Podcasts about centered

Join former Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer on the Centered on Buffalo podcast as he reflects on his NFL coaching career, retirement at 58, working with Josh Allen, and his confidence in new OC Joe Brady. From scouting insights to fun superlatives on the strongest and most athletic linemen he's coached, this is on great episode!The Centered on Buffalo Podcast is sponsored by:Dan-O's Seasoning Follow Dan-O's Seasoning on Social @danosseasoning  https://danosseasoning.com/product/eric-woods-bundle/  15% off code: ewoodNugsax Reusable Icenugsax.com10% Off CODE: buffalo

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

In this episode, Melinda Hancock, CFO of Sentara Health, shares how the system is uniting care delivery and health plan operations to improve patient experiences. She discusses redesigning processes, enhancing financial leadership, and leveraging technology to make care more seamless, affordable, and accessible.

In her work, sex therapist and author Dr. Lucie Fielding seeks to move trans sexualities from the margins of gender-affirmative clinical practice to centering pleasure and sparking creativity and empathic attunement within the client-provider relationship. In the latest expanded second edition of her groundbreaking book, Trans Sex, she offers new concepts such as gender-pleasure and solidarity to bring theory to practice and features contributing trans and gender expansive authors working at the intersections of sexuality and gender. * In this episode, CIIS Human Sexuality faculty and Trans Sex contributor Dr. Roger Kuhn has a conversation with Dr. Fielding exploring tools and strategies for trans and gender expansive folks and allies for circumventing limiting understandings of the erotic and opening a potential universe of pleasure that celebrates our polymorphous bodies. * This episode was recorded during an in-person and live streamed event at California Institute of Integral Studies on October, 9th 2025. You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. A transcript is available at ciis.edu/podcast. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on Instagram @ciispubprograms. * Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links below. * We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing: * -Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller's consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf. * -Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities. * -Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police. * -Visit ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers. * -Find information about additional global helplines at befrienders.org. * LINKS * Podcast Transcripts: https://www.ciis.edu/podcast * California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Website: https://www.ciis.edu/ * CIIS Public Programs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ciispublicprograms * CIIS Public Programs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciispubprograms/ * Mental Health Care and Support Resources: https://988lifeline.org/ https://thrivelifeline.org/ https://translifeline.org/ https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics https://befrienders.org/

What if the real measure of success isn't how much you achieve, but how intentionally you spend your time? We sit down with Daren Blonski—founder of Fermata Advisors, including Sonoma Wealth Advisors and related firms—to unpack how he built a fast-scaling advisory enterprise by designing for freedom first. Darren shares why leaving a high-travel consulting career forced him to redefine success, and how a clear, values-driven schedule helped him be present at home and decisive at work.We walk through his simple, powerful calendar architecture—days working in the business, on the business, and in renewal—and how mapping years in advance creates permission to focus without guilt. Daren explains how he hires complements using the DISC framework, pairing visionary drive with detail excellence to eliminate bottlenecks. He opens the playbook on scaling during uncertainty: pivot fast, pursue green lights, and keep culture practical. Along the way, we dig into his 10% rule for personal reinvestment through masterminds and coaching, and why curating the right rooms accelerates leadership growth.Feedback takes center stage as Daren reframes it as data, not drama. He shares a no-cringe tactic to raise feedback quality—ask every team member, “What are your expectations of me?”—and highlights the obligation to follow through. We close with the habits that sharpen decision-making under pressure: pre-dawn reading to expand perspective, hard training to discharge stress, and sleep as a non-negotiable lever for cognition and steadiness. If you lead a growing team and crave clarity, presence, and sustainable performance, this conversation gives you concrete tools to design your time and think like the CEO your business needs.Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more leaders find these conversations.In this podcast you will learn about:• Redefining success around time freedom• Moving from consulting to a life-centered business• Choosing financial planning as an entrepreneurial medium• Evolving from practitioner to CEO across growth stages• Leading with presence and credibility• Hiring complements using DISC to fill gaps• Scaling through pivots and “pursue green lights” values• Investing 10% in masterminds and coaching• Treating feedback as data and filtering projections• Morning reading, hard training, and sleep for sharper decisionsHighlights:0:00Rethinking Success Through Time2:55Leaving Consulting To Build A Life5:30Choosing Financial Planning As A Medium8:25Evolving From Soloist To CEO10:55Designing Work, On-Work, And Renewal14:20Presence As A Leadership Advantage17:05Building Teams With DISC Strengths20:10Scaling Through Pivots And Principles23:00Masterminds, Coaches, And The 10% Rule26:05Feedback As Data, Not Drama29:05A Better Way To Ask For Feedback32:10Morning Learning, Training, And Sleep35:00Where To Find Darren & ClosingIf you were truly leading at the level your vision requires, what decision would you make this week?I provide strategic coaching for high-performing financial advisors, service-based business owners, and leaders who want coaching that goes beyond accountability. I partner with you to execute on your vision and focus on what truly drives results: executive presence, leadership development, scaling, and prioritization.The outcome: you realize your full potential, influence and inspire others, and lead a high-impact business that reflects your next-level goals.To explore if coaching is the right fit, email me...

In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty welcomes author Celesta Rimington to talk about her powerful new middle grade novel "Reach." Centered on a boy named Denver, Reach explores the complicated emotions that come with blended families, sibling tension, and the grief of losing the "old" version of your family. When a mysterious magical forest and an ancient talking tree transform Denver's younger stepbrother into a tree, Denver is forced to confront his unspoken wishes and big feelings about change, loss, and love. Celesta shares how her own childhood—losing her father at a young age, becoming the older half-sibling in a large blended family, and feeling both responsible and displaced—informs Denver's journey. She also explains how nature, national parks, and asking "what if?" questions fuel the magic in her stories, including Reach, The Elephant's Girl, and Tips for Magicians. Parents and educators will love her ideas for using Reach to spark family conversations about grief, change, identity, and the idea of "forced family" versus chosen family, as well as the fun STEM elements in the book, from robotics to the "wood wide web." Later, Jed talks with Michael Cottman, author of "Segregated Skies: David Harris's Trailblazing Journey to Rise Above Racial Barriers." Michael shares the inspiring true story of David Harris, the first Black commercial airline pilot for a major U.S. airline, and how his perseverance, humility, and courage during the Civil Rights era can inspire young readers, especially during Black History Month.

In a world where many professionals spend their days behind screens, thinking, analyzing, and producing ideas, it's easy to become disconnected from the body. Over time, this disconnection often shows up as fatigue, chronic tension, poor posture, or persistent physical pain. Not to mention, the way we interact with technology is literally changing the shapes of out bodies.  In this episode, I talk with with Dr. Kyrs Hines, orthopedic physical therapist to explore how knowledge workers can stay grounded, regulated, and physically supported while navigating cognitively demanding work. Dr Kyrs shares practical ways to integrate movement into daily routines, create ergonomic environments that support physical alignment and shift our relationship with physical pain from avoidance to awareness. This conversation bridges science, embodiment, and real-life application — helping you work smarter while caring for your physical well-being. If you spend most of your day sitting, feel tension building during work hours, or want sustainable strategies to prevent burnout and body pain, this episode offers actionable tools you can begin using immediately. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why knowledge workers often become disconnected from their bodies How sedentary work impacts posture, energy, and nervous system Simple ways to habit stack and add movement into your daily life without needing long workouts Ergonomic principles that support spinal alignment and reduce strain How to set up your workspace to support long-term physical health A mindful approach to understanding and working with physical pain   _____________ Resources: Take a mindful moment in your day while moving! Learn more and download Centered Walks right to your phone.    Curious to join a mindfulness retreat with me? Sign up for the waitlist here.    Purchase my book, 100 Mindful Moment to Balance and Energize here   _______________   Dr. Krystol Hines (Dr. Krys) is the founder of KH Ergo & Wellness, a Washington, DC–based ergonomics and workplace wellbeing company helping organizations improve employee health, safety, and performance across in-office, hybrid, and remote environments. Trained as an orthopedic physical therapist, she brings clinical insight into scalable, evidence-based strategies that reduce musculoskeletal risk and support sustainable work habits. Dr. Krys partners with corporations, healthcare systems, higher education institutions, and insurers to deliver ergonomic assessments, workforce training, and leadership education. Known for translating complex ergonomics into practical, engaging solutions, she helps organizations move from reactive interventions to proactive, long-term wellbeing strategies. Website: www.khergowellness.com

In this episode, Laura explores the difference between judgement and curiosity—and why learning to regulate our judgement is essential for becoming grounded, healthy adults. She explains how judgement is biologically protective, when it's necessary for safety, and when it crosses into harmful territory. Laura then offers a roadmap for shifting from judgement to curiosity while holding ethical boundaries for ourselves and others. If you've ever found yourself judging too quickly—or judging yourself even more harshly—this episode invites you into compassion, clarity, and deeper relational awareness for yourself and others.

In Episode 2 of our Guided Prayer Podcast, we slow down with Psalm 25 and a time of worship, asking God to teach us His ways and lead us in His truth. Centered on John 13, this episode reflects on Jesus washing His disciples' feet—an intimate act of love on the night before His crucifixion. As Easter approaches, we're invited to consider not only what it means to sit at Jesus' feet, but what it means to let Him come to ours. Are there places in your life you'd rather keep untouched? Through Scripture, song, and guided reflection, this episode creates space to surrender those hidden areas and allow Jesus to love you fully—because resurrection life begins with honest surrender.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Nineteen Seventy-Six. America's bicentennial was a great year for cinema, with films like A Star is Born, King Kong, All the President's Men, Carrie, and The Omen heating up the box office, and instant classics Rocky and Network earning the most accolades. After a six-decade career in the director's chair, Alfred Hitchcock released his last film, Family Plot, around the same time that an up-and-coming young director by the name of Martin Scorsese released his breakout hit, the fifth film of his budding career. Centered on a disillusioned New York cabbie played by Robert De Niro, this rain-and-neon-soaked meditation on summer in the city proved to be a defining outing by both actor and director. With a cast including Cybill Shephard, Albert Brooks, Peter Boyle, Harvey Keitel, and a very young Jodie Foster, the film racked up awards, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes and four nominations at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for De Niro, and Best Supporting Actress for Foster. Despite controversies over its content, the film was hailed as a hit. Now, fifty years later, we're catching a ride with Taxi Driver and talking to you about it!   For more geeky podcasts visit GonnaGeek.com    You can find us on iTunes under ''Legends Podcast''. Please subscribe and give us a positive review. You can also follow us on Twitter @LegendsPodcast or even better, send us an e-mail: LegendsPodcastS@gmail.com    You can write to Rum Daddy directly: rumdaddylegends@gmail.com    You can find all our contact information here on the Network page of GonnaGeek.com Our complete archive is always available at www.legendspodcast.com, www.legendspodcast.libsyn.com    Show Music:Danger Storm by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of InContext with Michael Easley, Pastor Daniel Batarseh shares his journey from studying creative advertising to planting Maranatha Bible Church in Illinois — a growing, multi-ethnic church built on prayer, discipleship, and the faithful teaching of God's Word. Daniel explains how a revival moment among young adults led to long-term ministry, why Scripture must remain central in church life, and how simple biblical practices still produce deep spiritual transformation today. This conversation encourages pastors, leaders, and believers to trust the sufficiency of God's Word rather than ministry trends or complex programming. When churches gather around Scripture, prayer, and authentic community, God faithfully builds His people.Subscribe for more conversations that help you understand God's Word in context and live it out in everyday life. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 1:55 Daniel's background and testimony 7:13 Seeds of faith and returning to Christ 8:44 The conference that changed everything 13:48 Moving to Chicago and ministry beginnings 16:09 Planting Maranatha Bible Church 20:06 Building multi-ethnic community through Scripture 21:43 A simple model of church life 24:05 Handling expectations and church programs 25:27 Young men pursuing godliness 26:15 What a real prayer meeting looks like 29:11 The sufficiency of God's Word 32:08 How Scripture revives God's people KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED • Church planting and discipleship • The sufficiency of Scripture • Prayer in the local church • Multi-ethnic church community • Raising up young leaders • Evangelism and pastoral calling • Returning to a biblical model of church • Spiritual revival through God's Word Links Mentioned: Maranatha Bible Church Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

People-centered HR isn't a luxury—it's essential. Learn how nonprofit leaders can build equitable, transparent, and humane people practices that strengthen their organizations, even amid uncertainty and limited resources. In episode 143 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton speaks with Megan Rolfe about: what it really means to practice people-centered HR in nonprofit and social-change organizations—especially small teams navigating limited resources, rising uncertainty, and growing demands for equity.  reframing HR not as a compliance or risk-management function, but as a shared set of agreements about how people work together.  equitable compensation, including the difference between living and thriving wages, transparency in pay practices, and  balancing risk, safety and boldness in today's environment Throughout, Megan emphasizes progress over perfection, collective responsibility, and the relief that comes from remembering: you don't have to do this all by yourself, all at once, or exactly right.   Episode highlights: [00:08:06] Finding HR by Accident—and Choosing It on Purpose   [00:10:05] Why Small Organizations Are Where HR Can Be Transformative   [00:12:50] What People-Centered HR Really Means [00:14:30] Protecting the Organization Because of the People   [00:18:52] Living Wage vs. Thriving Wage   [00:21:44] Start Where You Can: Entry-Level Pay Matters Most   [00:24:52] Concrete Steps Toward More Equitable Pay—Without New Money   [00:29:23] Why Pay Transparency Builds Trust   [00:31:07] Navigating Risk, Fear, and "Safety" in Uncertain Times   [00:34:15] Scenario Planning for People, Not Just Programs   [00:37:030] A Mantra for Leaders Carrying Too Much   Guest Bio: Megan Rolfe provides small social justice organizations with the HR support they need to move work forward and impact change. Having spent 15+ years supporting nonprofits and small businesses focused on making the world a better place, equipping the teams that most need capacity for their vital work holds a special place in her heart Important Links and Resources: Megan "MR" Rolfe Blue Swallow Consulting: Resources including working towards a thriving wage and first steps towards more equitable compensation Vega Mala Consulting: includes more resources on equitable compensation   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad explores Gospel of John 3:1–17 through Jesus' nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, inviting listeners to reflect on what it means to be “born from above.” Unpacking the rich symbolism and double meanings in John's Gospel: light and darkness, wind and Spirit, lifting up and exaltation, the episode examines how sincere faith can coexist with honest questions. Centered on John 3:16, Pastor Jad reframes this well-known verse within its broader context, emphasizing God's love for a confused and resistant world and clarifying that Jesus' mission is not condemnation but salvation. This conversation encourages listeners to release control, trust the movement of the Spirit, and embrace the transforming love of God that brings eternal life not just someday, but beginning now.  Join us on the free LivetheRhythm app to reflect on the scripture and find community with others. 

What does it really mean to put Jesus at the center? Not just in theory. Not just in songs. But in decisions, relationships, and everyday life. This message walks through six values that shape who we are becoming as a church — and who you can become personally. When Jesus is the center, everything changes.

This month, we’re kicking off our new monthly deep-dive episodes, giving ourselves a little extra time to reflect, chat, and dig into what really matters. I’m joined by my beautiful bestie, Mihaela, as we explore what it looks like to live a life fully centered on Jesus—not just in the big moments, but in the everyday chaos. From running businesses, loving people, and managing busy seasons, we unpack how to keep Christ at the center of it all. Together, we reflect on the highs and lows, the blessings and the challenges, and how God’s presence transforms the way we move, make decisions, and engage with the world around us. This episode isn’t about perfection—it’s about practical, real-life ways to let Jesus guide our hearts, our choices, and our priorities, even when life feels like running around like a headless chicken. Join us as we dive deep, share laughs, and encourage each other to live intentionally for Him. Get Connected: Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram! Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's sermon, Pastor John D. Putnam concludes the month of February with a powerful and deeply convicting message titled “The Greatest Act of Love.” Centered on the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, this message reveals a profound biblical truth: the highest expression of love is not emotion, words, or sacrifice alone—but total surrender to God. Through the life of Abraham, listeners are invited to explore what it truly means to trust God when faith is tested. Abraham's willingness to place his promised son on the altar demonstrates that real love is proven not in comfort or blessing, but in obedience and surrender. Pastor Putnam challenges believers to consider the question: What are we unwilling to place in God's hands? “The Greatest Act of Love” is both an invitation and a challenge: to move beyond belief into complete trust, beyond emotion into obedience, and beyond control into the life-changing love found through surrender. To hear more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!

Proverbs 16 reads like a finishing school exam for civil rulers. The author's calling and experience provide the background context occasioning this passage. Nevertheless while Solomon's office as king of Israel explains the instrumental cause of blessing in the land, the chapter itself proclaims the sovereignty of God as the formal cause. Applications of this chapter extend to us as Solomon is citing the maximal case here. The implication being, if the greatest of earthly kings is subject & accountable to the law of God & if he rules merely as an instrument of God's divine decree...the same is certainly true for everyone else. Similar to chapter 15, several verses placed strategically throughout the passage pronounce the theme. These key proverbs are verse 1, 9, and 33 all of which highlight the royal preeminence of YAHWEH the ultimate sovereign, human agency

The sermon, drawn from Titus 2:1–10, presents a holistic vision of the church as a unified, interdependent body where every age, gender, and social status has a vital role in reflecting God's grace through godly character and conduct. Centered on the imperative to teach and live according to sound doctrine, the passage outlines specific virtues for older men and women, younger men and women, and even bondservants, emphasizing that true faith produces balanced, dignified, and Christ-honoring behavior in all spheres of life. The preacher underscores that doctrine is not abstract but transformative, shaping daily living so that believers—regardless of age or station—become living testimonies to the gospel, silencing critics and adorning the grace of God. Ultimately, the church is called to embody a counter-cultural community marked by mutual accountability, interdependence, and sacrificial love, reflecting the self-giving example of Christ and demonstrating to the world what it means to live in response to divine grace.

This passage from Zephaniah reveals God's sovereign judgment on the nations that pridefully persecute His people, illustrating a divine response to human arrogance and hostility. Centered on the themes of prideful persecution, awesome justice, and ultimate desolation, the text portrays God as the living, omnipresent Judge who hears every taunt and boast against His people and will vindicate them through decisive, transformative judgment. The destruction of Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria—symbolized by barren wastelands and abandoned cities—serves as a prophetic picture of God's final triumph over all false gods and self-exalted powers, culminating in universal acknowledgment of His lordship. The passage calls believers to live in constant awareness of God's presence, to reject pride, to stand firm in faith amid persecution, and to find assurance in Christ's victory over Satan, whose accusations are rendered powerless by the finished work of redemption.

This sermon unpacks the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) as a profound revelation of God's sovereign grace, challenging human notions of fairness and merit. Centered on the master's generous payment of a full day's wage to all workers regardless of when they began, the parable exposes the danger of spiritual entitlement and the human tendency to measure divine justice by personal effort and expectation. The preacher illustrates how the apostles, like modern believers, often approach God with a mindset of earned reward, only to find that the kingdom operates on grace, not merit—where the last are made first and the first last. The message is a sobering call to rejoice in God's generosity, even when it defies our sense of fairness, and to abandon any spiritual ledger of deserved reward in favor of humble gratitude for unmerited favor. Ultimately, the parable reveals that eternal life is not a wage earned by labor but a gift freely given by a merciful God, who calls all into His vineyard and crowns them equally with grace.

Matthew 4: 1-11 | Through the Sea, to the Wilderness The sermon presents Christ's temptation in the wilderness as a pivotal moment that fulfills Old Testament patterns of failure—such as Israel's grumbling in the desert—while establishing a divine pattern for Christian life: growth through trial, not coasting after spiritual milestones. Centered on Matthew 4, it reveals how Jesus overcomes three temptations—hunger, testing God's protection, and idolatry—by relying on Scripture and the Father's will, thereby modeling a life of faithfulness amid increasing challenges. The passage underscores that every spiritual high point, like baptism or conversion, is not an end but a gateway to deeper trials, which God provides the means to endure through His grace and Word. The sermon calls believers to embrace these trials as opportunities for maturity, rejecting shortcuts to power or comfort, and instead seeking God's kingdom, submitting to His will, and trusting in Christ's victory as the foundation for enduring faith.

Alex Lawrence, Chief People Officer for the City of Boston, Massachusetts, rejoined the podcast to talk about organizational change, development, and human resources. She discussed change management and the importance of communication for human resources. She shared how her background in innovation has influenced her career. She also reflected on local government trends from the last 10 years. Host: Ben Kittelson

Michael Hoecht joins the Centered on Buffalo podcast for a candid, in-depth conversation with host Eric Wood!The versatile Buffalo Bills defensive end/outside linebacker opens up about his Achilles injury from the 2025 season against the Chiefs, his current rehab grind in Buffalo, staring at the new stadium while recovering, and his clear goal to be ready for Week 1 in 2026.Hoecht shares his excitement about playing in new defensive coordinator Jim Leonard's scheme — including the move toward more 3-4 fronts, how Ed Oliver fits perfectly (with Aaron Donald-style comparisons), building the defense around talent, creative pressures and stunts from his Rams experience, and why modern 3-4 looks are all about athleticism and movement rather than massive nose tackles.He reflects on his unique journey: Ivy League roots at Brown, dropping from 310 lbs as a three-technique to 270 lbs as an outside linebacker, his first-ever coverage drop against Travis Kelce at Arrowhead, the six-game suspension, exploding back onto the field against the Panthers, and the legendary sideline energy after his injury that endeared him to Bills Mafia.The Centered on Buffalo Podcast is sponsored by:Dan-O's Seasoning Follow Dan-O's Seasoning on Social @danosseasoning  https://danosseasoning.com/product/eric-woods-bundle/  15% off code: ewoodNugsax Reusable Icenugsax.com10% Off CODE: buffalo

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

United Methodist People Podcast Show NotesOn this illuminating episode of The United Methodist People Podcast, Dr. Brad Miller welcomes longtime friend, author, pastor, and leadership coach Roger Ross to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities facing today's United Methodist churches. Centered around Ross's latest book, “Kinda Christian: From Curious to Serious About Jesus,” the conversation explores how churches and individuals can move beyond complacency to cultivate authentic discipleship, transformational community, and purpose-driven faith.Episode SummaryThe episode kicks off with Dr. Brad Miller introducing Roger Ross, whose decades of ministry and church leadership have inspired innovative approaches to spiritual growth and coaching. They revisit their joint history as church planters, emphasizing the importance of humility in leadership—an ethos behind Ross's new venture, The Humility Group, created to support pastors and faith-based leaders.Ross shares the origin story of “Kinda Christian,” highlighting his realization that many church newcomers crave clarity about what being a disciple truly entails. After wrestling with his leadership team, Ross's church developed the G6 process, outlining six essential marks of discipleship: glory, grace, group, growth, giftedness, and generosity. Stories like Chantel's—whose life was profoundly changed by this process—illustrate the transformative power of intentional discipling.The conversation delves into the broader issues facing churches, such as lack of clarity and processes for making disciples. Ross argues that the mission to “make disciples” often falters when churches cannot define what a disciple actually is or lack a roadmap to help people become one. He introduces three core callings to help believers and churches get “unstuck”: love God, launch community, and unleash compassion.Ross and Miller discuss practical metaphors—lake churches (static, attractional) versus river churches (dynamic, sending)—encouraging leaders to build churches that nurture, equip, and send disciples into the world. Authentic community, Ross asserts, is the antidote to today's epidemic of loneliness and meaninglessness; it requires relationships that are loving, truthful, and deep, not merely surface-level fellowship.The episode also touches on practical spiritual disciplines, like engaging with scripture regularly, and the statistical evidence of its impact. Ross explains that just four times of meaningful Bible engagement a week can significantly reduce loneliness and increase purpose.Finally, Ross shares how “Kinda Christian” is being adopted by United Methodist bishops and conferences as a resource to help local churches define discipleship and create processes for cultivating it. On a personal note, Ross urges listeners to start small—pick one spiritual discipline, such as solitude or focused prayer, and commit to it daily—as the first step toward becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.Three Takeaway Points:Clarity on Discipleship Is Critical for Church Health: Without a clear, actionable definition of what it means to be a disciple and how to cultivate one, churches will struggle to fulfill their mission and fail to engage seekers meaningfully.Churches Must Move from Lake to River Models: The future of vibrant ministry lies in churches that not only attract but equip and send disciples to impact their communities, flowing outward rather than hoarding resources.Deep Community and Small Steps Lead to Transformation: Combating loneliness and...

Although I often describe myself as a sociologist, my academic foundation began with psychology—I completed a dual major in psychology and sociology. One of the courses that most shaped my early thinking was Industrial/Organizational Psychology. At the time, I struggled with what felt like a top‑down, management‑centric approach. I even recall asking the professor whether the field existed mainly to validate decisions leaders already wanted to make. If he's listening now, I offer a sincere apology for my younger, overly blunt critique. My career ultimately led me to workplace ethnography through a sociological lens, focusing on organizational structures, systems, cultures, and group dynamics—including critical themes like diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In essence, I study how to build stronger workplace communities across in‑person, remote, and hybrid environments. Work remains one of the most powerful forces shaping identity, social perception, and life opportunities. One of the first questions we ask one another is still: “What do you do for a living?” Work undeniably defines us—and the systems around it matter. That's why I was particularly excited to welcome today's guest: Dr. Benjamin Granger, Chief Workplace Psychologist at Qualtrics. It's a title that signals both responsibility and influence. In this role, Dr. Granger helps organizations worldwide elevate employee experience and adopt leadership practices that create more human‑centered, high‑performing cultures. His new book, A Leader Worth Following, distills these insights into actionable strategies for leaders seeking to build trust, connection, and long‑term organizational health. In our conversation, we explore Dr. Granger's journey into I/O Psychology and how his desire for real‑world impact led him toward applied professional practice rather than a purely academic path. We examine the rising imperative for human‑centered leadership—especially in an era defined by uncertainty, rapid change, and heightened expectations around wellbeing and psychological safety. Dr. Granger also draws on evolutionary psychology to explain why certain leadership traits resonate more strongly today, and how leaders can better align their behaviors with how people naturally build trust, assess credibility, and form meaningful connections. Ultimately, he encourages leaders to take ownership of the experiences they create, understand the perceptions they shape, challenge outdated leadership norms, and cultivate environments where people feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive. Along the way, we bridge longstanding gaps between psychological and sociological approaches to understanding work—revealing how the integration of both disciplines offers a more holistic perspective on leadership, culture, and employee experience. Dr. Benjamin Granger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-granger-7147991b/ “A Leader Worth Following: https://benjamingranger.com/

Allegra Goodman's latest, This is Not About Us is a treasure.  Centered around the Rubenstein family, each chapter examines the Rubensteins from a different lens, a different perspective.  The stories are funny, messy, heartbreaking, captivating; all adjectives that describe complex families.  You will laugh, you will be moved, and you will be left with some brilliant tableaus of an American family as they struggle through life.  We also have a terrific bookstore owner, Sarah Lacey (The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs and The Best Bookstore in Union Square, and yes, those are the names of the stores, brilliant right?). Come join us!   Find books mentioned on The Book Case:   ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302   Books mentioned on this week's episode:   This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman Isola by Allegra Goodman Sam by Allegra Goodman Kaaterskill Falls by Allegra Goodman The Cookbook Collection by Allegra Goodman The Family Markowitz by Allegra Goodman The Chalk Artist by Allegra Goodman The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman Intuition by Allegra Goodman Total Immersion: Stories by Allegra Goodman Paradise Park by Allegra Goodman The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy The Resistors by Gish Jen Moby Dick by Herman Mellville Middlemarch by George Eliot The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

This sermon presents a prophetic call to the Church to move beyond mere religious association and into a lived, transformative resurrection life in Christ, illustrated through the story of Lazarus. Centered on John 12:1–2, 9, 11 and reinforced by Romans 8:11, 19–22 and Hebrews 3:15, it argues that the world is not drawn to religious routines but to authentic testimonies of divine restoration—where death has been overcome by Christ's power. The preacher distinguishes between the 'first table' of passive faith and the 'second table' of radical, visible resurrection life, challenging believers to embrace their own spiritual deadness as the very place where God's power is most evident. Urging a response to God's voice even in utter helplessness, the message emphasizes that salvation is not earned by effort but received through surrender, and that the Church's greatest witness lies not in doctrine but in the undeniable reality of lives transformed by Christ's resurrection power. The call culminates in a powerful altar invitation, affirming that God still speaks, still raises the dead, and still invites His people to come forth—no matter how wrapped in sin or despair they may be.

In this new episode, host Diana welcomes back guest Jake Doberenz, who shares updates on his life since his last appearance in Season 2. They discuss Jake's new podcast 'Christianity Without Compromise,' his new Substack, and his middle-grade book series 'Super Jake.' The conversation delves into Jake's personal challenges, including a difficult divorce and the loss of his father, and how his faith journey and mental health were affected. They also cover topics such as Christian nationalism, tribalism, and the importance of returning to a Jesus-centered Christianity. Jake emphasizes the value of listening and learning from diverse perspectives as a path to spiritual and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:47 Welcome to the Podcast 01:28 Introducing Jake Dorin 01:50 Jake's New Ventures 02:51 Technical Difficulties and Housekeeping 03:33 Jake's Return to the Show 04:13 Jake's Journey and Challenges 13:45 Support Systems and Church Reactions 20:16 Jake's Writing Journey 26:21 Introduction to the Podcast's Mission 26:41 Focusing on Jesus-Centered Christianity 27:50 Challenges and Pushback 28:45 The Call to Smash Idols 29:38 Diverse Conversations and Controversial Topics 31:34 Personal Growth and Education 39:01 Christian Nationalism and Its Dangers 45:04 Reflecting on History and Moving Forward 48:07 Final Thoughts and Advice 50:36 Conclusion and Farewell   Jakedoberenz.com for all things Jake! I am a writer, speaker, minister, coach, and creative thinker living in Oklahoma City, OK. I have earned my Master of Theological Studies at Oklahoma Christian University, the same place I earned my Bachelor's degree in Bible with a minor in Communication Studies. I write fiction and nonfiction in a variety of mediums, including poetry, short stories, books, stage plays, academic essays, and devotionals. I also venture out into other mediums, like podcasts and video. My favorite topics of choice to discuss and write about (though always changing) include: Christian writing, helping people understand the Bible better, Christian identity, theology of technology and social media, use of humor in faith messages, how to get young people back in church, and a Christian response to culture.   Website: https://dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Jake Doberenz [00:00:00] Special thanks to 7 5 3 Academy for sponsoring this episode. No matter where you are in your fitness and health journey, they've got you covered. They specialize in helping you exceed your health and fitness goals, whether that is losing body fat, gaining muscle, or nutritional coaching to match your fitness levels. They do it all with a written guarantee for results so you don't waste time and money on a program that doesn't exceed your goals. There are martial arts programs. Specialize in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. They take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Sign up for your free class now. It's 7 5 3 academy.com. Find the link in the show notes. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, [00:01:00] Diana. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hello everyone. How are you guys today? This is one of our new episodes. We have Jake Dorin back on the show. He was on season two and I did rebroadcast, the first interview that I had with him. So please go back and listen to that. It is fantastic and there's a lot of new things going on with Jake. He has a new podcast, which is called Christianity Without Compromise. He also has a new substack, [00:02:00] that is fabulous. He is written a book, super Jake and a second book. Super Jake and Cool Kenny. So that's a fictional book. Got remarried recently and there's a lot of here to talk about that is very timely for today. I just love his podcast. It is really great. He talks about, current topics that affect the church. And so I'm not gonna do too much intro because, like I said, you can listen to the original podcast interview from, last time. I've got lots of questions for him. I don't really have a script today. I'm just gonna go with the flow as to, what he wants to talk about. Um, a couple housekeeping things. I had some computer problems, some internet problems, and so I [00:03:00] was this afternoon switching out my computer in my studio with my laptop, so I didn't have to do the podcast on my cell phone. Um, this camera isn't as wonderful as my other one, and the sound isn't as wonderful, but I'm gonna try and fix the sound part post-production. But this is gonna be a fantastic show, perfect for the new year. So I hope that you will enjoy my second conversation with Jake Doberenz. Alright, welcome back to the show from season two. Jake, do thanks for coming on the show again. Of course, of course. I'm glad you'll have me all these seasons later. That's, that's really fun. It's cool. Yeah. There's a lot of things that have happened since, you were on the show, so I was glad that you were looking to be a [00:04:00] guest again, and, definitely wanted you to come back and share what you've been up to since then, some exciting things, and then some contemplative things that you've experienced. So remind the folks , what you're all about. Oh, what I'm all about. I mean, the formats change, but I've always just been trying to communicate Christian truth to people, you know, through podcasts, through books, through plays, like whatever the, the medium changes all the time. I just think Jesus is pretty cool and I want people to know him better and, um, I want people to know the real Jesus and not, there's a bunch of posers running around. Don't know if you knew that, but I want people to encounter the real thing. So, I mean, that's who, that's what I'm all about. Since the last time we've talked, I've probably started and also abandoned like a hundred projects, you know, that's just my nature. Fortunately, and [00:05:00] unfortunately, well, I was a big fan of your creatively Christian mm-hmm. Podcast. I was a guest on there with Andrea. Yeah. And I really enjoyed that being a musician and everything, and a creative myself. I understand that you're not doing that anymore, right? Yeah. That one's not, active anymore. I handed that off to Brandon. Brandon was one of our anchor hosts there on the show. He still posts about the show sometimes, and, uh, he has all the rights and access to the material. And so episodes still get shared and still get listens to. I think stopped, early, like 23, or 24, man, I don't know. The years have blurred together. But I still get notifications of people wanting to be guests on that show or, you know, some, something like good pods will say, Hey, this is ranked in the top for Christian, you know, arts and stuff. I'm like, whoa, it's crazy. So it [00:06:00] still gets traction even though we're not actively publishing, which is definitely fun. Wow. And you. Have this new podcast, Christianity Without Compromise, which I am like fan number two. Jake, I just absolutely love this podcast, I know you had it branded as Smashing Idols, which actually liked that title. Oh. Or did you decide to change it? Well, I decided to change it because it's a cool title, but I would tell that to people and they'd be like, I, what is that? Huh? What's going on here? Um, and so I wanted a fit of a couple keywords in there. I wanted to be very clear. It was about Christianity and Christian stuff. So a little bit to get found better. I mean, that was a lot of it. Mm-hmm. It get understood a little bit better. Um, but we're still this pretty much the same mission. We're smashing the idols. We're trying to bring the church back to kind of a faithful Christian witness. Right. And that means, hey, there are some idols in the [00:07:00] way. We're just gonna, move them and sometimes get a hammer out and start smashing 'em. 'cause we gotta get those out of the way to get back to the real deal. I totally agree. Yeah. When you are on here in season two. You went through some really difficult times of your life and I wanted to have you share with our audience, what you've learned in, those tough times and what was your relationship with the Lord and how he helped you through that. Whatever you're comfortable sharing with us. Yeah, I mean, since then I've had my job more than a year, uh, my job, period of life, right? But before we catch everybody up, I want people to understand, like, I had a relatively more or less comfortable life. I grew up in the church. My, my parents stayed together. It wasn't perfect, but they stayed together and didn't really have anybody like die or leave in my [00:08:00] world. Like it wasn't bad. And then I grow up and become an adult human person. I graduate college and then it was a little bit downhill from there. I think we're on the Upward Hill part, but it went downhill from there. So, after college, I got married to somebody who I loved and thought loved me, and things were pretty good. Um, until a time where she just decided, I don't want to invest in this relationship anymore. I don't wanna do this thing anymore. And there were a variety of reasons for that, that I won't get into. That's something that she decided, but. Did the whole marriage counseling thing. And ultimately it comes to a point in counseling like that where there's a decision. We've spent six weeks or whatever picking apart all the problems. Now are you gonna change? Are we gonna do something about [00:09:00] it? Are we gonna fix it? And her answer was, I'm good. I don't think so. See you later. Um, and so that was a difficult year. It ended up being about a year from there, so the actual divorce papers were signed. And that was not a fun time in my life. For sure, obviously for people that have gone through any kind of broken relationships like that. Just not good. I struggled a lot, you know, you mentioned the faith journey kind of thing. Like I believed. God wanted to save my marriage. I did pretty much everything I could as a human being to save that. I did. I read all the books. I, I literally read maybe 30 marriage books. I, did counseling, you know, individual therapy, virtual therapy I talked to experts in saving marriages and marriages and crisis. I spent a good chunk of money, as kind of this [00:10:00] last ditch effort going to this conference that we both attended virtually that was supposed to kind of help get us talking and heal some things. None of that worked. And that was really challenging because I said, well, doesn't God want marriages to stay together? Isn't that what God's all about? Like, that would be God's preference, surely. Right? Um. God doesn't override free will, very often. And so that's what happened. Like people made choices and it was a eye-opening time of, like other people in the world can just make whatever choices they want and sometimes you cannot control them, right? You, you, you can't, you don't have a say. And we have to just deal with that. We have to accept that to some extent. You know, I am proud of the progress that I made and the things I did to better myself. And so I can sleep easy, so to speak, knowing that like I did my part. But. [00:11:00] There was no happy ending to that necessarily. And then pretty much shortly after that, my dad died unexpectedly. And so again, it was this, this job thing, right? It just like one after another. And, things kind of fell apart. Uh, and losing a marriage, losing a father, they for better or for worse put, put things in perspective. And so while those weren't, um, good things, like I can't call them objectively good, there was good that came out of that, I became a better. A better person. I'm just full stop. I like to think I'm a better person than I was last time I was on the show here. I am absolutely healthier spiritually, mentally, and all the ways, like I did the work in myself. It doesn't mean I'm a perfect human being, you know, still a process, but I am at a better [00:12:00] point. And, I'm remarried now. I found somebody who really likes me and she's not going anywhere. And, we put in the work together and doesn't mean things are perfect, but, we both recognize that, that we are imperfect and we're just gonna do our best each day. And if there's a problem, we're gonna address it and not hide it for, you know, three years kind of thing. Mm-hmm. And, uh, it's good. So that's been the journey, right? Literally the darkest times. I mean there was a brief moment in that darkness that the holiday after my dad died and I had gotten divorced and my dad died in the same year, I felt for the first time, like thoughts of ending it all. And those were fleeting. I didn't think that very often, but it was just like too much. But I crawled, my way out of the darkness, [00:13:00] and things. Better on the other side. Uh, so that's my story and I'm, uh, I'm sticking to it. Oh, well thank you for being so transparent. And it's not easy to say those hard times. And, I think that a lot of people listening can relate to what you just said and have been through divorce and no matter who's ended the relationship, it was mm-hmm. Ending for a reason and they question God's will. Yeah. And whether God's mad at them or the church is not supportive of them. Yeah, that was one of my questions. How did your church, respond to the divorce? Did you felt like you were cared for, or did you feel judged in any way? Or what was that like? Well, I'm gonna make a generalization [00:14:00] here, that I've noted before. my more conservative Christian Church friends didn't ever want to talk about it. They weren't gonna bring it up. They we're gonna say anything. I'm like, surely, you know, you've heard through the grapevine, you saw something, you realized who's missing in the picture. Like, you know, but they wouldn't bring it up. Uncomfortable, wouldn't talk about it. Now my more, what I'll call progressive Christian friends. They were talking about, oh, come on. You know, Jake, it's fine. Like second marriages are better. Who cares about her? Move on, man. Life can be so much great on the other side, which I mean, I get what they were trying to do, but that's not what I want to hear either. And then weirdly, um, some of my atheist friends, like coworkers and things of that nature, they were just like, man, that sucks. Like, that's tough. That's [00:15:00] terrible. And so I got a lot of my actual support from the atheists. And again, generalizations here. Like there were Christians that were g like, yeah. But um, a lot of people in the church just didn't wanna have that conversation or if they were gonna have that conversation. They wanted to go too much into the, rainbows and sunshine on the other side. But that's not what I wanted to hear. Mm-hmm. A lot of people thought I was crazy for trying to save my marriage for hoping, for wanting, everybody can make their own different choices there in relationships that are in crisis. In that point. For me, I stuck it out, basically until my dad died, where that was like in a weird way, kind of just a, a way for me to move on and say, I'm gonna focus. Like when, [00:16:00] when your life can literally just be cut short, I need to move on. I'm going to go. A new direction kind of thing. But yeah, people were strange. People acted, strangely. So I don't think I was judged or condemned. Not to my face. Nothing that I ever heard. The only thing that was judged weirdly was me, sticking it out. Mm-hmm. Trying to save that marriage. Some people did not like that, including some close friends got mad at me because they're like, well, how dare you? She doesn't want it. How dare you try to pursue, try to make this better? And that's a tough one. I mean, I think it's a little harsh and crazy to be mad at me for wanting to fix it. Yeah. And again, it comes down to yeah, you need two people. So if the two people aren't on board here. Well that can't be saved. And that's how it ended up happening. Well, I went through my own divorce, as you know, and Uhhuh I [00:17:00] on my second marriage and they church crucified me. Wow. I mean it was, very negative and very judgmental. And I did try to save the marriage. I dragged him to three different marriage counselors and Yeah, of course. Suffered a lot of abuse for 13 years and he didn't wanna save the marriage when we were together. And, I'm not gonna force somebody. For somebody to change or to repent, you can't, it's like, well you, yeah. And I'm sorry that the church didn't support me and the church decided, they were going to make me either go back to my husband or, I couldn't be part of the church anymore. It's like, no, not going. Yeah, that's insane. I'm not going back, I'm not going back to an unrepentant, husband. Mm-hmm. I'm glad that you had a good experience. Although a little strange, but you didn't seem to be ostracized or [00:18:00] gossiped about? Not to my face. I mean, yeah. Not to your face, you know, they can, I guess see what they want, but. Well, I was doing some preaching at some churches and like doing stuff like that and, I was afraid that I was gonna lose those positions. I didn't, and maybe this is a gender thing that comes into play here, but it was like, well, she decided to leave, so you're fine, you're off the hook or something like that. Some people wanted to know whose fault was it? And I'm like, well, I wasn't perfect here. There was reasons she wanted out, but at the end of the day, she was the one wanting out. So I, and this doesn't make it better or more comfortable, but I feel like there were some people in the church that were like, well, as long as it's her fault, as long as it's something. But, I don't know. I still struggled with all the. Biblical stuff myself, I gave myself enough guilt. They were quote [00:19:00] bible verses at me, right and left. Ugh. And you know, I couldn't, that's tough. Quote, goodness, couldn't get married again, blah, blah, blah. Right. You know, all the verses and, a lot of my listeners have gone through that, the same kind of negative, judgmental stuff. But glad you came out on the other side with the, um, would you call it depression when your dad died, when you momentarily wanted to Yeah. End it all. Yeah. I was briefly on antidepressants. I needed medical intervention to get out of that, as well as other coping skills and things of that nature. So, yeah. And there's no shame in that, which. A lot of people in my mending the soul groups and those that are listening here, they were shamed for going and getting some mental health, help, stating that you only need the Bible and you just need to pray more, and you don't need any of that other stuff to, get over depression. And that [00:20:00] is really so wrong, you know? Yeah. Yeah. We do need medication sometimes. Maybe not forever, but there is no sin in getting medical help. Amen. Absolutely. Well, we'll probably get onto a lighter topic here. You, uh, wrote. Were they young adult books? The Super Jake series? They're middle grade. So your 9, 10, 11, 12 year olds. That's who it's for. That's a fun age. I remember being that in that group and I did a lot of reading. Oh, me too. At Wish they had Super Jake and Cool Kenny. Yeah. When I was that age. Now just to be honest, I haven't read those books, but could you, tell the folks about your book? You're a natural writer. Is that one of your strengths or did you develop that? Fifth grade, I'm writing stories and things like that. I fell in love with the craft of storytelling, of writing. And so I'm better than I was at writing than I was in fifth [00:21:00] grade. So like, I have improved for sure. Well, when it comes to things I gotta do before I die, like this is, was one of those projects, because I had created this alter ego character, super Jake. Created him in third grade originally and started telling stories in fifth grade. It was my first creative work, right? The reason, you know, leads to creatively Christian, all the other creative endeavors that I would go to. This was my first like, love of storytelling all came from Super Jake, who was a alter ego version of myself, who was a superhero who could shoot ice cream out of his hands, because of course, that's the power when you're. You know, a 10-year-old. Shoots ice cream outta his hands. Um, and so over the years, like I, I struggled with how to tell the story or if to tell the story. I had this weird period of life where I was like, everything I have to do is Christian. So I can't tell that story because it's not [00:22:00] quote unquote Christian. There's no come to Jesus moment at the end, or he's not converting the atheist. And I said, well, you know, what I'm actually doing with these stories. What actually happened was the bad guys are elements of culture, of toxic culture. In the first book, you know, it's the bad guy at the fashion police. And, he's trying to tell everybody to be cool. You gotta dress this way, that's what you gotta do. And then, super Jake combats that with ice cream, with quips and jokes and words and, you know, and so there is no, come to Jesus moment, but. I am still trying to train specifically young boys, but any young reader who might take a look, I'm trying to train them into a better way of viewing things. The second one deals with toxic masculinity. Like the bad guy is all about, you know, men gotta lift weights and we gotta be all tough and, disrespect women and stuff like that. And so, I tackled [00:23:00] those cultural items. Oh, I wish I had super Jake when I was in grade school. 'cause Yeah. Um, I wasn't very popular because I didn't wear the designer clothes. I had the no name brands and I got picked on and bullied. And I wish I had super Jake to come to the rescue for me. Exactly. I know we all do. What could cool Kenny do? That was, his brother? Yeah. Right? The brother. Yeah. My brother, weirdly, coincidentally, happens to be named Kenny as well. Just real crazy coincidence. But, he has the, what's called prehensile hair so his hair can like grow and grab stuff and move around and things like that. So just wild, crazy powers. And, the book series makes fun of that. Like they're very self-aware that these are kind of weird powers. Maybe not the best crime fighting powers that you could ever think of, but that's the humor of it. And then you gotta be very creative. It's hard for me to be creative enough to be like, [00:24:00] okay, shooting scoops of ice cream in his hands. How could that actually save the day? So it's a good challenge for me. And you'll have to read the books to find out what happens. You'll have to read the books. Yep. I gotta get to, to finishing that series. I've been slacking, but there's a couple books out already. Yeah. And so you guys can definitely find those on, right? Amazon? Yeah. All the places Amazon, well, the listeners get good books for kids to read that are clean and have some messages and some fun at the same time. Yeah. We do have your substack that you, said is not new. I have very few people that I subscribe to on Substack because I love to read, but I have only, you know, that's right. I, not enough hours in the day to read everything. You should see my stack of books on my nightstand. Yeah. But you have a fantastic substack that I subscribe to and it goes great with your podcast and your [00:25:00] writing. In college, I minored in communication studies. 'cause I was very interested not just in the knowledge, but how do we communicate this, how do I get this across effectively? So I try to use that in my writing and my podcast. You, whatever I'm doing, I'm, I want you to understand the message the best. So I'm very picky about what words I use and when I do line breaks in spaces anyway, that's just stuff I nerd out about. I like to write, but I'm not that good at it, but I have to really, really work at it. I'm sure in your MDiv you're gonna be writing some stuff, so I've already been warned about that. You're gonna be writing a lot. Oh, you're gonna write some stuff? Yeah, it'll be great. Yeah. Spell check. I'm a good speller, and good at grammar and stuff. I have it in my head what I wanna say, but it never comes out the way I want it to come out. I gotcha. Do you have that struggle? Probably not. I do sometimes. That's why I just throw it out there and I rearrange later. Yeah. Yeah. So I definitely recommend, if you're not on substack, there's some really [00:26:00] great writers on there and people like Jake that, care about Jesus. So we did, mention your podcast. I really wanna talk about your amazing, amazing guests. You really knock it out of the park like every time. I think there's only one guest that I didn't agree with . Okay. I just turned it off 'cause I did not agree with what they were saying. But you have some amazing topics and I love that it's, a podcast for Christians weary of shallow faith in culture, war, religion. Oh my goodness. That is so perfectly worded. And bring us back to Jesus centered Christianity. I absolutely love that. Because it is about Jesus. It's not all this other junk around it. Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That we call Christianity, it's churchianity. [00:27:00] And just going back to Jesus is what I tell the survivors listening, my people, in my groups, when you're trying to reconstruct, right? Like, well, what do I do? What do I believe? Well, this is what I tell 'em is go back to Jesus. What was Jesus doing? And you talk about that quite a bit on your show. We're going to get rid of all the fluff and the legalism. You list the prosperity gospel, the purity culture, toxic church leadership, obsession with sin and hell, politics mixed in with the gospel. Mm-hmm. And so we need to get away from those things and come back to Christ alone. Yeah. Besides our current culture right now, why did you decide to do this podcast? Because, you're really, [00:28:00] right in the middle of the war zone when you come out and say these things. Hmm. Yeah. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment or something. Right? Like, just love for people to be mad at me online. It's my favorite thing. Um, I get some pushback. Uh, when I started investing more, putting more stuff on YouTube. Obviously on YouTube you can get comments and then I see some comments of people that are like, oh, this guest is a Marxist, blah, blah, blah. You know, terrible sinner person. I'm like, did you listen to, what are you talking about, man? Jake, a Marxist? I'm like, whatever. No. Um, so sometimes I'm like reading comprehension. We need to work on that 'cause or listening comprehension. 'cause what are you guys saying? I mean it started as just a general kind of theology project. I wanted to podcast about fun topics that I cared about and then, the closest I have ever felt to hearing the audible voice of God [00:29:00] was this concept of smashing idols. This idea of be a Gideon, who, who smashes idols in the night, and has his dad defend him. Whole fun little story. And that was like a calling of God. Like this was like, this is what you're supposed to be doing, Jake. And so I followed that. I listened to that. I started focusing a little bit more on, cleaning up the church. Like you said, we're cluttered, so let's clean this extra stuff up. Let's get back to the essentials here, the basic stuff. And so yeah, it puts me into a fun spot. Where I get to have all those conversations that you mentioned. Many of those conversations I don't agree with either. We have people on all different sides of the spectrum. Well, not all sides of the spectrum. There are some sides. We're not gonna touch those sides. But we have a lot of different perspectives and things of that nature. And so I try to select guests that are gonna be more charitable and more, given us something to think about in trying to strip away stuff [00:30:00] to point us to Jesus. So, listen to some of these titles, religious Certainty and being the only one saved. Ooh. That was Scott Lloyd. Crotch Christianity misses the Gospel and yes, I did laugh at that. I thought that was a funny episode. Yeah. People hate when I say the word crotch, but you know, it's fine. Oh yes. I got a good giggle. Six in the morning when I'm on my way to work. Um, no king, but Christ rethinking State, Craig Hargus. Mm-hmm. Why I'm not a creationist anymore. That was very interesting, Jake. I listened to that very intently. The Bible is not an informational book book, which, um, I've learned that the hard way, uh, in my reconstruction. Can the Bible be an idol? Ooh, look, look at you, Jake. You're really stirring the pot now. Oh yeah. The [00:31:00] dangers of Christian nationalism and tribalism. You had Scott McKnight on Deconstruction. That was mm-hmm. Probably the first podcast I listened to and it was absolutely fantastic. Scott is amazing. Oh, and I agreed with everything that he said. I'm gonna get some of his books, Oh yeah. Yeah. Comment on some of these topics here. About the Bible's not an informational book. You've got an Miv, right? Uh, MTS Master of Theology. MM okay. So I real, what I really like about you, Jake, is that you are very transparent with, okay. I've made a lot of mistakes as a Christian in that I thought I knew everything. I thought that, I had all my beliefs set in this little box, and if anybody, challenges my box, then they were, a heretic. And, I'm super [00:32:00] Christian. Let me tell you, I was that person too. Mm-hmm. I was like that when I was in my old. Mm-hmm. I thought, wow, this guy gets it. And you're like, oh, until I went to seminary and then, uh, some of the professors took me down a peg or two. Oh, yeah. And, showed you some things. Yeah. Tell us about that. Yeah. I mean, you mentioned it, like for me, I went to college thinking I already knew the answers, but I was like, yeah, but I still have to have the degrees just to get the next job, blah, blah, blah. And really just was opened up to a world that I didn't really know that well, apparently. And just encountering diversity of thought was really important. And at its best, that's what higher education, education of any kind is supposed to do. Tell you there are some other way. Yeah. Okay. You know, two plus two equals four. But a lot of things in the world, there's like some [00:33:00] different perspectives, different angles here and things of that nature. And so kind of kicking and screaming like, uh, God brought me through education and said, Jake, yo, you don't know everything. You actually know very little things. And, um, I was humbled through that process Now. Education absolutely can lead many people to be more prideful, to be more puffed up, to be like, oh, I know everything now because I have a degree. I was a lucky case. Or it did the opposite. I still like to think I know a couple things. You know, the Bible study at church. I'm like, yeah, but have you guys considered the Greek word means? But, you know, occasionally there's still that. But I was privileged that I had professors that were, that, you know, they were Christians, they were teaching Bible and theology and they were gracious to young 20 something Jake, and we're willing to walk through [00:34:00] with him and to take his questions and. I was introduced, ultimately while I was studying the Bible. Interesting. Like as an information book, like I have my degree in the academic study of the Bible. The professors made sure I was still having encounter with Jesus, and that was the key there. It's as much as I love digging into the deep stuff about scripture, and there's so much depth, there's so many different little things you go into, you know, I like the weird parts. Give, gimme the Leviticus or whatever. Let's get weird here, you know? But, I didn't lose sight of, the real star of the story, Jesus. Mm-hmm. And, and ultimately it is Jesus. That is the truest revelation of God and not the Bible. The Bible witnesses to Jesus. But the Bible is not the main star. It is Jesus. Um, and I. Was able to realize that, and that opened up everything [00:35:00] that made me a more charitable person. It made me nicer, right? Mm-hmm. Because I didn't think I knew all the answers. So suddenly fruits of the spirit, I had the spirit because the fruits were coming out in a way they were not before. Because I had a spirit of hatred and division and rightness. Uh, not a super helpful one. So I was privileged, I was lucky. It still took me a couple years, and I am always, aware of that. I don't think anybody should change their mind overnight, like the creationist one, for instance. Um, mm-hmm. I don't expect anybody to listen to that one episode and have their whole world change maybe. But I just wanna start a conversation. Because change takes time. I took years and my homework was literally reading the Bible. Like when you're a Bible major, that's your homework. So for other people, if it takes some years, that's okay. I get it. Let's wrestle through this stuff. But as [00:36:00] we wrestle, just like when Jacob wrestled with God, you're gonna probably get a limp. You're gonna, there's something that's gonna happen here. You're gonna be changed. You're gonna get a new name. You're gonna, in his case, at least in Jacob's case, so I say let's wrestle, but be prepared to be changed here. You're not gonna be the same. Yes, I definitely, when I came out of my first marriage and had a change denominations. Yeah, I was the same mindset. 'cause I did my undergraduate and I was a missionary for 15 years and, you know, I did know a lot about the Bible, but , as you say, there's a lot that I didn't know and I had to go to another church and then I find out that, okay, this is, a church that my previous denomination said was, liberal or Sure. They were not real Christians. Their backslidden or whatever because they used a guitar in the [00:37:00] worship service. Or they, have differing beliefs in what Bible they use and mm-hmm. Or the girls wear pants. Oh goodness. The, but the first time I go into these other churches looking for a new place to serve and heal. God just hit me upside the head with a two by four and just like, look, this person here loves Jesus and serves me. So I had gone through a lot of, oh, there's other legitimate beliefs. I'm married to somebody that does not believe in the rapture. So that was, very different for me. I always thought all Christians believed in the rapture. Uh, the creationist part, I can't really ignore science. But I think what's important is that we believe, yes, God created the earth. Yes, God created man, whether it was a million years or if it was [00:38:00] 10,000 years. The important part is that I believe that God is the center of, that. It's all the details in between i'm kind of undecided. I'm still, working through all of that. We're still figuring it out. So I was glad that you brought those topics up in your podcast. You gotta be open to, okay, God, you're gonna show me what the truth is and what is non-negotiable and what is okay, we can differ on some things. Right? And I am starting in a week, going back to seminary for my M div. I didn't get to learn Greek or Hebrew the first go around, so I'm excited about that part. Good luck. Yeah. I like languages. I've already been through the humility part and God put me down a peg or two, so I think I'm on the right path to, receive some things from the professors. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. You know, God bless your professors, who were so patient with you. Oh, they're the best. Yeah. That's all I can ask [00:39:00] for. And now like I said, we don't really talk about politics on the show, but, the dangers of Christian nationalism and tribalism. it's like we're all in these different camps and they're all our enemies 'cause we're in our tribe and we don't go outside our tribe and Yeah, don't talk to anybody else, you know? Unpack that a little for us 'cause you explained that so well. Oh man. Yeah. There is, there's a movement. I mean, we're talking in America specifically, but not only in America. Not only in America of any stretch of the imaginations of Christians who are feeling, the loss of power and privilege, right? Because undeniably Christians don't have the same place in, uh, many governments that they used to. That's an undeniable fact. Oh, mm-hmm. Totally agree. It's not the same. I'm in the Bible belt, there's still a church in every corner, but still it's not the same thing. It was 50 years ago. I wasn't alive 50 years ago, but [00:40:00] from what I understand, a hundred years ago, nobody was alive that long ago. Probably that listened to the show could be wrong. Um, things are different. Sure. Right. And so there is a movement of people that say, we need to, we need to get back to what was, a place when Christianity was more normalized, had that power and privilege when it made sense to pray at a football game or something, when that was just a kind of a part of the culture. And some of that is not necessarily bad. I'm always careful when I talk about Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism isn't Christians, spreading their faith or Christians having political opinions, but there comes a point when you have this nationalism, this tribalism, when it's just kind of this ugly mix of Christian values with American values, sometimes with some kind of, uh, white [00:41:00] supremacy kind of things mixed in. And the kind of cake that comes out of this recipe is just not what Jesus wants from us. It's not close to the gospel, which talks about, peacemaking and is very pro humility and not taking power. And the Jesus we encounter in scripture is very much about the least of these, not so much about let me protect my rights or my privileges and things like that. That's something Christians need to wrestle with. What are we engaging for? Are we. Engaging for what's best for me or what's best for, the person on the street or the person who just doesn't have anything or doesn't have the same, opportunities as us. Who are we fighting for when it comes to things in the political realm? And so then, yeah, that's kind of Christian nationalism. In a nutshell, it's a, it's this project to, to take [00:42:00] over and to make things much more friendly to Christianity. And to be clear, like I do actually think the world would be better if everybody was Christian, but I don't want everybody to be Christian by the point of a sword . Or because it's politically advantageous or better for business. That's not why I want somebody to encounter Jesus, because that's not how we encounter Jesus. And this isn't new. I mean, the church. The church, capital C Church has had some, a real trouble over history If, uh, you ever, looked into history, not some good moment. There was some really bad moments in church history. Yeah. And those bad moments happened because, a church got in bed with Empire and they said, well, the king will serve God. When a lot of times it was God, quote unquote, serving the king, serving the emperor and getting whatever agenda he wanted. I don't like these people. Well, God told me to do this, or [00:43:00] whatever. And it got ugly and bad and a lot of people died, which should have been red flag number one when a lot of people die. Probably not at all the way of Jesus. So we talk about that a lot on the show, in different fashions. We, talk about politics a lot. Um, unfortunately. I don't love all the politics talk, but it's something we have to have. It's something that's important, because it affects real people. Yes. And, my brothers and sisters in Christ are going after some of these movements that are making more people, I think, fall away from Jesus because they say, hold on. I read in the Bible this Jesus guy love him. But those Christians are not talking like Jesus. They're not acting like Jesus. They want to create laws that aren't like Jesus. What's going on here? Um. So, you know, I had a stint in college ministry. I've talked to a lot of young people and you know what, [00:44:00] why the young people are leaving. It's the Christians. I hear the same story every time. It's not, well, Richard Dawkins had this great argument for evolution. That's not why they're leaving. Mm-hmm. I've heard like it's the, Christians supporting this genocide in this country, or, the Christians taking away the rights of this particular group or the racist or sexist language over here. That's why, and that's really sad. And I want people to encounter that Christianity without compromise. Right. Really that's Jesus centered. And I think if we discover that, I think people will like that. And I think Jesus is pretty cool. We all gotta recognize that there's a lot of cool things about faith, but we have just cluttered it with idols and with, stuff that maybe is true but is not the most important thing to, to press somebody on. And that makes me a little disappointed to use [00:45:00] that term. And sometimes it makes me quite angry. So, yeah. Do you know who David Barton is? David Barton. I, that name is not ringing a bell. Well, he is like a pseudo historian. He made all of these, videos about how the nation was founded and it was pretty much a whitewashing of, colonial history and how wonderful the pilgrims were and had dinner with the, Native Americans and Right. It was founded on Christian principles, and this is a Christian nation. Maybe some of that is true, but a lot of his books and, reels that he made were not substantiated by actual historians. So he goes to all these churches and talks about our, founder's history. They were all Bible believing Christians, and we have to get back to our Bible roots. I've been reading a lot of history. Because my mother's [00:46:00] Cherokee, and I'm reading about my heritage. And no, we were not founded on Christianity or biblical principles. There were a lot of, genocide. The Native Americans were almost exterminated. Of course we know about the slave trade. The slaves, they went through horrible, horrible things. we had, imperialism, stealing people's land, taking whatever they want and murdering whoever gets in their way. So Christian nationalism is very, dangerous because it takes away the truth. And marginalized people get seriously hurt. Maybe that was their intent to build it on Christian principles, but that's not what happened. And we don't wanna whitewash history. We don't want to pretend that stuff didn't happen. That we have to take ownership of that as a country. And I don't see that happening right now. It's like, okay, you're gonna try [00:47:00] and take change history. You can't change it and pretend it wasn't there. Or learn from it, you know? Well, I definitely know work like his for sure. Yeah. And one of the things I try to, I don't just wanna put people down, poke holes into things, when it comes to something like this, whether you believed any of that or not. We always can discover the truth and we can change and we can make things better. Wherever the nation has been or is going. Maybe not the best direction that we're going in, but I believe we can always turn as a people, as individuals, we can always change and go back to Jesus. I never wanna leave it on the downers, what I'm trying to say. Right, right. Yeah. Um, so I just wanted to throw that in there. Uh, we can change, we can get back on track. I believe it. Yeah. I, there's definitely, things we can learn from our past and try and make mm-hmm. The world [00:48:00] a better place. Whatever part of the world we're in, we're we can influence our corner. Amen. Absolutely. For Jesus. Well, we've talked about a lot of stuff. We're all over the map today, but yeah. I love, loved what you said, what you shared with us, and, just going back and forth on things. And, I know you have your one question you always ask at the end of your show. I'm not gonna steal your idea, but, do you have any advice for my audience that's listening, some closing thoughts, that you can give them? Yeah. Um, that's very funny. I briefly thought about it. I wonder if she's gonna throw this back at me. A lot of my guests at the end of the show have a version of this. Um, but even if it wasn't popular, I would say something similar. I think we just need to listen more. We need to learn to listen. I think that's gonna help us spiritually. I think it's gonna help us. You know, as human beings in the world, I wanna challenge people to practice that discipline of [00:49:00] listening. I'm a talker, right? I have a podcast. I do have other people talk a lot on my podcast though. So that's a great time for me to practice listening. But I want to, oh, jump in and, Nope, nope. I just think, yeah, we can all practice listening a little bit more. Strike up a conversation with somebody different than you and just listen and not try to refute them, right? That's the old, that should be the old you. That was certainly the old me who is like, thinking of the argument in my head, how I'm gonna refute them, and not caring about them as a human being, not actually listening to the words they say. So, honestly, the most practical thing I can do is listen more. It's just gonna help us be better human beings. And I think as we learn to listen to people more, I think we're also going to hear god much more clearly. Right. We are going to be, if we're not transformed by the patterns of this world, as Romans twelves tells us, the rest of that verse is so that you'll know the will of God do not be transformed by the patterns of this world. But be but by the renewing of your mind. I'm butchering it out, but [00:50:00] all the parts are there. They, the point there is, we will know the will of God when we're not engaging in the patterns of the world. And one of these patterns of the world is talking more and not listening. So listen up everybody. Well I appreciate that. I appreciate you coming back onto the show. Yeah. You are invited any time to come back and talk about whatever you want. I'll come back in season, I don't know, 10, 12, whatever you to yeah. Whatever I make it to. There we go. Well, God bless you and hope you New Year. Yeah, thank you I sure hope that you enjoyed Jake Doberenz. He is a wonderful speaker, wonderful human being. We talked about doing what we call a podcast swap. So. I will be on Jake's show, uh, sometime in the future, within the next month or two, and I'll be telling my story and maybe talking about some of the [00:51:00] idols that I had to deal with and the idols that I need to smash. But you can reach out to Jake on his website that has all things. Jake, that will be jakedoberenz.com. This will all be in the show notes, but you can see all of the different Ministries that he has. The things that we talked about. So you can learn about his podcast, his substack writing, his books the Super Jake series. And he does preaching, and teaching in, other churches or conferences. Listen to his podcast on all of the major, platforms that you're familiar with. His email is contact@jakedober.com. Reach out to him if he can be of any help to you. Thanks for being here with us. [00:52:00] We will see you next time God bless and bye for now. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.

In this episode of the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Podcast, host Hal Herring speaks with investigative journalist Andrew Becker about the complex and increasingly contentious issue of stream access in Utah. Centered around Becker's deep-dive reporting for The Drake, the conversation explores how a state that is roughly 75% public land can still have most of its fishable water flowing through private property. Becker traces the issue back to Western settlement, including the belief that water is a shared public resource. From the Equal Footing Doctrine and questions of navigability to Utah's modern walk-in access program, the episode unpacks how legal history, culture, water scarcity, and population growth collide. Unlike Montana's high-water mark standard, Utah's approach is fragmented and heavily shaped by private ownership of streambeds — a critical distinction in a state where most water runs through deeded land claimed under early homestead laws. The discussion also wrestles with harder questions: What does sustainable access look like in the second-driest state in the country? How do stocking programs, public funding, and private landownership intersect? And how do conservation ethics balance with expanding recreation pressure amid climate change and rapid development? Ultimately, the episode frames Utah as a microcosm of the broader Western struggle over public trust, private property, and the future of access — where law, history, culture, and conservation all meet at the water's edge.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Ali Raymer transformed from high school English teacher to multimillion-dollar travel business founder by aligning two lifelong passions: education and travel. Her early experiences organizing student trips sparked the realization that she could educate people through authentic travel experiences in ways traditional classrooms could not. When the pandemic devastated the industry in 2020, she faced a critical choice: quit or persevere. Rather than abandoning her vision, Ali returned to teaching temporarily while the market recovered, a decision that taught her an invaluable lesson about resilience and trust. When travel demand surged again, she was positioned to capture it exponentially. What truly distinguishes Ali's travel advising is her refusal to be a transactional order taker. Instead, she leverages years of lived experience—raising children abroad, navigating logistical challenges in foreign countries, and building genuine relationships with local guides—to provide irreplaceable value that AI and booking platforms cannot replicate. When clients describe their vision, Ali mentally eliminates unsuitable options, asks probing questions to uncover unstated desires, and proposes destinations they never considered. Ali Raymer's mission extends beyond individual clients to transforming the entire travel advisor industry. She advocates fiercely for advisors to build substantial six-figure incomes through strategic specialization and deliberate marketing rather than settling for supplemental earnings. If you're ready to stop putting off your dream vacation and start creating meaningful travel memories with those you love most, Ali is ready to guide you with expertise, authenticity, and genuine care. Visit her website to schedule your free consult call and begin planning your dream vacation! For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We're happy you're here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fred Burton sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor to discuss his latest thriller, Cold Zero. Centered on a CIA extraction gone wrong in the Arctic Circle, the novel explores the realities of modern intelligence operations, global competition, and high-stakes decision-making under extreme pressure. Thor shares the real-world inspiration behind the book, his collaboration with former fighter pilot Ward Larson to ensure operational accuracy, and how today's fragmented threat environment shaped the story's geopolitical tensions. The conversation also examines the human element of intelligence work — from trust between allies to making critical calls without complete information.You'll learn:How real-world intelligence tradecraft and CIA extraction operations inspired Cold ZeroWhat happens when intelligence operations go wrong — and how leaders make decisions with incomplete informationWhy trust between partners is the foundation of effective connected intelligence in today's threat landscapeSign up for our monthly newsletter here.If you're enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.

In this episode, Carla Cummins and Jessica Westerduin speak with Courtney Ter-Velde, K-12 Project Manager and Interior Design Specialist at LaBella Associates, about radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Courtney shares her unique journey from musical theater performer and sociology major to interior designer specializing in K-12 education. She discusses her passion for working with smaller rural districts where design impact resonates deeply throughout the community, including a playground project that transformed a district that hadn't seen updates in 30 years. The conversation explores how schools can be spaces where students find safety, develop trust, and discover their sense of self—going far beyond just improving educational outcomes. Courtney also reflects on the balance between technology and traditional learning methods, noting research supporting pen-and-paper learning alongside digital tools. Takeaways: Schools shape more than academics: Design spaces where students can find safety, build trust, and develop their sense of self Support educators too: Create environments that empower teachers to focus on their vital work Ask deeper questions: Build trust with stakeholders to move beyond surface-level conversations about storage and into meaningful dialogue Every project deserves full attention: Budget size doesn't determine the level of care—smaller districts often see the biggest community-wide impact Balance technology thoughtfully: Integrate digital tools while respecting research on pen-and-paper learning and diverse learning styles People are our greatest resource: Collaborate across disciplines—designers, manufacturers, educators—to create truly successful spaces About Courtney Ter-Velde: Courtney Ter Velde, NYS CID, is  K–12 Project Manager and Interior Design Specialist and in the Architecture Division at LaBella Associates, in their Rochester, NY location. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with over thirteen years of industry experience, she specializes in educational programming, space planning, standardization, visualization, and evidence-based design that supports social-emotional learning, wellness, and equity. Courtney is an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) and LEED Green Associate, bringing expertise in educational visioning, community engagement, pre-design planning, and sustainable, student-centered environments. She currently supports multiple school districts across the western NY region, guiding projects from pre-referendum through construction, including capital improvement initiatives focused on safety, accessibility, technology integration, and flexible, future-ready learning spaces. A recognized leader and advocate for educational design, Courtney is a former New York Chapter President and current Northeast Region President-Elect of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), where she advances interdisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement. She serves on the Monroe 2 BOCES Student Foundation Board, mentors students through the IIDA Explorer Program, and contributes to professional discourse through conference presentations and publications.  Through her design work, leadership, and community involvement, Courtney is dedicated to creating healthy, inclusive, and inspiring environments that elevate learning and positively impact the next generation. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneytroytervelde/ Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/ Episode 303 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

In episode one of this two-part series, Tails from the Lab cohosts Dr. Brad Ryan and Dr. Holly Brown welcome Jason Coe (DVM, PhD), a leading expert in veterinary clinical communication and professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Coe shares practical, research-based strategies on one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of veterinary practice—effective communication.Dr. Coe dives deep into the nuances of open-ended inquiries, the importance of addressing client resistance, and how tailored communication fosters stronger client-clinician relationships.Hosts: Holly Brown (DVM, PhD, DAVCP) and Brad Ryan (MSc, DVM, MPH)This episode includes a guest appearance. Our guest was compensated for their participation.Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™️. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Working with the “melodic line” theme of the fear of the Lord, and our summary definition of the same: “taking Him as seriously, as His glory demands“… we with our exposition of proverbs 15. Our passage today reads like the wisdom literature version of Jesus words in (Mat 6:33) “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
   Limiting our outline to two major points today will allow us to explore more passages like this from the teachings of Christ that further illuminate and apply the wisdom of Solomon in this chapter.

In this message, Pastor Daniel Stevens begins the series We Walk by Faith by challenging us to consider how we are living: by what we see or by what we believe. Centered on 2 Corinthians 5:7, he reminds us that faith gives us confidence in the promise of eternal life and the hope of being with the Lord. Through Hebrews 11, Pastor Daniel Stevens highlights that faith is assurance in what we cannot see and trust that God rewards those who seek Him wholeheartedly.Looking at Ephesians 2:8–10, Pastor Daniel Stevens emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, freely given and received by faith. Like a gift waiting to be accepted, it becomes ours when we believe. Yet salvation is only the beginning. We are God's handiwork, created with intention and purpose. God has already prepared meaningful works for us to walk in. Living by faith means embracing both the gift of salvation and the calling God has placed on our lives.#WeWalkByFaith #FaithJourney #GraceAndTruth #PurposeInChrist #GoodHopeChurch #PastorDanielStevens #LiveByFaith #JesusSavesSermon Notes: https://link.goodhope.ag/faith-1-dsGiving Information: https://goodhope.ag/givingSTAY CONNECTEDYoutube: https://youtube.com/GoodHopeChurchInstagram: http://instagram.com/goodhopemnFacebook: http://fb.com/goodhopemn 

My guest today is Khenda Mustafa. Mustafa was born in Iraq and grew up in Texas. She attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where she studied global studies. She is the director of community engagement at CIRA, the center for immigrant & refugee advance in Omaha. CIRA (Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement) in Omaha is a nonprofit organization formed in 2022 by the merger of Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center. It provides comprehensive legal representation, resettlement, and social work services to immigrants and refugees in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. CIRA focuses on family/humanitarian immigration and supports, including services for unaccompanied children.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Simple Faith: Faith in Five with Rusty George is a daily podcast designed to refocus your heart on Jesus—one moment at a time. In just five minutes a day, Rusty explores who Jesus is, why He matters, and how simple faith can transform everyday life. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, these short, meaningful episodes offer clarity, encouragement, and truth you can carry with you all day. Simple. Honest. Centered on Christ.

Welcome back to the gohappybeauty podcast! In this episode, Grant Kantsios sits down with Bethany Parker, a returning guest whose journey in the beauty and spray tanning industry has taken her through remarkable twists and turns. Since their first chat in 2019, Bethany Parker has reinvented herself and her business—relocating, taking time off to focus on family, and ultimately returning to her hometown to open The Society, a unique beauty salon and social club. In today's conversation, Bethany Parker shares how she went from spray tanning in a spare bedroom to launching a full-scale salon, navigating everything from renovating a decades-old space to building an inclusive community of beauty professionals. She opens up about training others, selling her client list, surviving the pandemic, and the importance of intentional branding and client experience. Whether you're a beauty industry veteran or thinking about making your first leap, you'll find inspiration and practical advice on pursuing your business dreams, embracing change, and creating something truly special. Let's dive in and catch up with Bethany Parker as she shares the lessons, challenges, and triumphs from her amazing journey back in the world of sunless tanning and beauty entrepreneurship.