Podcasts about Chaplain

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It's the 99th Missal for the Masses and for this momentous number, John from The Pint: A Pop Culture Podcast joins Gary. This stems back from Gary's apperance on John's 99th Pint. The theme, ol' number 99, the USS FlaggSources: 3DJoeshttps://www.3djoes.com/uss-flagg.htmlyojoehttps://www.yojoe.com/vehicles/85/ussflagg/Find more of The Chaplain's Assistants Motor Pod:  X, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube: @ChaplainJoePodemail: ChaplainJoePod@gmail.comFind more John at The Pint: A Pop Culture Podcast: https://pintocomics.libsyn.comMy t-shirt friends: https://www.robberbaronsink.com/Casey at Podcast from the Pit: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastfromthepit3132

It won't come as a surprise to you that hundreds of thousands of veterans across America are affected by trauma—some from their time in military service, though not all—and yet, their needs remain deeply misunderstood by many of us who haven't served. Not all veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder, and yet many do—in fact, some 29 percent of veterans who served in Iraq experience it at some point in their lives. Others face issues similar to those of the general population, from mental illness to substance abuse and even childhood experiences. The need is not one-size-fits-all or even most, and the path to healing looks different for everyone too. That's what Chaplain Nate Lyons from The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center in Beaverton, Oregon, helps us understand on this episode. As an Iraq war veteran himself, Nate now serves as chaplain and activities coordinator for some 72 veterans and their families who are on their own journeys toward healing. And today, Nate is taking us inside this special place of veteran care.  Whether you're a veteran yourself, love someone who has served, or simply want to understand how some approaches to trauma recovery are changing lives, this conversation is going to challenge how you think about healing, hope and the power of community. EPISODE SHOWNOTES: Read more. BE AFFIRMED. Get the Good Words email series. JOIN THE HOPEFULS. Get inside the group. WHAT'S YOUR CAUSE? Take our quiz. BE INSPIRED. Follow us on Instagram. DO GOOD. Give to The Salvation Army.  

Take a break from the heat today to discuss some of the hidden history, and importance, of the Presidential retreat at Camp David with the author of the book, Presidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp David, Charles Ferguson.After graduating from Georgia Tech and earning his commission, Charles Ferguson served for 11 years in the Submarine force onboard the USS Louisville and as Weapons Officer onboard USS Buffalo with a shore duty at Nuclear Power School in between. He switched to the IRR as Chaplain Candidate while attending seminary at Duke Divinity School and was recommissioned as an Active Duty Chaplain in 2010. As a chaplain he has served with both Navy and Marine Corps commands to include three and a half years as the Chaplain and Historian at Camp David.ShowlinkPresidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp DavidSummaryThis conversation explores the historical significance and operational dynamics of the Presidential retreat of Camp David. The discussion highlights its origins, the Navy's role in its management, and the unique environment it provides for presidents to make critical decisions. The conversation also delves into the architectural design that facilitates diplomacy, notable guests who have visited, and the personal touches each president has added to the retreat. Additionally, the role of the chaplain and the supportive relationship with the local community are examined, emphasizing the importance of solitude for leaders in high-pressure positions.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Camp David's Significance05:35: The Navy's Role in Camp David's History10:27: Becoming the Chaplain and Historian at Camp David15:22: The Origins and Transformation of Camp David20:38: The Impact of Camp David on Presidential Decisions29:15: Notable Guests and Diplomatic Encounters at Camp David30:53: Architectural Diplomacy at Camp David34:20: Presidential Modifications and Personal Touches38:04: The Origin of Camp David's Name40:58: Management and Operations at Camp David43:13: The Role of the Chaplain45:25: The Solitude of Leadership49:32: Community Interactions and Local Support53:22: Memorable Moments and Staff Contributions58:14: The Importance of Setting Conditions for Peace01:00: Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

157 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett Part 2 In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher RN, a former hospice nurse, interviews Janice Willett, a hospital spiritual care chaplain and author of several inspirational books. Janice shares her experiences and insights into end-of-life care, discussing her books 'Affairs of the Heart,' 'Dying Without Crying,' and 'Bye-Bye Butterfly.' These books offer guidance and support for patients, caregivers, and children dealing with grief and loss. The episode also touches on the importance of comfort, boundaries, and forgiveness in hospice care, as well as the vital role of chaplains in providing emotional and spiritual support. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:49 Understanding Pressure Injuries and Cloud 9 Care System 01:25 Introducing Janice Willett and Her Work 02:04 Discussing Fear of Death and Pain Management 04:43 Exploring Janice's Book: Dying Without Crying 07:36 Communicating Grief to Children: Bye-Bye Butterfly 17:03 The Role of a Chaplain in Hospice Care 19:18 Janice's Spiritual Journey and Her Book: Affairs of the Heart 25:17 Conclusion and Contact Information   https://jiwillett.com/meet-j-i-willett/   Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)  If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

One of the most overlooked but transformative tools in health care is the courage to face hard truths, especially at the end of life. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Zitter shares how burnout and a pivotal confrontation early in her ICU career led her to embrace the palliative care movement and shift toward more human-centered healing. Through her films Extremis, Caregiver: A Love Story, and The Chaplain and the Doctor, she uses storytelling to explore ethical dilemmas, systemic challenges, and the urgent need for holistic care and honest conversations about death. Tune in and learn how emotional honesty, empathy, and art can rehumanize health care, one story at a time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Score, Dana Balash sits down with Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar to talk about sports including his favorite teams and players, as well as his time as Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In this inspiring episode, we welcome USAF Chaplain, Major Matthew Spencer, and Kristina Spencer, a dynamic couple devoted to faith-based marriage ministry. With over 20 years of combined experience in ministry, leadership, and counseling, they share their mission to strengthen military couples and families through God-centered guidance and practical tools for resilient relationships.

156 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Janice Willett, a hospital spiritual care chaplain and author of several books on grief and end-of-life preparation. They discuss the role of chaplains in providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and families, the importance of creating a sacred space for sharing emotions, and common challenges faced by caregivers. Janice shares personal stories of her experiences in hospital chaplaincy, including the significance of spiritual guidance during end-of-life care, patients' varied responses to dying, and inspirational stories that highlight the human spirit's capacity for acceptance and peace. The episode concludes with information on Janice's works and upcoming book signings. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:49 Understanding Pressure Injuries and Cloud 9 Care 01:25 Interview with Janice Willett: Spiritual Care and Hospice 02:13 Role and Responsibilities of a Hospital Chaplain 03:37 Navigating Family Dynamics in Hospice Care 04:58 Personal Stories and Experiences 08:26 The Importance of Comfort and Acceptance in End-of-Life Care 14:41 Inspirational Stories and Final Thoughts 20:22 Conclusion and How to Connect with Janice Willett     https://jiwillett.com/meet-j-i-willett/     Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)  If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

Listen to the sermon from the Rev. Charles Martin on July 6, 2025, the Fourth Sunday of Pentecost. This is Charles' final Sunday preaching as our Seminarian Intern from Yale Divinity School. We thank Charles for his time with us and wish him all the best as he takes up his post as Associate Rector and Chaplain to the University at St. Paul's in Fayetteville, Arkansas. For more sermons and information on Saint Luke's, a welcoming Episcopal parish in Darien, CT, visit www.saintlukesdarien.org.

July 2, 2025 COL. JOHN EIDSMOE,Senior Counsel & Resident Scholar@ Foundation For Moral Law, retiredAir Force Lt. Colonel & Judge Advocate& retired Mississippi State Guard Colo-nel & Chaplain, Professor of Constitu-tional Law @ the Oakbrook College ofLaw & Government Policy, a Professorof Christian Apologetics for the Instituteof Lutheran Theology & Chafer Theolo-gical Seminary, ordained pastor […]

On Washington Wednesday, the Senate passes Trump's bill, on Legal Docket, Supreme Court supports online age verification; on World Tour, news from Poland, Hungry, Hong Kong, and China; and church doctrine deemed a threat. Plus, the World's largest rubber duck, Hunter Baker on Whittaker Chambers, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from The Issues, et cetera podcast. Expert guests, Expansive topics, Extolling Christ. More at issuesetc.orgFrom Ambassadors Impact Network. Inviting entrepreneurs with a mission to connect with faith-based investors who share their vision. More at ambassadorsimpact.comAnd from Dordt University, whose online MBA and MPA programs prepare leaders for lasting impact. Dordt University. Until All Is Made New.

Send us a textIn this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Kent Chevalier, Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kent discusses his journey from a campus pastor to serving in the NFL, emphasizing the unique role he and his wife play in supporting players and coaches spiritually and emotionally.00:00 Welcome Back, Kent Chevalier!00:41 Role of a Chaplain in the NFL02:00 First Year Experiences08:06 Building Trust in the NFL12:50 Leadership Lessons from Coach Tomlin17:21 The Human Side of the NFL28:15 Addressing Accountability Among Peers28:39 Deflect the Glory Campaign33:06 The Origin Story of Becoming a Chaplain39:37 Do It Afraid: Embracing Faith Over Fear44:15 The Importance of Community and Brotherhood48:12 Encouragement for Church Leaders53:30 Final Thoughts and FarewellThe L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders' visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.Connect with Kent: https://www.kentchevalier.com/Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/WCJm8MDH1jE

Send us a textPatrick Day shares his journey from Presbyterian pastor to military chaplain, revealing insights about mental health challenges in today's military and how faith impacts service members in unexpected ways.• Served 30 years as a Presbyterian pastor before recommissioning in the Georgia Army National Guard at an age past typical limits• Deployed to the Middle East with an infantry unit and served near the Gaza Strip• Military chaplains both "perform" services for their own faith tradition and "provide" for all soldiers regardless of beliefs• People entering military service are four times more likely to come from abusive households than civilians• Military service offers stability and opportunities for young people seeking to change their life trajectory• Traditional "break them down to build them up" approach doesn't work for recruits who've already experienced trauma• Paganism is the fastest-growing faith tradition in the military today• Many who say they have "problems with God" are actually struggling with how the church treated them• Now works with Camp Southern Ground's Warrior PATHH program helping veterans and first responders process trauma• As a leadership coach, helps people find fulfillment by asking uncomfortable but transformative questionsVisit PatrickDay.org to learn more about Patrick's leadership coaching services. Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential Learn more at StephanieNelson.comFollow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cmFollow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Kyle Speller's journey, NBA rookie to Denver Nuggets announcer and team chaplain. What it's like leading chapel before every Nuggets game, his calling to serve beyond the mic, and the power of being present in faith, fatherhood, and in the moment.“The arena is my pulpit… I'm just here to be used.”⁠BURR BOTTLES⁠ use code FURBURRVeteran Apparel: ⁠⁠Triple Star Brand⁠NEW Merch:⁠ ⁠FUR⁠⁠FOLLOW:

We are celebrating 249 years of the United States of America because so many have risked, given, and offered so much to keep us safe and moving forward. This week, in honor of all our brothers and sisters in the US Military, we are sharing a chat with Lt. Ross Engel, a Chaplain in the US Navy. As a weightlifter and a pastor, he's not afraid of serving our toughest. Click to listen for you and for the people we are called to protect and inspire.

In this episode, Pastor Dan Smail and Vicar Wendy Farone welcome Chaplain Gaea Thompson, who serves as Manager of Pastoral Care at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. Chaplain Gaea guides us through the work and important care of the hospital chaplain as a "Physician of the Soul."  The discussion is rich in guiding us toward understanding the role of serving in a hospital setting and serving those who may be at their most vulnerable moment.  

It's the 98th Missal for the Masses and Gary and Casey are talking about the 1987 G.I. Joe Persuader. Will Casey persuade Gary that it is a great addition to the line?Sources: 3DJoeshttps://www.3djoes.com/persuader.htmlhttps://www.3djoes.com/night-storm.htmlyojoehttps://www.yojoe.com/vehicles/87/persuader/https://www.yojoe.com/vehicles/88/nightstorm/Find more of The Chaplain's Assistants Motor Pod:  X, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube: @ChaplainJoePodemail: ChaplainJoePod@gmail.comFind Hillbilly and Casey at Podcast from the Pit: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastfromthepit3132my t-shirt friends: https://www.robberbaronsink.com/The Pint: A Pop Culture Podcast: https://pintocomics.libsyn.com

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP formerly served as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018.   In Today's Show: What is the synodal church? ("Not a Burger King Church) Can there be two "religions" instead of one within the Catholic church?  One synodal and one traditional? What is the definition of knowledge? What are your thoughts on dipping the Eucharist in the Blood of Christ before the priest consumes the host? Is this practice of intinction permissible? I've heard that feelings aren't sinful but what about the verse about not going to the altar when you are angry with your brother? Is it okay for Catholics to donate to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews? Can I attend my friend's Lutheran church? Is it sinful to lie when you are trying to hide priests from persecution?   Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Nestled in the Horn of Africa on the easternmost part of the African continent is a small country called Djibouti. It's bordered by three other countries: Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west, and Somalia to the south. Djibouti's eastern border abuts the busy shipping lanes of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These bodies of water are connected by the Bab al-Mandab Strait which serves as an essential gateway between the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean. Directly across that narrow body of water from Djibouti is Yemen. You can imagine the geopolitical significance of this particular part of the world. You might be thinking of issues pertaining to global trade, to international peace, to development and humanitarian assistance. And you might not be surprised to know that there is a United States military presence in Djibouti. But you might be surprised to learn that the only Catholic priest currently serving in the US military for the entire continent of Africa is living there in Djibouti. You might also be surprised to learn that this priest is a Jesuit, one who just a few months ago was teaching theology and neuroscience to undergraduates at Creighton University. Now, Fr. Chris Krall is serving as a chaplain, having been called up from his reserve status at the end of the 2024 fall semester. Instead of grading papers, he's traveling by helicopter to remote bases across Africa to bring the sacraments and a listening ear. Fr. Chris is our guest today calling in all the way from east Africa. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a priest ministering to folks in the military, this conversation is for you. We talk about how Chris' current mission fits into his Jesuit vocation of being available to go where God's people need him. We wrestle with some of the possible tensions inherent in being a priest in the military. And we reflect on the surprising similarities between ministering to colleges students and ministering to women and men in uniform. A note: This conversation was recorded in late May.

It may be a little “late to the game,” but after listening to the ongoing dialogue and controversy surrounding the United States Men's National Team, I am going to break some silence. I think the Bible has some wisdom and guidance to offer as we consider the question of whether some players ought to press […]

Text a Message to the ShowIn this episode we're listening to a portion of a podcast episode where podcaster and police officer Chad Campese interviewed Jared Altic. This part of Chad's episode focuses on the stress that first responders endure and how a chaplain's understanding of philosophy, psychology, and theology contributes to officer wellness.Music is by Wes HutchinsonHey Chaplain podcast Bonus Episode 43Tags:Chaplaincy, Design, God, Meaning, Philosophy, Police, Psychology, Purpose, Stress, Theodicy, Theology, Wellness, Kansas City, KansasSupport the showThanks for Listening! And, as always, pray for peace in our city.Subscribe/Follow here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-chaplain/id1570155168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CGK9A3BmbFEUEnx3fYZOY Email us at: heychaplain44@gmail.comYou can help keep the show ad-free by buying me a virtual coffee!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/heychaplain

True grit? Not the movie or book, but a real live individual. I met Laura Bratton about a month ago and realized that she was a very unique individual. Laura was referred to me by a gentleman who is helping both Laura and me find speaking venue leads through his company. Laura is just ramping up her public speaking career and our mutual colleague, Sam Richter, thought I could be of help. Little did I know at the outset that not only would I gain an excellent podcast guest, but that I would find someone whose life parallelled mine in many ways.   Laura Bratton began losing her eyesight at the age of nine years. Like me, she was one of the lucky ones who had parents who made the choice to encourage their daughter and help her live her life to the fullest. And live it she does. Laura attended public school in South Carolina and then went to Arizona State University to secure her bachelor's degree in Psychology. Why ASU? Wait until you hear Laura tell that story.   After securing her degree in Psychology she moved to the Princeton School of Divinity where she secured a Master's degree in Divinity. She followed up her Master's work by serving in a chaplaincy program in Ohio for a year.   Then, if all that wasn't enough, she became a pastor in the United Methodist Church and took a position in South Carolina. She still works part time as a pastor, but she also has taken some other exciting and positive life turns. As I mentioned earlier, she is now working to build a public speaking career. She also does one-on-one coaching. In 2016 she wrote her first book.   Laura shares many poignant and relevant life lessons she has learned over the years. We talk about courage, gratitude and grit. I asked her to define grit which she does. A very interesting and good definition indeed.   I often get the opportunity to have guests on this podcast who share life and other lessons with all of us. To me, Laura's insights are as relevant as any I have encountered. I hope you will feel the same after listening to our conversation. Please let me know what you think. You can email me at michaelhi@accessibe.com.       About the Guest:   At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight.  Laura adjusted to her new normal and was able to move forward in life as she graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in psychology. She then was the first blind student to receive her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.  She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challenges and obstacles with grit and gratitude. Ways to connect with Dr. Laura:   Link for LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bratton-speaking   Website https://www.laurabratton.com/   Link for coaching page on website https://www.laurabratton.com/coaching  Link for book on website https://www.laurabratton.com/book   Link for speaking page on website https://www.laurabratton.com/speaking   About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Well and a gracious hello to you, wherever you happen to be on our planet today, I am your host, Michael Hinkson, and you are listening to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet, and we sort of get to tie several of those together today, because my guest, Laura Bratton happens to be blind, so that brings inclusion into it, and we could talk about diversity all day. The experts really tend to make that a challenge, but we can talk about it ourselves, but Laura is blind, and she's going to tell us about that, and I don't know what else, because that's the unexpected part of this, but we're going to have ourselves a lot of fun for the next hour. She knows that the only rule of the podcast is you got to have fun, and you can't do better than that. So Laura, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here.   Laura Bratton ** 02:12 Thank you. Thank you for this opportunity. I'm excited.   Michael Hingson ** 02:15 Well, this will be some fun, I'm sure, which is, of course, what it's all about. Well, why don't we start by you telling us kind of about the early Laura, growing up and all that, and anything about that that you think we ought to know that'll help us as we go forward.   Laura Bratton ** 02:31 So the early Laura was,   Michael Hingson ** 02:34 you know, that was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. But yeah,   Laura Bratton ** 02:38 was was fearless. Was involved in so many different activities, and I didn't have any health concerns or vision problems. And then around the age of nine, after the summer, after my second grade school year, my parents started noticing she's just holding books a little bit closer. She's just sitting a little bit closer to the TV than normal, than usually. So my they decided we'll just make a regular pediatric ophthalmology appointment, take her to the doctor, get the doctor to check her out. You know, if you need glasses, that's fine, and we'll just move on with our our summer and prepare for a new school year. So that June, when I had that doctor's appointment, my eyes were dilated. I'd read the the letters on the chart in the room. The doctors had looked in my eyes, and then the doctor just rolled back in his chair and looked at my mom and said, there's a major problem going on, and we need to address this, and I'm going to send you to a retina specialist. There's something major going on with her retinas. So from that appointment that started the rest of the summer and into the fall of just having doctors, different doctors appointments, meeting with specialists, trying to figure out why this 910, year old was all of a sudden having vision problems.   Michael Hingson ** 04:20 So yeah, go ahead that,   Laura Bratton ** 04:22 yeah. So that started the whole vision loss journey,   Michael Hingson ** 04:27 and what was the diagnosis that they finally came up with?   Laura Bratton ** 04:31 So they finally came up with a diagnosis of rare retinal onset disease. So it's not genetic. It wasn't like another accident, physical accident that calls the blindness. It's most similar to macular. So what I was losing first was my central vision. I still had all my peripheral vision, so it's very similar to macular, but not. Not quite macular or star guards. What's happens in children? So that's the diagnosis, just rare retinal disease.   Michael Hingson ** 05:11 Interesting, and they they didn't have any idea that what caused it. Do they have any better idea today? Or is it just so rare that they don't tend to pay a whole lot of attention. Great   Laura Bratton ** 05:23 question, yes and yes. So I've done a lot of genetic testing over the years, and the gene has not been discovered. That is obviously what they are predicting, is that there had to be some kind of gene mutation. But that gene hasn't been discovered. So far, the genes that are identified with vision problems, those have not been the problem for me so far. So the gene, Gene hasn't been discovered. So testing continues, but not exactly sure yet.   Michael Hingson ** 05:59 Yeah. So do you have any eyesight left, or is it all gone?   Laura Bratton ** 06:04 I don't, so to continue kind of that process of of the the early childhood. So I was diagnosed around nine, but I didn't lose any major vision until I was in middle school. So the end of middle school is when I started to lose a significant part of sight. So I went from very quickly from roller print, large print, to braille, and that was a very quick transition. So basically it was normal print to learning Braille and using Braille and textbooks and Braille and audio books and all that. Then through high school, I will throw more a significant amount of vision. So what I have currently is just very limited light perception, no, what I consider no usable vision, just light perception,   Michael Hingson ** 06:55 so you learn braille. So you learn braille in middle school. Then, yes, okay, absolutely. What did you think about that? Because that was certainly a life change for you. How did you deal with all of that?   Laura Bratton ** 07:10 How did I do with the process of learning braille or the emotional process?   07:14 Both,   Laura Bratton ** 07:16 they're kind of related, so both, they're very much related. So learning Braille was incredibly difficult because I was trying to learn it at the same time. Use it with textbooks in middle school level material rather than normal development. Of you learn braille and start out, you know, with with simple books, and slowly move up. I try, you know, I had to make that adjustment from learning Braille and then algebra in Braille or Spanish and Braille. So using the Braille was very difficult, but I was because I was forced to to learn it, because I had to, just to stay in school. You didn't really have a choice. As far as the emotional perspective. My first thoughts was just the denial, oh, it's not that bad, oh, it won't be forever. Oh, it's not going to get much worse than this. Just that denial of the reality. And then I can say more, if it just kind of that whole how that whole process unfolded, that's kind of the whole emotional process. It   Michael Hingson ** 08:34 certainly was a major change for you, yes, but it sounds like by the time all was said and done, and you did have to immerse yourself, like in learning Braille and so on. So it was an immersive kind of thing. You, You did come through it, and you, you seem to be functioning pretty well today, I would gather   Laura Bratton ** 08:55 Yes, because of focusing on the emotional mindset piece. So once that I've sort of began to move out of denial. It was that, okay, well, I can't this is just too hard. And then what I eventually realized and accepted was, yes, it's hard and I can move forward. So just a practical example, is what you were saying about having to be fully immersed in the Braille. Yes, is really hard to jump from learning braille to knowing Braille and algebra. But also choose to move forward. As you said, I choose to immerse myself in this so that I can continue life, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 09:42 and you you have done it. Well, how? How do you view blindness today?   Laura Bratton ** 09:49 That is a great question. So today is the balance of acknowledging. Yes, they're difficult moments. Yes, their stressful moments. Moments, and I have the resources to process that. So now, rather than just being a denial or being stuck in that I can't do this, I can say, okay, yes, this is hard. Yes, I am frustrated. Yes, I am overwhelmed in this moment, but also I can move forward with the gifts and purposes that I have in this world and using that as a strength. So for me, it's that acknowledging the rap the reality, but also moving forward with that belief in myself, trust in myself.   Michael Hingson ** 10:39 So how long did you at the beginning really grieve and view all this in a negative way? Because it sounds like you've evolved from that today.   Laura Bratton ** 10:53 Absolutely. So in my experience, the so I'm going to break the grief and the negative apart, because for me, it was two different experiences. So for me in those middle school, high school days, it was more than negative, and the grief just came along with that. Now even, you know, through college and even now, yes, there are moments that I grieve, but that negativity has turned into the mindset of strength, the mindset of trust, the mindset of okay, I can continue forward Again, living out those purposes, my purpose with those gifts as a source of strength, the source of courage. It's a source of just belief in myself. So my experience now is the mindset of holding both intention, holding space for both when I have those moments that I need to grieve, absolutely, giving myself those space and then at the same time, choosing to move forward with that courage, rather than being stuck in what I was in middle school of that negativity. Does that difference? Does that make us make sense of what I'm trying to separate the two?   Michael Hingson ** 12:19 Well, yeah, they overlap, but I understand what you're saying, Where, where and how were your parents in all of this?   Laura Bratton ** 12:28 So that was the incredible gift, that that was a deep source of strength, that as that middle school child who was in that negative place of denial and I can't, I can't. That was the source of strength. So immediately, when I was diagnosed, even though I didn't have major vision loss, I was diagnosed in elementary school, they wanted to send me to school for the deaf and blind, and so my parents had to fight to keep me in regular school. Again, I wasn't experiencing major vision loss, but just having minor vision loss, the school said, Okay, you're at a public school and going to a different school. So my parents were a source of strength, because they knowledge what was happening, what was going to happen, but also held me to the same standards.   Michael Hingson ** 13:25 And there are some schools, I don't know how much today, but in the past, there were some schools for the blind, and I'm not sure about schools for the deaf and blind, but we'll put them in the same category. But there were some schools that really did have very high standards, and and did do a great job. The Perkins School was one. Tom Sullivan, the actor, went through Perkins and and I know other people who did, but in general, the standards weren't the same, and I had the same issue. I remember my parents. We were in the office of the school principal of Yucca school where I went kindergarten through third grade here in California, okay, and I remember a shouting match between my father and my mother on one side, and Mr. Thompson, the principal on the other. And by the time all was said and done, he decided that it was he was going to acquiesce, because they were not going to let me go to the school for the blind, which would have been like, 400 miles away.   Laura Bratton ** 14:38 Okay, okay, so, so you can relate to that experience.   Michael Hingson ** 14:42 I can absolutely relate to that experience, and I think that it's for kids one of the most important things to hope comes along that parents deal with blindness in a in a positive way. Yes, and don't view it as something that's going to hold you back. I. 100% Yeah, because if they do, then that creates a much more difficult situation. Yes. So it's it's great that you had some parents who really stood up for you and helped as you went   Laura Bratton ** 15:15 Yes, and I was also deeply grateful that they all they held those standards at school, and they also held those standards at home. So they didn't just say, oh, you know, our expectations are lower for you at home, you don't have any more chores. You just kind of do whatever you want, get away with whatever you want. They kept those things standards. I still had chores we just made, you know, the accommodations are adapted if we needed to adapt anything. Yeah, a story that I always, always remember, just like you talking about you vividly remember being in that principal's office. I remember one day my the specific tour was unloading the dishwasher, and I remember thinking, well, oh, I'm not really, I don't really want to unload the dishwasher today. So I just kind of thought, Oh, the blindness will get me out of the situation. So I was like, Mom, I can't unload the dishwasher. I can't see exactly where to put all the silverware in the silverware of her door. And I still, I can still see this in my mind's eye. She was standing in the doorway the kitchen and the hallway, and she just turned around and just said, Laura, unload the dishwasher, put the silverware in the drawer, and just walked away. And that told me she was still holding me to the exact standards. She wasn't saying, Oh, honey, that's okay because of your blindness. Yeah, you don't have to do it. That was such a huge teaching moment for me, because it pulled me I can't use my blindness as an excuse. That was incredible experience and I always think back on and remember,   Michael Hingson ** 17:04 yeah, and I remember growing up, there were chores I did, there were chores My brother did, and there were things that we had to do, but we had, and my brother was cited two years older than I, but okay, but we had very supportive parents for both of us. And one of the things that the doctors told my parents when they discovered that I was blind, was that I was going to take all the love that the family had, even for my older sibling. Oh, my parent and my parents said that is just not so, and they worked really hard to make sure that my brother got all the things that that he needed and all the support that he needed as well. Wow. When he was still in high school, I remember they got him a car, and I don't remember when he got it. Maybe, I don't know whether he was already a senior in high school, but he got a car. And, you know, I didn't want a car. I right. I didn't want that, but, you know, that was okay. I would have driven it around if I got one, but, you know, that's okay, but, but parents are such an important part of the process, yes, and they have to be ready to take the leap, yes, that blindness isn't the problem. It's attitudes. That's really, that tend to really be the problem, right? 100%   Laura Bratton ** 18:24 and thankfully, thankfully, I had that. I had that experience another, another example that I always think of all the time, still such a vivid memory, is as as a family. We were a big sports family, and loved to go to different sporting events, and so we would always go to high school and college football games. And as I was in those middle school, high school years, those first, early days of experiencing difficult vision loss, where obviously I'm sitting in the sands and can't see the field clearly, rather than my parents saying, Oh, you're just going to stay home. Oh, you're not going with us. To be part of this, my dad are really, literally. Remember my dad saying, Here's a radio. I just put new batteries in. Let's go. So I would just sit there and, you know, with with my family, listening to the game on the radio. And that was such a gift, because, again, they didn't say, is what you're saying about the leap. They didn't say, okay, you can do this anymore. They just figured out a way to adapt so that I was still part.   Michael Hingson ** 19:34 Yeah, I've been to a number of baseball games, and the same thing, I've never been I've been to a high school football game, but I've never been to a pro football game, and I've never been to a basketball game, and while I think it would have been fun, I'm a little bit spoiled, and I think that the announcers today aren't as good as the announcers that we used to have, like Dick Enberg doing sports out here, who did. Football chick, Hearn, who did basketball, who could talk as fast as, I mean, he was, he was he taught me how to listen fast. That's great. He he talked as fast as many times books I read talk. He was just incredible. But that's okay. But still, I've been to games, and it is a lot of fun to be able to go and listen. It's even if you're listening on the radio, the point of being at the game is just the sounds and the experience of being at the game and hearing and interacting with all the sounds, because you're not hearing that as much through the radio as you are listening to the fans as they yell, or as the Yes, as the foul balls coming at you. You know, yes 100%   Laura Bratton ** 20:50 and just to feel the energy, you know, and your team's doing well, your team's not doing well, just to feel that energy, and there's to also to be there and have that, that fun experience with your family or friends, or you know, whoever you're with, that is such a fun experience. So yes,   Michael Hingson ** 21:08 so when you went into high school, did, what did you study? Or what did you do there?   Laura Bratton ** 21:15 What were your interests? So in college, when I   Michael Hingson ** 21:18 was thinking high school, but you can do college. So   Laura Bratton ** 21:21 High School, honestly, I didn't have specific professional interests, because it was just so much focused on the blind surviving and all the surviving, just the New Black, because the blindness was literally happening during high school, right? So my only focus was just survival passing because it was all of my energy was focused on the the learning Braille and just completing the assignments. Fast forward to college. My focus was definitely. My major was psychology. My focus was on psychology. A lot because of my personal experience, because of that experience in high school, and just that that not only that desire from my personal experience, but just using that experience to then help and support others from the mindset of of again, moving through that, that negativity to that, that foundation of grit. So it was definitely focused on psychology to be able to support others from a mindset perspective.   Michael Hingson ** 22:36 So how did you bring that into play in college?   Laura Bratton ** 22:40 So that was my focus. My My major was psychology, and then I I spent that, those years in college, figuring out specifically what area of psychology I wanted to focus on, which what, what facet of psychology I wanted my focus to be so that was, that was the purpose of the like psychology and taking different classes within psychology to try to figure out where my strengths within that Major   Michael Hingson ** 23:16 and what did you discover?   Laura Bratton ** 23:20 So what I discovered was I wanted the psychology to the mindset, to support people with to be that holistic perspective of, yes, the psychology, but also the spiritual connection and just our physical well being all connected together, so supporting our healthy mindsets and emotional health was not just psychology. It was the psychology, physical taking care of ourselves and the spiritual taking care of ourselves, all connected, combined together. So that's that's what led me to doing a master of divinity to be able to focus on and learn the spiritual part   Michael Hingson ** 24:15 of the mindset. So what part of psychology Did you eventually settle on   Laura Bratton ** 24:22 the holistic approach. So rather than just focus on specifically the mindset, focusing on us as a whole, being, supporting us through that mental, physical, spiritual connection that the healing, the empowerment came through, through all of that. So in that masters, what I focus on specifically was chaplaincy, so supporting people specifically I was a hospital chaplain, so focusing on helping people within the hospital setting, when they're there for different physical reasons and. Being able to be that spiritual presence focusing on both the spiritual and the emotional.   Michael Hingson ** 25:07 And where did you do your undergraduate study?   Laura Bratton ** 25:11 So I did my undergrad at Arizona State, and I was going to say a large reason, but not just a large reason, pretty much the whole reason I chose ASU was for their disability resources. So a major focus that that they emphasize is their disability resources is not a separate part of the university, but it's completely integrated into the university. So what I mean by that example of that is being a psychology major. I still had all the same classes. I was still in all the same classes as all the other psychology students on campus. I just had the accommodations that I needed. So that would be double time all testing or note takers, if I needed note takers in a class. So they did an incredible job, like they had a whole Braille lab that would print Braille books and provide books in PDF format. So the accommodations that I needed as a person who was blind were integrated in to the whole college experience. So that was incredibly powerful for me as a person who had just become blind and didn't know what resources were available.   Michael Hingson ** 26:37 Did you have any major challenges and major issues in terms of dealing with blindness and so on, while you're at ASU,   Laura Bratton ** 26:44 not at all. I am so grateful for that, because I wasn't the only person on campus who was blind. I wasn't the first blind person. I certainly wasn't the last so because they had so much experience, it was, it was an incredible, again, empowerment for me, because on the emotional perspective, it taught me, and literally practically showed me, yes, I give me a person with a disability and be integrated into the world, because They they showed me the resources that were available. So I was deeply, deeply grateful for what they taught me. Now, where did you grow up? So I grew up in South Carolina,   Michael Hingson ** 27:31 so that is and that's why I wanted to ask that, because we hadn't mentioned that you were from South Carolina before, but that was a major undertaking. Then to go all the way across country to go to ASU, yes. On the other hand, they do have a pretty good football team.   Laura Bratton ** 27:49 Just say Right, right, right   Michael Hingson ** 27:52 now, my I went to University California, Irvine. I don't even know. I'm sure they must have some sort of a football team today, but they do have a pretty good basketball team, and I haven't heard whether they won the Big West, but I haven't Yeah, but I haven't heard that they did. So I'm afraid that that they may not have until going to march madness. Yeah, but whatever,   Laura Bratton ** 28:21 team for March Madness spell your bracket in a different way.   Michael Hingson ** 28:25 Well, they've been in the big dance before they got to the Sweet 16 once, which was pretty cool. Wow, that's impressive. Yeah, that was pretty cool. That's so cool. What did your parents think of you going across country   Laura Bratton ** 28:42 again? Just like you talked about your parents being that taking that leap, they were incredibly supportive, because they knew ASU would provide the resources that I needed. Because again, in those years as I'm losing a major part of my sight, we didn't know other people who are blind. We didn't know what resources were available. Obviously, my parents reach out to people around us, you know, to connect with people who are blind, to learn about that, but we didn't have a lot of experience with that. So what we knew, and what my parents were excited about was ASU would be a place that I can not only have that college experience, but be taught the resources. And one of the major resources was my disability coordinator, so my disability coordinator, who was in charge of of creating all my accommodations, she was also blind, and that was such a healing experience for me, because she became a mentor. She was blind since birth. She. And so obviously we had different experiences, where I was just newly blind. She had been blind, but still, she was an incredibly powerful resource and mentor of just telling me, teaching me, not just telling me through her words, but living through her actions, you still have a full life like you're you're still a few a full human like you. This life still goes on. So she just modeled that in the way that she lived. So she she was, I'm so grateful for her mentorship, because she was very real. She had minimized blindness. But also she told me and taught me and showed me there's still a full, great life ahead,   Michael Hingson ** 30:53 which is really what all of us are trying to get the world to understand. Blindness isn't the end of the world. It's not the problem   Laura Bratton ** 31:02 exactly, exactly, she literally modeled that,   Michael Hingson ** 31:06 yeah, which was pretty cool. Well, then where did you go to get your Masters of divinity?   Laura Bratton ** 31:11 So then I went to get my masters at Princeton Theological Seminary, and that was a completely different experience, because, where as you, was completely set up for people with disabilities in the master's program, they had not had someone come through their program who was blind. So in that experience, I had to advocate and be very, very clear on what my needs were, meaning what the accommodations were that I needed, and then advocate that to the administration, which that wasn't a gift, because ASU had given me the foundation of knowing what I needed, what the accommodations Were then available. And then Princeton gave me the opportunity to become my own advocate, to force me to speak up and say, These are my needs, and these are accommodations I have. With these accommodations, I can be an equal student, so I'm not asking, Hey, give me good grades because I'm blind, but make the accommodation so that I have my books and PDF so I have double time on the test. So that was just as healing and just as powerful, because it gave me the opportunity to advocate and become clear on my needs so that I could communicate those needs. So   Michael Hingson ** 32:38 this is part of Princeton in New Jersey. Yes, so you were were in Jersey for a while, huh? Yes,   Laura Bratton ** 32:45 I went from sunny weather to   Michael Hingson ** 32:50 snowy weather. Well, you had some of that in South Carolina too, though,   Laura Bratton ** 32:53 yes, true, but from undergrad, it was quite the change.   Michael Hingson ** 32:58 Ah. But the real question is, when you were in New Jersey. Did you get to meet any members of the family? You know what I'm saying, the mob, Oh yes, absolutely being bada. Boom. Come on now,   Laura Bratton ** 33:11 definitely, definitely, definitely, absolutely, absolutely, yeah, lot of local restaurants and Oh yes,   Michael Hingson ** 33:21 oh yes. When we were building our home in New Jersey, my wife was in a wheelchair her whole life, and we decided that when we went to New Jersey, because I was going to be working in the city New York, we wanted to build a house, because it's cheaper to build an accessible home for somebody in a wheelchair. My wife then it is to buy a house and modify it so we wanted to build. And it turns out that the person who financed the building, we got a mortgage and all that without any difficulty, but we had to get somebody to build the house. And the realtors had people they worked with, the financier. Part of that was from a guy, well, let's just say his main business was, he was in the garbage business, and his last name was, was Pinto. So, you know, let's just say we know where he got his money. You know,   Laura Bratton ** 34:18 yes, yes. I had several those experiences too. Yeah, the garbage business seems to be big in Jersey. It   Michael Hingson ** 34:25 is big in Jersey, but, but, you know, but they were all, they were all very nice to us good. And so it really worked out well. It did. It all worked out. We had a wonderful home. The only difference between our house and the others around us is we had to include an elevator in the house, okay? Because we couldn't have a ranch style home. There wasn't room, and so we had to have and all the other homes in the development were two story homes, okay, but we had to have an elevator. So that was essentially about a $15,000 An uplift over what the House would have cost otherwise. But right again, you build it in so it's not that huge of a deal,   Laura Bratton ** 35:06 right? That's perfect. So all your neighbors are jealous.   Michael Hingson ** 35:10 Well, they didn't have the elevator. They didn't come and ride it much. So they didn't ask for their their their bigger challenges were, who's giving the biggest party at Christmas or Halloween? So we didn't participate in that, so we weren't we weren't a problem.   35:28 That's great,   Michael Hingson ** 35:30 yeah, so you've talked about grit a couple times, so tell me about grit, because clearly that's important to you,   Laura Bratton ** 35:39 yeah? So it's so important to me, because that was a main source of empowerment. So just as I talked about that negativity in the middle school high school, what grit helped me to do is take the overwhelming future that I was so fearful, I was extremely anxious as I looked at the whole picture everything ahead of me. So the grit came in and taught me. Grit is taking it day by day, moment by moment, step by step. So rather than looking at the whole picture and getting overwhelmed, the power of grit taught me all I need to do is trust myself for this next hour. All I need to do is trust in the support that my parents are giving me this next day. So breaking it down into manageable goals was the strength of the grit. So to break it down, rather than the whole future,   Michael Hingson ** 36:49 I didn't ask, do you did you have any siblings? Do you have any siblings?   Laura Bratton ** 36:53 Yeah, so I have one older brother. Okay, so   Michael Hingson ** 36:57 how was he with you being that you were blind. Was he a good older protective brother who never let anybody near his sister?   Laura Bratton ** 37:06 He was a good older protective brother in that he did exactly what my parents did in not having different expectations. Yeah, he so he's five years older. So when I'm 14, losing a significant amount of vision, or 15, losing a certain amount of division. He, you know, was 1920 doing great in college. So a perfect example of this connects with the grit he, he taught me, and again, not in word, not so much in words, but again, in those actions of we will figure this out. We don't know the resources that are available. We don't know exactly what the future looks like, but we as a family will figure this out. Me, as your older brother, our parents being our parents, we will figure it out day by day, step by step. And I remember a lot of people would ask my parents, what's her future, and then even ask my brother, what's her future? What's she gonna do? And they would honestly answer, we don't know, but as a family, we'll figure it out, and we'll provide the strength that she needs, and that's what I mean by the grit. So it wasn't, this is her future, and they just, you know, named it for being home with us, right? But it was, I don't know, but day by day, we'll have the grit to figure it out. So I'm glad you asked about my siblings, because that's a perfect example of how that grit came into play and was such a powerful source of strength.   Michael Hingson ** 38:54 So what did you do after you got your master's degree?   Laura Bratton ** 38:58 So after I got my master's degree, I then did a residency, just like I was talking about the chaplaincy. I did a residency specifically in chaplaincy to to complete that process of being a chaplain. So in that that was a year long process, and in that process, that was an incredible experience, because, again, it taught me, you are a complete human with gifts and talents. You just happen to be blind and need specific accommodations because of the blindness. So what I mean by that is, just as ASU gave me the resources regarding blindness, and just as Princeton gave me the gift to advocate for those resources, the experience in the chaplaincy taught me when I walked into a high. Hospital room and introduced myself as the chaplain on the unit. The patient didn't know, or didn't care how long I had been blind, or how did I make it on the unit? Or how did I know they wanted chaplain? They didn't care. They were just thankful and glad that I was there to serve them and be in that Chaplain role. So it was that's why it was empowering of healing to me, because it taught me not to focus so much on the blindness, but to view myself as that whole person, especially in that professional experience, so I can give endless examples of specifically how that, how, just the patient reaction taught me so much.   Michael Hingson ** 40:49 Where did you do your chaplaincy?   Laura Bratton ** 40:52 I did it at the Clinton clinic in Ohio. Oh,   Michael Hingson ** 40:56 my goodness, you did move around. Now. What got you there? Speaking of snow in the winter, yeah,   Laura Bratton ** 41:02 literally, I Yes, I can talk about that. And a lot of experiences there with snow, like effect snow is real. So they were very strong in their chaplaincy program and developing Kaplan's and also their Kaplan Z training was a focus that I wanted that holistic mind, body, spirit. It wasn't just spiritual or wasn't just psychological, it was the holistic experience of a whole person. So how wanting that to be my focus moving forward, that's where I chose to go to be able to focus on that. So again, it was such an incredible source of of healing through just through those patient interactions.   Michael Hingson ** 41:58 Well, one of the things that is clear about you is you're not bitter about any of the things that have happened, and that, in reality, you are a person who appreciates and understands the concept of gratitude.   Laura Bratton ** 42:11 Yes, yes. And specifically, let me go back to those high school days, and then I'll come back to the chaplain days, the way of the gratitude my focus started was not because I wanted gratitude, not because I chose to woke up, wake up one day and say, Oh, I'm so grateful for this blindness. But it all came through a mentor who said to me in those high school days, Laura, I want you to start writing down three things that you are grateful for each day and every day, I want you to write down three things that you're grateful for. So in my mind, my immediate reaction as a teenager, high schooler, was that's not good advice. I'm not sure you're a good mentor. I'm experiencing a major change in life, permanent life event. I don't know that there's a lot to be grateful for. So in my stubbornness, I said, Okay, I'm going to prove her wrong. So I started to think of the three things each day I was grateful for. And over the weeks that I did this, I then realized what she was teaching me, she was showing me. She wasn't asking me to be grateful for the blindness. She was asking me to recognize the gifts that the support that I had within the blindness. So, for example, the supportive parents, the older brother, who didn't make accommodations, or I mean, did make accommodations. Didn't lower expectations because of the blindness. So fast forward to the chaplaincy. I was incredibly grateful for all those patient experiences, because, again, it taught me to view myself as the whole person, not so hyper focused on the blindness. So one specific example that sticks out and was so clear to me is one day I had a patient request that one to see a chaplain, and I went in to this specific unit, and the so I walked in, my walked into the room, the patient took a look at my guide dog and me, and said, You're blind, like completely with this question or voice. And my thought was, well, I think so. I mean, that was this morning when I woke up, and so I said, Yes. And she said, Okay, then I'll, I'll share honestly with you how I'm doing and what I had learned, what I learned after my visit with her is she would not open up to the doctors, the nurses, the social workers, anyone who walked in the room. When I walked in the room and she didn't feel like she was being judged on her physical appearance, she was willing to open up and honestly share how she was feeling emotionally with her physical diagnosis. So that led that one conversation led to multiple visits where she could move forward in her healing emotionally because she was willing to open up and share and be honest with me as the chaplain. So that was an incredible situation of gratitude, because it taught me, yes, this is hard, yes, this is stressful. Yes, there are moments of being overwhelmed, and also their deep, deep moments that I am incredibly grateful for, that other people who are side sighted don't have that opportunity.   Michael Hingson ** 46:36 One of the things that I talk about and think about as life goes on, is we've talked about all the accommodations and the things that you needed to get in order to be able to function. What we and most everyone, takes for granted is it's the same for sighted people. You know, we invented the electric light bulb for sighted people. We invented windows so they can look out. Yes, we invent so many things, and we provide them so that sighted people can function right. And that's why I say, in large part, blindness isn't the problem, because the reality is, we can make accommodations. We can create and do create alternatives to what people who can see right choose, and that's important for, I think, everyone to learn. So what did you do after your year of chaplaincy?   Laura Bratton ** 47:39 So after my year of chaplaincy, after that incredible experience of just offering the patient care, I completed the part of the well after assorted in the master's program. But then after that, also completed my ordination in the Methodist Church. So I was appointed. I went to the process the ordination process, and then I was appointed to a local church back here in South Carolina. And again, with my focus on chaplaincy, my focus on patient care, I was appointed to that church for because what they needed most in the pastor the leader, was that emphasis on the pastoral care the mind, body, spirit connection. So as I became pastor, I was able to continue that role of what I was doing in the Kaplan see, of using both my professional experience as well as my personal experience of providing spiritual care to the members. So that was an incredible way. And again, that gratitude, it just I was so grateful that I could use those gifts of pastoral care, of chaplaincy to benefit others, to be a strength to others. Again, is that that whole person that that we   Michael Hingson ** 49:13 are now? Are you still doing that today? Or what are you doing   Laura Bratton ** 49:16 now? So I'm still I'm still there part time, okay,   Michael Hingson ** 49:21 and when you're not there, what are you doing?   Laura Bratton ** 49:23 I'm doing professional speaking, and it's all centered around my passion for that again, came when I was at Princeton, when I was doing the focus on chaplaincy, I became so passionate about the speaking to share my personal experience of the change I experienced, and also to empower others as they experience change, so not to be stuck in that. Negativity like we talked about in those middle school, high school days, but rather that everybody, regardless of the situation, could experience change, acknowledge it, and move forward with that balance of grit and gratitude. So that's my deep passion for and the reason for the speaking is to share that grit gratitude, as we all experience change.   Michael Hingson ** 50:26 So what made you decide to begin to do public speaking that what? What was the sort of the moment or the the inspiration that brought that about,   Laura Bratton ** 50:40 just that deep desire to share the resource that I'd experienced. So as I received so much support from family and community, is I had received that support of learning how to use the grit in the change, and then as I received the sport support of how to use the gratitude in the change, the reason for this, speaking and what made me so passionate, was to be able to empower others to also use this resource. So I didn't just want to say, okay, it worked for me, and so I'll just keep this to myself, but rather to use that as a source and empowerment and say, Hey, this has been really, really difficult, and here's how I can use the difficulty to empower others to support others.   Michael Hingson ** 51:31 So how's that working for you?   Laura Bratton ** 51:34 Great. I love, love, love supporting others as they go through that change. Because again, it comes back to the blindness. Is not not all we focus on, it's not all we think about, it's not all we talk about, it's not all we do, but being able to use that as a shrink to empower others. So just speaking to different organizations as they're going through change, and working with them speaking on that. How can they specifically apply the grit, the gratitude? How does that? What does that look like, practically, in their organization, in their situation? So I love it, because it takes the most difficult thing that I've been through, and turns it around to empower others.   Michael Hingson ** 52:24 What do you think about the concept that so many people talk about regarding public speaking, that, Oh, I couldn't be a public speaker. I don't want to be up in front of people. I'm afraid of it, and it's one of the top fears that we constantly hear people in society have that is being a public speaker. What do you think about that?   Laura Bratton ** 52:47 So two, two perspectives have helped me to process that fault, because you're right. People literally say that to me every day. How do you do that? I could never do that. I hear that every single day, all day, and what I've learned is when I focus on, yes, maybe it is the large audience, but focusing on I'm speaking to each person individually, and I'm speaking. I'm not just speaking to them, but I was speaking to serve them, to help again, that empowerment, to provide empowerment. So what I think about that is I don't focus on, oh my gosh. What are they going to think of me? I'm scared up here. Rather to have that mindset of, I'm here to share my life experiences so that they can be served and empowered to continue forward. So just shifting the mindset from fear to support fear to strength, that's that's how I view that concept of I could never do that, or that's my worst fear.   Michael Hingson ** 54:01 So a lot of people would say it takes a lot of courage to do what you do, what? How do you define courageous or being courageous?   Laura Bratton ** 54:08 Great question. That's a working, work in progress. So far, what I've learned over the years and again, this is a process. Not there wasn't just one moment where I said, Okay, now I'm courageous, and I'm courageous forever, or this is the moment that made me courageous, but how I understand it and how I process it now is for me and my experience courage is accepting and acknowledging the reality and then choosing to move forward with the grit, choosing to move forward with the gratitude. So holding both intention, both can be true, both I can acknowledge. Okay, this is difficult. Cult, and also I can also believe and know. I can have the grit moment by moment by moment. I can have the gratitude moment by moment by moment. So for me, courage is holding both intention the reality and what I mean by both is the reality of the blindness and reality of the frustration of people's faults, judgments. You know all that you can't do this. How can you do that without sight holding all of that at the same time as I have the support I need to move forward? So for me, Courage looks like acknowledging why I'm overwhelmed and then choosing at that same time to move forward with the support that I have. Mm, hmm. So again, that's what I mean by it's not just like one moment that, oh yeah, I'm gonna be courageous now forever, there's certainly a moment so I don't feel courageous, and that's okay. That's part of garbage. Just acknowledging that frustration and also choosing to move forward. So it's doing both it at the same time.   Michael Hingson ** 56:10 We live in a world today where there is a lot of change going on, yes, and some for the good, some not for the good, and and all sorts of things. Actually, I was reading an article this morning about Michael Connolly, the mystery writer who, for four decades, has written mystery books. He's lived in Los Angeles. He had a wonderful house, and everything changed when the fires hit and he lost his home and all that. But he continues to to move forward. But what advice would you give? What kinds of things do you say to people who are undergoing change or experiencing change?   Laura Bratton ** 56:52 I'm so glad you asked that, because I I didn't mention this in the grit so much of the grit that I experienced. So the advice I would give, or practically, what I do with someone that just what I did right before our we connected, was being being that grit for someone going through change. So in that, for example, in that speaking when I'm speaking to a group about the change they're experiencing, acknowledging, for them to acknowledge, let me be your grit. You might be overwhelmed. You might be incredibly fearful and overwhelmed by the future, by the task in front of you. So let me be the example of grit to to show you that there is support, there is courage, there is that foundation to be able to move forward. So that's my first advice, is just allowing others to be your grit when you don't feel like you had it, because, again, in those high school days and and even now days when I don't feel like I have any grit, any courage, and yet, I'll lean on the courage, the strength, the grit, of those around me so once they acknowledge and allow me to be their grit, and they their support through that change, then allowing them to slowly have that grit for themselves, and again reminding them, it's not an instant process. It's not an instant do these three steps and you'll have grit forever. But it's a continual process of grit and gratitude that leads us through the change, through the difficulty.   Michael Hingson ** 58:46 Have you used the technique that that person that you talked about earlier in high school used when she asked you to write down every day three things that you were grateful for?   Laura Bratton ** 58:56 Yes, absolutely, and the the funny part of that, what that makes me laugh is a lot of people have the exact same reaction I had when I present it to them. They immediately say, I'm not going to do that. That's no Why would I do that? They immediately think that is a horrible piece of advice. And how can I recommend? And I just, I don't say, Oh, well, just try it anyway. I just say, Well, okay, just try it and see. Just, just prove me wrong. And just like my experience, they try it and then a week or two days like, oh, that actually worked. I didn't think that would so, yeah, I'm so glad you said that, because that happens a lot. People said that is that doesn't make sense. Why are you telling me to be grateful in the midst of this overwhelming situation? So yes, great, great perspective that happens all the time.   Michael Hingson ** 59:55 Well, we've been doing this now for about an hour, but before we wrap up, do you. Have any other advice that you want to pass on for people who are dealing with change or fearing change in their lives right now,   Laura Bratton ** 1:00:08 the advice would be, take it step by step, moment by moment, rather than trying to navigate through the whole change at one time that's overwhelming, and that that's not the process that is most healing. So to trust in yourself, to trust that grit around you, and then just like, like you were saying, and ask me, and it doesn't seem like it'll work, but try the gratitude, try that three things every day you're grateful for, and just see what happens as you navigate through the change. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:52 And it really does work, which is the point?   Laura Bratton ** 1:00:54 Which is the point? Right? Right? We don't think it's going to but it, it totally does   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:59 well. Laura, I want to thank you for being with us. This has been absolutely wonderful and fun, and I hope that people who listen got and who watch it got a lot out of it. And you, you provided a lot of good expectation setting for people. And you, you've certainly lived a full life. We didn't mention we got us before you we we sign off. You're also an author,   Laura Bratton ** 1:01:24 yes. So I wrote harnessing courage again, just like the reason I speak, I was so passionate about taking the grit and the gratitude that I use that was such a source of Empower for me, I wanted to tell my story and tell it through the perspective of grit and gratitude so that other people could also use it as a resource. So the book tells my story of becoming blind and adapting and moving forward, but through the complete expected perspective of the gratitude, how I didn't believe the gratitude would work, how I struggled with thinking, Oh, the gratitude is ridiculous. That's never going to be source of empowerment. Yet it was so. The purpose of the book, my hope, my goal for the book, is that people can read it and take away those resources as they face their own change their own challenges.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:30 And when did you write it? So I wrote   Laura Bratton ** 1:02:33 it in it was published in 2016 Okay, so it that that definitely was, was my goal and passion, and that just writing the book was incredibly healing. Was like a great source of strength. Cool,   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:50 well, I hope people will get it. Do you do any coaching today or   Laura Bratton ** 1:02:54 Yes, so I do coaching as well as the speaking so the the one on one coaching, as people are experiencing difficult, difficult or just navigating through change, I do the one on one coaching as well as the speaking,   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:11 which is certainly a good thing that chaplaincy taught you. Yes, 100% Well, thank you again for being here, and I want to thank all of you for being with us today, wherever you are. We would appreciate it. I would definitely appreciate it. If when you can, you go to wherever you're listening to or watching the podcast and give us a five star review. We absolutely value your reviews. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this, and I'm sure Laura would. So you're welcome to email me at Michael, M, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I, at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, love to hear your thoughts. And also, of course, as I said, we'd love your your five star reviews, wherever you're listening. Also, if any of you, Laura, including you, have any thoughts of others who we ought to have on this podcast, we're always looking for more guests, and we really would appreciate it if you'd let anyone know who might be a good guest in your mind, that they can reach out or email me, and I'll reach out, but we really would appreciate that. But again, Laura, I just want to thank you one more time for being here and for taking all this time with us today.   Laura Bratton ** 1:04:27 Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for hosting this podcast. Incredibly powerful and we all need to be reminded   **Michael Hingson ** 1:04:37 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

What if spiritual warfare is more strategic than we think—and the battlefield is closer than we realize?In this episode, Jess sits down with Jesuit priest and Naval Chaplain Fr. Christopher Krall for a powerful conversation on spiritual warfare. Drawing from his experience as a naval chaplain and spiritual director, Fr. Krall offers insight into how we can recognize and resist the subtle tactics of the enemy—especially after moments of grace or spiritual growth.In this episode, Fr. Krall and Jess discuss:How military life shaped Fr. Krall's understanding of spiritual combat and the parallels between physical and spiritual warfareWhat St. Ignatius teaches about desolation, memory, and the enemy's attempts to regain ground after a retreatPractical ways to "fortify" the soul's weakest points and stay grounded when spiritual clarity begins to fadeWhether you're returning from a retreat, navigating temptation, or just looking to deepen your discernment, this episode offers encouragement and real tools for the spiritual battle.Fr. Christopher Krall has been a member of the Society of Jesus for over 20 years, ordained a priest for 10 years, and current serves as a chaplain to the United States Navy.

Guest: Maj. Matt Spencer (Chaplain, U.S. Air Force) & wife, KristinaMinistry: Valor and VowsPosition: FoundersBook: Valor and Vows: A Tactical Guide to a Mission-Ready MarriageWebsite: valorandvows.com

Guest: Maj. Matt Spencer (Chaplain, U.S. Air Force) & wife, KristinaMinistry: Valor and VowsPosition: FoundersBook: Valor and Vows: A Tactical Guide to a Mission-Ready MarriageWebsite: valorandvows.com

PARANORMAL ENCOUNTERS: Be Careful What You Wish For.  This episode will run on the PARAFlixx streaming network, TV Talk Show as hosted by Dr. Kelly on "Disembodied Voices", on Sunday, August 24, 2025 around 9:00 PM EST (Season 17, Episode 6).  Educational. Entertaining. Intriguing. Jodi M. Dehn is a dynamic figure whose career spans 17 years as a broadcast journalist, including worldwide broadcasts and serving as the face of officer training films at the Pentagon and DC Navy Yard. Her work has been nationally recognized on Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). Beyond journalism, Jodi is the creator, producer, and director of the Survivor Angels podcast, a platform dedicated to supporting trauma survivors. She has made many guest appearances on numerous podcasts.Jodi holds a Master of Divinity Degree and is an ordained pastor and former U.S. Army chaplain, offering spiritual guidance and leadership in various settings. As a certified life coach, Angel Lightworker, and Shadow Healer, she helps others navigate their spiritual paths by activating their inner angels. Her speaking topics include Angels - the Light, the Dark & the Fallen, Angel Core of Sacred Geometry, Following the Celestial Thread, and The Angel Universe of Our Minds. As an author, Jodi has written Angel Trippin' - Your Guide to Angel Adventures,  Cerebrate! Oracle Guidance from Your Angel, Soul Protectors - A Conversation of Mystery, and Life through Angel Eyes - Oracles for Peace.Jodi's mission is not only to empower and inspire but to ignite curiosity and guide others toward thinking beyond the known. Through her diverse experiences, she challenges individuals to explore the unseen realms of spirituality, angels, and the universe, inviting them to expand their perspectives and embrace the mysteries of existence. WEBSITEwww.chaplainjodi.meYOUTUBE - Survivor Angels Podcastwww.youtube.com (under Chaplain Jodi Dehn)AMAZONVarious Books - Under Jodi DehnEVENTBeyond the Veil - Navigating the Great AwakeningSt. Paul, MinnesotaNovember 8, 2025 (see details on website above)Speakers, Vendors, Discussions [go to Eventbrite for Tickets]To learn more about me, read my biography at www.paranormaluniversalpress.com.  Click on the upper right Podomatic button to go into my podcast site to hear my guests.  View my books on my website or go to Amazon.com.  Copyrighted. Go to Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes & Noble to purchase. PLAY, LIKE, FOLLOW, and SUBSCRIBE to this program to be notified of future episodes. Doing so is FREE.TO WATCH GUESTS ON "DISEMBODIED VOICES" TV TALK SHOWTake a moment to WATCH my guests visually in a personal interview.  Chaplain Jodi Dehn can be visually seen on PARAFlixx (www.paraflixx.com) on August 24, 2025, Season 17, Episode 8.  Shows are scheduled to launch at 8/7 Central (USA time).  Shows remain on PARAFlixx indefinitely until changes to remove are made.  Please allow an additional day in the event the show does not get launched as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances "by the network."DETAILS FOR 3-DAY FREE TRIAL and SUBSCRIBING to PARAFLIXXON INITIAL PAGE - Go To The Bottom (see free trial box)IF SUBSCRIBINGEnter into your search bar this campaign link:  https://bit.ly/3FGvQuYDiscount Code = DV10$4.99/month (U.S.); discount is 10% off first three monthsCancel AnytimeWAYS TO ACCESS SHOWS - go to www.paraflixx.com.  Find my show by going to the upper left corner, click on BROWSE.  Scroll down to TALK SHOWS.  "Disembodied Voices."  

It's the 97th Missal for the Masses and Casey & Gary are talking about August 2024's Energon Comics: Skybound's Scarlett #5, Transformers #13, Destro #5, and Void Rivals #13, published by Image Comics.Find Podcast from the Pit: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastfromthepit3132Find more of The Chaplain's Assistants Motor Pod:  X, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube: @ChaplainJoePodemail: ChaplainJoePod@gmail.commy t-shirt friends: https://www.robberbaronsink.com/Proud member of the The Pint: A Pop Culture Podcast family: https://pintocomics.libsyn.com

Fr. Paul Hedman, a priest who's active on social media and has a computer programming background, discusses how technology can be used as a tool either for good or for evil. Hedman attended The Saint Paul Seminary and was ordained in 2020; he's currently assigned to the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Hedman is also the owner and creator of canonlaw.ninja and a high-ranking Wikipedia editor. You can follow him on X at @BackwardsFeet. The Saint Paul Seminary is reliant on faithful Catholics and Christians like you. If you are able to make a small gift to support of work of priestly formation, you will be remembered in our prayers of gratitude: https://give.saintpaulseminary.org/give/142531/#!/donation/checkout

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP formerly served as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018.   In Today's Show: Is Pentecost the Church's birthday?  Are the 7 Deadly Sins grave or venial? Is it wrong to say that Jesus descended into hell? I am struggling with perceived crises in the church, but is there indeed a crisis? What exactly is a Canon? My Rosary broke. Does that mean anything? A hospitalized friend was given communion without confession. Is that OK? What is the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 2? Why did Jesus call Peter "Satan?"   Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Chaplain Wood Psalm 19 by Chaplain Braswell

The hospital chaplain brings comfort to patients and their families in ways medical staff is not equipped to do. How impactful can hospital chaplains be and what do they need to bring to this role to be effective? Dick’s guest, Chaplain and Minister Andy Karlson is Manager of Spiritual Services for UW Health Hospital and […]

It's Missal #96 and Gary and Casey are talking about G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero 314 & 315. Find more of The Chaplain's Assistants Motor Pod:  X, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube: @ChaplainJoePodemail: ChaplainJoePod@gmail.comFind Podcast from the Pit: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastfromthepit3132my t-shirt friends: https://www.robberbaronsink.com/We are the nerdy little brother of The Pint: A Pop Culture Podcast: https://pintocomics.libsyn.com

Learn more about Christian Leader™ Community Coaching:https://www.ryanfranklin.org/communitycoaching In this episode, Ryan sits down with Kristen Ellis, pastor, teacher, and FBI chaplain. Kristen shares her remarkable journey into chaplaincy, including her firsthand experience supporting federal agents during the tragic 8/11 event. She unpacks the life-changing principle of the "ministry of presence" and offers wisdom on leading with empathy, especially in times of crisis. Kristen also speaks to the vital role of community involvement in leadership and provides practical advice for leaders who feel disconnected or overwhelmed. Tune in to be inspired by Kristen's story and to discover how simply showing up can make all the difference in your leadership impact.Connect with Kristen Ellis:https://www.instagram.com/kmama81/ Purchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbookDownload The Christian Leader Blueprint – Short Guide (Free): https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprint Take the Christian Leader™ Self-Assessment (Free):https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment YouTube and Audio Podcast: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/leaderpodcast Connect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com#leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentalsSend us a text

Sunday School by Captain Chaplain Matthew Spurgeon 06/08/25

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on April 24, 2018. As the Chaplain for the Seattle Seahawks and pastor of a massive congregation that counts names like Justin Bieber and Tim Tebow as members, Judah Smith knows a thing or two about leadership. His messages of radical love and inclusion have resonated with hundreds of thousands around the world from all different walks of life. Judah shares the leadership principles that have helped him build a strong community on this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. SHOW NOTES: Judah explains his role with the Seattle Seahawks and what it's taught him about leadership. [4:00] Judah discusses the art of accountability and conflict. [7:46] Judah tells the power of exposing his vulnerability to the masses. [19:22] Judah shares why communication is the backbone of all his relationships. [29:26] Judah reveals the impact he wants to have on the world. [41:25] QUOTES: "Avoiding conflict minimizes the depth of relationship that you can experience, and of course the excellence in which you can experience progress and fulfillment and live your dreams." [10:15] "I don't think people can be who they're supposed to be without community. And community doesn't have to be 10,000 people, it can be five, it can be three, it can be the right people. Not just a bunch of people, but the right people." [14:15] "The pain is part of being alive. We're not living a Disney cartoon, we're living real life. And the pain we feel, it makes us more human, it makes us more alive." [28:43] FOLLOW JUDAH SMITH: TWITTER - https://bit.ly/2HnQiWH FACEBOOK - https://bit.ly/2K6G4b3 INSTAGRAM - https://bit.ly/2HpMO1K CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Audible: Sign up for a free 30 day trial at https://audible.com/IMPACTTHEORY  Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Upway: Get $150 OFF any purchase over a thousand when you use code IMPACT at https://upway.co. Thrive Market: ​​Go to https:thrivemarket.com/impact for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! American Alternative Assets: If you're ready to explore gold as part of your investment strategy, call 1-888-615-8047 or go to https://TomGetsGold.com Tech Unheard: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts. Monarch Money: Use code THEORY at https://monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year! Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://mintmobile.com/impact.  DISCLAIMER: Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month 5 gigabyte plan required (equivalent to $15/mo.). New customer offer for first 3 months only, then full-price plan options available. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER SCALING a business: see if you qualify here. Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu's Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Crance: Libertarian Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates Dave Crance is a dedicated Libertarian and community leader running for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 13, encompassing Falls Church and parts of Fairfax County. A resident of the area for over 25 years, Crance has deep roots in Northern Virginia, where he lives with his wife, Suman, and their children. He is active in the local Chamber of Commerce serving on its Board, the American legion and VFW where he serves in the roll of Chaplain, and has coached youth sports in multiple local leagues. His commitment to individual liberty, limited government, and community service defines his campaign and Libertarian philosophy. Crance's journey to libertarianism is grounded in his belief in self-ownership, private property rights, and the non-aggression principle—core tenets of the Libertarian Party. He advocates for a government that is as limited and localized as possible, prioritizing individual freedoms over the influence of special interests, corporations, or national political parties. Crance has stated, “One of the few things all libertarians agree on is that in a perfect world there would be no need for Government at all, but as such a world doesn't exist, Government should remain as limited and localized as possible belonging to the people.” His platform emphasizes lowering taxes, protecting local institutions, such as school boards and councils from overreach by state or national politics, ensuring that decisions about education and community matters remain non partisan and in the hands of local residents.

In this episode of Medieval Murders, we'll be discussing a case that touches on jealousy, greed, and mercy. It involves a chaplain, a concubine, and a killer. We're right underneath one of modern London's most famous landmarks, the skyscraper known as the Gherkin.Hidden in a corner in the shadow of the Gherkin you can find a medieval church called St Helen's Bishopsgate. On Saturday 9th June in 1324, a chaplain was found dead in a concubine's home.How was he killed and how did his murderers try to escape execution using the ancient law of sanctuary?You can see the site of many other historical murders like this by going to the Medieval Murder Map website Medieval Murders is the podcast that delves into the world of violent crimes in Medieval England.Join criminologist Manuel Eisner and host Nora Eisner as they bring history's forgotten crimes to life—one murder at a time.Medieval Murders is a podcast from the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge.The producer is Steve Hankey and the historical segments are voiced and sound designed by Charlie Inman.The Music is Cantiga 166  by  Vox Vulgaris.

Jacob is no longer running from Laban, but he's not yet safe. The road ahead leads straight to Esau, the brother he betrayed, the man he hasn't seen in twenty years. As he prepares for the encounter, Jacob divides his camp, sends gifts ahead, and prays like a man caught between two dangers. But this night will hold more than fear. Before the sun rises, Jacob will be alone—and he will wrestle with God.  The Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for the LCMS and Chaplain of the International Center, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 32.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Chaplain George Gregory and his wife, Tondra, have been ministering to athletes, coaches and their wives on the Los Angeles Chargers for the past two years. He has seen his fair share of ups and downs during his life, but his faith in God, his family and passion to share the Gospel with others has never wavered.A Goldsboro native, Gregory attended Southern Wayne High School and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University, where he met his wife. His father taught him how to be a minister.To View This Episode- https://youtu.be/BXhYkcsqRJY#whoknewinthemoment #philfriedrich #chaplain #nfl #lachargers

Rev. Dr. Marshall MacClellan currently serves as the Canon Theologian for the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. Cn Marshall served 24 years as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force at tactical, operational, and strategic levels of leadership concluding with serving at the Pentagon as the Deputy Joint Staff Chaplain for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Cn Marshall deployed four times in the CENTCOM AOR. He was an Instructor at the Air Force Chaplain Corps College leading the Education Division. Prior to entering the military in 1998, Cn Marshall was a United Methodist minister serving four parish churches in Florida. He has also served as a law enforcement chaplain with the Auburndale Police Department, FL, Val Verde County Sheriff's Office, TX and currently at the Green Cove Springs Police Department, FL. Cn Marshall was ordained in Anglican Holy Orders as a transitional Deacon in Feb 2011 and Priest in July 2011. He holds a Bachelor degree from Florida Southern College, a Master of Divinity from Duke University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He and Christy have been married for 38 years and have five children.

Text a Message to the ShowSTART HERE:  Welcome to the fifth year of Hey Chaplain, the police wellness podcast.Music is by Chris HaugenHey Chaplain Episode 000.5Support the showThanks for Listening! And, as always, pray for peace in our city.Subscribe/Follow here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-chaplain/id1570155168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CGK9A3BmbFEUEnx3fYZOY Email us at: heychaplain44@gmail.comYou can help keep the show ad-free by buying me a virtual coffee!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/heychaplain

Is anything holding you back from fully embracing Christ?Today's message from Jerry Leachman closes with this prayer, interceding for all istening:"Dear God, there's no catch today. We don't have anything for anybody to join. We don't want anybody's money. We don't want anybody's anything. We're a band of brothers in here this morning. Lord, if there are men here that go, 'You know, I've believed in Christ, but I think the chaplain's right. I've been chasing idols. That's what's been holding me back.'Lord, I pray we just crash and break all the idols, like in the book of Acts. Paul went in and shared Christ with a town, and it says they begin to destroy all their idols. Idols either break our heart, leave us frustrated, or punish us all our days. There may be guys here who go, 'You know, I've never connected with Christ.' They may be looking over the ledge of that crater. I pray they would jump in the arms of Jesus. Now.I pray we all would jump into the crater in the arms of Christ. Lord... when my faith gets really thin, and it does from time to time. I think, 'I can't see you Lord, but You can see me.' Thank God Almighty.Thank you for Eric Liddell's example. He knew You made him fast. These men are so gifted, so talented. I pray they would get a chance to use their gifts, their talents; and when they do, they'd feel Your pleasure. But I pray they'd cease trying to validate themselves, stop wasting their life, covering up, trying to convince everybody else they're somebody they're not. Let them walk out of here free men today, I love the words of William Wallace about to go into impossible battle. He said: 'Men, the moment's going to come for all of us when we die. By God's help, let's just at least die free men.'Lord, I don't want to go to my grave a slave. I don't want to live another day a slave. Free us today, Lord. We're asking You for a miracle here today. In Christ's name, amen. Amen." - Jerry LeachmanJerry Leachman of ⁠⁠Leachman Ministries⁠⁠ is a favorite speaker at The Center's events. Along with being an associate Chaplain in The NFL for many years, Jerry has done ministry in Guatemala, Scotland, Russia, Europe and Africa as well as all over the U.S. He and his wife Holly have been on Young Life Staff and continue to be involved with Young Life here and also internationally.

Today's episode features Brandi aka The 911 Chaplain – she has a great story after 16 years in the dispatch center, she now focuses on conferences and meeting dispatch professionals around the country.We love these kinds of stories with folks that are concentrating their efforts on helping dispatch professionals.Contact her at: https://the911chaplain.comFind us on:Podcast | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | TikTokwww.linktr.ee/WeSpeakDispatch#IAM911#followers#911dispatchers#911communications#wespeakdispatch#followme@apco@nena

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP formerly served as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: Did Jesus suffer all sins through the end of time, beginning with Adam and Eve? Is it appropriate to sing "America the Beautiful" at Mass? Why do most Latin Mass priests offer prescribed public prayers? Why do Catholics have confirmation? When will High Mass be celebrated at the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in San Rafael? Is baptism necessary for salvation? How do you know you were called to priesthood? What resources can determine if a marriage is valid or not? Can you receive communion while in a state of venial sin? Why did Jesus say that He is one with the Father, but also that God is greater than He? How much detail is too much in confession? What happens if someone dies before they are given Last Rites? 

Adam House Sr. is the visionary founder of the House of Bricks, a comprehensive platform for entrepreneurs that integrates Advisory, Community, and Academy.As a 7x entrepreneur with three high-multiple exits,a podcast host, and former pro basketball player, Adam leverages over 25 years of experience to empower entrepreneurs.His mission is to significantly reduce the failure rate of startups and small businesses by providing the tools, support, and strategic guidance necessary for sustainable success.Adam's leadership combines strategic insight with deep personal values, honed through his unique experiences, including serving as Chaplain for the Miami Heat.Adam House's approach to entrepreneurship is grounded in the compound effect of consistent, disciplined actions. He emphasizes the power of doing small things every day, combined with unwavering discipline and accountability, to build lasting success.Adam views life's experiences as bricks—each one can either weigh you down or be set down to build a solid foundation. His blend of faith-driven leadership, strategic insight, and practical experience makes him a compelling and impactful guest for podcasts focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.To know more about Adam visit his website: www.houseofbricks.io

Text a Message to the ShowThis episode marks our fourth anniversary and I wanted to go back and do follow ups and business checks, checking in on some of our past guests to get updates.  In this episode we get an update from Vinnie Montez, Compassion Alliance, recently retired detective Stuart Littlefield and previously unaired excerpts from recent guests Kelly Enos and Joe Smarro.Links and resources:Vinnie Montez - Ep 092: https://vinniemontez.comJohn Little, Compassion Alliance - Ep 078: https://compassion-alliance.orgGary Jenkins, Gangland Wire - Eps 035, 035.5, 046: https://ganglandwire.comGinger Passarelli, Soup Ladies - Eps 010, 081: https://www.soupladies.orgKelly Enos - Ep 111Stuart Littlefield - Bonus Ep 36Tobi Wolf - Ep 047Joe Smarro - Ep 112: https://solutionpointplus.comMusic is by LesFMHey Chaplain Podcast Bonus Episode 42Tags:Police, Books, Career, Comedy, Corrections, Counseling, Crime, Detectives, Empathy,  Golf, Health, Helicopters, History, Mafia, Marriage, Military, Retirement, Therapy, USO, Boulder, Denver, Kansas City, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, PolandSupport the showThanks for Listening! And, as always, pray for peace in our city.Subscribe/Follow here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hey-chaplain/id1570155168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CGK9A3BmbFEUEnx3fYZOY Email us at: heychaplain44@gmail.comYou can help keep the show ad-free by buying me a virtual coffee!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/heychaplain

Chaplain Craig Muehler of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces The post Memorial Day – Chaplain Craig Muehler, 5/23/25 (1433) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Things change. Comedy changes. People were doing stand up on Zoom just a few years ago. Nobody could have predicted that. So how will it continue to change? Ask again later. Ideally 5 or 10 years later.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When I tell you that this episode will not only change your life but may also change your dying, I mean it! Joon humbly shares his gentle wisdom with us as he shares about his experience as a hospital chaplain. He shares a bit about how a hard childhood led him to a compassionate career and where we can find and offer dignity at the end of a life. He has the ability to make a topic we all shy away from feel hopeful. Class is in session. Let's get curious! . . . . . Find Joon "J.S." Park on Instagram here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jspark3000/ ⁠ Order Joon's book here: ⁠https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/as-long-as-you-need/⁠ . . . . . Have a secretly extraordinary life? Apply to be a guest on my podcast in 2025 here: https://forms.gle/Z13WGj63oEfgmtjJ9 . . . . . Order your copy of my new book Reconnected HERE: ReconnectedBook.com  Let's keep in touch! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to hear ALL my updates. https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1987227/1965424/ Interested in advertising with us? Reach out here. Book me to speak HERE: https://www.carloswhittaker.com/events  . . . . . FUNCTION: Go to functionhealth.com/CARLOSW to skip the waitlist and take ownership over your health today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices