, and we were pretty new, about a year or so into living in central Washington State. And he came to guest preach at a local church there, and when he came to visit, of course, we would always go to a local Chinese restaurant.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:53 And did he say it wasn't as good as when he grew up, though? Matthew Ayers 2:57 It was not nearly as good, but he still enjoyed it. He still would enjoy it wherever he went. And so he disappeared like usual, and we just knew he was back in the kitchen, probably washing dishes, hamming it up with the staff. And soon he comes back out, introducing us to staff, and we have all this free food, and he's best friends with this couple. So we were just this was like a normal experience with Grandpa, but on this particular visit, he had some pretty serious conversations after that with my parents, and he had found out that several of the staff were labor trafficked. They were new immigrants from China, and the next day, he brought me along as a little boy, we go down in our little town into a bag alley, knock on the door of a warehouse, no running water, no electricity, no amenities, dirt floor, and I see the rats running around. I'm like, "What are we doing here?” And we get to sit down with these people who are serving at this restaurant and can't speak English and do not know any way to navigate their situation. And he challenged us as a family. Well, he might have just volunteered us, but it was going to happen one way or another, that this couple ended up moving in with us, and we got to be like family with them, and had the most incredible experiences cross culturally just in our own home, and that was my first, maybe you know, shocking example of just the vulnerability of people in every community. It happens everywhere, but what was even more powerful to me about that, and what stays with me, is just how simple it really was looking back, where he just asked the question, and it seemed like such an ordinary, easy thing that that he made it out to be. And looking back, I'm like, well, that that's not easy for most people, but really, it is an ordinary thing that anyone can do. Naviere Walkewicz 5:07 Ask a question and bring someone in, right? Matthew Ayers 5:10 That's it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 3:46 I'm thinking about you as an 11-year-old, and you said it was kind of your first real glimpse of that experience. How did that shape you as you grew up? Because they were with you, right? And so, first off, did you did you learn to speak Chinese? Matthew Ayers 5:27 No, I learned a few phrases. I should have though. I remember even the simple things like these cross-cultural miscommunications we had about ruining laundry and just doing things so differently that made us sometimes laugh and sometimes have some pretty tense moments. But it was it was all of us learning together. How do we do this? And I think one of my favorite memories was one of these people — they were they just had this incredible ability to do this unique art form of laying small colored thread, and would take months and hundreds of hours per piece of art, and just the beauty of getting to introduce into this art of her culture that was in particular from this region she was from. So we just, I mean, we had so many rich experiences like that. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 6:29 I can imagine. So taking a leap forward, what was part of your journey that led you to the Academy? And when you went to the Air Force Academy, was your goal in mind to think about how to either participate or engage in things cross culturally, or was that just part of your upbringing and your makeup? Matthew Ayers 6:50 Yeah, I thought you might ask me this, and I have nothing here. Honestly, I saw pictures of the Rocky Mountains. I love the beauty of Colorado. It just seemed magical to me, coming from this little town in central Washington, and I wanted to snowboard, so it came with some, you know, really good university education. It was a win-win. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 7:13 Yes. So getting into the Academy, you know, obviously drawn by the aesthetics. What about the service in the military do you think really called you? And would you say that started, you know, with your grandfather, or was that something else you saw throughout just your childhood? Matthew Ayers 7:29 My mom and dad modeled it well, of course. My dad found an amazing and safe place in my mom's home, where she grew up in Wenatchee, Washington, and so they really had this model of my grandpa and grandpa Paul and Lydia serving continually, and they modeled that in our home, in our community, in our neighborhood. I mean, from as young as I can remember, my dad was leading leadership camps for high school students in Washington State and doing incredible things to serve. And servant leadership, which is always kind of a part of the conversation. So it was like the water that we got to swim in. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:09 It seems so when you talk about your grandpa and your parents, it feels very warm and comforting and secure. And when I think about our time at USAFA, Matthew, it was — you know while it was, you know, in this ecosystem, and yes, you know, we were growing as leaders, I would say there was chaos around us, you know? How did you navigate that with such a different kind of upbringing, and by what you saw in leadership. Matthew Ayers 8:37 Yep. That is, I think, really insightful, and it's probably — it could be the most powerful part of my growing up, my formation in my family. Because my grandpa, when he did these hard things that were ordinary, but you naturally create friction in these situations where you're serving and helping and bringing cross cultures together and bringing people in need, including us. We needed to be educated in that situation, understanding what was happening in our own community and understanding how to serve. And you don't — there wasn't a formula for that, and we didn't have a lot of coaching or training. Grandpa just pulled us in, and so we learned through doing this kind of life together. And I think that that was the power of it: is that he did it with such joy. So you describe it as this warmth, and absolutely it was. And so having that mindset, I think, built this resilience in us to have joy no matter what the situation was, and to hold those things intentionally. You know, sometimes things are really difficult and sad and sorrowful, but to still be able to carry joy into those situations, you're really able to have that impact on somebody who may need that. So even coming to the Academy and experiencing that, especially the chaos of the first year, it felt like a little bit of a challenge. Like, how do we have joy through this? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 10:05 Well, I think I would have loved to be in your squadron because it sounds like you would have brought some joy to us for sure. Let's talk about after the Academy. There was a particular time while you were serving, you went on to work in — I think it was 2005 — you were part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Can you talk about some of that experience and how it maybe shaped you? Because I think it was a really transformational moment as well in your leadership journey. Matthew Ayers 10:33 It was. It was. I was in the acquisition career field, and so I didn't have much opportunity to go overseas, but although I really wanted to. So this was one of those few things that I could thankfully got some approval from our commander and got to apply for this mission. And in that, I had this experience of coming out of Asmara, Eritrea, and heading down to our team site, which was pretty remote near the border, just south of Eritrea, and in this very small village in a war-torn area, it was completely austere, and you basically, as military observers, you have a team site you run and you kind of manage this area that you observe with daily patrols. And so I got to be in a team site with people from Ghana and South Africa and Bangladesh, and you name it. I mean, we always had new members coming in and out from one of these 41 nations that were there. And when I arrived at the team site the first day, Adahanit was our team cleaner, and so she was hired by the local staff on our team site. And when she literally ran to me, she saw my uniform and the American flag, and she dropped to her knees and just started weeping. And she was telling me how grateful she was that an American was at her team site now, because Americans had treated her and some of her family and friends and people who were living in this village with a little more respect than they were used to, and that was my introduction to this mission, to this team site, and I just thought, “Wow, what did I step into?” Because there are obviously a lot of really interesting dynamics that I didn't necessarily expect that kind of welcome coming in. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 12:27 We take for granted what seems so normal and usual and expected, right? And so to actually see how what we're expecting can really make a difference to somebody else is really powerful. What was some of that experience like there? Can you talk a little bit more about that mission and really why it, besides that incredible greeting, why it really spoke to you? Matthew Ayers 12:52 What I came to learn over the next six months living in Shiraru was that, you know, we all of us on the mission we had this MOU, kind of a moral obligation that we signed. We had this oath that we gave and communicated. We had a lot of training, extensive training in country, and then when we arrived overseas, and it was so — I think coming from this side, we had these just very clear expectations, and I think also kind of some of the culture that we swim in is filled with moral obligations. Even just our values at the Academy, where we where we were trained, and but it's such a part of American culture. And so what I realized is that although all the soldiers from every nation get to sign this thing and take this oath, it's not necessarily something that was part of the conversations in families growing up, or a part of the water that they swam in. So our day-to-day life there was filled with this tension between what we agreed to do and what was actually happening on the ground, and those things were completely different. So we saw — I mean, I saw two nations get kicked out and dismissed from the mission for starting trafficking rings. I saw two members of our own team site, they ended up running the black market cash exchange for the entire nation of Ethiopia while I was on site. And some of these things I really struggled with. Tried to work with people to help them understand what we were doing is not helpful to locals, and even to the point of bringing some of these things up legally with some of the team at headquarters. But when they're dealing with international trafficking rings, some of those smaller things that were happening at our team site, they just — they didn't even have capacity to deal with. And so that's also tension was like, OK, we have to learn to deal with this on a one-on-one basis in our team site in the middle of several hours' drive away from anyone who has any authority over the space. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:06 Wow! So, how did you learn from that? What did — what changed in you, or what evolved in you? How do you grow as a leader from that? Because that's really powerful when you have a mission, and then you have these competing things happening that sometimes challenge values. Matthew Ayers 15:25 It made life so much more complicated for me. I think I went in —   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:28 Like, “If my grandpa was here, he simplified things really well.”    Matthew Ayers 15:33 Right. Exactly. Where is this simple answer? There really wasn't. And I remember sitting in several meetings, both formal and informal, with some of the JAGs, some of the legal team there, and just trying to untangle some of these issues and understand what would be worth our time to bring up, even to the highest levels, even if we had to go to Congress. What are some of the things that we need eyeballs here and influence here so that we can change some what's going on ground? It's really negatively impacting people's lives, and some of the things that we had to wrestle with were these larger moral questions of if we do this and we potentially raise these other issues at this particular level, we can end the mission. And we're trying to keep these two nations from destroying each other. So please don't go to this level. Work with us. We're going to work with you. We're going to give you advice, but you need to deal with this one on one with these people that you're working with and serving with, and they may not be from your country and they may not be in your chain of command, but you have at least some level of influence with them. So we need you to be courageous and we need you to have these conversations on a daily basis and help us. So those, that was powerful to me because it wasn't, you know — I at first I felt disempowered and like I don't know what I could do in this position, but over time I think little by little, you know, you can you can move the ball down the field if you stay focused -and you kind of understand the situation you're working within. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:11 I'm so glad you shared that because often we might think, “Well, I'm just an acquisitions officer” or “I'm just this and this is not my lane” or “This is not my role.” But I think to your point is we can all be leaders and if we stay focused and we know what we need to be doing, moving the ball down the field is still very much progress. And so thank you for sharing that. I think that was really powerful. You know, you've had so many incredible experiences. I'm curious. So, acquisitions officer, you went and did this UN mission, and somehow you ended back in the hallways of Fairchild Hall teaching cadets. Let's talk about that transition and maybe what leadership looked like after you had some of this real-world and mission experience, operational experience. How did that translate to leading cadets in the way they think, etc. Matthew Ayers 18:03 The mission, you know, sharing knowledge, sharing wisdom, sharing the things that we know we're learning in Management 101. I mean, that's important, right? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:13 Yeah. Matthew Ayers 18:13 But what I realized in that role too is just, and I realized this going back to our time. You know, as '99ers…   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:24 Gold will shine.   Matthew Ayers 18:25 …and just people who had so much influence on us. That's my always dreamed to come back. That was a dream job for me. I wanted to be back here on campus and influencing kids' lives because I think you are for the first time in your life for most of us. Then you're away from home, and you get to like have your family, your brothers, your sisters, your parents, your grandparents. You can lean on in those situations at home to help you carry that leadership. But this is the first time you get to try it out on your own. And I wanted to get to know people relationally first and build trust so that I could earn a right as little as it was to speak into anyone's life, and maybe learn from them too, because we're all coming from different backgrounds where we can learn from each other. So that environment was incredible to me because it's just so much more than sharing knowledge, right? You know you're transforming. You're part of that transformative process of a person being formed when they're standing on their own values for the first time. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 19:34 Matthew, can you share an example of maybe when you saw that come to life with a cadet and an interaction with you? Was there a time in that that when you were facilitating or when you were an instructor that you actually saw some of those seeds be received and how it actually bloomed? Matthew Ayers 19:52 My very first night on duty, I was officer on duty at night, and you know you do this. Everyone pitches in and has that role at some point or another when they're on faculty here, and there was a suicide, and I remember getting to interact in the moment as the news is, you know, in a grassroots way, very quickly moving through the Cadet Wing. And in the middle of the night, just walking the hallways and seeing kids, and just getting to put my hand on my shoulder and ask if they need to talk, can I pray? Can I support you? And hearing their stories and what they knew, and so life happens, right? No matter what position you're in, no matter where you are, and you get to show up for people where you don't, or you get scared. And I think some of those things, you know, being in Eritrea in the middle of night with people, and that I think you build a little more resilience there too when you're in some interesting situations. And it helps you step into somebody else's space and just be present and I — those are sacred memories for me and those opportunities just to be present. Didn't do anything really but just be there. And I think I'll cherish that always. And I just encourage us. You know, it again — these things seem like so challenging sometimes when you're in a, when the stakes are high and the emotions are high, but those are the most important times to stand in and be present. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 21:42 I feel this tie from your grandpa to you. This ordinary act. I will tell you, the cadets that you spent time with when you were walking the halls that evening, and you put your hand on their shoulder, or you said, "Do you need to talk?” They will take that with them, and there's a good chance that when the moment calls for that from them, they're ready because they saw it in action and they felt the importance of that. Man, thank you for sharing that incredible story. I have to think that that probably played into your decision to jump into the nonprofit space and lead something incredible like you've been doing for the past 10+ years. Matthew Ayers 22:20 If I'm honest, I was a little bit upset leaving the Air Force. I loved that job. I loved what I was doing, but of course, I did have the seed that my grandpa planted, and really, it went back to that first experience that day when he introduced us to the staff at this restaurant. And I thought, I remember making a commitment back then to say, I want to be like my grandpa, and I want to do something. I think with my life, just to interact with vulnerable people and serve them. And so that came true. I got to start some work in the nonprofit world when I got out of the Air Force, and then it led into this opportunity. And I think just casting that vision in that early season of getting out and just sharing this bigger idea of like, OK, we what does the city need? We love Colorado Springs. There's a lot of great nonprofits, and we don't want to duplicate anything. So what do we really need? And that's when I got to go on this journey of just listening to leaders all over our city and discovering what some of those things could be. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 23:29 I love that powerful listening tour. Before we jump into that, I want to just in that piece of time in which you made that transition, I'm curious on how you knew it was time. Because I think many leaders, you know, when they're in different roles, they're looking for the when is the right time for what's next, or and who do you talk to in your corner? What was that transition, and maybe that network around you or your community around you, what did that look like in navigating that decision? Matthew Ayers 1:57 So, Naviere, my life is like one example after another of I have plans in my mind, in my heart, and then they get redirected. And there's a proverb about that that says, you know, people make plans in their heart, and the Lord directs their steps. So this was another clear example of that, of me taking a while to learn what really should be the next step. And I remember the voluntary separation program, that VSP came open, that opportunity. And this is strange. So if anyone's been around the Academy or taught there, you know this. If you haven't, it is rare to have people just come by your office and small talk for a while, right? You're with cadets in your open office hours, or you're teaching, or you're preparing for something. So we're running. We're always running around. And 15 people, several of them — I couldn't have even told you their last name. I was just an acquaintance with them — stopped by my office in my open hours during the day, one after the other, asking the exact same thing: “Are you going to apply for this VSP?” Col. Naviere Walkewicz 25:12 Did you make — I mean, I can't even. That's just kind of blows my mind, right? I'm just I'm putting myself in your shoes in that moment. Yes, please continue. Matthew Ayers 25:22 Yeah. So if Anthony Pedroni is listening, he was the last one, and Tony comes in at like 7 that night in my office and asks the same exact question. We're friends. We work together in the management department. And he said, "Are you going to apply for this VSP?” I said, "No, man, I love my job. I love what I'm doing. Why would I want to leave here?” And he said, "Oh, Mr. Sensitive,” and he walked away. And when he said that, I was convicted. I had not even stopped to pray for a second. Like, is this the right thing to do? And I just knew it was, and I didn't know why. So, I, as an Enneagram 9, I try to lead with my gut instinct. That always just naturally leads first, and I just knew I needed. So I applied that night. I was one of 20 that got it. I got a call the next day, and I was out in 30 days. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:11 Oh my goodness. So really, it was this group around you, and then some self-reflection and prayer, and you made that decision. There was really not a lot of talk at all, it sounds like. Matthew Ayers 26:23 There was zero planning. So yeah, but I knew it was right, and I knew if — you know, I just think taking steps of faith, sometimes we need to be redirected. And looking back on my life now, I cannot imagine not doing this nonprofit work early. In my mind, the timing was retire first, be stable, make a good decision, get your retirement, then launch this nonprofit. But that's not that wasn't the best way forward. And so I would just say that for others too, where I had to be redirected, and it was so helpful for me. And that if you know you're holding on to a dream, sometimes it's good to be stable and make that, you know, what might look like a more traditional decision, and sometimes it's not. And to have the courage to be able to at least ask that question. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:15 I love that. So you jumped, and you have now led Dream Centers. Let's talk about this a little bit because I think many people may not know what Dream Centers of Colorado Springs is and the mission. Matthew Ayers 27:30 There's a movement across the world. There's several hundred Dream Centers, and the basic thing that ties it all together is that we share this vision that we would find a real need in a city wherever we're located that's unduplicated, and we go meet that need. So we're not the same organization as any one other of these hundreds of Dream Centers. But I got to go on that listening tour for about six months and learn as much as I could from people here before we decided what we wanted to land on. That would really be something unique and unduplicated that we could offer the city. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 28:09 Do you feel that this is another way that you continued to put on a uniform outside of the uniform, right? So this is a new way of service. Do you think that that was part of not only it was a need that you decided this is the one we're going to do and it's unduplicated, but it actually spoke to you because of your servant leadership background? Matthew Ayers 28:29 Maybe. I think honestly, going back to those roots, my parents, my grandpa. I mean, I think of my wrestling coach in high school and English teacher. They served so well, and they did it with joy. I think just to me, it was a more inspiring way to live, and so I didn't think about it like that, and I don't think about it like that. Although that's absolutely important and valuable, but I think as I as I experience the joy of learning from our clients right now and our staff, and just how rewarding the mission is, yeah, absolutely. It's about serving our community, but it is so joyous. It's — I get so much more out of it that it's like it really is a way of life that that is just incredible. I love getting up in the morning. I love what I get to do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:19 So you are learning from the people you serve. You just — you were just talking about the joy that it brings you. What has changed in you? And I think about it — you know, this is Long Blue Leadership. So from a leadership capacity, because you're leading a team of professionals that's making this joy possible, but curious how it's also really, like, you know, changed you? Matthew Ayers 29:40 Man, I think I've changed every day. There's — you know, I have not had a lot of extreme or challenging situations I've dealt with in life, but I've had like a front row seat to that, and I think that I don't understand what it's like to live in a car, or to live on the street, or to experience domestic violence, or to be without food, and people are in those situations in our city every day, and they have so much to tell us about what's going on with our city, what's working, what's not. How can we improve it? How can we improve it down to the level of interactions, from phone calls and intake and how we're welcomed into a front office, to what actually is going to move the ball and make an impact in their life, and I think those are the things that we know are like adding to the quality of community, and it transfers intergenerationally in our city. So if we don't stop to learn about those things, it we're all going to be affected by that, and we're all going to be life will just not be as rewarding because it is so rewarding to be in the middle of those conversations and experiences. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 31:17 So I'm thinking about it in parallel as leaders. To your point, are you know they have colleagues or teammates that are experiencing things that they haven't. How do you navigate those conversations? How do you actually get to a place where maybe you are driving impact or making it a difference? I'm curious if you could share some of that, maybe some for those who are looking for that leadership as well. Matthew Ayers 31:41 We're always trying to do things with excellence. We're always tweaking what we're doing, and we're trying to just be steady and show up every day and learn what we can. And so I think when we have some big changes we need to make or a program we need to implement, first it needs to come from the people we're learning from, right? And it's not dreamed up without partnership there, and I think it needs to be confirmed by them as well. And so I mean, this again-it's the story of my life. But for several years at one of our programs at Mary's Home, the families we get to be with and serve and learn from were telling me about, you know, “The way that you're setting up this high-challenge, high-support program, and what we're able to accomplish here, and how we're surrounded with love and services and challenge. It is so good. Why aren't you doing that with our children? Why are you not offering the same thing for them?” And we — this was a theme, and I got to hear it over and over and over again. And they probably felt like they were being a broken record, but it was so important that they kept — they felt they had that important message to share. And it took me years of hearing that and then validating it with other people in the community, other people who had come through the program, our graduates, who had been years, you know, after launching for Mary's home, validating it, and I think that whole process was something where, for me, it felt like at least scales had to fall from my eyes. I had to really wake up to the reality of what this is because at first I was thinking there's other organizations that do this, and they continued just faithfully week after week, month after month, to have this conversation and say, “No, you — OK, so you don't really understand, Matthew, what we're talking about, so let's back up.” It was conversations like that. Like, “Let me tell you about my experience here with my children.” “Let me tell you about my experience over here at this service and why it's not working.” And so I think those, you know — it's being in touch with your customer. It's being in touch with your client. It's really — we have to be changed first if we're going to really offer something that's truly transformational. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:03 I love how you said you can drive change and it really make an intergenerational difference. I'm curious how your work has changed the lives of your family because I know you know you're married and you have two beautiful children. What does this legacy look like in your household? Matthew Ayers 34:22 Yeah, well I hope that I can you know at least try to live up to my grandpa's way of being. And so like when we're around work, that our kids it feels like a normal thing to do, just to be in service and to be engaged, to be in touch with what's going on in our community, and that it feels normal to come to work and have that warmth and have that encouragement and see models of people just doing normal things that we may if we don't have those models otherwise they seem maybe difficult for a little distant from us. And sometimes they're actually closer than we realize and we just keep them distant because it reminds us of just how maybe vulnerable we are sometimes, or maybe a memory like going back to our childhood that could be implicit. You know, before we're even four, and we remember it with our mind. Our body is remembering it with our emotions, and we're and so we get scared sometimes, and we don't even know why to engage with some big challenges in our city. And that's what I think. Yeah, the day-to-day stuff I want to model for Zeke and Halle Joy are just — you know, this is this is actually super rewarding, and it's one of the best things in the world you can do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:40 So, Matthew, if we can go back in time, and you could talk to your 11-year-old self, what might you tell him today? Matthew Ayers 35:46 I think knowing what I know now and seeing what's possible, what transformation, what kinds of things, and just that we've been able to do with our partners in the city, through Dream Centers, going back to that, all that may seem really daunting and just incredibly tough to imagine or even think about as 11-year-old. But I think I would keep just want to model it for him, you know, just like my grandpa did, and make it make it easy, make it like this is — anyone can do this. Take that next faithful step, that everyone has something that they can do to show just a little bit of genuine curiosity in whoever they're with, that we always have something to learn, and if you can model that with joy, I just think it can be captured so much easier. If you model it in any other way, I don't know that it becomes something that you want to emulate. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 36:45 I love that. And speaking of joy, I have a feeling I know where you might go with this answer, but let's see if you surprise us. You know, what is something you're doing every day to be better, either as a leader, you know, in your in your life? What are you doing every day to be better? Matthew Ayers 37:05 I'll say it's something that I try to do every day. So even this week is a great example. Like, the last couple weeks, I've had conversations with staff where they felt courageous enough to give me feedback, and I got to listen, and I get to learn from them, and they're my greatest teachers. “So, this is how I felt in that situation, Matthew, and this is how I didn't feel seen or heard.” And let me just tell you how that impacted me, and those conversations are, you know, although I wish I could say they're far and few between, they're probably more regular. But I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful that we have a team that really trusts each other, and where we can just be honest and reflect and call each other to this higher place. And my team does that for me. So if I could do one thing, I don't always do it, but if I could do one thing really well, it'd be to keep learning from them. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 38:03 Oh, that's fantastic. May I ask how you accept that feedback? Because, you know, being open to hearing it is one thing, but accepting it, I think, is another. Can you talk about how you do that? Matthew Ayers 38:18 Yeah. Well, I think people are complicated, and all of us, right? We're like this incredible mishmash. You have, like, unlimited layers of variables going on an x-axis and a y-axis, and for some reason, on one day, one person will hit that one button that really affects us more deeply than another. And I see that, you know, with me, I see that with our team. And so, even one staff member will give me feedback that's in this direction, and another and receives it completely differently. So, what I think it does for me is I want to hold all those things as equally valid and say how can I sharpen what I'm doing even more so? Like that thing really landed for somebody and it really hurt somebody else. So how can I adjust? How can I learn from that so that I am presenting, I'm showing up to work my best self in a way that's able to speak to everyone. You can't always do that. You're never going to hit on the head, and that's why we need grace for everyone. We need a little patience. But I think we can always learn too, and we can always sharpen the skills. And I'm so grateful that we can, and that EQ is just one of those things that we can constantly work on. So, yeah. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 39:36 I love that. Well, what is something that we didn't cover today that you feel is really important for our viewers and listeners to hear from you? Matthew Ayers 039:46 You keep doing what you're doing because you're bringing a message that is really — it's not complicated at all, but there's so many layers to this leadership journey, and I think people need examples of that. We don't learn — I think what I know that whether it was just in my work here at the Academy, or the work with the nonprofit, or just growing up in Ellensburg, Washington, learn as much in the classroom, and so we have to wrestle with these ideas. That's important, and these ideas we'll hear today are really important. But we need to the community we live in, the family we're a part of, our work, and we need to apply these things. And that's where we really learn. And I don't think leadership can ever be learned just from talking about it, right?   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 40:43 That's right.   Matthew Ayers 40:43 So we have to be able to apply these ideas constantly and wrestle with them, and talk about them, and keep them front and center. So thank you for doing that. And I know we're going to keep trying to do that within Dream Centers and make it real instead of just theoretical. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 41:00 Well, Matthew, this conversation has been really incredible in many ways. I think some of the things that really stuck with me in this conversation, one, I just really appreciated getting to know your grandpa through you. I mean, he's someone that I also hope that I can emulate in just his finding ordinary ways to make big impact. And I think you're doing that every day in your job, and that's helping to inspire others as well. I really appreciated our conversation how you really have become a student of learning leadership through the through the actions that others have gone through, right? So maybe not living them yourself, but being there in the moment, learning from them. And so I appreciated how you really talk about leadership through learning. And so I think that really came through and folds in our conversation today. And last, I want to end with this because, as I sit here and I smile at you, it's because you bring joy, and I think it's really important that we find joy in the moments, even when they're difficult. If we can continue to like hold onto that thread of joy, life is sure a lot more fun and meaningful, and we bring others along with us in that in that capacity. Matthew Ayers 42:04 Thank you, Naviere. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 42:05 For all of you that are watching this and listening, thank you for joining us on Long Blue Leadership. If you know someone who's on their leadership journey, they really should check out this conversation and all of our others at longblueleadership.org. Many of our graduates have different paths that they want on leadership, and just like Matthew, they have so many wonderful lessons you can pose in them. So until next time, I'm Naviere Walkowicz, Class of '99. We'll see you on Long Blue Leadership. KEYWORDS Primary: Servant leadership, leadership through learning, influence, humility, curiosity, transformation. Secondary: Mentorship, moral courage, resilience, trust, active listening, empathy, community, values-based leadership, feedback, purpose. Supporting: Emotional intelligence, authenticity, growth mindset, stewardship, compassion, vulnerability, presence, integrity, service, relational leadership. The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Conozca el dato de veeduría que presenta la CCC a LA PATRIA. Regional by LA PATRIA

Hello audio creatives - 'ow do? I (excitedly) caught up with three very busy and brilliant AWARD WINNING PRO VOICE ACTORS about not being a newbie anymore -and we explore the good the bad and the noise reduction of being a feisty working VA. Thank you SO MUCH to my Wonderful guests:Karim KronfliMarta Da SilvaMargaret AshleyHerein we find out how ridiculous a warm up sounds in an interview podcast, and what these wonderful folks have done to get where they re today! Though there be a squeaky chair, We discuss:** Why we persevere in this industry** Hurray for actors of a certain age** Inspiration for working in audio** Why amdram groups are groovy** Auditioning top tips** Fave tech Tools** How once upon a time you sent recorded tape through the post to folks for auditions!** Etiquette and tips for studio rec and home rec setups** Why tenacity and begging for work are groovy things! ** How smaller parts lead to bigger ones!** Cold emailing - why not!?** When these folks realised they had made it as a VA** Developing the technical craft of acting** What actor training and coaching is important** Check Bluesky, Insta, Linked in, Tumblr, CCC, Backstage for work** Careful to check the pedigree of projects you audition for** Why TAFCON and HUBFEST are groovy things** Why production companies need to make themselves findable** Paper script etiquette (or…just get an iPad and i-annotate!) ** Using AI in this space….(no fighting)…and how they can help** BRILLIANT TRAINING COURSES AND FOLKS TO WORK WITH** Why doing speed reading is amazing helpful** Why you should tell my guests they are awesome, and share, rate and review this show! THANK YOUPPlease hydrate every time you hear the squeaky chair!Thank you so soooo much to my wonderful Patreon supporters who help make me make this show, and without whom this may well have stopped as a resource! MUCH APPRECIATE YOU ALL - PAST AND PRESENT! You wanna help me keep going - please share the ep, or feel free to become a patreon for $2 a month and keep these chats a-cominnnnHUZZAHSThere will be a short break for a few weeks from public ep releases whilst I have a wee holiday. (As in small, Its not a bladder problem)  BUT my patreons will continue to get the zoom vids of the Eos we create….** aND A wee chat on voice reels…HAPPY VOICE ACTING PEOPLESarah

Between 1933 and 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps enlisted more than three million young men in a project that planted two billion trees, slowed soil erosion on forty million acres of farmland, and enjoyed support across political and geographic divides. In this episode we talk with Neil Maher, author of Nature's New Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Roots of the American Environmental Movement (Oxford University Press, 2008) about how the CCC helped solidify FDR's New Deal and spread the seeds of environmental activism for generations to come. Dr. Neil Maher is a Professor of History and Master Teacher in the Federated History Department at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University-Newark. He is also the author of Apollo in the Age of Aquarius (Harvard University Press, 2017). You can find out more about his work at NeilMaher.com.   This is a rebroadcast of episode #274 which aired as The Original Green New Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps with Neil Mahr on May 29, 2023. This rebroadcast was edited by Ben Sawyer.

Romans 16:1-2

As we continue our More Wisdom, More Life series, Pastor Joe unpacks Proverbs 25:28 and shows us why self-control is essential to living a life of wisdom. He reminds us that our greatest struggle isn't a lack of willpower–it's misplaced affection. When anything becomes more important than God, our lives become vulnerable to compromise and brokenness. But as we grow in our love for Jesus and remember all he has done for us, our desires are reordered, our souls are strengthened, and we experience the protection and freedom found in him.

Send us Fan MailA trail running comeback can look heroic from the outside, but the real story usually lives in the months nobody sees: the freak accidents, the stalled fitness, the identity spiral, and the slow grind back to the start line. Danny Marino joins us right after her Broken Arrow 46K win to lay out exactly what it took to return and race fearlessly again.We get honest about the injury cycle that derailed her momentum, including a toe fracture that worsened into a full break, a surgery decision, and a knee crash that forced even more downtime. Danny shares what helped most when motivation dipped, why admitting “I want to give up” can be strangely empowering, and how working with both a psychologist and a sports psychologist normalized the emotional chaos that comes with being sidelined.Then we go practical: how she rebuilt fitness with cross training, gravel biking, and an aggressive strength training focus, why quality mattered more than big mileage, and what changed between last year's return and this year's breakthrough. Finally, we break down the Broken Arrow race itself, talk next steps toward CCC at UTMB week plus a humid, technical tune up at Ragged, and zoom out on the rise of short trail racing, live streams, and what the sport needs to keep growing.If this conversation lights a fire for your own training or recovery, subscribe, share it with a running buddy, and leave a rating and review. What's the hardest part of a comeback for you: the body, the mind, or trusting the process again?Follow Dani on IG - @dan_yell_aUse code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

How much do we really know about how our clothes and shoes are made? Or even where? While the latter is routinely included on care labels, that's often the end of the story, at least the one the brands want to tell you. Despite years of campaigning by groups like Fashion Revolution, Labour Behind the Label and Clean Clothes Campaign, many of us still have no idea who made our clothes and under what conditions.Did you even know the Philippines is an important garment producer for brands like Lulu Lemon, and until recently, Adidas? In 2023, when a factory in Cebu supplying Adidas closed, 4000 workers lost their jobs. How about the stories of union busting linked to factory in Cambodia that's a major supplier to ASICS? Or the closure of another facility in Vietnam making Nike shoes that left thousands of workers without severance pay?Niki Gamara is CCC's South East Asia Urgent Appeals Co-Ordinator, working with those needing quick support in areas where violations are happening. In this vivid, warm conversation we talk about everything from how the history of colonisation echoes in the present to what I should do with my sneakers now that I know more about what goes in behind the scenes...Find links and further reading at thewardrobecrisis.comSupport the show on Substack - wardrobecrisis.substack.comTell us what you think. Find Clare on Instagram @mrspress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You created the rule.You explained the reason.Your teen may have even agreed to it.But now they are still scrolling after bedtime, refusing to stop gaming, bypassing parental controls, or sneaking the phone back into their bedroom.Many parents respond by repeating themselves, raising their voice, or creating a major punishment in the middle of the conflict. Unfortunately, that can turn one broken phone rule into a much larger power struggle.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Podcast, Tess Connolly explains how to respond with calm, predictable follow-through instead of an angry punishment.You will learn:The difference between punishment and logical follow-throughWhy consequences should be decided before the rule is brokenWhat to say when your teenager refuses to get off their phoneHow to respond when your teen argues that the rule is unfairWhat to do when your teenager bypasses screen time controlsWhy repeated rule-breaking may mean your plan needs more structureHow to repair after yelling without removing the boundaryHow to reset the next day and give your teen another opportunityHow to manage different technology rules across two homesTess also shares practical scripts, including:“The rule was clear. This is not a punishment. This is the follow-through we already agreed on.”“You can be upset. I'm not going to argue about this tonight.”“Tomorrow we'll reset. Tonight, the phone is done.”The goal is not to control your teen's technology forever.The goal is to help your teen build the ability to manage screens, protect their sleep, tolerate stopping, and make responsible decisions as they become more independent.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

You ask your teenager to put down the phone, start their homework, walk the dog, or get ready to leave.They do not respond.You ask again.And again.Before long, you are yelling, your teen is defensive, and a basic request has become a full argument.When teenagers appear to ignore their parents, the answer is not usually a longer explanation or a louder voice.Your teen may not have shifted their attention toward you. They may be struggling to transition away from what they are doing. They may disagree with the request—or they may have learned that they do not need to respond until you have asked several times.In this episode, Tess explains how parents can interrupt this pattern without becoming passive or controlling.You will learn:Why your teen may not respond the first timeHow repeated reminders accidentally become part of the problemHow to get your teenager's attention before giving a directionFive practical scripts for common parent-teen conflictsHow to validate feelings without changing the boundaryWhat calm follow-through looks likeWhen withdrawal or unresponsiveness may indicate a larger concernThe five scripts“Pause for a second. I need your attention.”“I'm not going to keep repeating this. I'll come back in five minutes.”“You don't have to like this, but I do need you to follow through.”“I'm going to stay calm, and we're still going to handle this.”“We can talk about the feeling, but the expectation still stands.”Follow or subscribe to the Single Parenting Reset Podcast for practical parenting support for the tween and teen years.Join the family through the link below for parenting tools, updates, and upcoming resources.For individualized support with communication problems, screen battles, family conflict, or challenging teen behavior, schedule a Parent Reset Strategy Session.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

South Carolina's 50 state parks largely pay their own way. Gwen Davenport of SC State Parks on the model, the $99 passport, beating the crowds, and the CCC legacy.Episode Resources:Ultimate Outsider Program and 50-Park ChallengeSC State Parks Annual Passport InformationPlay It Forward: CCC History and "Parkitecture"Simple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

Life of David

“Can we be saved by faith alone?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of salvation, touching on key concepts such as what salvation truly means. The conversation also addresses the relationship between Scripture and tradition, and explores the idea of “once saved, always saved,” providing a comprehensive look at these important theological topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:40 – What is Salvation? 15:55 – Can we be saved by faith alone? 35:15 – I'm reformed presbyterian and looking into Catholic. Regarding. CCC 74-82. Does one need to view scripture and tradition on equal footing in order to have salvation? 44:05 – Once Saved Always Saved

2,5% Zinsen p.a. auf ein unbegrenztes Guthaben mit bis zu fünfmal der gesetzlichen Einlagensicherung*. Auch für Kinder. Das gibt's bei Scalable Capital. Mehr Infos hier. SK Hynix hat größten Auslands-IPO der US-Geschichte. Meta steigt 20% in 10 Tagen. Apple verklagt OpenAI. BMW & VW schrumpfen. Apollo kauft easyJet & Minderheit an Bayer-Sparte. Vodafone mit Milliardär. Iran & USA kriegen keinen Deal. CCC kriegt Investor. Capcom (WKN: 886135) lebt von Resident Evil, Monster Hunter und Street Fighter. 80% vom Umsatz kommen aus dem Backkatalog. Saudi-Arabien stockt auf über 10% auf. Wolters Kluwer (WKN: A0J2R1) hat sich halbiert. KI-Startups wie Harvey greifen Rechtsdatenbanken und Steuersoftware an. Aber geprüfte Fachinhalte könnten in der KI-Ära wertvoller werden. KGV von 11 statt 25, Dividende bei 4%. Diesen Podcast vom 13.07.2026, 3:00 Uhr stellt dir die Podstars GmbH (Noah Leidinger) zur Verfügung. *Veränderlicher Zins auf unbegrenztes Guthaben. Konditionen sowie Guthabenverteilung auf scalable.capital/tagesgeld. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we continue our More Wisdom, More Life series, Pastor Zach explores Proverbs 22:7 and challenges us to see debt through the lens of biblical wisdom. While our culture normalizes borrowing, Scripture reveals how debt can quietly steal our freedom, peace, and purpose. Jesus invites us to let go of the temporary things we chase and trust him with our priorities, finances, and future. True freedom is found not in having more, but in following the One who leads us to more life.

400,000 of you showed up for physics with no compromises, so I did something different for the milestone. No highlight reel. I took your hardest questions live and answered them, then got honest about the part of this job nobody asks about: the discipline behind running a serious science podcast. We get into why clocks didn't tick differently in the early universe, what it actually means that the Big Bang happened everywhere at once, and whether JWST has any real shot at catching a Population III star before it's gone. Then it gets contested. I make the case that language models may rediscover physics before they rediscover mathematics, walk through why enormous numbers do not get you to alien life, and look at the moment Avi Loeb quietly softened his ʻOumuamua position. In this conversation: Why the early universe didn't run on a different clock The Big Bang as an everywhere-at-once event, not an explosion in space JWST and the hunt for the first generation of stars Whether an LLM could rediscover Einstein, and what that would mean for who controls discovery Why I read every book my guests write, and why that habit is the channel Get the transcript, bonus content, and my Monday M.A.G.I.C. Message: https://briankeating.com/yt Have a .edu email and live in the USA? You automatically win a meteorite: https://briankeating.com/edu Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating?sub_confirmation=1 Timestamps 00:00 Did time always tick the same? 02:05 Is every point the Big Bang's center? 07:22 Could consciousness be space-time? 09:03 Will Webb see the first stars? 10:20 Can an LLM rediscover Einstein? 13:30 Has Penrose's CCC been falsified? 16:48 Dark Forest theory: science or sci-fi? 21:30 Can inflation ever be falsified? 29:04 Physical limits of AI compute growth 32:58 Is this the last CMB experiment? 37:30 Why large numbers don't prove alien life 55:30 Loeb quietly walks back Oumuamua 01:13:10 The null hypothesis on UAP 01:28:50 String theory vs. intelligent design 01:31:10 God as a scientific hypothesis 01:45:10 Drowning in knowledge, starving for wisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off a record-breaking performance at the 2026 Western States 100, Jennifer Lichter joins the podcast to share the story behind one of the most impressive breakthroughs in ultrarunning. Jenn won Western States in 15:28:05, breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course record in her very first 100-mile race. Just a few months earlier, she won Black Canyon 100K and set another course record in her debut at that distance. In this conversation, Jenn reflects on the race itself, the mindset it took to stay present over 100 miles, and how she handled the pressure of chasing history. She also opens up about her childhood in Colombia, being adopted and moving to the United States, and how those experiences shaped the resilience and gratitude that define both her life and her running. We also talk about training with coach John Fitzgerald, her nutrition strategy, racing after battling a stomach bug just days before Western States, and what comes next as she looks toward the future. Topics covered:  Winning the 2026 Western States 100 Breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course record Running a course record in her 100-mile debut Winning Black Canyon 100K in her first 100K Growing up in Colombia and being adopted Gratitude, resilience, and how hardship shaped her Training with coach John Fitzgerald Racing while recovering from a stomach bug Nutrition strategy at Western States Managing pressure and expectations during a 100-mile race Life in Missoula and training with Nike ACG Looking ahead to CCC at UTMB Sponsors: Goodr Goodr sunglasses are no-slip, no-bounce, all polarized, and actually affordable, with tons of fun styles and colors for summer. Go to goodr.com/another for $10 off your first order. Be the first to know about my Indianapolis Monumental Marathon & Half Marathon group training! Previnex – I start my day with Previnex Gut & Green Superfoods and end it with their Sleep Health Plus. I trust Previnex because their products are third-party tested, backed by science, and designed to help support energy, recovery, sleep, immunity, and healthy aging. Use code ANOTHER for 15% off your first order at Previnex.com. If you've already used that code, you can also use LindseySuperfoods, LindseySleep, or LindseyStrength depending on the product you're trying. The Geist Half Marathon offers a scenic, community-focused race experience with half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances in Fishers, Indiana. Use code ANOTHER26 for 10% off any race distance! The post Episode 696: Jennifer Lichter on Her Record Setting Western States Debut appeared first on SandyBoy Productions.

Send us Fan MailDo you have points sitting in an account right now that you have no idea what to do with? You signed up for the card, you spent the money, and somehow it still feels like not much of a value for you? Tiffany Funk is here to fix that.Tiffany Funk is the co-founder of Point Me, a platform built to make travel loyalty programs actually accessible to real people. She is a recognized expert in points, miles, and the financial systems that connect airlines, credit cards, and consumers and she has spent her career cutting through the noise so women can make smarter choices with the money they are already spending.WHAT WE COVER06:30 Why there are so few women in the miles and points space11:30 The mutual fund strategy for picking your everyday card16:00 The truth about first class upgrades and lounge access22:00 How many credit cards do you actually need?26:00 Business credit cards for women-owned businesses30:30 The one simple shift that doubles or triples your pointsTiffany left us with something worth sitting with: financial freedom is about having good choices available. This episode is your starting point. And if this topic is important to you, join us for next week's Money Talks; “The Solo Traveler's Money Guide: How to Budget for Adventure as a Woman”. Click here to register for FREE and bring your questions!  This episode is supported by Meredith Schnepp, VTA, CCC, founder of Sunkissed Bliss Travel. Meredith designs deeply personal, seamless travel experiences for busy women, couples, and families who want beautifully executed trips without the time, stress, or guesswork of planning it themselves. Through carefully vetted global partners and high-touch, full-service planning, she makes sure every detail is handled so you can show up and actually enjoy your trip. If you're ready to invest in travel that feels as meaningful as it is memorable, book your complimentary consultation at www.sunkissedblisstravel.com and follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.Follow & connect with Tiffany:LinkedInWebsite InstagramWant to take this conversation one step further? Join us for our next Money Talks, a free 30 minute live session where we'll dig into a question we hear all the time from women business owners: Budgeting for Businesses to Offer Benefits. Click here to register for FREE and bring your questions! Follow & connect with us!Website Facebook PageFacebook groupInstagramTikTokLinkedInYouTubeReddit ResourcesHave questions? Click this to check out our expert Q&A for tips from industry experts, tailored to help women address their most common financial concerns. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive financial tips delivered weekly here!...

Is screen time the battle that keeps showing up in your home?Maybe your teen is on their phone late at night. Maybe gaming turns into an argument every time you ask them to stop. Maybe social media, YouTube, texting, or endless scrolling have started to affect sleep, mood, homework, motivation, or connection.And if you are a single parent, this can feel even more exhausting because you may be the only one holding the line.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks about how to limit screen time for teenagers in a way that is firm, realistic, and relationship-centered.This episode is not about shaming teens or pretending technology is going away. Teenagers are growing up in a world where phones, schoolwork, friendships, entertainment, gaming, and identity are all tangled together.The real question is:How do we help teens build healthier limits with screens without creating constant conflict at home?In this episode, you'll learn:Why screen time with teens is different than screen time with tweensWhy sleep should be the first screen time boundary parents protectHow to separate school screens from entertainment screensWhy screens often become a coping tool for teensHow to talk to your teen about screen time outside the heat of the momentHow to create a teen screen time agreement that is clear, calm, and realisticWhat to do if your teen says, “Everyone else is allowed”How single parents can hold screen time boundaries even when the other home has different rulesThe goal is not to control your teen forever. The goal is to help your teen slowly build internal regulation, responsibility, and healthier habits with technology.If your family needs a clearer starting point, grab Tess's Tech Reset Agreement through the link in the show notes.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

There's a long history of exploitation in the denim supply chain, as our first guest this week, Bego Demir, can attest. He developed incurable silicosis in the 2000s as a result of his sandblasting job in a Turkish factory producing jeans for a famous American brand.These days Bego coordinates Clean Clothes Campaign Türkiye, and is supporting a creative new activist strategy to hold another brand to account, this time for making big claims about being "responsibly made", while workers in a supplier factory in Istanbul faced harsh consequences when they dared to organise for better conditions.Earlier this year, the Dutch office of the CCC network filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against denim giant Levi Strauss. Their core argument is that Levi's used misleading claims on the labour conditions in its supply chain when advertising its products to Dutch consumers. Four individual consumers, who purchased Levi's products believing they were buying from an ethical brand, have joined the lawsuit. One of then, Pam, is also on this week's show sharing her perspective.Too many brands fail to prevent worker exploitation in their supply chains, from union busting to denying workers' their basic rights, whether that's the right to organise, to strike, or to be paid a living wage. Could this latest CCC tactic - to use consumer law that protects shoppers from greenwashing - make a difference? Let's find out.Find links and further reading at thewardrobecrisis.comSupport the show on Substack - wardrobecrisis.substack.comTell us what you think. Find Clare on Instagram @mrspress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation has cooled from its recent highs, but for many households, the financial strain has not disappeared. Over the last several years, families have faced rising costs for groceries, insurance, housing, utilities, and other everyday needs. And for many, credit cards became the tool they used to make ends meet. Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, joins the show today to share how many families are now carrying the balances they built up during those difficult years. And with credit card interest rates often running between 22% and 30% APR, making real progress can feel almost impossible. That is where credit counseling can help. Why So Many Families Feel Stuck Many households are not dealing with credit card debt because of careless spending. In many cases, families were simply trying to stay afloat. When wages do not keep pace with rising expenses, even a well-intentioned budget can become difficult to maintain. Then, once balances accumulate, high interest makes repayment feel overwhelming. A family may make payments faithfully each month, only to see most of that money go toward interest rather than reducing the principal. For some, the pressure has increased further as student loan payments have resumed, placing added strain on budgets already stretched thin. The result is a cycle that can feel discouraging: payments continue, but the balance barely moves. The Good News: More People Are Seeking Help One encouraging trend is that financial literacy is growing. More people are becoming proactive in understanding their options, learning how debt works, and seeking responsible ways to repay what they owe. Online tools and educational resources can be helpful, especially when they explain the difference between debt management and riskier debt settlement programs. But every financial situation is unique. That is why it is wise to talk with a trained counselor who can review your specific circumstances and help you create a plan. Early action can make a significant difference. The sooner someone seeks guidance, the more options they may have. How Credit Counseling Can Help Credit counseling is designed to help people break the cycle of high-interest payments and begin making real progress. A reputable credit counseling agency can review your income, expenses, debts, and goals, then help you determine the best path forward. For many people, that may include a structured debt management plan. Through Christian Credit Counselors, for example, clients may be able to reduce credit card interest rates to between 1% and 12% APR, with rates fixed for the length of the program. That can make a major difference. Lower interest means more of each payment goes toward reducing the balance. In many cases, monthly payments may also be lowered, creating more breathing room in the budget. For those who have fallen behind, enrollment in a credit counseling program can also help stop late fees and collection calls. But most importantly, it allows clients to repay their debt responsibly and honor their commitments in full. A God-Honoring Approach to Debt At FaithFi, we appreciate credit counseling because it offers a practical and responsible way to address debt without pretending the debt does not matter. The goal is not to avoid responsibility, but to create a wise plan for repayment. That is one reason we value the work of Christian Credit Counselors. Their approach is not merely transactional. They care for the people they serve, build relationships with clients, pray with them, and seek to ease the stress and strain of credit card debt by offering solutions that honor God. Debt can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be faced alone. With wise support, a clear plan, and faithful perseverance, progress is possible. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/CCC. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My father passed away less than a year ago and left money to his children. I've lived paycheck to paycheck most of my life, and while my wife wants to buy a house and a truck, I'd rather slow down, plan for the future, invest wisely, and think about leaving something for our kids. What's the best way to approach this? And is it worth meeting with a CKA, even if I'm not sure the amount is large enough? I have two children, ages six and eight, and I'm overwhelmed by about $25,000 in debt, including roughly $17,000 in credit cards and several loans. I've tried to rework my budget, but rising costs for gas, groceries, and school activities have made it feel impossible. I've looked into a debt management plan, but Christian Credit Counselors can only help with the credit cards, not the loans. Should I pursue debt management, consider bankruptcy, or take another step? My husband and I are buying our first home, but everything we're considering is near the top of our budget. With market uncertainty, is it wiser to buy now and secure a home for our future family, or wait and save for a larger down payment to lower the monthly cost? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors (CCC) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is screen time already becoming a daily battle in your home?If your 10-, 11-, or 12-year-old argues every time screens end, asks constantly for more time, sneaks devices, or says “everyone else gets to,” you are not alone.The tween years are a key window for building healthy screen habits before the teen years bring more complicated challenges like smartphones, social media, group chats, gaming, and late-night scrolling.In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks about how to limit screen time for tweens without turning every day into a power struggle.This is not about making screens the enemy.It is about helping your tween learn balance, responsibility, emotional regulation, and healthy device habits while you remain the steady parent, guide, and coach.Tweens are old enough to want more independence, but they are still young enough to need clear structure, support, repetition, and limits.In this episode, you'll learn:Why screen time feels so hard during the tween yearsWhy vague rules like “not too much screen time” often create more argumentsHow to create screen time limits that support sleep, school, movement, and family connectionWhy devices should not be in bedrooms overnightHow to talk to your tween about screens without shaming or lecturingHow to create a simple family screen time plan togetherWhat to do if your tween gets angry when screen time endsWhy parental controls can help, but cannot replace parentingIf you want help getting started, grab my Tech Reset Agreement through the link in the show notes. It will help you create clearer expectations around devices, screen time, bedtime, and family agreements so you are not trying to make rules in the heat of the moment.And if screen time has become a bigger battle in your family, or you need more support setting up a plan that actually works for your tween and your home, you can also schedule a free Parent Reset Strategy Call through the link in the show notes.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

As we continue our More Wisdom, More Life series, Pastor Jamie explores Proverbs 22:1–2 and what it truly means to have a good name. He contrasts the exhausting pursuit of approval from others and ourselves with the lasting identity found in God alone. Through the gospel, we discover that our worth isn't earned by our performance but received through Jesus, who exchanges his perfect reputation for our broken one.

Romans 15:25-29

Join us for a special Sunday with Rev. Ayanna Watkins as she shares a word from Esther. Rev Ayanna is a longtime friend of Christ City. She is a skilled and kind preacher who knows CCC well. She has preached for us a couple of times a year for the last several years. You don't want to miss it!

If your child has ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, you may feel like you are constantly managing meltdowns, screen battles, irritability, impulsivity, emotional explosions, or big reactions that seem to come out of nowhere.But what if your child's behavior is not only a discipline issue?What if their behavior is also communication?In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, talks with ADHD and nutrition expert Dana Kay about how gut health, inflammation, nutrition, sleep, screen time, and nervous system overload may affect ADHD behavior problems in kids.Many parents are taught to look at ADHD behavior through the lens of discipline, motivation, or compliance.But in this conversation, we look underneath the behavior.Dana explains that a child's nervous system may already be overloaded before the trigger happens. The iPad, homework, bedtime request, or morning routine may simply be the final stressor that causes the explosion.We talk about why ADHD behavior can be connected to:Gut healthInflammationPoor sleepBlood sugar crashesNutritionSensory overloadScreen timeNervous system dysregulationThis does not mean boundaries do not matter. They do.But it does mean parents can begin asking a more helpful question:What might my child's behavior be trying to tell me?In this episode, you will learn:Why behavior is communication, especially for kids with ADHD or ADHD-like symptomsHow gut health, nutrition, sleep, and inflammation may influence mood, focus, and emotional regulationWhy screen time can be so activating for children with ADHDHow to create screen-free pockets without needing a dramatic screen banWhy protein at breakfast and balanced snacks may support steadier moodsHow movement, sleep, and connection can help regulate the nervous systemWhere overwhelmed parents can start when they cannot change everything at onceThis episode is especially helpful if you are parenting a tween or teen who struggles with ADHD symptoms, emotional reactivity, screen transitions, poor frustration tolerance, or constant conflict at home.Listen to this episode if you want a more compassionate and practical way to understand ADHD behavior problems in kids.After listening, choose one small place to start:Add protein at breakfastCreate a screen-free morning pocketRemove devices from bedrooms overnightOffer movement before screens after schoolUse a timer and clear screen transition planProtect sleepAsk, “What might this behavior be communicating?”⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

Send us Fan MailMount Marathon is the kind of race that makes no sense on paper and perfect sense the moment you watch it. It is short, steep, chaotic, and deeply tied to Seward, Alaska and the local mountain running community, yet it keeps attracting bigger names and deeper competition every year. We sit down with Klaire Rhodes just before July 4 to hear how she is feeling heading into race week after a packed, travel heavy June, and why she still shows up even when it is not the main goal on her calendar.We talk about what Mount Marathon means when you do not come from a traditional running background, and how Klaire's competitive journey started with an auction entry back in 2018. From there, we get into the athlete side of the puzzle: how she maintains top end speed and sharpness while building toward longer trail races, why being well rounded matters, and how short mountain efforts can support big objectives like CCC at UTMB. Klaire also reflects on the legends she noticed first in Alaska, the strange feeling of becoming part of the race's history, and the relief and hunger that can both show up after a win.Conditions matter at Mount Marathon, and this year's talk includes a snowless descent, potential rain, and what that could mean for times, tactics, and the chances of chasing a personal best versus a course record. We also look ahead to her summer plans, including Speedgoat 50K and a focused push to nail a mountainous 100K at CCC.If you love trail running, mountain racing, and the stories that only iconic local events can produce, hit play, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs a new race obsession. After you listen, what do you think decides Mount Marathon more: the climb or the descent?Use code SteepStuff for 20% your cart on Sidas.usFollow James on IG - @jameslaurielloFollow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_podFollow Sidas USA on IG - @sidas_usa

As the old axiom goes, “all the world's a stage,” and Jason explains that the stage is filled with those requiring toxic empathy — whether it's Nick Saban following other notable college head football coaches in vouching for players committing crimes, WNBA thugs Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner crying foul because the WNBA can't control social media, or the CCC's (aka Caitlin Clark Cult) incessant whining. Charles Baker and Virgil Walker opine on Saban and college athletics before Jason concludes, noting that the Caitlin victimhood has transcended sports into the mainstream social media world. ​​Today's Sponsors: Uprightly  Uprightly Spine Care Solution has spent 40 years investigating the root causes of back problems, which largely relate to spine shape and disc health. If you are tired of temporary fixes and are seeking a long-term solution for your spine health, visit https://LiveUprightly.com. Use promo code FEARLESS to receive a 5% discount. They also offer a 30-day risk-free trial! ➢ Follow Our GUESTS https://x.com/VirgilWalker ➢ Subscribe to Jason's other channel https://www.youtube.com/JasonWhitlock?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockHarmony?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockBYOG?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockClips?sub_confirmation=1 ➢ Connect with Jason on Social Media:  https://x.com/JasonWhitlock  https://www.instagram.com/realjasonwhitlock/ https://www.facebook.com/jasonwhitlock ➢ Send Jason an Email FearlessBlazeShow@gmail.com ➢ Support The Blaze Visit https://TheBlaze.com. Explore the all-new ad-free experience and see for yourself how we're standing up against suppression and prioritizing independent journalism. Support Conservative Voices! Subscribe to BlazeTV at https://www.fearlessmission.com and get $20 off your yearly subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Single mom burnout is real, especially when you are raising tweens and teens through behavior problems, screen time battles, emotional ups and downs, curfews, money stress, and hard conversations that you may not feel ready to have.When you are parenting alone, every decision can feel heavier. Every boundary can feel like a battle. And when your teen pushes back, it can be easy to wonder, “Am I doing this wrong?”In this episode of the Single Parenting Reset Show, Tess Connolly, LCSW, is joined by life coach and fellow solo parent Carrie Spranzi for an honest conversation about single parenting, resilience, burnout, communication, and raising teens through difficult seasons.Carrie shares her experience becoming a single mom at a young age, navigating financial stress, parenting through major life challenges, and learning how to stay connected with her son through honesty, trust, and open communication.Together, Tess and Carrie talk about what it means to parent tweens and teens with both boundaries and humanity.In this episode, you'll learn:Why single mom burnout often shows up during the tween and teen yearsHow to stay grounded when your teen is pushing backWhy trust-based boundaries can work better than constant controlHow to talk honestly with your teen about money, curfews, sex, safety, and real-life limitsWhy showing your humanity as a parent can actually strengthen your relationshipHow to build communication that lasts beyond the teen yearsOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that your teen does not need you to be perfect. They need you to be honest, steady, respectful, and willing to keep showing up.If you are feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or unsure how to set boundaries with your tween or teen without constant conflict, this episode will help you reset.Listen to the full episode, then take one small step this week:Choose one boundary that needs more clarity.Have one honest conversation instead of avoiding it.Let your teen know what you need while still communicating trust.Remind yourself that connection and leadership can exist at the same time.⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here

As we continue our More Wisdom, More Life series, Pastor Zach explores Proverbs 14:30 and reminds us that envy quietly robs us of the joy and contentment God desires for us. He challenges us to recognize the "if only" thoughts that can take root in our hearts and shift our focus away from God's goodness. Through the hope of the gospel, we are reminded that in Christ we are fully loved, richly blessed, and free to celebrate the blessings God gives to others while finding lasting contentment in him.

What are the biggest issues facing garment workers globally today? How can we most effectively advocate for them if we've never walked in their shoes? What do we mean by solidarity, and how does that work in action? Is the compliance and social auditing industry the answer? (Spoiler alert: no!)In this deep and meaningful introductory convo with Clean Clothes Campaigner Johnson Yeung, we unpack the challenges and changes facings the labor rights movement today, and ask, what will it really take to build a fair fashion supply chain for the people who make our clothes?This Episode was recorded at the CCC's 35 Year Celebrations in Bangkok. If you find the interview valuable, please help us share it.Find links and further reading at thewardrobecrisis.comSupport the show on Substack - wardrobecrisis.substack.comTell us what you think. Find Clare on Instagram @mrspress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hour 1 for 6/25/26 Drew and Helen pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (1:00). Then, Susan Tassone joins Drew to discuss praying for the Holy Souls (32:25), Gregorian Masses (41:17), and praying for loved ones (45:31). Links: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20240919_nota-esperienza-medjugorje_en.html https://susantassone.com/ CCC 958 https://cnewa.org/mass-intentions/gregorian-masses/

Simply put, Lotti Brinks is one of the best ultrarunners in the sport right now.Over the last 2 years, she's secured multiple top 10s at CCC, wins at Way Too Cool and Desert Rats, and a course record at the Gorge Waterfalls 100K this past spring that heralded her arrival into the upper echelon of the sport.This is her second time at Western States. She was here in 2024, placing 14th in 18:53. But many expect her to be a podium contender in 2026.Since this is our first ever interview with Lotti on Singletrack, we use the opportunity to learn more about her: her background, what motivates her pursuit of excellence in the ultra world, being coached by the great Tyler Green, and her race-day goals.Partners:Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Support the show

Read Online“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.” Matthew 7:3–5It is easy to judge another. A certain satisfaction comes from it; otherwise, one would not engage in such an action. In fact, every sin we commit brings with it a certain degree of satisfaction. Of course, the satisfaction is purely emotional, passing, disordered, and ultimately very destructive to our souls. A judgmental heart presumes the worst about another's words or actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns against rash judgment as an offense against truth (CCC 2477). We commit this sin when we assume, without sufficient evidence, the moral fault of another. This often manifests as gossip, detraction, or slander. While gossip may sometimes involve truth, it becomes sinful when it harms another's reputation without a just cause. Detraction needlessly exposes another's real faults, while slander distorts the truth and spreads falsehood. Each of these acts flows from a heart that finds disordered satisfaction in condemning rather than in mercy.Every time we judge another unfairly—whether through interior criticism or public condemnation—we fall into this sin. To remedy this, we must examine our motivations. Sin is deceptive, especially to the one who commits it. The sin of judging another is particularly insidious because it often feels justified, even appearing as a moral obligation. This was the sin of the scribes and Pharisees. They judged others, interpreting the Law of Moses through their rigid traditions rather than true righteousness. Their self-righteousness convinced them they were acting in God's name. But they were blinded by pride, which not only harmed others but also endangered their souls. A judgmental heart is difficult to overcome. Doing so requires shedding disordered feelings and hurts and turning to the light of God's Wisdom. This will hurt because we must admit our sin. When another's words or actions offend us, it is even harder to face our own sin first. Jesus makes it clear, however, that unless we first remove the “wooden beam” in our own eye, we cannot remove the “splinter” in another's. The only way to remove the wooden beam in our own eye is to grow in the virtue of mercy. We must love every sinner—especially those who have harmed us—to such a degree that every passion of our soul is transformed by mercy. With our minds, we must perceive and embrace God's truth about mercy, and with our wills, we must choose it. Only when we do so over and over again—forming a habit, or virtue—will our passions align with mercy. The good news—for us and for those we tend to judge—is that when the virtue of mercy permeates not only our minds and wills but also our feelings and passions, we begin to discover freedom from the disordered satisfaction that trapped us in our judgmental hearts. From there, enlightened by God's wisdom and grace, we will be able to lovingly, compassionately, and sincerely help others see the error of their ways—not by judging and condemning them, but by loving them and guiding them toward the same freedom in Christ. Reflect today on any sinful habits you struggle with, especially a judgmental heart. Do you ever feel justified in your judgment of others? Is there a degree of disordered satisfaction you gain from that sin? Humble yourself before God's mercy if these questions challenge you, and don't be afraid to acknowledge the wooden beam in your eye. Beg for freedom from a judgmental spirit and embrace the far greater gift of mercy. Though challenging, such an exercise is ultimately freeing and will enable you to assist those who need God's mercy the most. Most merciful God, I come before You and humbly acknowledge my struggle with a judgmental heart. When I am hurt or offended, I am tempted to lash out, condemn, and presume the worst of others. But You, O Lord, see all things with perfect wisdom and mercy. Please free me from this sin, purify my heart, and transform me into an instrument of Your love and compassion. May I judge no one apart from Your Truth and Justice, and may I always extend the mercy that I myself long to receive. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Sermon On the Mount, by Carl Heinrich BlochSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

“Why do some priests teach differently?” This question opens a discussion on the diversity of teachings within the Church, addressing concerns about consistency in doctrine. Other topics include the Church’s stance on charging for weddings and the significance of the Eucharist as a propitiatory sacrifice, along with the standards Catholics are held to regarding mortal sin. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:19 – I don't understand why different priests have different teachings — if it's one Church shouldn't there be one teaching? Also I don't understand why the Church charges for weddings — shouldn't it be free? 17:32 – How do we know that the Early Church Fathers' writings are correct? 24:25 – How is the Eucharist truly propitiatory as stated in CCC 1367? 48:15 – Why are Catholics held to a different standard? For example, for us it is a mortal sin if we miss Mass on a holy day.